Sunday, September 3, 2023

A Perfect Gibraltar

After the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de La Palma, the US Army secured all the towns along the Rio Grande unopposed.  As Taylor's forces marched inland, more towns surrendered without a fight.  Many believed that the city of Monterrey would likewise surrender, giving the Americans the largest city in the north with little cost.  Such was not the case.  General Ampudia had resumed control of the Army of the North and intended to hold the city.  Defenses were erected, soldiers posted, and canons placed.  Upon arriving at the outskirts of the city, Taylor paused.  Where his usual strategy was to rush headlong into a battle, here he looked for a weak spot.  He sent General William Jenkins Worth with a division of men to the western side of the city.  While Taylor's troops attacked the east side as a diversion, Worth captured several forts and the all-important road to Saltillo.  Unfortunately for Taylor's troops, the diversion turned into a full force attack that suffered massive casualties from the well-designed Mexican defensive works.

The book details all the action over the 3-day engagement.  Sam Walker and Jack Hays leading Texas Rangers on the western side while Jefferson Davis led his Mississippi Rifles on the eastern side.  Ulysses Grant rode under fire from the lines and Braxton Bragg found his flying artillery was nearly useless in an urban fight.  After the battle was won, Dishman followed the notable veterans through the remainder of the war.  Many went on to join Scott's campaign to Mexico City.  General Worth, who felt his success at Monterrey would give him an elevated position in Scott's army, instead found himself sidelined.  His record during the Mexico City campaign was disappointing.

A readable, informative, and well-researched account of the Battle of Monterrey.  Recommended.

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