On the 8th of April, Twiggs's division started for Jalapa.

He was followed very soon by Patterson, with his division.

General Worth was to bring up the rear with his command as soon as transportation enough was assembled to carry six days' rations for his troops with the necessary ammunition and camp and garrison equipage.

It was the 13th of April before this division left Vera Cruz.
The leading division ran against the enemy at Cerro Gordo, some fifty miles west, on the road to Jalapa, and went into camp at Plan del Rio, about three miles from the fortifications.

General Patterson reached Plan del Rio with his division soon after Twiggs arrived.