Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/471

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
BATTERY ON THE CHAPULTEPEC CAUSEWAY.
419

ing, formed under the arches of the aqueduct, and the remainder of General Smith's brigade — the 1st artillery and 3rd infantry, under Major Dimmick and Captain Alexander — levelled the parapets and filled up the ditches in the road, so as to permit the passage of heavy artillery. This being done, the whole column was put in motion.

General Scott arrived at the castle shortly after its reduction, and immediately ordered Colonel Clarke, with his brigade, to join his division, and also dispatched the brigade of General Cadwalader to the support of General Worth. The 9th infantry was ordered to follow the movement of General Quitman, and the 15th was designated as the garrison of Chapultepec. Siege pieces were likewise directed to be sent forward to both columns. Having issued these orders, General Scott proceeded along the road taken by General Worth. Two heavy pieces, under Lieutenant Hagner, escorted by a command of New York volunteers and marines, under Captain Gallagher, and two pieces and a 10-inch mortar escorted by the 14th infantry, followed, as soon as they could be got in readiness. Captain Huger also sent heavy guns to General Quitman, and then joined the column of General Worth.

The first obstacle encountered by General Quitman was the battery between the castle of Chapultepec and the garita of Belén. A short, but effective fire, from an 8-inch howitzer brought up by Lieutenant Porter, directed by Captain Drum; aided by Lieutenant Colonel Duncan's battery, — which had been advanced, by direction of General Worth, from the causeway along which his column was moving, supported by the light battalion, over a cross route, to within four hundred yards of the work — together with the daring and