Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

GAULAND9S AlTTACK IS UNSUCCESSFUL. 165
on the hill watching the fierce conflict that raged on the
let, at the north-eastern angle of the town. The roar of
artillery, mingled with rapid volleys of musketry filled our
ears, but the scene of action; at first partially hidden by
fields and trees, was soon completely enveloped in smoke,
in the midst of which the work of destruction went wildly
on. Again did the batteries of the citadel open upon our
line. The fire was promptly returned by our yamnefil little
mortar, which, if it damaged not the enemy, served at least
to diversify the spectacle, for its shells exploding high in the
air, formed beautiful circles of smoke that continued to
enlarge themselves " till, by widcle-spreading, dispersed to
naught." The scene, even before the introduction of Butler's
division into the affray, was one never to be forgotten by
those who so anxiously witnessed it.
Soon from out the dark cloud on the left) reeled solitary
soldiers, wounded and bleeding; then came small parties,
bearing back officers or comrades gasping and groaning in
agony; then staggered out from the fiery edge of the fight,
broken and discouraged ranks of men, chiefly volunteers.
The appearance of these, and of mounted messengers, whose
haste betokened evil tidings, assured us that the attack of the
1st division had failed, yet the continued but irregular rattling of small arms told too, that our gallant troops were
obstinately maintaining their ground. Considering the disparity of numbers in favor of the enemy, and his advantage
in position and artillery, it is not surprising that some of our
troops yielded to that destructive fire. The veterans of Welb
lington and Bonaparte have faltered in like situations.