The causeway which it defended formed a double
roadway on each side of a great aqueduct, with stone arches and pillars.
Shields charged impetuously along this causeway, towards the city, two
miles distant, while Quitman pursued the fleeing enemy along the
neighboring causeway of Belen.
An aide sent by Scott came riding up to Shields to bid him halt till
Worth, who was following the San Cosme causeway, could force its defences.
The aide politely saluted the eagerly advancing general and began,
"General Scott presents his compliments
"I have no time for compliments just now," roared out Shields, and spurred
briskly onward to escape the unwelcome orders which he felt were coming.
Soon he had led his men into the suburbs of the city, while Worth and
Quitman charged inward over the neighboring causeways with equal
impetuosity.
A strong force was quickly within the streets of the city, assailed by
skirmishers firing from houses and gardens, who could be reached only by
forcing a way in with pickaxes and bars. Two guns were brought in by
Worth's column and planted in position to batter down the San Cosme gate,
the barrier to the great square in the city's centre, and which fronted
the cathedral and palace.
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