e with Mexico was brewing, and in 1844 relations had become so
strained that an "Army of Observation," as it was called, was assembled
under General Zachary Taylor, old "Rough and Ready," on the border.
Grant's company was ordered to join this army, on the briefest notice.
The young lieutenant had time only for a brief leave-taking with the
Dents, and one member in particular, but her final message meant all
the world to him.

In March of the next year, Congress sanctioned the annexation of Texas,
and trouble with Mexico began in earnest. History records the rapid
course of events which made up the Mexican War. We can only notice the
events which directly concern the career of Grant. His company was a
part of the expeditionary force of three thousand men destined to see
active service on the border.

By the middle of March they had reached the Rio Grande, and pitched
camp opposite the city of Matamoras. Their army was far from its base
of supplies and in a country swarming with the enemy. Before war was
formally declared, two officers who were caught outside the camp were
killed, and two whole companies captured.

There was no railroad, and General Taylor was compelled to send a
considerable force back twenty-five miles for supplies. On the third
of May the returning troops encountered a much larger force of
Mexicans. A battle followed which continued after sundown. During the
night the Mexicans retreated, but were found further on, in a much
stronger position. They awaited the Americans on the far side of a
pond, their position being further fortified by logs and branches of
trees.

The captain of Grant's company was temporarily absent, and it fell to
Grant to lead their advance. By this time the bullets were humming
merrily, but he directed his men to deploy to one side and approach
through thicker woods. At last they reached a clearing near the head
of the pond, and he ordered a charge. They captured the position
immediately in front of them, and made a few prisoners, including one
colonel. The engagement all along the line had been too brisk for the
Mexicans, and they broke and ran, leaving a considerable quantity of
guns and ammunition.

As for the little lieutenant, it was his first battle, and first
command of a company, and he had reason to feel satisfied with the
day's work.

As one result of the engagement, the Americans now crossed the river,
and became an Army of Invasion. And now that