106 THE DEFENCE CONTINUED. followed by a terrible cannonade, much more severe than any which had preceded it. At night the garrison slept on their arms, in readiness for the anticipated attack. During the whole of the following day they were on the alert. A severe cannonading was constantly kept up by the enemy, and assaulting parties were several times formed, though as often dispersed by a few rounds of canister and grape fired from the fort. In the evening Captain Mansfield sallied out with a party, and levelled the traverse and some clumps of chaparral, which had sheltered the sharp-shooters, whose fire had been quite annoying to the Americans. At midnight the garrison was aroused by volleys of musketry and bugle calls, which continued until near daylight. An assault was confidently anticipated, but the brave defenders of the fort were happily disappointed. At dawn of day on the 8th, the firing was renewed, and continued with very little intermission, until two o'clock in the afternoon. The forces of the enemy did not appear to be as numerous as they had been, and when this was discovered, the hopes of the garrison began to revive. Wearied and worn out with the constant watching, the labor and fatigue of the last six days, they lay down to rest themselves upon the ramparts which had witnessed their long and anxious vigils. Their ammunition was reduced so low, that they had been ordered to refrain from firing, unless the enemy approached within eighty yards of the fort. This, of itself, would have discouraged men who were not sus just been received, and, after the consideration due to its importance, I must respectfully decline to surrender my forces to you." * The tents of the 7th infantry were cut up, also, during the bombardment of the fort, to make sand-bags for the protection of the gar rison. MARCH OF TAYLOR FROM POINT ISABEL. 107 tained by the indomitable courage that nerved their hands, and strengthened their hearts. They still fearea the worst, but they did not wholly despond. For a few moments all was still,-and then the silence was suddenly broken by the thunder of heavy artillery. Each man sprang to his feet, and for an instant held his breath. Boom!-boom!-those low, deep echoes were repeated and prolonged in the distance. The sound could not be mistaken-General Taylor was on the road to rescue them-the bronzed countenances of that band were lit up by a smile of joy, and their glad hurrah rang loud and clear down the valley of the Rio Grande. On the 6th of May, a body of recruits for General Taylor's army arrived at Point Isabel. The garrison of the fort at the dépôt was strengthened by the addition of this detachment; and having completed his preparations, General Taylor left the Point on the af ternoon of the succeeding day, with a force of about 2.300 men, accompanied by a large wagon train containing his ammunition and supplies. Occasional guns were heard in the direction of Matamoras, which assured him that everything was right in that quarter. It was his determination to fight the enemy, if they of fered him battle,* and his intentions were communicated to the army. On the night of the 7th, his forces bivouacked about seven miles from Point Isabel. The march was resumed on the following morning, and continued until about noon, when his cavalry advance reported that the Mexican army were drawn up in front, near the water hole of PALO ALTO. "If the enemy oppose my march, in whatever force, I shall fight him."-Letter of General Taylor to the adjutant general May 7th, 108 THE FIELD OF PALO ALTO. The Mexican position was admirably chosen. Their column was over a mile in length. In front was the open prairie, flanked on either hand by small pools of fresh water, and surrounded by groves of dwarfish trees, clumps of chaparral, and thickets of prickly pear. Their left, consisting of a heavy force of cavalry, commanded by General Torrejon, occupied the road, resting on the chaparral in the rear, while to the right extended their long lines of infantry, with an occasional party of lancers. The artillery, twelve pieces in number, was posted in the intervals, under the direction of General Requena. General Ampudia acted as second in command to Arista. The array presented by his forces was splendid and striking; the day was bright and clear; and a slight breeze rustled among the leaves, and gently lifted the standards and guidons beneath which they were marshalled for the fight. On reaching the water, General Taylor ordered a halt to refresh his men, who were thirsty and fatigued, though anxious to be led forward to the attack. Having filled their canteens, the troops were formed in line of battle. The right wing, commanded by Colonel Twiggs, consisted of the 5th infantry, Lieutenant Colonel McIntosh; Major Ringgold's light artillery; 3rd infantry, Captain Morris; two eighteen pounders in command of Lieutenant Churchill; and 4th infantry, Major Allen-the 3rd and 4th regiments, composing the third brigade, were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Garland. The two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May, were also posted on the right. The left was composed of the battalion of artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Childs; Captain Duncan's light artillery; and the 8th infantry, Captain Montgomery * This species of tree is called "Palo Alto." |