CHAPTER VIII

VERA CRUZ.--CERRO GORDO

Vera Cruz--Defenses--American army invests city--Lieutenant Stevens's zeal in reconnoitring--Hands torn and poisoned-- Horse bolts to enemy's lines--Throws himself from saddle-- Looks out route for covered way--Put in charge with large working parties--Volunteers--Independent ways--Diary of siege--Capture of city--Damage by artillery fire--"Moonlight magnificence and sunlight squalidity"--Secures fine horse-- Appointed adjutant of engineer corps--Diary of march to Cerro Gordo--National Bridge--Rancheros--Reconnoissances of Cerro Gordo--Disabled by rupture--Compelled to remain in camp--Description of battle--Letter to wife 110