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fantry under command of a Swiss, the former captain of the port, named Carlos Horn; our spies reported his position in the small hamlet of Urias, about seven miles up estero. A hundred men, with a small field-piece, took the main road, while half this number were to embark in boats, pass beyond the Mexican post, land, and march down to meet the shore party. We left the ships at midnight, and with muffled oars pulled silently up the river. On passing the hamlet, we saw the gleam of camp fires, and the cry of their sentinels arose, shrill and clear in the still night, _alerto! alerto!_ The oars dipped noiselessly in the water, and, continuing up the estuary, we soon came to the spot indicated by our guides. Scarcely had the men formed on the beach, when we heard, first a few dropping shots, and then volley upon volley, from our friends to the left. After groping about some time to find the road, the guide discovered that he had mistaken the landing, and we accordingly reembarked. By this time, the firing from the shore party had ceased, and all was again quiet. Beneath the deep shade of overhanging foliage that fringed the banks of the estero, the boats were carefully pushed down the stream, until a narrow opening in the bushes gave a clear view of the broad level _marisma_, and we found ourselves directly in front of the village itself, with fires and lights flashing in all directions. Without attracting attention, the boats were cautiously drawn within the thickets, the sailors forming, and lying down upon the sand. We were close to the Mexicans--their sentinels not twenty yards distant, and every word they uttered distinctly audible. Presently a body of horsemen came clattering over the hard beach. _Quien es!_ sang out the guard. _Carlos!_ said the watchword, and then began an angry altercation: "Why did you fly from those cursed Yankees, when you knew they were approaching?" _Porque mi Coronel, los Americanos rompieron el fuego contre la advanzda--y habia balazos aqui, y alla, y que podia hacer yo?_ rejoined the speaker--They fired upon our advance, and the bullets were flying so thick, that, what could I do? "Where are they now?" said the Colonel. "Oh! they have retreated to Mazatlan again." _Loco!_--you're a fool--said the Colonel, with much disgust; "they're only awaiting daylight, to be upon us--is all quiet at the water?" _Si Senor_, not a soul has passed. "Then let the men fall in, and go through their exercise
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