At half-past two in the afternoon the Mexicans opened fire with their artillery on the American army, which was advancing by heads of columns, where upon the latter deployed into line, and Ringgold s battery replied with deadly effect on Ampudia s divi sion which was steadily moving forward in close column to form in line. Taylor from the commencement of the engagement maintained himself actively on the defensive and fought the battle mainly with his artil lery, his superiority in that arm being immediately
apparent. The American infantry, although posted at supporting distance, was kept in the rear almost
- ↑ Explanation of plan;
A. First position of Mexican infantry.
B. First position of Mexican cavalry.
C. Second position of Mexican infantry.
D. Second position of Mexican cavalry.
C'. Charges of Mexican infantry.
D'. Charges of Mexican cavalry.
E. Cavalry auxiliaries of the towns.
a b c. Mexican park, hospital, and baggage.
F. First position of American infantry.
F'. Second position of American infantry.
G. First position of American cavalry.
G'. Second position of American cavalry.
H. American park.
K. Pools and swamps.
Y Y Line of the conflagration.
