morning of the 19th of
September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained
that he occupied the town in force; that a large work had been
constructed commanding all the northern approaches; and that the
Bishop's Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the
Saltillo road, had also been fortified and occupied with troops
and artillery. It was known, from information previously
received, that the eastern approaches were commanded by several
small works in the lower edge of the city.

The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of
the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our
advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was
practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut
the enemy's line of communication. After establishing my camp at
the "Walnut Springs," three miles from Monterey, the nearest
suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a
close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was
executed on the evening of the 19th by the engineer officers,
under the direction of Major Mansfield. A reconnoissance of the
eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams,
Topographical Engineer. The examination made by Major Mansfield
proved the entire practicability of throwing forward a column to
the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy.
Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders
were given to Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, commanding the
second division, to march with his command on the 20th; to turn
the hill of the Bishop's Palace; to occupy a position on the
Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy's detached works in that
quarter, where practicable. The first regiment of Texas mounted
volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was associated with
the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers,
and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also (p. 292)
ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column.

At 2 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, the second division took up its
march. It was soon discovered by officers who were reconnoitering
the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its movement
had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing