had tried to cut off the Second Division, back at Buena Vista on the way from Ayotla to march around the lakes; but that Taylor's battery of the First Artillery had sent the red caps flying.
The Second Division and the Fourth Division were following the Third and the First. The whole army was on the move, flanking El Peñon and Mexicalcingo, aiming to strike the Acapulco road into Mexico City from the south.
The road to San Augustine grew worse. In places there was scarcely space for the column to pass between Lake Xochimilco and the mountain slopes. The pioneers toiled. The Mexicans had hastened to cut ditches and roll down logs; but the artillery and the wagons were hauled through and over.
Captain Mason of the engineers rode ahead, out of sight, to reconnoitre. When he returned it was reported that he had entered San Augustine itself, and had found no soldiers.
"Column, attention! Close order—forward—march!"
With cavalry, infantry, four pieces of artillery and seventy-five wagons the First Division marched into San Antonio on the afternoon of August 17.
In camp this night many of the men thought that now the way was open to the city. Remembering the map and his talk with Lieutenant Grant, Jerry feared different. So did others.
"Not yet, not yet, my lads," said Sergeant Mulligan. "We'll have our fights. You can rist sure that Santy Annie knows afore this what we're about. Ain't the country full o' spies for him? 'Tis a long
