tination was
given to Major-General Quitman and his remaining brigade in San
Augustin, replacing, for the moment, the garrison of that
important depot with Harney's brigade of cavalry, as horse could
not pass over the intervening lava, etc., to reach the field of
battle.

A diversion for an earlier hour (daylight) had been arranged the
night before, according to the suggestion of Brigadier-General P.
F. Smith, received through the engineer, Captain Lee, who
conveyed my orders to our troops remaining on the ground,
opposite to the enemy's centre, a point for the diversion or the
real attack, as circumstances might allow.

Guided by Captain Lee, it proved the latter, under the command of
Colonel Ransom of the 9th, having with him that regiment and some
companies of three others, the 3d, 12th, and Rifles.

Shields, the senior officer of the hamlet, having arrived in (p. 316)
the night, after Smith had arranged with Cadwallader and Riley
the plan of attack for the morning, delicately waived
interference; but reserved to himself the double task of holding
the hamlet with his two regiments (South Carolina and New York
Volunteers) against ten times his numbers on the side of the
city, including the slopes to his left, and in case the enemy's
camp in his rear should be carried, to face about and cut off the
flying enemy.

At three A.M., the great movement commenced on the rear of the
enemy's camp, Riley leading, followed successively by
Cadwallader's and Smith's brigades, the latter temporarily under
the orders of Major Dimick of the 1st Artillery, the whole force
being commanded by Smith, the senior in the general attack, and
whose arrangements, skill and gallantry always challenge the
highest admiration.

The march was rendered tedious by the darkness, rain, and mud;
but about sunrise, Riley, conducted by Lieutenant Turner,
Engineer, had reached an elevation behind the enemy, whence he
precipitated his columns; stormed the intrenchments, planted his
several colors upon them, and carried the work, all in seventeen
minutes.

Conducted by Lieutenant Beauregard, Engineer, and Lieutenant
Brooks of Twiggs' staff, both of whom, like Lieutenant Tower,
had, in the night, twice reconnoitred the ground; Cadwallader
brought up to t