Night still overhung the east when the Mexicans were roused from their slumbers by the roar of Huger’s 24-pounders, and the crashing of the balls through the roof and walls of the Molino.  A shout arose within their lines, spreading from the ravine to the castle; lights flashed in every direction, bugles sounded, the clank of arms rang from right to left, and every man girded himself for the fray.  With the first ray of daylight Major Wright advanced with the forlorn hope down the slope.  A few seconds elapsed; then a sheet of flame burst from the batteries, and round shot, canister, and grape hurtled through the air.  “Charge!” shouted the leader, and down they went, with double-quick step, over the ditch and hedge, and into the line, sweeping everything before them.  The Mexicans fell from their guns, but soon, seeing the smallness of the force opposed to them and reassured by the galling fire poured from the azoteas and Molino on the stormers, they rallied, charged furiously, and drove our men back into the plain.  Here eleven out of the fourteen officers of Wright’s party, and the bulk of his men, fell killed or wounded.  All of the latter who could not fly were bayoneted where they lay by the Mexicans.

Captain Walker, of the Sixth, badly shot, was left for dead; he saw the enemy murdering every man who showed signs of life, but the agony of thirst was so insupportable that he could not resist raising his canteen to his lips.  A dozen balls instantly tore up the ground around him; several Mexicans rushed at him with the bayonet, but at that moment the light division, under Kirby Smith, came charging over the ditch into the Mexican line and diverted their attention.

Garland meanwhile moved down rapidly on the right with Dunn’s guns, which were drawn by hand, all the horses having been wounded and become unmanageable.  These soon opened an enfilading fire on the Mexican battery; and some of the gunners flying, the light division charged, under a hot fire, and carried the guns for the second time.  Their gallant leader was shot dead in the charge.  But the enemy could afford to lose the battery.  From the tops of the azoteas, from the Casa Mata and the Molino, a deadly shower of balls was rained crosswise upon the assailants.  Part of the reserve was brought up; and Dunn’s guns and the Mexican battery were served upon the buildings without much effect at first.  Lieutenant-Colonel Graham led a party of the Eleventh against the latter; when within pistol-shot a terrific volley assailed him, wounding him in ten places.  The gallant soldier quietly dismounted, pointed with his sword to the building, cried “Charge!” and sank dead on the field.