Drawn by the
reports of great adventure they had come from far places, and each
little company had its own name. There were the "Grays" from New
Orleans, the "Mustangs" from Kentucky, the "Red Rovers" from Alabama and
others with fancy names, but altogether they numbered, with the small
reinforcements that had been received, only three hundred and fifty men.
Ned could have shed tears, when he looked upon the force. He felt
himself a veteran beside them. Yet there was no lack of courage among
them. They did not flinch, as the fire grew heavier, and the cannon
balls whistled over their heads. Ned was sure now that General Urrea
was around them with his whole army. The presence of the cannon
indicated it, and he saw enough to know that the Mexican force
outnumbered the Texan four or five to one.
He heard the Mexican trumpets pealing presently, and then he saw their
infantry advancing in dark masses with heavy squadrons of cavalry on
either flank. But as soon as they came within range, they were swept by
the deadly fire of the Texan rifles and were driven back in confusion.
Ned noticed that this always happened. The Mexicans could never carry a
Texan position by a frontal attack.
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