The defeat of the Mexicans at Cerro Gordo opened the road for the
United States troops as far as the city of Puebla, at which place
General Scott was compelled to halt to refresh his men, and wait for
reinforcements. On the 7th of August, he began his march for the
capital. General Santa Anna had fortified nearly every available place
to check General Scott’s progress, and it was necessary that some of
the strong positions should be taken before he could proceed. One of
these was Contreras, defended by General Valencia, with a great body
of troops and twenty-two cannon. A detachment from General Scott’s
army attacked this place on the 19th of August, but could not withstand
the tremendous fire of the enemy. The next morning, the detachment,
which was commanded by General Smith, having gained a road in the
rear of the works, advanced to the assault. Colonel Riley headed the
storming party, rushed up to the works under a heavy fire, and after
a short struggle captured the cannon and drove the enemy before him.
General Shields cut off the retreat, and whole companies were forced to
surrender. Thus another complete triumph was gained by the Americans.
[Illustration: SHIELD’S CHARGE AT CHURUBUSCO.]