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Show THE WAR WITH MEXICO 225 still further, when they suddenly diverged to the right for the purpose of gaining the level portion of the plain fronting the position of the enemy on the west. This movement was soon perceived by the enemy and General Conde advanced with a body of cavalry, masking four pieces of artillery, to prevent the Americans from gaining the elevation. The manceuvre was executed too rapidly to render that possible, and Colonel Doniphan formed his men, and the advance column of the caravan of wagons was corralled before the enemy came within reach of his guns. The Americans were all dismounted, except three companies, under Captains Reid, Parsons, and Hudson. Major Clark occupied the center with his artillery; the first battalion on the right was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Mitchell and Jackson, and the second battalion, on the left, by Major Gilpin. The action was commenced about three o’clock in the afternoon by a brisk fire from the American battery, which was returned by the enemy. At the third discharge the Mexican lancers gave way and retired behind the redoubts with their artillery, having lost several men killed and a number wounded. Anxious to improve the advantage gained, Colonel Doniphan ordered a charge upon the enemy’s line of intrenchments and batteries. At the word, his men sprang forward with cheers and shouts. Captain Weightman advanced with the howitzers at full speed, upon the redoubts at the southwest corner of the bench, Supported by the cavalry under Captains Reid, Parsons, and HudSon; Major Clark followed the movement as fast as practicable a little further to the left; and the remainder of the troops dashed rapidly forward on foot. While they were advancing, the enemy’s cavalry were twice rallied for a charge upon the left flank of the wagons following in the rear of the American line, but they were easily dispersed by the fire of Major Clark’s guns. Captain Weight- man unlimbered his pieces within fifty yards of the redoubts, and the cavalry and infantry rushing boldly up to the breastworks, drove the enemy before them with their sabres and rifles. As the Americans entered the line of intrenchments east of the Toad, a warmer and more effective fire was opened from the battery on the height of Cerro Sacramento, which had been constantly playing upon them, and where a large body of Mexicans had now rallied. Major Clark promptly placed his pieces in position, in the |