The former divided his force of 10,500 men into four columns, starting a day apart, in moving from Puebla to the capital of the nation, when it was known that an army more than twice as large as his own stood ready to resist his coming.

The road was broad and the country open except in crossing the Rio Frio mountain.

General Taylor pursued the same course in marching toward an enemy.

He moved even in smaller bodies.

I never thought at the time to doubt the infallibility of these two generals in all matters pertaining to their profession.