454
SCOTT'S MARCH TO PUEBLA.
secutively commanded each other in the order of their nearness to Cerro Gordo. The main camp of the Mexican army was situated on level ground at the western base of the Cerro Gordo, and covered by a strong battery on the commanding slope to the north. Some distance in the rear the cavalry under the command of General Canalizo was stationed at Corral Falso.[1] From Plan del Bio an old road led up to the fortifications on the right of the Mexican position. By consulting the accompanying plan the reader will obtain a correct idea of the battle-field.
Battle-Field of Cerro Gordo.
| A. Mexican camp. | E. Twiggs movement on the 18th. |
| B. Mexican defences and batteries. | F. Pillow s attack. |
| C. Mexican cavalry. | G. Shields approach on the Mexican camp. |
| D. Twigg's positions on the 17th and 18th, |
Strong as was Santa Anna s position, he made a fatal mistake in neglecting to fortify the Atalaya. To the advice of his engineers and the urgent repre-
- ↑ The above description of Santa Anna s positions is derived from his report of May 7th, in El Razonador, 29 Junio, 1847. It corresponds in every main particular with Scott s account and his plan of the battle-field as given in U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 30, Sen. 1, Sen. Ex. 1, p. 256-7, 261.
