approach for the invading army.  The gates of Belen and San Antonio were beset by obstacles even more impracticable.  The ground over which the troops would advance to storm the fortress was far firmer than elsewhere, there was ample space for the American batteries, and if the hill were taken, the Mexicans, retreating along two narrow causeways, with deep marshes on either hand, might easily be deprived of all opportunity of rallying.

September 13.

On the night of the 11th four batteries of heavy guns were established within easy range.  On the 12th they opened fire; and the next morning the American army, covered by the fire of the artillery, advanced to the assault.  In the victory of Molino del Rey, Magruder’s battery had taken little part.  Jackson, posted with his section on the extreme flank of the line, had dispersed a column of cavalry which threatened a charge; but, with this brief interlude of action, he had been merely a spectator.  At Chapultepec he was more fortunate.  Pillow’s division, to which the battery was attached, attacked the Mexicans in front, while Worth’s division assailed them from the north.  The 14th Infantry, connecting the two attacks, moved along a road which skirts the base of the hill, and Magruder was ordered to detach a section of his battery in support.  Jackson was selected for the duty, and as he approached the enemy’s position dangers multiplied at every step.  The ground alongside was so marshy that the guns were unable to leave the road.  A Mexican fieldpiece, covered by a breastwork, raked the causeway from end to end, while from the heights of Chapultepec cannon of large calibre poured down a destructive fire.  The infantry suffered terribly.  It was impossible to advance along the narrow track; and when the guns were ordered up the situation was in no way bettered.  Nearly every horse was killed or wounded.  A deep ditch, cut across the road, hindered effective action, and the only position where reply to the enemy’s fire was possible lay beyond this obstacle.  Despite the losses of his command Jackson managed to lift one gun across by hand.  But his men became demoralised.  They left their posts.  The example of their lieutenant, walking up and down on the shot-swept road and exclaiming calmly, “There is no danger:  see!  I am not hit,” failed to inspire them with confidence.  Many had already fallen.  The infantry, with the exception of a small escort, which held its ground with difficulty, had disappeared; and General Worth, observing Jackson’s perilous situation, sent him orders to retire.  He replied it was more dangerous to withdraw than to stand fast, and if they would give him fifty veterans he would rather attempt the capture of the breastwork.  At this juncture Magruder, losing his horse as he galloped forward, reached the road.

The ditch was crowded with soldiers; many wounded; many already dead; many whose hearts had failed them.  Beyond, on the narrow causeway, the one gun which Jackson had brought across the ditch was still in action.