The small American garrison at Puebla was attacked the night of September 13-14, 1847 by Mexican Brig. Gen. Joaquin Rea and 4,000 men who surrounded the city. They cut off every means of supply and even attempted, unsuccessfully, to divert the stream supplying water. A 28-day siege ensued, as depicted by Pvt. James T. Shannon, CO. A, 1st PA, in this drawing.