On the 11th the Orizava road was crossed, and the light troops of the enemy were brushed from the neighbouring hills.

They retired sullenly under shelter of their heavy guns, and within the walls of the city.
On the morning of the 12th the investment was complete.

Vera Cruz lay within a semicircle, around its centre.

The half circumference was a chain of hostile regiments that embraced the city in their concave arc.
The right of this chain pitched its tents opposite the isle of Sacrificios; while five miles off to the north, its left rested upon the hamlet Vergara.

The sea covered the complement of this circle, guarded by a fleet of dark and warlike ships.
The diameter hourly grew shorter.