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 MAP 
 
 OF THE COUNTB.V SEAR 
 
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THE 
 
 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 THE OPERATIONS 
 
 "ARMY OF OCg6C 
 
 for oneimont: 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES HENRY CA: 
 
 CAPTAIN IN THE FIRST REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 
 HARPER AND BROTHERS, 
 
 No. 82 Cliff Street. 
 
 1848. 
 
 
 c 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, 
 
 By Harper and Brothers, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern Dis- 
 trict of New York. 
 
TO 
 
 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR 
 
 THIS ACCOUNT OF 
 
 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY 
 
 INSCRIBED. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 It is due to those who are immediately 
 interested in the accuracy of the following 
 account, as well as to the historian who 
 may hereafter consult it, to state what were 
 the opportunities of the writer for knowing 
 the truth. 
 
 For two months before the battle of Bu- 
 ena Vista, he was stationed at or near the 
 ground on which it was fought ; and, dur- 
 ing this time, he was led, with others, to 
 remark its strength as a military position. 
 
 In the battle itself, the nature of the 
 service he was called on to perform as com- 
 mander of a company of dragoons, afforded 
 opportunities of deliberate observation in 
 many different parts of the scene, and en- 
 abled him sometimes to take notes of what 
 was going on around him. 
 
 For no less than eight months afterward, 
 he was encamped on the same spot, and 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 had the best opportunities of conferring 
 with the different officers engaged, and of 
 observing accurately the various localities. 
 
 Hence arose his purpose of attempting a 
 minute description of the battle, — a pur- 
 pose he began at once to execute under 
 circumstances which seemed to invite him 
 to the task, convinced as he was, that what 
 had formed so interesting a part of his own 
 experience and observation, would be re- 
 garded hereafter as one of the important 
 events in the military history of the coun- 
 try. 
 
 With all that fell under his personal no- 
 tice, or was derived from minute inquiries of 
 other officers immediately after the battle, 
 he has combined the substance of what ap- 
 peared in the official reports of both parties. 
 To avoid doing injustice to the Mexicans, 
 their reports are generally quoted at the 
 foot of the page. 
 
 To Brevet Brigadier-General Churchill, 
 Inspector-General of the Army, he is in- 
 debted for the minute report of the killed 
 and wounded, which is inserted in the 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 Appendix. Brevet Captain Sitgreaves, of 
 the Corps of Topographical Engineers, has 
 kindly furnished him with a Plan of the 
 battle-ground, which was drawn leisurely 
 from careful measurements, and may be re- 
 lied upon as scientifically correct. 
 
 The Map of the surrounding country has 
 been sketched from notes made on the spot, 
 and is sufficiently exact to give an idea of 
 the different routes and positions having 
 any relation to the battle. 
 
 In the Appendix are given, beside the 
 documents referred to in the text, several 
 others, which seemed pertinent to the gen- 
 eral subject of the book. 
 
 With this statement of his opportunities 
 of knowing, and of his inducements to 
 describe, the details of the Battle of Buena 
 Vista, the writer presents his narrative to 
 the public, claiming for it only the consid- 
 eration due to the fidelity and candor with 
 which he has attempted to compose it. 
 
 J. H, c, 
 
 Boston, July 4, 1848. 
 
It is the purpose of the following narrative 
 1 
 
' " ~v'v s 
 
 LESEX1). g^j 
 
 J*. Position at* General Taylor ilimti^ the SSfe: 
 
 Wttle of the 23^ of Kbiarr. 
 
 A. Hacienda San Juan Sela Buena \ r ista 
 
 B. La Angostura 
 
 C. Beep ouDiesto-tlieii^il of laJnigistnv 
 
 D. IbelnoUaiiicarniei'tiii^La -inmost™ 
 ttrfk the Hatean. 
 
 E. Tie Hateju. 
 
 F. TheTOrraeiniearaftjiePialemi. 
 
 G. TheliroaAt-avmeniftool .,1 1|„ 11 n, a, 
 H The Encampment . 
 I. Th-e]evaterb-iJg. I .elvreen the fc-rt 
 
 position of the enemy ;«ivi_tlnrt at 
 
 the Americans. 
 J The slope of fheuio.iutaiuto the left of 
 
 thePlaieao. oei-npie.i Iri- Ainptiora - 
 K. The slope of the jiioiuitain oceupieA 
 
 Dythe American njflemen . 
 Ei. Torition of laenl.-ji.uit OlJn.ois sec 
 
 ■.on ol Artillery X tl.e ^"fiohajjaregi- 
 
 tnrarlat oaylavaj, on ll„. JS'.'iof FeVT 
 
 Br, 
 
 ■*• 
 
 £S*» 
 
 Ml%01&^M ;' 
 
 
 :P :l., A A 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BXTTtE in- BUENA V 
 
 FOUGHT 
 
 February 22 11 . d & 23' 
 1847. 
 
 try Brevet-Captain Zorenza Sitgre 
 
 U.1S.T.E. 
 
 Kmjravi'jl for fuplnin Curh-t»i,.-> History of titr BtittJv nf Bilaiui llsti 
 
 ^ V 
 
 LE GESD. 
 
 ^N". CaprtajiiliEaggsBattei-y-aaiitlie i" 3 - 
 
 Keuctrjeliv "Vnlxajjteeirs . 
 O. First. jtOTCf- 
 tSeeoinl £<trge. 
 Tim- 3. iurqe . 
 K. 2^-TIHngU A'aamiteeps. 
 S- Two pieces o±' Captain. SLenaHZ 
 
 Batteinr. 
 T. TVo etmrpauies Tf*. Dra^oans. 
 17. 3P. I.'tiIIi. nil's Tesrau tompauT. 
 V. Colonel Lane's o 1 *" 1 Indiana 
 Vohmteess. 
 '~Jp. V Ank^nsas yju.il Keuttuiy iWimeot; 
 Monnled ^nhmtuets . 
 -■ X. Krst Coluum ot attack, iiiiildi 
 tUmreral Mara y TiJlaniVL- 
 Y. Geneva L L oiiib^Eoiiiis dxvisiau.. 
 Z- General PachecoV tlco.ai.caL . 
 
 BROTHLRS, NE1W YORK. 
 
 Engs I,, w ffiarilje 
 
THE 
 
 BATTLE OF BUEM VISTA. 
 
 The Battle of Buena Vista has now become 
 the property of the Past. In our country's 
 history, it stands beside that of Trenton, 
 Saratoga, Yorktown, Niagara, and New Or- 
 leans ; but in many respects it much surpasses 
 them all. Of the numerous triumphs of our 
 arms, it is by far the greatest ; as a proof of 
 American valor, it shines forth immeasurably 
 the most glorious. That every individual may 
 clearly understand how it was fought, and how 
 won, nothing more is necessary than a sim- 
 ple array of the facts, which constituted the 
 elements, and characterized the movements, 
 of the two armies on that occasion ; which 
 determined the various phases of their pro- 
 tracted conflict ; and which finally secured 
 the grand result, — a magnificent victory of 
 the one over the other. 
 
 It is the purpose of the following narrative 
 1 
 
2 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 to set forth, as completely as possible, those 
 facts in their true light ; to speak impartially 
 of both sides ; in fine, to pass before the eye 
 of the reader a panorama of the battle, with 
 no other than its own fearful embellishments. 
 
 It was, without doubt, the original purpose 
 of General Taylor, in the event of Santa 
 Anna's marching from San Luis de Potosi to 
 attack him, to offer battle at Agua Nueva, a 
 hacienda twenty miles south of Saltillo, 
 near which place he was then encamped. 
 Accordingly, by the 10th of February, he 
 had moved all his troops thither with the 
 exception of Captain Webster's Battery of two 
 24-pounder howitzers, — which was left to 
 occupy a redoubt that our forces had erected 
 on an eminence commanding the approaches 
 to the city, — and a small battalion of riflemen, 
 under Major Warren, of the First Regiment of 
 Illinois Yolunteers, to protect the depot of 
 ammunition and provisions still remaining 
 behind. 
 
 It was necessary to select some place for 
 an encampment, where the ground would be 
 sufficiently extensive and otherwise suitable 
 for the instruction of the troops ; where 
 wood and water would be convenient ; and 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 6 
 
 where, if circumstances should require it, a 
 battle might be fought to good advantage. 
 Agua Nueva possessed all these requisites in 
 a greater degree than any other place within 
 a hundred miles of Saltillo. Opposed to some 
 strong reasons against it, as a position for bat- 
 tle, there were many in its favor. The ene- 
 my, in advancing upon the direct and great 
 thoroughfare from San Luis de Potosi, had 
 necessarily to approach by the hacienda La 
 Encarnacion. Thence to Agua Nueva, it was 
 thirty-five miles through a desert ; a long 
 and fatiguing march for any species of troops, 
 but particularly for artillery and infantry, and 
 without one drop of water for the whole 
 distance, — the first to be found being en- 
 tirely in our possession. Therefore, by main- 
 taining that place, General Taylor would have 
 the advantage of the enemy's disarray from 
 a forced march, of his consequent fatigue, 
 and, more than all, of the unfitness of his 
 men and animals, from long-continued thirst, 
 for immediate battle ; while, on the contrary, 
 his own troops would be perfectly fresh, and 
 prepared at all points to receive him. Besides, 
 unless some spot should be chosen still farther 
 in advance, it was better, when this was once 
 
4 BATTLE OP BUENA VISTA. 
 
 occupied, to maintain it if possible, than to 
 select one in the rear ; because the fact of 
 retiring on the approach of an enemy, even 
 for a better position, would be calculated to 
 exert a moral effect upon raw troops greatly to 
 be dreaded, as it would cause them to lose 
 confidence not only in their own strength, 
 but in the sagacity, firmness, and hopes of 
 their leader, and, on the other hand, would 
 serve to inspire their antagonists with a more 
 exalted idea of their own prowess. 
 
 These reasons for considering this spot as a 
 very good one for a battle-ground were chiefly 
 dependent on the supposition, that Santa Anna, 
 if he came at all, would approach the Ameri- 
 cans, encamped upon it, from La Encarnacion, 
 by the direct road. Agua Nueva is situated at 
 the southern extremity of the beautiful valley 
 of La Encantada ; and there were two other 
 routes, by which, with great exertions, he 
 might enter it. On one, he could march to 
 the right, by La Hedionda, and thereby gain 
 Buena Yista in our rear ; and, on the other, he 
 could pass to the left, by La Punta de Santa 
 Elena, so as to attain the hacienda San Juan 
 de la Yaqueria, which would likewise enable 
 him to get possession of the road to Saltillo, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 5 
 
 and oblige our army to fight under the disad- 
 vantage of having its communication entirely 
 cut off. These were contingencies, and the 
 only ones, which would render a change of 
 position imperative. As a last resort, there- 
 fore, to be determined upon and adopted 
 according to the dispositions of the enemy, 
 his strength, the description of his forces, and 
 the manner of his approach, General Taylor 
 had it in his power to move back, and take 
 another ground, which, as early as the Decem- 
 ber previous, General Wool had selected* as 
 a most excellent one for battle, and which, 
 under certain circumstances, would be greatly 
 superior to that which the army then occupied. 
 This latter point was the Pass of Buena Vista, 
 six miles in front of Saltillo, and fourteen in 
 rear of Agua Nueva. 
 
 The Pass of Buena Vista breaks through a 
 chain of lofty mountains, which, running from 
 east to west, divides the valley north of Sal- 
 tillo from the more elevated one of La En- 
 cantada. It varies in width from a mile and 
 a half to four miles ; having the rancho of La 
 Encantada at its southern and narrowest ex- 
 
 * See Appendix, B. 
 
6 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 tremity, at the point where it debouches upon 
 the plain in the valley of that name, and, at 
 its northern extremity, the city of Saltillo, 
 built immediately upon the side of the de- 
 clivity by which it abruptly terminates, as 
 with a step, or leap, to the valley below the 
 town. From La Encantada a small stream of 
 water finds its way through the Pass to Sal- 
 tillo, and, although it keeps much nearer 
 to the mountains on the western side, still 
 affords room enough between their base and 
 its bank for a fine belt of cultivated fields, 
 which, with but few intervals, extends near- 
 ly its whole length. The portion of the Pass 
 east of the stream is elevated some sixty or 
 seventy feet above that which lies to the 
 west of it, and, being much broader, strikes 
 the eye as an upper table, stretching with a 
 very regular and gradual ascent to the base of 
 the wall of mountains on that side. The road 
 from Saltillo to Agua Nueva, for the first five 
 miles, continues along this upper plain to the 
 point where is situated the hacienda San Juan 
 de la Buena Vista/ A) a collection of adobe* 
 
 <■ A > The engraved Plan of the Battle is referred to by 
 letters and figures. 
 
 * A-do-be; large bricks made of clay and straw, and 
 Bun-dried, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 7 
 
 buildings, with fiat roofs and walls of great 
 thickness, and capable of good defence against 
 any troops without artillery. This little vil- 
 lage enjoys a commanding view, not only 
 of the whole Pass, but of the beautiful 
 ranges of mountains which extend from Palo- 
 mas and the Rinconada on toward Monclova, 
 and also of the valley of La Encantada, with, 
 far to the southward, the lofty peak of Cata- 
 na, towering to the clouds in the blue distance. 
 For the next mile the road runs over a se- 
 ries of dry barrancas, or ravines, which cross 
 it diagonally from the mountains on the left. 
 It then descends to the lower level, where it 
 follows a very narrow strip of land lying be- 
 tween the stream and several abrupt spurs of 
 the upper table, which jut out upon it, and 
 which are separated from each other, at un- 
 equal intervals, by barrancas much broader 
 and deeper than the first, and parallel with 
 them. Thence, onward, it winds gradually 
 upward to the plain of La Encantada. At 
 the point where the lower level is first struck 
 in going southward, the strip of land between 
 the first and highest spur and the perpendicu- 
 lar bank of the stream, is barely wide enough 
 for the passage of the road. That point 
 
8 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 is called La Angostuba, (E> — " The Narrows." 
 Opposite, and in advance of it, the stream has 
 worn a series of deep channels or gullies/ ) 
 which form a perfect net-work, extending near- 
 ly across the whole lower level to the moun- 
 tains on the right, and present in themselves 
 a formidable obstacle to the progress of any 
 species of troops whatever ; being upwards 
 of twenty feet in depth, with sides so precipi- 
 tous as to prevent their being ascended, except 
 at two narrow places, without the assistance 
 of scaling-ladders.* Immediately to the left 
 of La Angostura, a long point of land, <D) 
 which constitutes the first and highest spur, 
 as before remarked, advances from the upper 
 table and terminates bluff to the road, which, 
 towards the south, it commands for a great 
 distance. Its sides are exceedingly steep, 
 and its other extremity unites with a broad 
 plateau above, which continues back to the 
 mountains. This plateau (E) is over four 
 hundred yards in width nearest the road, and 
 
 * It is the opinion of Inspector-General Churchill, 
 ■who examined the ground carefully, that cavalry and in- 
 fantry might have crossed them, without much difficulty, 
 at two points ; viz. one midway between the stream and 
 the mountains, and the other near their base. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 9 
 
 some two hundred yards at its upper termi- 
 nation. In rear of it there is a deep ra- 
 vine, (F) too precipitous for the passage of 
 artillery, and very difficult for cavalry ; in 
 front, there is another, (G) still deeper and 
 more difficult ; thence, all the way to La 
 Encantada, the whole Pass to the left of the 
 stream is a succession of alternate ridges 
 and barrancas, wonderfully calculated to crip- 
 ple the movements of cavalry and artillery, 
 and to deprive infantry of any advantage it 
 might otherwise possess by superiority in 
 numbers. La Angostura, the high ridge con- 
 necting it with the plateau, and the plateau 
 itself, being, therefore, the most easy to be 
 defended by a small army against a large one, 
 were selected as the positions to be occupied 
 by ours, should the necessity of abandoning 
 Agua Nueva arise from Santa Anna's bringing 
 against us a force greatly superior in the first 
 two arms just named, which could there 
 operate with freedom and rapidity, but here 
 would be nearly paralyzed. 
 
 Between the 10th and the 20th of Feb- 
 ruary, the time was diligently employed in 
 reconnoitring the roads and approaches, and 
 
10 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 in improving our troops in drill and disci- 
 pline. General Taylor placed the whole 
 camp, and the instruction of the troops, un- 
 der the command and the direction of Gen- 
 eral Wool, whose long experience, skill, and 
 activity peculiarly fitted him for that respon- 
 sible and arduous duty ; and each day's im- 
 provement gave evidence of his indefatiga- 
 ble exertions, as well as of the aptness and 
 intelligence of the volunteers who were 
 taught under his superintendence. 
 
 Every day brought fresh rumors of the 
 approach of Santa Anna with an army whose 
 numerical strength, compared with that of 
 ours, was sufficient to cause all to feel that 
 the coming struggle must be of the most 
 sanguinary character. Every man, therefore, 
 however humble in rank, seemed to nerve 
 himself for the contest, as if success de- 
 pended on his individual efforts. The in- 
 habitants of Saltillo, and even those of 
 Monterey, began rapidly to desert those cities ; 
 the few who were friendly to us warning us 
 of our imminent peril, and the many who 
 were inimical wearing a look of insolent 
 exultation at the prospect of our speedy 
 destruction. Our guards, night and day, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 11 
 
 occupied every road and pass leading to our 
 position, as well as to the city in our rear ; 
 and our patrols and spies were thrown far 
 out into the country on every side. Still, 
 until the 20th of February, nothing could 
 be discovered that would serve to corrobo- 
 rate the reports, which we were continually 
 receiving through the medium of the Mex- 
 icans themselves, of the advance of their 
 army. 
 
 It was well known that General Minon, 
 with a brigade consisting of 2000 of the 
 choicest cavalry of the Republic, still hov- 
 ered near us ; his head-quarters for the 
 most of the time being at the hacienda of 
 Potos'i, some sixty miles in a southeasterly 
 direction from Agua Nueva ; a point, from 
 which he could easily hold communication, 
 both with Santa Anna and with the citizens 
 of Saltillo and the neighboring country ; 
 with the former by large forces, if necessary, 
 by a high road running by the way of La 
 Encarnacion, or by that of Matahuala to the 
 south, and with the latter by spies, who 
 could cross over the mountains at almost 
 any point, or pass through them by intricate 
 defiles, of which we were entirely ignorant. 
 
12 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 On Saturday, the 20th of February, a strong 
 reconnoitring party, consisting of two com- 
 panies of the 1st Dragoons, two companies 
 of the 2d Dragoons, a section of Wash- 
 ington's Battery, 4th Artillery, under Lieu- 
 tenant O'Brien, and a sufficient number of 
 volunteer cavalry to make in all a force of 
 400 mounted men, — the whole commanded 
 by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel May, of the 2d 
 Dragoons, — was sent to the valley in which 
 is situated the hacienda of Potosi, with a 
 view, not only to ascertain the presence of 
 Minon's brigade, but likewise to discover, if 
 possible, whether the enemy might not be 
 advancing in force through that valley to- 
 ward Palomas Pass, * or approaching Buena 
 Vista by the La Hedionda route. 
 
 Colonel May was ordered not to attack the 
 enemy, but to avoid him, if possible ; the 
 purpose of his march being solely that of 
 observation. At the same time that he was 
 sent in this direction, Major Benjamin McCul- 
 loch, with a small party of Texan spies, was 
 
 * By great exertions the Mexican army might have 
 come through this Pass, and entered the valley north 
 of Saltillo. It is fair to say, however, that many who 
 have examined this difficult defile are of a contrary 
 opinion. See the Map of the country around Buena 
 Yista. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 13 
 
 ordered toward La Encarnacion, for a similar 
 object. 
 
 The rancho of La Hedionda and the ha- 
 cienda of Potosi are situated, respectively, on 
 the western and eastern sides of the same val- 
 ley, and are about thirty miles distant from 
 each other. Between them there extends, with- 
 out any interruption, a level plain. At three 
 o'clock in the afternoon, Colonel May arrived 
 at La Hedionda, and immediately sent out 
 piquets in various directions, to take a sweep- 
 ing view of the whole valley. Hardly had he 
 done so, when signal-fires were lighted on 
 several peaks to the right and left of his 
 position, and a large one near the top of the 
 towering mountain in the immediate neigh- 
 borhood of Potosi, the smoke of which could 
 be seen at a great distance. Immense clouds 
 of dust were soon afterwards observed to rise 
 in the direction of the hacienda, indicating 
 evidently the march of troops. To the left of 
 La Hedionda, there is a long range of hills 
 shooting off into the valley, like a spur, from 
 the chain of mountains which lies between 
 Agua Nueva and that place, and stretching 
 about half way across the plain. The clouds 
 of dust appeared to be moving around the 
 
14 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 distant point of those hills from the right. 
 Colonel May was aware that directly over 
 this range of hills, and only five miles distant, 
 was another rancho, called Guachuchil, and 
 that there passed by it a road from Potosi to 
 Agua Nueva, which came into that over which 
 he had just marched, midway from where he 
 then was to the latter place. He therefore 
 imagined that the clouds of dust, which had 
 moved around in the direction of Guachuchil, 
 were raised by General Minon's brigade, on 
 its march to get a position between him and 
 our main army, for the purpose of intercepting 
 his return. To be sure whether such was the 
 fact, he directed Lieutenant Sturgis, of the 
 2d Dragoons, with one man to accompany 
 him, to proceed to the top of the range of hills 
 before mentioned, in order to reconnoitre the 
 valley in the neighborhood of the rancho 
 beyond. This was at about five o'clock in 
 the afternoon ; and, as the ascent was very 
 difficult, it was nearly sunset before the Lieu- 
 tenant arrived at the summit. No sooner had 
 he done so, however, than his comrades at La 
 Hedionda heard a heavy volley of musketry 
 at that point, and supposed he and the man 
 with him had fallen into an ambuscade, and 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 15 
 
 been sacrificed. Night setting in, and some 
 of the piquets, which had been expected to 
 return before dark, not having yet come back, 
 it was feared that they, too, had met with a 
 similar fate. These events led Colonel May 
 to believe that the enemy's troops, in consider- 
 able force, were very near him ; but where 
 they were exactly, and in what numbers, he 
 was wholly at a loss to determine. The 
 peones at the rancho were exceedingly terri- 
 fied, and either could not, or would not, im- 
 part any information on the subject. Colonel 
 May decided to stay where he was until morn- 
 ing, and not to abandon the valley until he 
 should know definitely what had been the 
 fate of the officers and men whom he had 
 detached. As he had no doubt he should be 
 attacked during the night, he prepared at once 
 for a vigorous defence of his position. Bales 
 of cotton, which were found at the rancho in 
 great abundance, were placed at each end of 
 a street running through it ; and, at each tem- 
 porary breastwork thus formed, Lieutenant 
 O'Brien had one of his pieces. The men 
 were dismounted to occupy the different build- 
 ings and yards, while the horses were kept 
 saddled and ready for any immediate service 
 that circumstances might require. 
 
16 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 The long hours of watching and anxiety 
 wore slowly away, and the uncertainty, as 
 to what had befallen the gallant fellows who 
 were absent, filled every heart with despon- 
 dency. By nine o'clock, all the piquets had 
 returned but one, of twelve men, commanded 
 by Lieutenant Wood, of the 2d Dragoons ; 
 but none of them had seen any thing of the 
 enemy. As Lieutenant Wood and his party, 
 and Lieutenant Sturgis, if alive and at liberty, 
 should have been back hours before, there no 
 longer remained a doubt but that they had 
 either been destroyed or captured. 
 
 It was past ten o'clock, when a man, 
 dressed like one of the peones at the rancho, 
 desired to speak with Colonel May. This 
 man # communicated the important intelli- 
 gence, that General Miiion was not only 
 within a short distance,f but that Santa Anna 
 himself, with an army of 30,000 men, was 
 at La Encarnacion that morning, and would 
 
 * "A deserter from the regiment of Comceros, a native 
 of Saltillo, named Francisco Valdes, passed over from La 
 Encarnacion to the enemy, and gave him information of 
 the movement. The execrable treason of this infamous 
 ■wretch frustrated the best combinations." — Santa Anna's 
 Report of the Battle. 
 
 t He was then at Guachuchil. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 17 
 
 attack General Taylor, at Agua Nueva, the 
 following day. 
 
 To stay at La Hedionda a moment longer 
 ■was out of the question. Colonel May had 
 all the regular cavalry of General Taylor's 
 army, and a section of his artillery, — a num- 
 ber and description of troops that could not 
 be spared in the event of an engagement ; 
 and it was instantly determined to make a 
 forced march during the night, in order to join 
 him before the battle should begin. The 
 signal to advance was immediately made 
 known to the enemy, by the discharge of 
 two muskets on the very eminence where it 
 was believed poor Sturgis had fallen ; and two 
 or three new fires blazed up on the adjacent 
 mountains. Every one supposed that they 
 were intended to give General Minon intelli- 
 gence of the moment when the column should 
 commence its return, and that he had already 
 arrived at the junction of the two roads, or 
 was making a rapid march thither, to cut it 
 off. Every thing was accordingly prepared for 
 instant combat. A strong advance-guard was 
 thrown far to the front, and flankers were sent 
 out two hundred yards to the right and left, 
 to prevent surprise. The artillery kept the 
 2 
 
18 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 road, ready to come into battery at the shortest 
 notice, being supported on the right and left 
 by the 1st and 2d Dragoons, respectively, 
 while the volunteer force brought up the rear. 
 When the column had got well into the pass 
 through the mountains, new signals, to indi- 
 cate that it had done so, were made on their 
 summits by the burning of fire-balls. Thus it 
 moved on in the cold and the darkness, every 
 man believing the next moment would find 
 him in deadly encounter with the enemy, yet 
 determined to cut his way to the support of 
 the devoted little army remaining with our 
 brave old general. 
 
 Contrary to expectation, General Mifion 
 did not make an attack, as he should have 
 done. The night wore away, the deep 
 defiles and narrow valleys were successively 
 passed, and, before daybreak on the morning 
 of the 21st of February, the column again 
 joined the main army, after a march of 
 sixty miles in less than twenty-one hours. 
 The party under Lieutenant Wood also 
 came in shortly afterwards. He had not 
 been surprised, as all had feared, but had 
 been unable to find the rancho in the dark- 
 ness, until after Colonel May had left it j 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 19 
 
 and, what appeared remarkable, he had not 
 discovered a single trace of the enemy in 
 his whole tour. 
 
 So far the expedition, with the exception 
 of the loss of Lieutenant Sturgis and the 
 dragoon who was with him, had been ex- 
 ceedingly fortunate. It was now known be- 
 yond a doubt, that the Mexican army was 
 really near us, and meditating an immediate 
 attack. By twelve o'clock on the 21st, Major 
 McCulloch likewise returned, and confirmed 
 all that Colonel May had heard, except as 
 to the prospect of Santa Anna's arriving at 
 Agua Nueva that day. The Major had been 
 in the immediate vicinity of La Encarnacion, 
 and with great adroitness had managed to 
 get such positions as to enable him, with- 
 out being observed, to see the whole force, 
 and to estimate very nearly the strength of 
 the different arms. He believed the whole 
 to be upwards of 20,000 men, with a large 
 proportion of cavalry and artillery. 
 
 As every thing now depended on the issue 
 of the expected battle, — as the glory of the 
 American arms, our own lives, and what- 
 ever we had hitherto gained or might hope to 
 achieve hereafter, would be involved in the 
 
20 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 disastrous consequences of a defeat, and all 
 must be hazarded on making one bold stand, 
 — it was determined, after mature considera- 
 tion, in order that the enemy's advantages 
 should be diminished as much as possible, to 
 abandon Agua Nueva, and to fall back on the 
 position in front of Buena Vista. That point 
 could not well be turned ; and the nature 
 of the ground, as has already been re- 
 marked, would seriously obstruct the opera- 
 tions of Santa Anna's cavalry and artillery, 
 his two favorite and most formidable arms. 
 There was still another important object to 
 be gained by this movement, which will 
 hereafter be explained. Our little army, 
 therefore, marched back and encamped again 
 in the immediate neighborhood of the ha- 
 cienda/ H) one mile and a half in the rear of 
 La Angostura, at which place Colonel Har- 
 din's First Regiment of Illinois Yolunteers 
 had alone been halted, with orders to oc- 
 cupy the high tongue of land (D) command- 
 ing the road. By falling back thus far 
 from the spot selected for the final issue, 
 the army had a better ground to encamp 
 upon, and also, close at hand, an abundant 
 supply of water. Another advantage was 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 21 
 
 wisely anticipated from this disposition of 
 our troops, who would thus not be obliged 
 to await in their camp the attack, but 
 would, at the proper moment, move forward 
 to meet it, and thereby gain, aside from 
 every other consideration, the moral effect 
 which the mere fact of advancing to the 
 conflict would be sure to produce, especial- 
 ly on troops unaccustomed to battle. 
 
 A considerable amount of stores was stih 
 remaining at Agua Nueva, and all the af- 
 ternoon and evening of the 21st were 
 diligently employed in bringing them away , 
 Colonel Yell, with a part of his regiment 
 of Arkansas Mounted Volunteers having been 
 ordered to remain behind and protect them 
 to the last moment. 
 
 Santa Anna did not leave La Encarnacion 
 until noon on the 21st of February. He 
 then put his troops in motion in the fol- 
 lowing order. Four battalions of light in- 
 fantry, under General Ampudia, composed his 
 advance-guard. This division was followed 
 by a brigade of artillery of 16-pounders, with 
 a regiment of engineers and their train ; and 
 these, by the park of the regiment of hussars. 
 Then came his first division of heavy infantry, 
 
22 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 under General Lombardini, with five 12-pound- 
 ers and their park. His second division, under 
 General Pacheco, followed next, with eight 
 8-pounders and their park ; after them, the 
 divisions of his cavalry under General Ju- 
 vera. Then followed the remainder of his 
 cannon, with the general park and baggage, 
 the rear being covered by a brigade of lan- 
 cers under General Andrade. His artillery 
 consisted of three 24-pounders, three Im- 
 pounders, five 12-pounders, eight 8-pounders, 
 and a 7-inch howitzer ; in all, twenty guns, 
 besides several siege pieces, not mounted, but 
 drawn in wagons. Of cavalry he had 4338, 
 without including the collateral force of 2000 
 under General Minon ; and his engineers, sap- 
 pers, artillery, and infantry, amounted to 
 upwards of 17,000 men.* 
 
 In this order of march the Mexican army 
 proceeded from La Encarnacion ; and, having 
 passed the Plan de la Guerra, and the 
 narrow defile known as the Pass of Pirlones, 
 a distance of twenty-five miles, halted, in 
 the same order, in a little valley which ex- 
 
 * This estimate is based on the orders and a subse- 
 quent report of Santa Anna, and on the statements of 
 Mexican officers and other prisoners, who fell into our 
 hands. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 23 
 
 tends from the latter place to the Pass of 
 Carnero (near Agua Nueva), the light infantry, 
 under General Ampudia, pushing on to that 
 point. 
 
 Up to this moment, Santa Anna imagined 
 that General Taylor remained entirely igno- 
 rant of his movement. He had taken the 
 precaution to have General Minon's 2000 
 cavalry hovering about our forces for nearly 
 the whole winter ; not so much to annoy 
 us, as to blind us to the approach of his 
 main army ; shrewdly concluding that our 
 spies and reconnoitring parties would mis- 
 take the advance of the latter for the occa- 
 sional marches, from point to point, of the 
 former, and not take alarm until he should 
 be upon us in sufficient strength to destroy 
 us at a blow. As he acted, therefore, under 
 the impression that all his plans for con- 
 cealment had thus far been successful, his 
 purpose in sending General Ampudia forward 
 during the night, was to occupy the Pass of 
 Carnero, in case it should not be already in 
 the possession of our troops and fortified. 
 He supposed that if, by any possibility, Gen- 
 eral Taylor knew of his approach, he would 
 certainly dispute the passage of that point ; 
 
24 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 but, if not, which appeared to him probable, 
 he hoped to surprise him by daybreak the fol- 
 lowing morning in his camp at Agua Nueva. 
 It was long after dark when orders were 
 given for the two companies of the 1st Dra- 
 goons, and a part of the regiment of Ken- 
 tucky Mounted Volunteers, to return from 
 the camp at Buena Vista to the assistance 
 of Colonel Yell, in case the enemy should 
 attempt to cut him off; and directions were 
 sent to him, in the event of an attack, to 
 fire the hacienda of Agua Nueva, and de- 
 stroy the stores he might be unable to re- 
 move, and then to fall back on the position 
 occupied by the army. It was nearly mid- 
 night when these troops arrived there. They 
 had hardly formed, when Colonel Yell's ad- 
 vanced piquet, stationed in the Pass of Car- 
 nero, was attacked by the Mexican light 
 division and driven in ; * our men not even 
 waiting to determine whether those who 
 
 * Our piquets had met with patrols from General 
 Minon's brigade on several previous occasions down this 
 road toward La Encarnacion, and shots had been ex- 
 changed between them. Ampudia justified his firing, and 
 the risk of thereby alarming our camp, by saying he 
 believed our men had mistaken his own for General 
 Miiion's troops. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 25 
 
 fired upon them were mounted or on foot. 
 The order was immediately given to set fire 
 to the buildings, and at the same time the 
 whole train of both loaded and empty wag- 
 ons moved off with furious speed for Buena 
 Vista ; the troops remaining behind until all 
 the stores were consumed. 
 
 The burning of the buildings, and of several 
 large stacks of unthreshed grain, illumined the 
 whole valley of La Encantada, and painted 
 the rugged and picturesque features of the 
 surrounding mountains in bright relief against 
 the murky shadows of the intervening gorges. 
 Perhaps no single picture of some of the 
 most striking effects of war could produce a 
 stronger or more lasting impression, than the 
 one here exhibited. The noise of the falling 
 timbers, the roar of the flames, the huge col- 
 umn of ascending smoke, the appearance of 
 armed and mounted men moving between the 
 spectator and the fire, with the brilliant light 
 flashing here and there on burnished arms 
 and glittering appointments, — taken in con- 
 nection with the scattered shots interchanged 
 between still other of our advanced parties 
 and those of Ampudia, the heavy rumbling 
 of our rapidly retreating train of wagons, in- 
 
26 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 termingled with the distant trumpet-signals 
 now and then faintly heard in the direction 
 of the approaching enemy, — all conspired to 
 render that cold, deep midnight, one which 
 could never he forgotten. Besides, the scene 
 of that conflagration, with its attendant cir- 
 cumstances, was invested with another and 
 more fearful interest ; for it awakened the re- 
 flection, that the coming morrow was to be- 
 hold the two armies, now so near each other, 
 in mortal strife, the issue of which no one 
 could contemplate without intense anxiety. 
 
 It was daybreak on the morning of the 22d 
 of February, when all our cavalry had re- 
 turned to Buena Vista, leaving the whole val- 
 ley of La Encantada open to the enemy. But 
 before that time Santa Anna had again put 
 the heavy masses of his column in motion for 
 the Pass of Carnero, being still under the im- 
 pression that he should be able to come sudden- 
 ly upon General Taylor's force at Agua Nueva, 
 and to cut it up before it could be suitably 
 disposed for battle. Great, therefore, was his 
 astonishment on coming through the moun- 
 tain gorge, far enough to command a view 
 of that place, to find it entirely abandoned. 
 At first he imagined our forces had retired 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 27 
 
 under the cover of intrenchments, which he 
 had heard we had thrown up; and he im- 
 mediately directed his troops so as to turn 
 our right, in order to gain La Encantada 
 and the road between us and Saltillo, in ac- 
 cordance with a part of one of his three 
 previous plans of operation. But, upon ap- 
 proaching the ruins of the hacienda, a Mex- 
 ican servant, whom he found there, informed 
 him that our army had been evacuating its 
 position ever since the preceding day, and 
 had fallen back toward the city. By this 
 movement, all his purposes, based upon the 
 expectation of resistance at Agua Nueva, 
 were rendered abortive. But this masterly 
 strategy of our commander, hi his change 
 of position, was then, as had been calculated, 
 construed by Santa Anna into a precipitate 
 retreat. Therefore, without pausing to refresh 
 his already exhausted troops, he pushed on 
 with his whole cavalry force and his light 
 division, to cut us to pieces. This he be- 
 lieved he could the more readily accomplish, 
 as he had previously ordered General Mifion, 
 with his 2000 choice troops, to get in rear of 
 us, if possible, at Buena Vista ; if not, by the 
 Pass of Palomas Adentro, and a narrow and 
 
28 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 winding pathway over the mountains to the 
 valley east of Saltillo.* Supposing that order 
 already executed, he indulged the hope that 
 he could yet entrap, between two formida- 
 ble portions of his army, what he imagined 
 to be our panic-stricken and fugitive col- 
 umns. Elated by such a brilliant prospect, 
 he urged more rapidly forward his weary and 
 nearly famished troops, leaving directions for 
 his artillery and heavy infantry to follow as 
 fast as possible. 
 
 Thus, by General Taylor's falling back to 
 Buena Vista, he caused Santa Anna to become 
 inspired with the hope just mentioned. Under 
 its influence, he compelled his whole army, 
 already suffering from thirst and worn down 
 by the fatigue of a continuous march of 
 thirty-five miles over a desert, to hurry on 
 fourteen more, without rest, and with only 
 the refreshment of a meagre repast and a sin- 
 gle draught of water. 
 
 * General Minon says in his Report, that Santa Anna 
 did not direct or suggest the latter movement until the 
 evening of the 22d ; that before that time he (General 
 Minon) had taken the responsibility of moving thither, 
 and had gained a position east of the town, as soon 
 as he could do so after he had learned that General 
 Taylor had fallen back on Buena Vista. Santa Anna 
 himself is the opposing authority. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 29 
 
 No calculations could have had results more 
 fortunate than those of General Taylor. San- 
 ta Anna had cherished the vain belief that 
 his antagonist remained totally ignorant of his 
 movements ; and, by his extreme solicitude to 
 keep up that ignorance until the moment of 
 attack, he permitted himself to be completely 
 out-generalled, even on this very point. For 
 his own place and condition were perfectly 
 known, while he himself remained, as he 
 unwillingly admits, entirely in the dark as to 
 those of General Taylor, whose retrograde 
 and apparently confused and hurried march 
 decoyed him into what he has since termed 
 a Thermopylas. It is very doubtful if, with 
 all his superiority of numbers, he could have 
 been induced to venture to this spot, had not 
 his elation at the prospect of our speedy de- 
 struction borne him so far forward before he 
 was undeceived as to our flight, that he could 
 not recede, nor avoid a battle, without dis- 
 grace. 
 
 He was, therefore, singularly unfortunate in 
 thus having the scene of his anticipated en- 
 gagement so suddenly, unexpectedly, and, as it 
 were, mysteriously changed from a known to 
 an unknown point. Nor was he less so as to 
 
30 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 the time he had selected for it. If, in the 
 whole year, there be one day, above all others, 
 when the heart of an American is naturally 
 animated by the purest sentiments of patriot- 
 ism, — when all that is greatest and best in his 
 country's history is brought most vividly to 
 his mind, as an example that should strength- 
 en his purpose, and nerve his arm, to emulate 
 the glorious deeds of the Past, — that is the 
 day which gave birth to the Father of his 
 Country. But it was on the morning of 
 Washington's Birthday, that Santa Anna in- 
 dulged in the delusive hope, that an army of 
 Americans, unmindful of its sublime associa- 
 tions, and. recreant to their country and their 
 name, had basely fled before him. 
 
 It was eight o'clock when the "long roll" 
 called our men to arms. No one, who there 
 witnessed the cheerful alacrity with which 
 they seized their weapons, and sprang to their 
 places in the lines, — who saw the firm re- 
 solve impressed on every countenance in that 
 determined little band, — can ever forget the 
 sight. 
 
 Every banner was unfurled to the bright 
 sun and enlivening breeze ; and, as the various 
 bands of music struck up the national air of 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 31 
 
 " Hail, Columbia" the sacred battle-cry, — 
 "The Memory of Washington!" — passed 
 from regiment to regiment, and from corps to 
 corps, amid the most enthusiastic shouts. 
 
 Could the friends at home, of those here 
 marshalled for the conflict, have seen the spirit 
 which animated them ; could they have be- 
 held them cut off from the hope of returning 
 with honor to all they loved, except through 
 their own brave exertions, surrounded,* as 
 they were, by foes bent on their destruction, 
 proverbially merciless, smarting under the dis- 
 grace of recent defeats, and now about to fight 
 under the immediate eye of their most distin- 
 guished general ; — could their dearest friends 
 have seen them thus, not one but would have 
 glowed with pride at their gallant bearing, 
 and would himself have girded on their arms, 
 and, invoking for them the aid of the God of 
 Battles, would, in the spirit of the heroic 
 past, have bid them go forth to victory, or, 
 if it must be, to the sacrifice. 
 
 * The 2000 cavalry, under General Mifion, had already- 
 come through the Pass of Palomas Adentro in rear of us ; 
 and General Urrea and General Romero, with another 
 brigade of cavalry, had previously been sent through the 
 mountains by the way of Tula, and were at this time on 
 the road east of Monterey. — ■ See Santa Anna's Report* 
 
32 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 General Taylor had not yet returned from 
 Saltillo, whither he had proceeded, on the eve- 
 ning of the 21st, with a small force, to make 
 dispositions for its defence. General Wool, 
 therefore, being next to him in rank, com- 
 manded the troops during his absence, and 
 now gave the order to move forward to the 
 battle-ground. It was received with three 
 hearty cheers, when the regiments and corps 
 broke into column, and each, to the time of 
 some lively air, moved rapidly off to its posi- 
 tion. 
 
 In the mean time, Santa Anna's cavalry 
 came thundering along the valley of La En- 
 cantada, and down the road through the 
 Pass, a vast cloud of dust distinctly marking 
 its progress. The first evidence it received, 
 that any check would be offered to its onward 
 course to Saltillo, was the sight of Washing- 
 ton's Battery of eight pieces, which had been 
 directed by General Wool to occupy La An- 
 gostura, and was then advancing over the 
 crest of a ridge, and descending the slope of 
 the road leading to that position ; and of the 
 First Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, which 
 was already on the high ridge to the left of it. 
 As soon as the enemy discovered this force, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 33 
 
 and before he had come within range of 
 Washington's guns, his bugles sounded a halt. 
 Immediately afterwards, all the more advanced 
 squadrons wheeled about, and retired behind a 
 protecting elevation of the ground, (I) while 
 those in the rear came rapidly up, and formed 
 upon them. In a short time, then compact 
 and serried masses, thus accumulated, with 
 their flags and pennons flying, and their bright 
 lances sparkling in the sun, extended from the 
 stream nearly half way to the mountains on 
 our left. 
 
 By this time General Wool had placed 
 our troops in their several positions,* and the 
 following was the order of battle for the 
 22d of February. Captain Washington's 
 Battery occupied the road at La Angostura, 
 supported by Colonel Hardin's First Regiment 
 of Illinois Yolunteers, posted, as before re- 
 marked, on the elevated tongue of land 
 which extends from that point to the plateau. 
 The Second Regiment of Illinois Yolunteers 
 and one company of Texans, the whole 
 under Colonel Bissell, were on its left, and 
 
 * That is, the very first positions of the several regi- 
 ments and corps. Every change they afterwards made 
 ia noted in the text. 
 
 3 
 
34 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 near the foot of the plateau ; while the Second 
 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, under 
 Colonel McKee, occupied the crest of a ridge 
 in the rear of Washington's Battery, around 
 which the road, divided, runs. The Arkansas 
 and Kentucky Regiments of Mounted Volun- 
 teers, commanded, severally, by Colonel Yell 
 and Colonel Marshall, were stationed on the 
 extreme left, near the base of the mountains ; 
 while the brigade of Indiana Volunteers, un- 
 der General Lane (composed of the Second 
 Regiment, commanded by Colonel Bowles, and 
 the Third by Colonel Lane), the First Regi- 
 ' ment of Mississippi Riflemen under Colonel 
 Jefferson Davis, Captain S teen's squadron of 
 the 1st Dragoons, Lieutenant-Colonel May's 
 squadron of the 2d Dragoons, and the light 
 Batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg, oc- 
 cupied, as a reserve, the next ridges immedi- 
 ately in rear of the right of the plateau and 
 of the ground of the Illinois Volunteers. In 
 this position our army awaited the attack. 
 
 The situation of the troops was now such 
 that most of them could command a view 
 of the upper end of the pass and the open- 
 ing to the valley beyond. The enemy was 
 evidently waiting for the arrival of his rear 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 35 
 
 columns. In the mean time, General Tay- 
 lor had returned from Saltillo. As he rode 
 along our lines, he was everywhere received 
 with the most enthusiastic cheers; and the 
 sound of each wild hurrah could be distinctly 
 heard by those of the Mexican army who 
 had already arrived on their ground. 
 
 General Wool also rode along the lines, 
 and addressed a few spirited and patriotic 
 remarks to each regiment and corps which 
 he passed. He reminded the troops of his 
 own column particularly of their past labors, 
 and their protracted and weary marches * to 
 find the enemy, who now stood before them 
 in sufficient strength to give them all they 
 could require in the way of combat, and to 
 afford every man an opportunity to win all 
 the distinction he could wish. And he sug- 
 gested to the minds of all the great good 
 fortune which was theirs, to be called more 
 signally to mark the anniversary of a day 
 already hallowed to their country, and one 
 on which no man could be unfaithful to the 
 trust she had confided to him, — ■ that of 
 maintaining the glory of her arms and the 
 
 * See Appendix, A. 
 
36 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 lustre of the American name as bright and 
 unsullied as they had been left by her great- 
 est general, to whom this day had given 
 birth. This was, likewise, responded to by 
 three hearty cheers. 
 
 For a long time, the engineers and topo- 
 graphical engineers of both armies were busily 
 employed ; ours, in moving far to the front, 
 to get a more accurate view of their differ- 
 ent forces as they came up, and to learn 
 their several positions, — and theirs, in gain- 
 ing elevated points between the two lines, to 
 reconnoitre our ground and the disposition 
 of our troops. Our exact strength they al- 
 ready knew from their spies and from their 
 friends in Saltillo. 
 
 Meanwhile Santa Anna sent in a flag of 
 truce* to General Taylor, with the following 
 note : 
 
 "Head-Quarters of the Liberating 
 Army of the Republic. 
 "You are surrounded by twenty thousand men, and 
 cannot, in any human probability, avoid suffering a rout 
 
 * The bearer of this flag was a German, named Van- 
 derlinden, then tbe Surgeon- General of the Mexican army. 
 lie seemed very anxious to impress upon the mind of the 
 officer who met him the important fact, that Santa Anna 
 had twenty-three generals with him, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 37 
 
 and being cut to pieces with your troops. But, as you 
 deserve from me consideration and particular esteem, I 
 wish to save you from a catastrophe ; and for that pur- 
 pose I give you this notice, in order that you may sur- 
 render at discretion, under the assurance that you will 
 be treated Avith the consideration belonging to the Mex- 
 ican character. To this end, you will be granted an 
 hour's time to make up your mind, to commence from 
 the moment when a flag of truce arrives in your camp. 
 With this view, I assure you of my particular considera- 
 tion. 
 
 " God and Liberty ! Camp at Encantada, February 22, 
 
 1847. 
 
 "ANTO. LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 
 
 "To General Z. Taylor, 
 
 " Commanding the Forces of tlie United States." * 
 
 In answer to the foregoing, General Taylor 
 immediately despatched this note : 
 
 "Head-Quarters, Armt of Occupation, 
 
 Near Buena Vista, Feb. 22, 1847. 
 " Sir : In reply to your note of this date, summoning 
 me to surrender my forces at discretion, I beg leave to 
 say that I decline acceding to your request. 
 " With high respect, I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 "Z. TAYLOR, 
 " Major- General U. S. A., Commanding. 
 "Senor General D. Anto. Lopez de Santa Anna, 
 " Commanding in chief, Encantada." 
 
 * See Appendix, C, 
 
38 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 A short time afterwards,* the whole of the 
 Mexican army had come up and been formed 
 upon their ground in the following order : 
 
 The first and second divisions of infantry 
 were placed in two lines, one in rear of the 
 other, on one of the ridges in front of our 
 position ; there being another and rather more 
 elevated one between us. A battery of Im- 
 pounders, supported by the regiment of engi- 
 neers, was established on a higher point on 
 their right ; and two others, of 12 and 8 
 pounders, and the 7-inch howitzer, on their 
 left and near the road. The latter were placed 
 in battery by Santa Anna in person ; the for- 
 mer, by his Chief of Engineers, General Mora 
 y Villamil, and his Chief of Artillery, Gen- 
 eral Corona. The cavalry was then disposed 
 in rear of his right and left flanks, and the 
 regiment of hussars, — Santa Anna's personal 
 guard, — in rear of the centre. There was 
 a small eminence on his left, directly upon 
 the road, and in front of Washington's Bat- 
 tery, which the beautiful battalion of Leon 
 
 * "We took a position and awaited the infantry, -which 
 arrived at one o'clock, having taken on the road five wag- 
 ons, and some provisions and forage left by the enemy." — 
 Mexican Engineer's Report of the Battle. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 39 
 
 was ordered to occupy. The general park 
 was placed in rear of all, and covered by the 
 brigade of General Andrade. Santa Anna's 
 own position was the same as that of his 
 hussars. 
 
 It was past two o'clock before all these ar- 
 rangements had been completed. In the inter- 
 val, General Ampudia and Colonel Baneneli, 
 with the four battalions of light infantry, 
 were directed to get possession of one of two 
 gradual slopes (J) of the mountain to the left 
 of the plateau. This movement being ob- 
 served, a portion of the Arkansas and Ken- 
 tucky Yolunteers, and a small battalion from 
 the Indiana brigade, all on foot, and armed 
 with rifles, were placed under the command 
 of Colonel Marshall, and sent up the other 
 slope (K> to resist them. While these troops 
 were approaching each other, and severally 
 climbing up their opposite ridges (which, it 
 should be remarked, draw closer and closer 
 together, and finally unite near the summit of 
 the mountain), each evidently endeavoring to 
 outflank the other, a movement was made 
 on the enemy's left, which induced General 
 Taylor to order a corresponding one on our 
 right. Accordingly, Captain Bragg's Light 
 
40 BATTLE OF BTJENA VISTA. 
 
 Battery, with Colonel McKee's Regiment of 
 Kentucky foot Volunteers as a support, was 
 sent across the stream, to occupy a position 
 between it and the mountains on that side, 
 and somewhat in advance of the Battery at 
 La Angostura. 
 
 Captain Washington had already detached 
 two of his pieces, which were sent up to the 
 left of the plateau, under Lieutenant Bryan, 
 of the Topographical Engineers, then tem- 
 porarily on duty in the artillery, — ' when he 
 was asked by General Wool, if he could spare 
 still another. 
 
 " Yes," said he. 
 
 " But what will become of this key to our 
 position, if you are deprived of three of your 
 guns ? " 
 
 " I will defend it," was his gallant re- 
 ply ; and he immediately detached Lieutenant 
 O'Brien, then commanding his first section, 
 with another piece. 
 
 When this gun was joined to the section 
 already on the plateau, Lieutenant O'Brien 
 took command of the whole ; the Second 
 Regiment of Indiana Volunteers being ordered 
 up to sustain him. 
 
 At three o'clock precisely, the enemy opened 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 41 
 
 the battle by firing a shell from his howitzer 
 at this part of our lines. Immediately after- 
 wards, Ampudia's light division became warmly 
 engaged with our riflemen, on the side of the 
 mountain ; the former discharging their pieces 
 in continuous and rapid volleys ; the latter, 
 lying behind the crest of their ridge, firing 
 deliberately, and doing terrible execution with 
 their unerring weapons. From that time until 
 dark, these troops continued the conflict with- 
 out changing their positions, except to ap- 
 proach each other by climbing still higher up 
 the mountain, until, at last, there were two 
 lines of combatants from near the plateau to 
 its very summit. 
 
 The fighting in this quarter, together with 
 an occasional cannonade, directed by the ene- 
 my at the troops on the plateau, constituted the 
 action of the 22d ; the two armies not becom- 
 ing regularly engaged on that day. At dark, 
 a shell was thrown into the air by the enemy, 
 as a signal for his light division to cease the 
 contest ; and not a gun was fired afterwards, 
 by either side, for the whole night, except a 
 few shots now and then exchanged between 
 the advanced piquets and moving patrols of 
 the two forces. 
 
42 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 The loss on the American side during this 
 day's contest was very trifling, four men only 
 being wounded ; while that of the Mexican 
 army was over three hundred,* in killed and 
 wounded. 
 
 By night fall, Colonel Hardin's First Regi- 
 ment of Illinois Volunteers had completed a 
 parapet on the high ridge it occupied, extend- 
 ing along its whole front ; and, under the 
 direction of our engineers, had dug a ditch and 
 thrown up an epaulment in front of Wash- 
 ington's Battery, with a traverse upon its right, 
 continuing the ditch and a slight breastwork 
 from thence to the brink of the impassable 
 gullies of the stream. This ditch was occu- 
 pied by an immediate supporting force de- 
 
 * "The enemy, so soon as he perceived that we had 
 occupied the height that flanked his left and our right, 
 detached two battalions to dislodge us, which led to a 
 ■warm engagement, that lasted all the afternoon and till 
 after dark, when he was repulsed with a loss of four hun- 
 dred men, according to the report of the prisoners. Ours 
 was much less, as we had the advantage of the ground." — 
 Santa Anna's Report of the Battle. 
 
 "The enemy tried in vain to dislodge them [Ampudia's 
 light battalions] from their position, by moving against it a 
 heavy column ; and was compelled to retire, leaving the 
 ravine [between the two slopes] filled with wounded." — 
 Mexican Engineer s Report, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 43 
 
 tached from Colonel Hardin's regiment, con- 
 sisting of two companies, and commanded by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford. To provide 
 for the contingency of the advance of our 
 batteries during the battle, a small opening 
 was left between the left of the epaulment 
 and the high bluff, sufficiently wide for the 
 passage of cannon. But, in order to prevent 
 the enemy from having the advantage of it 
 in case of an assault, it was choked up by 
 two wagons, laden with stones, and having 
 their wheels locked by chains. They could 
 easily be removed by us, and the way be 
 opened in case of necessity. 
 
 Early hi the day, General Mifion, with his 
 brigade, had entered the valley east of Saltillo, 
 as Santa Anna had anticipated ; but the latter, 
 finding General Taylor had made a stand and 
 was determined to offer him battle, sent di- 
 rections to the former to remain in that quar- 
 ter, and to fall upon us during our retreat 
 before his overwhelming masses. In order 
 the more certainly to insure that none of our 
 army should escape, a thousand mounted ran- 
 cheros, armed with lances and machetes, * 
 
 * Ma-che-te, a kind of long, heavy knife, similar to those 
 used in cutting down Indian corn. 
 
44 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 who had been collected at Monclova, Buena- 
 ventura, and Parras, and were commanded by 
 Colonel Miguel Blanco and Colonel Aguierra, 
 were also sent from Patos, by a mule-path 
 leading through the mountains, into the same 
 valley. While, therefore, General Mifion was 
 to hover about the east side of the road lead- 
 ing from Saltillo to Monterey, along which, 
 it was supposed, we should soon be flying in 
 great confusion, Colonels Blanco and Aguierra 
 were to occupy the small town of Capellania 
 on the west, likewise to await our retreat, and 
 to assist in cutting us up without quarter. 
 
 General Taylor, feeling convinced from the 
 dispositions of Santa Anna, that he would de- 
 fer making his grand attack until the next 
 morning, and fearing that the strong force in 
 the rear of the city, where all our stores were, 
 might make a movement to take it, left Gen- 
 eral Wool in command, and again, at sunset, 
 started from the field, with Colonel May's 
 squadron of the 2d Dragoons, and Colonel 
 Davis's Regiment of Mississippi Riflemen, for 
 Saltillo, the better to provide for such an" 
 emergency. On arriving there, he arranged 
 that Warren's and Webster's commands should 
 remain to garrison the town and redoubt, re- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 45 
 
 spectively, as they had previously done ; and 
 that the train and head-quarters camp, then 
 established on the brow of the hill immediate- 
 ly south of the town, should be defended by 
 one 6-pounder, detached from Captain Bragg 's 
 Battery, and under the command of Lieuten- 
 ant Shover, with a support of two companies 
 of Colonel Davis's riflemen, under Captain 
 Rogers. 
 
 After the action of the 22d had drawn to 
 a close, Santa Anna made a final address to 
 those of his troops that remained in our front. 
 He referred to the wrongs which, he said, 
 had been inflicted upon their country by 
 the barbarians of the North; wrongs which 
 could not be submitted to without eternal 
 disgrace, and which could be redressed only 
 by the last resort of nations. The United 
 States of the North had, coward-like, pre- 
 sumed on their strength alone, and wantonly 
 set at defiance every principle of right. They 
 had provoked this war under the cover of 
 other objects to be gained, but really for their 
 own aggrandizement, and the acquisition of 
 territory clearly the property of the United 
 States of the South. The one country aimed 
 only at the entire destruction of the nation- 
 
46 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 ality of the other. He wished to call their 
 whole attention to that single fact ; and not 
 only to that, but to a thousand others, which, 
 like that, would make them burn to take ter- 
 rible vengeance on the mercenary invaders 
 of their soil. He called upon them to look 
 upon their country. What met their sight? 
 Its possessions wrested away ; its dignity in- 
 sulted ; its fair fields ravaged ; its citizens 
 slaughtered; its hearths and homes made des- 
 olate. Others had gone forth to vindicate 
 these wrongs, but they had fallen ; and now 
 their blood, which had drenched the fields of 
 Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey, 
 called on them, their brethren, with an elo- 
 quence that must reach their hearts, to avenge 
 their death. He reminded them, that they 
 had crossed deserts, had suffered hunger, and 
 thirst, and fatigue, without a murmur. Long 
 and weary had been their march ; but now 
 they should be rewarded with repose, and the 
 enjoyment of the abundance which filled the 
 ample granaries of the murderers of their breth- 
 ren. He concluded by saying, that we were 
 but a handful, and at his mercy ; that he had 
 magnanimously offered to spare our lives, and 
 even to treat us with consideration; but that 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 47 
 
 we had vain-gloriously rejected his clemency, 
 leaving, as the only alternative, our utter ex- 
 termination, without pity or quarter.* 
 
 This address was received with loud cries 
 of " Viva Santana ! " " Viva la Republica ! " 
 " Libertad o Muerte ! " — distinctly heard in 
 our lines. After the shouting had ceased, San- 
 ta Anna's own magnificent band commenced 
 playing ; and, as the gentle breeze swept 
 down the Pass toward us, each delicious strain 
 seemed to float upon it, mellowed by dis- 
 tance, yet distinct and inexpressibly sweet. 
 For over half an hour it continued to delight 
 our " barbarian ears " with the exquisitely 
 beautiful airs of the sumiy south. When it 
 had finished, and the last faint echo had sunk 
 to rest, silence the most profound fell over 
 the two armies like a pall. The huge moun- 
 tains on each side reared their craggy heads 
 high into the darkness above, and the Pass 
 itself seemed to lie between them in deep 
 gloom and utter solitude. No one could real- 
 ize that there were so many thousands of 
 human beings gathered together in that nar- 
 row gorge. And it was a dreadful reflection, 
 
 * The substance of this address was repeated to some 
 of our officers by Mexicans who heard it. 
 
48 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 that so many of them, now full of life, and 
 ambition, and high aspirations ; now visiting 
 in thought their far-off homes and the dear 
 ones there ; now the objects of pride and 
 yearning solicitude ; now the centre of deep 
 affection, of sacred love, and of long-cherished 
 hopes, — would be stricken down in the full 
 flush and vigor of manhood, and, ere another 
 night should cast its dark mantle over the 
 earth, would be numbered for ever among the 
 things that were. 
 
 At ten o'clock in the evening, the two com- 
 panies of the 1st Dragoons were ordered by 
 General Wool to return to Buena Vista, strike 
 our camp, pack it in wagons, and then to park 
 these carefully in one of the hollows between 
 the hacienda and La Angostura. This ser- 
 vice was completed by half past one o'clock, 
 and the whole train arranged so as to be moved 
 at the shortest notice. 
 
 Until eleven o'clock on the evening of the 
 22d, the weather was quite mild ; but at that 
 hour a cold wind began to blow, and the sky, 
 which before had been thickly overcast, be- 
 came filled with dark and heavy drifts of 
 clouds, which now and then let down slight 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 49 
 
 showers of rain, more particularly up the 
 mountain on our left, There the men suf- 
 fered extremely from the cold. They gath- 
 ered together the trunks of the yuca and the 
 dry stalks of the sotol, and built themselves 
 fires, until at length, up the whole side of the 
 mountain, from near the plateau to the very 
 top, light after light was kindled ; and for the 
 whole night long each one was surrounded by 
 a circle of shivering troops. All the rest of 
 both armies remained in position, and slept 
 upon their arms without fires.* 
 
 About two o'clock in the morning of the 
 23d, some of our advanced piquets were at- 
 tacked by those of the Mexican army, and 
 driven, in ; and, between that time and day- 
 break, the light division of General Ampudia 
 was reenforced by 2000 infantry from the di- 
 visions of Generals Lombardini and Pacheco. 
 Many of Ampudia' s command, when it had 
 thus been augmented, clambered along near 
 the summit of the mountain, and succeeded 
 in gaining elevated positions to the left and 
 
 * "In our position we passed the night, which was ab- 
 solutely infernal, owing to the cold, rain, and wind, which 
 last almost amounted to a hurricane, while we had neither 
 food nor fuel." — Mexican Engineer's Report. 
 
 4 
 
50 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 rear of our riflemen. It was also in this quar- 
 ter, at the very first dawn of day, that the 
 battle of the 23d commenced. 
 
 General Wool, perceiving that the strength 
 of the enemy in that direction was much 
 greater than on the evening before, immedi- 
 ately detached Major Trail, of the 2d Illinois 
 Volunteers, with another small battalion of 
 riflemen, including Captain Conner's company 
 of Texas Volunteers, to reenforce the com- 
 mand which had there engaged the enemy 
 with much spirit, and, although contending 
 with nearly eight to one, continued to main- 
 tain very handsomely its own part of the 
 mountain. It was soon assisted, likewise, by 
 Lieutenant O'Brien, who, with the 2d Indiana 
 Volunteers, had remained at the upper edge (L) 
 of the plateau for the night. His pieces were 
 one 12-pounder howitzer, one 6-pounder gun, 
 and one 4-pounder. Just at sunrise, as great 
 numbers of Ampudia's light troops poured 
 down into the ravine which divided their slope 
 of the mountain from the one occupied by 
 our riflemen, he pushed forward his howitzer, 
 and, although the distance and elevation were 
 very great, succeeded in throwing directly into 
 the midst of them some six or eight spherical- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 51 
 
 case shot, which, exploding just at the proper 
 time, did immense execution. Up to this mo- 
 ment the discharge of the enemy's musketry on 
 the side of the mountain had been incessant ; 
 but, at the bursting of the first shot, it com- 
 pletely ceased for several minutes, his troops 
 being occupied in climbing still higher up and 
 out of range. The accuracy and effect of 
 Lieutenant O'Brien's firing on this occasion 
 were so admirable, as to call forth the cheers 
 of our whole line. 
 
 In the mean time, the chief of Santa Anna's 
 staff, General Micheltorena, succeeded in plant- 
 ing a battery of 8-pounders at the upper termi- 
 nation of the elevated ridge (M) already spoken 
 of as lying between our position and that of 
 the enemy, from which point he had a plung- 
 ing fire on the plateau. His first efforts were 
 against the pieces under Lieutenant O'Brien, 
 but the distance was so great, that the latter 
 did not attempt to answer him. 
 
 While the battle was thus opened and con- 
 tinued by the small force on our extreme left, 
 the rest of our troops, under the direction of 
 General Wool, were placed in their final posi- 
 tion to await the attack then menaced in our 
 front. Captain Bragg's Battery, supported by 
 
52 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Colonel McKee's regiment, remained at the 
 same point (N) on our extreme right, to which 
 it had been directed to proceed the evening 
 before. Captain Washington's Battery con- 
 tinued to occupy La Angostura/ B) sustained 
 by Colonel Hardin's regiment * in the trenches 
 on its right, and upon the high spur on its 
 left. 
 
 It should have been remarked, that the pla- 
 teau is scalloped, on its side next the road, 
 by three deep gorges, that run back into it. 
 They are of unequal length; the shortest (0) 
 being only a little in advance of the point 
 where the high tongue of land, occupied by the 
 1st Illinois Volunteers, joins the upper plain ; 
 the next (P) still longer; and the third (GL) run- 
 ning back more than half way from the road to 
 the mountain. The six companies f of Colonel 
 Bissell's Second Regiment of Illinois Volun- 
 teers, which remained, were posted on the pla- 
 teau opposite to the head of the middle gorge. (R) 
 
 * That is, eight companies of it ; Captain Morgan's and 
 Captain Prentiss's companies composing a part of Major 
 Warren's command in Saltillo. 
 
 t Two were in Saltillo, Captain Hacker's and Captain 
 Wheeler's, — and two (besides the Texan company), Cap- 
 tain Lemon's and Captain Woodward's, composed the bat- 
 talion sent to the mountain under Major Trail. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 53 
 
 On their left, and a little retired, was one 12- 
 pounder howitzer, under Lieutenant French, 
 and on their right, and also a little in the rear, 
 one 6-pounder gun, under Lieutenant Thomas. 
 Both these pieces belonged to Captain Sher- 
 man's Battery, the other two, under the Cap- 
 tain himself and Lieutenant John F. Rey- 
 nolds, remaining in reserve, as on the 22d. (S> 
 To the right and rear of Lieutenant Thomas's 
 gun, were the two companies of the 1st Dra- 
 goons, CT) and to the right and rear of them, 
 and near the head of the first gorge, Major 
 McCulloch's company of Mounted Texans. (U) 
 Colonel Bowles's Second Regiment of Indiana 
 Volunteers occupied the extreme left of the 
 plateau, with Lieutenant O'Brien's three pieces 
 on their right ; there being a long interval be- 
 tween his guns and Lieutenant French's how- 
 itzer on the left of the regiment under Colo- 
 nel Bissell. Colonel Lane's Third Regiment 
 of Indiana Volunteers occupied the small emi- 
 nence (V) in rear of Washington's Battery, while 
 all of the Arkansas and Kentucky Mounted 
 Volunteers, who had not been detached to fight 
 on foot, remained in the head of the broad 
 ravine (W) in rear of the left of the plateau. 
 The Mexican army was formed in three 
 
54 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 columns of attack. The first/ X) destined to 
 move down the road and carry the Pass of La 
 Angostura, was composed of the Regiment of 
 Engineers, the Twelfth Regiment, the Regi- 
 ment styled u Fijo de Mexico" the Battalion 
 of Puebla, and the celebrated " Guar da Costa 
 de Tampico." This column was commanded 
 by General Mora y Villamil. The second 
 column was composed of the divisions of 
 Generals Lombardini and Pacheco, and was 
 destined, one division (Y) to move directly 
 across the ridge to the left of their 8-pounder 
 battery, and the other (Z) to advance up the 
 principal ravine in front of the plateau, where 
 both, uniting near the mountain, were to turn 
 the left of our force upon the plateau. The 
 troops under General Ampudia were to com- 
 pose the third/ J) destined to sweep the moun- 
 tain, to turn our extreme left, and then, in 
 conjunction with the second, to fall on our 
 rear. The first two columns had each a strong 
 supporting force of cavalry ; moreover, the 
 12-pounder battery and the howitzer were 
 brought farther forward, and established within 
 range of La Angostura, on a slight eminence/ l) 
 close to the road, and just to the right and rear 
 of the small hill occupied by the battalion of 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 55 
 
 Leon. (20> This battery was to assist the at- 
 tack to be made by the first column. A pow- 
 erful reserve/ 2) commanded by General Or- 
 tega, remained on the ground occupied, on the 
 night of the 22d, by Santa Anna's two front 
 lines of battle. 
 
 These arrangements, on both sides, com- 
 pleted the preliminaries of the grand conflict. 
 While they were in progress, our riflemen and 
 Ampudia's force continued hotly engaged, and 
 the enemy's battery of 8-pounders kept up a 
 steady fire upon our troops on the left of the 
 plateau/ L) 
 
 As General Pacheco's division had fewer 
 difficulties to overcome than that of General 
 Lombardini, it had moved up the ravine and 
 gained its position before the latter had united 
 with it. General Lombardini's division, how- 
 ever, had by that time passed the summit of 
 the height where the 8-pounder battery was 
 posted/ M) and began to descend the declivity 
 toward the same ravine, but at a point higher 
 up than that already occupied by General 
 Pacheco. Both of these divisions, as has been 
 already remarked, were supported by large 
 bodies of dragoons' and lancers ; and, while Pa- 
 checo's, being in the deep ravine in front, was 
 
56 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 concealed from view, Lombardini's was in full 
 sight of nearly the whole of our army. And a 
 most beautiful sight it was. The men were all 
 in full dress, the horses were gayly caparisoned, 
 and the arms of both cavalry and infantry 
 shone bright as silver. Every regiment, corps, 
 and squadron had its standards, colors, and 
 guidons unfurled ; and, while the infantry 
 marched steadily onward with a most perfectly 
 marked and cadenced step, the cavalry moved 
 with the regularity and precision it would 
 have observed in an ordinary field review. 
 
 Our lines, meanwhile, were standing quietly 
 in position. Not a word was spoken, except- 
 ing now and then, when some subdued ex- 
 pression of admiration at the magnificent 
 appearance of the enemy and the coolness 
 with which they came forward to the combat, 
 would involuntarily escape the lips of our 
 brave and determined men. 
 
 It was a time never to be forgotten, that 
 short period which intervened between the 
 final dispositions and the moment of attack. 
 The morning was unusually bright and clear ; 
 the sunlight seemed to cover with flashing dia- 
 monds the burnished weapons and appointments 
 of the Mexicans • while a cool and invigorating 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 57 
 
 breeze displayed every flag, and sported with 
 the gaudy and fluttering pennons of what 
 appeared to be a countless forest of lances. 
 The sharp rattle of musketry, the sullen reply 
 of the deadly rifle, and the bugle-calls, inter- 
 mingled with the shouts of those who were 
 desperately struggling high up the mountain, 
 came down upon the ear with an eloquent 
 distinctness. All these circumstances, taken 
 in connection with the roar of their cannon, 
 and the rushing sound of the balls as they 
 tore up the ground in the midst of us, or went 
 screaming through the air above us, will come 
 vividly back to the memory, until they shall 
 be old men, who, for the first time, were 
 standing silently there to await the rude 
 shock of battle. 
 
 Major Mansfield, of the Engineers, having 
 reconnoitred the movements of the enemy 
 from an advanced point, and ascertained the 
 presence and exact position of General Pache- 
 co's division, came back with the intelligence ; 
 when Inspector-General Churchill rode to the 
 left of the plateau/ L) and informed General 
 Lane, that the enemy was then coming up, 
 and across the main ravine in front. General 
 Lane, at this moment, was the ranking officer 
 
58 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 on the plateau ; as General Wool, after super- 
 intending in person the posting of all the 
 troops and the final arrangements for battle, 
 had a few minutes before gone down to La 
 Angostura, to see that every thing was in 
 readiness for repelling the first column under 
 General Mora y Villamil, then on the march to 
 attack that point. General Lane, therefore, im- 
 mediately ordered forward Lieutenant O'Brien, 
 with his three pieces of artillery, and the 
 Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers to 
 support him. This force advanced over two 
 hundred yards in front of all the other troops, 
 and, having turned the head of the third 
 gorge, was halted ; when Lieutenant O'Brien 
 placed his section in battery, and, immediately 
 afterwards, the column of companies displayed 
 into line on his left, the front being changed 
 diagonally forward towards the road. (3) 
 
 General Pacheco's infantry had, by this 
 time, begun to ascend from the ravine, and 
 were forming in successive lines across the 
 narrow ridge which divides it from the 
 gorge ; (a> his lancers still remaining behind, 
 under cover.* General Lane's infantry had 
 
 * This is the time (nine o'clock, A. M.) selected to repre- 
 sent on the annexed Plan of the Battle the position of our 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 59 
 
 hardly completed its line, before it was opened 
 upon by the Mexicans, then distant about 
 two hundred yards. They were answered 
 with promptness and great effect ; and Lieu- 
 tenant O'Brien's guns, which were admirably 
 served, swept down whole platoons of them at 
 a discharge. The disparity between the two 
 forces then engaged was at least ten to one in 
 favor of the enemy ; and General Lane, in 
 addition to the lire of the troops in his front, 
 was nearly enfiladed by the 8-pounder battery 
 on his left, which had now got so completely 
 the range, that almost every shot took effect 
 in his ranks. Notwithstanding this, he con- 
 tinued the unequal conflict for twenty-five 
 minutes. During that time, the front lines 
 of General Pacheco's division were repeatedly 
 thrown into confusion ; the whole of the new 
 corps of Guanajuato, which formed its advance, 
 
 own and the enemy's troops ; as it is considered to have 
 been the moment when the grand conflict commenced. 
 Colonel Davis's Mississippi Riflemen, Colonel May's 
 Squadron of 2d Dragoons, Captain Albert Pike's Squad- 
 I ron of Arkansas Mounted Volunteers, and a piece of 
 artillery under Lieutenant Kilburn, being on the march 
 from Saltillo, were not at this exact time near enough 
 to the field of battle to be included within the space 
 covered by the Plan. 
 
60 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 being either killed or dispersed. But, by his 
 successive formations, he was enabled rapidly 
 to supply the places of those destroyed, and to 
 present a continuous sheet of fire. General 
 Lane now determined to get out of the range 
 of the battery on his left, by pushing still 
 farther down the ridge ; hoping, at the same 
 time, to force General Pacheco back into the 
 ravine. He, accordingly, directed Lieutenant 
 O'Brien to limber up, and advance some fifty 
 or sixty yards farther to the right and front ; 
 which being promptly done, the pieces were 
 again placed in battery and commenced the 
 slaughter. 
 
 At this time, General Lane, being himself 
 on the left of the 2d Indiana Volunteers, 
 which were also to move forward and sustain 
 Lieutenant O'Brien, had the mortification to 
 see the companies breaking off, one by one, 
 from the right, and retreating in great confu- 
 sion ; Colonel Bowles, who commanded the 
 regiment, having given, without his authority 
 or knowledge, the order, " Cease firing, and 
 retreat!'''' Nothing could have been more 
 unfortunate. For, if General Lane's purpose 
 had been promptly responded to by this regi- 
 ment, which up to that moment had behaved 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 61 
 
 with great gallantry, it is more than probable 
 that General Pacheco's division Avould have 
 been cut up in time to allow us to engage 
 with our other and fresh troops that of Gen- 
 eral Lombardini, before he could have crossed 
 the ravine above and gained the plateau. If, 
 instead of retreating, these troops had pressed 
 vigorously forward, the success of the day 
 would have been more complete; and there 
 cannot be a doubt but that hundreds of val- 
 uable lives would have been spared, which 
 were afterwards sacrificed to regain the many 
 and great advantages we lost in consequence 
 of this, to say the least, ill-timed order.* 
 Had it not been given, the patriotic state of 
 Indiana, by a single effort of one of her regi- 
 ments, would have been covered with glory .f 
 
 * It is but justice to state, that, among officers of long 
 experience, the belief is entertained, that the prime fault 
 was one of rashness, and want of judgment, in placing 
 this force in a position, which, they contend, neither this 
 nor any other regiment could have maintained, — a posi- 
 tion, moreover, which,they assert, it was not necessary to 
 hold as one upon which others depended ; and that Gen- 
 eral Lane should be made to bear a part of the odium 
 which the regiment could not escape. Other officers of 
 equal experience express the contrary opinion, as set forth 
 in the text. 
 
 f "About 3000 infantry, and a supporting force of caval- 
 
62 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 General Lane and his staff endeavored, by 
 every possible inducement, to rally the men 
 again, but all without avail. They precipi- 
 tately fled, leaving the intrepid O'Brien, and 
 his gallant subordinate, Lieutenant Bryan, en- 
 tirely without support. For some minutes 
 they held on to their position, single-handed ; 
 their pieces, charged with two canisters at a 
 time, sending scores on scores of the ene- 
 my into eternity. The Mexicans, however, 
 maintained their ground with great spirit, and 
 soon cut up Lieutenant O'Brien's men and 
 horses to such a degree, that, when he was 
 finally pressed upon by the whole of the im- 
 mense force arrayed against him, he was 
 compelled reluctantly to limber up two of his 
 guns, and retire from the point he had so 
 nobly defended. He was obliged to leave 
 the other piece, — the 4-pounder, — in the 
 
 ry, commanded by General Pacheco, moved up to take this 
 height, and at nine a heavy fire was opened. The cav- 
 alry charged at the same moment. [Not tJiefact.'] Many of 
 our corps acted badly, but much havoc, nevertheless, was 
 made among the enemy, and the heights were carried by 
 force of arms. We lost many men, and the new corps of 
 Guanajuato was dispersed. If, at that juncture, we had 
 
 BEEN ATTACKED WITH VIGOR, WE SHOULD PROBABLY HAVE 
 
 been defeated." — Mexican Engineer's Report. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 63 
 
 hands of the enemy ; not, however, until ev- 
 ery man and horse belonging to it had been 
 either killed or disabled. 
 
 General Pacheco immediately followed up 
 the advantage he had purchased at so much 
 cost ; his cavalry advanced from its cover, and 
 pressed forward on the right of his infantry ; 
 while General Lombardini succeeded, at the 
 same time, in crossing the ravine and uniting 
 with him. The centre column was then en- 
 tire, and so formidable in numbers as to appear 
 completely irresistible. 
 
 The 2d Illinois Volunteers, under Colonel 
 Bissell, (R) — the squadron of 1st Dragoons, 
 under Captain Steen, (T) — and the pieces of 
 Lieutenants Thomas and French, — had re- 
 tained their position, and received a desultory 
 fire from a part of General Pacheco's infantry, 
 which, during the conflict with General Lane, 
 had succeeded in getting shelter in the third 
 gorge. These troops were ordered to advance 
 to a closer point just before the Indiana regi- 
 ment gave way. Soon after they had gained 
 it, and had come handsomely into action, the 
 enemy's centre column was complete, and, 
 being relieved from the resistance of General 
 Lane's force, now concentrated its whole fire 
 
04 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 upon them. It was returned with deliberation 
 and great effect. Every discharge of Thom- 
 as's and French's pieces caused their immense 
 masses to reel and waver, as the balls, open- 
 ing a wide and bloody path, went tearing 
 through them ; while the rapid musketry of 
 the gallant troops of Illinois poured a storm 
 of lead into their serried ranks, which literally 
 strewed the ground with the dead and dying. 
 
 It being impossible for our handful of regu- 
 lar cavalry, then on the field, to gain any de- 
 cided advantage by charging into such an 
 overwhelming force, where, in one moment, 
 it would have been completely destroyed, Cap- 
 tain S teen was soon directed to remove it from 
 its perilous situation back nearly to the ravine 
 in rear. The dragoons had hardly fallen 
 back, and McCulloch's mounted Texans (D) 
 taken cover in the head of the first gorge, 
 before the enemy, having continued to ad- 
 vance notwithstanding his severe losses, had 
 passed with a large portion of his troops be- 
 tween the left of the Illinoians and the moun- 
 tain ; (4) so that that regiment, — or rather the 
 six companies of it, — and the two pieces from 
 Sherman's battery, were soon receiving a fire 
 in front, on their left flank, and from their left 
 and rear, at the same moment. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 65 
 
 Inspector-General Churchill, who remained 
 with Colonel Bisseil, seemed at this time to 
 be one of the chosen marks for the Mexican 
 sharp-shooters; his horse being struck by 
 three bullets in succession, and his reins cut 
 in two by a fourth. The Illinois troops had 
 ever been the particular favorites of that gal- 
 lant veteran ; and he determined to stand by 
 them personally, and see whether his predi- 
 lections were not based upon good grounds. 
 His pride in them was fully gratified at be- 
 holding the unflinching firmness with which 
 they maintained their position against such 
 an immense host. At length, perceiving the 
 danger they were in of being completely 
 surrounded, he ordered Colonel Bisseil to fall 
 back to a point near the ravine, to prevent 
 that issue. As regularly as if on drill, Colonel 
 Bisseil, having directed the signal, " Cease 
 firing," to be made, gave the command, 
 " Face to the rear ! Battalion, about face ! 
 Battalion, for id ard, March ! " which was exe- 
 cuted until the danger of being outflanked 
 was past, when again, at the command to 
 halt, given by Inspector-General Churchill, 
 who had walked his horse slowly in front of 
 the retiring regiment, these cool and deter- 
 5 
 
66 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 mined men stopped, faced about, and resumed 
 the fire with a promptness and precision which 
 would have done credit to any troops in the 
 service ; and all under a murderous storm of 
 bullets from the enemy. Simple justice to 
 these brave fellows renders it necessary that 
 all the details of their conduct on this occa- 
 sion should be given. Besides, it is an evi- 
 dence of the manner in which troops, in their 
 first battle, can behave, when they have been 
 properly instructed and carefully disciplined. 
 It is a sufficient encomium on them to say, 
 that they had never before been under fire, 
 and that during the short time they had been 
 engaged (twenty minutes), they had lost, in 
 killed and wounded, no less than eighty, in- 
 cluding officers and men. Lieutenants Thom- 
 as and French, — the latter wounded, — had 
 likewise been obliged to fall back ; but they 
 soon came into battery again, and, in conjunc- 
 tion with Colonel Bissell's regiment, com- 
 menced a well-directed fire at the enemy's 
 left flank, as he endeavored to cross the pla- 
 teau and gain our rear. 
 
 Again, in justice to those who thus manful- 
 ly disputed the ground, inch by inch, against 
 such odds, it is necessary, yet mortifying, to 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 67 
 
 state, that four companies of the Arkansas 
 Volunteers/ 5 ' which had been dismounted and 
 ordered to the plateau a few minutes before 
 the action began, retired almost at the first 
 fire, and became so much dispersed, that, as 
 companies, they were not heard of again dur- 
 ing the battle. But a few spirited individuals 
 of the number joined their own and other 
 regiments, and, for the whole day, nobly dis- 
 charged their duty.* 
 
 At this moment, the thunder of the battery 
 below, at La Angostura, gave evidence that 
 the first column of the enemy, under General 
 Mora y Villamil, had got within its range. The 
 rapidity of the firing, and the roar of the can- 
 non, which caused the old mountains to groan 
 
 * It is contended that these troops gave way in conse- 
 quence of the falling back amongst them of Colonel 
 Bowles's regiment.* That, as individuals, they were as 
 brave as any men in the world, cannot be doubted ; but 
 their being entirely without discipline, or any habit of 
 strict military obedience, and their consequent want of 
 confidence in their leaders and in each other, may be fairly 
 assigned as the principal reasons for their precipitate re- 
 treat. 
 
 * In this supposition, an officer of high rank in the regular army, who 
 witnessed the whole of the operations, does not concur ; because, he 
 says, the Indiana regiment did not, in its flight, pass near these four 
 companies of Arkansas Volunteers. 
 
68 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 and quake with the repeated echoes, convinced 
 our whole army that the gallant Washington 
 was making good his promise to defend that 
 point ; and many and heart-felt were the wild 
 hurrahs that rent the air in exultation at his 
 efforts. Nothing could withstand the terrible 
 tempest of iron which he hurled into the 
 compact column before him. The first shock 
 impeded its advance ; it then wavered a mo- 
 ment, — halted, — and finally turned in con- 
 fusion, and rushed into the mouth of the third 
 gorge, (Q-) and up the great ravine in front, (G> to 
 seek protection behind the spurs which pro- 
 jected upon the road. 
 
 In this splendid demonstration of the capac- 
 ity of artillery, and its importance as an arm, 
 Captain Washington completely repulsed over 
 4000 of the flower of the Mexican army, and 
 convinced them, beyond a doubt, of their in- 
 ability to force him from his position. He was 
 ably supported by his remaining three subal- 
 terns, Lieutenants Brent, Whiting, and Couch, 
 who managed the pieces with great skill, and 
 exhibited superior courage and address through- 
 out the whole affair. 
 
 Just as Captain Washington opened his fire, 
 Captain Sherman, with his other section, (S> was 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 69 
 
 ordered up to the plateau. He immediately 
 came into battery near the head of the first 
 gorge, <0) and opened his fire; Lieutenant Rey- 
 nolds of his company directing one of the 
 pieces, and the Captain himself the other. He 
 was in a short time supported by Colonel 
 McKee's 2d Kentucky Volunteers, which, ac- 
 cording to instructions given to Major Mans- 
 field, had been sent for, to come from its posi- 
 tion across the stream, and which was brought 
 into action with much spirit on his right. 
 In a few minutes more, Captain Bragg, with 
 two of his pieces, also came up, and, pass- 
 ing to the left of the 1st Dragoons, wheeled 
 into battery, having three of Captain Sherman's 
 guns on his right, — Lieutenant Thomas's 
 being the first, — and the fourth (Lieutenant 
 French's) at some distance to his left. A 
 complete line of artillery was thus formed, ex- 
 tending from near the head of the first gorge 
 to the brink of the ravine in rear of the pla- 
 teau, and was supported by the 1st Dragoons, 
 the Second Regiment of. Kentucky Volunteers, 
 the six companies of Colonel Bissell's regi- 
 ment, and four companies of the First Regi- 
 ment of Illinois Volunteers, under their gal- 
 lant Colonel Hardin, who came upon the pla- 
 
70 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 teau the moment General Mora y Villamil's 
 column had been repulsed. The direction of 
 the fire of this whole force was now toward 
 the mountain on our left. The enemy's sec- 
 ond column had by this time succeeded in 
 advancing across the whole plateau ; and, being 
 within good range, every discharge of our ar- 
 tillery took effect upon it. The firing on our 
 side was now incessant and most terrible ; the 
 storm of iron and lead beating against the dark 
 masses of the Mexicans with dreadful fury. 
 They, however, stood firm to their work, and 
 for a while returned the fire with such deter- 
 mined valor, as to elicit the admiration of all 
 who were opposed to them. 
 
 Meanwhile, their cavalry swept by between 
 their infantry and the mountain at the head 
 of the plateau, in rapid pursuit of the Indiana 
 regiment ; the left of General Ampudia's force 
 leaving the foot of the slope on which they 
 had been contending, and pressing forward 
 with them. Those of the Arkansas and Ken- 
 tucky Mounted "Volunteers, who had remained 
 near the head of the ravine, were obliged im- 
 mediately to give way before this force, which 
 came pouring down upon them from the pla- 
 teau. This movement interrupted the commu- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 71 
 
 nication between our riflemen in the moun- 
 tains and our main army. No sooner did they 
 discover that the enemy's lancers and infantry 
 had got between them and their friends, than 
 they immediately abandoned their position, 
 and succeeded in forcing their way around the 
 intercepting column below, which for a time 
 was held in check by the Arkansas and Ken- 
 tucky cavalry, under Colonels Yell and Mar- 
 shall, who, luckily, had been able to make 
 a short stand after they had gained a little 
 plain (6) in rear of the ravine from which they 
 had just been compelled to retire. In this 
 movement the riflemen suffered great loss, — 
 the Texan company being nearly destroyed. 
 The rest of General Ampudia's force poured 
 down the mountain in hot pursuit, and, unit- 
 ing with the lancers, compelled the Arkansas 
 men, Kentuckians, riflemen, and all, to give 
 way before them ; the two former alternately 
 yielding and disputing the ground, the others 
 following in the footsteps of the volunteers 
 who had first retreated. 
 
 Our whole left had now been forced, and 
 the enemy was in possession of every advan- 
 tage arising from the peculiar nature of the 
 
72 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 ground ; the alternate ridges and ravines be- 
 ing as much in his favor as in ours. 
 
 It was at this critical juncture that General 
 Taylor arrived upon the field * from Saltillo, 
 having completed his dispositions for the de- 
 fence of the city. He was accompanied by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel May, with the two com- 
 panies of the 2d Dragoons, and by Colonel 
 Davis, with eight companies of his Mississippi 
 riflemen. Captain Albert Pike, with his own 
 company and that of Captain John Preston, Jr. 
 (the two united as a squadron), and Lieutenant 
 Kilburn, with one piece from Captain Bragg 's 
 Battery, had also been ordered to the field 
 of battle from below the city, where they 
 had been on detached duty. The Missis- 
 sippi riflemen halted near the hacienda long 
 enough for the men to fill their canteens with 
 water, when they were turned off from the 
 road diagonally to the left, and advanced to- 
 ward the point where our troops were fast giv- 
 ing ground to the enemy. The General com- 
 manding proceeded on directly to the plateau, / 
 having with him the 2d Dragoons. / 
 
 Up to this time General Wool, being nexf 
 in command, had assigned the positions for 
 
 * For the position he assumed, see the Plan of the Battle. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 73 
 
 all the troops, and conducted the "battle from 
 the beginning ; but, the moment General Tay- 
 lor arrived at the front and assumed the direc- 
 tion of affairs, he immediately started to assist 
 General Lane in rallying the 2d Indiana Vol- 
 unteers, and to endeavor to restore something 
 like order to our left, which by this time had 
 swung around so as to face toward the moun- 
 tains on that side, and in a direction perpen- 
 dicular to the original line. The position of 
 the batteries still in active operation on the 
 plateau, the point of land on which Colonel 
 Hardin had thrown up a parapet, and Captain 
 Washington's position at La Angostura, were 
 at this moment the only portions of the ground 
 we first occupied, from which we had not 
 been driven. Already our loss in officers and 
 men had been immense ; and among them 
 was included the gallant and chivalrous Assist- 
 ant Adjutant-General, Captain George Lin- 
 coln,* one of the most promising young of- 
 ficers in the army, and one who, possessing 
 
 * He had been endeavoring to rally the 2d Indiana Vol- 
 unteers, by urging them, by every thing men can hold 
 dear, to return to their duty. Finding all his appeals of 
 no avail, he returned himself to the conflict upon the 
 plateau, when, just as he arrived at the rear of the 2d 
 Kentucky Volunteers, then manfully struggling with the 
 
74 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 every quality which can adorn a gentleman, 
 was admired and beloved by all who knew 
 him. 
 
 The aspect of affairs was now most gloomy, 
 and our condition most critical ; the scale for 
 a short time appeared to be preponderating 
 against us, and Victory to be deserting our 
 banners and winging her way toward those 
 of the enemy. But the idea of yielding the 
 day so long as there was a man left to fight, 
 never, for a moment, came into the mind of 
 our determined leader ; and, in his indomita- 
 ble resolution to compel fortune to favor our 
 side, he was seconded by men, true as the 
 steel they wore, and firm and unyielding as 
 the mountains around them. 
 
 The gallant Colonel Davis, with his glori- 
 ous Mississippians, — men who had been tried 
 in the fire of the storming of Monterey, and 
 had stood the test like pure gold, — now moved 
 steadily forward through the broad current of 
 our retreating horse and foot. He called loudly 
 on those who were flying to come back with 
 him and renew the combat. They were few 
 
 enemy, he was shot in two places, and instantly expired. 
 Alas ! how many were the hearts which the intelligence 
 of his early death penetrated with the deepest sorrow ! 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 75 
 
 indeed who heeded his call. Colonel Bowles, 
 who, for some reason other than lack of cour- 
 age, had ordered his regiment to retreat, now, 
 having lost all hope of rallying it again, seized 
 a rifle, and, followed by a handful of his men, 
 joined the Mississippians as a private. During 
 the whole day, he shared their perils, and Avas 
 distinguished for his personal bravery. With 
 these exceptions, Colonel Davis's appeal was 
 of no avail. In vain he told them, that his 
 riflemen were " a mass of men behind which 
 they could take shelter and securely form." 
 He pointed to his regiment, as he said this. 
 It was indeed a wall of heroes. What must 
 have been his pride in commanding such men ! 
 What the mortification and burning shame of 
 the fugitives whom he addressed ! 
 
 Colonel Davis, as he passed by General 
 Wool, who had now arrived at this part of the 
 ground, was promised support ; and the Gen- 
 eral immediately went in person to hasten the 
 Third Indiana Regiment, from the rear of La 
 Angostura, to his aid. But still the Mississip- 
 pians moved onward. A large and deep ravine 
 passed by their right, while another entered 
 this after coming diagonally across their front 
 from the left ; the two embracing between 
 
76 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 them an inclined plane, which terminated at a 
 point near their junction (at this moment but 
 a short distance in advance of the regiment). 
 but which was quite broad, and easy to be 
 gained, at its' upper and farther extremity near 
 the mountains. On this plane, (8) most of 
 Ampudia's light division was now moving 
 down, flanked by cavalry, and supported by 
 reserves of the heavy infantry.* The 3d 
 Indiana Volunteers had not yet had time to 
 come up, and it was all-important that the 
 enemy should be checked, before he could 
 effect a passage of the only ravine which 
 would seriously retard his course onward to 
 the road. Flushed with success, and apparent- 
 ly irresistible in numbers, he came down like 
 an avalanche. Then it was that Davis and 
 his followers surpassed all their former bril- 
 liant efforts. They counted not the odds, — 
 they waited for no support ; but, thrown rapid- 
 ly into order of battle, they pressed forward 
 like Spartans; and, although the air was filled 
 with the sharp hissing of a shower of lead, 
 which came hurtling on, and cutting through 
 their ranks with dreadful effect, still they did 
 
 * The same that, before day, had reenforced it against 
 our riflemen. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 77 
 
 not pause until they had brought the enemy 
 within close range of their own unerring 
 weapons. Then their little line blazed forth a 
 sheet of fire. The shock given by it to the 
 head of the enemy's column was most awful. 
 Men went down before it as ripe grain falls 
 before the reaper. Still the enemy came on- 
 ward over his dead, and still forward pressed 
 the riflemen, — the latter a handful, the 
 former a host. At length they paused ; the 
 Mississippians on the brink of the ravine, (9> 
 the Mexican light infantry on the plane be- 
 yond, — the cavalry having been driven to 
 cover on their left. Bat there was no cessa- 
 tion in the struggle, and Death still continued 
 to gather in his bloody harvest. It was not 
 enough for the Mississippians simply to hold 
 such masses at bay ; their blood was up, and 
 the flight of the enemy alone could satisfy 
 them. Giving one loud yell of defiance, 
 which rang on the ear more like the roar of 
 angry lions than the shout of men, they again 
 rushed forward. A moment, and they were 
 lost from the view of their antagonists. It 
 was only a moment ; but in it they had 
 dashed into the ravine, clambered up the op- 
 posing wall, and now stood before the Mexi- 
 
78 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 cans upon their own side. For a few minutes 
 more, the carnage was terrible. At length, 
 bloody and torn, the column of Ampudia lost 
 its steadiness ; its fire slackened ; then all 
 organization was gone ; its ranks were resolved 
 into a confused multitude, which in a moment 
 crumbled away, the whole fleeing precipitately 
 back to the reserves. 
 
 The Mississippians then turned to the right, 
 to beat up the cover of what had been the 
 flanking cavalry of this column. They found 
 it attempting to cross the ravine on that hand, 
 in order to attack them in reverse. A few only 
 had crossed, — their commander among them, 
 — but they never went back ; and those who 
 were pressing down to succeed them, received 
 a fire it was impossible for them to withstand. 
 They, too, gave way, and fled back to the 
 point whither the light infantry had retreated, 
 and where they were now just forming again. 
 
 For a little while, this part of the field ap- 
 peared to be comparatively safe, and, by the 
 determined valor of one small regiment, an 
 imminent peril to our whole army seemed to 
 be averted. The Mississippians gathered up 
 their wounded, and, taking them to the rear 
 of the first ravine they had crossed, there 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 79 
 
 formed again in line of battle. They were 
 then joined by the 3d Indiana Volunteers, 
 under Colonel Lane, and by Lieutenant Kil- 
 burn with one piece of artillery. The fire 
 of this combined force caused those who had 
 just before contended with Colonel Davis's 
 regiment to fall back, for a short time, still 
 farther, and beyond range. 
 
 While all this was doing, other large masses 
 of the enemy's cavalry (10) had kept along 
 under the base of the mountains, farther to- 
 ward Saltillo, and. having crossed many diffi- 
 cult ravines near their sources, moved down 
 directly toward Buena Vista, passing, however, 
 more than half a mile to the right of General 
 Ampudia's column. They had in front of 
 them Colonel Yell's and Colonel Marshall's 
 Mounted Volunteers; 00 too few to offer suc- 
 cessful resistance, yet endeavoring to maintain, 
 point after point, the ground they were forced 
 to yield.* Seeing this, General Taylor ordered 
 the handful of cavalry, then near him on the 
 plateau, to move rapidly to the rear, in order to 
 assist in repelling this force. It was all united 
 
 * Had the Arkansas and Kentucky (mounted) volun- 
 teers never been allowed horses, they would have been 
 able to make a stand, on this occasion, as veil as the Mis- 
 sis sippians. 
 
80 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 in one column, under Brevet Lieutenant-Colo- 
 nel May, and was composed of four companies 
 of regular Dragoons, viz. one under Lieu- 
 tenant Rucker, assisted by Lieutenant Buford, 
 one under Lieutenant Carleton, assisted by 
 Lieutenant Whittlesey and Lieutenant Evans, 
 one under Lieutenant Campbell, and one under 
 Lieutenant Givens ; besides Captain Pike's and 
 Captain Preston's companies of Arkansas Mount- 
 ed Volunteers. This column moved to the left, 
 passing some distance in rear of the Missis- 
 sippi regiment, and then established itself on 
 the right of Colonel Marshall's men ; Colonel 
 Yell, with his, being on the left. The force, 
 thus accumulated, immediately stopped the 
 enemy, and caused him to fall back again 
 near the mountains. As he could not now be 
 reached by our Dragoons, except in detail, 
 owing to the impossibility of crossing several 
 intervening ravines, otherwise than by one or 
 two paths only wide enough for one horse to 
 pass at a time, Colonel May despatched Lieu- 
 tenant Evans, of the 1st Dragoons, with a 
 message to General Taylor, requesting some 
 pieces of artillery. 
 
 While our cavalry force was thus holding 
 that of the enemy in check, and while the 
 Mississippi Riflemen, and 3d Indiana Volun- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 81 
 
 teers, assisted by Lieutenant Kilburn, were 
 engaged with the troops under General Am- 
 pudia, General Wool was making every effort 
 to rally our men who had first given way ; 
 and General Lane, though wounded and bleed- 
 ing, was also endeavoring to gather up the 
 scattered fragments of the regiment with which 
 he had opened the battle. In this they were 
 ably assisted by Inspector-General Churchill, — 
 by Major Monroe, of the Artillery, — and like- 
 wise by Captain Steen, of the 1st Dragoons, 
 who fell, severely wounded, while on this duty. 
 None, however, were so successful in arresting 
 their flight, as the intrepid Major Dix, of the 
 Pay Department. Having ridden rapidly in 
 amongst them, he seized the standard of the 
 2d Indiana Volunteers, and then called to 
 the men, and asked them if they would desert 
 their colors. He told them that they had 
 sworn to protect them, and now, if they were 
 still determined to do so, they must return 
 with him to the fight. He swore to them, 
 that, with God's help, he would not see the 
 state of Indiana disgraced by having her flag 
 carried out of battle until it could be carried 
 out in triumph ; and that back into it again 
 it should go, if he had to take it there and 
 6 
 
82 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 defend it alone. This touched the hearts of 
 many of those who were within the sound 
 of his voice. It seemed to banish the panic 
 which had fallen upon them ; they were them- 
 selves again : they rallied, thought of their 
 homes, gave three cheers for Indiana, and 
 again gathered around her flag. Captain Lin- 
 nard, of the Topographical Engineers, who 
 had been very active in seconding Major Dix 
 in his appeal to these men, and in putting 
 them in order as they came together, now got 
 a drum and fife, and directed the national quick- 
 step to be played, when the word was given 
 to move on. Major Dix then led off with the 
 flag, while the gallant Captain brought up the 
 rear ; and in this way, taking a direction to- 
 ward Colonel Davis's and Colonel Lane's regi- 
 ments, back again they went into battle.* All 
 the rest continued their flight ; most of them 
 to the hacienda of Buena Yista, but many 
 even to the city of Saltillo, where they re- 
 ported that all was lost, and our army in full 
 retreat. The reader should bear in mind, that, 
 while all this was taking place to the left and 
 rear, the battle raged with desperate fury on 
 the plateau. This great centre of the conflict 
 was now under the eye and immediate direc- 
 * See Appendix, D. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. ti.' 
 
 tion of the respective commanders of the two 
 opposing armies. 
 
 Santa Anna, finding it was impossible fo 1 
 the infantry of his centre column to drive 
 back our line of artillery under Sherman and 
 Bragg, and its supporting force under Hardin, 
 Bissell, and McKee, hurried up the Battalion 
 de San Patricio,* with a battery of 18 and 24- 
 pounders ; and, with incredible exertions, he 
 succeeded in bringing it around the heads of 
 the large ravine in front, and along the steep 
 sides of the spurs of the mountain, where the 
 battle first opened, and thence down to the 
 very point (L) occupied by O'Brien's section 
 before he moved forward in the morning. Its 
 fire now enfiladed the whole plateau ; being 
 directed from its upper edge toward the road. 
 
 Even with this additional strength, the cen- 
 tre column could not clear the plateau, but 
 was itself compelled to give ground before the 
 
 * This Battalion of Saint Patrick was composed of some 
 of the Irish soldiers who had deserted from the American 
 army and gone over to the enemy. It was commanded by 
 a man named Riley, also a deserter. Subsequently, the 
 whole battalion was taken in one of the battles in front of 
 the city of Mexico, and sixty of them were hung near Che- 
 ptdtepec. The Irishmen in our army, who had remained 
 true to their colors, were the most clamorous for their exe- 
 cution. 
 
84 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 withering effects of the iron poured into it by 
 our light artillery. At length, being broken 
 near its centre, one half pushed over the ravine 
 in rear, and in a direction to reenforce the 
 troops under General Ampudia ; while the other 
 half, except the corps of Sappers and Miners, 
 which stood firm by the battery, fell back to- 
 ward the ravine in front, bearing with them 
 Santa Anna himself, whose horse had been 
 shot down under him. The moment this lat- 
 ter half began to move, Hardin, Bissell, and 
 McKee, with their respective commands, dash- 
 ed gallantly forward to a point within close 
 musket-shot, when they opened their fire, and 
 followed up the enemy with great slaughter 
 until he became covered by the ravdne. Being 
 then, in turn, threatened by the cavalry which 
 had flanked General Mora y Villamil's column, 
 they fell back to the heads of the first and 
 second gorges in their rear ; Colonel Hardin's 
 command going to the support of Captain 
 Bragg's section, which, in the mean time, had 
 limbered up and come into battery again, far 
 in advance (12) of its first position. 
 
 Lieutenant O'Brien had by this time come 
 back on the plateau once more. He had been 
 obliged (not having a single cannoneer to 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 85 
 
 work the guns) to go down to La Angostura 
 with the section he had been able to bring off, 
 in order to procure a fresh one of two 6-pound- 
 . ers, which Captain Washington gave him in 
 exchange ; and, although Lieutenant French, in 
 consequence of his wound, had been compelled 
 to give up the command of his gun, it fell 
 into good hands, and was kept actively em- 
 ployed under the direction of Lieutenant Gar- 
 nett, one of the aides-de-camp of General Tay- 
 lor. So that there were now eight pieces on 
 the plateau alone. 
 
 As our left was now the most seriously men- 
 aced, not only by the forces which had turned 
 it in the beginning of the battle, but likewise 
 by more than half of the enemy's centre col- 
 umn, General Taylor ordered Captain Sher- 
 man and Captain Bragg, each with a section 
 of his battery, to proceed there and strength- 
 en it. This left on the plateau Lieutenant 
 O'Brien with his two pieces, and Lieutenants 
 Thomas and Garnett, each with one. As oc- 
 casion seemed to render it necessary, the fire 
 of these four guns was directed, now toward 
 the front, now toward the battery at the head 
 of the plateau, and now toward the heavy 
 masses threatening our left and rear, and 
 always with marked effect, 
 
86 BATTLE OF BUENA VJSTA. 
 
 The position of affairs was at this time, in 
 brief, as follows : 
 
 The enemy's reserve kept its ground in 
 front. His battery near the road, and likewise 
 his 8-pounder battery, still continued to play 
 respectively upon Washington at La Angostu- 
 ra, and upon the plateau. The third gorge 
 and the ravine in front of the plateau were 
 filled by his first and a part of his second 
 columns of attack, held in check by the 1st 
 and 2d Illinois Volunteers and the 2d Ken- 
 tucky Regiment, stationed in and near the 
 heads of the first and second gorges, and sup- 
 porting the four pieces under O'Brien, Thom- 
 as, and Garnett. These pieces had the ene- 
 my's 18 and 24-pounder battery directly op- 
 posite to them, and still close under the moun- 
 tain at the head of the plateau/ L) The rest 
 of the enemy's second column, all of his third, 
 and the heavy bodies of his cavalry which 
 had turned our left, stretched along near the 
 base of the mountains on that flank, in an ir- 
 regular line, and faced toward the road ; the 
 infantry and a portion of the cavalry were 
 upon the left/ 13) nearest the plateau; while 
 the most of the cavalry and a small portion 
 of the infantry were on the right/" 5 and near- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. b7 
 
 ly opposite Buena Vista. Against this latter 
 part of the enemy's forces, we had also an 
 irregular line. The right of it was composed 
 of the pieces 05 ' under Sherman, Bragg, Rey- 
 nolds, and Kilburn, scattered along at uncer- 
 tain intervals, and having, as their nearest sup- 
 port, Colonel Davis's and Colonel Lane's regi- 
 ments, together with such of the volunteers 
 of other corps, whether of horse or of foot, 
 as had up to this time been rallied and brought 
 back into the battle. The left (U) consisted of 
 the four companies of the 1st and 2d Dragoons, 
 Pike's and Preston's companies, all that re- 
 mained of Colonel Marshall's mounted men, 
 and also the fragment of Colonel Yell's regi- 
 ment, which was on the extreme left. 
 
 Following up these various positions, the 
 reader cannot fail to observe, that the whole 
 scene of combat now extended over a space 
 of ground upwards of two miles in length, 
 by nearly a mile in breadth. 
 
 For a long while the conflict was continued 
 without any decided success on the part of 
 either army ; and the whole field, during this 
 period, might be compared to an intricate 
 game of chess, the Pass at La Angostura, de- 
 fended by Washington, being the key to our 
 
88 BATTLE OF B U E N A VISTA. 
 
 position. If this were carried, we were irre- 
 trievably checkmated, and the game was lost. 
 
 Had the enemy at this time brought up his 
 powerful reserve, and gathered around it the 
 scattered portions of his first column, it would 
 have required all our artillery under Sherman, 
 Bragg, and O'Brien, and the infantry then 
 on the plateau, to maintain it ; while his su- 
 periority in numbers in rear might, probably 
 would, have beaten our forces there, and then 
 been at liberty to overpower Washington by 
 attacking him in reverse, or to move on, carry 
 Saltillo, and get possession of all our stores 
 and ammunition there ; either of which move- 
 ments would eventually have destroyed us. 
 But from some unaccountable motive, or blind 
 fatality, he allowed most of his army, still in 
 our front, to remain comparatively inactive ; 
 and that too, in one of the most critical con- 
 ditions of the battle. By doing this, he al- 
 lowed General Taylor time and opportunity 
 to strengthen his left with artillery from the 
 plateau. The latter promptly seized the great 
 advantage afforded by this fault, as has already 
 been shown ; and now, for a season, the bal- 
 ance preponderated slightly in our favor. 
 
 About twelve o'clock at noon, Colonel May's 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 89 
 
 column of Dragoons Avas ordered to return 
 from the left to the plateau. Large masses of 
 the enemy's line, extending along the base of 
 the mountain, soon afterward began to give 
 way before the destructive artillery fire, then 
 concentrated upon it, and the determined re-N 
 sistance of the Mississippi Riflemen and the 3d | 
 Indiana Volunteers. Some of their corps nov 
 attempted to return to the main army in front. 
 Seeing this, General Taylor detached the two 
 companies of the 1st Dragoons, to proceed up 
 the deep ravine (16> in rear of the plateau, and 
 there to charge into and disperse them. These 
 companies had hardly started on this service, 
 before it was observed that a brigade of the 
 enemy's cavalry, mostly lancers, had succeed- 
 ed in crossing the difficult ravines which lay 
 between it and the Arkansas and Kentucky 
 Mounted Volunteers, and, having forced the 
 latter to give ground, was evidently meditating 
 a descent upon our baggage train, now parked 
 upon the road a short distance below Buena 
 Vista.* Colonel May, with the two com- 
 
 * It will be remembered that this train, during the 
 night of the 22d, "was parked in a hollow, half way from 
 the hacienda to La Angostura. "When our left gave way, 
 on the morning of the 23d, the poor teamsters thought 
 
90 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 panies of 2d Dragoons, Pike's squadron, and 
 two * pieces of artillery, under Lieutenant Rey- 
 nolds, was ordered by General Taylor to pro- 
 ceed rapidly to the rear to support that point. 
 This force had hardly started, before it was 
 discovered that the two companies of the 1st 
 Dragoons, which had proceeded toward the 
 mountains on the left, had come under a 
 most withering fire of grape and canister from 
 the 18 and 24-pounder battery (L) at the head 
 of the plateau, which effectually covered the 
 retreat of the corps they went to disperse. 
 General Taylor, therefore, caused them to be 
 recalled. In coming down the plateau to the 
 position the General occupied, they moved 
 directly in front of the whole battery, and 
 besides had a cross-fire of infantry on their 
 left flank. Many of their men and horses 
 
 the whole army defeated, and in full retreat. They, there- 
 fore, started for the city, as fast as their mules could run. 
 It was with the utmost exertion that Captain W. W. 
 Chapman, Assistant Quarter-Master and Aide to General 
 "Wool, could stop them. He succeeded, however, in doing 
 so, and in parking the wagons about half a mile below 
 Buena Vista. 
 
 * Both belonging to Sherman's Battery; the howitzer 
 which French had, and which Lieutenant Garnett after- 
 wards commanded temporarily, being one. This left only 
 three upon the plateau ; — two under O'Brien, and one 
 under Thomaa. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 91 
 
 were cut up, and their guidon was shot away ; 
 fortunately, however, it was soon afterwards 
 recovered. Running the gantlet of such an 
 immense force, the wonder was how these two 
 little companies escaped annihilation. They 
 were immediately ordered to join Colonel May 
 again, to resist the attack threatened on the 
 depot at Buena Vista, and on the train ; and they 
 proceeded at a gallop for that point, overtaking 
 Lieutenant Reynolds, with his two pieces, on 
 the way. But, before any of this force could 
 reach the extreme left, the brigade of the 
 enemy's cavalry, in column of squadrons/ 17 * 
 charged furiously into the Arkansas and Ken- 
 tucky Mounted Volunteers/ 1S) who had formed 
 a line near the spring in front of the hacienda. 
 The latter had waited until the enemy came 
 within sixty yards, when they fired with their 
 carbines, but with very trifling effect. By the 
 time their pieces were dropped and their sabres 
 drawn, the enemy was amongst them with 
 his lances. The melee was then general ; the 
 Americans and Mexicans were mixed up in 
 utter confusion, the whole being enveloped in 
 a cloud of dust, and driving on toward the 
 hacienda. Fortunately, the very men who 
 had run off from the field, and had gone to 
 
92 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Buena Vista for shelter, had been gathered up 
 by Major Monroe, assisted by some volun- 
 teer officers (Major Trail and Major Gorman 
 among the number), and had been placed on 
 the tops of the buildings, and in a large yard 
 surrounded by a thick adobe wall. They 
 opened a fire upon the Mexican brigade, the 
 moment it had got within range of their mus- 
 kets and rifles, which killed and wounded a 
 great number. The brigade then divided ; 
 one half, mixed up with Arkansas and Ken- 
 tucky men, went pouring through the narrow 
 street which separates the buildings of the 
 hacienda, while the other commenced falling 
 rapidly back toward the mountains on our 
 left. Lieutenant Reynolds, being now near 
 enough to reach the men of this latter half, 
 came into action ; and, having thrown a few 
 spherical-case shot directly into the midst of 
 them, he soon drove them beyond range. He 
 limbered up, and pushed on to the hacienda. 
 The Dragoons under May, and the 1st Dra- 
 goons, had arrived there a few minutes before 
 him, but too late to strike the enemy. Those 
 who had fallen back toward the mountains on 
 the left of the Pass were beyond reach, and 
 those who had gone through the hacienda had 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 93 
 
 by this time got separated from the Arkansas 
 and Kentucky men, and had gained the lower 
 level across the stream. Although distant, they 
 were not out of reach of Lieutenant Reynolds's 
 guns. He had brought his section into bat- 
 tery just below the hacienda ; and, until they 
 had crossed the whole lower level, and had 
 succeeded in climbing the opposite mountain, 
 and finally in escaping through a small notch 
 near its summit, he continued to play upon 
 them with astonishing accuracy and great 
 execution. 
 
 In this affair, our mounted volunteers be- 
 haved as well as could have been expected, 
 and suffered much less, considering all the 
 circumstances, than could have been imagined 
 possible. The brigade that charged them, 
 one of the best in the Mexican army, was 
 commanded by General Torrejon, and led on 
 by him in person. It numbered about one 
 thousand ; while all that were left, at this 
 time, of the Arkansas and Kentucky regi- 
 ments could not have been over four hun- 
 dred and fifty. It was in this charge that the 
 gallant and distinguished Colonel Yell lost his 
 life. He fell like a hero, far in advance of 
 his men, and pierced with many wounds. 
 
94 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Captain Porter, of his regiment, a brave man 
 and most amiable gentleman, died by his 
 side ; and Adjutant Vaughn, one of the most 
 promising of the young men of Kentucky 
 and the favorite of his regiment, also fell, 
 fighting to the last. He received twenty-four 
 wounds. Besides these, there were many of the 
 best men of the two regiments killed or wound- 
 ed. General Torrejon was wounded in this 
 charge, and left thirty-five of his men dead upon 
 the field. The number of his wounded was 
 not known, as their comrades bore them away. 
 After the Mexicans had failed in their attack 
 on Buena Vista, they made a determined ef- 
 fort to force their way to the road at a point 
 nearer the plateau. They brought down, from 
 near the mountains opposite and to the left of 
 the hacienda, a fresh brigade of cavalry, cov- 
 ered by infantry in all its passages of ravines. 
 ^With this they advanced to engage the Missis- 
 sippi riflemen, the fragment of the 2d Indiana 
 Volunteers, and the 3d regiment of the same, 
 who were still acting together, and who had 
 near them one howitzer under Captain Sher- 
 man. The position (19) of these troops was\ 
 some five hundred yards nearer the road than 
 the point where Colonel Davis's regiment was 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 95 
 
 first engaged in the morning, but farther down 
 the same ravine. As soon as this new brigade 
 indicated, by the manner of its approach, its 
 determination to charge our riflemen and in- 
 fantry, they were rapidly formed to receive it. 
 The Mississippi regiment, in line of battle, ex- 
 tended across the little plain upon which they 
 now were, — their right being near the ravine, 
 their front toward the mountains ; the Indi- 
 ana troops were formed so that their left rested 
 on the right of Colonel Davis's regiment, their 
 right upon the ravine higher up, their front 
 being also toward the mountains, but more to 
 the north. In this way, an obtuse reentering 
 angle was presented towards the approaching 
 cavalry, Sherman's howitzer being on its left. 
 The enemy was formed in close column of 
 squadrons, and came down the slope at an 
 easy hand-gallop. His ranks were well closed, 
 his troopers riding knee to knee, and dressing 
 handsomely on their guides. All the flags and 
 pennons were flying, — some fifteen hundred 
 of them ; — the men were in full uniform, and 
 the horses elegantly caparisoned. Every lancer 
 sat erect, and kept his charger well in hand ; 
 and the whole brigade, preserving exactly its 
 intervals and the direction of its march, moved 
 
96 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 forward with the ease and regularity of the 
 best drilled troops on a field-day. Had the 
 commander of this beautiful brigade desired to 
 win the applause of both armies, he could not 
 have put it in better order, or led his men on 
 with more of professional style. The tout en- 
 semble of his column was most admirable. It 
 had a sort of air about it, — an easy, nonchalant 
 manner of going into the work, — which could 
 not but recall to one's mind his ideal pictures 
 of the cavalry of the olden days. Those fine 
 fellows were the chivalry of Mexico, and, 
 with the exception of the President's personal 
 guard, — the regiment of Hussars, — they were 
 the most dashing troops the Republic had ever 
 sent to the field. Opposed to them were our 
 men on foot, — a mere handful in comparison, 
 and having about them none of the "pomp 
 and circumstance," the glitter, and gold, and 
 feathers, and tassels, of their antagonists. They 
 stood calmly and fearlessly still, with their 
 pieces at a carry. But they, too, had an air ; 
 one that had mischief in it. Their ranks had 
 been thinned out ; some of their best men had 
 fallen. There were even fathers standing there, 
 whose sons had gone down by their sides, 
 ■ — their pet boys, whom they had reared and 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 97 
 
 brought forth to fight for their country. And 
 there were sons, too, whose clothes had been 
 baptized with their fathers' blood, not yet dry. 
 Brothers, who had stood shoulder to shoulder 
 in the morning, stood so no more ; but, while 
 one lay stark and motionless upon the earth, 
 the other was near by to avenge him. There 
 were neighbors, too, and friends, who had 
 grown up together in school-boy days. They 
 were not yet separated. The survivors stood 
 there, while those who had borne all these 
 tender relations to them were strown, dead 
 or dying, on every hand. Yet all in sight they 
 lay ; — the familiar forms and faces of those to 
 whom they had been deeply attached, and 
 whom they had called by their first names 
 from infancy. It cannot be wondered, then, 
 that these men stood firm. 
 
 It was a sublime, a terrible sight. The 
 troops on both sides were so cool and deter- 
 mined, that all knew the struggle must be 
 sanguinary and desperate in the extreme. Not 
 a word was spoken ; the din of the surround- 
 ing battle seemed for a moment hushed ; the 
 rumbling sound of the earth, as the brigade 
 swept onward like a living thunderbolt, appear- 
 ed to be the only audible manifestation of the 
 7 
 
98 BATTLE OF BTJENA VISTA. 
 
 approaching carnage. As the Mexicans came 
 nearer, they evidently indulged the belief, that 
 they could draw the fire of our men before it 
 could be very destructive ; and that then, while 
 the pieces were empty, they could overwhelm 
 the slight barrier before them, and finish their 
 work with the lance. But finding, on the 
 contrary, that not a piece was discharged nor 
 a man moving, the whole brigade began in- 
 stinctively to diminish its gait. This was a 
 fatal mistake ; and, on their side, it seemed a 
 pity it should have been made, it was so out of 
 keeping with the skill indicated by their sol- 
 dierly appearance and gallant bearing. Final- 
 ly, instead of dashing forward in a most splen- 
 did charge, as they could have done, having 
 the ground upon which to execute it, they 
 had the madness to pull up to a walk, and at 
 length to halt in the very net-work of the two 
 lines of fire. The instant they did so, the 
 pieces came down on both faces of the angle, 
 as if swayed by the same hand. For a mo- 
 ment their muzzles moved slowly about, as 
 each man felt for his aim ; then they settled 
 steady and firm as bars of steel. Now, like 
 the blast of a trumpet, the dreadful word was 
 shouted, — " Fire ! " Two sheets of flame 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 99 
 
 converged on that beautiful brigade. It was 
 appalling! The whole head of the column 
 was prostrated, and riderless horses, a multi- 
 tude, and crimson with blood, scattered from it 
 in every direction. 
 
 Before the Mexicans could recover from the 
 effects of this blow, Sherman cut them up with 
 grape and canister. Then came the rapid and 
 deadly firing by file, of our riflemen and in- 
 fantry. No troops in the world could have 
 faced it without the most awful sacrifice of 
 life ; and under it the whole brigade gave way, 
 and fled toward the mountains, leaving the 
 ground literally covered with its dead. 
 
 In this affair, had it not been for that unac- 
 countable and suicidal pulling up to a halt 
 before a body of the best marksmen in the 
 world, and distant only eighty yards ; — had 
 this compact mass of cavalry, in room of doing 
 thus, dashed at speed into the angle before 
 them, they would have lost many men, no 
 doubt ; but it is difficult to conceive what could 
 have saved the Mississippi and Indiana troops 
 from total destruction. And, had so large a 
 force broken through our lines, and, at this 
 time, gained the road between Buena Vista and 
 La Angostura, the fortunes of the day would 
 
100 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 again have been placed in a jeopardy most 
 painful to contemplate. 
 
 All this time the fighting on the plateau was 
 continued with but slight intermissions, yet 
 without any important advantage being gained 
 by either side. The enemy's batteries in front, 
 except at short intervals, kept busily at work ; 
 but our men at La Angostura, and in the heads 
 of the gorges, sheltered themselves as much as 
 possible, except when the infantry or cavalry 
 would come within range ; then, for a season, the 
 sharp roll of musketry would be mingled with 
 the booming sound of cannon, but would again 
 subside to the frequent dropping shot, as the en- 
 emy slowly fell back to cover. It was on such 
 occasions, that loaded wagons came along near 
 those regiments and corps which, for the mo- 
 ment, might not be hotly engaged ; and, having 
 supplied the men with ammunition and bread 
 and water, took in all the wounded who could 
 be gathered up, and returned with them to 
 the rear. By causing the men, when opportu- 
 nity offered, thus to be refreshed, and to have 
 their cartridge-boxes replenished, the General 
 was enabled to keep them in a condition to 
 bear their heavy fatigue, and, at the same time, 
 in a good state of preparation for a protracted 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 101 
 
 use of their weapons. Besides, in this way 
 the wounded were cared for without taking the 
 comhatants from the lines. 
 
 But the most sanguinary part of the field 
 was still that which was covered by the forces 
 engaged in rear of the plateau. After the 
 enemy's brigade of cavalry had been repulsed 
 by the artillery, riflemen, and infantry, under 
 Sherman, Davis, and Lane, very soon the com- 
 panies of the 1st and 2d Dragoons, Lieutenant 
 Reynolds with his two pieces, Pike's and Pres- 
 ton's companies, and a few mounted and foot 
 volunteers who had been rallied at the hacien- 
 da, were ordered by General Taylor to move 
 directly up near the base of the mountains on 
 the left, and to drive in the enemy's right by 
 attacking him on that flank. This force was 
 under the direction of Brevet Lieutenant-Colo- 
 nel May. The Mexicans soon began to give 
 way before its advance, and to keep along the 
 base of the mountain toward the plateau. It 
 was while this was doing, that a violent tem- 
 pest of hail and rain, with gusts of wind, came 
 suddenly up, accompanied by vivid lightning 
 and the most deafening peals of thunder.* 
 
 * There was something remarkable about this sudden 
 and furious tempest. It was in the " dry season" ; and, 
 
102 BATTLE OP BUENA VISTA. 
 
 But the warring of the elements above stayed 
 not the fury of the battle below. The loud 
 thunder and the pattering of hail were answered 
 back by the roar of cannon and the rattling of 
 musketry. 
 
 From time to time, as our cavalry force un- 
 der Lieutenant-Colonel May pressed heavily 
 on the right flank of the enemy, Reynolds's 
 two pieces were brought into action, and played 
 upon him until he gave ground, when they 
 were quickly limbered up, and moved on again 
 to new and closer positions ; being supported 
 on each flank by the regular Dragoons, with 
 Pike's squadron to the left of all. Meanwhile 
 (Captain Bragg, with three * pieces of his bat- 
 I tery without support, advanced upon the ene- 
 ! my, midway between the Dragoons and the 
 (Mississippi and Indiana troops. The latter 
 ] were also pushing on, and supporting, as they 
 did so, Captain Sherman with his howitzer. 
 
 save the slight shower during the night succeeding the 
 battle of the 22d, we had had no rain before, and we had 
 none for a long time after. Some of our army accounted 
 for it as being the result of the excessive firing during the 
 action. According to Professor Espy's theory of storms, 
 this may have been the cause. 
 
 * By this time Lieutenant Kilburn's piece had joined 
 him. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 103 
 
 Our three pieces on the plateau likewise di- 
 rected, for the time being, their fire upon the 
 masses now giving way before this combined 
 attack and advance of our entire strength in 
 rear of that position. Meanwhile the whole 
 fire of the 18 and 24-pounder battery of the 
 enemy was concentrated on our corps moving 
 up toward the mountains, and nearly enfiladed 
 their lines. It was a fine battery, and the 
 havoc it made in our ranks was a melancholy 
 evidence of the skill with which it was served. 
 But neither the effect of its heavy copper-shot, 
 frightful as it was, nor the continuous fire of 
 musketry from those now falling back, could 
 retard the steady advance of our troops. They 
 swept onward toward the mountains like a 
 seine, and gathered this portion of the enemy's 
 force into a sort of cul-de-sac, from which it 
 seemed impossible for it to escape. The Mex- 
 icans, who were thus hemmed in, were played 
 upon by no less than nine pieces of our light 
 artillery at the same moment ; being the cen- 
 tre of a cross fire from Reynolds's pieces to 
 their right, and O'Brien's and Thomas's pieces 
 on their left, while Sherman and Bragg were 
 tearing them up in front. Although at first 
 they answered our troops by a fire of musketry, 
 
104 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 as the ground from point to point afforded them 
 cover, yet, as they became more condensed, 
 and the effect of our shot more destructive, 
 they grew panic-stricken. Then horse and 
 foot mingled together, and, without pausing 
 to resist the storm under which they suf- 
 fered, pressed, on closer and closer toward 
 the mountain. These were the men who had 
 killed our wounded, when they drove us in the 
 morning. These were the men who took no 
 prisoners, when they might have taken many. 
 These were the men who left no sign of life 
 in any thing American which had fallen into 
 their hands, — the men who had stripped our 
 poor fellows, and then stood over them and 
 mutilated their remains in the most horrible 
 and revolting manner. They were the men 
 who had received the surrendered sword of 
 the Texan Lieutenant, Campbell, a gallant 
 gentleman, and then plunged it into his bosom. 
 These were the men who in the morning had 
 surrounded that grey-haired man, Lieutenant 
 Price, of Illinois, seventy-two years old,* and 
 
 * This old gentleman had been very active in raising a 
 company of the 2d Illinois Volunteers, by urging the young 
 men of his county to go to Mexico and assist General 
 Taylor, Tvho, he had heard, was surrounded. At last 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 105 
 
 cruelly forced their lances through him, as if 
 for pastime. Now they were going back over 
 the same ground where all this work had been 
 done. We had but little consideration for 
 those who had had no pity for our mangled 
 and bleeding comrades. And every one knew, 
 if the battle finally went against us, what 
 would inevitably be his own fate. All these 
 things inspired our troops with a determination 
 never to despair of victory ; and nerved them 
 to press onward to the punishment of an ene- 
 my, who, in civilized warfare, had set the first 
 example of murdering wounded men. Faster 
 and faster our troops gathered them into that 
 little cove in the side of the mountain. They 
 were about 5000 or 6000 in all ; cavalry and 
 infantry, mingled in confusion ; an armed mul- 
 titude ; a mere chaos of men and horses, and 
 dead and dying, with flags, pennons, lances, 
 and muskets, all mixed up. Hundreds of them 
 endeavored to escape by clambering up the 
 steep sides of the mountains ; but most of them 
 
 he told them, that, to prove that he would not advise 
 them to go where he dared not go himself, if they would 
 give him a commission, so that he could be "mustered in," 
 he would accompany them. They elected him Second 
 Lieutenant, and he fell a3 above described. He was much 
 beloved, and his fall was deeply lamented. 
 
106 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 stood huddled together, while our shot went 
 crashing through them, and our shells like- 
 wise, opening for themselves a bloody circle 
 wherever they exploded. 
 
 It was at this time that the President of 
 Mexico sent one of his staff officers, under a 
 white flag, with a message to General Taylor, 
 desiring to know what he wanted. General 
 Wool was immediately directed to bear the 
 commanding General's reply to such a singular 
 request ; and, at the same time, orders were 
 sent to our batteries to cease firing. General 
 Wool proceeded directly up to the head of the 
 plateau, where, notwithstanding the inter- 
 change of flags, the 18 and 24-pounder bat- 
 tery (L) still continued in operation on our 
 troops in rear ; but, finding he could not in- 
 duce the Mexican officers there to cease their 
 fire, he declared the parley at an end, and 
 returned to our lines, without having had an 
 interview with his Excellency. While all this 
 was going on, the whole force which had 
 turned our left succeeded in escaping from 
 its perilous situation. Having recrossed 
 the head of the deep ravine, they passed 
 rapidly along the upper edge of the plateau, 
 and, under cover of their battery there, in 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 107 
 
 spite of all our exertions, united again with 
 the main army in front. 
 
 Just before they did so, however, and about 
 the time the white flag came in to General 
 Taylor, Santa Anna caused his 8-pounder bat- 
 tery to be moved down to a point nearer the 
 plateau; and his reserves, under General Or- 
 tega, were ordered forward, and formed in 
 the same ravine which had been occupied by 
 General Pacheco in the morning. This large 
 body of fresh troops was strengthened by 
 those of the first column of attack, by the 
 Battalion of Leon, and by the Eleventh 
 Regiment of Infantry.* The whole force 
 was then placed under the command of Gen- 
 eral Perez, and directed to move forward ; the 
 cavalry being ordered to its left, to remain un- 
 der cover until our lines should give way. 
 The approach, concentration, and disposition 
 
 * "I had ordered trie battery of 8-pounders to advance 
 and take trie enemy in flank ; [?] and that the column of 
 attack, then posted on our left flank, where it had no ob- 
 ject of operation, should be transferred to our right, and 
 there be joined by the remains of the Eleventh Regiment, 
 the Battalion of Leon, and the Reserves, and all under 
 the command of Brevet General Don Francisco Perez. I 
 executed this in person, and afterwards sent for General 
 Mora y Villamil, and made him acquainted with my final 
 dispositions," — Santa Anna's Report of the Battle. 
 
108 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 of this force, could not be seen from any part 
 of the ground we then occupied : therefore its 
 strength, proximity, and the point it menaced, 
 were, for the present, equally unknown. But, 
 to be prepared for any emergency, General 
 Taylor sent orders to the left, the moment the 
 Mexican right had effected its escape from that 
 quarter, for all our troops there to come for- 
 ward, as quickly as possible, to the plateau. 
 They were now already in motion ; our 
 cavalry and artillery being obliged to go 
 'nearly down to the road to avoid the ravines, 
 whilst the Mississippi and Indiana troops were 
 moving directly across them. 
 
 While the enemy's cavalry and infantry, 
 which our left had thus signally defeated, was 
 moving in retreat along the head of the pla- 
 teau, O'Brien's and Thomas's pieces were 
 advanced well to the front, and then came into 
 action, and opened a heavy fire on them ; and 
 Colonels Hardin, Bissell, and McKee, with 
 their Illinois and Kentucky troops, dashed 
 gallantly forward in hot pursuit. The power- 
 ful reserve of the Mexican army was just then 
 emerging from the ravine where it had been 
 organized, and coming forward on the pla- 
 teau, opposite the head of the third gorge. (a) 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 109 
 
 Those who were giving way rallied quickly 
 upon it ; when the whole force, thus increased 
 to over 12,000 men, came forward in a per- 
 fect blaze of fire. It was a single column, 
 composed of the best soldiers of the Republic, 
 and having for its advanced battalions the 
 veteran regiments. The Kentucky and Illi- 
 nois troops were soon obliged to give ground 
 before it, and to seek the shelter of the second 
 gorge. (P) As the Mexicans pressed on, O'Brien 
 and Thomas opened upon them with canister, 
 instead of round and hollow shot. Being very 
 close, the destruction of life, caused by their 
 three pieces, was immense. The advance 
 of this column, however, was not retarded ; 
 for they were troops of the old line, and were 
 accustomed to blood. Arriving opposite the 
 head of the second gorge, one half of this 
 column suddenly enveloped it, while the other 
 half pressed on across the plateau, having for 
 the moment nothing to resist them but the 
 three guns in their front. The portion, that 
 was immediately opposed to the Kentucky 
 and Illinois troops, ran down along each side 
 of the gorge in which they had sought shelter, 
 and also circled around its head ; and then 
 there was no possible way of escape for them 
 
110 BATTLE OP BUENA VISTA. 
 
 except by its mouth, which opened upon the 
 road. Its sides were steep, — at least, at an 
 angle of forty degrees, — were covered with 
 loose pebbles and stones, and went to a point 
 at the bottom. Down there were our poor 
 fellows, — nearly three regiments of them, 
 — with but little opportunity to load or fire a 
 gun, being hardly able even to keep their feet. 
 Above, the whole edge of the gorge, all the 
 way around, was darkened by the serried 
 masses of the enemy, and was bristling with 
 muskets directed upon the crowd beneath. 
 It was no time to pause ; those who were 
 not immediately shot down, rushed on to- 
 ward the road, their numbers growing less 
 and less as they went ; Kentuckians and 
 Illinoians, officers and men, all mixed up in 
 confusion, and all pressing on over the loose 
 pebbles and rolling stones of those shelving, 
 precipitous banks, and having lines and lines 
 of the enemy firing down from each side and 
 in rear, as they went. Just then, the enemy's 
 cavalry, which had gone to the left of the 
 reserve, had come over the spur that divides 
 the mouth of the second gorge (P) from that 
 of the third/ a) and were now closing up the 
 only door through which there was the least 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. Ill 
 
 shadow of a chance for their lives. Many 
 of those ahead endeavored to force their way 
 out ; but few succeeded ; the lancers were 
 fully six to one, and their long weapons were 
 already reeking with blood. It was at this 
 time that those, who were still back in that 
 dreadful gorge, heard, above the din of the 
 musketry and the shouts of the enemy around 
 them, the roar of Washington's Battery. No 
 music could have been more grateful to their 
 ears. A moment only, and the whole open- 
 ing, where the lancers were busy, rang with 
 the repeated explosions of spherical-case shot. 
 They gave way. The gate, as it were, was 
 clear, and out upon the road a stream of our 
 poor fellows issued. They ran panting down 
 towards the battery, and directly under the 
 flight of iron then passing over their heads 
 into the retreating cavalry. Hardin, McKee, 
 Clay, Willis, Zabriskie, Houghton, — but why 
 go on? It would be a sad task indeed to 
 name over all who fell during this twenty 
 minutes' slaughter. The whole gorge, from 
 the plateau to its mouth, was strewed with 
 our dead ; all dead ; no wounded there, not 
 a man ; for the infantry had rushed down 
 the sides, and completed the work with the 
 bayonet. 
 
112 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Simultaneously with all this, the other por- 
 tion of the enemy's immense force continued 
 to advance diagonally down the plateau, to- 
 ward the very point occupied by the com- 
 manding General. There was nothing to 
 impede their progress but the artillery under 
 Lieutenants O'Brien and Thomas. The for- 
 mer of these officers, with his two pieces, 
 was about a hundred yards to the right and 
 in advance of the latter ; and both, though 
 unsupported, fell back no faster than the re- 
 coil of their guns would carry them. They 
 knew our troops were hurrying up from the 
 rear, and that, if they could retard the ene- 
 my's course but a few minutes longer, the 
 tide of battle, now setting so heavily against 
 us, might once more turn in our favor. Sher- 
 man and Bragg were urging on their bat- 
 teries with whip, spur, and even with drawn 
 sabres ; the dragoons were coming on with 
 them ; while to the left, Davis and Lane, 
 with their riflemen and infantry, — the men 
 with trailed arms, — were advancing, at a run, 
 over the ridges and ravines ; the awful fire of 
 musketry on the plateau, and down around 
 that dismal gorge, proclaiming with fearful elo- 
 quence the necessity of their speed. Closer 
 and closer pressed the Mexicans. O'Brien 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 113 
 
 saw, that, if he limbered up in time to save his 
 guns, the enemy would carry the plateau be- 
 fore our other light artillery could get to it ; 
 but that, if he stood his ground and fought 
 them until they were lost, there was still a 
 chance remaining to retrieve the fortunes of the 
 day. It was a most critical moment, and his 
 a most perilous situation. On his choice there 
 rested infinite responsibility. His decision, 
 under the circumstances, was stamped with 
 more of heroism than any other one act of the 
 war. He elected to lose his guns. 
 
 Still onward came the Mexicans. O'Brien's 
 men were fast falling around him ; he was 
 himself wounded ; already two horses had been 
 killed under him, and the third was bleeding ; 
 besides, those attached to his pieces and cais- 
 sons were nearly all down, and struggling in 
 their harness. He looked back, and saw that 
 the troops in rear were now nearly up, and en- 
 couraged his little handful of men to continue 
 their exertions. The cool and intrepid Thom- 
 as, on his left, kept busily at his work, and 
 was likewise suffering most terrible loss. Still 
 the Mexicans came on, and were now almost 
 up to the guns, which were pouring into them 
 canisters on canisters of musket balls. No 
 
114 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 troops could have behaved better than they 
 did. There was no faltering. The wide gaps 
 opened through their ranks were immediately 
 closed up, and the men still pressed on. Now 
 nearly every cannoneer was down. O'Brien 
 looked back once more, and, thank God ! 
 Bragg 's Battery, which was leading, was just 
 at that moment coming into action ; Sherman 
 and the dragoons were following rapidly up, 
 while Davis and Lane were just bringing their 
 riflemen and infantry out of the last deep 
 ravine upon the plateau. His pieces were 
 nearly loaded again ; it was slow work, the 
 four or five men about them being so weak 
 from loss of blood. But he was determined 
 to give the Mexicans one more round; and he 
 did so ; it was, as one might say, right in 
 their teeth ; and then he. and the few crippled 
 fellows who had survived the carnage, hob- 
 bled away.* 
 
 * This was the manner in which Lieutenant O'Brien 
 "turned over" (to use a professional term for the trans- 
 ferring of property from one to another) these two cele- 
 brated trophies to the Mexican army. They were after- 
 wards recaptured by the gallant and lamented Captain 
 Simon H. Drum, of the 4th Artillery, at Churubusco. It 
 is somewhat remarkable, that a company of the very regi- 
 ment to which they belonged should have retaken thera. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 115 
 
 While those of the Mexican army nearest 
 the guns closed in on them, and, having cut 
 the dead and dying horses clear, limbered up, 
 and then, by hand, rolled the pieces away, the 
 rest continued rapidly on, their speed being 
 now accelerated to a run. Captain Bragg had 
 appealed to General Taylor for support. There 
 was none to give him. That which had been 
 in front the enemy were now cutting to pieces 
 in the gorge to which it had been driven, 
 while that in rear had not yet come up. " Main- 
 tain THE POSITION AT EVERT HAZARD," WaS 
 
 the order. And nobly was it executed. That 
 magnificent battery,* — which had encountered 
 the enemy in every battle from Palo Alto up, 
 and before which the Mexican ranks had wilt- 
 ed away as if breathed upon by the Angel of 
 Death, — now belched forth a storm of iron 
 and lead, which prostrated every thing in its 
 front. Nothing could withstand its terrible 
 
 Speaking of the time when they were recovered, General 
 Scott says ; "Coming up a little later, I had the happiness 
 to join in the protracted cheers of the gallant 4th on the 
 joyous event ; and, indeed, the whole army sympathizes in 
 its just pride and exultation." 
 
 * Ringgold's celebrated battery until he fell ; then Ran- 
 dolph Ridgely's at Resaca de la Palma and Monterey, till 
 he died ; then Bragg's, 
 
116 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 fury. In a few moments Sherman placed his 
 battery alongside, and took up the fire ; the 
 dragoons were ordered to a position within sup- 
 porting distance ; and, at the same instant, 
 Washington at La Angostura began to tear 
 open the gate of lancers from the gorge be- 
 low. Davis and Lane, with the Mississippi" 
 riflemen and Indiana Volunteers, having come / 
 upon the plateau at some distance to the left 
 of the artillery, poured volley after volley into* 
 the enemy, striking him in flank, and enfilading 
 his repeated ranks from right to left. The 
 cannonade on both sides was now so incessant, 
 and the roar of musketry so loud and contin- 
 uous, that it was impossible, above the gen- 
 eral clangor and din, to distinguish the report 
 of any single gun. The struggle was most 
 desperate. The whole air vibrated with the 
 rushing current of balls. The Mexicans fought 
 as they had never fought before, and with an 
 utter disregard of life. Our men were falling 
 on every hand. General Taylor himself was 
 in the midst of the hottest of the fight, calmly 
 giving his orders, his clothes torn and riddled 
 with bullets; and, wherever the fury of the 
 battle was greatest, there was General Wool, 
 riding from point to point, encouraging and 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 117 
 
 stimulating the men to still greater exertions. 
 Each moment our fire seemed to grow more 
 and more destructive. At length, the head of 
 the Mexican column began to fall back ; not 
 by retreating, but by being shot away. Others 
 pressed on to supply the places of the fallen ; 
 but they, too, went down. Finding it utterly 
 impossible, notwithstanding all were advancing, 
 to gain even a rod of ground against such a 
 tempest, the whole column finally faltered a 
 moment, then gave way, and in confusion re- 
 treated to the cover of the deep ravine. Not 
 till then did our fire slacken. The smoke, 
 which had enveloped the two armies like a 
 thick veil, then lifted slowly up, and there was 
 the field, blue with the uniforms of the dead ! 
 
 With the exception of the 18 and 24-pound- 
 er battery and its strong supports, still in posi- 
 tion at the head of the plateau, the whole 
 Mexican army had now given ground. It had 
 done so under the combined efforts of Washing- 
 ton's guns at La Angostura, and of Sherman's 
 and Bragg's batteries, Davis's riflemen, and 
 Lane's volunteer infantry, on the plain above. 
 
 The remains of the Second Illinois Regi- 
 ment were soon got together after they had 
 
118 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 arrived near La Angostura from the fatal gorge, 
 and were again brought upon the plateau by 
 the modest and fearless Bissell, and posted on 
 the right of the batteries. Lieutenant-Colo- 
 nel Weatherford also gathered up the fragments 
 of poor Hardin's regiment, and marched them 
 out to the head of the first gorge. They thus 
 relinquished the parapet they had thrown up, 
 and also the ditch to the right of Washington, 
 to all that were left of the 2d Kentucky Vol- 
 unteers, who had been brought away from 
 the gorge after McKee and Clay had gone 
 down, and were now commanded by the only 
 surviving field-officer, Major Cary H. Fry, one 
 of the most determined soldiers in the battle. 
 Captain Bragg at this time advanced his bat- 
 tery, supported by the Mississippians, two or 
 three hundred yards up the plateau, and opened 
 upon the Battalion of San Patricio with its 
 heavy guns and its sustaining force, the corps 
 of Sappers and Miners, now further strength- 
 ened by the regiment of Engineers. Captain 
 Sherman likewise pushed his pieces more to 
 the front, and operated in that direction as the 
 enemy from time to time became exposed to 
 his fire. At the same moment, General Tay- 
 lor directed Lieutenant-Colonel May, with the 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 119 
 
 companies of the 1st and 2d Dragoons, and 
 Pike's and Preston's companies, to move up 
 the ravine toward the left, to prevent the ene- 
 my from again getting to our rear by turning 
 that flank. 
 
 It was nearly five o'clock in the afternoon 
 when all these dispositions had heeii made. 
 The great tumult of the battle had just given 
 place to an occasional cannonade, accompanied 
 by a desultory and scattering fire of small 
 arms, when the attention of our army was at- 
 tracted toward the rear by the heavy report 
 of guns in that direction. 
 
 It will be recollected, that, during the 22d 3 
 General Minon with his brigade of cavalry had 
 come into the valley northeast of Saltillo, and 
 had been ordered by Santa Anna to remain 
 there until our troops gave way, then to fall 
 upon them, and cut them up. About twelve 
 o'clock, at noon, on the 23d, a large detach- 
 ment of this brigade, apparently impatient at 
 waiting for our precipitate retreat, passed along 
 at the foot of the mountains, and ascended into 
 the Pass through a deep ravine at long cannon 
 range southeast from the redoubt. As they did 
 so, and swept around to gain the road between 
 the battle-field and the city, they were opened 
 
120 BATTLE Or BUENA VISTA. 
 
 upon by Captain Webster with his 24-pounder 
 howitzers, and, before they could get beyond 
 the reach of the shells, sustained a slight loss 
 both in men and horses. During the after- 
 noon, this force was followed on the same 
 route by the rest of the brigade, which, when 
 it had united with its advance, halted in one 
 immense column, — the whole being but a lit- 
 tle over a mile in front of the town. In this 
 position General Minon succeeded in intercept- 
 ing the flight of several of the men who had 
 left the field of battle, and in making them 
 prisoners. The brigade, however, had hardly 
 gained this new position, before Lieutenant 
 Donaldson and Lieutenant Bowen, of Web- 
 ster's Battery, galloped over to the head-quarter 
 camp, and, in concert with Lieutenant Shover, 
 proposed that Donaldson and Shover, — the 
 former with one of Webster's howitzers, the 
 latter with his 6-pounder gun, — should go out 
 and attack it by themselves, and, if possible, 
 force it from the Pass. It was a bold plan, and 
 one they were the very men, not only to con- 
 ceive, but to execute. Lieutenant Shover knew, 
 that, if our army in front of Buena Vista had 
 been routed, as the fugitives had reported, a 
 most desperate stand would probably be made 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 121 
 
 in front of the town, and, for the moment, 
 therefore, he did not feel authorized to leave 
 a position which General Taylor had ordered 
 him to defend to the last extremity. But after- 
 wards, when he found that our lines were still 
 maintaining their ground, and that he could 
 then leave the head-quarter camp without so 
 much danger of compromising its safety, he 
 dashed forward with his gun at a gallop, having 
 for a support a promiscuous crowd of mount- 
 ed and foot volunteers, teamsters, and citizens, 
 whom Paymaster Weston, Mr. Winder, his clerk, 
 and several other spirited gentlemen had gath- 
 ered up among those who had fled to the town. 
 They were without organization, or even any 
 commander, and followed on after him as best 
 they might, but yelling and whooping most 
 infernally as they went. Lieutenant Donald- 
 son soon got out his 24-pounder howitzer, and 
 in a few minutes formed a junction with Lieu- 
 tenant Shover, having for his support Captain 
 Wheeler's company of the 2d Illinois Volun- 
 teers. During this time, Mifion's brigade had 
 been put in motion, and was now taking a 
 direction evidently to regain the valley from 
 which it had ascended. Lieutenant Shover, 
 being ahead, was the first to bring it with- 
 
122 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 in range. He immediately opened upon it, 
 striking the column in flank, and doing much 
 execution. Lieutenant Donaldson, with his 
 howitzer, then came alongside, when they two, 
 thus united, absolutely drove General Mifion's 
 whole command for at least three miles, 
 causing him very considerable loss. At length, 
 as these two determined officers arrived at 
 some mills * near the mountains toward the 
 east, Captain Wheeler's company was advanced 
 as skirmishers, and occupied the buildings and 
 a stone aqueduct which is there ; while the 
 two pieces remained in battery, and continued 
 to play on the brigade. General Minon sev- 
 eral times formed some of the squadrons com- 
 posing the rear of his column, with a view of 
 charging these guns ; but the ground was so 
 broken, and the fire so well directed, that he 
 as often relinquished his purpose. Finally, 
 he hurried on, and at length abandoned the 
 Pass entirely, and, descending through the deep 
 ravines, made a rapid retreat to the plain below 
 the town. He continued, as he did so, a long 
 while under the fire of Lieutenant Donaldson's 
 
 * Arispe's Mills. They are turned by the water of the 
 spring at Buena Vista. It is carried to them by means of 
 a deep ditch or canal, and by aqueducts across the ravines. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 123 
 
 howitzer, which was of heavier metal than the 
 gun of his gallant comrade. This was one of 
 the most daring exploits of the day. The 
 communication between the army and the city 
 being now completely opened again, Lieuten- 
 ent Donaldson and Lieutenant Shover, with 
 their pieces and supports, returned to their re- 
 spective posts. 
 
 Meanwhile, upon the battle-field, the enemy 
 still held the position where he had first estab- 
 lished the battery of the Battalion of San Pa- 
 tricio ; and, as the sun settled down still lower 
 in the west, he was seen to move up one or 
 two other regiments, the more certainly to 
 maintain it. As this force could not be driven 
 from the point it occupied, except at a sacrifice 
 we were not in an immediate condition to 
 make, Captain Bragg's battery, accompanied 
 by the Mississippians,* was withdrawn from 
 
 * Colonel Davis was severely crippled, when he first 
 came under fire in the morning, by a shot through the 
 bones of the arch of one of his feet. He continued, how- 
 ever, to lead his men until the fury of the battle had 
 subsided, when he was forced by the exceedingly painful 
 and dangerous nature of his wound to seek surgical aid. 
 The remains of his gallant regiment fell into good hands. 
 Major Bradford succeeded him in command, — a gentle- 
 man always distinguished for his soldierly bearing, and 
 conspicuous in battle for his coolness and utter contempt 
 of danger. 
 
124 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 its fire to the foot of the plateau. Captain 
 Sherman still remained at the same advanced 
 point, and still continued to fire upon such 
 portions of the enemy as he could now and 
 then reach with effect. As the sun sank lower 
 and lower, the occasional rattle of musketry 
 gave place to dropping shot, which, in turn, 
 became less and less frequent, and at length 
 entirely ceased. The fire of artillery on both 
 sides had gradually subsided ; the sun went 
 down ; the heavy and reverberated report of 
 cannon had longer and more uncertain inter- 
 vals ; finally it was hushed ; a profound and 
 painful silence succeeded, and again the cold, 
 deepening shadows of evening began silently 
 to steal over the field. The two armies were 
 still there, and were still sternly regarding each 
 other, face to face. They were standing al- 
 most upon the same ground where they had 
 respectively stood the night before. But in 
 the Mexican lines we could hear no animated 
 harangue, no responding vivas, nor approving 
 cheers ; and the night wind brought not to 
 our ears again the witchery of that sweet 
 music. One could hardly realize, as he now 
 looked upon the dark masses of the two ar- 
 mies, that they had been so mingled in bloody 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 125 
 
 strife since last he saw them similarly situ- 
 ated ; all was now so calm. Indeed, hardly 
 a sound could be heard, save the occasional 
 dismal napping of the wings of the fierce za- 
 palotes,* now hovering over the Pass, or the 
 distant and almost human yell of the hungry 
 wolves, answered by others away in the gloomy 
 recesses of the surrounding mountains. They 
 were already beginning to gather in to their 
 horrible repast. And now, scarcely an evi- 
 dence of the conflict could be seen, except 
 when one took a closer survey of the ground 
 about him. Then, scattered on every hand, 
 how many and many were the dark forms 
 which met his eye of what had been stalwart 
 men and powerful steeds! some lying as if 
 asleep, and some in strange, unnatural postures, 
 with the moonlight resting steadily and cold 
 on the bright points of uniforms and trappings, 
 all still and firm as if they were belted to 
 stone, — not tremulous and moving, as when 
 on breathing, animated beings. These were 
 fearful proofs of the desperate struggle which 
 had gone by. These ghastly figures, with 
 
 * Za-pa-lo-te, a species of vulture with black body and 
 wings. The head, tail, and tips of the wings are white. 
 They fly by night as well as by day, and are very fierce. 
 
126 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 the immovable luminous points resting upon 
 them, were the solemn characters, the terrible 
 hieroglyphics, traced upon the field, which, 
 being deciphered amidst the obscurity of night, 
 told in mute but eloquent language how dread- 
 ful a day had passed. 
 
 So ended the battle of the 23d of February. 
 
 Early in the evening every preparation had 
 been made to resist any attack the Mexicans 
 might offer during the night. Along our 
 whole front there was stretched a close chain 
 of sentinels ; while, to observe the enemy's 
 movements, should he attempt before morning 
 again to turn our left by infantry along the 
 mountains, a piquet of twenty-five regular 
 dragoons, under Lieutenant Carleton and Lieu- 
 tenant Givens, was sent far up the ravine in 
 rear of the plateau. At the same time, the 
 mounted companies of Captain Pike and Cap- 
 tain Preston were directed to proceed to an ad- 
 vanced point across the stream, (21) to watch him 
 from that quarter. The remains of the Missis-/ 
 sippi regiment were sent in to the head-quarter) 
 encampment near Saltillo, while the seven\ 
 fresh companies stationed in and near the city 7 
 were ordered to replace them upon the battle- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 127 
 
 field. Indeed, every arrangement was soon 
 completed for renewing the struggle the coming 
 day. The wounded were all gathered up, and 
 carried to the cathedral in town.* Our troops, 
 without moving from their positions, were 
 supplied with bread, meat, and water ; and our 
 dragoon and artillery horses, still under the 
 saddle or in harness, were refreshed with for- 
 age where they stood. All these things being 
 done, the night passed slowly away, and, al- 
 though cloudless, was extremely inclement. 
 The troops were nearly exhausted from their 
 protracted labors ; and now, in addition to 
 their fatigue and want of sleep, they were suf- 
 fering intensely from the cold. It was a most 
 gloomy and horrible night, and one which our 
 soldiers, who stood shivering there amidst the 
 dead, and with their arms in their hands ready 
 
 * A large train of wagons, filled with our wounded, was 
 conducted to Saltillo, during the night of the 23d, by Enoch 
 C. March, Esq., of Illinois, a most gallant old gentleman, 
 and one who, though connected with the army only in a 
 civil capacity, was always found, during the battle, where 
 he could be of service ; whether it was in the thick fight, 
 in gathering up our poor fellows who were mangled and 
 bleeding, in rallying those who had given way, or in the 
 melancholy duty of conducting this long train to the cathe- 
 dral in the city. 
 
128 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 for instant combat, can never forget. No one 
 despaired of ultimate success. The advantages 
 the enemy had at first gained had been, one 
 after another, wrested from him. So far the 
 battle was ours ; and every man upon the field 
 still held firm his resolution that it should con- 
 tinue to be ours. But already seven hundred 
 and forty-six * of our little army had been 
 struck down, and all felt that the anticipated 
 conflict of the approaching morrow would be 
 as bloody as that of the day which had gone. 
 No wonder, then, that this was a most anx- 
 ious and melancholy night. 
 
 During the evening of the 23d, General 
 Marshall, with a battery of four heavy guns 
 under the gallant and accomplished Captain 
 Prentiss of the U. S. 1st Artillery, and a de- 
 tachment of Kentucky Mounted Volunteers, 
 started from the Pass of the Rinconada, and, 
 by a forced march, succeeded in running the 
 gantlet of Blanco's and Aguierra's rancheros at 
 Capellania on his right, and General Mirion's 
 whole brigade on his left, and, before morn- 
 ing, arrived within striking distance of Buena 
 Vista. Too much praise could not be bestowed 
 upon tins little command for its extraordina- 
 
 * See Appendix, E. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 129 
 
 ry efforts to get to the field in time to share 
 in the perils and glory of the conflict. In less 
 than one night, it marched thirty-five miles 
 over one of the worst of roads ; and, at the 
 crossing of every ravine, the officers and men 
 were obliged to assist with ropes, not only in 
 letting the cannon down the first bank, bat in 
 pulling them up the opposite one. In this 
 way those determined fellows came on, with 
 the enemy, more than ten to one, hovering 
 about them on every hand. The timely ap- 
 proach of this force, together with the troops 
 he had drawn from Saltillo, afforded General 
 Taylor quite as many combatants, in front of 
 Santa Anna, as he had when the battle com- 
 menced, and even one piece of artillery more. 
 At length the long hours of the night had 
 worn slowly away. Just before day, the moon 
 went down. Soon afterward, the gray, and 
 then the purple streaks of morning began to 
 lighten up the eastern sky, and the stars, one 
 by one, to melt into the blue of heaven. Grad- 
 ually the surrounding objects became more and 
 more distinct as the day approached. Then it 
 was that a sound went along our lines ever to be 
 remembered. It was but a single cry at first; 
 then a murmur, which rose and swelled upon 
 9 
 
130 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 the ear like the voice of a tempest ; then a 
 prolonged and thrilling shout : 
 
 Victory ! Victory ! Victory ! The ene- 
 my has eled! The field is ours! 
 
 Reader ! you should have heard the wild 
 hurrah that then rang throughout that Pass ; the 
 long, exultant, American "Hurrah!" Even 
 the old mountains themselves turned traitors 
 for the moment, and yelled to their hoarse 
 echoes to repeat it. Again and again it 
 sounded, and right over the inanimate remains 
 of the gallant men who had poured out their 
 blood and yielded up their lives to win this 
 new glory for their country. And then, with 
 mingled feelings of sorrow for the dead, joy 
 for the victory, and gratitude to God, many 
 a strong heart was moved ; the big drops 
 trickled down many a rough and powder- 
 blackened face ; and stern, brave men, whose 
 eyes, for many a long day, had not known 
 the refreshing moisture of a tear, wept now, 
 even while they shouted in triumph. 
 
 And it was so ; — the heavy masses of the 
 Mexican army, which, when the night shut 
 down, extended along our front from the 
 stream to the mountains, were nowhere to be 
 seen when the coming day again lit up the 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 131 
 
 Pass. Silently, and almost as unaccountably, 
 as the phantoms of a vision, they had gone 
 away. But, in the twenty-five hundred dead 
 and wounded men,* whom they had left be- 
 hind, and who would not vanish with the 
 darkness, we had melancholy evidence, that 
 their having been before us, and struggled 
 with us for two long days, was something 
 more real than the flitting vagaries of a 
 dream. 
 
 By seven o'clock, our scouts brought the 
 information that Santa Anna's whole army 
 had fallen back on Agua Nueva; but our 
 troops were not only too much exhausted, 
 but too few, to pursue and attack him there. 
 Soon afterwards, General Taylor, accompanied 
 by General Wool and nearly all the staff, and 
 having, as a guard, the companies of the 1st 
 and 2d Dragoons, and Pike's squadron, moved 
 up to the plateau and along over the battle- 
 field; and thence, following the enemy's trail, 
 to La Encantada. No one can imagine, much 
 less describe, how dreadful a scene it was for 
 the whole way. All of our men who had 
 fallen, and whom the enemy had been able to 
 
 * See Appendix, F. 
 
132 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 reach, were stripped of every article of cloth- 
 ing, and gashed over with wounds evidently 
 inflicted after death. The Mexicans, on the 
 contrary, lay just as they had died. The 
 plateau was covered with the dead, and the 
 gorges and ravines in front were filled with 
 them. The ground, furrowed by cannon-shot 
 and torn by the bursting shells, was liter- 
 ally reeking with blood. Men and horses, 
 parts of equipments, shattered muskets, drums, 
 trumpets, lances, swords, caps, — in fine, all the 
 paraphernalia of armies, were scattered, crim- 
 son with gore, in every direction. The Mex- 
 ican wounded had nearly all been taken to the 
 cover of the ravines, or along the road beyond 
 cannon range ; and two or three surgeons had 
 been left behind, and were now busily en- 
 gaged in trying to save them. As our dra- 
 goons passed along over this part of the field, 
 the cries for water, which were heard in 
 every direction, were truly heart-rending. Our 
 men dismounted, and gave the poor fellows 
 their canteens, and placed beside them, upon 
 the ground, the contents of their haversacks. 
 It was a touching sight. 
 
 Arriving at La Encantada, General Taylor 
 directed Major Bliss, Assistant Adjutant-Gen- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 133 
 
 eralj escorted by twenty-five dragoons under 
 Lieutenant Buford, to proceed with a flag to 
 Agua Nueva, and negotiate with General 
 Santa Anna an exchange of prisoners. We 
 had taken nearly three hundred, and it was 
 the General's desire to give them up for those, 
 who. under Major Gaines and Major Borland, 
 had been captured by General Minon, at 
 Encarnacion, some time before the battle. 
 The Mexican army had taken only seven of 
 our men on the 22d and 23d of February, 
 and those not on the battle-field, — there, they 
 took none, — but between Buena Vista and 
 Saltillo. General Taylor also directed Major 
 Bliss to request the Mexican commander to 
 send for the wounded he had left behind, and 
 to express to him the desire still cherished by 
 the American government for the reestablish- 
 ment of peace. 
 
 When Major Bliss arrived near Agua Nueva, 
 he was halted by the enemy's guards ; but, 
 having made known that the purpose of his 
 visit was to obtain an interview with General 
 Santa Anna, he and his interpreter* were 
 both blindfolded, and were then conducted 
 
 * Mr. Thomas H. Addicks, of San Antonio de Bexar, 
 Texas. 
 
134 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 forward to a room in one of the buildings of 
 the village which had escaped the conflagra- 
 tion. There the bandages were taken from 
 their eyes, when they found themselves in 
 the presence of the Mexican President, sur- 
 rounded by his generals. The Major at once 
 informed his Excellency of the mission with 
 which he was charged. To this, General 
 Santa Anna, — to use his exact language, as 
 reported by himself, — replied as follows : 
 
 " Say to General Taylor, that we sustain 
 the most sacred of causes, — the defence of 
 our territory and the preservation of our 
 nationality and rights; that we are not the 
 aggressors, and that our government has never 
 offended that of the United States. We can 
 say nothing of peace while the Americans are 
 on this side of the Rio Bravo del Norte, or 
 occupy any part of the Mexican territory, or 
 blockade our ports. We are resolved to perish 
 or vindicate our rights. Fortune may not 
 always favor the enemy ; his experience on 
 the 22d and 23d should convince him that 
 his luck may change. The Americans wage 
 against us a war of Vandalism, whose excesses 
 outrage those sentiments of humanity which 
 one civilized nation ought to evince toward 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 135 
 
 another. In proof of this assertion, you have 
 but to go outside of this apartment to see still 
 smoking the dwellings of this recently flour- 
 ishing village ; you passed the same vestiges 
 of desolation at La Encantada, on your route 
 hither : and, if you will go a little farther on, 
 there, to Catana, you will hear the moans of 
 the widows and orphans of innocent victims 
 who have been sacrificed without necessity. 
 
 " With respect to the wounded whom Gen- 
 eral Taylor invites me to send for, I can only 
 say there can be none save those who have 
 been too much hurt to arise from the field, or 
 those most in advance who remained in the 
 ravines ; and, as I have not the means for 
 their conveyance, I trust that, under the pro- 
 tection of the law of nations, he will have 
 them carried to Saltillo. As for the prisoners 
 General Taylor wishes to exchange, I know 
 not who they can be, unless some of our dis- 
 persed troops, or some who, from the fatigue 
 of the last two days, remained asleep when 
 we moved. But, in consideration of the 
 courtesy he has shown with regard to our 
 wounded, I consent, in the name of the nation, 
 to release all the prisoners we have, whether 
 taken at Encarnacion or La Angostura," 
 
136 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 His Excellency, in continuation, spoke of 
 his having won the battle of General Taylor, 
 as of something about which there could be 
 no difference of opinion. He remarked casu- 
 ally, that he had brought with him, as trophies 
 from the field, three pieces of ordnance, and as 
 many stands of colors ; * and that, in falling 
 back to the position he then occupied, he had 
 done so as a mere matter of convenience to 
 himself and his army. Major Bliss and his 
 interpreter were then permitted to take their 
 leave without being blindfolded. The Major 
 immediately returned, with his escort, to 
 Buena Vista, the commanding General having 
 come back from La Encantada during his 
 absence. 
 
 All the rest of the 24th, and the day follow- 
 ing, were spent in collecting and burying our 
 dead,f and in gathering up the Mexican 
 
 * The reader has already been informed how Santa 
 Anna obtained the three cannon to which he alluded. 
 The flags, which he dignified by the title of " stands of 
 colors," were merely the small ensigns which belonged to 
 some of those volunteer companies who ran from the field, 
 and which, being encumbrances to their flight, their bear- 
 ers had thrown away. 
 
 t Each regiment and corps chose for itself some quiet 
 little nook to the left pf the small eminence < 22 > in rear of 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 137 
 
 wounded, and taking them to Saltillo, where 
 they received precisely the same personal 
 kindness and professional treatment from our 
 surgeons as had been bestowed upon the men 
 of our own army. Preparations were also 
 made to renew the conflict, should the enemy 
 return. Captain Prentiss's heavy guns took 
 the place of Washington's Light Battery at 
 La Angostura ; and Lieutenant Benham, of the 
 Engineers, with a large detail of men, soon 
 improved the ditch, raised the epaulment, and 
 strengthened the traverse at that point to such 
 a degree as to make it far more difficult to 
 carry than ever. 
 
 Up to this moment, in describing the hur- 
 ried movements and combat of the two forces, 
 and the continued pressing of one important 
 event upon another, it has been impossible, — 
 without danger of injuring the impression it 
 was hoped the reader would have of the bat- 
 tle in its progress from the beginning, — to 
 mention many individuals by name, except 
 those belonging to the Line of the Army. To 
 all who have thus far perused this narrative, 
 this must certainly have been self-evident. 
 
 La Angostura, and there buried, side by side, the remains 
 of the gallant men death had selected from it. 
 
138 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 But justice to the Staff, always so distin- 
 guished, demands that, at this point, the 
 names of all its members, who participated in 
 the conflicts of the 22d and 23d of February, 
 should be distinctly recorded. 
 
 Of the Adjutant-General's Department, there 
 were but two officers on the field ; Major 
 Bliss and Captain Lincoln. It would be su- 
 pererogatory to write here any thing more 
 than the names of these two distinguished 
 soldiers. The same remark is applicable to 
 Inspector-General Churchill, and to Colonel 
 Whiting, Assistant Quartermaster-General, two 
 of the staunchest veterans in the service. 
 Colonel Belknap, on duty in the staff of the 
 commanding General, was conspicuous for his 
 efforts to rally our flying troops, as was 
 also Major Munroe, Chief of Artillery. Major 
 Joseph H. Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, 
 aides to General Taylor, and Lieutenant 
 McDowell, aide to General Wool, carried the 
 orders of their respective chiefs into all parts 
 of the field, and were noticed everywhere for 
 their coolness and address. The same may 
 be said of Lieutenant Robinson, aide to Gen- 
 eral Lane. Of the Quartermaster's Depart- 
 ment, there were but two captains present ; 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 139 
 
 Captain William W. Chapman and Captain 
 Chilton. The former, as extra aide to General 
 Wool, displayed great bravery in repeatedly 
 conveying orders under the most withering 
 fire, and was highly complimented for his ad- 
 mirable arrangements for the defence of the 
 train on the afternoon of the 23d. The lat- 
 ter, being extra aide to General Taylor, was 
 conspicuous for his daring. Captain Sibley, 
 of the same department, was on duty at the 
 head-quarter encampment near Saltillo, where, 
 though not actively engaged, he rendered good 
 service. 
 
 Of the Medical Department, there were on 
 the field Dr. Hitchcock, Dr. Madison, Dr. Leve- 
 ly, and Dr. Prevost. They were ably as- 
 sisted by the surgeons of the Volunteer regi- 
 ments. The courageous manner in which 
 these gentlemen passed along our lines and 
 rendered assistance to the wounded, often- 
 times at the moment they fell ; the positions 
 of imminent peril to which they cheerfully and 
 at all times hurried, whenever their profession- 
 al services were required on the instant ; the 
 care with which they had those who were 
 struck borne to the rear, and subsequently car- 
 ried to Saltillo, and their assiduity in attend- 
 
140 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 ing upon them day and night, gained for them 
 the unqualified praise of the whole army. 
 Major Dix, Major Coffee, and Major Colquitt, 
 of the Pay Department, and extra aides to the 
 commanding General, were, in a high degree, 
 conspicuous for their intrepidity. 
 
 The services, during the battle, of Major 
 Mansfield, of the Corps of Engineers, were just 
 such as would be expected from an officer who 
 enjoys the reputation throughout the army of 
 being qualified in every respect to command a 
 hundred thousand men. Lieutenant Benham, ^ 
 of the same corps, was always in advanced posi- 
 tions, and consequently always in danger. He 
 performed his duties with great credit, and 
 had the honor to be wounded. Of the Corps 
 of Topographical Engineers, there were five 
 officers present in the battle ; Captain Linnard, 
 Lieutenant Sitgreaves, Lieutenant Pope, Lieu- 
 tenant Franklin, and Lieutenant Bryan ; and 
 each one of them was highly distinguished for 
 the fearlessness with which he discharged the 
 important duties of his station. They all 
 served as extra aides to General Taylor or Gen- 
 eral Wool. 
 
 Lieutenant Kingsbury was the only officer 
 of the Ordnance Department present. In ad- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 141 
 
 dition to the performance of the legitimate and 
 extremely arduous duties of his station, he 
 likewise served as extra aide to the command- 
 ing General, and acquitted himself with gal- 
 lantry. The Subsistence Department was 
 well represented by Captain Amos B. Eaton, 
 who also served upon the field in the immedi- 
 ate staff of General Taylor. Major Craig, 
 Chief of Ordnance, and Surgeon Craig, Medi- 
 cal Director, had been detached from head- 
 quarters, and did not arrive upon the field un- 
 til the morning of the 24th, but came in time 
 to render valuable services in their respective 
 departments of the staff. Major McCulloch, 
 Major Roman, Captain Davis, Captain Howard, 
 Captain Naper, and Captain Gilbert, of the 
 Volunteer staff, did their duty like soldiers. 
 Mr. Thomas L. Crittenden, of Kentucky, vol- 
 unteered his services as aide to General Taylor. 
 His coolness and daring were the subject of 
 remark. Mr. March, Mr. Parker, Mr. Addicks, 
 Mr. Potts, Mr. Henry A. Harrison, Mr. Bur- 
 gess, Mr. Henry Howard, and Mr. Dusenbury, 
 though not attached to the army in a military 
 capacity, went upon the ground and fought 
 with great courage. 
 
 During the evening of the 25th, Lieutenant 
 
142 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Rucker, with his company of 1st Dragoons as 
 a guard, marched all the Mexican prisoners, 
 who were to be given up, to La Encantada, 
 where Inspector-General Churchill formally 
 turned them over to Captain Faulac of the 
 Mexican army, the Adjutant-General of Santa 
 Anna.* On the 26th, our spies reported that the 
 enemy was beginning to break up his camp at 
 Agua Nueva, and was rapidly falling back upon 
 the road leading toward San Luis de Potosi. 
 Early in the afternoon of that day, a strong 
 party of observation, composed of the two 
 companies of the 1st Dragoons, associated with 
 Pike's and Preston's companies of Arkansas 
 Mounted Volunteers, pushed on within half a 
 mile of Agua Nueva, and, during a close re- 
 connoissance, succeeded in capturing two lan- 
 cers, from whom it was ascertained that the 
 whole of the enemy's artillery and infantry 
 had already gone, leaving a force of upwards 
 of 3000 cavalry, under General Torrejon, to 
 cover their retreat. On the 27th our entire 
 army returned to Agua Nueva. The enemy's 
 cavalry had abandoned that place at half past 
 eight o'clock in the morning. Our advance- 
 guard, composed of the 1st Dragoons, entered 
 
 * See Appendix, G. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 143 
 
 it two hours later. The rains of the village 
 were literally crowded with the enemy's 
 wounded, and many who had died were lying 
 about still unburied. Here we learned from 
 the surgeons and wounded officers, who had 
 been left behind, that the whole Mexican army 
 was in a state of utter disarray and demorali- 
 zation ; that 4000 men, at least, had already 
 deserted, 3000 of them having abandoned 
 their colors on the night of the 23d.* It 
 was General Taylor's purpose at once to pur- 
 sue the enemy so as to beat up his quarters 
 at Encarnacion by daybreak the following 
 morning ; but, upon examination, our cavalry 
 and artillery horses were found to be so ex- 
 hausted, as to be in no condition to take the 
 road for so long a march without water, until 
 they had had at least one day's repose. 
 
 On the 28th, the wounded whom the ene- 
 my had abandoned at Agua Nueva were carried 
 to the hospitals at Saltillo. Late in the evening 
 of the same day, the few prisoners General 
 
 * Which, was the fact. "We subsequently learned that 
 at least 2000 went by Parras, toward the west ; that as 
 many more passed by La Hedionda toward the east ; while 
 large numbers took the Mazapil road, and scattered through, 
 the country in that direction. 
 
144 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Minon had taken came in from Encarnacion, 
 having been released at that point by Santa 
 Anna, and furnished with passports to our army. 
 Lieutenant Sturgis and the dragoon, who had 
 been lost at La Hedionda on the evening of 
 the 20th, and whom we had considered as sac- 
 rificed, to our astonishment and great joy re- 
 turned with this party. At the time they were 
 captured, they had arrived at the top of the 
 hill, which they had climbed in order to recon- 
 noitre the valley beyond, when they were fired 
 upon by an out-lying piquet of General Miri- 
 on's brigade, some twenty-five in number ; but, 
 fortunately, were not struck. They immedi- 
 ately turned and ran down towards the place 
 where they had been obliged to leave their 
 horses, the whole piquet following them. In 
 their rapid flight, they both fell prostrate, and 
 were overtaken and secured by the Mexicans 
 before they could recover their feet. They 
 would ha^e been murdered on the instant, had 
 it not been for the timely intervention of the 
 officer commanding the party. They were 
 then taken to General Minon's head-quarters 
 at Guachuchil. The General treated Lieuten- 
 ant Sturgis with marked courtesy and kind- 
 ness, and showed a most gentlemanly and deli- 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 145 
 
 cate regard for his situation and feelings ; not 
 asking, or permitting any of his officers to 
 ask, any questions about our army, about the 
 immediate purpose of our strong party of ob- 
 servation then at La Hedionda, or any other 
 question which the Lieutenant could not an- 
 swer with perfect freedom and propriety. He 
 then figured as a mere spectator in the brigade, 
 in its march to the valley north of Saltillo, and, 
 during the battle, in its advance up into the 
 Pass between the city and Buena Yista. All 
 the time it was under the fire of Webster's, 
 Donaldson's, and S hover's guns, he had the 
 misfortune to be in imminent peril of his life 
 from the shot of his most intimate friends, 
 then cutting up the brigade about him. On 
 the morning of the 24th, he still accompanied 
 General Minon, as he left the valley by the 
 Palomas Pass, and as he afterwards circled 
 around by the way of San Antonio to La He- 
 dionda, and thence, finally, to Encarnacion. 
 On being released at that point, General Min- 
 on kindly presented the Lieutenant with a 
 most beautiful cloak, made of black velvet 
 and richly embroidered ; and also with a horse, 
 on which to return to Agua Nueva. Santa 
 Anna likewise gave him a passport under his 
 1.0 
 
146 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 own hand. Justice toward General Minon, 
 who is represented as being a most accom- 
 plished and elegant gentleman, requires that 
 his kind and considerate deportment toward 
 one of our officers, whom the fortune of war 
 had thrown into his hands, should be fully 
 stated. 
 
 On the 1st of March, Colonel Belknap was 
 furnished with a command, and ordered to 
 proceed to Encarnacion to cut up the enemy's 
 rear guard of cavalry, reported as still remain- 
 ing at that place. This command was com- 
 posed of the four companies of the 1st and 
 2d Dragoons ; two pieces from Washington's 
 Battery ; two or three hundred volunteer cav- 
 alry, including Major McCulloch's Texas spy- 
 company, and Colonel Bissell's Second Regi- 
 ment of Illinois Volunteers ; the last in wagons, 
 so as to move rapidly and still be fresh for 
 combat. It left Agua Nueva at three o'clock 
 in the afternoon, the purpose being to march 
 most of the way in the night, the better 
 to elude observation, and then to attack the 
 enemy in his camp at daybreak the following 
 morning. There was every indication, for the 
 whole of the way, of a most hurried retreat 
 and the most dreadful distress. The road was 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 147 
 
 literally strewed with the dead and dying, and 
 with those perishing from fatigue and want of 
 water. It was a most melancholy and touch- 
 ing picture, that of soldiers in uniform, who, 
 having been spared in battle, were now yield- 
 ing up their lives without a wound. 
 
 Colonel Belknap arrived at Encarnacion just 
 at the first gray of morning ; but nearly all of 
 the enemy had fled. Several white flags were 
 flying upon the battlements of the church of 
 the hacienda and other elevated points, indicat- 
 ing any thing but resistance on the part of those 
 who still remained. Some few officers and 
 men, on seeing the approach of our party, at- 
 tempted flight by mounting their horses and 
 hurrying away. The Texas spy-company 
 started in pursuit of them, and, as it was a 
 level and open plain, the whole chase was in 
 full view of the command. The Mexicans, 
 one after another, were caught to a man, and 
 conducted back to the hacienda. 
 
 We imagined, that, during the battle, and 
 upon the field when the conflict was ended, 
 and afterwards upon the road over which the 
 enemy had retreated, we had witnessed human 
 suffering in its most distressing forms. But 
 such was not the case. The scene presented 
 
148 BATTLE OP BUENA VISTA. 
 
 to our eyes on entering within the walls of 
 Encarnacion was so filled with extreme and 
 utter agony, that we at once ceased to shudder 
 at the remembrance of any misery we had ever 
 before looked upon. There were three hun- 
 dred men crowded together in that wretched 
 place, two hundred and twenty-two of whom 
 had been wounded at Buena Vista and brought 
 thus far. There were five officers amongst 
 them. As they had received but little surgi- 
 cal attention, and had been harassed and worn 
 down by travelling so far, while debilitated 
 with pain and loss of blood, their wounds 
 were nearly all either gangrened or highly in- 
 flamed. Many of them were enduring the most 
 excruciating torments ; many were delirious 
 from excess of anguish ; while others, whose 
 wounds had become mortified, were perfectly 
 composed, and yet were even more piteous to 
 behold, as their very quietness was but a more 
 certain indication of speedy dissolution. In fine, 
 the whole hacienda presented, at one glance, 
 a picture of death, embracing all the degrees, 
 from the strong man, bearing up with forti- 
 tude against the sure and speedy fate which 
 awaited him, down to the poor mortal strug- 
 gling in the last throe of existence. And all 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 149 
 
 intermixed with them, were the bodies of those 
 who had just commenced the long journey, 
 yet warm, and lying in the various posi- 
 tions they were severally in when life depart- 
 ed. Poor fellows ! No beloved eye had beamed 
 tearfully upon them in their last moments. 
 No voice of affection had murmured in their 
 ear little gentle words of hope, or that touch- 
 ing comfort, " We shall meet again!" And 
 there was no kind hand to honor their remains 
 by straightening them for the grave. 
 
 During the fury and excitement of battle, we 
 had no time to indulge in feelings of sympathy 
 and commiseration for distress ; particularly 
 when we witnessed it among those of our ene- 
 mies who had been stricken down. Then, we 
 were Americans, and they Mexicans, our bitter 
 and relentless foes. Now, meeting together 
 when the thunder and excitement of the battle 
 had subsided, we were men, and were meeting 
 too on that level, of which all become sensible in 
 the presence of death. The Mexicans had been 
 taught to believe the Americans were almost 
 savages ; but, when they saw our men kneeling 
 down beside their suffering comrades, grasping 
 them kindly by the hand, giving them water, 
 and all the bread and meat they had brought 
 
150 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 for themselves, they were affected even to 
 tears, and feelingly exclaimed. " Buenos Ameri- 
 canos ! Buenos Americanos!" There was a 
 priest there, dressed in his white robes ; and, 
 without exaggeration it may be said, his 
 whole time, while we were there, was occu- 
 pied in administering the sacrament of ex- 
 treme unction to those who were dying. 
 
 At Encarnacion, we learned that Santa 
 Anna himself had hurried on directly to the 
 capital, but that all that was left of his army, 
 in a state of almost positive disorganization, 
 had retired by the way of Cedral, Vanegas, 
 and Matahuala ; General Minon's brigade cov- 
 ering the retreat. Couriers preceded the Presi- 
 dent, announcing to the people a brilliant vic- 
 tory over the Americans ! * Bonfires and 
 illuminations lit up every town and city from 
 the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. 
 Fetes and balls, and merry peals of bells, and 
 grand processions and orations, were the con- 
 sequences of the report of a triumph, which 
 flew throughout the length and breadth of 
 the land. As early as the 27th of February, 
 Santa Anna wrote to the Minister of War and 
 
 * See Appendix, H. 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 151 
 
 Marine an account of the operations of 
 his army, and concluded by saying ; " The 
 nation, for which a triumph has been gained 
 at the cost of so many sufferings, will learn, 
 that, if we were able to conquer in the midst 
 of so many embarrassments, there will be no 
 doubt as to our final success in the struggle 
 we sustain, if every spirit but rallies to the 
 one sacred object of common defence. The 
 army has done more than could be expected 
 under the laws of nature. After a march of 
 twenty leagues, [!] sixteen of them without 
 water, and without other food than a single 
 ration, which was dealt out at Encarnacion,* 
 it endured the fatigue of combat for two days, 
 and finally triumphed." What a triumph! 
 If the manner in which the Mexican forces 
 retreated from Buena "Vista, and went back 
 toward the capital of the Republic, was that 
 which should characterize the return of a vic- 
 torious army, God spare us from ever win- 
 ning a battle ! 
 
 We afterwards learned from the Mexicans 
 themselves, that every hacienda and rancho, 
 on the road over which their countrymen re- 
 treated, was crowded with the wounded, and 
 
 * See Appendix, I. 
 
152 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 those who were sick and disabled from the 
 hardships and sufferings incident to such a 
 confused rout j and that, finally, of all that 
 army which, one month before, had left San 
 Luis Potosi, confident of success, and moving 
 off in its strength with inspiring music, with 
 pomp and magnificence, with the brazen 
 clangor of trumpets, and with banners flying, 
 — an army commanded by the President in 
 person, and the finest the Republic had ever 
 sent to the field, — there returned less than 
 12,000 men, and they worn down by fatigue, 
 with loss of discipline and morale, and with 
 all their high bearing completely subdued. 
 
 During the night of the 2d of March, Colo- 
 nel Belknap's command returned to the camp 
 at Agua Nueva. On learning the wretched 
 condition of those of the enemy left at En- 
 carnacion, General Taylor sent to their relief 
 eighteen mule-loads of provisions and other 
 necessaries, and, at the same time, had such 
 of the wounded as were capable of being 
 removed, brought to Saltillo, where they could 
 receive better attention. 
 
 While the main "Army of Occupation" 
 was thus employed in the advanced points to 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 153 
 
 which its operations had been pushed, its line 
 of communication with its depots of supplies 
 at Camargo, Matamoras, and the Brazos St. 
 Iago, was entirely cut off by the large cavalry 
 force, under General Urrea and General Ro- 
 mero, then on the road between Monterey and 
 the Rio Grande. One of our trains had been 
 attacked, its escort captured, and its unarmed 
 teamsters had been butchered, and then burnt 
 with their wagons. Attempts to destroy sev- 
 eral other trains had likewise been made ; but 
 the different forces which guarded them had 
 the better fortune to drive the enemy off, and, 
 on two or three occasions, to cause him con- 
 siderable loss. Now that Santa Anna's prin- 
 cipal army had been beaten from our front, it 
 was an easy matter for General Taylor to open 
 his communication to the rear. For this pur- 
 pose, leaving General Wool in command at 
 Agua Nueva, he started, on the 8th of March, 
 for Monterey, whence, proceeding in person 
 against General Urrea and General Romero, 
 he at once forced them beyond the Sierra 
 Madre, thus leaving the Avhole valley of the 
 Rio Bravo del Norte again in our possession. 
 
 At the Battle of Buena Vista, the conflict 
 
154 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 was begun with only 4691 men on the Ameri- 
 can side. Santa Anna's army numbered more 
 than 21,000, in our front, all regulars ; General 
 Minon's brigade of veteran cavalry of 2000, 
 and the ranchero force at Cappellania of 1000, 
 in our rear ; beside the brigade of General 
 Urrea and General Romero, east of Monterey. 
 The whole of this force, reckoning from the 
 Rio Grande, was cut up or driven back far to 
 the south of the mountains, and all by our 
 handful of men, in less than twenty days 
 after the first gun was fired. 
 
 The effects of the Battle of Buena Vista 
 upon the war were incalculable. Had Santa 
 Anna destroyed General Taylor's army, — and, 
 under the circumstances, defeat and total de- 
 struction were synonymous, — he could have 
 poured his triumphant column through that 
 gate of the mountains, the Rinconada Pass, 
 into the valley of the Rio Grande ; and then, 
 subsisting upon our stores, fighting with our 
 guns and our ammunition, and using our ex- 
 tensive means of transportation with which 
 to pursue his onward course, what could have 
 interposed to prevent this self-styled " Napo- 
 leon of the West " from executing his favorite 
 vaunt, that he would plant the flag of Mexico 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 155 
 
 upon the banks of the Sabine ? In addition to 
 all this, Colonel Doniphan's command, which 
 fought the battle of Sacramento on the 28th 
 of February, must inevitably have been cut 
 off, and every advantage, which, from the 
 battle of Palo Alto up to that time, had been 
 won at so much cost of blood and treasure, 
 would have been snatched from us, and the 
 whole war farther removed than ever from any 
 prospect of a termination. Had Santa Anna 
 been victorious over the Americans at Buena 
 Vista, and then pushed his operations into 
 Texas, with a force, it will be remembered, of 
 over 26,000 regulars, well supplied with all 
 the materiel of war, would the investment of 
 Vera Cruz have been attempted at the time 
 it was ? Would not the veteran army of the 
 United States have been compelled first to re- 
 trace its steps in order to force back the veteran 
 army of Mexico ? * Suppose Santa Anna had 
 been successful, would he not have had time, 
 had it been his policy so to do, to reach Vera 
 Cruz, and attack General Scott, even before the 
 city and the Castle of San Juan d' Ulloa had sur- 
 rendered ? Or, had he marched directly to Cerro 
 
 * See Appendix, J. 
 
156 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 Gordo, with such an army to oppose the 
 advance of the General-in-Chief to the capital, 
 how immense the force we should have been 
 obliged to send into the field ; how great 
 must have been the destruction of life ; and 
 what an expense of treasure and of time, too, 
 must there have been, before our flag would 
 have floated, as it now does, above the towers 
 of the ancient city of the Aztecs. Besides, had 
 Santa Anna been successful in his northern 
 campaign, the whole nation would have' been 
 animated with enthusiasm, and would have risen 
 in arms. The internal dissensions, by which its 
 energies were paralyzed, would have disap- 
 peared. The cries of the numerous parties 
 opposed to the government would at once 
 have been drowned by shouts of triumph. 
 Then, with her population of seven millions, 
 with her people united and taking up arms, and 
 with her difficult mountain passes, Mexico would 
 have been a formidable antagonist to any in- 
 vading army, which should attempt to pene- 
 trate to her capital. It needed but one victory 
 to produce this great change. And so the lead- 
 ing men of the country understood it. They 
 had, therefore, spent much time, and exercised 
 great care, in collecting, even from remote states, 
 
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 157 
 
 in organizing, and in preparing at all points, 
 what was called " the Liberating Army of the 
 North." It was composed of the very flower 
 of Mexico, and was commanded by her most 
 distinguished warrior, — the prestige of whose 
 name alone was regarded as worth a host. 
 It was a beautiful body of men ; the just 
 pride and the hope of every patriot in the 
 land. In a country whose vitals were torn by 
 open rebellion, as well as by the insidious and 
 assassin-like machinations of plotting factions, 
 — without a dollar in her treasury, and with 
 ruined credit, — it had been a great, a most diffi- 
 cult, effort to produce it. It went forth, and 
 the whole nation kept a listening ear turned 
 toward the direction of its march. Each 
 breeze from the north was expected to bear 
 upon its wings a cry of victory. It came at 
 length, and glad sounds, as of a Jubilee, 
 arose from every city and hamlet ; but, ere 
 their echoes had died away, the shattered 
 remnant of an army was seen returning ; — an 
 army defeated and ruined. It was all that 
 was left of the Liberating Army of the North. 
 The whole Republic comprehended at once the 
 character of the triumph it had just celebrated, 
 
158 BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 and, losing heart, despaired of success from 
 that moment. 
 
 Such were the results of the operations of 
 General Taylor's little "Army of Occupation " 
 during one short month. 
 
 When the disparity of numbers, — the long 
 time in which the two armies struggled to- 
 gether, — their condition, respectively, as they 
 approached each other, and their comparative 
 condition after they had separated, — are all) 
 carefully considered, the Battle of Buengr 
 Vista will probably be regarded as the greatest 
 ever fought on this continent ; and it may be^ 
 doubted if there can be found one that sur-j 
 passes it in the history of any nation or of 
 any age. ^J 
 
APPENDIX 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A. 
 
 (See page 35.) 
 
 The following letter, descriptive of the marches al- 
 luded to in the text, was written by the author of the 
 preceding narrative, for the Washington " Union." 
 As it may be interesting, from the account it gives of 
 the country passed over by the " Centre Division," 
 commanded by General Wool, it is here published at 
 length. 
 
 "Camp of the Centre Division, near Parras, 
 
 "State of Cohahuila, Mexico, December 13, 1848. 
 
 "To the Editor of the Union: 
 
 " The numerous correspondents to your paper, who 
 are with General Taylor and General Kearney, have 
 kept your readers well advised of all the transactions 
 of the ' Army of Occupation ' and the ' Army of the 
 West,' even to the minutest detail. But the ' Centre 
 Division,' under General Wool, although it has ad- 
 vanced farther into Mexico than either of the other 
 two, has hardly been heard from since the day it 
 passed the Rio Bravo del Norte. 
 
 " The Centre Division is now within 600 miles of 
 the Pacific Ocean. Its march, since it first passed the 
 natural boundary of the two republics, has been a long 
 11 
 
APPENDIX , 
 
 and excessively arduous one ; and I now devote the 
 first leisure hour I have had for a great while to giving 
 you a brief and hurried account of some of the events 
 which thus far have marked its progress. 
 
 " On the 8th of October, the advance of this col- 
 umn, commanded by General Wool in person, and 
 numbering 1954 in the aggregate, arrived on the left 
 bank of the Rio Grande, near the Mexican town San 
 Juan Bautista, better known as Presidio. It had been 
 eleven days in traversing the country from San 
 Antonio de Bexar to that point, a distance of 182 
 miles. A flying bridge had been constructed by 
 Captain Fraser, of the Engineers, and transported in 
 wagons from San Antonio, for the passage of the riv- 
 er. It was soon put in operation ; and, by the evening 
 of the 11th, the whole of the command, and the im- 
 mense train of stores which accompanied it, were safe- 
 ly landed upon the opposite shore. The Rio Grande 
 at that place was found to be 270 yards wide. Its 
 current was exceedingly rapid, and its waters turbid 
 and of a yellowish-gray color, like those of the 
 Missouri. 
 
 " At this point General Wool published an order, in 
 which he defined the course he intended to pursue. He 
 said that he had not come to make war upon the people 
 or peasantry of the country, but to compel the govern- 
 ment of Mexico to render justice to the United States. 
 All, therefore, who did not take up arms against us, 
 but remained quiet and peaceable at their homes, he 
 should not molest or interfere with, either as regarded 
 their persons or their property ; and all those who 
 
APPENDIX. 163 
 
 should furnish supplies would be treated kindly, and be 
 liberally paid for whatever we should receive from 
 them. 
 
 " The better to protect the ferry established upon the 
 river, and to keep it secure for the troops and supplies 
 to be forwarded by Inspector-General Churchill, com- 
 manding the rear column, Captain Fraser was di- 
 rected to construct a redoubt as a tete de pont on the 
 right bank, and, on the left, a field-work ; — to be de- 
 fended by two companies. A force sufficient to carry 
 into effect such a purpose being detached from the col- 
 umn, the general pushed on to San Juan Bautista. 
 This town contains two thousand inhabitants, all Mex- 
 icans. The buildings are of stone, or unburnt bricks 
 (adohe), and, with but little preparation, are capable of 
 being easily defended against a superior force. Not 
 the slightest resistance, however, was offered, although 
 the people are represented as being exceedingly hos- 
 tile toward us. But a few weeks before our arrival, 
 three or four companies of dragoons are said to have 
 been quartered there ; but they had fallen back on the 
 main forces assembled at Monterey. Presidio, like 
 Bexar, Guerrero, &c, was one of the points estab- 
 lished early in the settlement of the country for the 
 confinement and labor of state prisoners ; and by an 
 edict of the king of Spain, published in 1772, it was 
 created a military post, and made one of the cordon 
 then formed for the protection of the frontier. 
 
 *" The Jesuits erected a large mission within a mile 
 of the city similar to the Alamo, La Purisima 
 Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada, near 
 
164 APPENDIX. 
 
 San Antonio. It is a massive structure, built entirely 
 of stone, but now fast falling to decay. When we 
 passed it, the wind was howling through its ruined 
 arches, like a voice of mourning for those gone from 
 beneath them, never to return. Mitred bishop and 
 cowled monk, veiled nun and timid devotee, have 
 long since passed away ; and the grass and wild-flow- 
 ers grow in the deserted corridors and over the 
 crumbling walls, and flocks of goats herd in the 
 solitary courts. 
 
 " The country in the vicinity of this city we found 
 to be very fertile, especially where it was artificially 
 irrigated. Cotton, sugar, corn, wheat, sweet potatoes, 
 and almost every description of garden vegetables, 
 besides figs, oranges, peaches, and other fruits, were 
 raised with but little labor, and in considerable abun- 
 dance. We were able to procure a sufficient supply 
 of forage for the use of the command, and at very 
 reasonable rates. 
 
 " Going from thence westward, the column was 
 obliged to march twenty-six miles without water, 
 when it arrived at the town of San Juan de Nava, sit- 
 uated in the middle of an immense plain, and watered 
 entirely by irrigating ditches, which are said to have 
 their fountains in a range of hills twenty miles to the 
 left of the trace. This town is represented as con- 
 taining twelve hundred inhabitants, and is built en- 
 tirely of adobe. Three fourths of the houses were 
 not occupied at all, and were fast becoming untenant- 
 able. The people, with two or three exceptions, were 
 wretchedly poor, and even more ignorant than the 
 
APPENDIX. 165 
 
 Indians of our plains. The business of the place is 
 the raising of stock, which is tended by herdsmen, and 
 driven from point to point upon the prairie, that 
 spreads out almost to the horizon on every side. 
 In the immediate vicinity of Nava there are exten- 
 sive fields of corn ; and there, likewise, a sufficient 
 supply was procured for the forage of all the animals 
 of the column. 
 
 " From Presidio to Nava, the whole country is a 
 perfect level. In the time of the Jesuits, it was all 
 highly cultivated ; but now there is not a single hu- 
 man habitation between those two places. In the 
 olden times, when it was smiling with plentiful crops 
 of corn and grain, and was enlivened by the voices of 
 husbandmen, the lowing of cows, the bleating of 
 numerous flocks, the tinkling of bells, and the noise 
 and hum of life, how beautiful it must have been, 
 compared with its present desolation ! Marks of the 
 irrigating dikes traverse the plain in every direc- 
 tion ; and at distant intervals, along the wayside, 
 are seen the ruins of many of the ancient granaries, 
 once filled with plentiful harvests, but now empty, 
 and fast crumbling back to the level from whence 
 they were reared. 
 
 " A few miles west of Nava, and to the left of Gen- 
 eral Wool's trace, there is a beautiful island of timber, 
 which the Mexicans call El Arbolado de los Angeles, 
 — The Grove of the Angels. It is said to surround a 
 fine spring of water, and is considered by the inhabit- 
 ants as a sacred place. This is mentioned merely 
 
166 APPENDIX. 
 
 to illustrate the fact, that in this country, as in all oth- 
 ers where the people are ignorant and superstitious, 
 every natural object of beauty or sublimity, — wheth- 
 er mountain, plain, grove, or river, — is invested with 
 some name calculated to awaken poetic and religious 
 associations. 
 
 " The next city we visited was San Fernando de 
 Rosas, containing between three and four thousand 
 souls. It is embosomed in an extensive mot of tim- 
 ber, which, from its size, and the character of the 
 trees, we supposed must have been planted when the 
 city itself was first built. A fine stream of clear 
 water, called Arroyo Escondido, — Hidden Brook, — 
 runs on nearly three sides of it; and, stretching off all 
 around, lies one of the most fertile plains in Mex- 
 ico. There are two extensive plazas in San Fernan- 
 do, each surrounded by the residences of the most 
 wealthy citizens, which, although built of stone and 
 in the Mexican style, have an air of neatness and 
 taste we had hardly expected to see. The people 
 we found to be very friendly in their feelings toward 
 us ; and whatever supplies we required, they furnished 
 with much cheerfulness. When we commenced our 
 line of march the next day, every eye was turned to 
 take one more look of San Fernando, — literally, 
 of Roses. And the scene it presented, with the 
 quaint dome of its old church surmounted by a cross, 
 and rising above the surrounding foliage, — the pure 
 white of its edifices, glistening here and there through 
 the dark green trees, — and its singular position, like 
 that of an oasis, not in a desert, but on an uninhabited 
 
APPENDIX. 167 
 
 plain, — was one of the most picturesque and pleasing 
 we had ever beheld, and one we shall long love to 
 remember. 
 
 " Our course now became more southerly, the direc- 
 tion being for the head waters of the Santarita, and a 
 pass through the Sierra de San Jose. We had not pro- 
 ceeded far before the country began to be more ster- 
 ile and broken, and long ranges of mountains to 
 skirt the horizon, both upon our right hand and upon 
 our left ; while, in front, a formidable chain of them 
 presented a barrier which it appeared impossible we 
 should ever be able to pass with our artillery and 
 immensely long train of wagons. However, as we pro- 
 ceeded, valley after valley opened before us, through 
 which our road wound upwards, until at last we attained 
 their very summit. Even were there room enough 
 in this letter for the execution of such a purpose, it 
 would be impossible to describe the magnificence of 
 the view then spread out before us. Toward the east 
 we looked down on the widely extended plain over 
 which we had so long been journeying. In the dis- 
 tance the grove of San Fernando was still visible ; 
 while at our feet the valley of the Santarita lay like a 
 map, with the winding course of the river distinctly 
 traced upon it by the dark line of foliage that fringes 
 its banks. On either hand the peaks of the range 
 upon which we then stood appeared less and less as 
 they became more removed in perspective, until, in 
 the far-off blue, their outlines faded from our sight, 
 and mingled with the faint undulations of the sur- 
 rounding horizon ; while, in the west, the Sierra de 
 
168 APPENDIX. 
 
 Santa Rosa ascended like a huge and battlemented 
 wall, with its serrated crest jutting aloft in strong re- 
 lief against the clear sky, and its precipitous sides 
 hung about with festoons of white and purple clouds. 
 
 " The San Jose mountains are clad only with a 
 thin covering of grass, sprinkled here and there 
 with isolated tufts of sotol, cactus, palmetto, and yucca 
 aloifolia. Their upper stratum is fossiliferous lime- 
 stone, but below they are reported as being very rich 
 in silver and copper. Many years ago, a mine is 
 said to have been opened a few miles to the left of our 
 road, and operations in it were carried on with con- 
 siderable success ; but at length the Camanches be- 
 came so troublesome, that the workmen were obliged 
 to abandon it. 
 
 " From these mountains we descended through a 
 tortuous gorge to the Llano de San Jose, — a broad 
 plain, extending with few interruptions to the foot of 
 the Sierra de Santa Rosa, a distance of thirty miles ; 
 and our route lay directly across it. Midway in this 
 plain, and only three miles apart, we encountered two 
 formidable rivers, — the Alamos and Sabinas, which, 
 at their junction, form the Solado, an affluent to the 
 Rio Bravo from the west, and uniting with it at 
 Guerrero. They were each about forty yards in 
 width, upwards of four feet in depth, and had a 
 current of almost incredible rapidity. In short, they 
 were absolute torrents ; to cross which we had neither 
 bridges nor boats, nor the means wherewith to con- 
 struct them ; and it was almost a matter of impossi- 
 
APPENDIX. 169 
 
 bility for horses or mules to maintain their footing in 
 the water, even for a moment. However, by the as- 
 sistance of ropes and the active exertions of the men, 
 the difficulties they presented were at length over- 
 come ; and all the forces, with the cannon, and the 
 ammunition and provision trains, consisting of two 
 hundred heavily laden wagons, passed them both, 
 without any material loss or accident. 
 
 " The direction of our march was then for the city 
 of Santa Rosa, which is situated immediately at the 
 foot of the Sierra of that name. It contains be- 
 tween two and three thousand inhabitants, is built 
 of the same material as the other towns we had 
 passed, and is capable of being as easily defended. 
 Many years ago, it was a place of much importance 
 from the rich veins of silver found in its vicinity ; but, 
 the political dissensions of this unhappy country 
 prostrating, as they did, every thing like enterprise, the 
 mines, by not being worked, were allowed to be- 
 come filled with water, from which they have not yet 
 been entirely cleared. It has been left for an Amer- 
 ican citizen, named Dr. Long, a resident in Santa 
 Rosa, to undertake their drainage ; and he will soon, 
 no doubt, reap an abundant reward for his labors. 
 
 " The General entered the city with his whole force 
 on the 24th day of October, and without meeting 
 the slightest opposition from the inhabitants. They, 
 in turn, likewise furnished all the supplies he re- 
 quired ; and, in fact, regarded the approach of his 
 column with feelings of less dread than they would 
 
170 APPENDIX. 
 
 have done, had it been composed of troops of their 
 own nation. Before the Centre Division left San 
 Antonio de Bexar, General Wool had made every effort 
 to procure accurate information respecting the va- 
 rious routes to Chihuahua. He was assured, that 
 whichever he should select, he must of necessity- 
 pass near or through Santa Rosa ; and that from 
 there he might have it in his power to make choice of 
 any of the three following, viz. through Nacimiento 
 del Rio, or Head of the River Sabinas, via San Carlos 
 and Alamo ; through Puerto de Obayos, by the way 
 of Cuatro Cienagas and Santa Catarina ; or through 
 Monclova and Parras. The whole country between 
 the Sierra de Santa Rosa and Chihuahua, as far 
 north as Paso del Norte and south to Monclova, was 
 represented as consisting of mountains and extensive 
 arid plains, with few inhabitants and no supplies, and 
 destitute, in a great measure, of water. When he 
 reached Santa Rosa, he found these representations 
 confirmed, and that the two first-named roads were 
 altogether impracticable, for precisely those reasons. 
 To a great extent they were nothing but mule-trails, 
 over which, so far as he could learn, no wagon had 
 ever passed, and where, too, for distances exceeding 
 ninety miles, not one drop of water was to be found. 
 To attempt to lead an army over such a country by 
 such roads would, therefore, have been an act of 
 madness ; and one which could not for a moment be 
 seriously thought of. He accordingly adopted the 
 only alternative left him, which was to push on to 
 Monclova, and from thence to Parras, where he would 
 
APPENDIX. 171 
 
 strike the great road from Saltillo to Chihuahua, upon 
 which he could, without much further difficulty, pro- 
 ceed to the latter place. Our course was, therefore, 
 changed directly south, through the valley lying be- 
 tween the Sierras of Santa Rosa and San Jose. For 
 nearly the whole distance we met with few indica- 
 tions that the country was at all inhabited, save 
 occasional flocks of sheep and goats, tended by soli- 
 tary pastores, and numbering, in some instances, as 
 many as 20,000. 
 
 " As we proceeded, the barrenness and sterility of 
 the valley increased ; the soil being unable to support 
 much else beside the countless varieties of the cactus, 
 dwarf mesquite, sotol, yuca, and the celebrated agave 
 Americana, — the century plant of the north, and the 
 maguey of Mexico. From the agave the people of 
 this country make their national drink, — pulque, the 
 process of manufacturing which has been so often 
 described ; and this, when distilled, forms a nauseous 
 and intoxicating liquor, called mescal. 
 
 " The mountain sceneiy, surrounding us on eve- 
 ry side, we had never seen equalled ; and many was 
 the picture presented to us, when the sight of long 
 ranges and groups of them, with their precipitous sides, 
 now in deep shadow, now standing sharply out in the 
 bright sunlight, would have filled with ecstasy a Sal- 
 vator Rosa. 
 
 " At length we arrived at the Paso de las Hermanas, 
 situated in which is an extensive hacienda, occupied by 
 Senor Miguel Blanco, one of the most influential citi- 
 zens of Coahuila. He received us with much courtesy, 
 
172 APPENDIX. 
 
 and extended towards the officers the hospitalities of 
 his mansion. Going through this pass, we at once 
 entered into the great valley of Monclova, watered by 
 a river of the same name and the Rio Nadadores, — 
 each an affluent to the Solado. Our course then lay 
 in a southerly direction across this valley, till we 
 arrived at the city of Monclova itself, before which 
 General Wool again encamped his column. Where 
 no resistance had been made on the part of the people, 
 no surrender of any city through which he had passed 
 had been demanded by the General ; but, as the author- 
 ities of this place had made a protest against his ad- 
 vance upon it, he determined at once to take formal 
 possession of the town, and accordingly, on the 3d of 
 November, entered it with all his forces, and had the 
 national flag displayed from the top of the Governor's 
 palace, situated on the principal plaza. Here it 
 was determined at once to establish a depot, and to 
 collect all the corn and flour from the surrounding 
 country it would be possible to obtain. This would 
 obviate the necessity of depending on their being re- 
 ceived by the long and, in a wet season, totally im- 
 practicable route from Port La Vaca, or even from 
 Camargo ; to which point a direct communication was 
 immediately opened, it being, for land carriages, 408 
 miles nearer to Monclova than the former place. 
 The General intended to relinquish all hope of re- 
 ceiving supplies from the east so long as any possi- 
 bility existed of gathering them up in the country ; and 
 every exertion was accordingly made to carry such a 
 purpose into effect. It was ascertained that large 
 
APPENDIX. 173 
 
 quantities of wheat and corn had been sent from Mon- 
 clova, and the neighboring town Cienagas, to supply 
 the Mexican army at Monterey, and, more recently, at 
 Saltillo ; and, on the very day we entered the city, 
 10,000 pounds of flour, which was going in that direc- 
 tion, were seized and at once turned into our depot. 
 
 " General Taylor having sent orders for the Centre 
 Division not to proceed beyond Monclova until the end 
 of the armistice, or the receipt of other instructions, it 
 was obliged to lie there for the period of twenty-seven 
 days. All this time was occupied in perfecting the 
 discipline of the troops, in the collection of stores, as 
 before stated, and in making extensive reconnoissances 
 of the surrounding country. During that time In- 
 spector-General Churchill came up with the rear col- 
 umn. By his arrival our train was also enlarged by 
 100 wagons more, well filled with supplies. 
 
 " On the 24th of November, — the armistice having 
 expired, — the whole division, with the exception of a 
 command of about 250 men, which was left to guard 
 the depot at Monclova, took up its line of march for 
 Parras, 180 miles distant ; the general course being 
 nearly south-west. If you will lay before you a Span- 
 ish or Mexican map, you will be able to trace our 
 route through the following places, viz. Castafia, 
 Marques, Bajan, La Joya, Punta de Estanosa, Punta 
 de Reata, Jaral, San Antonio, Teneja, Cienaga 
 Grande, Galera, and Ojuelos, on to Parras, at which 
 place we arrived on the 5th instant, and are now 
 encamped before the town. 
 
 " Parras is said to contain 6000 inhabitants. It is 
 
174 APPENDIX. 
 
 built in such a manner as to render it more difficult of 
 capture than any town we have yet seen in the Ke- 
 public. The streets are exceedingly narrow and 
 crooked, and nearly every one of them has on each 
 side a thick adobe wall, some ten or twelve feet in 
 height. A high range of mountains rises up immediate- 
 ly in the rear of the city, easy to be maintained ; while 
 along its entire front, and skirting each of its flanks, 
 are immense vineyards, surrounded, also, by walls 
 of great height and thickness. Its situation is at the 
 foot of the celebrated Bolson de Malpami, and is about 
 100 miles from Saltillo, 200 from Durango, 300 from 
 San Luis de Potosi, 150 from Monterey, and 450 from 
 Chihuahua. It is represented as being near the centre 
 of the best grain-growing region in Mexico ; the busi- 
 ness of the place, however, is the culture of the grape, 
 and large quantities of wine and brandy, of a supe- 
 rior quality, are annually transported on the backs 
 of mules to all the principal towns throughout the 
 country. 
 
 " This city being the key to Chihuahua, General 
 Wool was anxious to reach it much earlier than he 
 did, and would have done so by nearly a month, had 
 it not been for the armistice, as has already been 
 shown. Once being here, he would be at liberty to go 
 with his whole force to that place, or send a detach- 
 ment to take possession of it, while the rest would be 
 free to cooperate with the Army of Occupation, or to 
 move on Durango or Zacatecas, as the exigencies of 
 the service should most require. As it was, however, 
 intelligence was received, previous to his arrival here, 
 
APPENDIX. 175 
 
 that most of the troops, which had assembled in the 
 upper provinces, had fallen back upon the lower, 
 thereby rendering the necessity of the whole division 
 marching in that direction out of the question. And 
 now the proximity of Santa Anna, and the great 
 efforts he is making to concentrate and prepare for the 
 field the most formidable army Mexico has ever ar- 
 rayed against us, imperiously demand that we remain 
 at or near the position we at present occupy, that we 
 may be ready at any moment to form a junction with 
 General Taylor, and perform our part in the most 
 fearful game that has been played for many a year, 
 and one in which we have Santa Anna for an antago- 
 nist ; — but who yet has been able to compute the 
 stakes ? 
 
 " I have already made this letter too long ; but, be- 
 fore I close it, permit me to say, that, for the mainte- 
 nance of this column, almost every article, whether of 
 ammunition, subsistence, or other stores, had to be 
 transported from La Vaca here, — a distance of 800 
 miles. The labor required to procure the necessary 
 wagons, teams, &c, and to organize them into trains, 
 though great in itself, was not to be considered in com- 
 parison with that of guarding them through a hostile 
 and, in a measure, unknown country, and bringing 
 them, without loss, over desolate plains, rapid and al- 
 most impassable rivers, over high sierras, and through 
 dangerous defiles, where it was incumbent upon every 
 man not only to exercise the utmost vigilance, but lit- 
 erally to put his shoulder to the wheel. Wherever 
 we went, the necessities of our position urgently de- 
 
176 APPENDIX. 
 
 mancled that we should be encumbered with all these 
 things so indispensable to our existence, to the success 
 of our enterprise, and to what, in any situation, would 
 make us an effective force, in despite of the naturally 
 inhospitable barrenness of the country, or the efforts 
 of an active enemy in laying it waste before us. As 
 yet our progress has not been retarded by the firing 
 of a single shot ; but our officers and men have la- 
 bored with a zeal and fidelity, which can never be ap- 
 preciated but by those who have witnessed their efforts, 
 and observed from day to day how many have been 
 the obstacles they have overcome to reach this ad- 
 vanced position. The continued evidences of their 
 energy and perseverance have been sufficient, aside 
 from the other and more weighty considerations of 
 patriotism and desire for distinction, to warrant the 
 belief that the flag of our far-off and beloved country 
 is safe when intrusted to such hands. C." 
 
 Four days after the above letter was written, the 
 Centre Division left Parras for Agua Nueva. 
 See Appendix, B. 
 
 B. 
 
 (See page 5.) 
 
 After the Battle of Buena Vista had been fought, 
 several officers are said to have claimed the honor of 
 having chosen the ground upon which it took place. 
 As the selection of the field had been made by Gen- 
 
APPENDIX. 177 
 
 eral Wool himself, he desired to correct the mistake 
 which those officers were laboring under, evidently 
 from ignorance of that fact. Accordingly he wrote 
 the following note to Captain Carleton, of the 1st 
 Dragoons, who, as one of his aides-de-camp, was with 
 him at the time the choice was made. 
 
 "Buena Vista, July 27, 1847. 
 
 " Sir : You may recollect, that the next evening (that 
 of the 22d December last) after my arrival at Agua 
 Nueva from Parras, I left my camp to visit Generals 
 Butler and Worth, who were both reported as being 
 confined by illness at Saltillo. I was accompanied 
 by Captains Lee, Hughes, Chapman, my aide, and 
 yourself, acting aide-de-camp. Before we reached 
 La Encantada, it became quite dark ; and, whilst pass- 
 ing through the valley toward Saltillo, some of the 
 party, on several occasions, had to dismount in order 
 to keep the road. It was too dark, owing to a fog, to 
 make a reconnoissance of the valley * that night. 
 
 " The next morning, I returned to Agua Nueva, ac- 
 companied only by yourself. The remainder of my 
 staff did not leave Saltillo until toward night. When 
 I arrived at the Pass, or Narrows, where Washing- 
 ton's Battery was stationed during the Battle of Buena 
 Vista, I halted to examine the position. Will you do 
 me the favor to state what passed, or was said, on that 
 
 * Viz. the Pass of Buena Vista. 
 12 
 
178 APPENDIX. 
 
 occasion, in reference to the Pass, the surrounding 
 heights, and the gullies on the right of the position ? 
 " I am, very respectfully, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 « JOHN E. WOOL, U. S. A. 
 " To Captain J. H. Carleton, 
 "ls£ Dragoons, Present." 
 
 To this letter Captain Carleton replied as follows : 
 
 "Buena Vista, Mexico, July 27, 1847. 
 
 " General : I have been honored with the receipt 
 of your note of this date, and, in reply, would state, 
 that, by a reference to my ' Journal of the Marches, 
 fyc.y of General Wool's Column,'' I find, that, on the 
 21st of December, 1846, you arrived in the valley of 
 La Encantada, with your whole force, consisting of 
 cavalry, artillery, and infantry, with their complete 
 trains, and encamped at Agua Nueva, situated at its 
 southern termination. That point is twenty miles in 
 advance of Saltillo, which city was then occupied by 
 General Worth, to whose assistance you had marched 
 from Parras, a distance of one hundred and fifteen 
 miles, in less than four days. At that time, the com- 
 mand of General Worth was only a brigade, and he 
 had sent, by express, a request to you, at Parras, to 
 join him with your column, as soon as possible, to assist 
 in repelling an attack, then daily expected from the 
 enemy in force under General Santa Anna. 
 
 " About the same time, General Butler arrived at 
 Saltillo from Monterey. On the evening of the 22d 
 
APPENDIX. 179 
 
 of December, you left your camp, at Agua Nueva, to 
 visit both him and General Worth, — it being re- 
 ported that they were confined to their beds in con- 
 sequence of the wounds they had received. You 
 were accompanied by Captains Lee, Hughes, and 
 Chapman, U. S. A., by your aide, Lieutenant McDow- 
 ell, and by myself, then on duty also as one of your 
 aides. It was quite dark when you left Agua Nu- 
 eva ; and, when you arrived at that part of the Pass of 
 Buena Vista known as La Angostura, a heavy fog, 
 accompanied by rain, had set in, rendering it so much 
 more so, that it was with the utmost difficulty the road 
 could be kept. Indeed, the officers who were with 
 you were frequently obliged to dismount and seek for 
 it on either hand. It was past eleven o'clock at night 
 when you and your party reached Saltillo. The next 
 day, when your interview with Generals Butler and 
 Worth was concluded, you started on your return to 
 your camp at Agua Nueva, accompanied only by my- 
 self, all the other officers who had gone to Saltillo 
 with you being still detained there by official busi- 
 ness. When you had proceeded as far as La Angos- 
 tura, one mile in advance of the hacienda of San Juan 
 de la Buena Vista, you halted, and, after having 
 glanced over the ground on each side, you said to 
 rne ; ' Mr. Carleton, this is the very spot of all others 
 I have yet seen in Mexico, which I should select for 
 battle, were I obliged with a small army to fight a 
 large one.' 
 
 " You then pointed out to me what you conceived 
 to be the great military advantages it possessed, and 
 
180 APPENDIX. 
 
 said that the net-work of deeply-worn channels on 
 the right would completely protect that flank ; that the 
 heights, on your left, would command the road, while 
 the ravines in front of them, and which extend back 
 to the mountain on that side, would cripple the move- 
 ments of the enemy, should he attempt to turn that 
 flank. You continued conversing with me on this 
 subject, until, as you may recollect, we met Lieuten- 
 ant McCown, 4th Artillery, a mile or more farther on. 
 So forcibly was I impressed with your choice, and all 
 you had said in favor of it, that, immediately after my 
 arrival at Agua Nueva, I described the place to some 
 of the officers of your staff, — I think to Inspector- 
 General Churchill, and his assistant, Captain Drum, 
 U. S. A., saying at the time, that you had selected it 
 for a battle-ground, and repeating all you had stated 
 in relation to it. 
 
 " It may not be improper likewise to add, that, on the 
 26th of December, General Butler visited you at Agua 
 Nueva, and that, on the 27th, before he returned to 
 Saltillo, he gave you an order to move with your 
 troops, and select, in the neighborhood of La Encan- 
 tada, or farther down the stream towards Saltillo, a 
 suitable place, and there encamp. As this order was 
 entirely discretionary as to the precise locality for 
 your proposed camp, you chose the plain between La 
 Angostura and the hacienda, before alluded to, as the 
 best, because it was not only less exposed to the bleak 
 winds, which continually swept through the Pass at 
 La Encantada, and which, at that season of the year, 
 would cause the troops much suffering, as we were all 
 
APPENDIX. 181 
 
 in tents and fuel was very scarce, but offered the addi- 
 tional advantage of an abundant supply of pure wa- 
 ter; and, besides, was just in the rear of what you 
 had selected as a strong point of defence. 
 
 " That evening (the 28th), General Butler sent you 
 an order to return to La Encantada, and encamp 
 there. You wrote a note to him, requesting, for rea- 
 sons which you assigned, that he would permit you to 
 remain where you were, and sent it by Colonel Har- 
 din. Captain Drum and myself accompanied Colonel 
 Hardin, and were present at the interview between 
 General Butler and him. During the conversa- 
 tion that ensued after your note had been delivered, 
 Colonel Hardin, among other reasons which he gave 
 why he hoped your request might be complied with, 
 urged the fact that you were near a point which you be- 
 lieved you could maintain, in case the enemy advanced 
 upon you from the direction of San Luis de Potosi. 
 General Butler said he would not revoke his order, and 
 remarked, that, if the Mexican army came, he had 
 already chosen a ground for battle, and even gone so 
 far as to fix the points to be occupied by the several 
 corps. That ground was the broad plain immediately 
 in front of Saltillo ; and I think he also said he had 
 already prepared roads for the artillery, leading from 
 the city up to it. I have mentioned all these cir- 
 cumstances, to show with what anxiety and exertion 
 you endeavored to be permitted to occupy a point 
 within striking distance of the one you had selected as 
 the best for battle. On the 30th of December, your 
 whole command was obliged to retrace its steps to La 
 
182 APPENDIX. 
 
 Encantada, which it did with evident reluctance, as 
 all the officers agreed entirely with you in opinion as 
 to the disadvantages arising from such a change of 
 position. 
 
 " Previous to the time when you first went to Sal- 
 tillo (the 22d), not one of your officers had ever gone 
 through the Pass of Buena Vista. All those who 
 went with you, on that occasion, were prevented, 
 as I have shown, by the extreme darkness, even from 
 seeing the great road on which they sought to travel, 
 and could not, therefore, have had at that time a 
 favorable opportunity for making military reconnois- 
 sances. You returned from the city, and had pointed 
 out the position to me, as I have stated, before they 
 repassed over it. The choice and partialities of the 
 officers in Saltillo, it is fair to presume, for many rea- 
 sons, were coincident with those expressed by Gen- 
 eral Butler. When General Taylor came up from 
 Monterey, he saw, at a glance, that your views were 
 correct ; and, although he moved the whole army for- 
 ward to Agua Nueva, as there he could have an ex- 
 tensive plain for the drill and discipline of the troops, 
 with wood and water convenient, and besides, by 
 doing so, could take the initiatory step in one of the 
 most beautiful pieces of strategy of modern times, — 
 still, when, by the advance of Santa Anna, the mo- 
 ment had arrived to gain the grand result by feign- 
 ing a precipitate retreat, that retreat was but a rapid 
 movement back to the identical spot which you had 
 chosen, and to which the Mexican army was hurriedly 
 drawn on, with all its fatigue and disarray, consequent 
 
APPENDIX. 183 
 
 upon a forced march of upwards of forty miles ; and 
 here, on the 22d and 23d of Februaiy, 1847, was 
 fought the battle of Buena Vista. The result of that 
 conflict afforded conclusive evidence of the correct- 
 ness of your first remark ; — for there four thousand 
 six hundred and ten Americans contended success- 
 fully against upwards of twenty-two thousand Mexi- 
 cans. 
 
 " This letter, General, is but a dry detail of facts ; 
 but I hope they are set forth with sufficient clearness 
 to prevent their being misunderstood. 
 
 " I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 " JAMES HENRY CARLETON, 
 
 " Captain XI. S. 1st Dragoons. 
 "To Brigadier- General John E. Wool, 
 " Commanding, fyc. §c. 85c., Present." 
 
 The following is the note which General Wool 
 wrote, acknowledging the receipt of the foregoing 
 letter : 
 
 " Head-Quarters, Buena Vista, Mexico, 
 August 1, 1847. 
 
 " My dear Sir : I give you many thanks for your 
 interesting letter, of the 27th ultimo, relating to the 
 selection of the field of battle, to meet General Santa 
 Anna and his forces, called by him La Angostura, 
 and where, he said, on the two eventful days of the 
 22d and 23d of February last, ' blood flowed in tor- 
 rents, and the field of battle was strewed with the 
 bodies of the dead. 1 
 
184 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 " The great credit given, throughout the United 
 States, to officers said to have suggested the field of 
 battle to me, induced me to call your attention to the 
 subject. Your letter, which is strictly in accordance 
 with my own recollections, settles the question. I 
 never thought, however, that any great credit was due 
 on account of the selection, for it appeared to me too 
 obvious to escape observation ; still, if great credit is 
 due to any one, it belongs to myself, for, in company 
 with you, on the morning of the 23d of December 
 last, it attracted my attention, as set forth in your let- 
 ter, and before any person had indicated to me the 
 position. 
 
 " 1 am very truly yours, 
 
 JOHN E. WOOL, U. S. A. 
 
 "To Captain James H. Carletox, 
 " 1st Dragoons, Present." 
 
 General Wool permitted the reporter of the New 
 Orleans " Picayune " to make a copy of Captain Carle- 
 ton's letter for that paper. After it was published, it 
 became the occasion of several communications, pub- 
 lished in various newspapers, by different officers. 
 But, as none of these communications controverted the 
 facts it specified, they remained unanswered. Cap- 
 tain George W. Hughes, of the Topographical Engi- 
 neers, was one of the officers who had claimed to 
 have suggested to General Wool the battle-ground, 
 and to have pointed out its advantages while in the 
 discharge of his official duties. As soon as Captain 
 Carleton's letter was published, he addressed a long 
 
APPENDIX. 185 
 
 communication to the Editors of the " National Intel- 
 ligencer," in which he says ; " General Wool (on the 
 twenty -seventh of December) instructed me to select a 
 camp [!], in reference to a field of battle, at some 
 point between Encantada and Saltillo, — not, how- 
 ever, to approach nearer than three miles of the latter 
 place. I do, however, most solemnly aver, that the 
 General gave me no other instructions than those 
 above mentioned, and that he never once named to 
 me, nor even hinted at, Buena Vista, — nor did any 
 other person." " As a mere encampment, the place 
 chosen by me, at Buena Vista, was unexceptionable. 
 It was on a smooth, beautiful plain, well sheltered 
 from the prevailing winds, with cool, delicious water 
 in front and rear, good grazing in the vicinity, and 
 plenty of fuel hard by. Important as were all these 
 considerations, they were not the most important. Its 
 highest recommendation was its remarkably defen- 
 sible character. As a comfortable, agreeable, and 
 convenient camp, it was not necessary to look far- 
 ther." 
 
 " No one but myself, I believe, ever committed him- 
 self, in writing at least, or in any other way (unless, 
 perhaps, by some slight, trivial phrase), by suggesting 
 Buena Vista as a battle-ground, until after the battle 
 was fought. Its advantage then became apparent, no 
 doubt, to hundreds ! I regret that there should have 
 been any controversy about this matter ; and I cer- 
 tainly should have taken no part in it, but for the fact 
 that my memoir was published during my absence 
 with the army ; and that this publication has been 
 
186 APPENDIX. 
 
 made necessary by an attempt to deprive me of the 
 credit of some little service which my friends think I 
 have rendered to the country." 
 
 For the information of the reader, it is necessary to 
 state, that Captain Hughes left Saltillo for Brazos San- 
 tiago early in January, nearly six weeks before the 
 battle was fought. He has not been upon the ground 
 since. All he states in reference to the selection of 
 the camp at Buena Vista is probably correct. If 
 there is any thing in Captain Carleton's letter calcula- 
 ted to " deprive " Captain Hughes " of the credit of 
 some little service, which his friends think he has ren- 
 dered to the countiy " by that important act, it is 
 there through mistake, and is hereby recalled. No one 
 could wish to deprive the gallant captain of his hard- 
 earned honors. It is granted that he did select that 
 encampment, as he claims to have done. In return, 
 will not that chivalrous officer extend the same gener- 
 osity toward General Wool ? If Captain Hughes im- 
 agines, for a moment, that General Wool desires to 
 receive credit for having chosen " the encampment 
 at Buena Vista," he does the General great injustice. 
 But why should there be any controversy at all ? 
 General Wool claims to have selected the battle- 
 ground at La Angostura, — Captain Hughes claims to 
 have selected the site of an encampment at Buena 
 Vista. The two places are one mile and a half 
 
 APART. 
 
APPENDIX. 187 
 
 C. 
 
 (See page 37.) 
 
 Ejercito Libertador Republic ano, 
 General en Gefe, Senoria de Campaiia. 
 
 Esta V. S. rodeado de veinte mil hombres, y huma- 
 namente [no] puede escapar de sufrir una derrota y de 
 ser anichilado con los suyos ; pero mereciendome 
 V. S. consideracion y particular aprecio, quiero evi- 
 tarle una catastrofe, y al efecto le hago esta intimacion 
 para que se rinda a discrecion, seguro de que sea 
 tratado con la consideracion propia del caracter Me- 
 jicano ; concediendole al efecto una hora de termino, 
 que correra desde el momento en que se presente un 
 parlamentario en el campo de V. S. 
 
 Con este motivo protesto a V. S. mi atenta con- 
 sideracion. 
 
 Dios y Libertad ! Campo en la Encantada, Febrero 
 22, 1847. 
 
 ANTO. LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 
 
 Senor Gen. Z. Taylor, 
 Com' cite de las Fuerzas de los E. U. 
 
 D. 
 
 (See page 82.) 
 
 Boston, June 26, 1848. 
 My dear Colonel : I have recently written a His- 
 tory of the Battle of Buena Vista, in which I have spok- 
 en of the important and highly distinguished service 
 
188 APPENDIX. 
 
 you rendered during the darkest period of that sangui- 
 nary conflict, in rallying the troops belonging to the 
 Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, which had 
 given way before a vastly superior force of the ene- 
 my, and were flying the field. Will you do me the 
 favor to state how many, in your opinion, you rallied 
 on the occasion to which I have alluded ? 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Very faithfully, yours, 
 
 JAMES HENRY CARLETON, 
 
 Captain U. S. 1st Dragoons. 
 To Roger Sherman Dix, 
 Brevet Lieut.- Col. U. S. A., Present. 
 
 Boston, June 27, 1848. 
 
 My dear Captain : I have received your letter of 
 yesterday, informing me that you have written a His- 
 tory of the Battle of Buena Vista, and inquiring how 
 many of the 2d Indiana Volunteers were rallied after 
 that regiment had " given way before a vastly superior 
 force of the enemy, and were flying the field." 
 
 I am glad to learn, that one who had the best possi- 
 ble opportunity of observing the battle, and who dis- 
 tinguished himself by some of its most brilliant acts, 
 has undertaken to write its history. 
 
 In reply to your inquiry, I would state, that nearly 
 200 of the Indiana Regiment, about tivo thirds of those 
 who had broken and fallen back, were rallied, and re- 
 turned to the field. 
 
 You have, without doubt, (as I am sure it is your 
 intention to do to all) done full justice to our gallant 
 
APPENDIX. 189 
 
 friend, Brevet Major T. B. Linnard, for the valuable 
 assistance he rendered on the occasion referred to. 
 
 Thanking you for the very complimentary expres- 
 sions contained in your letter, 
 
 I remain, my dear Captain, 
 
 Most faithfully yours, 
 
 H. S. DIX, 
 Brevet Lieut.- Col. TJ. S. A. 
 Captain J. H. Carletom", 
 1st U. S. Dragoons, Present. 
 
190 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 E. 
 
 (See page 128.) 
 
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 HEAD-Q.UARTERS ArMY OF OCCUPATION, 
 
 Agua Nueva, Mexico, March 6, 1847. 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Major- General U. S. Army commanding. 
 W. W. S. Bliss, A. A. G. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 191 
 
 REPORT OF THE KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISS- 
 ING, IN THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 
 
 February. 22d and 23c?, 1847, by Detachments, Regiments, 85c, 
 as shown mostly by the Muster Rolls of February 2&, 1847.* 
 Buena Vista, Mexico. S. CHURCHILL, 
 
 April, 1847. Inspector-General. 
 
 REGULARS. 
 
 GENERAL STAFF. 
 
 Adjutant-General's Department. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 si 
 
 I 
 
 Sou 
 
 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Capt. Geo. Lincoln, 
 
 A. A. G. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Corps of Engineers. 
 
 
 
 
 1st Lt., 
 
 1 
 
 ... 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 THIRD REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 Capt. Sherman's Company E. 
 
 
 
 
 2d. Lt. . 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 14 
 
 
 15 
 
 17 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 15 
 
 * This report shows the number to be eighty less than was 
 exhibited in that of the Assistant Adjutant-General, made a day or 
 two after the battle, the excess in which may be accounted for 
 by the confusion in camp at the time, and its embracing the slightly 
 wounded, many of whom, and of those reported " missing," were 
 " present for duty " at the subsequent muster. S, C. 
 
192 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Bragg's Company C. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 fci 
 B 
 
 §5 
 
 
 ~5 
 o 
 h 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Christ. F. "Waibinger, 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 Corp., . . 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 
 5 
 
 22 
 
 Total, .. 
 
 4 
 
 FOURTH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 Captain "Washington's Company 3. 
 
 Calvin Doughty,.... 
 Thomas Weekly, .... 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 
 1st. Lt., 
 2d. Lt.,. 
 Sergts.,. 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 18 
 
 
 28 
 
 50 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 6 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 22 
 
 •• 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. 
 
 Company M.. 
 
 
 
 
 Privates, 
 
 3 
 
 •• 
 
 3 j 53 
 
 Company X!. 
 
 Total in 1st Dragoons, 
 
 
 
 
 Capt., ... 
 2d Lieut., 
 Farrier, . 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 3 
 
 " 
 
 6 
 
 59 
 
 Total,... 
 
 6 
 9 
 
 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 Captain L. B. Webster's Company of 1st Artillery, garrisoned the re- 
 doubt at Saltillo. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 193 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. 
 Company 22. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Rank. No 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Rank. No 
 
 B.Lt.Col. 
 Private, 
 
 
 61 
 
 VOLU NTEERS. 
 
 GENERALS AND GENERAL STAFF. 
 
 | 
 
 
 Bgr. Gen. 1 
 
 •• 
 
 1 1 62 
 
 ARKANSAS MOUNTED REGIMENT. 
 
 Field and Staff. 
 
 Archibald Yell, .... 
 
 Col.... 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 ■• 
 
 1 
 
 63 
 
 Captain Taylor's Company &.. 
 
 George Norwood,. 
 Andrew Teague, . 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total,.. 2 6 
 
 Sergt., .. 
 Corp., . . 
 Privates, 
 
 8 71 
 
 Captain Danley's Company 
 
 Thomas G. Rowland, 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Privates, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 4 
 
 75 
 
 Captain Patricel's Company C. 
 
 David Hogan, 
 
 "Williams, 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 Privates. 
 
 13 
 
194 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Porter's Company D« 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 1 
 
 ■s-S-s 
 
 S3 c S 
 
 & B 
 
 a 
 
 (3 
 
 o 
 
 & 
 89 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank 
 
 No. 
 
 Kank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Andrew R. Porter, . . 
 Richard M. Saunders, 
 Green H. Higgins,.. 
 Harrison Penter, .... 
 William Pbipps, .... 
 
 Captain, 
 Corp., . . 
 Private, 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 Sergt.,.. 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 9 
 
 Captain Dillard's Company r. 
 
 Darian Steward, .... 
 Harman Winn, 
 
 Corp., .. 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Sergt.,.. 
 Privates, 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 5 
 
 94 
 
 Captain Hunter's Company G-. 
 
 
 
 
 Private, . 
 
 1 
 
 1* 
 
 2 
 
 96 
 
 Captain W. H. Preston's Company H. 
 
 Wilson W.Tomberlin, 
 
 Corp., .. 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Private,. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 3 99 
 
 Captain Inglish's Company I. 
 
 
 Private, 
 Total,.. 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 18 
 
 1st Lt... 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 5 
 
 104 
 
 William Robinson, . . 
 
 Total in Arkansas 
 Mounted Reg. 
 
 Privates, 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 23 
 
 1 
 
 42 
 
 
 * Private. 
 f Companies E, (Pike's,) and K, (Preston's,) stationed in Saltillo, six 
 miles from the field of battle, on the 22d, and with May's squadron on 
 j the field, on the 23d. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 195 
 
 KENTUCKY MOUNTED REGIMENT. 
 
 Field and Staff. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 p 
 
 5 
 
 - to 
 
 o 
 Eh 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Edward M. Vaughn,. 
 
 1st Lt. 
 and Adj. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 •• 
 
 1 
 
 105 
 
 Captain "Wilam's Company C. 
 
 J. F. Ellingwood, .... 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Privates, 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 110 
 
 Captain Price's Company A. 
 
 Bronson "Warren, .... 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 2dLt., .. 1 
 Privates, 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 6 
 
 116 
 
 Captain Clay's Company I. 
 
 
 
 
 2d Lt.,.. 
 Corp.,... 
 
 Total, .. 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 118 
 
 Captain Beard's Company K. 
 
 William W. Bayles,.. 
 
 Alex. G. Morgan, .... 
 Nathaniel Ramsey,.. 
 William Th waits, . . . 
 
 Corp., .. 
 
 Private, 
 
 << 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 Private, . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 
 7 
 
 125 
 
196 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Heady's Company E. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 C. B. Thompson,. 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total,.. 1 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Rank. No, 
 
 2d Lt., 
 Sergt., 
 
 M o- 
 
 Captain Pennington's Company G-. 
 
 Henry Danforth, . . 
 
 John Ross, 
 
 J. M. Rowlin, . . . 
 Jesse Martin,. .... 
 
 G. F. Lilley, 
 
 G. Routson, , 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 6 
 
 .... 
 
 4 
 
 •• 
 
 10 
 
 Captain Shawhan's Company D. 
 
 John A. Jones, 
 
 Wm. A. M'Clintock, 
 James Pomeroy, .... 
 David R. Rodgers,.. 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 Capt.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 
 11 
 
 Captain Lillaed's Company B. 
 
 David J. Lillard,. 
 A. J. Martin, .... 
 Lewis Sanders,.. 
 Patrick Quigley,. 
 Michael Nouse,.. 
 
 Total in Kentucky 
 Mounted Reg't,.. 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 •2-2 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 197 
 
 SECOND KENTUCKY FOOT REGIMENT. 
 
 Field and Staff. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Rank. No 
 
 =3 g g 
 
 S Its 
 
 Wm. R. M'Kee, 
 Henry Clay, Jr., 
 
 Colonel, 
 Lt. Col., 
 
 Total,. 
 
 156 
 
 Captain Moss's Company JL» 
 
 A. M. Chandoin,. 
 John W. Smith, . 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 161 
 
 Captain Chambers's Company "B. 
 
 Henry Wolff,... 
 Wm. Blackwell, 
 L. B. Bartlett, .. 
 Mager Updyke,. 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 (C 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Total, . 
 
 4 
 
 .... 
 
 3 
 
 
 7 
 
 168 
 
 Captain Thompson's Company G. 
 
 Sidney W. Williams, 
 Robert M. Baker, . . . 
 
 Micajah Booth, 
 
 William Banks, 
 
 John Moffit, 
 
 Corp., .. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 Sergt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 3 
 
 Corp.,. . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 <( 
 
 4 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 5 
 
 .... 
 
 6 
 
 •• 
 
 11 
 
 179 
 
198 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Fry's Company D. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. No 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 Rank. No 
 
 Peter Trough, 
 
 "William Hammond,. 
 
 Harvey Jones, 
 
 Joseph. Walder, 
 
 Corp., . , 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 Private, 
 
 Captain Cutter's Company 21. 
 
 Quiney J. Carlin,... 
 Mart. L. Roderburgh, 
 
 Hiram Frazier, 
 
 John Hearkins, 
 
 Robert M'Curdy, 
 
 Hercules Snow, 
 
 Sergt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Musi'n, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 3 
 
 Corp., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 4 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Total, 
 
 6 
 
 .... 
 
 7 
 
 '•• 
 
 13 
 
 Captain Willis's Company P. 
 
 Wm. S. Willis, . 
 Harvey Trotter, 
 
 Capt.,.. 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 2 
 
 Captain Dougherty's Company G-. 
 
 James R. Ballard, 
 John A. Gregory, . 
 
 Willis West, 
 
 Jesse J. Walker,.. 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 2d Lt., 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 4 
 
 .... 
 
 4 
 
 •• 
 
 8 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 199 
 
 Captain Joyner's Company H. 
 
 . Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 
 •sf-S J 
 s2|| 
 
 "13 
 o 
 6h 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 John M. Dunlop, ... 
 William Gilbert,.... 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Corp.,. . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 2 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 
 13 
 
 222 
 
 Captain Turpin's Company I. 
 
 Henry Edwards, .... 
 Abraham Goodparter, 
 
 Corp.,.. 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 227 
 
 Captain M. Brayer's Company K. 
 
 James Johnson, .... 
 
 Wm, P. Reynolds, . . 
 Arthur Thacker, .... 
 John W. Watson, . . 
 
 Total in Kentucky 
 Foot Regiment, .... 
 
 Private, 
 
 €t 
 
 (( 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 
 14 
 
 241 
 
 .... 
 
 44 
 
 .... 
 
 43 
 
 •• 
 
 87 
 
 
 FIRST ILLINOIS REGIMENT. 
 
 Field and Stapf. 
 
 
 Colonel, 
 Mus'n.,. 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 2 
 
 243 
 
200 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 Captain Smith's Company B. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Names. 
 
 F. S. Carter,. 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 Rank." 
 
 Captain, 
 Corp.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 Captain Fry's Company C. 
 
 Merritt Hudson,.... Mus'n., 1 
 
 Captain Zabriskie's Company 3D. 
 
 Jacob W. Zabriskie,. 
 Augustus Canauglit, 
 John Emerson, 
 
 Captain, 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Sergt., 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 6 
 
 Captain Richardson's Company X!. 
 
 Silas Bedell, 
 
 Henry H. Clark,.... 
 
 Wm, Goodwin, 
 
 James J. Kinman, . . 
 Randolph R. Martin, 
 G. S. Richardson;... 
 Sam'l W. Thompson, 
 Charles "Walker 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . , 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 Companies A, (Morgan's,) and I, (Prentiss's,) stationed in Saltillo. 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 201 
 
 Captain Montgomery's Company H. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 s 
 
 
 o 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Bryan B,. Houghton, 
 
 Matthew Dawdy, .... 
 Thomas J.Gilbert,.. 
 Elisha C. Mays, 
 
 1st Lt.,. 
 Mus'n.,. 
 Private, 
 
 "i 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 2d Lt., . 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 10 
 
 276 
 
 Captain Mower's Company 2C. 
 
 John B. Backman,.. 
 Inglehot Claibsottle, 
 
 Aaron Kiersted, .... 
 Wm. Vinkleharker, . 
 
 Total in First Illinois 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 10 
 
 286 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 16 
 
 •• 
 
 45 
 
 
 SECOND ILLINOIS REGIMENT. 
 Field and Staff. 
 
 
 
 
 1st Lt. > 
 & Adj. ( 
 Sergt. ) 
 Maj. 3 
 Qr. M. ) 
 Sergt. 3 
 
 Total, 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 289 
 
202 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Coffey's Company A. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Allen B. Rountree,. . 
 William R. Kinyon, . 
 Wm. L. Smith, 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Capt., . 
 Sergt., . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 12 
 
 = 3 = 
 l3 §"2 
 
 15 
 
 304 
 
 Captain Woodward's Company 3. 
 
 Wm. C. Woodward,. 
 John Bartleson, .... 
 Aaron Atherton,.... 
 
 William Price, 
 
 Wm. J. Ferguson, . . 
 Joseph W. Emerson, 
 George W. Crippen,. 
 
 Abner Durock, 
 
 John W. Kiger, .... 
 Richard E. Scott,... 
 
 Capt., .. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1st Lt.. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 2d Lt. . . 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sergt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 tt 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 5 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 10 
 
 .... 
 
 1 
 
 •• 
 
 11 
 
 315 
 
 Captain Baker's Company C. 
 
 Edward F. Fletcher, 
 Rodney Ferguson, . . 
 
 L. Robbins, 
 
 William Hibbs, 
 
 James S. Patten, . . . 
 Amos Woodling, . . . . 
 
 1st Lt.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 2dLt.,.. 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Corp.,. . 
 
 1 
 
 Capt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 Priv., . 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 6 
 
 .... 
 
 13 
 
 •• 
 
 19 
 
 334 
 
 Companies D, (Wheeler's,) and F, (Hacker's,) stationed at Saltillo. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 203 
 
 Captain Lott's Company E. 
 
 Killed, 
 
 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 
 a c S 
 
 
 
 
 
 Eank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 s 
 
 **1 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 3 
 
 .... 
 
 4 
 
 •• 
 
 7 
 
 Timothy Kelley, 
 
 John Gable, 
 
 Thos. D. O'Connor,. 
 
 Captain Lemon's Company G-. 
 
 Thomas Jenkins, . . . 
 David A. Hill, 
 
 ¥m. S, Messinger,. . 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 3 
 
 .... 
 
 2 
 
 •• 
 
 5 
 
 Captain Kaith's Company H. 
 
 Alexander Conze, . . . 
 Christian Crossman, 
 
 George Lartz, 
 
 Emanuel Schoolcraft, 
 Franz Weber, 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 4 
 
 2d Lt.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 5 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 5 
 
 .... 
 
 11 
 
 2* 
 
 18 
 
 Captain Miller's Company I. 
 
 Emanuel Bradley, 
 Goforth Clark, 
 Henry Cook, . . 
 John M. Davis, 
 William Hogan 
 John Lear, .... 
 John M'Crury, 
 
 ey, -. 
 
 , .. . . 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 7 
 
 .... 
 
 14 
 
 •• 
 
 21 
 
 * Privates. 
 
204 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Stareuck's Company K. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 fci 
 
 jag 
 
 
 
 
 
 fflf-S 
 
 "3 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No 
 
 S 
 
 1 |-a 
 
 o 
 
 James C. Steele,.... 
 
 2d Lt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Robert Abernathy,.. 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John F. Bowen, .... 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 << 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John B. Kimzey, .... 
 
 " 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 << 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Win. A. Ragland, . . 
 
 " 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John B. Wilks, 
 
 " 
 
 9 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 10 
 
 .... 
 
 6 
 
 
 16 
 
 401 
 
 Captain Connor's Texas Company of Foot.* 
 
 David Campbell, .... 
 
 IstLt.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John A. Leonard, . . . 
 
 2d Lt., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Corp., . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Milton P. Donohoe, 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Michael Donovan, . . 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Edward Fenney,.... 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Edward Forche, .... 
 
 
 
 h 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Henry Gillerman, . . 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Emele Godquin, .... 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Frederick Klinge, . . 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Caleb Langeson,.... 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 .. 
 
 16 
 
 417 
 
 Total in 2d Illinois 
 Regiment and Texas 
 
 
 = 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .... 
 
 62 
 
 .... 
 
 67 
 
 2 
 
 131 
 
 
 * Serving with the Second Illinois Regiment. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 205 
 
 SECOND INDIANA REGIMENT. 
 Captain Sanderson's Company A. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 s 
 
 
 o 
 
 E-i 
 
 Names 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Charles H. Goff, .... 
 Warren Robinson, . . 
 Apollos J. Stevens, . . 
 
 Private, 
 ct 
 
 Totals. 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 Capt., . 
 1st Lt., 
 2d Lt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 
 13 
 
 430 
 
 Captain Kinder's Company B. 
 
 John T. Hardin, .... 
 Joseph Laffety, .... 
 Arthur Massey, .... 
 David McDonald, . . 
 
 Capt'n, 
 Private, 
 
 Total,.. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 Corp.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 
 12 
 
 442 
 
 Captain Osborn's Company C< 
 
 
 
 
 Capt.,.. 
 2d Lt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 1 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 452 
 
 Captain Dennis's Company X). 
 
 Thomas C. Parr,.... 
 
 "Wm. Richardson, . . 
 James H. Slayden,.. 
 
 2d Lt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Corp., . 
 Musi'n, 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 
 12 
 
 464 
 
206 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 . 
 
 Captain Davis's Company F. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 e 
 
 1 Killed, 
 £ wounded, 
 1 and miss'g. 
 
 o 
 E-i 
 
 475 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Harvey Matthews, . > 
 Harrison Wilson, . . 
 Ulysses W. Irwin, . . 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Corp., . 
 Musi'n, 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 2 
 3 
 1 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 
 Captain Kimball's Company G. 
 
 
 
 
 2dLt.,. 
 Sergt., . 
 Corp., . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 Total, . 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 
 7 
 
 482 
 
 Captain Briggs's Company H. 
 
 Meeshack Draper, . . 
 Richard Jenkins,... 
 
 Private, 
 a 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Corp., . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 
 12 
 
 494 
 
 Captain McRae's Company I. 
 
 Wm. W. Campbell, . 
 Reuben Harritt, .... 
 
 Corp.,,. 
 
 Private, 
 et 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 .2 
 
 3 
 
 Musi'n, 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1* 
 
 6 
 
 500 
 
 Private. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 207 
 
 Captain Rousseau's Company E. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 si 
 
 B 
 
 2 
 
 'S T3 •" 
 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 McHenry Dosier, . . 
 John G. B. Dillon,.. 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 5 
 5 
 
 
 8 
 
 508 
 
 Captain "Walker's Company K. 
 
 Alfred Williams, .... 
 Obadiah Lansbury, . . 
 J. C. Higginbotham, 
 Giles Chapman, .... 
 
 Edmund Wyatt, .... 
 Thomas Smith, .... 
 
 Total in Second In- 
 diana Regiment, .... 
 
 Cap 
 Priv 
 
 Tot 
 
 t.,.. 
 ate, 
 
 d,.. 
 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 34 
 
 2d Lt., . 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 67 
 
 
 11 
 
 519 
 
 .... 
 
 1 
 
 102 
 
 
 THIRD INDIANA REGIMENT. 
 
 Captain Sluss's Company ik. 
 
 Wm. B. Holland, . . 
 James H. Buskirk, . . 
 
 Private, 
 a 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Corp., . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 
 9 
 
 528 
 
 Captain Allen's Company C. 
 
 John Armstrong, . . 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 b 
 
 •• j 6 
 
 534 
 
208 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 Captain Carter's Company D. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 el 
 
 = 
 
 i 
 
 
 O 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Wilson Houston, . . . 
 
 Private, 
 Total,.. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 Corp.,. . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 5 
 
 539 
 
 Captain Taggart's Company E. 
 
 
 Capt., . . 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 Corp., . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 "" 
 
 5 
 
 544 
 
 Captain Boardman's Company F. 
 
 AVm. C. Good, 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 Corp.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 
 10 
 
 554 
 
 Captain Sullivan's Company G-. 
 
 John A. Graham, . . . 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 5 
 
 •• 
 
 6 
 
 560 
 
 Captain Conover's Company I-Z. 
 
 
 
 
 Capt.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 Total, . 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 563 
 
 Captain Gibson's Company I. 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 Private, 1 
 
 -i ' 
 
 564 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 209 
 
 Captain Dunn's Company K. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 - 
 
 - SB 
 
 o 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Total in Third Indi- 
 ana Regiment, .... 
 
 
 9 
 
 Corp.,. . 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 Total, . 
 
 1 
 -1 
 
 
 4 
 
 568 
 
 40 
 
 .. 
 
 49 
 
 
 MISSISSIPPI REGIMENT. 
 Field and Staff. 
 
 
 
 
 Colon'l, 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 569 
 
 Captain Sharp's Company Ik* 
 
 William Ingram, .... 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Capt.,,. 
 1st Lt., 
 
 Sergt, . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 
 10 
 
 579 
 
 Captain Cooper's Company B. 
 
 Thomas H. Titley, . . 
 
 L. Turberville, 
 
 W. H. Wilkinson, . . 
 
 Private, 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 1st Lt., 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 1* 
 
 11 
 
 590 
 
 * Private. 
 
 14 
 
210 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Lieutenant Cook's Company C. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 William Couch, 
 D. H. Eggleston, 
 James Johnson, 
 John Preston, . . 
 
 Private, 
 
 Total, 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Corp.,. . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 No. 
 
 — = £ 
 5 §<a 
 
 12 
 
 G02 
 
 Lieutenant Fletcher's Company £3. 
 
 W. W. Phillips, .. 
 J. H. Langford, ... 
 F. M. Robinsion,.. 
 Joseph C. Reville, 
 Robert A. Joyce, . . 
 William Sellers, . . 
 
 
 Sergt., . 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Corp.,. . 
 
 1 
 
 9, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 •• 
 
 12 
 
 Captain Dellay's Company P. 
 
 B. Higany, 
 
 James H. Blakely, . 
 
 D. L. Butler, 
 
 P. Durivant, 
 
 Stephen Jones, ... 
 Enos Garrett, 
 
 Sergt.,.. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Corp., .. 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Private, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 Lieut.,. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 3 
 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 6 
 
 .... 
 
 6 
 
 
 12 
 
 626 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 211 
 
 Captain Downing's Company G-. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 "Wounded. 
 
 bj) 
 •S3 
 
 iM 1 
 
 ~ 3 = 
 
 "c5 
 o 
 Eh 
 
 Names. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Rank. 
 
 No. 
 
 Francis McNulty, . . 
 J. M. Alexander, .... 
 James H. Graves,.. 
 J. S. Bond, 
 
 W. M. Seay, 
 
 Richard E. Parr, .... 
 
 2dLt.,.. 
 Corp., . . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 Corp.,.. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 3 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 17 
 
 643 
 
 Lieutenant Moore's Company H. 
 
 "W. D. Harrison, .... 
 Patrick Rariden, .... 
 
 1st Lt.,. 
 Private, 
 
 it 
 
 Total, . . 
 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Corp , . . 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 1* 
 
 13 
 
 656 
 
 Captain Taylor's Company I. 
 
 J. S. Branch, 
 
 A. Collingsworth, . . 
 
 Total in Mississippi 
 
 Sergt., . 
 Private, 
 
 Total, .. 
 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 40 
 
 Sergt.,. 
 Priv'ts, 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 10 
 
 666 
 
 56 
 
 
 98 
 
 
 * Corporal. 
 
212 APPENDIX. 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 ' 
 
 REGULARS. 
 
 
 T3 
 
 T3 
 T3 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 ■=2 . 
 
 o 
 
 o c 
 
 Corps. 
 
 ~ 
 
 3 
 
 w 
 
 o 
 
 
 aT~ 
 
 
 W 
 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 < 
 
 VI | 
 
 != 
 
 General Staff, A. A. G. 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 * " 
 
 • • 
 
 
 
 Corps Engineers, 
 
 .. 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3d Artillery, 2 Companies, 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 
 20 
 
 150 
 
 7-5 
 
 4th Artillery, 1 Company, 
 
 6 
 
 22 
 
 
 28 
 
 117 
 
 4-18 
 
 1st Dragoons, 2 Companies 
 
 , . . 
 
 9 
 
 
 9 
 
 133 
 
 14-78 
 
 2d Dragoons, 2 Companies 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 76 
 
 38 
 
 8 
 
 53 
 
 •• 
 
 61 
 
 476 
 
 VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 Brigadier-General, (Lane,) 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Arkansas Mounted Regi- ( 
 ment, (Col. Yell's,).... ] 
 
 18 
 
 23 
 
 i 
 
 42 
 
 479 
 
 11-4 
 
 1st Kentucky Mounted} 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Regiment, (Col. Mar- £ 
 
 28 
 
 22 
 
 .. 
 
 50 
 
 330 
 
 6-6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2d Kentucky Foot Regi- , 
 ment, (Col. McKee's,) ' 
 
 44 
 
 43 
 
 .. 
 
 87 
 
 571 
 
 6-56 
 
 1st Illinois Foot Regi- < 
 ment, (Col. Hardin's,) ' 
 
 29 
 
 1G 
 
 • • 
 
 45 
 
 580 
 
 12-89 
 
 2d Illinois Foot Regi- < 
 ment, (Col. Bissell's,) 
 
 47 
 
 66 
 
 2 
 
 115 
 
 573 
 
 4-98 
 
 Texas Company, Foot, < 
 (Capt. Conner's,) .... 
 
 15 
 
 1 
 
 
 16 
 
 61 
 
 3-81 
 
 2d Indiana Foot Regi- 
 ment, (Col. Bowles's,) 
 
 - 34 
 
 67 
 
 1 
 
 102 
 
 627 
 
 6-13 
 
 3d Indiana Foot Regi- " 
 ment, (Col. Lane's,) .. 
 
 9 
 
 40 
 
 •• 
 
 49 
 
 626 
 
 12-77 
 
 1st Mississippi Foot Regi- 
 ment, (Col. Dayis's,) . . 
 
 Total of Regulars and Yol 
 
 '■ 40 
 
 56 
 
 2 
 
 98 
 
 368 
 
 3-75 
 
 264 
 
 335 
 
 6 605 
 
 4,215 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 388 
 
 6 fififi 
 
 4,691 
 
 
 
 
 
 S. CHURCHILL, Ins. Gen. 
 
APPENDIX. 213 
 
 F. 
 
 (See page 131.) 
 
 Major Mansfield, of the Corps of Engineers, wrote 
 from Agua Nueva, March 1st, a letter, from which the 
 following extracts are made : 
 
 " Nothing could exceed the gallant bearing of our 
 horse and dragoons, nor the bravery and good conduct 
 of the volunteers, as a body. Not a regular infantry 
 soldier was in this fight. 
 
 " If I had had but one single full regiment of regu- 
 lars in reserve, we could have charged their battery 
 on our extreme left, and taken 4000 or 5000 pris- 
 oners. As it was, we could only hold our own 
 against such odds. 
 
 " It was a beautiful battle, — not a mistake made 
 the whole day ; but every man perfectly exhausted at 
 night. Our loss about 264 killed, and 450 wounded ; 
 the enemy's loss about 2500 in killed and wounded, 
 and 4000 missing:." 
 
214 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 
 c. 
 
 (See 
 
 page 142. ) 
 
 Return of Mexican Prisoners captured at the Battle 
 of Buena Vista, February 22d and 23d, 1847, and 
 subsequently brought in by the Troops under the 
 Command of Major -General Z. Taylor. 
 
 
 £ 
 
 z 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c3 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 c 
 
 p. 
 
 "_" 
 
 1 
 
 z 
 
 3 
 
 l 
 
 3 
 
 CO 
 
 1 
 
 m 
 4 
 
 o 
 O 
 
 = 
 
 o 
 > 
 
 CO 
 
 > 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 z 
 O 
 
 bo 
 
 to 
 
 < 
 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 8/5 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 106 
 
 Sent from Buena Vista, Feb. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25, in charge of Captain 
 Faulac, to Gen. Santa An- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 na, for exchange. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 39 
 
 
 
 
 39 
 
 Fit for duty ; confined at 
 
 Saltillo. 
 
 1 
 
 
 •• 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 
 133 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 149 
 
 Wounded, and in hospital 
 at Saltillo. 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 257 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 294 
 
 
 S. CHURCHILL, 
 
 Inspector- General. 
 Inspector-General's Department, 
 
 Camp at Agua Nueva, March. 4, 1847. 
 
 H. 
 
 (See page 150.) 
 
 It will be observed that General Santa Anna claims 
 to have taken " two banners " from us, in one of the 
 following letters, and " three stands of colors," in the 
 other. 
 
APPENDIX. 215 
 
 "To GEXERAL DON ClRIACO "VASatTEZ. 
 
 " Agua Xueva, February 25, 1847. 
 
 " My esteemed Friend : The haste with which I 
 sent off the last express to the government hindered 
 me from writing to you the news of the deeds of arms. 
 We have fought for two whole days. The enemy 
 awaited us at a point called the Narrows. The battle 
 of the 23d was particularly bloody, on both sides ; but 
 it was impossible to take the principal position of the 
 enemy, which is another Thermopylae, although we 
 drove him from five positions, and took two banners 
 and three guns. The blood ran in torrents, and it is 
 calculated that both armies lost 3000 or 4000 men in 
 killed and wounded. Our bayonet charges resulted 
 in the death of hundreds ; but the enemy could not be 
 completely routed, on account of the strong position 
 he occupied. We gave him to understand that the 
 Mexican soldier can fight bravely, breast to breast, 
 and without being deterred, either by strength of posi- 
 tion, or by brokenness of ground, or by hunger and 
 thirst, which he suffered with heroic resignation. The 
 strength of the enemy was 9000 men and twenty-six 
 pieces of artillery. 
 
 " We have to lament the death of Colonel Berra, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Anonos, and the commanders of 
 battalions and squadrons, Luyanda, Bios, Pena, be- 
 sides other officers. General Lombardino, Colonel 
 Brito, Colonel Rocha, General Angel Guzman, Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonels Gallozo, Monterdeoca, Andrade, Jico- 
 tercal, Ouijano, Basave, Onate, and other chiefs and 
 officers, are wounded. 
 
216 APPENDIX. 
 
 " I lost my horse by a gunshot in one of the first 
 charges. We are destitute of necessaries for the 
 wounded, and I therefore charge you to send on im- 
 mediately the provisions in your place, so that they 
 may meet the army, which has done its duty, and 
 saved the honor of the national arms. 
 
 " God and Liberty ! 
 
 » SANTA ANNA." 
 
 *' To His Excellency, D. Ramon Adame. 
 
 " Agua Nueva, February 26, 1847. 
 
 " My dear Friend : The hurry in which I wrote my 
 last letter prevented me from sending you a copy of 
 my despatch to the government, and the general 
 order issued to the troops on the field of battle. I 
 now send it, and suppose the triumph of our arms has 
 been celebrated in your town. The want of supplies, 
 together with the dysentery, which broke out in the 
 army, compelled me to listen to the opinions of the 
 generals and chiefs of the army, and regulate my 
 operations accordingly. They unanimously deter- 
 mined that the army ought to fall back on points 
 where supplies might be had. I have, therefore, 
 determined to retire by way of Cedral, Vanegas, and 
 Matahuala, where I can establish a hospital for the 
 wounded, who amount to more than 400, and also for 
 the sick ; after which I will return and seek the ene- 
 my, provided the government furnishes the necessary 
 resources. 
 
 " I have informed the government to this effect, un- 
 der the present date. I here take occasion to state, 
 
APPENDIX. 217 
 
 as all the world should know it, that the treason of a 
 native Mexican prevented me from gaining a com- 
 plete victory over our invaders. A soldier from the 
 regiment of cuirassiers, a native of Saltillo, deserted 
 from Encarnacion, and informed General Wool of 
 my approach. General Wool precipitately struck his 
 camp, abandoning a part of his train, and some pro- 
 visions, and occupied the impregnable position of La 
 Angostura, which it was impossible to reduce, not- 
 withstanding the great advantage gained by our troops, 
 who took five of their positions, three stands of colors, 
 and as many pieces of artillery. 
 " God and Liberty ! 
 
 « SANTA ANNA." 
 
 I. 
 
 (See page 151.) 
 
 General Minon published a letter in the " Inde- 
 pendiente," in which, after defending himself, he 
 attempts to account for the disasters of the battle, 
 and denies that the Mexican army was suffering for 
 want of food. 
 
 "To the Editors op the < Independiente.' 
 
 " Santa Maria del Rio, April 10, 1847. 
 
 " Dear Sirs : The nation will know, one 
 
 day, what that was which was called, without shame, 
 
 the victory of La Angostura ; it will know that it had 
 
 brave soldiers, worthy to rival, in ardor and enthu- 
 
218 APPENDIX. 
 
 siasm, the best of any army whatever ; that it had in- 
 trepid officers, who led them gallantly to the combat, — 
 but that it had no general who knew how to make use 
 of these excellent materials. The nation will know 
 that if, on those memorable fields, a true and splendid 
 victory was not achieved, no one was to blame but 
 him who was charged with leading the forces, be- 
 cause he did not know how to do it. According to 
 the order of the attack, and with a knowledge of the 
 positions occupied by the enemy, speaking in accord- 
 ance with the rules of art, we ought to have been de- 
 feated. We were not, because the valor of our troops 
 overcame all the disadvantages with which we had to 
 struggle. The battle of La Angostura was nothing but 
 an unconnected succession of sublime individual deeds, 
 — partial attacks of the several corps who entered the 
 action. Their chiefs led them according to the divers 
 positions taken by the enemy, in consequence of the 
 partial defeats which he suffered ; but there was no 
 methodical direction, no general regulated attack, no 
 plan in which the efforts of the troops, according to 
 their class, were combined, that did, or could, produce a 
 victory. General Santa Anna believes that war is re- 
 duced to the fighting of the troops of one and the other 
 party, wherever they meet, and however they choose ; 
 General Santa Anna believes that a battle is no more 
 than the shock of men, with much noise, shouts, and 
 shots, to see who can do the most, each in his own 
 way ; General Santa Anna cannot conceive how it 
 happens that a victory may be gained over an enemy 
 by wise and well-calculated manoeuvres. Thus it is, 
 
APPENDIX. 219 
 
 that he has eveiy where been routed, and he always 
 will be, unless he should have the fortune to meet 
 with one who has the same ideas with himself in rela- 
 tion to war. 
 
 " But, leaving it to others to elucidate all that hap- 
 pened during this campaign of February, the very 
 grave faults committed by the general who conducted 
 it, and the fatal consequences which it immediately 
 had, and which it will continue to have, on the war in 
 which we are engaged, I shall confine myself to that 
 which concerns me. It is false that I was not present 
 at the rear-guard of the enemy during the battle of 
 the 23d of February. I was not only present, but I suf- 
 fered, with the whole brigade which I commanded, from 
 the fire they kept up on us. The whole city of Sal- 
 tillo, in sight of which I was all day, and the enemy 
 himself, will testify to it. ... \y e were so 
 
 much present, that General Taylor ordered six pieces 
 of artillery to open upon us at that point, and there 
 were more than a thousand men engaged in observing 
 my brigade, who took no part in the action ; — these 
 lessened the force that General Santa Anna had to 
 fight. I did not withdraw from there till nightfall, 
 and when the battle had entirely ceased. I retired 
 within view of the enemy's troops, who sallied from 
 Saltillo, with four pieces of cannon, to engage us. 
 The roughness of the ground, — wholly cut up by an 
 infinity of deep ravines, — rendered useless any at- 
 tempt whatever on the part of my cavalry. • • * 
 
 " The only reason, the true cause, of this animosity 
 of General Santa Anna towards me, is, that I disap- 
 
220 APPENDIX. 
 
 proved of his retiring from the field of Angostura, 
 as is seen by my communications, numbered 4 and 
 5. I believed then, and I believe now, that the 
 army which had left San Luis might have remained 
 at that point, and completed the great work, which it 
 had undertaken, of destroying the enemy. Many be- 
 lieve the same as I do. It is false that there was not 
 food or water. There was every thing, — I myself 
 supplied General Santa Anna. I advised him repeat- 
 edly of what I had at my disposition, — beeves, corn, 
 flour, — where I was. I indicated to him the route by 
 which he could move, without embarrassment, to Sal- 
 tillo, without scarcity of water, of forage for the horses, 
 or of provisions for the troops. I had not less than 
 700 beeves confined in an enclosure, all of which 
 I shared with him as opportunity offered. His retire- 
 ment was unjustifiable, and much more so from the 
 manner in which he undertook it, — in the midst of 
 the darkness of night, — abandoning, without necessity, 
 hundreds of the unhappy wounded, and, in appear- 
 ance, much more like that of a fugitive, desirous of 
 concealing from the enemy his defeat, that he might 
 not finish his destruction, than that of a general who 
 desired to take breathing-time, but who could have 
 obliged any that attempted to impede him to give 
 way. This is the only and true cause of my perse* 
 cution, — there is no other. General Santa Anna 
 properly supposed that I would not desist from speak- 
 ing, and telling the nation what had occurred on those 
 days, and he desired to prevent me. He imprisoned 
 me, and cut me off from all communication. He 
 
APPENDIX. 221 
 
 desired, at the same time, to deprive me of my papers, 
 in order to make my vindication impossible ; but I pre- 
 served them, thanks to my foresight, and will answer, 
 with dates, whatever charges they may bring against me. 
 If there is any thing painful to me in this affair, it is 
 that I am withdrawn from the front of the enemy, and 
 deprived of the privilege of shedding my blood for my 
 country, to which I owe all, — my rank and my sub- 
 sistence. This I feel, — nothing else. May I be per- 
 mitted to give my feeble services, to pay, in some 
 manner, this sacred debt ; I will do it to merit my 
 country's esteem ; and if I enjoy that, of no conse- 
 quence to me is the hatred of my enemies, whom I 
 
 pity and despise. 
 
 « J. V. MINON." 
 
 (See page 155.) 
 
 The following extract of a letter, dated March 22, 
 1847, from the Secretary of War to General Scott, 
 indicates the extreme solicitude which was felt at 
 Washington, at General Taylor's critical condition ; 
 and, also, the just appreciation which the Department 
 of War entertained of the momentous consequences 
 depending on the battle : 
 
 " The information which has just reached us in the 
 shape of rumors, as to the situation of General Tay- 
 lor, and the forces under his command, has excited 
 the most painful apprehensions for his safety. It is 
 
222 APPENDIX. 
 
 almost certain that Santa Anna has precipitated the 
 large army he had collected at San Luis de Potosi 
 upon General Taylor ; and it may be, that the General 
 has not been able to maintain the advanced position he 
 had seen fit to take at Agua Nueva, but has been 
 obliged to fall back on Monterey. It is equally cer- 
 tain, that a Mexican force has been interposed between 
 Monterey and the Rio Grande, and that it has inter- 
 rupted the line of communication between the two 
 places, and seized large supplies, which were on their 
 way to General Taylor's army. 
 
 " If the hostile force between the Rio Grande and 
 General Taylor's army is as large as report repre- 
 sents it, our troops now on that river may not be able 
 to reestablish the line ; nor will it, perhaps, be possible 
 to place a force there, sufficient for the purpose, in 
 time to prevent disastrous consequences to our army, 
 unless aid can he afforded from ike troops under your 
 immediate command. 
 
 " From one to two thousand of the new recruits for 
 the ten regiments, from this quarter, will be on the 
 way to the Brazos, in the course of three or four days. 
 All the other forces will be directed to that point, and 
 every effort made to relieve General Taylor from his 
 critical situation. You will have been fully apprized, 
 before this can reach you, of the condition of things 
 in the Valley of the Rio Grande, and at the head- 
 quarters of General Taylor ; and have taken, I trust, 
 such measures as the importance of the subject re- 
 quires. I need not urge upon you the fatal conse- 
 quences which would result from any serious disaster 
 
APPENDIX. 223 
 
 which might befall the army under General Taylor, 
 nor do I doubt that you will do what is in your power 
 to avert such a calamity." 
 
 K. 
 
 These are the orders issued to the troops after the 
 battle of Buena Vista : 
 
 " Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, 
 Buena Vista, February 26, 1847. 
 
 " The commanding General has the grateful task 
 of congratulating the troops upon the brilliant success 
 which attended their arms in the conflict of the 22d 
 and 23d. Confident in their superiority of numbers, 
 and stimulated by the presence of a distinguished 
 leader, the Mexican troops were yet repulsed in every 
 effort to force our lines, and finally withdrew, with im- 
 mense loss, from the field. 
 
 "The General would express his obligations to the 
 officers and men engaged, for the cordial support 
 which they rendered throughout the action ; it will be 
 his highest pride to bring to the notice of the govern- 
 ment the conspicuous gallantry of particular officers 
 and corps, whose unwavering steadiness more than 
 once saved the fortunes of the day. He would also 
 express his high satisfaction with the conduct of a 
 small command left to hold Saltillo ; though not so se- 
 riously engaged as their comrades, their services were 
 very important and efficiently rendered. While be- 
 stowing this just tribute to the good conduct of the 
 
224 APPENDIX. 
 
 troops, the General deeply regrets to say that there 
 were a few exceptions. He trusts that those who 
 fled ingloriously from Buena Vista, and went to Sal- 
 tillo, will seek an opportunity to retrieve their reputa- 
 tion, and to emulate the bravery of their comrades, 
 who bore the brunt of the battle, and sustained, against 
 fearful odds, the honor of the flag. The exultation of 
 success is checked by the heavy sacrifice of life which 
 it has cost, embracing many officers of high rank 
 and high merit. While the sympathies of a grateful 
 country will be given to the bereaved families and 
 friends of those who nobly fell, their illustrious ex- 
 ample will remain for the benefit and admiration of 
 the army. 
 
 u By order of General Taylor. 
 
 "W.W.S. BLISS, 
 "Assistant Adjutant- General." 
 
 L. 
 
 General Orders, No. 54. 
 
 Head-Quarters of the Army of the U. S., 
 
 Vergara, before Vera Cruz, March 15, 1847. 
 
 The General-in-Chief of the army has received au- 
 thentic information of a great and glorious victory, 
 obtained by the arms of our country under the suc- 
 cessful Major-General Taylor, at Buena Vista, near 
 Saltillo, on the 22d and 23d ultimo. The general re- 
 sults were 4000 of the enemy killed and wounded, 
 against our loss of 700 gallant men. General Santa 
 
APPENDIX. 225 
 
 Anna, on sustaining that overwhelming defeat, is known 
 to have retreated upon San Louis de Potosi, and prob- 
 ably will not stop short of the capital. 
 
 The General-in-Chief imparts this glorious news to 
 the army, that all with him may participate in the joy 
 that is now spreading itself throughout the breadth of 
 our country. 
 
 By command of Major-General Scott. 
 
 H. L. SCOTT, A. A. A. G. 
 
 No official report is yet received. 
 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 
 March 17, 1847. 
 
 M. 
 
 War Department, 
 April 3, 1847. 
 
 Sir : Your communications of the 24th and 25th 
 of February and the 1st of March, announcing the 
 brilliant success of the troops under your command at 
 Buena Vista, against the forces of the enemy vastly 
 superior in numbers, have been laid before the Presi- 
 dent, and I am instructed to convey to you his high 
 appreciation of the distinguished services rendered to 
 the country by yourself and the officers and soldiers 
 of your command on that occasion. 
 
 The victory achieved at Buena Vista, while it adds 
 new glory to our arms, and furnishes new proofs of 
 the valor and brave daring of our officers and sol- 
 diers, will excite the admiration and call forth the grati- 
 tude of the nation. 
 15 
 
226 APPENDIX. 
 
 The single fact that 5000 of our troops, nearly 
 all volunteers, who, yielding to the impulse of patriot- 
 ism, had rallied to their country's standard for a tem- 
 porary service, were brought into conflict with an army 
 of 20,000, mostly veteran soldiers, and not only stood 
 and repulsed the assaults of this numerous host, led 
 by their most experienced general, but in a protracted 
 battle of two days won a glorious victory, is the most 
 indubitable evidence of the consummate skill and gal- 
 lant conduct of our officers and the devoted heroism 
 of the troops under their command. It will ever be a 
 proud distinction to have been in the memorable battle 
 of Buena Vista. 
 
 The general joy which the intelligence of this suc- 
 cess of our arms has spread through the land is min- 
 gled with regret that it has been obtained at so great a 
 price, — that so many heroic men have fallen in that 
 sanguinary conflict. They died in the intrepid dis- 
 charge of a patriotic duty, and will be honored and la- 
 mented by a grateful nation. 
 
 You will cause this communication to be published 
 to the troops under your command. 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 W. L. MARCY, 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 To Major- General Z. Taylor. 
 
APPENDIX. 227 
 
 N. 
 
 On the 28th of January, Santa Anna issued this 
 proclamation to his army, and directed that it should 
 be read at the head of every regiment, and that a 
 printed copy be furnished to each company. 
 
 " His Excellency the General-in-Chief of the Army of Opera- 
 tions of the North, to all under his command. 
 
 " Companions in arms ! The operations of the 
 enemy require of us to move precipitately on their 
 principal line ; and we are about to do it. The inde- 
 pendence, the honor, and the destinies of the nation 
 depend, in this movement, on your decision. 
 
 " Soldiers ! The entire world is observing us ; and 
 it is obligatory on you that your deeds should be as 
 heroic as they are necessary, from the neglect and 
 abandonment with which you have been treated by 
 those whose duty it is to succor you. Privations of 
 all kinds await you ; but when has want or penury 
 weakened your spirit or debilitated your enthusiasm 1 
 The Mexican soldier is well known for his frugality 
 and his capability of sufferance. Never does he need 
 magazines of provisions when about to pass the des- 
 erts ; but he has always had an eye to the resources 
 and supplies of his enemy to administer to his own 
 wants. To-day you commence your march, through 
 a thinly-settled country, without supplies and with- 
 out provisions ; but you may be assured that very 
 quickly you will be in possession of those of your 
 
228 APPENDIX. 
 
 enemy, and of his riches ; and with them all your 
 wants will be superabundantly remedied. 
 
 " My friends ! We are about to open the campaign ; 
 and who can tell us how many days of glory await us ! 
 What a perspective, so full of hope for our country ! 
 What satisfaction will you feel, when you contemplate 
 that you have saved our independence ! that you are 
 the objects of admiration to the whole world, and that 
 our own country will shower down blessings on your 
 head ! O, when again in the bosoms of your fami- 
 lies you shall relate your dangers and hardships suf- 
 fered, your combats and triumphs over your daring, 
 presumptuous foe, — when you tell your children that 
 you have given them their country a second time, — 
 your jubilee will be complete ; and how insignificant 
 will your sacrifices appear ! 
 
 " Soldiers ! Trust confidingly in the destinies of 
 your country. The cause we sustain is holy, and never 
 have we gone to the conflict with so much justice, for 
 we are defending the home of our forefathers and of 
 our posterity, — our honor, — our holy religion, — our 
 wives, — our children. What sacrifice is too great 
 for objects so dear ? Let our motto be, " To conquer or 
 die." Let us swear before the Eternal, that we will 
 not rest one instant until we completely wipe away 
 from our soil the vain-glorious foreigner who has dared 
 to pollute it with his presence. No terms with him, 
 — nothing for us but heroism and grandeur. 
 
 "ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 
 " Head-Quarters, in Sari. Luis Potosi, Jan. 27, 1847. 
 " By order of his Excellency. 
 
 " MICHELTORENA." 
 
APPENDIX. 229 
 
 O. 
 
 This is the order of march commencing the move- 
 ment of the " Liberating Army of the North " 
 from San Luis cle Potosi. 
 
 " General Orders, Jan. 26, 1847. 
 "Officer -in- Chief of the Day — Lieutenant- Colonel Don 
 
 Manuel Romero. 
 "Head- Quarters 1st Brigade. — Order of march of the Army. 
 
 " By general order, the General-in-Chief commands 
 that the baggage shall not be carried with the army, 
 nor shall the soldiers take their knapsacks, but shall 
 wear their dress of Russia duck, and over this their 
 suit of cloth ; they shall only take two shirts, four 
 rounds of cartridges, and two flints, including the one 
 in their guns ; they shall carry nothing except their 
 cooking utensils. All the officers and other persons 
 shall march in their places, and, when bivouacking, 
 shall keep at the head of their respective commands. 
 
 " On the 27th, the following pieces of artillery will 
 march : Three 24's, three 16's, five 12's, and eight 8- 
 pounders, and one howitzer, with ammunition corre- 
 sponding to each, and also the platforms for the large 
 pieces ; 500 boxes of musket-ammunition, 12,000 
 flints, and the remainder of the canister and grape of 
 the three pieces, which were in Tula, — all of which 
 will be placed in the twenty-one wagons contracted 
 for ; and what remains, on 450 mules, which the 
 chief of the staff will order to be delivered to the com- 
 manding officer of artillery. The ammunition of the 
 
230 APPENDIX. 
 
 pieces above expressed will be escorted by themselves, 
 and by the company of sappers and miners who be- 
 long to the regiment of engineers, and by the artil- 
 lerists of the light brigade, who will take with them 
 all the implements necessary for sapping and mining, 
 in the wagons which the sappers have ; the sacks for 
 filling with earth will be carried on mules, which will 
 be furnished by the chief of the staff. 
 
 " On Thursday, the 28th, the 5th brigade of infantry, 
 under the command of Don Francisco Pacheco, will 
 commence its march, sending ahead always, the even- 
 ing previous, an officer to procure lodgings and pre- 
 pare rations for the troops. 
 
 " On Friday, the 29th, the 1st and 2d brigades will 
 march out in the same manner, under the orders of 
 Don Rafael Garcia Conde ; these brigades will be con- 
 sidered as united until further orders, and consequent- 
 ly all the infantry is placed under the command of 
 General of Brigade, Don Manuel Maria Lombardini. 
 
 " On Saturday, the 30th, the 4th and 6th brigades 
 will march in like manner, under the command of 
 Brigadier-General Don Luis Guzman. 
 
 " The medical staff having left in the hospitals of 
 this city four junior surgeons, and only the necessaries 
 for the service, all the rest will march, apportioned 
 among the different brigades, under the orders of the 
 Medical Inspector-General, with all their medicines, 
 and articles necessary for the campaign. 
 
 " The General's staff and its chief will depart, after 
 having advanced all the brigades and material of war, 
 taking particular care that, after arriving at Matahuala, 
 
APPENDIX. 231 
 
 the staff will be distributed to each division, according 
 to the necessities of the service. 
 
 "All the military left in the city will know as their 
 Commander-in-Chief the General of Brigade, Don Juan 
 Amador, under whose command are the fortifications, 
 instruction, and discipline of the troops, and likewise 
 the defence of the city and state, — he being the com- 
 manding General. There will remain in this city only 
 those soldiers who are incapable of doing service in 
 the campaign. And on the morning of the 29th, they, 
 — all the new i*ecruits, — the sick, the weak, and un- 
 armed, will be marched in and take possession of the 
 different barracks ; for it is the desire of the President 
 General-in-Chief, that only those soldiers should march 
 who are capable of performing the duties and bearing 
 the fatigues and privations of war. 
 
 " Each brigade will leave in this city persons capa- 
 ble of instructing their recruits ; and, for the defence 
 of the place, at least one captain, and subalterns in 
 proportion to their respective numbers. 
 
 " The General-in-Chief, Don Manuel Maria Lom- 
 bardini, will order that, by twelve o'clock, A. M., to- 
 morrow, a list be made and delivered to the chief of 
 the staff, of all the baggage to be transported belonging 
 to each and every corps. The artillery, engineer, 
 quartermaster, and medical staffs will also comply 
 with this order. 
 
 " The chief of the staff will remit to each chief of 
 section instructions necessary for the march. 
 
 " Every officer belonging to this army, whatever 
 may be his rank or title, will read to the troops under 
 his command the following order : 
 
233 APPENDIX. 
 
 " 1st. Any person who may desert his flag shall 
 suffer death, agreeably to article 57th, of the 29th De- 
 cember, 1838. 
 
 " 2d. Any person who may be found half a league 
 distant from this city, or from the camp, shall be con- 
 sidered guilty of the crime of desertion. 
 " By order of his Excellency, 
 
 "SALAZAR, Colonel, 
 
 " VASQUEZ, General of Brigade. ' ' 
 
 This is the final order of march and general dis- 
 position of the Mexican army on leaving La Encar- 
 nacion for Agua Nueva. Many important discrepan- 
 cies exist between it and Santa Anna's Report, made 
 out after the Battle of Buena Vista. 
 
 " General Orders of the 20th and the 21st Feb. 1847. 
 " General Officer of the Day — Don Rafael Vasq.uez. 
 
 "Aides — Col. Jose Ma. Bermxjdea, and Lieut.-Col. Don 
 Florencio Aspeitia. 
 
 "And for to-morrow — Don Francisco Mejia, General 
 
 Officer of the Day, 
 
 "Aides—- Col. Don Carlos Brito, and Lieut.-Col. Don Gre- 
 
 gorio Elati. 
 
 " In the morning the army will continue its march, 
 which will commence at eleven o'clock precisely, in 
 the followin£ order : 
 
APPENDIX. 233 
 
 " The 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th battalions of light infantry 
 will take the lead, under the orders of General Am- 
 pudia, so that he may be able to avail himself of all 
 advantages that the circumstances may require ; imme- 
 diately after, the battalion of sappers ; and in its rear, 
 and at the head of the division of infantry of the van, 
 under the orders of General Pacheco, will be placed 
 the company of sharp-shooters, and three pieces of 
 16's, with their respective artillerists and reserve ; as 
 likewise the ammunition, composed of 100 round shot 
 and 100 grape for each piece, and 80 boxes of mus- 
 ket ammunition, each containing 9600 cartridges. 
 
 " Division of infantry of the centre, commanded by 
 General Manuel Ma. Lombardini, will follow. At the 
 head of this column there will be five 12's, as above 
 named and ammunitioned, and also 80 boxes of mus- 
 ket ammunition. 
 
 " At the head of the division of the rear, commanded 
 by General Ortega, there will be five pieces of 8's, 
 supplied with men and ammunition as above, and also 
 its 80 boxes of musket ammunition, each containing 
 9600 cartridges. 
 
 " The division of cavalry of the rear will follow close- 
 ly on the last of infantry, having at their head the hus- 
 sars, and in their rear the general ammunition train, 
 escorted by the brigade of horse artillery ; after the 
 ammunition train, all the camp followers of all classes, 
 with the baggage of all kinds, laundresses, cooks, 
 &c, — it being distinctly understood that no woman 
 will be allowed to mix with the column. The chief in 
 
234 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 charge of the commissary department is Don Pedro 
 "Rangel, who is also in charge of the baggage train. 
 
 " His Excellency, the General-in-Chief, furthermore 
 orders that the different corps shall to-day receive 
 from the commissary three days' rations,* for the 21st, 
 22d, and 23d ; and that they require the necessary 
 meat this afternoon for the first meal to-morrow morn- 
 ing, which the troops are directed to eat one hour 
 before taking up the line of march ; and the second will 
 be taken in their haversacks, to be eaten in the night, 
 wherever they may halt ; this last will consist of meat, 
 two biscuits, and half a cake of (jnloncillo) brown 
 sugar for each man ; for, on the night of the 21st 
 there will be no fires permitted, neither will signal 
 be made by any military instrument of music, the 
 movement at early daybreak on the morning of the 
 22d having to be made in the most profound silence. 
 
 "The troops will drink all the water they can before 
 marching, and will take with them in their canteens, 
 or other vessels, all they can possibly carry ; they will 
 economize the water all they can, for we shall encamp 
 at night without water, and shall not arrive at it until 
 the following day. The chief of corps will pay much, 
 much, much attention to this last instruction. 
 
 " Each mule belonging to the ammunition train, 
 and the horses of officers, will receive two rations 
 of corn, which they will take with them ; and these 
 will be fed to them to-morrow night at dusk ; and 
 
 * See the extract from Santa Anna's letter to the Minis- 
 ter of War and Marine on page 151, in which he says his 
 troops had but one ration. 
 
APPENDIX. 235 
 
 on the following morning, at dayhreak, the horses' 
 girths will only be slackened, and the mules will not s 
 be unharnessed while they are eating. The light 
 brigade will likewise obey this order on the night of 
 the 21st, only loosening their saddles a little. The 
 horses and mules will all be taken to water before 
 commencing the march. 
 
 " Each division will take with it its respective medi- 
 cal staff, hospital attendants, medicines, &c, as regu- 
 lated by the Medical Inspector-General. 
 
 " The chaplain-in-chief will provide each division 
 with its chaplain. He will also, as to-morrow is a feast 
 day, order mass to be said at six o'clock in front of the 
 position occupied by the vanguard, at seven o'clock in 
 front of the centre, at eight o'clock in front of the 
 rear guard, and at nine o'clock in front of the division 
 of cavalry. 
 
 " General Don Francisco Perez is ordered to be rec- 
 ognized as second in command to General Lombar- 
 dini, and General Don Luis Guzman as second to 
 General Ortega. 
 
 " To facilitate the duties of the conductor-general 
 of the baggage train, the cavalry of Celaya and all the 
 presidial troops are hereby placed under his command. 
 
 " His Excellency, the General-in-Chief, recommends 
 to every officer punctual compliance with, and obedi- 
 ence to, each and every part of this, his general order. 
 " By order of his Excellency, 
 
 "MANUEL MICKELTORENA, 
 
 " Chief of the General Staff" 
 
236 APPENDIX. 
 
 Q- 
 
 The following is a list of the officers still in the 
 Regular Army, who were engaged in the operations 
 referred to in the foregoing narrative. Their present 
 rank is prefixed to their names, and they are placed 
 in the position they now occupy, whether in the Staff 
 or in the Line. 
 
 GENERAL OFFICERS. 
 
 Major- General ZACHARY TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Major-General JOHN E. WOOL. 
 
 general staff. 
 
 adjutant-general's department. 
 
 Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel William W. S. Bliss, 
 Brevet Captain Irvin McDowell. 
 
 inspector-general's department. 
 Brevet Brigadier- General Sylvester Churchill. 
 
 quarterbiaster's department. 
 
 Colonel Henry Whiting, 
 Brevet Major Ebenezer S. Sibley, 
 Brevet Major William W. Chapman, 
 Brevet Major James L. Donaldson. 
 
 subsistence department. 
 Brevet Major Amos B. Eaton. 
 
 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 Surgeon Presley H. Craig, 
 Assistant Surgeon Charles M. Hitchcock, 
 Assistant Surgeon Thomas C. Madison, 
 Assistant Surgeon William Levely, 
 Assistant Surgeon Grayson M. Prevost. 
 
APPENDIX. 237 
 
 PAY DEPARTMENT. 
 
 Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Roger S. Dix, 
 Major Andrew J. Coffee. 
 
 CORPS OF ENGINEERS. 
 
 Brevet Colonel Joseph K. F. Mansfield, 
 Brevet Captain Henry "W. Benham. 
 
 CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. 
 
 Brevet Major Thomas B. Linnard, 
 Brevet Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, 
 Brevet Captain John Pope, 
 Brevet 1st Lieutenant William B. Franklin, 
 Brevet 1st Lieutenant Francis T. Bryan. 
 
 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Henry K. Craig, 
 
 Brevet 1st Lieutenant Charles P. Kingsbury. 
 
 LINE. 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. 
 
 Captain Enoch Steen, 
 Captain Robert H. Chilton, 
 Captain Daniel H. Rucker, 
 Captain James H. Carleton, 
 1st Lieutenant Abraham Buford, 
 1st Lieutenant Joseph H. Whittlesey, 
 2d Lieutenant Samuel D. Sturgis, 
 2d Lieutenant George F. Evans. 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT OF -DRAGOONS. 
 
 Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Charles A. May, 
 
 1st Lieutenant Reuben P. Campbell, 
 2d Lieutenant Newton C. Gtvens, 
 2d Lieutenant Thomas J. Wood, 
 
238 APPENDIX. 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 
 Brevet Major Ltjcian B. Websteb, 
 Captain James H. Prentiss, 
 1st Lieutenant James B. Bicketts, 
 1st Lieutenant Isaac Botven, 
 1st Lieutenant Abner Doubleday. 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 Brevet Colonel John Munroe. 
 
 THIRD REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 
 Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Braxton Bragg, 
 Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel John M. Washington, 
 Brevet Major Thomas "W. Sherman, 
 Brevet Major William H. Shover, 
 Brevet Major George H. Thomas, 
 Brevet Captain John F. Reynolds, 
 Brevet Captain Samuel G. French. 
 
 FOURTH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 
 Brevet Major Robert S. Garnett, 
 Brevet Major John P. J. O'Brien, 
 
 Brevet Captain Thomas L. Brent, 
 1st Lieutenant Henry M. Whiting, 
 1st Lieutenant Darius N. Couch. 
 
 THIRD REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 Brevet Major Joseph H. Eaton. 
 
 FIFTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 Brevet Colonel William G. Belknap. 
 
 the END. 
 
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 in forming the true estimate of literary productions, it is be- 
 lieved the present Catalogue will prove especially valuable 
 as a manual of reference. 
 
 To prevent disappointment, it is suggested that, when- 
 ever books can not be obtained through any bookseller or 
 local agent, applications with remittance should be ad 
 dressed direct to the Publishers, which will be promptly at 
 tended to, 
 
HARPER'S NEW MISCELLANY 
 
 OF 
 
 POPULAR STERLING LITERATURE. 
 
 " Books that have an aim and meaning in them." 
 
 Now in course of publication, a new and attractive library 
 of sterling books, elegantly printed in duodecimo, on fine 
 paper, and bound in extra muslin gilt, fitted for permanent 
 preservation. 
 
 PRICE FIFTY CENTS A VOLUME. 
 
 The cheapest Popular Series of Works yet Published. 
 .*+*./**&. ■///>/»«- — - 
 I., II. 
 
 Elements of Morality &nd Polity. 
 
 BY WILLIAM WHEW ELL, D.D., 
 
 AUTHOR OF "HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INDUCTIVE SCTEN 
 CES," &C. 
 
 2 vols. 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, Si 00. 
 
 Dr. Whewell's work ought to be read, because it can not be read without 
 advantage : the age requires such books. — London Athenaeum. 
 
 A text-book of simple truths, from which, by induction, a complete sys- 
 tem of morality is constructed, applicable to all the relations and circum- 
 stances of life, and embracing every department of human action. The 
 reader who shall carefully study these volumes — and a more inviting page, 
 clear and legible, the eye does not often rest upon — will find his labor more 
 than rewarded. — Nevi York Commercial Advertiser. 
 
 Professor Whewell's " Elements of Morality" have been universally re- 
 ceived in England as a contribution of rare value to the department of moral 
 and political science. — Baltimore American. 
 
 A splendid production by one of the most distinguished of the scientific 
 men of the age. This is a book, not to be read merely, but to be re-perused 
 and patiently studied ; we have heard it pronounced by no mean critic the 
 most complete and lucid work on ethical philosophy ever produced. We 
 commend this work to the especial notice of thinkers and readers, to schol- 
 ars and schools generally, as a most admirable text-book. — Sun. 
 
 The style of the work, though simple, is extremely clear, strong, and el- 
 oquent. It is a book to be studied rather than superficially read, and can 
 not fail to be of the very highest importance in instructing and disciplining 
 the public mind. — American Patriot. 
 
 This is beyond all comparison the most complete, comprehensive, and lu- 
 minous treatise on the important subjects it discusses, that is to be found 
 in the language, and its careful study is indispensable to every one who 
 •would obtain true and definite notions in regard to the principles of public 
 and private morals. It is profoundly learned and philosophical, but the writ 
 er thinks logically and clearly, and is therefore at all times lucid and com- 
 prehensible. — Buffalo Commercial Advertiser. 
 
2 HARPER'S NEW MISCELLANY 
 
 III. 
 
 The Philosophy of Mystery. 
 
 BY WALTER COOPER DENDY. 
 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, 50 cents. 
 
 This is a learned and elaborate work, in which the writer goes into the 
 investigation of all the phenomena of mind in the erratic operations and 
 phantasies of ghost seeing and spectral hallucinations, and aims to give the 
 true philosophy of all such delusions. He is a medical man of consider- 
 able eminence, and has spared no pains in his researches, giving a great 
 number of facts and cases to illustrate his philosophy. The volume will be 
 much sought for, as it is really a desideratum in the world of literature. 
 We know of no work on this subject which lays the same just claim to public 
 attention, or the study of the philosopher. — Christian Advocate and Journal. 
 
 The volume before us is both instructive and amusing, and at this partic- 
 ular time, when the extremes of superstition and philosophy have shaken 
 hands, it will be likely to effect an inconceivable amount of good, if prop- 
 erly studied. It is one of the most remarkable productions of the day, and 
 must create an extraordinary degree of interest in the public mind.— Mer- 
 chant's Magazine. 
 
 It belongs to that class of writings which you can take up and put down 
 at pleasure, and which may us subjected to repeated readings. The work 
 is pleasant, however, in spite of this— pleasant because of its facts, its nu- 
 merous details of mystery, its vast collection of anecdote, its developments 
 of diablerie, its tidings from the spiritual world, and the many cases which 
 it brings together of the curious and the wonderful in nature and art, which 
 former ages, and ignorance and superstition, have concluded to consider su- 
 pernatural. Where science and modern speculation furnish the solution to 
 the mystery, Mr. Dendy couples it with the statements, and the book is 
 thus equally valuable and amusing. — Charleston Transcript. 
 
 Here lies a remarkable work ; beautiful in its style, and wondrous in its 
 matter. The work is strictly philosophical in its tendency, yet more amus- 
 ing than a novel. — True American. 
 
 This is a book for the lovers of marvels and of mysteries. It contains an 
 immense collection of anecdotes of spectral apparitions, of illusions of vision 
 or of hearing, of striking phenomena exhibited in dreams, in insanity, in 
 trance, or in magnetism, and furnishes many very valuable hints to aid in 
 the solution of these mysteries, Try which so many have been bewildered 
 or affrighted. It is written in a style of great ease and elegance, and can 
 not fail to find a very wide circle of welcoming readers. — Albion. 
 
 This unique and remarkable book has just been placed on our table ; we 
 know its reputation of old ; it is an admirable discourse on the subject of 
 supernaturalisms, such as mental illusions, dreams, ghosts, mesmeric phe- 
 nomena, &c. If any one will but read the first half dozen pages, we will 
 vouch for it he will not neglect the rest of the volume : it is one of the best 
 written books on one of the most curious range of topics that could engage 
 the pen of a writer, or the attention of a reader. It is, in fact, one of the 
 most curious volumes ever perused, upon a series of the most singular sub- 
 jects, and, in this new and neat form, it will command a vast number of 
 readers. — Sunday Times. 
 
 " The Philosophy of Mystery" is an exceedingly able work ; far better, 
 we think, than the " Natural Magic" of Brewster, a book of identical pur- 
 pose, carried out in a totally different way. The " Natural Magic" is the 
 more ratiocinative, Mr. Dendy's essay the more poetical, the more imagina- 
 tive, and to us the more interesting. — National Press. 
 
OF POPULAR STERLING LITERATURE. 
 
 Tlae 
 
 INCLUDING HIS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 BY EDWARD HOLMES, 
 
 AUTHOR OF "A RAMBLE AMONG THE MUSICIANS OF GERMANY," &C. 
 
 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, 50 cents. 
 
 It is written in a beautiful, narrative style, and can not but be every 
 where acceptable. To all who appreciate the extraordinary genius of Mo- 
 zart, the delicate structure of his mind, the incidents of his life, and his ro- 
 mantic death, this volume will indeed be a treasure. — Boston Gazette. 
 
 It contains, in addition to much of his interesting correspondence, and 
 other papers, a detailed account of his life, adventures, and rise as an artist, 
 and a discriminating sketch of his character, the peculiarities of which are 
 happily illustrated by anecdotes. Many things of him, unknown even to 
 his admirers, are here given to the world, and his biographer, fully appre- 
 ciating the artist, has yet, not like a flatterer, but with true independence, 
 spoken candidly of the faults of the man. — Merchant's Magazine. 
 
 Of this far-famed life of Mozart it is scarcely necessary for us to say a 
 word ; the foreign reviews have been so unanimous in their encomiums, 
 that we suppose few will be found insensible to the strong inducement of 
 its perusal, especially as the work may be obtained at the trifling cost of 
 half a dollar, and in so beautiful a guise. We have looked into the biog- 
 raphy but slightly, yet find it redolent with interest, and fully sustaining 
 the high estimate placed upon the work by the London Alhenceum and 
 Blackwood. If the Harpers continue to fill their new library with sterling 
 works like the present, it will present the most truly valuable series, yet 
 the cheapest, ever attempted in any age or country. — Evening Gazette. 
 
 The only authentic biography of the great composer that is extant in the 
 English language, and the events of his career are replete with useful ad- 
 monitions and warning to the sons of genius, and they whisper to those 
 whose present claims are not allowed that there is a future full of promise. 
 In his life Mozart was neglected and impoverished, and he went to his 
 grave with more than the bitterness of death crowding on his thoughts, 
 but fame has taken possession of his memory, and among those who move 
 as gods in musical art, few are equal to him, none are superior. This bi- 
 ography possesses an interest for all who feel interested in the great men 
 of the earth. It is not only remarkably well written, but has a complete- 
 ness about it we have never found before in any life of Mozart. — Louisville 
 Journal. 
 
 There is such a charm in this narrative, that the lovers of good biography 
 can not hear of it too soon. We can not conceive a more fascinating story 
 of genius. To a style which would alone have sufficed to the production 
 of an interesting and striking narrative, Mr. Holmes unites a depth of 
 knowledge and musical appreciation very rare and remarkable. We thank 
 him cordially for a most pleasing addition to our standard biographical lit- 
 erature. — Examiner. 
 
 The book is one of extraordinary interest, not merely to the lovers of 
 music and appreciators of the great composer, but to the general reader, as 
 a vivid picture of the life of a man of genius, who encountered all the dif- 
 ficulties, trials, and sufferings usually the lot of genius when it comes be- 
 fore a world incapable of appreciating it, and indifferent to its welfare. The 
 domestic portions of the book are invaluable ; his relations to his father and 
 his wife are very beautiful. The work is admirably executed, as well in the 
 scientific is auecdotical passages, and is worthy of the vi idest sale. — News 
 
4 harper's new miscellany 
 
 V. 
 
 COMPRISING ILLUSTRATIONS OF LIGHT AND COLORS; 
 PRACTICAL DESCRIPTIONS OP ALL KINDS OF TEL- 
 ESCOPES, &C, WITH DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNTS OF 
 THE EARL OF ROSSE's LARGE TELESCOPES, AND 
 OTHER TOPICS CONNECTED WITH ASTRONOMY. 
 BY THOMAS DICK, LL.D., 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE "CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHER," "CELESTIAL SCENERY," 
 " THE SIDEREAL HEAVENS," &C. 
 
 100 Engravings. 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, 50 cents. 
 
 The name of the distinguished author of this work is a sufficient pass- 
 port to public favor and a sure guarantee to its sterling value, and those 
 who have read Dr. Dick's former works will need no recommendation of 
 this book by us. He is not only an original and profound observer of na- 
 ture, but truly a most excellent Christian philosopher, whose powers of in- 
 tellect and expanded views of the character of the great Architect of the 
 universe are so eminently calculated to direct the mind not alone to the 
 grandeur, the magnificence, and sublimity of the laws and principles of 
 the material world, but to look through nature up to "Nature's God." It 
 is truly a valuable work. — Farmer and Mechanic. 
 
 The merits of this work are of the highest order; Dick is one of the 
 profoundest and purest of modern philosophers. — Western Continent. 
 
 Here is the ninth volume presented by this gifted author to the public ; 
 he aim of all of which has been to simplify sciences which before have 
 been too often considered as every way above, and therefore unworthy of 
 the attention of ordinary readers. It is specially addressed to private stu 
 dents and the higher schools, and comprises a large amount of new and 
 valuable matter connected with astronomy, and pointing out ways in which 
 the more humble student can in the best way improve the advantages placed 
 in his way. — Auburn Journal. 
 
 Let not the inquisitive fear that the intricacies o.f science or the techni- 
 calities of language will obstruct the pleasure they will derive from the 
 study of this book ; for the clearness of the author's style, and the elucida- 
 tion of the one hundred engravings, render it within the scope and compre- 
 hension of every intelligent student. — Industrial Record. 
 
 The copious use of engravings and of pictorial illustrations, together with 
 the plain, popular explanations, render this book a truly practical work. 
 Dr. Dick is not only thoroughly scientific, but he knows well how to render 
 his acquisitions available to the great body of common readers, by his ac- 
 curate method and clear descriptions. — Watchman. 
 
 We have always been an admirer of the writings of this gentleman, and 
 popularity keeps on his side wherever he is known. He is a profound 
 thinker and adevout Christian. His works all tend to illustrate the simple 
 as well as the sublimest principles of philosophy, and while they instruct, 
 can not fail to enlighten. The present volume comprises illustrations of 
 light and colors, practical descriptions of all kinds of telescopes, the use of 
 the equatorial-transit, circular, and other astronomical instruments, and 
 other topics connected with astronomy. It is illustrated by 100 engrav- 
 ings, and will be found a most valuable book for all classes, but particularly 
 as a work of instruction for youth. — Illustrated Magazine. 
 
OF POPULAR STERLING LITERATURE. 
 
 vi., vir. 
 
 BY ALEXANDER SL1DELL MACKENZIE, U.S. N. 
 
 2 vols. 12mo, Portrait, Muslin, extra gilt, $1 00. 
 
 The history of the naval adventures and victories of Paul Jones forms ona 
 of the most romantic chapters in the record of great deeds, and can not fail 
 to attract general and ardent attention, since it relates to the very beginning 
 of the American navy. — Commercial Advertiser. 
 
 The various biographies of Paul Jones now extant have been carefully 
 searched by Mr. Mackenzie; as also the log books of Jones's various cruiz- 
 es and papers in possession of his heirs, with a view to procure a full and 
 authentic collection of facts and incidents for the present work. Thus in- 
 dustriously compiled and stored, and that by an able hand, this edition must 
 necessarily, as it does, possess considerable merit. — Philadelphia Chronicle 
 
 Paul Jones will always be regarded as one of the most daring and gallant 
 heroes who ever made the ocean the theater of their exploits. Such a 
 name can never be forgotten by Americans, nor can the services which he 
 rendered to the cause of American liberty, in its infant struggles, ever pass 
 into iblivion. No better biographer for such a character could have been 
 found than Captain Mackenzie. Familiar with all the details of seaman- 
 ship, possessing the same bold patriotism which made the career of his hero 
 so illustrious, and being an accomplished and vigorous writer, he has given 
 us a most admirable biography. — Courier and Enquirer. 
 
 This is a capital American biography, of an American naval hero, scarcely 
 less renowned and no less gallant and gifted with an heroic spirit than Nel- 
 son, the great British admiral. There is scarcely a more stirring life in 
 the whole compass of literature than that of Jones ; and the important part 
 he played in giving force and almost life itself to the American navy, then 
 in its earliest infancy, renders his history peculiarly interesting and attract- 
 ive. No man certainly ever performed more gallant exploits, and few have 
 rendered more important service to the cause of freedom than he. Many 
 of his actions for bravery, skill, and the performance of almost incredible 
 deeds, by apparently the most inadequate means, are scarcely rivalled by 
 any thing in the records of naval history. His life should be familiar to 
 American readers; and in the elegant, forcible, and graphic style of Com- 
 mander Mackenzie it can not fail to be universally read. — True Sun. 
 
 We are glad to see the life of this celebrated man by one competent to 
 write it. His adventures border so much on the marvelous that one is glad 
 to be sure of reading only what is authentic, and that written in a style and 
 language becoming the subject. There is a good moral lesson conveyed in 
 this life of Paul Jones. — Christian Advocate and Journal. 
 
 The name and achievements of Paul Jones are indissolubly connected 
 with American history; and his renowned deeds, which made him the ter- 
 ror of the coast of Britain, are among the most romantic in the annals of 
 naval warfare, and impart to this work the highest interest. This is the 
 most complete and authentic biography of Commodore Jones ever published, 
 as all accessible materials have been collected, and are used by Commander 
 Mackenzie with the ability and tact which he possesses as an accomplished 
 scholar and an officer, accomplishments which peculiarly qualify him to 
 write naval biography. A fine portrait of this true naval hero will be found 
 in the first volume. — Baltimore American. 
 
 We have read it with some care, and compared it with other biographies, 
 and think it greatly superior to any yet published. It contains a full nar- 
 rative of all the important events in Jones's eventful career, and yet is les 
 voluminous than previous works. — Highland Courier. 
 
6 HARPER'S NEW MISCELLANY 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Tli© Ascent of Mount Ararat, 
 
 (ACHIEVED FOE THE FIRST TIME). 
 
 BY DR. FRIEDRICH PARROT. 
 
 TRANSLATED BY W. D. COOLEY. 
 12mo, Map and Wood-cuts, Muslin, extra gilt, 50 cents. 
 
 This is a most interesting book, both in its description of the country and 
 inhabitants of Central Asia, and in its connection with the remarkable event 
 of our world — the Flood. Mount Ararat, which was ascended by M. Par- 
 rot, must ever possess to the Biblical reader most intense interest, as the 
 resting place of the ark after the universal deluge. — Pittsburgh Chronicle. 
 A work destined, from the intrinsic interest of the subject, and the full- 
 ness of detail which is spread before the reader, to a very wide circulation. 
 The idea of ascending Mount Ararat seems to have risen with the traveler 
 to a passion ; previous travelers had never accomplished it ; the natives of 
 the region looked upon it as impossible ; their superstition regarded the 
 inaccessible summit as the mysterious resting place of the ark to this day. 
 How Dr. Parrot approached the region, what adventures he met with by 
 the way, what manners and customs he witnessed, how he twice essayed 
 to reach the sacred peak and turned back, and how on a third attempt he 
 accomplished the feat through difficulties the recital of which has led sci- 
 entific men still to doubt if the ascent were really performed — may all be 
 read in this compact volume, illustrated by maps and engravings, with every 
 aid to the reader's comprehension. — News. 
 
 Hardly a subject could have been selected more stirring in its character 
 than " A Journey to Ararat." Held in equal veneration by Jew, Christian, 
 and Mohammedan, and regarded with superstitious feelings even by the pa- 
 gan, that mountain has always enjoyed a degree of celebrity denied to any 
 other. Sinai, and Horeb, and Tabor may have excited holier musings; but 
 Ararat " the mysterious" — Ararat, which human foot had not trod after the 
 restorer of our race, and which, in the popular opinion, no human foot would 
 be permitted to tread till the consummation of all things — Ararat the holy, 
 which winged cherubim protected against the sacrilegious approach of mor- 
 tals, and which patriarchs only were permitted to revisit, appeared in many 
 respects an object of curiosity as unique as it was exciting. — London Athe- 
 nceum. 
 
 It is a highly entertaining work, embodying much historical, geographi- 
 cal, and scientific information, and conveying a knowledge of the character, 
 habits, and manners of the people among whom the author traveled. The 
 ascent of Mount Ararat is so very difficult that many persons have doubted 
 whether the feat was accomplished by Dr. Parrot, but his acknowledged 
 integrity ought to place his claims in this respect above suspicion. The 
 lovers of bold adventure will find in this volume much to gratify their pe- 
 culiar taste, and the general reader can hardly fail to be pleased with it. — 
 New York Tribune. 
 
 This volume has claims upon the public, as a scientific and truly valuable 
 work, which have been possessed by few others. It is, in fact, the con- 
 densed narrative of an exploring expedition sent out by the Russian gov- 
 ernment into the region about Mount Ararat, a region which possesses 
 more interest for scientific men, perhaps, than any other in the world 
 which has been so little explored. — New York Courier. 
 
 It reads more like the travels of Von Humboldt than any book we have 
 lately read. The writer is a man of science and observation, and the book 
 we recommend to the public— Lowell Courier. 
 
OF POPULAR STERLING LITERATURE. 
 
 Remarkable Orimiatal Trials, 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF FEUERBACH, 
 
 BY LADY DUFF GORDON. 
 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, 50 cents. 
 
 A bock of thrilling interest ; one that can not fail to be read with avid- 
 ity. — New York Courier. 
 
 This work abounds with singular cases of criminal jurisprudence in Ba- 
 varia, of the most astounding and thrilling interest, the details of which are 
 of remarkable character, and differ essentially from those hitherto familiar 
 to the public in England or this country. They are fully equal, in their 
 absorbing interest, to any thing in the famous " Causes Celebres" of France ; 
 and, perhaps, for their unique and striking features, are unexcelled by any 
 delineations of crime elsewhere on record. — True Sun. 
 
 Public attention was first drawn to this work by an able and interesting 
 article in the Edinburgh Review. They are all narratives of marvelous in- 
 terest — more strange and wonderful, many of them, than any work of fic- 
 tion, and giving to the reader a clear view of the nature and peculiarities 
 of the criminal jurisprudence of Germany. — N. Y. Commercial Advertiser. 
 Its illustration of the many curious customs of German criminal jurispru- 
 dence will be sufficiently startling to the English reader; but, apart from 
 this, the extraordinary subtle discrimination thrown into the narrative of 
 each particular crime gives to the volume, as a mere story book, the intel- 
 lectual interest, the passion, and all the rich and various coloring of a phil- 
 osophical romance. The translation is excellent, and a judicious compres- 
 sion of the original has added much to the effect. — London Examiner. 
 
 The narratives abound with thrilling interest, setting forth the constant 
 recurrence of crime, detection, and punishment, in which the attention of 
 the reader is roused by the novelty of the scene, and rewarded by the light 
 thrown upon the darkest portion of human nature. — New Bedford Mercury. 
 This work has been so highly extolled by the Edinburgh Foreign Quar- 
 terly and other reviews, that not much need be said of its character and 
 claims to public notice. It presents some of the most remarkable stories of 
 horrible crimes and their exposure we have ever met, and gives a very clear 
 and vivid conception of the peculiarities of German criminal jurisprudence. 
 _t is a book which will be universally read, as one of the most thrilling and 
 absorbing interest. The translator has given in the preface a very good 
 account of the criminal law of Germany, and has selected only those por- 
 tions of the original work which will have the greatest value and interest. 
 — Mirror. 
 
 This book is of an entirely different character from works of a similar title 
 that have hitherto appeared. It contains an account of fourteen trials for 
 murder in Germany, and the object of it is to show the peculiar mode of 
 trial instituted by the Bavarian code. — Evening Gazette. 
 
 The records of crime are not usually a profitable kind of reading. The 
 contagion of the example is generally greater than the warning of the fate 
 of the criminal; and manyavillain has been made by the very means taken 
 to keep him from crime. But as much depends on the manner of the nar- 
 rative, and as it is possible to extract some of the gravest lessons of virtue 
 and wisdom from the misdeeds of others, it gives us pleasure to state that 
 the present work is unexceptionable in this respect, while the cases possess 
 extraordinary interest, and are replete with instruction. They afford much 
 insight of human motives, and teach impressive lessons of the retributive 
 justice of Providence, and the misery and evil of sin. — Biblical Repository 
 
HARPERS NEW MISCELLANY. 
 X., XI. 
 
 INTO THE NATURAL HISTORY AND GEOLOGY OF THE 
 COUNTRIES VISITED DURING THE VOYAGE OF II. 
 M. S. BEAGLE ROUND THE WORLD. 
 
 BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., F.R.S. 
 
 2 vols. 12mo, Muslin, extra gilt, $1 00. 
 
 This is another most valuable contribution to the cause of popular educa- 
 tion, issued in Harper's New Miscellany ; a series that bids fair to surpass 
 even their Family Library in the sterling excellence and popularity of the 
 works which it renders accessible to all classes of the community. The 
 work contains, in a condensed and popularized form, the results of the Brit- 
 ish Exploring- Expedition, which Mr. Darwin accompanied at the special 
 instance of the lords of the Admiralty. The voyage consumed several 
 years, and was performed at a very heavy expense'on the part of the Brit- 
 ish government. Yet here we have its most important results, divested of 
 all scientific technicalities, and presented in a form at once attractive and 
 accurate. The work is entitled to secure a very wide circulation. It con- 
 tains an immense amount of information concerning the natural history of 
 t-he whole wurld,and is superior, in point of interest and value, to any simi- 
 lar work ever published. — New York True Sun. 
 
 A work very neatly issued, and has the interest of a leading subject well 
 developed, the unfailing secret of producing a book of character. In the 
 present state of the world, when new countries are opening every day to 
 the great conqueror, Commerce, such publications are of unusual import- 
 ance. Perhaps no information, just now, can be of more consequence to us 
 than that which puts us in possession of the movements of English discov- 
 ery. — News. 
 
 This is a most valuable and a most interesting work ; one which com- 
 bines true scientific worth with the graces of style suited to render it pop- 
 ular, better than almost any similar work which has recently come under 
 our notice. The voyage of the Beagle was, in truth, a scientific exploring 
 expedition ; and Mr. Darwin accompanied it at the special request of the 
 lords of the Admiralty. Its results have been published in several very 
 elaborate, extensive, and costly volumes in England ; but as these were en 
 tirely beyond the reach of the great mass of the reading public, Mr. Dar- 
 win prepared these volumes, in which all the important results of the ex- 
 pedition are fully, clearly, and distinctly presented, interwoven with a most 
 entertaining narrative of personal incident and adventure. — N. Y. Courier. 
 
 This is a work of remarkable interest and value. The author, in circum- 
 navigating the world, under commission of the British government, for sci- 
 entific and exploring purposes, visited nearly every country on the globe, 
 and preserved in this brief, simple, but beautiful narrative all the singular 
 fads of a scientific, social, or geographical nature which are of general in- 
 terest. The amount of information condensed in these volumes is incred- 
 ible ; and the skill with which the useful and interesting is selected from 
 that which is unimportant or well known is admirable. We admire the 
 style, the straightforward sincerity of the writer, the apparent candor, and 
 the erudite research which he uniformly exhibits. Without one quarter 
 of the bu'k or pretension of our famous exploring expedition, the present 
 work is hardly inferior to it in value and interest. This series is gaining a 
 fine character, of which we hope the publishers will be jealous. — New York 
 Evangelist.