The first affair in which General Cadwalader distinguished himself in
Mexico was a skirmish at the National Bridge, during his march to join
Scott at Puebla. Colonel M’Intosh had started with a train for the
interior; but being attacked by an overpowering force of the enemy,
had been forced to await the arrival of Cadwalader, who, hearing of
his danger, hurried up, with eight hundred men to his succor. On
approaching the National Bridge, Cadwalader, at the head of the united
forces, seized some heights which the enemy had previously occupied.
He was here attacked by a strong force, but made good his defence,
charging the Mexicans incessantly, until their strength was broken,
when the bridge was passed in safety. In this action the foe lost one
hundred in killed and wounded: Cadwalader about fifty. This victory was
won principally by artillery, a species of force with which Cadwalader
was perfectly familiar.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: GENERAL PIERCE, ENTERING PUEBLA.]