and enthusiasm of the sons of Mexico." Within a week they were taught to know him better, and their loud boasting changed to mournful lamentations.[1]
General Arista, who now had not far from 8,000 men under his command, left Matamoras with the principal part of the troops remaining on the right bank of the river, several hours before the departure of General Taylor from his position opposite the city. On arriving at the crossing-place below Matamoras, the flat boats were found to be so much injured, that considerable delay was produced before he could concentrate his forces for the contemplated attack on the Point. General Taylor was on his way to its relief, and he did not think it advisable to hazard an engagement, in the then disordered condition of his army. The detachment under General Torrejon occupied the left bank, to cover the crossing, and the Americans were therefore unmolested on their march.
An attack on Fort Texas, as the American field-work opposite Matamoras was called,[2] next suggested itself to the Mexican commander. The necessary orders were given, and the firing commenced at daylight on Sunday morning, the 3rd instant, from a battery of seven guns, (eight-pounders) protected by a breastwork of sand-bags. The réveillé was beaten at every point of the Mexican line, and the solemn stillness of
- ↑ It was claimed by the Mexican journals that their army made every effort to come up with the Americans, but were unable to do so. This is not at all probable. Arista left Matamoras at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 1st, and his troops had preceded him several hours. General Mejia who remained in command in the city, dispatched a messenger with the news of General Taylor's march soon after it commenced. If the Mexicans had desired to overtake General Taylor, they could have found him that night on the prairie.
- ↑ The name was subsequently changed to Fort Brown.
