The morning call., 1891-05-24

ment, infantry, and the conflict became gen.
eral. We threw our shot and shell through
IOOp-hOleS and embraSureS, causing dismay,
confusion and slaughter. We were on that
side Of the castle which was weakest, for il
never occurred to them that they could be
attacked from that quarter with artillery.
They became dlSheartened, and their fire
slackened. Our gun, from continual firing,
had become dangerously hot and we had no
water to cool it, and we were glad when the
Seventh Infantry threw forward a heavy
line of SkiTmishorS. The enemy was rein
forced by a regiment of lancers, who trOtted
bravely up the slope and formed facing us
in column of divisions in the rear of. tile
castle, preparatory to grand charge uD
the ascent, in a desperate and fool
hardy attempt to drive our men from the
crest of the hill and capture our howitzer.
Their bugles sounded the advance and then
the charge, and on they came in beautiful
order and with seeming stern determine
ton. But our infantry had formed line
across the plateau, and barred the way
leading TO our piece, and met them with
bayOnets fixed. First firing a volley of ball
and buckshOt and then charging them with
cold steel, they came to dead halt. and
delivering volley from their carbines they
turned and fed.
THE CASTLE TAKEN.
1t was as pretty fight for few minutes
as soldier ever saw, and was in full sight
OF both armies. General Worth now came
dashing up with the remainder of his di-
vision, and when within striking distance,
Dunean's light artillery was thrown into
battery and opened a destructive FIRE on
their retreating cavalry. Now came cur
time to capture the castle. Before the Mexi-
caus could recover or Dere-inforced our
howitzer was rolled down the hill, guided By
twenty stalwart arms keeping full up with
the infantry. The Mexican troops had
fought bravely. but were now tired out and
demOraliZed, Their officers lost all cnutrnI
of them, and away they rushed out Of the
castle, scattering in every direction, and III
mad haste, and finally took refuge in tho
Black Fort and fortified Grand Cathedral in
the main plaza The castle was taken, the
battle was lost and won, and American arms
were again triumphant And as our flag was
run mp by Lieutenant Ayres and Sergeant
Raymond of our battery, taking the place
of the Mexican cOorS a wild exultant cheer
of victory arose from our division aud from
the divisions under General Taylor, who from
a distance of some three miles had Wit
messed this singular and exciting conflict.
THE LAST ROLL-CALL.
We were now within shalling distance OF
nearly all Of the Mexican tield-workS aud
camps and the grand old city of Monterey
lay at the mercy of the American army. o,
but it was glorious day, and the recolec-
ton of it even now sends the blood tinglnC
through my veins, and makes me almost
wish was there again. But notwithstand-
ing our brilliant victory our command q III
not escape unseathed. for. in justice, L
must say, that the Mexicans fought m lst
Vallanty. Our loss was severe, and in
penning these lines, must confess that the
tears, unbidden, have started from my eyes.
as memory calls to mind the gallant com
radeS who failed to answer our last rOll-cau
that night, and who. whilst maintaining the
honor Of our eountry's flag, persisted OF the
battlefield.