The reconnoissance was completed, and the labor of cutting out and making roads by the flank of the enemy was effected by the 17th of the month.

This was accomplished without the knowledge of Santa Anna or his army, and over ground where he supposed it impossible.

On the same day General Scott issued his order for the attack on the 18th.
The attack was made as ordered, and perhaps there was not a battle of the Mexican war, or of any other, where orders issued before an engagement were nearer being a correct report of what afterwards took place.

Under the supervision of the engineers, roadways had been opened over chasms to the right where the walls were so steep that men could barely climb them.

Animals could not.