entirely successful, men. The American flag is now established upon a hill directly opposite Telegraph Hill, within easy range of the rear of the enemy's defenses. Colonel Harney's Mounted Rifles and the First Artillery, supported by the Seventh Infantry, carried it in gallant style, and General Shields' brigade is reinforcing with men and guns. The first stage of the battle has been won."
"An' will we get into the foight, cap'n, plaze, sorr?" old Sergeant Mulligan asked.
"We'll do our level best, sergeant. All we want is the chance."
This was an uneasy night. The men persisted in talking among themselves until late. The veterans who had fought in other battles cracked jokes and told stories, and the few new men were nervous. The sergeants and corporals in vain cautioned: "Silence! Go to sleep."
Lieutenant Grant lay under his blanket in the open, for the tents were far behind. The night was sultry; showers of rain fell, wetting the blankets. Pompey himself chattered less than usual and Jerry felt serious. To-morrow there was going to be a great battle of eight thousand American soldiers against twelve thousand Mexican soldiers, strongly fortified on the hills.
"Cerro Gordo hill is the key to the field," Lieutenant Grant had said "That of course must be taken, and all the operations will concentrate upon it."
The First Division did not know till later, but all this night the Illinois and New York Volunteers were working like Trojans, dragging the three twenty-four-pounders, under direction of Captain
