Dwarfed and with scarcely any ammo, the protectors battled frantically as the US troops swarmed into the religious circle. Mexican officers who endeavored to raise the white banner of surrender were debilitated with death by the Saint Patrick's Battalion. Skipper Patrick Dalton himself tore down one raised white banner with his uncovered hands, provoking General Anaya to arrange his men to battle on. As US troops cleared over the broken dividers, the contingent battled the American warriors in fierce and savage close-quarter battling. Riley himself was injured yet his force still battled on.