Taylor heard of this success almost immediately after he had given the order to retire; he at once countermanded it, and Butler was sent with the Ohio regiment against Fort Diablo by a route more to the left. The troops advanced to within one hundred yards of the work, which was one of great strength, and Butler, while examining it with the object of attempting to carry it by storm, was wounded, and soon after compelled to quit the field from loss of blood. He recognized, however, that the place could not be carried without great sacrifice of life, and on surrendering the command to Hamer, advised him to withdraw the troops, who were falling fast, to a less exposed position. The division was, therefore, moved to a position near the captured fort, but not before having lost many men.
While this was occurring on the left, such troops of Garland's division and of the 4th infantry as could be collected were ordered to enter the town on the right and endeavor to carry Fort Diablo by assailing it in the rear. No sooner, however, had the command left the cover of the captured work than it was exposed to a galling fire of small arms and artillery. The Americans nevertheless pressed on and reached the tête de pont of La Purísima, from which a terrible cannonade was opened upon them. A portion of the troops even passed beyond, and gaining some slight shelter still maintained themselves;[1] but to proceed was impossible. Around were barricaded streets and fortified houses; the stream was impassable; to attempt to storm the bridge would be hope less. Lieutenant Ridgely came up with a section of his battery, but his fire was ineffectual, and he was withdrawn. To gain the rear of Fort Diablo from this point was impracticable, and the harassed troops were ordered to retire under cover of Fort Teneria.
- ↑ It was here that the command of the 3d regiment devolved upon Captain Henry, who went into action with five senior officers, all of whom were killed or seriously wounded. Henry's Campaign Sketches, 198.
