ated. Twiggs's division, storming the
strong and vital point of Cerro Gordo, pierced the center, gained
command of all the intrenchments, and cut them off from support. As
our infantry (Colonel Riley's brigade) pushed on against the main
body of the enemy, the guns of their own fort were rapidly turned to
play on that force (under the immediate command of General Santa
Anna), who fled in confusion. Shields's brigade, bravely assaulting
the left, carried the rear battery (five guns) on the Jalapa road
and aided materially in completing the rout of the enemy. The part
taken by the remainder of our forces held in reserve to support and
pursue has already been noticed. The moment the fate of the day was
decided, the cavalry and Taylor's and Wall's field batteries were
pushed on toward Jalapa in advance of the pursuing columns of
infantry. Twiggs's division and the brigade of Shields (now under
Colonel Baker) and Major-General Patterson were sent to take command
of them. In the hot pursuit many Mexicans were captured or slain
before our men and horses were exhausted by the heat and distance.

"The rout proved to have been complete, the retreating army, except
a small body of cavalry, being dispersed and utterly disorganized.
The immediate consequences have been our possession of this
important city, the abandonment of the works and artillery at La
Hoya, the next formidable pass between Vera Cruz and the capital,
and the prompt occupation by Worth's division of the fortress of
Perote (second only to San Juan de Ulloa), with its extensive
armament of sixty-six guns and mortars and its large supply of
material. To General Worth's report, annexed, I refer for details.

"I have heretofore endeavored to do justice to the skill and courage
with which the heights of Cerro Gordo were attacked, naming the
regiments most distinguished, and their-commanders, under the lead
of Colonel Harney. Lieutenant G.W. Smith led the engineer company as
part of the storming force, and is noticed with distinction. The
reports of this assault make favorable mention of many in which I
can well concur, having, witnessed the daring advance and perfect
steadiness of the whole. Besides those already named, Lieutenant
Brooks, Third Infantry, Lieutenant Macdonald, Second Dragoons,
Lieutenant Vandorn, Seventh Infantry (all acting staff officers),
Captain Magruder, First Artillery, and Li