Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/39

dence Hill," situated west of the palace and from "Federacion Hill," between which heights, the Saltillo road runs. Now General Worth determined to storm Federacion Hill, and Capt. C. F. Smith, 2d Artillery with three hundred men, half regulars and the rest Texans, under Major Chevalier, undertook the dangerous enterprise. Capt. Miles with the 7th Infantry marched soon after to his support. As Capt. Miles' command advanced, it was not observed by the enemy until it had reached the small stream (Arroyo Topa) south of the city, along the base of the hill on which the battery is situated. As soon as discovered, they were continually fired upon by the enemy, but without much effect. Our men crossed the river and formed on a point of rock out of reach of the enemy. Detachments were then sent forward under Lieutenants Grant, Little, and Gardner to divert the enemy from Capt. Smiths' command. Colonel Smith of the 2d brigade, came up with the 5th Infantry and ordered Capt. Miles with the 7th to assist him in an attack on Fort Soldado, a temporary breastwork a little south east of Federacion Hill. They moved on and found that Capt. Smith had already got possession of it. The 2d Brigads formed and advanced amid a shower of balls, and when within a hundred yards, made a charge at double quick step. The enemy fled in all directions. The left wing of the 7th entered the redoubt with that of the 5th. Many of the Louisiana volunteers under Capt. Bianchard, and the Texan Rangers were up with the advance, all fearlessly striving to be the first to meet the enemy. Colonel Smith appointed Capt. Smith to retain possession of the first height stormed, and Capt Miles with the 7th, the last. Capt. Scott with the 5th Infantry, was to move on the same ridge farther east. The second Brigade held their position during the afternoon and night of the 21st. The 7th In-