[2657) [SANTA ANNA to FILISOLA]
Army of Operations Instructions for the Excellent Senor D. Vicente Filisola, Second in Command of the Army of Operations: AJl the forces of Colonel Amat being united here, with the artillery and wagons that he has with him, the force under General Gaona which must be on its way there according to the instructions which have been sent to him, shall be awaited, and if it should be slow in getting there, you will send a scout to inform him that he is being awaited here. You will proceed to have the river reconnoitered for five leagues on each bank, for the purpose of finding at least one place from where the canoe and the scow can be launched to carry the troops across. Finding such a place, 500 infantrymen will be picked, who are to march with the canoe and the scow in one night so that at daybreak they can commence to cross without delay in such a manner that the enemy will not be able to prevent it. The above-mentioned 500 men will be under the command of General Filisola, so that your Excellency may direct such an important movement. General D. Joaquin Ramirez y Sesma will remain in this camp so that later he may lead the remaining troops and supplies upon receipt of the first dispatch which is sent him by your Excellency. Once having crossed the river with the 500 infantrymen without being discovered by the enemy, it would be a good move if General Filisola would make a forced march toward the enemy's camp in order to surprise them and engage them in battle, al the same time blocking their escape. This movement is left entirely to the will and decision of the above-mentioned general. After all the troops, the artillery, and supplies have crossed the river, General Filisola will command General Gaona to march with his forces to Harrisburg, where he will station himself. The above-mentioned troop will be reinforced by the permanent regiment of Aldama, this corps being provided with food supplies for a month.
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