The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-09-25

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a strongly fortified position, called ST.
Pnnn; tits a small isolated mountain
surrounded by water, on one side Of one
OF the principal causeways leading to
the city. After spending day or two
in accommodating this place, and which
it would have caused great loss OF life
to have taken, it was ascertained that
there was a practicable road south ol
Lake Chalco. The General determin,
ed to take this route, and put the army
in motion, leaving our division to watch
the enemy in our rear. The march
was dreadful one, being the rainy
season. The road was in many places,
where it passes at the foot Of the noun
tain, and on the margin Of the lake or
narrow causeway, nearly covered with
water, and excessively muddy; at 9TH
ers it was over rocky spaces of the
mountains, and in places entirely OBJ
structed by huge rocks that were rolled
down by the enemy; but nothing SEEM
ed to damp the ardor Of the army-all
obstacles vanished before them. In
two or three days, when the whole
army was in motion, they could be
seen from the front stretched out over
distance of seven or eight miles. On
the 18th, the General reached small
town called San Augustln, about twelve
miles south of the city, the leading d.
vision having arrived there the day be-
fore. General Worth had placed his
pickets in advance for the arrival of the
General; he ordered the whole division
to advance and take possession of a
hacienda within striking distance Of a
strongly fortified place called San An
tonic, and also that reconnoiterlng par
ties should be pressed forward still in
advance; the party was supported by
a squadron of cavalry and battalion
of infantry. In passing to the front, |
found that troop which had been
placed as picket had gone forward;
and as | came up with 1t, it made a
turn in the read which brought it in
full view of the enemy's battery, which
opened upon them. The first fire kill
ed Captain Thornton, manginghis body
in the most horrid manner. The ball,
a six-pounder, afterwards struck the
road, and literally covered me with
mud and fragments of stone. A guide
was knocked from his horse within five
teet of me, with a shocking wound in
his head by piece of stone. 1t is
thought he will recover, but with the
loss of an eye. The reconnaissance
was continued right and left with some
hopes of storming the battery that al
.ernoon: but night and the rain came
IN, and it was given up. Very early
he next morning, discovered from
he top Of the house in which we were
luartered in San Augustin, large body |
If the enemy, some $4,000 or $4,000,
IN our left, about three miles distant.
rhe General had ordered reconnois-
ances in that direction towards San
angel, where ! reported to him. lie
ordered two divisions for
ward under Pillow and Twiggs, and
oIlowed soon after himself. The enc
ny were found in IN entrenched camp,
It place called Contreros, with TWEEN
y pieces of artillery, some OF them ve-
y heavy siege pieces. The attack
commenced at noon, and the firing con
inued necessarily until dark, when it
leased on both sides, our troops main
aiming their ground and occupying
'ilage near by. During the afternoon
We watched the different movements OF
,ur troops with the most fearful ankle
y, and could plainly see one Of our
columns resist charge of large body
If cavalry, and the enemy falling from
heir saddles and taking to their heels,
" rather to their horses heels. Dur
ng the whole of the fight, we could
ee on the right body of at least ten
housand infantry, and cavalry in re.
erve, towards the city; but they had
ot the courage TO advance, although
santa Anna himself was said to be
here. The attack was ordered to be
enewed at three o'clock next morning,
nd the General returned to San Au- |
uStin. He left at an early hour, TAX :
1g with him General Worth and one
alt OF his division as relnforcement:
ut en- route he was met by an oficer.I
vho reported that the batteries had
cen carried by our troops in a most Z
aIant style, Col. Riley leading the as !;
iuli. AS he approached the scene OK :.
ction, it seemed most incredible how
ur men got over the ground to the at !,
,ck. 1t was over immense masses OF :
IVA thrown up in the toughest and :
larpest possible shapes, and covered :
18th dense brushwood. Streams had
} be crossed and deep ravines passed.;
nd most of them having sDant the niuht