Storming of Contreras by Anonymous
The narrative details events following a significant setback for the Mexican forces that opened the path for an advancing American army. After a defeat at Cerro Gordo, the American troops reached Puebla, where they paused to resupply before marching on toward the capital. Recognizing the challenges presented by a series of enemy fortifications strategically placed to impede their progress, attention focused on a key defensive position held by an enemy general, who had reinforced it with a substantial force and twenty-two cannons. An initial assault on this position on August 19 by a detachment resulted in heavy losses due to intense enemy fire. However, on the following day, a maneuver was executed in which a secondary detachment, commanded by a different general, managed to secure a pathway behind the fortifications. A storming party, led by a designated colonel, advanced under a concentrated barrage and, after a brief but fierce engagement, succeeded in capturing the artillery and forcing the enemy to retreat. This tactical breakthrough was reinforced when another general effectively interdicted the retreating forces, leading to the surrender of several enemy companies and marking another substantial victory for the Americans. These actions are portrayed as critical to the overall campaign strategy, demonstrating both the importance of securing advantageous positions and the effective coordination of separate military units to overcome well-defended enemy fronts.
By Anonymous · First published 1851 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, War Story · 226 words
First lines
The defeat of the Mexicans at Cerro Gordo opened the road for the United States troops as far as the city of Puebla, at which place General Scott was compelled to halt to refresh his men, and wait for reinforcements. On the 7th of August, he began his march for the capital. General Santa Anna had fortified nearly every available place to check General Scott's progress, and it was necessary that some of the strong positions should be taken before he could proceed. One of these was Contreras, defended by General Valencia, with a great body of troops and twenty-two cannon. A detachment from General Scott's army attacked this place on the 19th of August, but could not withstand the tremendous fire of the enemy. The next morning, the detachment, which was commanded by General Smith, having gained a road in the rear of the works, advanced to the assault. Colonel Riley headed the storming party, rushed up to the works under a heavy fire, and after a short struggle captured the cannon and drove the enemy before him. General Shields cut off the retreat, and whole companies were forced to surrender. Thus another complete triumph was gained by the Americans.
What this Textopian page supports
Storming of Contreras is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Anonymous, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Anonymous
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, War Story, Action, Historical Narrative
- Length: 226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Storming of Contreras by Anonymous
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative dramatizes real military events and figures, blending historical facts with narrative embellishment.
- Military Fiction — It focuses on tactics, battlefield strategies, and the personal valor of military leaders.
- War Story — The text provides a detailed account of combat operations and the chaos of battle.
- Action — The vivid depictions of aggressive maneuvers and physical confrontations drive a dynamic narrative.
Tags
historical · military · battle · siege · warfare · assault · strategy · tactics · leadership · valor · heroism · conflict