ragments of the various regiments engaged were now under (p. 294)
cover of the captured battery, and some buildings in its
front, and on the right. The field batteries of Captains Bragg
and Ridgely were also partially covered by the battery. An
incessant fire was kept up on this position from battery No. 2,
and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our
approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at
this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery
captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by
Captain Ridgely against No. 2, until the arrival of Captain
Webster's howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean
time, I directed such men as could be collected of the 1st, 3d,
and 4th regiments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town,
penetrating to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible.
This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced beyond
the bridge "Purisima," when, finding it impracticable to gain the
rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for
some time in that advanced position; but as no permanent
impression could be made at that point, and the main object of
the general operation had been effected, the command, including a
section of Captain Ridgely's battery, which had joined it, was
withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a
demonstration of cavalry was reported in the direction of the
citadel. Captain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped
with his battery to a suitable position, from which a few
discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st
Infantry, was dispatched with a mixed company to support the
battery on this service. The enemy's lancers had previously
charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiment,
near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had
been repulsed with a considerable loss. A demonstration of
cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in
the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely's battery, and the
squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening, all
the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to camp,
except Captain Ridgely's battery, and the regular infantry of the
first division, who were detai