Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/69

Rh was divided into two bodies, one of which was placed under Colonel Álvarez, and the other under Colonel Trujano; the rest of that arm Colonel Félix Diaz commanded.

The French in their ascent experienced little opposition and but few casualties from the fort's guns, owing to the undulations of the ground. They had accomplished more than one half the ascent, when they were met by two battalions of Mexican infantry, which, after an exchange of shots with the enemy's sharp-shooters, returned to their position. The assailants continued the ascent, while the Mexican cavalry, under cover of a maguey-field, remained still; the infantry, equally protected, keeping up a brisk fire. The ascending column had by this time turned diagonally toward the right, as if to go up between the Guadalupe and Loreto. The two forts then opened fire to some advantage. The French now found themselves assailed from all quarters by infantry and cavalry, and compelled to retreat hurriedly and in disorder, pursued some distance by the cavalry and infantry. But the pursuit was discontinued on the approach of another French column to the support of the defeated.

The two columns now pushed on together toward the Guadalupe and Resurreccion chapel, to protect which positions they were duly reënforced. The second attack on the east and north sides was made in three bodies, and it was much more vigorous than the first. The two which attempted an assault on the north side were completely routed, and the third reached the east side just as the others were repulsed, and fared alike. The cavalry then charged upon the discomfited assailants, and prevented their reorganizing for further attempt.