of the 1st Artillery, under the often distinguished
Brevet-Colonel Childs, the 3d Infantry, under Captain Alexander,
the 7th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton, and the
Rifles, under Major Loring, all under the temporary command of
Colonel Hamey, 2d Dragoons, during the confinement to his bed of
Brevet Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, composed that detachment.
The style of execution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was
most brilliant and decisive.

The brigade ascended the long and difficult slope of Cerro Gordo,
without shelter, and under the tremendous fire of artillery and
musketry, with the utmost steadiness, reached the breastworks,
drove the enemy from them, planted the colors of the 1st (p. 313)
Artillery, 3d and 7th Infantry, the enemy's flag still flying,
and, after some minutes' sharp firing, finished the conquest
with the bayonet.

It is a most pleasing duty to say that the highest praise is due
to Harney, Childs, Plympton, Loring, Alexander, their gallant
officers and men, for this brilliant service, independent of the
great results which soon followed.

Worth's division of regulars coming up at this time, he detached
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, with his light battalion,
to support the assault, but not in time. The general, reaching
the tower a few minutes before me, and observing a white flag
displayed from the nearest portion of the enemy towards the
batteries below, sent out Colonels Harney and Childs to hold a
parley. The surrender followed in an hour or two.

Major-General Patterson left a sick bed to share in the dangers
and fatigues of the day; and after the surrender went forward to
command the advance forces towards Xalapa.

Brigadier-General Pillow and his brigade twice assaulted with
great daring the enemy's line of batteries on our left; and
though without success, they contributed much to distract and
dismay their immediate opponents.

President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, and
some six or eight thousand men, escaped toward Xalapa just before
Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs' division reached the
national road above.

I have determined to parole the prisoners, officers and men, as I
have not the means of feeding them here, beyond to-day, and