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H. Thomas. Quitman directed me to take my howitzer to the next cross street but to save my men and horses. I suggested that Thomas should put his gun in position first and let me pass through the smoke. ” Thomas moved to the next street and turned his gun into it. That street was barricaded also and defended by a piece of artillery. 26 GENERAL GEORGE H. 18 Thomas and French kept their guns both moving and firing, as they blasted away barricades and silenced enemy cannon. The supporting infantry cleared the neighboring houses of Mexican snipers, as the defenders fell steadily back.

The position was offered to Braxton Bragg, who was at that time on leave in Mobile, visiting family. Bragg declined the honor, but took it upon himself to seek the appointment on behalf of Thomas. He wrote a letter to John Young Mason, Secretary of the Navy under President Polk, in an effort to influence the appointment. This was the same John Young Mason who had appointed Thomas to West Point when he had been a congressman serving the district Southampton County was part of. Bragg wrote, “The vacancy, I think, would suit your young friend Brevet Major George H.

The seed would grow and develop for the rest of his life. A courier sent from General Scott, bearing orders detailing the disbursement of Taylor’s troops, was captured and murdered by the Mexicans, and his dispatch fell into the hands of General Santa Anna. In possession of the American plans, and advised of the weakened condition of Taylor’s army, Santa Anna decided to eliminate Taylor before taking the field against Scott. Once Taylor had retraced his route, he determined to reinforce the garrison at Saltillo.