Early in October, 1847, General Joseph Lane, with about two thousand
five hundred men, and five pieces of artillery, marched from Vera Cruz
to reinforce the army of General Scott. Near a town called Huamantla,
he encountered and defeated a large body of Mexican troops, who
attempted to check his progress. Pressing forward, he met parties of
Mexicans along the road several miles from Atlixco. A running fight
ensued, in which the American cavalry was chiefly engaged. At length
the Mexican detachments were driven into the town. Night came on, and
General Lane posted his artillery on a hill near the city, and opened a
heavy, well-aimed, and very rapid fire. After firing for three quarters
of an hour, the batteries of the enemy were silenced; and a portion of
General Lane’s troops were ordered to advance cautiously into the town.
They were met by the authorities, who entreated that the town might
be spared. This victory completely broke up the guerilla bands in the
vicinity of Atlixco.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: BATTLE OF BRACITO.]