Quitman was directed to make the attack with his division on the south and cast, Where the hill, though steep and rocky, was accessible; and General Pillow was to advance, at tile same time, with his column, from the west. On the north the height was so precipitous that it could not be approached from that quarter. Storming parties, mostly volunteers for the attack, each containing about 250 rank and file, were selected from the divisions of Generals Worth and Twiggs, to lead the assaulting columns. The party furnished from Worth's division was commanded by Captain Mackenzie, of the 2nd artillery, who joined General Pillow; and that furnished from Twiggs' division, by Captain Casey, of the 2nd infantry, who reported to General Quitman. A second storming party of 120 men, under Major Twiggs, of the marines, was organized by General Quitman from his division. Pioneer parties were also selected, to accompany the stormers with ladders, fascines, picks, and crowbars. General Worth was ordered to hold his division in reserve, near El Molino del Rey, to support General Pillow, and General Smith was directed to support General Quitman with his brigade.
During the night of the 12th, Captain Paul, of the 7th infantry, in command of an advanced picket of fifty men, established on the road to Chapultepec, had a brisk skirmish with one of the enemy's outposts, which was driven back. Apprehensive that this demonstration was intended to cover the passage of reinforcements into the castle, General Quitman ordered Lieutenant Andrews, of the 3rd artillery, to advance a piece of artillery, and rake the road with several discharges of canister. This being done, every thing remained quiet till the early dawn, when General Twiggs
