the library latest Date stamped n “ S m« l« “h*a4ed . mintaun. teL°rf *75.00 for eoch lost book. fee ot :p/^*v u«oks ar« reosons Theft, "*****'"**"" ' ^ ‘" «“*™‘**"' for di*«ipn»»»nr ««“®" ^ the University. rcNTEIL 333-8400 TO RENEW CAU TEUPH URBANA-CHAMPAIGN ..bllVERS ITY OP llllNO»SjlE»^^^ ,,,,,.========- M&v 1 0 1995 wb,„ renrwtagb, phone. previous due date. GENERAL TAYLOR, GENEEAL TAYLOE AND HIS STAFF: COMPPvISING MEMOIRS OF GENERALS TAYLOR, WORTH, WOOL, AND BUTLER: COLONELS MAY, CROSS, CLAY, HARDIN, YELL, HAYS, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS ATTACHED TO GENERAL TAYLOR'S ARMY; INTERSPEFvSED WITH NUMEROUS ANECDOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR, AND PERSONAL ADVENTURES OF THE OFFICERS. COMPILED FROM PUBLIC DOCUMENTS AND PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE WITH ACCURATE PORTRAITS, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. PHILADELPHIA: LIPPINGOTT, GEAMBO & CO., SUCCESSORS TO GRIGG, ELLIOT & CO., No. 14, NORTH FOURTH STREET. .. 18 51 . Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by GRIGG, ELLIOT & CO. in the clerk’s office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY J. FAOAN. PRINTED BY T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS. (2) \ vO I cr o Project ‘(73. C Til -t PREFACE. If the Hero of Buena Vista nobly commenced the present war with Mexico, the Hero of Chip- pewa has not less nobly completed the second Conquest of Mexico. General Scott and his splendid army have “ won golden opinions of all sorts of men.” They have displayed all the best qualities of commanders and soldiers. They have carried on sieges and captured cities which were considered impregnable, with a force apparently hardly adequate for a forlorn hop^ They have fought pitched battles and won them, opposing fresh recruits to veteran troops. They have accomplished marches over routes before considered utterly impassible; captured fortresses bristling with cannon, by means of the rifle and bayonet; and planted the star- spangled banner upon the proud “ Halls of Monte- zuma.” (iii) IV PREFACE. General Taylor and his noble army having been instrumental in first developing these facts and this principle, during the present war, it becomes an in- teresting matter to follow out all their splendid actions in detail, and to learn the real characters of the actors themselves. The following series of lives has been compiled from authentic materials, with a view to satisfy the public curiosity on this important subject. The author has endeavoured to do justice to the officers and men, so far as the materials at his com- mand enabled him to accomplish the object ; ^and he trusts that any errors or inadvertencies which may have involuntarily been committed by him in so serious an undertaking, may have the reader’s candid indulgence. Philadelphia, Jan. 1, 1848. CONTENTS. MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR Page 11 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH 90 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL 125 MAJOR RINGGOLD 174 CAPTAIN WALKER 179 CAPTAIN M’CULLOCH 196 COLONEL HAYS 206 MAJOR TWIGGS 212 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY 217 COLONEL CROSS 222 COLONEL HARDIN 225 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY CLAY 231 COLONEL YELL 233 MAJOR BROWN 235 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM O. BUTLER 238 LIEUTENANT J. E. BLAKE 243 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WATSON 245 CAPTAIN R. A. GILLESPIE 249 CAPTAIN RANDOLPH RIDGELY 251 1* a2 (5) VI CONTENTS LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BRAGG 253 MAJOR BLISS, ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL 256 MAJOR EATON 256 CAPTAIN GARNETT 257 COLONEL BELKNAP 257 COLONEL MUNROE 258 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MANSFIELD 258 CAPTAIN RAMSAY 259 CAPTAIN SHERMAN 259 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WHITING 260 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DUNCAN 261 CAPTAIN O’BRIEN 261 COLONEL CROGHAN ..jC 264 CAPTAIN LINCOLN 266 'MAJOR-GENERAL GAINES 268 COLONEL JEFFERSON DAVIS 271 CAPTAIN HENRIE 273 GENERAL TAYLOR’S RECEPTION AT NEW ORLEANS. 275 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. The early history of a man, educated amid the wilds of Ken- tucky, while that territory was yet in possession of the Indians, must necessarily be a narrative of the most thrilling interest. The first settlers of that state passed through trials which the American of a more modern date can but feebly appreciate. Swarming with tribes of Indians, hostile to the Union and to each other, scenes were there daily enacted of the most appalling character; burnings, scalpings, and massacres, were of nightly occurrence ; and often as the disheartened few of one settlement retired from daily toil, they beheld, far in the distance, the lurid column that announced the ruin of another. Unfortunately, the traditional records of this stirring and eventful period have, in the course of ages, died away ; the blasted hopes, the fierce struggles, and tragic fate, of the early settlers, have been buried in the same deep grave with their perpetrators. The Indian and his victim have not only ceased to strive, but have descended into one common oblivion. For this reason, the most rigid investigation has failed to discover much concerning the early life of General Taylor. Even the year of his birth has been a matter of dispute. His father was Mr. Richard Taylor, of whom little is known, except that he was born in Virginia, [March 22d, 1744,] explored Kentucky when a young man, was a colonel in the Revolution, and had five sons and three daughters. His third son, Zachary Taylor, was born [November 24th, 1784] in Orange county. In the following summer. Colonel Taylor emigrated to Kentucky, arriving there but ten years after the arst settlement, and within a short time after his brother Hancock nad been murdered by the Indians. Here he founded his perma- nent abode, and here the subject of our biography, received his A* (11) 12 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. boyish impressions. The estate was in Jefferson county, two miles from the Ohio river, and five from Lexington. As the latter in- creased in size and population, the fortunes and importance of Richard Taylor grew with it. He received from President Wash- ington a commission as collector of that port, and was honoured, in many ways, by the neighbouring settlers. Zachary Taylor was early placed at school, under the direction of Mr. Elisha Ayres, of Cownecticut.. 'After remaining there some years, he adopted the profession t)f^'his father, working constantly on the estate, and laying the foundation of that constitution, which has subsequently borne the test of trying duty, rough fare, and every variety of climate, during a military life of thirty-five years. While in this employment, the movements of Aaron Burr began to excite alarm, and Zachary joined a volunteer company, of his native state, raised to oppose the supposed treasonable designs of that individual. When the excitement had subsided, he returned to the cultivation of the farm, in which occupation he continued until the de^th of his brother. Lieutenant Taylor. As this person had been in the national service, his death afforded Zachary an opportunity to enter the army. Accordingly, through the influence of friends, among whom was Mr. James Madison, he received a commission as first lieutenant in the 7th U. S. infantry regiment. May 3d, 1808. Being now in a profession which suited the daring aspirations of his genius, Taylor appears to have conducted himself in a manner that gave high hopes of a future brilliant career. He assiduously studied the best treatises on military science ; and during the whole of our dispute with the European powers, previous to the war of 1812, he watched its progress with intense interest. To the national difiiculties were soon added others, which for a long while threat- ened nothing less than the complete extirpation of all the western settlements. These were the league of the border Indians, under Tecumseh and the Prophet, one of the most powerful and well con- certed of all the numerous combinations formed by the savages against the United States. At this time. General W. H. Harrison was governor of the North- western Territory. Having received orders to march into the Indian country, he moved rapidly, with a small army, to the stations designated, erecting forts, at convenient places, on his march. One of these, built on the W abash, in the very heart of DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. 13 the Indian country, was provided with two block-houses, stockade works, and a few buildings for stores or magazines. In honour of the governor, it w^as subsequently called Fort Harrison. Appa- rently insignificant as was this small defence, it afterwards laid the foundation of General Taylor’s military reputation. In 1810, Lieutenant Taylor married ; but was not permitted to sit down in the enjoyment of domestic felicity. Hurried away in the following year to tKe seat of contention, he left his young wife and child, and for a whole year was prevented from seeing them. For a long while no tidings were heard of him by his family; and It was believed that he had fallen a victim to his perilous service. So ably, however, did he acquit himself, that in the beginning of 1812 he was rewarded with a captain’s commission from President Madison. Accompanying the commission was an appointment as commander of Fort Harrison. Very soon after. Congress declared war against Great Britain ; and Taylor was thus thrown into the front of hostile operations. Captain Taylor had not been long in his new station, when he perceived unmistakable signs, that his every energy would soon be called into requisition to defend it. On the 3d of September, the report of fire-arms was heard near the fort, in a direction where two young men were making hay. Next day their bodies were found scalped and mangled, a circumstance which left no room to doubt that an attack upon the fort would soon be made. Accordingly, Captain Taylor increased his vigilance, and made every effort for defence compatible ^vith his limited means. Only sixteen men were fit for duty, while more than thirty were disabled by sickness. He himself was debilitated, by recent fever, brought on by exces- sive fatigue. Besides these discouraging circumstances, the fort contained several women, wives of the soldiers, who would be greatly exposed in case of attack. On the evening of the 4th, a number of Indians arrived before the enclosure, begging provisions, and requesting admittance. The commandant gave them something to eat, but refused to open the fort. Suspecting stratagem, he examined all the arms, served six rounds of ammunition to each man, and made such other disposi- tions of his meagre resources, as would enable him to guard acrainst surprise, and sustain an assault. His force was so small, that a sufficient number of sentinels could not be posted to protect the 14 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. whole extent of the outworks, so that the officer of the guard was ordered to make the tour of the inside through the night. Overcome by fatigue, the Captain now retired to rest, ordering his soldiers to arouse on the slightest appearance of the enemy. For a little while he was permitted torest, and no sound interrupted the death-like stillness, save the dull tread of the officer on guard. Suddenly, about midnight, the report of a sentry-gun broke through the air. Taylor sprang from his couch, and rushed into the fort. The Indians were upon them. Scarcely had the sentinels time to save themselves, when a cry of fire rang terribly through the air, and with horror the Captain saw flames’ leaping out from his lower block-house, the point at which the savages were attacking. Now the fearful truth flashed over his mind — they were to choose be- tween the fire and the tomahawk. Every soldier became paralyzed ; some dropped their arms, others hurried to and fro in wild disorder, others wept like children. ^ The women ran among them screaming for help ; two men leaped the pickets in despair. The flames com- municated with some whiskey, shooting up in blue glaring columns, sparkling and roaring toward heaven. Lit up by the blaze, the faces of the savages seenied like those of demons, while their dim forms, shrouded in fire and smoke, lent an air of indescribable horror to all the scene. The fearful darkness increased the embar- rassments of the garrison, since they knew not on what side they might receive another attack. “The raging of the fire,” says Taylor himself — “the yelling and howling of several hundred In- dians — the cries of nine women and children, and a desponding of so many men — made my feelings very unpleasant.” But amid all this clamour, the self-possession of the young com- mandant never forsook him. Although the Indians had almost gained the fort, and utter destruction appeared inevitable, yet still he possessed so much influence over the men as to restore them to order and duty. “ I saw, [says his official report,] by throwing off part of the roof that joined the block-house that was on fire, and keeping the end perfectly wet, the whole row of buildings might be saved, and leave only an entrance of eighteen or twenty feet for the Indians to enter after the house was consumed ; and that a tem- porary breastwork might be formed to prevent their entering even there. I convinced the men that this could be accomplished, and it appeared to inspire them with new life ; and never did men act DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. 15 with more firmness or desperation. Those that were able (while others kept up a constant fire from the upper block-house and the two bastions) mounted the roofs of the houses, with Dr. Clark at their head, under a shower of balls, and in less than a moment threw off as much of the roof as was necessary. This was done with one man killed, and two wounded, and I am in hopes neither of them dangerously. Although the barracks were several times in a blaze, and an immense quantity of fire against them, the men used such exertion that they kept it under, and before day raised a temporary breastwork as high as a man’s head. Although the Indians con- tinued to pour in a heavy fire of ball, and an innumerable quantity of arrows, during the whole time the attack lasted, in every part of the parade, I had but one other man killed, (nor any other wounded inside the fort,) and he lost his life by being too anxious. He got into one of the gallies in the bastions, and fired over the pickets, and called out to his comrades that he had killed an Indian. Neglecting to stoop down in an instant, he was shot.” The battle lasted with uninterrupted fury for seven hours. The approach of daylight enabled the Americans to take sure aim at their enemy, who, in consequence, began to suffer severely. About six o’clock the assailants retired from the fort, and furious from their repulse, shot all the horses and hogs within reach, and drove off all the cattle. About an hour before daylight one of the deserters returned, and begged for God’s sake to be admitted. His voice not being recog- nized, he was fired upon ; but on running to another part of the fort, he made himself known to Dr. Clark, and was directed to lie quiet until morning. When admitted, his arm was found broken in a shocking manner, and he had been otherwise maltreated by the savages. His companion had been caught and hacked to pieces. The Indians suffered severely, but were sufficiently numerous to carry off all their dead. The noble defence of Fort Harrison produced the most beneficial effects throughout the western country. That a handful of men should repulse a host of four hundred assailants, astonished and dis- comfited the savages, and materially altered their views and plans, respecting future operations. They had confidently anticipated fol- lowing up the destruction of the fort, by an attack upon all the other defences of the Indiana territory, as an execution of part of the 16 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. scheme entertained by Tecumseh and his brother. Their repulse disconcerted this great design, created divisions among the tribes, and probably saved the settlers from a savage and exterminating warfare. Captain Taylor was not allowed to remain unnoticed by govern- ment. On his return from an expedition, soon after the 4th of Sep- tember, he received a package from government, containing official thanks for his good conduct and services, together with a commission as brevet-major in the United States’ service. The remainder of the war of 1812, afforded Major Taylor no op- portunity for a further display of his talents in a separate command ; and all that is known of his public service between that and the Florida war, may be summed up in a few words. When peace returned, he was unjustly degraded to his former rank of captain ; and feeling the injustice of such a proceeding, he threw up his com- mission and returned to the bosom of his family. Here he would probably have remained, enjoying the company of those so dear to him, had not his numerous friends exerted themselves strenuously in his behalf. Their efforts were successful, and in 1816 he was restored by President Madison to his former rank. Being ordered to Green Bay, he remained at that station for two years ; after which he returned to his family, spent a year with it, and then joined Colonel Russell at New Orleans. He remained in the south for several years, during which time he performed various military duties, and built Fort Jesup. In 1819 he was made Lieutenant Colonel, and, in 1826, appointed a member of a Board of officers of the Army and Militia, convened by Secretary Barbour, to consider and propose a system for the organization and improvement of the militia of the United States. Of this board. General Scott was pre- sident. Its report was presented to Congress by Lieutenant Colonel Taylor, and approved by that body ; but owing to various causes, a bill, founded upon it, was allowed to remain so long with the com- mittee on militia, as to be finally forgotten'. In 1832 he was pro- moted to the rank of Colonel. Immediately after, he was employed in the expedition against Black Hawk, and signalized himself by his untiring pursuit of the enemy, and by his firmness and address in compelling the volunteers to perform their duty. He was then en- trusted with the command of Fort Crawford, at Prairie du Chien, where he remained until ordered to Florida. This is not the place to inquire into the causes or merits of the THE WAR IN FLORIDA. 17 Seminole war of Florida. It owed its progress, on the part of the Indians, principally to the efforts of Osceola, a chief whose influence was sufficient to drive the Indians through every danger and trial. Prior to the appointment of Taylor, [1837,] the breaking up of the interior settlements, the massacre of the gallant Dade, and the unfor- tunate issue of every exertion, had produced a powerful effect throughout the country ; so that at his arrival near the seat of war, dismay, anxiety, and consternation pervaded all classes. Men ap- peared paralyzed, and gazed around for some influence to reassure them. It had been confidently anticipated, that the removal of the Seminoles to the west would be unattended with any opposition ; and the waking up of this false dream — the baffling of military sci- ence and senatorial wisdom — the utter defiance of disciplined armies, occasioned much disappointment and surprise. To act promptly and successfully fin such intricate perplexity, required talents of no ordinary cast ; and Colonel Taylor felt the full responsibility of his new situation. In December he received orders to seek the enemy in every quarter, to give battle, and de- stroy or capture his forces ; and in conformity thereto he left Fort Gardner, with about eleven hundred officers and men, and com- menced his march for the interior. The ground over which he passed presented all those obstacles which had baffled so many for- mer expeditions. A wet and soft soil, matted with rank herbage, which clogged the feet at every step, serving as an impenetrable screen to a lurking foe ; the deep slimy beds, and waters of the streams ; the dense thickets of cypress, palmetto, and the luxuriant undergrowth; — these were some of the enemies to be vanquished before the army could reach the Indians. As the latter had antici- pated his approach, and were perfectly familiar with the labyrinths and natural fastnesses of their own country, they had retired to one of the strongest and most inaccessible places, and prepared to give him battle. On the 25th of December they reached a dense swamp, where the enemy were reported to be in force. Here they halted. A few steps more might bring them within range of a hidden foe ; that foe might be on every side ; and they, about to share the fate of Dade. Yet, led on by Colonel Taylor, no man desponded. The line of battle was formed, and those brave men pushed forward. To charge an exposed foe, requires coolness and intrepidity; to 2 ^ 18 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR, charge a protected fort is the test of veteran abilities ; but to wade up to the middle in a swamp, where the rank grass is waving over head, and an unseen enemy on every side, implies a degree of courage possessed by few. Yet this duty was cheerfully undertaken by that little army. Forgetting all danger, only eager for action, the troops hurried forward with enthusiasm. Having proceeded about a quarter of a mile, they entered a wide slough, which seemed to forbid all further progress. Abandoning their horses, the troops buried themselves to the neck in the grass, wading through a four feet depth of slime and water. Suddenly the rustling of grass and plash of water were drowned in the reports of hundreds of rifles. The savages were close be- fore them, having reserved their fire until their aim would be cer- tain. There was a pause, a shouting of orders, and then the men charged fearlessly on. Then another volley, and one officer after another sunk down pale in the agonies of death. All around was one blaze of fire, and yet no foe appeared. Mowed down by scores, their intrepid leaders bleeding on every side, and no chance of re- sisting, the front line faltered, then rolled back and broke. The Indians poured after them, yelling the war-whoop, and hurling one discharge after another on the fugitives, until they met the regular troops. Undismayed by aught around, these heroic men were treading on as coolly as though on parade. Unflinchingly their bosoms met the blasting discharges of the savages, and sunk amid the tangled grass, dyeing the waving blades with their life-blood. Havoc raged among the 6th Infantry to such a degree, that the dark cool water beneath them grew warm and red with their blood, and every man of the foremost ranks was shot down. Their leader, the heroic Thompson, while shouting them on, received a mortal wound. Adjutant Center, Captain Van Swearinger, and Lieutenant Brooke, found graves beside him. Of five companies in the advance, every inferior officer was killed or disabled, and of one, only four men were uninjured. Still the battle shout went up echoing and break- ing among those romantic glades — still peal after peal of rattling musketry hurled forth the torrents of death — and still mangled and groaning, high bosoms sunk among the sedgy reeds, while the life- blood oozed blacker and thicker between the blades. Amid the horrors of that awful hour, Taylor was rushing from rank to rank, exhorting his heroes to the charge, and thrilling every heart with BATTLE OF OKEECHOBEE. 19 enthusiasm. Now the savages broke in disorder ; then they paused, rallied, and rolled back on their pursuers with a fury that appeared irresistible. Again they were broken, again they rallied, till the whole swamp seemed to boil with the rapid movements. Onward, faster and firmer, Taylor led his shouting heroes, bearing down op- posing hosts, and sweeping everything before them. The ground was mashed into pools beneath their feet, and the foe were lying in heaps on every side. At length the Indians were driven from their position to their camp on the borders of Lake Okeechobee. Here their flank was turned by Lieutenant-Colonel Davenport, and immediately after they delivered a final volley and fled. The pursuit was continued until night. The loss of the Americans in this battle was fourteen officers and one hundred and twenty-four men ; that of the Indians was not ascertained. To the same master spirit that gained the victory at Fort Har- rison, was the nation indebted for this, the most glorious one obtained during the Florida war. His perfect control over the afiections of his soldiers, together with his conduct during the battle, secured the victory ; while his tenderness and humanit}’' to the wounded, when the excitement of passion had gone by, were no less conspicuous. “As soon as the enemy were completely broken, [official report of Okeechobee,] I turned my attention to taking care of the wounded, to facilitate their removal to my baggage, where I ordered an en- campment to be formed. I directed Captain Taylor to cross over to the spot, and employ every individual whom he might find there, in constructing a small footway across the swamp. This, with great exertions, was completed in a short time after dark, when all the dead and wounded were carried over in litters made for the purpose, with one exception, a private of the 4th infantry, who was killed and could not be found. “And here I trust I may be permitted to say, that I experienced one of the most trying scenes of my life, and he who could have looked on it with indifference, his nerves must have been differently organized from my own. Besides the killed, there lay one hundred and twelve wounded officers and soldiers, who had accompanied me one hundred and forty-five miles, most of the way through an un- explored wilderness, without guides, who had so gallantly beaten 20 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. the enemy under my orders in his strongest position, and who had to be conveyed back, through swamps and hammocks, from whence we set out, without any apparent means of doing so. This service, however, was encountered and overcome, and they have been con- veyed thus far, and proceeded on to Tampa Bay on rude litters con- structed with the knife and axe alone, with poles and dry hides — the latter being found in great abundance at the encampment of the hostiles. The litters were carried on the backs of our weak and tottering horses, aided by the residue of the command, with more ease and comfort to the sufferers than I could have supposed, and with as much as they could have been in ambulances of the most improved and modern construction.” The consequences of the battle of Okeechobee are described by the Colonel himself, as follows ; “ This column in six weeks penetrated one hundred and fifty miles into the enemy’s country, opened roads, and constructed bridges and causeways, when necessary, on the greater portion of the route, established two depots and the necessary defences for the same, and finally overtook and beat the enemy in his strongest posi- tion. The results of which movement and battle have been, the capture of thirty of the hostiles, the coming in and surrendering of more than one hundred and fifty Indians and negroes, mostly the former, including the chiefs On-la-too-gee, Tus-ta-nug-gee, and other principal men, the capturing and driving out of the country six hundred head of cattle, upwards of one hundred head of horses, besides obtaining a thorough knowledge of the country through which we operated, a greater portion of which was entirely un- known, except to the enemy.” ^ In any other country than Florida the battle of Okeechobee wmuld have terminated the war. But the nature of the soil prevented the transportation of the necessary supplies to an army, and the enemy were consequently enabled to recover from the heavy blow and again muster their strength further into the interior. Still this did not lessen the merit of Taylor and his brave associates, nor prevent the due meed of praise bestowed upon them by a grateful country. The thanks of the President were tendered to them through the Secretary of War, and soon after Taylor was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier-general. In the April following, he was en- trusted with the chief command in Florida, General Jesup having TAYLOR TRANSFERRED TO THE RIO GRANDE. 21 been permitted to resign. He was instructed as before, to bring on a general action, and in carrying out his instructions had several skirmishes with the Indians, in which small parties were captured or voluntarily surrendered. But they could never again be brought to a general action, and were always ready, after every short season of repose, to renew against the defenceless inhabitants of J,ie fron- tier the acts of barbarity which had marked their first hostilities. As the war proceeded, savage cruelty increased. The infant was murdered with its mother as it hung upon her breast. Fathers were shot in the presence of their families, and parents and children were surprised in sleep from which they never awoke. The stealthy red man would break upon the weary labourer, bury the hatchet in his brain, fire his cottage, and depart for ever ; while all night that flame would toss and burn and glare among the wild evergreens, furnishing a picture as of wild fairy land. Night after night, through the stillness of nature. General Taylor was forced to gaze upon these scenes with the bitter reflection that he could do nothing to prevent them — that although the wretched victims were shrieking and screaming for help, he could afford none. In 1840, General Taylor requested permission to retire from Florida, and was succeeded by General Armistead. His resigna- tion was not the introduction to tranquil felicity in the bosom of his family. His merits had become known and were appreciated by government, so that he was immediately appointed to the command of the first military department in the south-west, comprehending the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. His head-quarters were at Fort Jesup, from which he was subsequently ordered to Fort Gibson to relieve General Arbuckle. Here he re- mained until the commencement of the present Mexican war. In May 1845, the general received a confidential letter from the Secretary of War, instructing him to place his troops at such a posi- tion as would enable him to defend the Territory of Texas in case of invasion from Mexico. This was immediately after the passage in our Congress of the act constituting the former country a part of the United States — an act resented by Mexico not only as a viola- tion of the law of nations, but as projected for the sole purpose of depriving her of a large portion of her dominion. A subsequent letter from the war department contained the following additional instructions : 22 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. “ Should Mexico assemble a large body of troops on the Rio Grande, and cross it with a considerable force, such a movement must be regarded as an invasion of the United States and the com- mencement of hostilities. You will of course use all the authority which has been or may be given you to meet such a state of things. Texas must be protected from hostile invasion, and for that purpose you will of course employ, to the utmost extent, ail the means you possess or can command.” Agreeably to these instructions General Taylor took a position at Corpus Christi, where he remained until March 8th, 1846, when the advance of the army commenced its march for the Rio Grande. On the three ensuing days the brigades of infantry followed. The siege train and a field battery were sent by water to Point Isabel, with a corps of engineers and the officers of ordnance under the command of Major Monroe. At the Arroya Colorado, the troops encountered a body of Mexicans, who seemed disposed to dispute their passage. This, however, was not attempted, and the Ameri- cans pushed forward until met by a deputation from Point Isabel, protesting against their march. The result of the conference, to- gether with the capture of Point Isabel, are thus described by Ge- neral Taylor : “ Our column was approached by a party on its right flank, bear- ing a white flag. It proved to be a civil deputation from Matamoras, desiring an interview with me. I informed them that I would halt at the first suitable place on the road, and afford them the desired interview. It was, however, found necessary, for the want of water, to continue the route to this place. The deputation halted, while yet some miles from Point Isabel, declining to come further, and sent me a formal protest of the prefect of the northern district of Tamaulipas against our occupation of the country. “At this moment it was discovered that the buildings at Point Isabel were in flames. I then informed the bearer of the protest, that I should answer it when opposite Matamoras, and dismissed the deputation. I considered the conflagration before my eyes as a de- cided evidence of hostility, and was not willing to be trifled with nny longer, particularly as I had reason to believe that the prefect, in making this protest, was but a tool of the military authorities at Matamoras. “ The advance of the cavalry fortunately arrived here in season to ampudia’s letter. 23 arrest the fire, which consumed hut three or four houses. The port captain who committed the act, under the orders it is said of Gene- ral Mejia, had made his escape before its arrival. We found two or three inoffensive Mexicans here, the rest having left for Mata- moras.” Without receiving further interruption, the army pursued its march, and on the 28th of March planted the national flag on the banks of the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras. Fortifications were immediately commenced, and soon a fort was erected, furnished with six bastions, and capable of containing two thousand men. On the other side, the Mexicans also commenced batteries and redoubts, both parties assuming the attitude of belligerents. On the 10th of April, the first American blood was shed by Mexican hostility. The victim was Colonel Cross, deputy quarter- master general. According to custom, he rode out in the morning to take exercise, and appears to have been attacked by some law- less rancheroes, murdered and stripped. His body was not re- covered until the 20th, when it was honoured by a funeral becoming the colonel’s rank and character. In th.e^early part of the month an ingenious attempt was made by the Mexican general Ampudia, to cause desertion among the foreign-born members of our army, by means of an exciting pam- phlet circulated among them. Some desertions took place, but in general the appeal was treated with scorn and indignation, as every such attempt deserves to be treated. General Ampudia arrived in Matamoras on the 11th, and accord- ing to expectation, entered at once upon active measures for the ex- pulsion of the American army from Texas. His letter of April 12th, concludes in the following strain : “ By explicit and definite orders of my government, which neither can, will, nor should receive new outrages, I require you in all form, and at latest in the peremptory term of twenty-four hours, to break up your camp, and retire to the other bank of the Neuces river, while our governments are regulating the pending question in rela- tion to Texas. If you insist on remaining upon .he soil of the department of Tarnaulipas, it will clearly result that arms and arms alone must decide the question ; and in that case I advise you that we accept the war to which, with so much injustice on your part, you provoke us ; and that, on our part, this war shall be conducted 24 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. conformably to the principles established by the most civilized na- tions — trusting that on your part the same will be observed.” In reply to this letter General Taylor reminded Ampudia that he was acting under superior instructions, and consequently could not recede from the position. The fortifications were continued and every precaution made to guard against surprise, and to resist an attack. Soon after, two ships, with supplies for the Mexican army, were forbid entering the river, and the Rio Grande declared in a state of blockade. Taylor’s letter on this occasion is characteristic. It is as follows : Head-Quarters Army of Occupatior", Camp near Matamoras, Texas, April 22, 1846. 5 Sir : I have had the honour to receive your communication of this date, in which you complain of certain measures adopted by my orders to close the mouth of the Rio Bravo against vessels bound to Matamoras, and in which you also advert to the case of two Mexicans supposed to be detained as prisoners in this camp. After all that has passed since the American army first approached the Rio Bravo, I am certainly surprised that you should complain of a measure which is no other than a natural result of the state of war so much insisted upon by the Mexican authorities as actu- ally existing at this time. You will excuse me for recalling a few circumstances to show that this state of war has not been sought by the American army, but has been forced upon it, and that the exer- cise of the rights incident to such a state cannot be made a subject of complaint. On breaking up my camp at Corpus Christi, and moving forward with the army under my orders to occupy the left bank of the Rio Bravo, it was my earnest desire to execute my instructions in a pacific manner; to observe the utmost regard for the personal rights of all citizens residing on the left bank of the river, and to take care that the religion and customs of the people should suffer no violation. With this view, and to quiet the minds of the inhabit- ants, I issued orders to the army, enjoining a strict observance of the rights and interests of all Mexicans residing on the river, and caused said orders to be translated into Spanish, and circulated in the several towns on the Bravo. These orders announced the spirit in which we proposed to occupy the country, and I am proud to say that up to this moment the same spirit has controlled the ope- rations of the army. On reaching the Arroyo Colorado I was in- TAYLOR’S LETTER TO AMPUDIA. 25 formed by a Mexican officer that the order in question had been f-eceived in Mataraoras ; but was told at the same time that if I attempted to cross the river it would be regarded as a declaration of war. Again, on my march to Frontone I was met by a deputation of the civil authorities of Matamoras, protesting against my occu- pation of a portion of the department of Tamaulipas, and declaring that if the army was not at once withdrawn, war would result. While this communication was in my hands, it was discovered that the village of Frontone had been set on fire and abandoned. I viewed this as a direct act of war, and informed the deputation that their communication would be answered by me when opposite Matamoras, which was done in respectful terms. On reaching the river I despatched an officer, high in rank, to convey to the com- manding general in Matamoras the expression of my desire for amicable relations, and my willingness to leave open to the use of the citizens of Matamoras the port of Brazos Santiago until the question of boundary should be definitively settled. This officer received for reply, from the officer selected to confer with him, that my advance to the Rio Bravo was considered as a veritable act of war, and he was absolutely refused an interview with the American consul, in itself an act incompatible with a state of peace. Notwithstanding these repeated assurances on the part of the Mexican authorities, and notwithstanding the most obviously hostile preparations on the right bank of the river, accompanied by a rigid non-intercourse, I carefully abstained from any act of hostility de- termined that the onus of producing an actual state of hostilities should not rest with me. Our relations remained in this state until I had the honour to receive your note of the 12th instant, in which you denounce war as the alternative of my remaining in this posi- tion. As I could not, under my instructions, recede from my posi- tion, I accepted the alternative you offered me, and made all my dispositions to meet it suitably. But, still willing to adopt milder measures before proceeding to others, I contented myself in the first instance with ordering a blockade of the mouth of the Rio Bravo by the naval forces under my orders— a proceeding perfectly consonant with the state of war so often declared to exist, and which you acknowledge in your note of the 16th instant, relative to the late Colonel Cross. If this measure seem oppressive, I wish it borne in mind that it has been forced upon me by the course vc-" 8 j 26 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. have seen fit to adopt. I have reported this blockade to my govern- ment, and shall not remove it until I receive instructions to that eflect, unless indeed you desire an armistice pending the final set- tlement of the question between the governments, or until war shall be formally declared by either, in which case I shall cheerfully open the river. In regard to the consequences you mention as re- sulting from a refusal to remove the blockade, I beg you to under- stand that I am prepared for them, be they what they may. In regard to the particular vessels referred to in your communi- cation, I have the honour to advise you that, in pursuance of my orders, two American schooners, bound for Matamoras, were warned oflT on the 17 th instant, when near the mouth of the river, and put to sea, returning probably to New Orleans. They were not seized, or their cargoes disturbed in any way, nor have they been in the harbour of Brazos Santiago to my knowledge. A Mexican schooner, understood to be the “ Juniata,” was in or off that harbour when my instructions to block the river were issued, but was driven to sea in a gale, since which time I have had no report concerning her. Since the receipt of your communication, I have learned that two persons, sent to the mouth of the river to procure information respecting this vessel, proceeded thence to Brazos Santiago, when they were taken up and detained by the officer in command, until my orders could be received. I shall order their immediate release. A letter from one of them to the Spanish vice-consul is respectfully transmitted herewith. In relation to the Mexicans said to have drifted down the river in a boat, and to be prisoners at this time in my camp, I have the pleasure to inform you that no such persons have been taken pri- soners or are now detained by my authority. The boat in question was carried down empty by the current of the river, and drifted ashore near one of our pickets and was secured by the guard. Some time afterwards an attempt was made to recover the boat under the cover of the darkness ; the individuals concerned were hailed by the guard, and, failing to answer, were fired upon as a matter of course. What became of them is not known, as no trace of them could be discovered on the following morning. The officer of the Mexican guard directly opposite was informed next day that the boat would be returned on proper application to me, and I have now only to repeat that assurance. In conclusion, I take leave to state that I consider the tone of ATTACK ON CAPTAIN THORNTON. 27 your communication highly exceptionable, where you stigmatize the movement of the army under my orders as “ marked with the seal of universal reprobation.” You must be aware that such language is not respectful in itself, either to me or my government ; and while T observe in my own correspondence the courtesy due to your high position, and to the magnitude of the interests with which we are respectively charged, I shall expect the same in return. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Brevet Brig, Gen, U, S, A,, Commandmg. Sr. Gen. D. Pedro de Ampudia, Commanding in Matamoras. About the 20th of the month, all intercourse between the forces was closed, and reports of the most alarming nature reached the American camp. These were, that the Mexicans were crossing the river to the number of three thousand, and spreading themselves between General Taylor’s position and Point Isabel, his principal depot. The alternative was now presented of being cooped up with a scarcity of provisions, or of being obliged to cut his way through overwhelming numbers to Point Isabel. In order, however, to be assured of the information on which he was acting, he deter- mined to detach parties above and below the fort, for the purpose of discovering the position’ and designs of the enemy. The fate of one of these parties deserves notice. It consisted of about sixty men under the command of Captain Thornton. They proceeded up the river for about twenty-five miles, w^hen the Mexican guide halted, affirming that a large party of the enemy were in advance, and that he would proceed no further. Disbelieving this statement, the captain again moved forward until he reached a farm-house, the garden of which was surrounded by a chapparal hedge. After en- tering the enclosure, he left his men near the entrance, and rode forward with a few attendants to speak with the inmates. In this divided ^ate of his little command, he suddenly perceived the chapparal was swarming with armed Mexicans, who, in a few moments, were pouring forth volleys of musketry. Shouting to his men to charge the chapparal, he dashed forward, reined his horse for a moment, and then sprung completely over the hedge. In the act of leaping, his horse received a musket-ball, but he succeeded in penetrating the enemy’s line, and got out of sight. In passing some rocks his horse fell, carrying him along with it, after which B 28 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. he continued his escape on foot. He was finally captured, however, and carried into Matamoras, his party sharing the same fate. After this affair, the Mexicans crossed the river in great numbers, cutting off the intercourse between the two American stations, and gradually surrounding the river fort. For three days its little gar- rison were in a condition of gloom and racking suspense, more ter- rible than the most fearful reality. Then Captain Walker of the Texan Rangers arrived, with the cheering intelligence that all was still safe at Point Isabel. Yet the danger which menaced that place, w^as too imminent to admit delay in relieving it; and Taylor, therefore, resolved on marching there immediately with his whole force, except a small garrison sufficient to defend the river fort. On the 1st of May, 1846, General Taylor left the Rio Grande, and marched for Point Isabel. His “ retreat” was hailed in Mata- moras by the ringing of bells, explosion of fire-arms, and every other manifestation of joy. General Arista, the commandant in the city, commenced extensive operations for the destruction of the gar- rison under Major Brown. On the 3d, a battery opened upon the fort, and kept up a brisk fire for some time, but was finally silenced. The next day Captain Walker arrived from General Taylor, to as- certain the effect of the cannonade which had been heard at Point Isabel. At his departure the firing was renewed, and various par- ties appeared on the plains as though preparing fora charge. Major Brown now found that his six-pounders, owing to the distance, did little execution, and wishing to husband his ammunition and the strength of his men, the enemy’s fire was not returned. On the morning of the 5th, a battery was discovered in the rear of the fort, which had been erected by a large body of the enemy during the night. It opened a severe fire, and at the same time a tremendous discharge of shell and shot was maintained from the guns in Matamoras. These being within range of the fort, were answered by its guns, and an incessant cannonading was kept up until the afternoon of the 8th. On the 6th the gallant Brown was mortally wounded by a cannon-ball, and the command devolved upon Captain Hawkins. He had scarcely entered upon his new station, when a summons to surrender reached him from General Arista. This was declined, and the assailants renewed their attack with increased vigour. At mid-da}?” on the 8th, the thunder of the Mexi- can batteries suddenly stopped. Two hours passed, and other guns BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 29 were heard, sending their rapid echoes afar from the north-east. To the exhausted garrison there was sympathy and succour in those deep and distant sounds. A shout of joy and hope went up from the fort. General Taylor reached Point Isabel without interruption, and until the evening of the 7th, listened with deep emotion to the dull booming of cannon, that told of the danger of those gallant spirits he had left behind. The safe return of Captain Walker from his peril- ous journey, brought the cheering news that the garrison were still enthusiastic in their defence ; and he accordingly took time to com- plete all necessary arrangements before setting out to return. All things being satisfactorily adjusted, he set out on the evening of the 7th, with twenty-three hundred men, on his return. After march- ing about seven miles, he halted and passed the night. The march was resumed on the following morning, and continued until noon, when scouts brought the intelligence that the enemy were drawn up in force, directly across the road. The period so long expected by the soldiers had now arrived ; and each was soon to test his firmness and daring amid the horrors of a battle. The fatigue of their journey, the exhaustion from thirst were forgotten ; and one simultaneous acceleration in the march, manifested the eagerness to engage. Onward they moved in compact column, until the long lines of the foe, faintly glittering in the distance, broke upon the sight. Here the coolness and self-possession of General Taylor were most admirably displayed. The troops were upon a wide level field, bounded in front by rows of dwarfish trees, which the Mexi- cans denominate Palo Alto. In front of this the Mexican army was drawn up in battle array, directly across the road ; while on the flanks of both armies were small pools of cold, transparent water. As soon as the enemy were observed, the General halted his men, and ordered them to fill their canteens with fresh water. An hour’s rest was then permitted, after which the advance was resumed. The order of battle was then formed as follows : — The right wing under Colonel Twiggs was composed of the 5th infantry, under Colonel McIntosh ; Ringgold’s artillery ; 3d infantry, under Captain Morris ; two eighteen-pounders, under Lieutenant Churchill ; 4th infantry, under Major Allen ; two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May. The left wing, under Colonel Belknap, 30 •MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. was formed of a battalion of artillery, under Colonel Childs ; Dun- can’s light artillery; and the 8th infantry, under Captain Mont- gomery. While the army were being arranged. Lieutenant Blake suddenly rode forward to within one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy, dismounted, carefully reconnoitred their position, then remounting, slowly rode along their whole line, and returned to report the result to General Taylor. A feat so daring filled both armies with admi- ration. The march recommenced. The firm tread of the soldiers gave no echo amid the matted grass of the prairie ; and the deep silence of their onward progress seemed in harmony with the dread- ful business to which they were moving. But that stillness was soon broken. When within seven hundred yards of the Mexican force, its right opened with a tremendous discharge of artillery. Then General Taylor was seen hurrying along his van, deploying it into line, and exhorting the soldiers to be firm. Order was given to return the fire, and immediately all other sounds were drowned in the fearful roar of artillery. Resigning the battle to this terrible engine, the infantry and rifle corps leaned upon their pieces, and watched the opposing columns as they swayed to and fro under the constant fire. At every discharge, whole ranks of the enemy were mowed down, and scores of horses and horsemen flung into one undistinguished mass. Unable to sustain their heavy losses, the Mexican infantry began to give way, when General Arista ordered a charge with the cavalry. Pouring down in two columns, the lancers came toward the Ameri- *can line, with a grace and rapidity peculiar to the Mexicans. But before they reached their object, Ridgely and Ringgold opened the artillery. At the first blast they staggered — again and again, with stern energy, the cannon broke forth ; huge gaps opened among the horsemen, and scores sunk down beneath the tramp of their compamons. , Fear succeeded to enthusiasm. Every exertion withered before the dreadful prospect around. They turned and fled precipitately, leaving behind them at every step victims to the iron storm that pursued them. The loss of the Americans was small, but it included the brave Major Ringgold. The battle now became general, and raged for a short time with fearful destruction. Suddenly, by a discharge from one of Captain BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALMA. 31 Duncan’s pieces, the long prairie grass was ignited, rolling up volumes of smoke in heavy masses, which, for awhile, blotted out the light of day. The battle now ceased, and favoured by the ob- scuritjT-, both armies formed a new line. Two thousand of the Mexicans moved around to attack the unprotected train of the Ame- ricans, when, fortunately for the latter, a light breeze dispersed the smoke, and revealed the movement. Captain Duncan rapidly gal- lopped against them, and when the air became clear, opened upon the astonished enemy a fire that arrested in a moment their progress. The Mexican infantry retired to some neighbouring chapparal, but the lancers stood firm before a fire which cut deep gaps in their solid masses. Having re-formed, their infantry again advanced from the wood, and moved steadily in the very face of the storm from which they had formerly fied. But the efibrt was vain ; at every discharge death rioted madly among them, and soon they were fiy- ing in utter confusion. The cavalry bore up but a moment longer, and then turned also. Night settled around the victor and the vanquished, forbidding continued pursuit. Six hundred Mexicans, dead and wounded, lay on that battle-field ; the loss of the Ameri- cans was but nine killed and forty-four wounded. On the morning of the 9th,-the Mexicans >vere dimly seen in the distance retreating through the chapparal ; and anticipating another battle before reaching the Rio Grande, General Taylor strongly parked his train, formed a new line, and advanced in battle array. In order to guard against surprise, he had thrown forward a small advance, under Captain McCall, to ascertain the enemy’s force and position. About three o’clock reports of musketry were heard, and soon after the general was informed that the Mexicans were posted in force near the road. The position which the Mexicans had selected was most admira- bly adapted to defensive action. A strip of open land interrupts the thick chapparal, and through this open space is a deep ravine, crossed by the Matamoras road. The ravine is about four feet deep, and from one to two hundred wide. In rainy seasons its bed forms a series of pools which subside in dry weather, and hence the name Resaca de la Palma. In this natural ditch, and amid the dense thicket on its banks, the Mexicans were entrenched, with their artil- lery in such a position as completely to svveep the road. The battle of Resaca de la Palma, like that of the former day, 32 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. was brought on by the artillery. Ridgely pushed his guns to with- in one hundred yards of the enemy, and at that fearful proximity showers of iron hail flew thick and fast against opposing bosoms. At the same time the infantry was pressing forward, and soon the rattling of musketry joined to the roar of cannon. For awhile the struggle was dreadful ; Mexico seemed determined to recover her lost honour; and heedless of the numbers that fell crushed and bleeding around, her brave sons poured forth their rapid volleys in fierce succession. At length they began slowly to retire, their fire slackened, and finally they crossed the ravine and took shelter in the chapparal. With shouts that rose over the noise of artillery, the Americans rushed on to complete the victory by a charge with the bayonet. But the ravine was guarded with artillery ; and the brave men who stood by the batteries, as though feeling that the decision of fate hung with them, fought in a manner hitherto un- known in the history of Mexico. The efiect upon the American lines was dreadful ; and so efiectually was the pursuit stopped, that the flying cavalry rallied and prepared for a charge, while the in- fantry re-formed and commenced anew their fire. Perceiving that nothing could be accomplished until these guns were silenced. General Taylor ordered Captain May to charge them with his dragoons. May shouted to his men, and the next instant they were dashing headlong down the narrow road toward the can- nons’ mouths. Pausing till Ridgely drew the enemy’s fire, they again drove on, and almost before the eye had time to trace their course, they were within a few yards of the fatal guns. May’s horse was far ahead of his troop ; and as he turned to wave them on, only the impetuous Inge was near him. Yet that squadron were not faltering. Fast as their straining steeds could fly, they were hastening on, while the flinty ground rocked and echoed be- neath their tread. Suddenly a volley from the higher battery swept fearfully upon their column, crushing seven men and eighteen horses to the earth. But the living paused not. One leap, and May was upon the battery. His men followed, and the Mexicans were driven back. But the heroic la Vega rallied them to the charge, and once more seized the pieces. Thus charge after charge was made until only the Mexican general Avas left at his guns. Surrounded with piles of dead, grim with powder and smoke, he called his troops to duty, and faced his fierce enemies unmoved. ROUT OF THE MEXICANS. 33 ♦ In the act of discharging a piece, May ordered him to surrender, and finding further resistance vain he complied. But the struggle was not yet over. The battalion of Tampico, charged forward to regain their artillery, and at the same time the contest w^as sustained along the ravine with stubborn bravery. The chapparal presented greater obstacles to the progress of the Ameri- cans than the enemy’s cannon. From these natural walls the enemy poured a deadly fire, and in the wild struggle to take them the artillery mutually ceased. Friend and foe were clutched in desperate disorder along the thickets, and in the open spaces to which the Mexicans were driven. Worthily they strove to recover their lost position. The camp and head-quarters of Arista had been taken, and the rout of his troops was becoming general. But one solitary banner still defied the onset of the victors — that of the Tampico battalion, which had never yielded on any other field. Against fate and hope those brave spirits fought on until all were cut down. The standard-bearer, resolving to save his honoured charge, tore it from the staff and fled. But ridden down by the dragoons, he was made prisoner, and his flag, the noblest trophy of the field, borne away. During the struggle the artillery had ad- vanced, and at last, while the Mexicans were fleeing in every direction, it opened upon them with terrible effect. In this battle seventeen hundred Americans were opposed to six thousand Mexicans. So total was the rout, that everything in camp was captured. The correspondence of the commander. General Arista, his plate and private property, the provisions, arms, ammu- nition, standards, pack-saddles, and every equipment of six thousand men and two thousand horses, save what they wore, fell into the hands of the victors. The American loss was one hundred and ten ; that of the Mexicans, probably one thousand. Thus another victory was won, and evening separated the in- furiated combatants ; but its dark shades closed over hundreds of wounded, dying and dead, pale and stiff, or howling in the agonies of mortality. In the panic of flight, self-preservation had been the only thought of each individual. The bleeding, the exhausted, were borne down and forsaken by the sound and strong ; infantry were trampled by cavalry ; and the multitude fleeing from theirffoes found neither help nor comfort from their friends. The thickeis and hollows, distant from the scene of strife, long afterwards told 34 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. the story of many a wearied soldier, who had struggled to some secluded spot, there to bleed and thirst, and faint and die in linger- ing agony. The return of General Taylor to his fort opposite Matamoras, was hailed by the wearied garrison with unbounded exultation. All cannonading ceased, and the exhausted soldiers were permitted to rest. In honour of the unfortunate commandant the fort was denominated Fort Brown. On the 11th, General Taylor returned to Point Isabel, for the purpose of arranging with Commodore Conner, of the gulf squadron, a plan for a combined attack upon Matamoras. On his return he made every preparation for crossing the river that his limited means allowed ; but was not able to accomplish his object until the 18th. He summoned the city to surrender, and after some delay was an- swered that he might enter Matamoras without opposition. Formal possession was accordingly taken, and Colonel Twiggs immediately appointed military governor. General Arista, with his army, had retired on the previous night. The small town \)f Barita, near the mouth of the Rio Grande, was entered without resistance on the 15th. Although General Taylor had captured an important city, com- pletely driven the enemy from the eastern part of Mexico, and erected the flag of his country on the left side of tho Rio Grande ; yet so small were his forces and military stores, that he was obliged to remain inactive during the greater part of the summer. When reinforcements did arrive, they were entirely destitute of the means of transportation, and being newly-raised volunteers, many of them were destitute of the qualifications necessary to face an enemy. The general was earnest i^ his representations to government for a miti- gation of these difficulties ; but his efforts were for a long time unat- tended with success. Thus he was obliged to remain inactive, while the enemy were recovering from their disasters, and sum- moning all their energies for another struggle, further toward the interior. The following extracts from the General’s letters, will give an idea of the amount of these difficulties : “ I beg leave earnestly to invite the attention of the department to the following points : “ First, the great influx of volunteers at Point Isabel. Five regi- WANT OF TRANSPORTATION. 35 merits, certainly, from Louisiana, numbering say 3600 men ; two regiments or battalions from Louisville or St. Louis, numbering say 1200 more ; several companies from Alabama, and I know not how many from Texas ; the latter now beginning to arrive. The volun- teer corps now under my orders amount to nearly six thousand men. How far they may be increased without previous notification to me, it is impossible to tell. “ Secondly, the entire want of the proper kind of transportation to push my operations up the river. The boats on which I depended for this service, were found to be nearly destroyed by worms, and entirely unfit for the navigation of the river. ^ ^ ^ At the last date from New Orleans, no boat had been procured. Captain Saunders, of the engineers, was despatched by me to New Orleans, to assist in procuring suitable boats, but I have yet received no report from him. “As I have previously reported, my operations are completely paralyzed, by the want of suitable steamboats to navigate the Rio Grande. Since the 18th of May the army has lain in camp near this place, continually receiving heavy reinforcements of men, but no facility for water transport, without which additional numbers are but an embarrassment. “ I desire to place myself right in this matter, and to let the de- partment see that the inactivity of the army results from no neglect of mine. I must express my astonishment that such large reinforce- ments have been sent forward to join the army, without being ac- companied by the means of transportation, both by land and water, to render them efficient. As matters now stand, whatever may be the expectations of the Department, I cannot move from this place ; and unless Captain Saunders shall succeed in procuring boats of the proper kind, I can give no assurance in regard to future operations.” Again he writes — “I am altogether in the dark as to our future operations. I must think that orders have been given by superior authority, to suspend the forwarding of means of transportation from New Orleans. I cannot otherwise account for the extraordinary delay shown by the Quarter-Master’s department in that city Even the mails, containing probably important despatches from the government, are not expedited. “Volunteer regiments have arrived from Louisville and St. Louis, making with those from Louisiana, eight strong and organized bat B* 36 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. talions — mustering over five thousand men. Tn addition we have seven companies of Alabama volunteers, and twelve or fifteen com- panies from Texas. Others from Texas are continually arriving. A portion of these volunteers have been lying in camp at this place for nearly a month, completely paralyzed by the want of transporta- tion. Exposed as they are in this climate to diseases of the camp, and without any prospect so far as I can see of being usefully em- ployed, I must recommend that th6y be allowed to return to their homes.” In June, Taylor was promoted by Congress to the full rank of Major-General ; and the different states of the Union, together with a large number of political societies and meetings, voted him testi- monials of their gratitude for his distinguished services. In consequence of the difficulties which have been mentioned, the army was not able to take up its march for the interior until the 5th of September. Meanwhile the towns of Mier, Camargo, Se- ralvo and Reynosa, had submitted to the Americans, and become stations for different divisions of the army. On the above-mentioned date, the commander received intelli- gence from General Worth, that large reinforcements of the enemy were arriving at Monterey, the capital city of the Northern Division of Mexico. He accordingly determined to push forward to that place with all speed ; and leaving General Patterson in command on the Rio Grande, he advanced to join Worth at Seralvo. Flere for a few days the whole army rendezvoused, and then continued their advance. On the 18th they were at the Walnut Springs, three miles from the city. Monterey, the capital of New Leon, contains about fifteen thou- sand inhabitants. It is situated near the base of the grand moun- tain range called Sierra .Mad re, parallel to which runs the Arroya San Juan, a small branch of the San Juan river. On the north, whence the road from Camargo approaches, is an extensive and gradually inclined plain rising from the margin of the creek, inter- rupted only by a dry ravine crossing it about three-fourths of a mile in front of the town. The plain is varied with patches of chapparal, and fields of corn and sugar-cane ; and the light of this sunny undergrowth is relieved by the umbrage of orange, lemon, citron and olive groves. The mountains which w^all up the southern and western horizon rear their rugged and mighty heads far above the DEFENCES OF MONTEREY. 37 clouds of the valley, and a single gorge marks the only continuation to Saltillo of the roads from the Rio Grande, which coalesce at Monterey. These natural defences of the site the Mexicans had improved with diligence and skill. In front and to the right of the town, a strong and extensive fortress known as the citadel had for some time been erected. Standing on the plain it covers an area of about three acres, the walls of solid masonry, thick and high, with bas- tions commanding all approach from the north-east, the north, and north-west. On the eastern side of the city several redoubts were built near the suburbs, forbidding ingress in that quarter. The range of the southernmost of these extended to the base of the heights in the rear, between which and the town, as has been described, is the course of the Arroya San Juan. Following this course to the south-west extremity of the city, two forts appear on the hills of its further side ; while on the nearer side of it, as well as of the Saltillo road, are heights crowned by two other fortifica- tions. The latter of these is a large unfinished structure designed for the Bishop’s Palace and known as such. The upper one, more remote from the city, is an independent redoubt erected expressly for defence. Entrance to the town on that quarter was further forbidden by the walls of the cemetery, forming a strong breast- work with embrasures. These numerous and well-constructed w^orks were mounted with forty-two heavy cannon. The plan of the city itself is excellently adapted to defensive warfare. The streets being straight, a few pieces of artillery can command their entire length. The stone walls of the houses rise above the roofs, thus forming regular parapets which afford tho- rough protection to the defenders.. Each dwelling is thus a separate castle, and the whole city one grand fortification, suggested by nature and consummated by art. For the defence of these works the commandant. General Ampu- dia, had eight thousand regular troops and some thousand militia and armed citizens, wfith abundant supplies of small arms and ammunition in addition to the ordnance already mentioned. As the admirable despatches of General Taylor always convey the clearest account of his operations, we subjoin his official account of the siege of Monterey. “ The information received on the route from Seralvo, and par- 4 38 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. ticularly the continual appearance in our front of the Mexican cavalry, which had a slight skirnaish with our advance at the village of Ramos, induced the belief, as we approached Monterey, that the enemy would defend that place. Upon reaching the neighbourhood of the city, on the morning of the 19th of September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained that he occupied the town in force ; that a large work had been constructed commanding all the northern approaches ; and that the Bishop’s Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the Saltillo road, had also been fortified, and occupied with troops and artillery. It was known, from infor- mation previously received, that the eastern approaches were com- manded by several small works in the lower edge of the city. “ The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut off the enemy’s line of communication. After establishing my camp at the ‘ Walnut Springs,’ three miles from Monterey, the nearest suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was executed on the evening of the 19th, by the engineer officers under the direction of Major Mans- field. A reconnoissance of the eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams, Topographical Engineers. The examination made by Major Mansfield proved the entire practica- bility of throwing forward ^ column to the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy. Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders were given to Brevet-Brigadier-Gen- eral Worth, commanding the second division, to march with his command on the 20th : to turn the hill of the Bishop’s Palace ; to occupy a position on the Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy’s detached works in that quarter, where practicable. The first regi- ment of Texas mounted volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was assodated with the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers, and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column. “ At two o’clock P. M. on the 20th, the second division took up its march. It was soon discovered, by officers who were reconnoi- tring the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its PLAN OF ATTACK ON MONTEREY. 39 movement had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing reinforcements towards the Bishop’s Palace, and the height which commands it. To divert his attention as far as practicable, the first division, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, and field division of volunteers under Major-General Butler, were displayed in front of the town until dark. Arrangements were made at the same time to place in battery, during the night, at a suitable distance from the enemy’s main work, the citadel, two 24-pounder howitzers, and a 10-inch mortar, with a view to open a fire on the following day, when I proposed to make a diversion in favour of General Worth’s movement. The 4th infantry covered this battery during the night. General Worth had in the mean time reached and occupied, for the night, a defensive position just without range of a battery above the Bishop’s Palace, having made a reconnoissance as far as the Saltillo road. “ Before proceeding to report the operations of the 21st and the following days, I beg leave to state that I shall mention in detail only those which were conducted against the eastern extremity of the city, or elsewhere, under my immediate direction, referring you for the particulars of General Worth’s operations, which were en- tirely detached, to his own full report transmitted herewith. “ Early on the morning of the 21st, I received a note from Gene- ral Worth, written at half-past nine o’clock the night before, sug- gesting what I had already intended, a strong diversion against the centre and left of the town, to favour his enterprise against the heights in rear. The infantry and artillery of the first division, and the field division of volunteers, were ordered under arms, and took the direction of the city, leaving one company of each regiment as a camp guard. The 2d dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Wood’s regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, under the immediate direction of General Henderson, were directed to the right to support General Worth, if necessary, and to make an im- pression, if practicable, upon the upper quarter of the city. Upon approaching the mortar battery, the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry, and battalion of Baltimore and Washington volunteers, with Captain Bragg’s field battery — the whole under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Garland — were directed towards the lower part of the town, with orders to make a strong demonstration, and carry one of the enemy’s advanced works, if it could be done without too heavy loss. 40 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. / Major Mansfield, Engineers, and Captain Williams and Lieutenant Pope, Topographical Engineers, accompanied this column. Major Mansfield being charged with its direction, and the designation of points of attack. “ In the mean time, the mortar, served by Captain Ramsay, of the ordnance, and the howitzer battery under Captain Webster, 1st ar- tillery, had opened their fire upon the citadel, which was deliberately sustained, and answered from the work. General Butler’s division had now taken up a position in rear of this battery, when the dis- charges of artillery, mingled finally with a rapid fire of small arms, showed that Lieutenant-Colonel Garland’s command had become warmly engaged. I now deemed it necessary to support this attack, and accordingly ordered the 4th infantry, and three regiments of General Butler’s division, to march at once, by the left flank, in the direction of the advanced work at the lower extremity of the town, leaving one regiment (1st Kentucky) to cover the mortar and howitzer battery. By some mistake, two companies of the 4th in- fantry did not receive this order, and, consequently, did not join the advance companies until some time afterwards. “Lieutenant-Colonel Garland’s command had approached the town in a direction to the right of the advanced work (No. 1,) at the north-eastern angle of the city, and the engineer officer, covered by skirmishers, had succeeded in entering the suburbs and gaining cover. The remainder of this command now advanced and entered the town under a heavy fire of artillery from the citadel and the works on the left, and of musketry from the houses and small works in front. A movement to the right was attempted, with a view to gain the rear of No. 1, and carry that work, but the troops were so much exposed to a fire which they could not effectually return, and had already sustained such severe loss, particularly in officers, that it was deemed best to withdraw them to a more secure position. Captain Backus, 1st infantry, however, with a portion of his own and other companies, had gained the roof of a tannery, which looked directly into the gorge of No. 1, and from which he poured a most destructive fire into that work and upon the strong building in its rear. This fire happily coincided in point of time with the advance of a portion of the volunteer division upon No. 1, and con tributed largely to the fall of that strong and important work. “ The three regiments of the volunteer division, under ^he imme- ASSAULT ON MONTERgY. 41 diate command of Major-General Butler, had, in the mean time, advanced in the direction of No. 1. The leading brigade, under Brigadier-General duitman, continued its advance upon that work, preceded by three companies of the 4th infantry, while General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, entered the town to the right. The companies of the 4th infantry had advanced within short range of the work, when they were received by a fire that almost in one moment struck down one-third of the officers and men, and rendered it necessary to retire and effect a conjunction with the two other companies then advancing. General duitman’s brigade, though suffering most severely, particularly in the Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, and finally carried the work in handsome style, as well as the strong building in its rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable supply of ammunition, and thirty prisoners, including three officers, fell into our hands. “ Major-General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, after enter- ing the edge of the town, discovered that nothing was to be accom- plished in his front, and at this point, yielding to the suggestions of several officers, I ordered a retrograde movement ; but learning almost immediately from one of my staff that the battery No. 1 was in our possession, the order was countermanded, and I determined to hold the battery and defences already gained. General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, then entered the town at a point further to the left, and marched in the direction of the battery No. 2. While making an examination with a view to ascertain the possi- bility of carrying this second work by storm, the general was wounded and soon after compelled to quit the field. As the strength of No. 2, and the heavy musketry fire flanking the approach, ren- dered it impossible to carry it without great loss, the 1st Ohio regi- ment was withdrawn from the town. “Fragments of the various regiments engaged were now under cover of the captured battery and some buildings in its front, and on the right. The field battery of Captains Bragg and Ridgely was also partially covered by the battery. An incessant fire was kept on this position from battery No. 2, and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by Captain Ridgely, against No. 2, until the 4 42 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. arrival of Captain Webster’s howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean time, I directed such men as could be colle.cted of the 1st, 3d, and 4th regiments and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town, penetrate to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible. This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced be- yond the bridge “ Purisima,” when, finding it impracticable to gain the rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for some time in that advanced position ; but as no permanent impres- sion could be made at that point, and the main object of the general operation had been effected, the command, including a section of Captain Ridgely’s battery, which had joined it, was withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a demonstra- tion of cavalry was reported in the direction of the citadel. Cap- tain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped with his bat- tery to a suitable position, from which a few discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st infantry, was despatched with a mixed command to support the battery on this service. The ene,my’s lancers had previously charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiments, near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had been repulsed with considerable loss. A demonstration of cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely’s battery, and the squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening all the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to the camp, except Captain Ridgely’s battery and the regular in- fantry of the 1st division, who were detailed as a guard for the works during the night, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gar- land. One battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was ordered to reinforce this command. Intrenching tools were procured, and ad- ditional strength was given to the works, and protection to the men, by working-parties during the night, under the direction of Lieu- tenant Scarritt, Engineers. “ The main object proposed in the morning had been effected. A powerful diversion had been made to favour the operations of the second division, one of the enemy’s advanced works had been car- ried, and we now had a strong foot-hold in the town. But this had not been accomplished without a very heavy loss, embracing some of our most gallant and accomplished officers. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineers ; Lieutenants Terrett and Dilworth, 1st in- CONTINUED ASSAULT UPON MONTEREY, 43 fantry ; Lieutenant Woods, 2(1 infantry ; Captains Morris and Field, Brevet-Major Barbour, Lieutenants Irwin and Hazlitt, 3d infantry ; Lieutenant Hoskins, 4th infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, Bal- timore battalion ; Captain Allen and Lieutenant Putnam, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Hett, Ohio regiment, were killed, or have since died of wounds received in this engagement, while the num- ber and rank of the officers wounded gives additional proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the good conduct of our troops. The number of killed and wounded incident to the operations in the lower part of the city on the 21st is three hundred and ninety-four. “Early in the morning of this day (21st), the advance of the second division had encountered the enemy in force, and after a brief but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy loss. General Worth then succeeded in gaining a position on the Saltillo road, thus cutting ofT the enemy’s line of communication. From this posi- tion the two heights south of the Saltillo road were carried in suc- cession, and the guns taken in one of them turned upon the Bishop’s Palace. These important successes were fortunately obtained with comparatively small loss : Captain McKavett, 8th infantry, being the only officer killed. “The 22d day of September passed without any active operations in the lower part of the city. The citadel and other works conti- nued to fire at parties exposed to their range, and at the work now occupied by our troops. The guard left in it the preceding night, except Captain Ridgely’s company, was relieved at mid-day by General Quitman’s brigade. Captain Bragg’s battery was thrown under cover in front of the town, to repel any demonstration of cavalry in that quarter. At dawn of day the height above the Bishop’s Palace was carried, and soon after meridian the Palace itself was taken, and its guns turned upon the fugitive garrison. The object for which the second division was detached had thus been completely accomplished, and I felt confident that with a strong force occupying the road and heights in his rear, and a good posi- tion below the city in our possession, the enemy could not possibly maintain the town. “ During the night of the 22d the enemy evacuated nearly all his defences in the lower part of the city. This was reported to me early in the morning of the 23d, by General Quitman, who had already meditated an assault upon those works. I immediately 44 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. sent instructions to that officer, leaving it to his discretion to enter the city, covering his men by the houses and walls, and advance carefully so far as he might deem prudent. “ After ordering the remainder of the troops as a reserve, under the orders of Brigadier-General Twiggs, I repaired to the abandoned works, and discovered that a portion of General Gluitman’s brigade had entered the town, and were successfully forcing their way towards the principal plaza. I then ordered up the second regi- ment of Texas mounted volunteers, who entered the city, dismount- ed, and, under the immediate orders of General Henderson, co-ope- rated with General Quitman’s brigade. Captain Bragg’s battery was also ordered up, supported by the 3d infantry, and after firing for some time at the Cathedral, a portion of it was likewise thrown into the city. Our troops advanced from house to house, and from square to square, until they reached a street but one square in rear of the principal plaza, in and near which the enemy’s force was mainly concentrated. This advance was conducted vigorously, but with due caution, and although destructive to the enemy, was attended with but small loss on our part. Captain Ridgely, in the mean time, had served a captured piece in battery No. 1 against the city, until the advance of our men rendered it imprudent to fire in the direction of the Cathedral. I was now satisfied that we could operate successfully in the city, and that the enemy had retired from the lower portion of it to make a stand behind his barricades. As General Quitman’s brigade had been on duty the previous night, I determined to withdraw the troops to the evacuated works, and concert with General Worth a combined attack upon the town. The troops accordingly fell back deliberately, in good order, and resumed their original positions. General Quitman’s brigade being relieved after nightfall by that of General Hamer. On my return to camp, I met an officer with the intelligence that General Worth, induced by the firing in the lower part of the city, was about making an attack at the upper extremity, which had also been evacuated by the enemy to a considerable distance. I regretted that this information had not reached me before leaving the city, but still deemed it inexpedient to change my orders, and accordingly returned to camp. A note from General Worth, written at 11 o’clock, P. M., informed me that he had advanced to within a short distance of the principal plaza, and that the mortar (which had been MONTEREY SURRENDERS. 45 sent to his division in the morning) was doing good execution within effective range of the enemy’s position. “Desiring to make no further attempt upon the city without complete concert as to the lines and mode of approach, I instructed that officer to suspend his advance until I could have an interview with him on the following morning, at his head-quarters. “Early in the morning of the 24th I received, through Colonel Moreno, a communication from General Ampudia, proposing to evacuate the town ; which, with the answer, were forwarded with my first despatch. I arranged with Colonel Moreno a cessation of fire until twelve o’clock, at which hour I would receive the answer of the Mexican general at General Worth’s head-quarters, to which I soon repaired. In the mean time. General Ampudia had signified to General Worth his desire for a personal interview with me, to which I acceded, and which finally resulted in a capitulation, placing the town and the material of war, with certain exceptions, in our possession. A copy of that capitulation was transmitted with my first despatch. “Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with a force of at least seven thousand troops of the line, and from two to three thousand irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, as ex- hibited by the accompanying return, was four hundred and twenty- five officers, and six thousand two hundred and twenty men. Our artillery consisted of one ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four pounder howitzers, and four light field batteries of four guns each — the mortar being the only piece suitable to the operations of a siege. “ Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed ; thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed con- siderably to exceed our own. “I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the cheer- fulness with which they have submitted to exposure and privation. To the general officers commanding divisions — Major-Generals 46 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals Twiggs and Worth must express my obligations for the efficient aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable services of Major- General Butler, who was disabled by a wound received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson, commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid in the organization of his command, and its subsequent operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services with his division, and, as the second in command, after Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was intrusted with an important detach- ment, which rendered his operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted with ability, and crowned with complete success. I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Guitman, commanding brigades in General Butler’s division ; Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in General Twiggs’s division ; Colonels Mitchell, Campbell, Davis, and Wood, commanding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 2d Texas regiments, respectively ; and Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie, commanding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of in- fantry ; all of whom served under my eye, and conducted their commands with coolness and gallantry against the enemy. “Colonel Mitchell, Lieutenant-Colonel M’Clung, Mississippi regi- ment, Major Lear, 8d infantry, and Major Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were all severely wounded, as were Captain Lamotte, 1st infantry. Lieutenant Graham, 4th infantry. Adjutant Armstrong, Ohio regiment. Lieutenants Scudderand Allen-, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Howard, Mississippi regiment, while leading their men against the enemy’s position on the 21st and 23d. After the fall of Colonel Mitchell, the command of the 1st Ohio regiment de- volved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weller; that of the 3d infantry, after the fall of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon Captain Bainbridge and Captain Henry, the former being also wounded. The following named officers have been favourably noticed by their commanders : Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson and Adjutant Heiman, Tennessee regiment ; Lieutenant-Colonel M’Clung, Captains Cooper and Downing; Lieutenants Batterson, Calhoun, Moore, Russel, and Cook, Mississippi regiments ; also Sergeant-Major Hearlan, Missis- sippi regiment ; and Major Price and Captain J. R. Smith, unat- COMMENDATIONS BY GENERAL TAYLOR. 47 mched, but serving with it. I beg leave also to call attention to the good conduct of Captain Johnson, Ohio regiment, and Lieutenant Hooker, 1st artillery, serving on the staff of General Hamer, and of Lieutenant Nichols, 2d artillery, on that of General Ouitman, Captains Bragg and Ridgely served with their batteries during the operations under my own observation, and in part under my imme- diate orders, and exhibited distinguished skill and gallantry. Cap- tain AVebster, 1st artillery, assisted by Lieutenants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good service with the howitzer battery, which was much exposed to the enemy’s fire on the 21st. “ From the nature of the operations, the 2d dragoons were not brought into action, but were usefully employed, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel May, as escorts, and in keeping open our communications. The 1st Kentucky regiment was also prevented from participating in the action of the 21st, but rendered highly im- portant services, under Colonel Ormsby, in covering the mortar bat- tery, and holding in check the enemy’s cavalry during the day. “I have noticed above, the officers whose conduct either fell directly under my own immediate eye, or is noticed only in minor reports which' are not forwarded. For further mention of indi- viduals, I beg leave to refer to the reports of division commanders herewith respectfully transmitted. I fully concur in their recom- mendations, and desire that they may be considered as a part of my own report. From the officers of my personal staff and of the engineers, topographical engineers, and ordnance, associated with me, I have derived valuable and efficient assistance during the operations. Colonel Whiting, assistant quartermaster-general. Colonels Croghan and Belknap, inspectors-general. Major Bliss, assistant adjutant-gen- eral, Captain Sibley, assistant quartermaster. Captain Waggaman, commissary of subsistence, Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Majors Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, served near my person, and were ever prompt, in all situations, in the communication of my orders and instructions. I must express my particular obligations to Brevet-Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Scarritt, corps of engineers. They both rendered most important services in reconnoitring the enemy’s positions, conducting troops in attack, and strengthening the works captured from the enemy. Major Mansfield, though wounded on the 21st, remained on duty 48 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. / during that and the following day, until confined by his wound to camp. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineers, to my great regret, and the loss of the service, was mortally wounded while fear- lessly exposing himself in the attack of the 21st. Lieutenant Pope, of the same corps, was active and zealous throughout the operations. Major Munroe, chief of the artillery, Major Craig, and Captain Ramsey, of the ordnance, were assiduous in the performance of their proper duties. The former superintended the mortar-service on the 22d, as particularly mentioned in the report of General Worth, to which I also refer for the services of the engineers and topographical officers detached with the second division. “ Surgeon Craig, medical director, was actively employed in the important duties of his department, and the medical staff generally were unremitting in their attentions to the numerous wounded — their duties with the regular regiments being rendered uncommonly arduous by the small number serving in the field.” The following accounts from the pen of an officer belonging to the Baltimore battalion, will serve to show the degree of individual suffering and bravery evinced by many of the companies. “ I saw Colonel Watson shouting, but as to hearing a command that was an impossibility, owing to the deafening roar of the can- non and musketry. I saw the head of our line changing its direc- tion, and I knew at once that the point of attack was changed, and ran to the head of my company to intercept the head of the column. I reached it just as Colonel Watson was dismounting from his horse, which the next moment fell from a shot. The colonel cried out to the men, ‘ Shelter yourselves, men, the best way you can.’ At this time, the battalion was scattered over a space of about an acre, and the men were lying down, the shot in most instances flying over our heads ; but the guns were soon depressed and the shot began to take effect. “ I was lying close to Colonel Watson, alongside of a hedge, when he jumped up and cried out, ‘Now is the time boys, follow me I’ We were now in a street or lane with a few houses on either side, and within a hundred yards of three batteries which com- pletely raked it, in addition to which, two twelve-pound guns were planted in the castle on the right, and completely enfiladed the whole distance we had to make. Add to this the thousand mus- keteers on the house-tops, and in the barricades at the head of the THE BALTIMORE BATTALION. 49 street up which we advanced, and at every cross street, and you may form some idea of the deluge of balls poured upon us. (Bear in mind that the four companies of regulars were now with us, the one intermingled with the other.) Onward we went, men and horses falling at every step. Cheers, shrieks, groans and words of command added to the din, whilst the roar of the guns was abso- lutely deafening. “We had advanced up the street under this awful and fatal fire nearly two hundred yards, when we reached a cross street, at the corner of which, all those who had succeeded in getting this far halted, as if by mutual consent. I was shaking Colonel W^atson by the hand, while he was complimenting me, when a shower of grape, round and canister shot, came from the corner above, and jive officers fell, and I know not how many privates. Each man sought some place of apparent shelter. “1 sat down on the ground, with my back to the wall of a house. On my left were two men torn nearly to pieces. One of them was lying flat on his back with his legs extending farther in the street than mine. Crash came another shower of grape, which tore one of his wounded legs off. He reared up, shrieked, and fell back a corpse. I never moved, for I was satisfied that one place was as safe as another. Directly opposite to me was my brevet 2d Lieu- tenant Aisquith ; on the right hand corner w^as Lieutenant Bowie, also of my company; and close to me sat Colonel Watson and Adjutant Schceler. In a few minutes I saw our colour serjeant, old Hart, come past with his right arm shattered, and in a few minutes there came our battalion flag, borne by one of the colour guards—— our glorious stars and stripes— and note this, that it was the first American flag in the city of Monterey, an honour which we know belongs to our battalion. “ No man there ever thought for a moment that he would get out alive, and most of them did not. The firing still continued without the slightest intermission, whilst w’e remained at this memorable corner, which was perhaps for fifteen minutes. When we were ordered to charge up the street, a slight hesitation was manifested by both regulars and volunteers, but the officers sprang to the front in double file. We advanced I suppose about fifty yards, when Colonel Garland of the army ordered us to retire. We still ad- vanced, ^nd he again ordered us to retire, adding this time in good 50 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. order. I now became separated from Colonel Watson, and never saw him again. He took the left hand side of the street and I the right hand, and when I reached the open field where he had first ordered us to lie down, I was joined by Lieutenant Aisquith, who to my inquiry answered that he had just left the colonel, and sup- posed that he would soon be with us. Seeing no other officer around me, I rallied the battalion, and led them down to make another attack upon the fort.” The following are the terms of capitulation : — Article I. As the legitimate result of the operations before this place, and the present position of the contending armies, it is agreed that the city, the fortifications, cannon, munitions of war, and all other public property, with the undermentioned exceptions, be surrendered to the commanding general of the United States forces now at Monterey. Article II. That the Mexican forces be allowed to retain the following arms, to wit : the commissioned officers their side-arms, ,the infantry their arms and accoutrements, the cavalry their arms and accoutrements, the artillery one field battery, not to exceed six pieces, with twenty-one rounds of ammunition. Article III. That the Mexican armed forces retire, within seven days from this date, beyond the line formed by the pass of Rinconada, the city of Linares and San Fernando de Preras. Article IV. That the citadel of Monterey be evacuated by the Mexican and occupied by the American forces to-morrow morning at ten o’clock. Article V. To avoid collisions, and for mutual convenience, that the troops of the United States will not occupy the city until the Mexican forces have withdrawn, except for hospital and storage purposes. Article VI. That the forces of the United States will not ad- vance beyond the line specified in the 3d article, before the expira- tion of eight weeks, or until orders or instructions of the respective governments can be received. Article VII. That the public property to be delivered, shall be turned over and received by officers appointed by the commanding generals of the two armies. Article VIII. That all doubts as to the meaning of any of the Taylor’s defence of the capitulation. 51 preceding articles, shall be solved by an equitable construction, or on principles of liberality to the retiring army. Article IX. That the Mexican flag, when struck at the citadel, may be saluted by its own battery. In the transactions attending the capture of the city, General Tay- lor had hoped to secure the approbation of government. In this, however, he was disappointed. Not only were the terms considered as entirely too lenient, but he was even blamed for not having car- ried the defences by assault, and thus making the garrison uncondi- tional prisoners. Time, however, has shown that by such a course his little army would have endured appalling loss without corre- sponding advantages to balance it ; and that General Taylor’s course, dictated as it was by humanity and honour, was the most advanta- geous to his troops and to the country, that he could possibly have adopted. This will appear evident from the following statements, made by the General himself, in reply to a letter from the Adjutant General : “ The convention presents two distinct points : First, the permis- sion granted the Mexican army to retire with their arms, &c. Secondly, the temporary cessation of hostilities for the term of eight weeks. I shall remark on these in order. “ The force with which I marched on Monterey was limited by causes beyond my control, to about six thousand men. With this force, as every military man must admit, who has seen the ground, it was entirely impossible to invest Monterey so closely as to prevent the escape of the garrison. Although the main communication with the interior was in our possession, yet one route was open to the Mexicans throughout the operations, and could not be closed, as were also other minor tracks and passes tlnrough the mountains. Had we, therefore, insisted on more rigorous terms than those granted, the result would have been the escape of the body of the Mexican force, with the destruction of its artillery and magazines, our only advantage being the capture of a few- prisoners of war, at the expense of valuable lives and much damage to the city. The consideration of humanity was present to my mind during the con ference which led to the convention, and outweighed, in my judg- ment, the doubtful advantages to be gained by a resumption of the attack upon the town. This conclusion has been fully confirmed by an inspection of the enemy’s position and means since the sur- C 52 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. / render. It Was discovered that his principal magazine, containing an immense amount of powder, was in the Cathedral, completely- exposed to our shells from two directions. The explosion of this mass of powder, which must have ultimately resulted from a con- tinuance of the bombardment, would have been infinitely disastrous, involving the destruction not only of Mexican troops, but of non- combatants, and even our own people, had we pressed the attack. “ In regard to the temporary cessation of hostilities, the fact that we are not at this moment, within eleven days of the termination of the period fixed by the convention, prepared to move forward in force, is a sufficient explanation of the military reasons which dic- tated this suspension of arms. It paralyzed the enemy during a period when, from the want of necessary means, we could not pos- sibly move. I desire distinctly to state, and to call the attention of the authorities to the fact, that, with all diligence in breaking mules and setting up wagons, the first wagons in addition to our original train from Corpus Christi, (and but one hundred and twenty-five in number,) reached my head-quarters on the same day with the sec- retary’s communication of October 13th, viz : the 2d inst. At the date of the surrender of Monterey, our force had not more than ten days’ rations, and even now, with all our endeavours, we have not more than twenty-five. The task of fighting and beating the ENEMY IS AMONG THE LEAST DIFFICULT THAT WE ENCOUNTER the great question of supplies necessarily controls all the operations in a country like this. At the date of the convention, I could not of course have foreseen that the Department would direct an important detachment from my command without consulting me, or without waiting the result of the main operation under my orders. “ I have touched the prominent military points involved in the convention of Monterey. There were other considerations which weighed with the commissioners in framing, and with myself in ap- proving the articles of the convention. In the conference with General Ampudia, I was distinctly told by him that he had invited it to spare the further effusion of blood, and because General Santa Anna had declared himself favourable to peace. I knew that our government had made propositions to that of Mexico to negotiate, and I deemed that the change of government in that country since my instructions, fully warranted me in entertaining considerations of policy. My grand motive in moving forward with very limhed COLONEL DAVIS DEFENDS THE CAPITULATION. 53 supplies had been to increase the inducements of the Mexican gov- ernment to negotiate for peace. Whatever may be the actual views or disposition of the Mexican rulers or of General Santa Anna, it is not unknown to the government that I had the very best reason for believing the statement of General Ampudia to be true. It was my opinion at the time of the convention, and it has not been changed, that the liberal treatment of the Mexican army, and the suspension of arms, would exert none but a favourable influence in our behalf. “ The result of the entire operation has been to throw the Mexi- can army back more than three hundred miles to the city of San Luis Potosi, and to open the country to us as far as we choose to penetrate it up to the same point. “ It has been my purpose in this communication not so much to defend the convention from the censure which I deeply regret to find implied in the secretary’s letter, as to show that it was not adopted without cogent reasons, most of which occur of themselves to the minds of all who are acquainted with the condition of things here. To that end I beg that it may be laid before the General-in- chief and Secretary of War.” Colonel Jeflerson Davis, one of the American commissioners to negotiate the capitulation, speaks as follows on the same point : — “ It is demonstrable, from the position and known prowess of the two armies, that we could drive the enemy from the town ; but the town was untenable whilst the main fort (called the new citadel) remained in the hands of the enemy. Being without siege artillery or entrenching tools, we could only hope to carry this fort by storm, after a heavy loss from our army ; which, isolated in a hostile coun- try, now numbered less than half the forces of the enemy. When all this had been achieved, what more would we have gained than by the capitulation ? “ General Taylor’s force was too small to invest the town. It was, therefore, always in the power of the enemy to retreat, bear- ing his light arms. Our army, poorly provided, and with very in- sufficient transportation, could not have overtaken, if they had pur- sued the flying enemy. Hence the conclusion, that as it was not in our power to capture the main body of the Mexican army, it is unreasonable to suppose their general would have surrendered at discretion. The moral effect of retiring under the capitulation was certainly greater than if the enemy had retired without our consent 54 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. By this course we secured the large supply of ammunition he had collected in Monterey— which, had the assault been continued, must have been exploded by our shells, as it was principally stored in the ‘Cathedral,’ which, being supposed to be filled with troops, was the especial aim of our pieces. The destruction which this explosion would have produced must have involved the advance of both divi- sions of our troops ; and I commend this to the contemplation of those whose arguments have been drawn from facts learned since the commissioners closed their negotiations.” Such was also the opinion of General Worth, and such has been the decision of the American people. General Taylor now established his head-quarters at Monterey despatching General Worth with twelve hundred men and eight pieces of artillery to Saltillo, and Brigadier-General Wool, who had just arrived from his expedition into the centre, with his column of twenty-four hundred men and six pieces toward the town of Parras. General Butler took command of the reserve during the absence of General Patterson. The whole army did not exceed forty-five hun- dred men. Even this small number was still further reduced by sickness and other causes. Meanwhile a revolution at the capital had placed General Santa Anna at the head of Mexican affairs. Instead of assuming the presidential chair, to which he was invited, this active officer placed himself at the head of the army, and commenced the most exten- sive preparations for organizing a force sufficient to resist the further progress of General Ta^dor. His movements attracted the notice of the American government, which immediately transmitted orders to Taylor to terminate the armistice. In order to raise supplies for the army, the Secretary of War in- structed Taylor to resort to the miserable system of forced contribu- tions upon the inhabitants. Part of his instructions to this effect were as follows : “ It is far from being certain that our military occupation of the enemy’s country is not a blessing to the inhabitants in the vicinity. They are shielded from the burdens and exactions of their own au- thorities, protected in their persons, and furnished with a most pro- fitable market for most kinds of their property. A state of things so favourable to their interests may induce them to wish the con- iinuance of hostilities. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SUPPLIES. 55 “ The instructions heretofore given have required you to treat with great kindness the people, to respect private property, and to ab&tain from appropriating it to the public use, without purchase at a fair price.* In some respects, this is going far beyond the common requirements of civilized warfare. An invading army has the un- questionable right to draw its supplies from the enemy without pay- ing for them, and to require contributions for its support. It may be proper, and good policy requires that discriminations should be made in imposing these burdens. Those who are friendly disposed or contribute aid should be treated with liberality ; yet the enemy may be made to feel the weight of the war, and thereby become interested to use their best efforts to bring about a state of peace. “It is also but just that a nation which is involved in a war, to obtain justice or to maintain its just rights, should shift the burden of it, as far as practicable, from itself, by throwing it upon the enemy. “ Upon the liberal principles of civilized warfare, either of three modes may be pursued in relation to obtaining supplies from the enemy ; first to purchase them on such terms as the inhabitants of the country may choose to exact ; second, to pay a fair price with- out regard to the enhanced value resulting from the presence of a foreign army ; and third, to require them as contributions, without paying or engaging to pay therefor. “The last mode is the ordinary one, and you are instructed to adopt it, if in that way you are satisfied you can get abundant sup- plies for your forces ; but should you apprehend a difficulty in this respect, then you will adopt the policy of paying the ordinary price, without allowing to the owners the advantages of the enhancement of the price resulting from the increased demand. Should you ap- prehend a deficiency under this last mode of dealing with the in- habitants, you will be obliged to submit to their exactions, provided by this mode you can supply your wants on better terms than by drawing what you may need from the United States. Should you attempt to supply your troops by contributions, or the appropriation of private property, you will be careful to exempt the property of all foreigners from any and all exactions whatsoever. The Presi- dent hopes you will be able to derive from the enemy’s country, without expense to the United States, the supplies 3mu may need, or a considerable part of them ; but should you fail in this, yon will procure them in the most economical manner.” / 56 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. To these suggestions General Taylor replied, that it would have been impossible before and was then to sustain the army to any extent by forced contributions of money or supplies. The country between the Rio Grande and Sierra Madre being poor, furnishing only corn and beef, these articles were obtained at moderate rates ; but if a different system had been adopted, it was certain that they would not have been procured at all in sufficient quantities. The prompt payment in cash, for the few articles of supply drawn from the country, neutralized much of the unfriendly feeling with which the army was regarded, and contributed greatly to facilitate opera- tions. The people had it in their power at any time to destroy their crops, and would undoubtedly have done so, rather than see them taken forcibly. Added to which they would have had no inducements to plant again. The prices paid were reasonable, being in almost all cases the prices of the country. On the 15th of December, General Taylor left Monterey for Vic- toria; but on arriving at Montemorelos he received information from General Worth, that Santa Anna designed taking advantage of the diversion of force toward Victoria, by a rapid movement strike a heavy blow at Saltillo, and if successful, another at General Wool in Parras. In view of this intelligence, the commander thought proper to return to Monterey with the regular force, and thus be in a position to reinforce Saltillo if necessary. This was accordingly done, while at the same time Generals Butler and Wool hastened forward to join General Worth. On the 20th, General Taylor received further information, that the expected attack on Saltillo had not taken place, and accordingly he resumed his march for Victoria. On the 29th, General Ouitman entered Victoria without opposi- tion. A body of fifteen hundred cavalry had been stationed there, but fell back at the approach of the Americans. On the 4th of January, Taylor arrived there with General Twiggs’ division, and on the same day was joined by the force brought by General Pat- terson from Matamoras. About this time General Taylor received from Major-General Scott, a demand for the greater portion of his troops, in order to assist in the contemplated operations on the Gulf coast. Scott had been appointed to supersede Taylor in the command of the army in Mexico, and finding -his force inadequate to an attack on Vera Cruz, GENERAL TAYLOR. TAYLOR DEPRIVED OF HIS TROOPS. 57 the first object of the campaign, he was obliged to increase it by a draft from his brother officer. The following is an extract of his letter : — “ But, my dear general, I shall be obliged to take from you most of the gallant officers and men (regulars and volunteers) whom you have so long and so nobl}^ commanded. I am afraid that I shall, by imperious necessity — the approach of yellow fever on the gulf coast — reduce you, for a time, to stand on the defensive. This will be infinitely painful to you, and, for that reason, distressing to me. But I rely upon your patriotism to submit to the temporary sacrifice with cheerfulness. No man can better afford to do so. Recent victories place you on that high eminence ; and I even flat- ter myself that any benefit that may result to me, personally, from the unequal division of troops alluded to, will lessen the pain of your consequent inactivity. “ You will be aware of the recent call for nine regiments of new volunteers, including one of Texas horse. The president may soon ask for many more ; and we are not without hope that Congress may add ten or twelve to the regular establishment. These, by the spring, say April, may, by the aid of large bounties, be in the field — should Mexico not earlier propose terms of accommodation ; and, long before the spring (March), it is probable you will be again in force to resume offensive operations.” In obedience to this command, almost all the regular troops, com- prising the divisions of Generals Worth and Patterson, the brigades of Quitman and Twiggs, and all other corps which could possibly be drawn from the field of operations around the Rio Grande, were ordered to Yera Cruz. Five hundred regulars were left, together with four thousand five hundred newly arrived volunteers. At parting with his veteran companions General Taylor delivered the following brief but admirable address : “It is with deep sensibility that the commanding general finds himself separated from the troops he so long commanded. To those corps, regular and volunteers, who have shared with him the active services of the field, he feels the attachment due to such asso- ciations, while to those who are making their first campaign, he must express his regret that he cannot participate with them in its eventful scenes. To all, both officers and men, he extends his heart-felt wishes for their continued success and happiness, confi- 58 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. dent that their achievements on another theatre will redound to the credit of their country and its arms.” After the departure of his troops, General Taylor again retired to Monterey, where he remained until apprised of the certain ap- proach of Santa Anna. He then pushed forward to Agua Nueva, twenty miles south of Saltillo, where he remained until the 21st of February. Learning that the Mexicans were advancing in great force, he fell back twelve miles nearer Saltillo, to the defile called Angostura, which faces the hacienda of Buena Vista. Here, with his little army of five thousand men, he awaited the arrival of twenty thousand. On the 22d of February, the anniversary of Washington’s birth- day, the Mexican host were seen approaching over the distant hills. It was a glorious spectacle, and even those who had never faced an enemy, felt their bosoms bounding with courage and enthusiasm, as the glittering masses of Santa Anna’s cavalry poured down into the plains below. All fear was flung to the wind ; silently and sternly that little band gathered round its leader and waited the fear- ful shock. Angostura is a position of remarkable natural strength. The main road from Saltillo to San Luis there passes between closely approximating chains of mountains. The bases of these mountains are cut by occasional torrents of rain into numerous deep gullies, almost impassable, owing to the ruggedness and steepness of the banks, leaving between them elevated table-lands or plateaus of various extent. The American army was drawn up nearly at right angles to the road, its chief force being on the east of it, occupying a large plateau commanding the mountain side. Facing the south this force constituted the left wing. A battery of light artillery oc- cupied the road, and the right wing rested on the opposite hill. At about noon on the 21st, a white flag was brought to General Taylor, with the following communication from Santa Anna : “You are surrounded by twenty thousand men, and cannot in any human probability avoid suffering a rout, and being cut to pieces with your troops ; but as you deserve consideration and particular esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and for that purpose give you this notice, in order that you may surrender at discretion, under the assurance that you will be treated with the consideration belonging to the Mexican character; to which end you will be BATTLE-GROUND AND VICINITY OF BTOlfA FEBEITART 22a AND 23a, 18 4 7. A. Right of the American Army. B. Battery of light artillery posted on the road. C. Left of the American Army on tne *• platean.” D. D. Mexican Army before the battle on the 22d. c (59) 60 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. / granted an hour’s time to make up your mind, to commence from the moment when my flag of truce arrives in your camp. “With this view I assure you of my particular consideration.” General Taylor replied as follows : “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.” We give an account of the battle of Buena Vista in General Taylor’s own words, as contained in his official despatch to govern- ment : — “ The information which reached me of the advance and concen- tration of a heavy Mexican force in my front, had assumed such a probable form, as to induce a special examination far beyond the reach of our pickets, to ascertain its correctness. A small party of Texan spies, under Major McCulloch, despatched to the hacienda of Encarnacion, thirty miles from this, on the route to San Luis Potosi, had reported a cavalry force of unknown strength at that place. On the 20th of February, a strong reconnoissance under Lieutenant-Colonel May was despatched to the hacienda of Hecli- onda, while Major McCullough made another examination of Encar- nacion. The result of these expeditions left no doubt that the enemy was in large force at Encarnacion, under the orders of Gen- eral Santa Anna, and that he meditated a forward movement and attack upon our position. “ As the camp of Agua Nueva could be turned on either flank, • and as the enemy’s force was greatly superior to our own, particu- larly in the arm of cavalry, I determined, after much consideration, to take up a position about eleven miles in rear, and there await the attack. The army broke up its camp and marched at noon on the 21st, encamping at the new position a little in front of the hacienda of Buena Vista. With a small force I proceeded to Saltillo, to make some necessary arrangements for the defence of the town, i@eving Brigadier-General Wool in the immediate command of the troops. “ Before those arrangements were completed, on the morning of tne 22d, I was advised that the enemy w^as in sight, advancing. Upon reaching the ground, it was found that his cavalry advance was in our front, having marched from Encarnacion, as we have dnee learned, at 11 o’clock on the day previous, and driving in a BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 61 mounted force left at Agua Nueva to cover the removal of public stores. Our troops were in position, occupying a line of remarkable strength. The road at this point becomes a narrow defile, the val- ley on its right being rendered quite impracticable for artillery by a system of deep and impassable gullies, while on the left a succes- sion of rugged ridges and precipitous ravines extends far back toward the mountain which bounds the valley. The features of the ground were such as nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry of the enemy, while his infantry could not derive all the advantage of its numerical superiority. In this position we prepared to receive him. Captain Washington’s battery (4th artillery) was posted to command the road, while the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, under Colonels Hardin and Bissell, each eight companies (to the latter of which was attached Captain Conner’s company of Texas volunteers,) and the 2d Kentucky, under Colonel McKee, occupied the crests of the ridges on the left and in rear. The Arkansas and Kentucky regi- ments of cavalry, commanded by Colonels Yell and H. Marshall, occupied the extreme left near the base of the mountain, while the Indiana brigade, under Brigadier-General Lane (composed of the 2d and 3d regiments, under Colonels Bowles and Lane), the Missis- sippi riflemen, under Colonel Davis, the squadrons of the 1st and 2d dragoons, under Captain Steen and Lieutenant-Colonel May, and the light batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg, 3d artillery, were held in reserve. “ At eleven o’clock I received from General Santa Anna a sum- mons to surrender at discretion, which, with a copy of my reply, I have already transmitted. The enemy still forbore his attack, evi- dently waiting for the arrival of his rear- columns, which could be distinctly seen by our look-outs as they approached the field.' . A demonstration made on his left caused me to detach the 2d Ken- tucky regiment and a section of artillery to our right, in which posi- tion they bivouacked for the night. In the mean time the Mexican light troops had engaged ours on the extreme left (composed of parts of the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry dismounted, and a rifle bat- talion from the Indiana brigade, under Major Gorman, the whole commanded by Colonel Marshall), and kept up a sharp fire, climb ing the mountain side, and apparently endeavouring to gain our flank. Three pieces of Captain Washington’s battery had been de- tached to the left, and were supported by the 2d Indiana regiment. 6 62 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. An occasional shell was thrown by the enemy into this part of our line, but without effect. The skirmishing* of the light troops was kept up with trifling loss on our part until dark, when I became convinced that no serious attack would be made before the morning, and returned, with the Mississippi regiment and squadron of 2d dragoons, to Saltillo. The troops bivouacked without fires, and laid upon their arms. A body of cavalry, some fifteen hundred strong, had been visible all day in rear of the town, having entered the val- ley through a narrow pass east of the city. This cavalry, com- manded by General Minon, had evidently been thrown in our rear to break up and harass our retreat, and perhaps make some attempt against the town if practicable. The city was occupied by four ex- cellent companies of Illinois volunteers, under Major Warren of the 1st regiment. A field-w^ork, which commanded most of the ap- proaches, was garrisoned by Captain Webster’s company, 1st artil- lery, and armed with two 24-pound howitzers, while the train and head-quarter camp was guarded by two companies of Mississippi riflemen, under Captain Rogers, and a field-piece commanded by Captain Shover, 3d artillery. Having made these dispositions for the protection of the rear, I proceeded on the morning of the 23d to Buena Vista, ordering forward all the other available troops. The action had commenced before my arrival on the field. “ During the evening and night of the 22d the enemy had thrown a body of light troops on the mountain side, with the purpose of outflanking our left ; and it was here that the action of the 23d commenced at an early hour. Our riflemen, under Colonel Mar- shall, who had been reinforced by three companies under Major Trail, 2d Illinois volunteers, maintained their ground handsomely against a greatly superior force, holding themselves under cover, and using their weapons with deadly effect. About eight o’clock a strong demonstration was made against the centre of our position, a heavy column moving along the road. This force w’as soon dis- persed by a few rapid and well-directed shots from Captain Wash- ington’s battery. In the mean time the enemy was concentrating a large force of infantry and cavalry under cover of the ridges, with the obvious intention of forcing our left, which was posted on an extensive plateau. The 2d Indiana and 2d Illinois regiments formed this part of our line, the former covering three pieces of light artil- lery, under the orders of Captain O’Brien — Brigadier-General Lane ( 64 ) TAYLOR AT BUENA VISTA. BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 65 being in the immediate command. In order to bring his men with- in effective range, General Lane ordered the artillery and 2d In- diana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry, and was served against it with great effect, but without being able to check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support had fallen back in disorder, being exposed, as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of small arms from the front, but also to a murderous cross-fire of grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Captain O’Brien found it impossible to retain his position without support, but was only able to withdraw two of his pieces, all the horses and cannoneers of the third piece being killed or disabled. The 2d Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as stated, could not be rallied, and took no farther part in the action, except a handful of men, who, under its gallant colonel, Bowles, joined the Mississippi regiment, and did good service, and those fugitives who, at a later period in the day, assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista. This por- tion of our line having given way, and the enemy appearing in overwhelming force against our left flank, the light troops which had rendered such good service on the mountain were compelled to withdraw, which they did, for the most part, in good order. Many, however, were not rallied until they reached the depot at Buena Vista, to the defence of which they afterward contributed. “ Colonel Bissell’s regiment (2d Illinois), which had been joined by a section of Captain Sherman’s battery, had become completely outflanked, and was compelled to fall back, being entirely unsup- ported. The enemy was now pouring masses of infantry and cavalry along the base of the mountain on our left, and was gaining our rear in great force. At this moment I arrived upon the field. The Mississippi regiment had been directed to the left before reach- ing the position, and immediately came into action against the Mexican infantry which had turned our flank. The 2d Kentucky regiment and a section of artillery under Captain Bragg, had pre viously been ordered from the right to reinforce our left, and arrived at a most opportune moment. That regiment, and a portion of the 1st Illinois, under Colonel Hardin, gallantly drove the enemy, and recovered a portion of the ground we had lost. The batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg w^ere in position on the plateau, and did much execution, not only in front, but particularly upon the 66 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. masses which had gained our rear. Discovering that the enemy was heavily pressing upon the Mississippi regiment, the 3d Indiana regiment, \mder Colonel Lane, was despatched to strengthen that part of our line, which formed a crotchet perpendicular to the first line of battle. At the same time Lieutenant Kilburn, with a piece of Captain Bragg’s battery, was directed to support the infantry there engaged. The action was for a long time warmly sustained at that point — the enemy making several efibrts both with infantry and cavalry against our line^ and being always repulsed with heavy loss. I had placed all the regular cavalry and Captain Pike’s squadron of Arkansas horse under the orders of Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel May, with directions to hold in cheek the enemy’s column, still advancing to the rear along the base of the mountain, which was done in conjunction with the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry under Colonels Marshall and Y^ll. “ In the mean time our left, which was still strongly threatened by a superior force, was farther strengthened by the detachment of Captain Bragg’s, and a portion of Captain Sherman’s batteries to that quarter. The concentration of artillery fire upon the masses of the enemy along the base of the mountain, and the determined resistance ofiered by the two regiments opposed to them, had created confusion in their ranks, and some of the corps attempted to effect a retreat upon their main line of battle. The squadron of the 1st dragoons, under Lieutenant Rucker, was now ordered up the deep ravine which these retreating corps were endeavouring to cross, in order to charge and disperse them. The squadron proceeded to the point indicated, but could not accomplish the object, being ex- posed to a heavy fire from a battery established to cover the retreat of those corps. While the squadron was detached on this service, a large body of the enemy was observed to concentrate on our treme left, apparently with the view of making a descent upon the hacienda of Buena Vista, where our train and baggage were de- posited. Lieutenant-Colonel May was ordered to the support of that point, with two pieces of Captain Sherman’s battery under Lieutenant Reynolds. In the mean time, the scattered forces near ^he hacienda, composed in part of Majors Trail and Gorman’s com- mands, had been to some extent organized under the advice of Major Monroe, chief of artillery, with the assistance of Major Mor- rison, volunteer staff, and were posted to defend the position. Before BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 67 our cavalry had reached the hacienda, that of the enemy had made its attack ; having been handsomely met by the Kentucky and Ar- kansas cavalry under Colonels Marshall and Yell, The Mexican column immediately divided, one portion sweeping by the depot, where it received a destructive fire from the force which had col- lected there, and then gaining the mountain opposite, under a fire from Lieutenant Reynolds’s section, the remaining portion regaining the base of the mountain on our left. In the charge at Buena Vista, Colonel Yell fell gallantly at the head of his regiment ; we also lost Adjutant Vaughan, of the Kentucky cavalry — a young officer of much promise. Lieutenant-Colonel May, who had been rejoined by the squadron of the 1st dragoons and by portions of the Arkansas and Indiana troops, under Lieutenant-Colonel Roane and Major Gorman, now approached the base of the mountain, holding in check the right flank of the enemy, upon whose masses, crowded in the narrow gorges and ravines, our artillery was doing fearful execution. “ The position of that portion of the Mexican army which had gained our rear was now very critical, and it seemed doubtful whe- ther it could regain the main body. At this moment I received from General Santa Anna a message by a staff officer, desiring to know what I wanted ? I immediately despatched Brigadier-General Wool to the Mexican general-in-chief, and sent orders to cease firing. Upon reaching the Mexican lines General Wool could not cause the enemy to cease their fire, and accordingly returned with- out having an interview. The extreme right of the enemy conti- nued its retreat along the base of the mountain, and finally, in spite of all our efforts, effected a junction •with the remainder of the army. “ During the day, the cavalry of General Minon had ascended the elevated plain above Saltillo, and occupied the road from the city to the field of battle, where they intercepted several of our men. Approaching the town, they were fired upon by Captain Webster from the redoubt occupied by his company, and then moved off towards the eastern side of the valley, and obliquely towards Buena Vista. At this time. Captain Shover moved rapidly forward with his piece, supported by a miscellaneous command of mounted volun teers, and fired several shots at the cavalry with great effect. They were driven into the ravines which lead to the lower valley, closely 68 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. pursued by Captain Shover, who was farther supported by a piece of Captain Webster’s battery, under Lieutenant Donaldson, which had advanced from the redoubt, supported by Captain Wheeler’s company of Illinois volunteers. The enemy made one or two efforts to charge the artillery, but was finally driven back in a con- fused mass, and did not again appear upon the plain. “ In the mean time, the firing had partially ceased upon the princi- pal field. The enemy seemed to confine his efforts to the protection of his artillery, and I had left the plateau for a moment, when I ^ was recalled thither by a very heavy musketry fire. On regaining that position, I discovered that our infantry (Illinois and second Kentucky) had engaged a greatly superior force of the enemy — evidently his reserve — and that they had been overwhelmed by numbers. The moment was most critical. Captain O’Brien, with two pieces, had sustained this heavy charge to the last, and was finally obliged to leave his guns on the field — his infantry support being entirely routed. Captain Bragg, who had just arrived from 'the left, was ordered at once into battery. Without any infantry to support him, and at the imminent risk of losing his guns, this officer came rapidly into action, the Mexican line being but a few yards from the muzzle of his pieces. The first discharge of canister caused the enemy to hesitate, the second and third drove him back in disorder, and saved the day. The 2d Kentucky regiment, which had advanced beyond supporting distance in this affair, was driven back and closely pressed by the enemy’s cavalry. Taking a ravine which led in the direction of Captain Washington’s battery, their pursuers became exposed to his fire, which soon checked and drove them back with. loss. In the mean time the rest of our artil- lery had taken position on the plateau, covered by the Mississippi and 3d Indiana regiments, the former of which had reached the ground in time to pour a fire into the right fiank of the enemy, and thus contribute to his repulse. In this last conflict we had the mis- fortune to sustain a very heavy loss. Colonel Hardin, 1st Illinois, and Colonel McKee and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay, 2d Kentucky regiment, fell at this time while gallantly leading their commands. “ No farther attempt was made by the enemy to force our position, and the approach of night gave an opportunity to pay proper atten- tion to the wounded, and also to refresh the soldiers, who had been exhausted by incessant watchfulness and combat. Though the BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 69 night was severely cold, the troops were compelled for the most to bivouac without fires, expecting that morning would renew the con- flict. During the night the wounded were removed to Saltillo, and every preparation made to receive the enemy, should he again attack our position. Seven fresh companies were drawn from the town, and Brigadier-General Marshall, with a reinforcement of Kentucky cavalry and four heavy guns, under Captain Prentiss, first artillery, was near at hand, when -it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned his position during the night. Our scouts soon ascertained that he had fallen back upon Agua Nueva. The great disparity of numbers, and the exhaustion of our troops, ren- dered it inexpedient and hazardous to attempt pursuit. A staff officer was despatched to General Santa Anna to negotiate an ex- change of prisoners, which was satisfactorily completed on the fol- lowing day. Our own dead were collected and buried, and the Mexican wounded, of which a large number had been left upon the field, were removed to Saltillo, and rendered as comfortable as cir- cumstances would permit. “ On the evening of the 26th, a close reconnoissance was made of the enemy’s position, which was found to be occupied only by a small body of cavalry, the infantry and artillery having retreated in the direction of San Luis Potosi. On the 27th, our troops resumed their former camp at Agua Nueva, the enemy’s rear-guard evacu- ating the place as we approached, leaving a considerable number of wounded. It was my purpose to beat up his quarters at Encar- nacion early the next morning, but upon examination, the weak condition of the cavalry horses rendered it unadvisable to attempt so long a march without water. A command was finally des- patched to Encarnacion, on the 1st of March, under Colonel Belk- nap. Some two hundred wounded, and about sixty Mexican soldiers were found there, the army having passed on in the direction of Matehaala, with greatly reduced numbers, and suffering much from hunger. The dead and dying were strewed upon the road, and crowded the buildings of the hacienda. “The American force engaged in the action of Buena Vista is shown, by the accompanying field report, to have been three hun- dred and thirty-four officers, and four thousand four hundred and twenty-five men, exclusive of the small command left in and near Saltillo. Of this number, two squadrons of cavalry and three bat- 70 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. teries of light artillery, making not more than four hundred and fifty-three men, composed the only force of regular troops. The strength of the Mexican army is stated by General Santa Anna, in his summons, to be twenty thousand ; and that estimate is confirmed by all the information since obtained. Out loss is two hundred and sixty-seven killed, four hundred and fifty-six wounded, and twent}?-- three missing. Of the numerous wounded, many did not require removal to the hospital, and it is hoped that a comparatively small number will be permanently disabled. The Mexican loss in killed and wounded may be fairly estimated at one thousand five hundred, and will probably reach two thousand. At least five hundred of their killed were left upon the field of battle. We have no means of ascertaining the number of deserters and dispersed men from their ranks, but it is known to be very great. “Our loss has been especially severe in officers, twenty-eight having been killed upon the field. We have to lament the death of Captain George Lincoln, Assistant Adjutant-General, serving in the staff of General Wool — a young officer of high bearing and approved gallantry, who fell early in the action. No loss falls more heavily upon the army in the field than that of Colonels Hardin and McKee, and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay. Possessing in a remarkable degree the confidence of their commands, and the last two having enjoyed the advantage of a military education, I had looked particu- larly to them for support, in case we met the enemy. I need not say that their zeal in engaging the enemy, and the cool and stead- fast courage with which they maintained their positions during the day, fully realized my hopes, and caused me to feel yet more sen- sibly their untimely loss. “ I perform a grateful duty in bringing to the notice of the gov- ernment the general good conduct of the troops. Exposed for suc- cessive nights, without fires, to the severity of the weather, they were ever prompt and cheerful in the discharge of every duty ; and finally displayed conspicuous steadiness and gallantry in repulsing, at great odds, a disciplined foe. While the brilliant success achieved by their arms releases me from the painful necessity of specifying many cases of bad conduct before the enemy, I feel an increased obligation to mention particular corps and officers, whose skill, cool- ness, and gallantry in trying situations, and under a continued and heavy fire, seem to merit particular notice. BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 71 “To Brigadier-General Wool my obligations are especially due. The high state of discipline and instruction of several of the volun- teer regiments was attained under his command, and to his vigilance and arduous service before the action, and his gallantry and activity on the field, a large share of our success may justly be attributed. During most of the engagement he was in immediate command of the troops thrown back on our left flank. I beg leave to recommend him to the favourable notice of the government. Brigadier-General Lane (slightly wounded) was active and zealous throughout the day, and displayed great coolness and gallantry before the enemy. “ The services of the light artillery, always conspicuous, were more than usually distinguished. Moving rapidly over the roughest ground, it was always in action at the right place and the right time, and its well-directed fire dealt destruction in the masses of the enemy. While I recommend to particular favour the gallant con- duct and valuable services of Major Munroe, chief of artillery, and Captains Washington, 4th artillery, and Sherman and Bragg, 3d artillery, commanding batteries, I deem it no more than just to men- tion all the subaltern officers. They were nearly all detached at different times, and in every situation exhibited conspicuous skill and gallantry. Captain O’Brien, Lieutenants Brent, Whiting, and Couch, 4th artillery, and Bryan, Topographical Engineers, (slightly wounded,) were attached to Captain Washington’s battery. Lieu- tenants Thomas, Reynolds, and French, 3d artillery, (severely wounded,) to that of Captain Sherman ; and Captain Shover and Lieutenant Kilburn, 3d artillery, to that of Captain Bragg. Cap- tain Shover, in conjunction with Lieutenant Donaldson, 1st artilleiy, rendered gallant and important service in repulsing the cavalry of General Minon. The regular cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel May, with which was associated Captain Pike’s squadron of Ar- kansas horse, rendered useful service in holding the enemy in check and in covering the batteries at several points. Captain Steen, 1st dragoons, was severely wounded early in the day, while gallantly endeavouring, with my authority, to rally the troops which were falling to the rear. “The Mississippi riflemen, under Colonel Davis, were highly conspicuous for their gallantry and steadiness, and sustained through- out the engagement the reputation of veteran troops. Brought into action against an immensely superior force, they maintained 72 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. themselves for a long time unsupported and with heavy loss, and held an important part of the field until reinforced. Colonel Davis, though severely wounded, remained in the saddle until the close of the action. His distinguished coolness and gallantry at the head of his regiment on this day entitle him to the particular notice of the government. The 3d Indiana regiment, under Colonel Lane, and a fragment of the 2d, under Colonel Bowles, were associated with the Mississippi regiment during the greater portion of the day, and acquitted themselves creditably in repulsing the attempts of the enemy to break that portion of our line. The Kentucky cavalry, under Colonel Marshall, rendered good service dismounted, acting as light troops on our left, and afterward, with a portion of the Arkansas regiment, in meeting and dispersing the column of cavalry at Buena Vista. The 1st and 2d Illinois, and the 2d Kentucky regiments, served immediately under my eye, and I bear a willing testimony to their excellent conduct throughout the day. The spirit and gallantry with which the 1st Illinois and 2d Kentucky engaged the enemy in the morning, restored confidence to that part of the field, while the list of casualties will show how much these three regiments suffered in sustaining the heavy charge of the enemy in the afternoon. Captain Conner’s company of Texas volunteers, attached to the 2d Illinois regiment, fought bravely, its captain being wounded and two subalterns killed. Colonel Bissell, the only sur- viving colonel of these regiments, merits notice for his coolness and bravery on this occasion. After the fall of the field-ofiicers of the 1st Illinois and 2d Kentucky regiments, the command of the former devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford ; that of the latter upon Major Fry. “Regimental commanders. and others who have rendered reports, speak in general terms of the good conduct of their officers and men, and have specified many names, but the limits of this report forbid a recapitulation of them here. I may, however, mention Lieutenants Rucker and Campbell of the dragoons, and Captain Pike, Arkansas cavalry, commanding squadrons ; Lieutenant-Colonel Field, Ken- tucky cavalry; Lieutenant-Colonel Roane, Arkansas cavalry, upon whom the command devolved after the fall of Colonel Yell ; Major Bradford, Captain Sharpe (severely wounded), and Adjutant Griffith, Mississippi regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Hadden, 2d Indiana regi- ment, and Lieutenant Robinson, aid-de-camp to General Lane ; BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 73 Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford, 1st Illinois regiment; Lieutenant- Colonel Morrison, Major Trail, and Adjutant Whiteside (severely wounded), 2d Illinois regiment ; and Major Fry, 2d Kentucky regi- ment, as being favourably noticed for gallantry and good conduct. Major McCulloch, quartermaster in the volunteer service, rendered important services before the engagement, in the command of a spy company, and during the affair was associated with the regular cavalry. To Major Warren, 1st Illinois volunteers, I feel much in- debted for his firm and judicious course, while exercising command in the city of Saltillo. “ The medical staff, under the able direction of Assistant-Surgeon Hitchcock, were assiduous in attention to the wounded upon the field, and in their careful removal to the rear. Both in these respects, and in the subsequent organization and service of the hospitals, the administration of this department was everything that could be wished. “ Brigadier-General Wool speaks in high terms of the officers of his staff, and I take pleasure in mentioning them here, having wit- nessed their activity and zeal upon the field. Lieutenant and Aid- de-camp McDowell, Colonel Churchill, inspector-general, Captam Chapman, assistant quartermaster. Lieutenant Sitgreaves, Topo- graphical Engineers, and Captains Howard and Davis, volunteer service, are conspicuously noticed by the general for their gallantry and good conduct. Messrs. March, Addicks, Potts, Harrison, Bur- gess, and Dusenbery, attached in various capacities to General Wool’s head-quarters, are likewise mentioned for their intelligent alacrity in conveying orders to all parts of the field. “ In conclusion, I beg leave to speak of my own staff, to whose exertions in rallying troops and communicating orders I feel greatly indebted. Major Bliss, assistant adjutant-general. Captain J. H. Eaton, and Lieutenant R. S. Garnett, aids-de-camp, served near my person, and were prompt and zealous in the discharge of every duty. Major Munroe, beside rendering valuable service as chief of artillery, was active and instrumental, as were also Colonels Churchill and Belknap, inspectors-general, in rallying troops and disposing jhem for the defence of the train and baggage. Colonel Whiting, quartermaster-general, and Captain Eaton, chief of the subsistence department, were engaged with the duties of their de- partments, and also served in my immediate staff on the field. Cap- 7 74 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. tain Sibley, assistant quartermaster, was necessarily left with the head-quarter camp near town, where his services were highly use- ful. Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Benham, Engineers, and Captain Linnard and Lieutenants Pope and Franklin, Topographical Engineers, were employed before and during the engagement in making reconnoissances, and on the field were active in bringing information and in conveying my orders to distant points. Lieu- tenant Kingsbury, in addition to his proper duties as ordnance officer. Captain Chilton, assistant quartermaster, and Majors Dix and Coffee, served also as extra aids-de-camp, and were actively employed in the transmission of orders. Mr. Thomas L. Critten- den, of Kentucky, though not in service, volunteered as my aid-de- camp on this occasion, and served with credit in that capacity. Major Craig, chief of ordnance, and Surgeon Craig, medical director, had been detached on duty from head-quarters, and did not reach the ground until the morning of the 24th — too late to participate in the action, but in time to render useful services in their respective departments of the staff.” The following extracts from a letter of General Taylor to General Butler are important, as being more free and circumstantial, both in style and matter, than can possibly be expected in an official report : — “ In the morning of the 23d, at sunrise, the enemy renewed the contest with an overwhelming force — with artillery, infantry, and dragoons — which lasted with slight intermissions until dark. A portion of the time the conflict was much the severest I have ever witnessed, particularly towards the latter part of the day, when he (Santa Anna) brought up his reserve, and in spite of every effort on our part, after the greatest exertions I have ever witnessed on both sides, drove us by an immense superiority of numbers for some dis- tance, He had at least five to one at that point against us. Fortu- nately, at the most critical moment, two pieces of artillery which I had ordered up to support that part of our line, met our exhausted men retreating, when they were brought into battery and opened on the enemy, then within fifty yards in hot pursuit, with canister and grape, which brought him to a halt and soon compelled him to fall back. In this tremendous contest we lost three pieces of artillery, nearly all the men having been killed or crippled, which put it out BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 75 of our power to bring them off; nor did I deem it advisable to attempt to regain them. “ The enemy made his principal efforts against our flanks. He was handsomely repulsed on our right, but succeeded early in the day in gaining our left, in consequence of the giving way of one of the volunteer regiments, which could not be rallied; with but few exceptions, the greater portion retiring about a mile to a large rancho or farm-house, where our wagons and a portion of our stores were left. These were soon after attacked by the enemy’s cavalry, who were repulsed with some loss. “ For several hours the fate of the day was extremely doubtful ; so much so that I was urged by some of the most experienced officers to fall back and take a new position. This I knew it would never do to attempt with volunteers, and at once declined it. The scene had now become one of the deepest interest. Between the several deep ravines, there were portions of level land from one to four hundred yards in extent, which became alternately points of attack and defence, after our left was turned, by both sides. These extended along and near the base of the mountain for about two miles, and the struggle for them may be very appropriately com- pared to a game of chess. Night put a stop to the contest, and, strange to say, both armies occupied the same positions they did in the morning before the battle commenced. Our artillery did more than wonders. “We lay on our arms all night, as we had done the two pre vious ones, without fires, there being no wood to be had, and the mercury below the frerzing point, ready and expecting to renew the contest the next morning ; but we found at daylight the enemy had retreated during the night, leaving his killed and many of his wounded for us to bury and take care of — carrying off every thing else, and taking up a position at this place. We did not think it advisable to pursue, not knowing whether he would renew the attack, continue his retreat, or wished to draw us from our strong position ; but contented ourselves with watching his movements closely. “ The loss on both sides was very great, as you may suppose — enough so on ours to cover the whole country with mourning, for some of the noblest and purest of the land have fallen. We had two hundred and forty killed, and five hundred wounded. The D 76 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. / enemy has suffered in still greater numbers, but as the dead and wounded are scattered all over the country, it is difficult to ascertain their number. The prisoners who have fallen into our hands, be- tween two and three hundred — enough to exchange for all that have been taken from us — as well as some medical officers left behind to take care of the wounded, say that their killed and wounded is not less than fifteen hundred, and they say perhaps more. “I hope the greater portion of the good people of the country will be satisfied with what we have done on this occasion. I fiatter myself that our compelling a Mexican army of more than twenty thousand men, completely organized, and led by their chief magis- trate, to retreat, with less than five hundred regulars and about four thousand volunteers, will meet their approval. I had not a single company of regular infantry ; the whole was taken from me.” The character of this great battle is thus given by the able editor of the Baltimore American : — It appears that the battle of Buena Vista was really fought by less than five thousand Americans against twenty thousand Mexi- cans. With a proportion of five to one against us, in point of num- bers, it is to be remembered too that the Mexicans were regular soldiers, while nearly nine-tenths of our troops were volunteers on their first campaign. With the exception of the Mississippi regi- ment, which fought at Monterey, the rest of the volunteers met an enemy in the field for the first time at Buena Vista. We may then estimate, in some sort, the valour of those brave men who stood for nine hours against overwhelming numbers, firm in their own heroism, indomitable in spirit, inflexible in purpose, rolling back the tide of war, as rocks repel the surges of the ocean, and finally standing victorious on that field of terrific strife. The standard of the republic never streamed over a battle-field more gallantly won. General Taylor’s loss in killed, wounded, and missing, was nearly oae-sixth of his entire force. Yet, when the battle ceased on the evening of the 23d, and a renewal of the fight was expe;pted with the next day’s dawn, what record do we find of that epoch of suspense ! Here it is : — ‘ During the night,’ says General Taylor, ‘ the wounded were removed to Saltillo, and every preparation made to receive the enemy, should he again attack our position.’ There was no mis- giving in that little band. FIELD AFTER THE BATTLE REMARKS ON THE BATTLE. 79 “This battle of Buena Vista, remarkable in many points of view, IS particularly so as exhibiting extraordinary steadiness, endurance, and courage, on the part of raw troops exposed to fire for the first time. Here was a pitched battle entered upon deliberately; an enemy immensely superior in numbers; regular troops, commanded by the ablest and most experienced general in Mexico ; and this battle to be fought in open field, without fortifications or intrench- ments, was awaited by our soldiers, who lay upon their arms on the night of the 22d, knowing that the morning’s light would usher in a '^y of conflict and carnage. It was a crisis to try veterans ; it was met by men who less than a year before were engaged in every variety of industrial pursuit in peaceful life, who had never seen a battle or met a foe. “ While these facts demonstrate unyielding elements of hardihood and courage in the men who fought at Buena Vista, they indicate also the high and commanding character of the officers who brought those sterling materials into order and efficiency. Those lamented sons of Kentucky, McKee and Clay, the gallant Davis of Mississippi, and others, educated at West Point, added all the aids of military knowledge to their own heroic bearing in the discipline of their troops and in the inspiration of confidence, so essential to success in war. But where the blaze of glory concentrates with most particular lustre, its brilliant light falls upon the calm countenance of the general-in-chief, Taylor, the invincible, to whom all eyes were turned in every crisis of danger — who formed in himself the stay and bul- wark of the hopes of his army — the only man, perhaps, who would have fought the battle of Buena Vista ; the only man, probably, who could have won it. Imperturbable and self-possessed, he held the battle in his eye ; and amid the storm and fury of the strife he in- spired renewed courage by his presence at every point of danger. With such a commander and such troops, victory is fast bound to our standard, let it float where it may.” Such was the battle of Buena Vista. Long will it be remembered in the history of our country. Coming ages will muse upon its im- portant issues, its terrible charges, its sickening slaughter with astonishment and awe ; and the man who gained it will one day be accounted as one of the greatest among living generals. The battle of Buena Vista has been the crowning act of Taylor’s 80 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. career. He retired soon after to Monterey, where want of supplies still forces him to remain. The following remarks upon General Taylor are made by Ser- geant Harris of the army, who is of course personally acquainted with him : — “ The character of General Taylor is pretty much what it is re- presented. He is mild and affable, yet firm and unflinching. If a soldier under his command thinks he is aggrieved, it is to the gene- ral he looks for redress, and never fails in getting it, in case General Taylor, on inquiry, ascertains it to be well founded. The ‘old man,’ as he is familiarly termed by officers and men, is approach- able at all hours. He will sit and talk with the commonest soldier in the most affable manner, and my informant tells me that he has often wondered at seeing him enter minutely into the private affairs of the soldiers under his command, give them his advice when asked, as it frequently is, and when that is over, read to them from the newspapers the anecdotes of the army, which have made their way into print in the northern cities, at which he would laugh as heartily as any of them. He is beloved by all in his command, officers and men. Ail take pleasure in obeying his commands ; and when an order is given by him, there is emulation among all who hear it, to obey it. His treatment of the Mexicans is marked with the same urbanity. They, according to my informant, at least such of them as have been in the habit of serving the camp with milk and other little nick nacks, love him as much as his own sol diers do. “ On a certain occasion one of these poor creatures complained to Lt Capitana, that a volunteer had entered his rancho, and ap- propriated to his own use some of his edibles, without paying for them. Now this was a breach of orders which General Taylor could not overlook, so he had the marauder identified by the Mexi- can, and brought before him. The general examined and cross- examined him, in relation to the offence, for upwards of two hours, at the end of which time he arrived at the conclusion that the volun- teer was not quite so much to blame as the accuser represented, but thought him deserving of some punishment, and what was the punishment do you suppose he inflicted upon him ? Why he di- rected a barrel to be placed in front of his tent, directed the volun- teer to mount it, and kept him standing there for two hours. At the TRAITS OF Taylor’s character. 81 end of which he gave him a few words about not doing the like again, &c., and sent him back to his quarters. Occasionally it oc- curs that a man will want to write a letter to his friends, and has no materials to do so. Without hesitation he applies to the ‘ old man,’ and gets all he wants, pen, ink, and paper, and wafer, which comes from his private stock, which is always at the service of the soldiers. “We have all heard the soubriquet of Rough and Ready had its origin in the Florida war, in which General Taylor treated the red skins in the roughest way and in the readiest manner ; but I have not seen it stated when it was first used in this war. According to Sergeant Harris, it was in this way : After the memorable battles of Resaca de la Palma and Palo Alto, the old general directed the men to be brought up before him in review, which was of course done. While reviewing them to see, no doubt, how they looked after their scrimmage with the yellow bellies, an old soldier, who served under him in the Florida war, proposed at the top of his voice, ‘Three cheers for old Rough and Ready;’ which were given with all the honours. As soon as they had subsided, the old general, every feature in his open countenance speaking volumes, gracefully took off his chapeau, and returned thanks, and added, ‘ Gentlemen, I would be happy to treat you all, but I have got nothing except some Rio Grande water with which to do it.’ “ On one occasion, a volunteer getting tired of discipline, thought he would relieve himself of it for a time at least, and with that view absented himself for a week without leave, and made a trip to the country. As soon as his absence was known to the camp he was proclaimed a deserter, and men sent in pursuit of him. He returned, however, before he was arrested, and immediately made his way to the old general, and told him in mitigation of punishment, that ne was always accustomed to open backwood life, and it went hard with him to be confined so much. ‘Well, (said the general,) don’t do so again, my boy, without leave,’ and directed him to go to his quarters. That man, says my informant, thinks General Taylor the best man living, and he would willingly lose life itself at his bidding. “ General Taylor’s modesty is equalled by his magnanimity. It was not known in camp until three weeks after it was known to the general himself, that he had received a brevet, and all the army heard of the sword presentation to him, was through the papers.” 82 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Another writer says : “ As plain Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor, the writer of this has often seen ‘Old Zach’ putting his men through the battalion drill on the northern banks of the Wisconsin in the depths of February. This would seem only characteristic of the man who has since proved himself equally ‘ Rough and Ready’ under the scorching sun of the tropics. But, looking back through long years to many a pleasant hour spent in the well-selected library of the post which Colonel Taylor then commanded, we recur now with singular interest to the agreeable conversations held in the room which was the Colonel’s favourite resort amid the intervals of duty. Nor will the reader think these personal reminiscences impertinent, when we add that our object in recurring to them here is simply to mention that, re- membermg alike the wintry drill and the snug book-room, Taylor’s hardihood — the idea of which now so readily attaches to his soubri- quet of Rough and Ready — would certainly not then have struck a stranger as more characteristic than his liberal-minded intelligence. Remarkable sincerity of manner, a dash of humour amid diffident re- serve, blended with a cordiality that for want of a better phrase we should call mesmeric, characterized the mien of the distinguished man, upon whom the eyes of all his countrymen are now fixed with such curious interest. He was one of those few men who instantly impress a stranger with the idea of frankness and reality of charac- ter, while still suggesting to the imagination that there was much to study in him. Above all was it apparent that his singular modesty was genuine — was of the soul ; that he was a man whose strong individuality his nearest intimates must hesitate to write about and publish to the world in terms of praise. And we know the fact that in one instance a friend whom the General had obliged, when replying to some newspaper disparagement of Taylor’s mili- tary standing and services at the commencement of the Florida war, was deterred by his knowledge of this trait from communicating his article to the subject of it, lest the terms of eulogy he had employed might be offensive to Taylor. This dislike of puffery, nay this almost wayward turning one’s back upon fame, is, however, per- fectly consistent with the most jealoijs sense of what is due to one’s personal character; and that quality Genofal Taylor’s published correspondence with the Department of War proves he possesses in the most lively degree. He there shows that he leaves the laurels Taylor’s personal appearance. 83 of the hero to take care of themselves, but the rights and the char- acter of Zachary Taylor must not be tampered with. And this is the quality which will ever prevent him from becoming the tool of party. He is a man that cannot be used by others save in the line of his duty. A man who cannot be approached to be thus used ; for there is sometimes a shrewd fire in the glance of his friendly eye, an epigrammatic heartiness of response bolting forth amid his- taciturnity, that would utterly bewilder and confound the ordinary man of the world, who approached him with double-dealing phrase, or selfish insincerity of purpose. “ With regard to his personal appearance, of all the portraits of General Taylor that we have seen, and there is one in each of the volumes before us, that published in Graham’s Magazine strikes us as decidedly the best. In some respects it is flattered, and in others it hardly comes up to the strongly marked character expressed in the face of the original ; as a whole, however, it is far more faithful than the others. Its flattery, we imagine, lies in making Taylor look younger than he now appears. For his looks in the picture are those which we recall when seeing him just after the close of his campaign, now many years gone by. The stamped medals pub- lished lately by J. P. Ridner we should think would better repre- sent his present appearance. “While indulging in these gossiping references, which we know will interest some of our readers, we may here relate an anecdote of General Taylor, which we once heard, amid the early scenes of the Black Hawk war on Rock river,' and which, though never verified to our knowledge, still seems most characteristic of the Rough and Ready of later years. Some time after Stillman’s defeat by Black Hawk’s band, Taylor, marching with a large body of volunteers and a handful of regulars in pursuit of the hostile Indian force, found himself approaching Rock river, then asserted by many to be the true north-western boundary of the state of Illinois. The volunteers, as Taylor was informed, would refuse to cross the stream. They were militia, they said, called out for the defence of the state, and it was unconstitutional to order them to march be- yond its frontier into the Indian country. Taylor thereupon halted his command, and encamped within the acknowledged boundaries of Illinois. He would not, as the relator of the story said, budge an inch further without orders. He had already driven Black Taylor’s personal appearance. 83 of the hero to take care of themselves, but the rights and the char- acter of Zachary Taylor must not be tampered with. And this is the quality which will ever prevent him from becoming the tool of party. He is a man that cannot be used by others save in the line of his duty. A man who cannot be approached to be thus used ; for there is sometimes a shrewd fire in the glance of his friendly eye, an epigrammatic heartiness of response bolting forth amid his taciturnity, that would utterly bewilder and confound the ordinary man of the world, who approached him with double-dealing phrase, or selfish insincerity of purpose. “ With regard to his personal appearance, of all the portraits of General Taylor that we have seen, and there is one in each of the volumes before us, that published in Graham’s Magazine strikes us as decidedly the best. In some respects it is flattered, and in others it hardly comes up ^o the strongly marked character e:j^pressed in the face of the original; as a whole, however, it is far more faithful than the others. Its flattery, we imagine, lies in making Taylor look younger than he now appears. For his looks in the picture are those which we recall when seeing him just after the close of his campaign, now many years gone by. The stamped medals pub- lished lately by J. P. Ridner we should think would? better repre- sent his present appearance. “While indulging in these gossiping references, which we know will interest some of our readers, we may here relate an anecdote of General Taylor, which we once heard, amid the early scenes of the Black Hawk war on Rock river, and which, though never verified to our knowledge, still seems most characteristic of the Rough and Ready of later years. Some time after Stillman’s defeat by Black Hawk’s band, Taylor, marching with a large body of volunteers and a handful of regulars in pursuit of the hostile Indian force, found himself approaching Rock river, then asserted by many to be the true north-western boj^dary of the state of Illinois. The volunteers, as Taylor was informed, would refuse to cross the stream. They were militia, they said, called out for the defence of the state, and it was uncdfistitutional to order them to march be- yond its frontier into the Indian country. Taylor thereupon halted his command, and enj^kped within the acknowledged boundaries of. Illinois. He woulKiot, as the relator of the story said, budge an inch further without orders. He had already driven Black 84 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Hawk out of the state, but the question of crossing Rock river seemed hugely to trouble his ideas of integrity to the constitution on one side, and military expediency on the other.' During the night, however, orders came, either from General Scott or General Atkinson, for him to follow up Black Hawk to the last. The quiet- ness of the Regular colonel meanwhile had rather encouraged the mutinous militia to bring their proceedings to a head. A sort of town-meeting was called upon the prairie, and Taylor invited to attend. After listening for some time very quietly to the proceed- ings, it became Rough and Ready’s turn to address the chair. ‘ He had heard,’ he said, ‘ with much pleasure the views which several speakers had of the independence and dignity of each pri- vate American citizen. He felt that all gentlemen there present were his equals — in reality he was persuaded that many of them would in a few years be his superiors, and perhaps, in the capacity of members of Congress, arbiters of the fortune and reputation of humble servants of the Republic like himself. He expected then to obey them as interpreters of the will of the people ; and the best proofs he^ould give that he would obey them, was now to observe the orders of those whom the people had already put in the places of authority,*to which many gentlemen around him justly aspired. In plain English, gentlemen and fellow-citizens, the word has been passed on to me from Washington to follow Black Hawk and take you with me as soldiers. I mean to do both. There are the flat- boats drawn up on the shore, and here are Uncle Sam’s men drawn up behind you on the prairie.’ “ ‘ Stra-anger,’ added the man who told the story, ‘ the way them militia-men sloped into those flat-boats was a caution. Not another word was said. Had Zach Taylor been with Van Rennselaer at Niagara river, in the last war, I rayther think he ’d a taught him how to get militia-men over a ferry.’ ” After the battle of Buena Vistaj^^General Taylor addressed the following letter to the Hon. Henry Clay, concerning the death of his son. It shows that although the general has lived from a youth amid the horrors of camp life,*he yet has a heart big with the noblest sentiments of humanity. “ My dear Sir : You will no doubt hav|H|ceived, before this can reach you, the deeply distressing intelligei^r of the death of your son in the battle of Buena Vista. It is with no wish of intruding ‘JiouH ^ M ^ ^ _ __ Pi;-^ m»i q|il9.ba«toi} ^ mb 0mni taV Jl^ 1^' '^ftfeii'i '^% i)^ a-^4(» s'if 84 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Hawk out. of the state, ,but the question of crossing Rock river seemed hugely to trouble his ddeas of integrity to the constitution on one side, and military expediency on the other. During the night, however, orders came, either from General Scott or General" Atkinson, for him to follow up Black Hawk to the last. The quiet- ness of the Regular colonel meanwhile had rather encouraged the mutinous militia to bring their proceedings to a head. A sort of town-meeting was called upon the prairie, and Taylor invited to attend. After listening for some time very quietly to the proceed- ings, it became Rough and Ready’s turn to address the chair. * He had heard,’ he said, ‘ with much pleasure the views which several speakers had of the independence and digpity of each pri- vate American citizen. He felt that all gentlemen there present were his equals — in reality he was persuaded that many of them would in a few; years be his superiors, and perhaps, in the capacity of members of Congress, arbiters of the fortune and reputation of humble servants of the Republic like himself. He expected then to obey them as interpreters of the will of the people; and the best proofs he could give that he would obey them, was now to observe the orders of those whom the people had already put in the places of authority, to which many gentlemen around him justly aspired. In plain English, gentlemen and fellow-citizens, the word has been passed on to me from Washington to follow Black Hawk and take you with me as soldiers. I mean to do both. There are the flat- boats drawn up on the shore,- and here are Uncle Sam’s men drawn up behind you on the prairie.’ “ ‘ Stra-anger,’ added the man who told the story, ‘the way them militia-men aloped into those flat-boats was a caution. Not another , word was said. Had Zach Taylor been with Van Rennselaer at Niagara river, in the last war, I rayther think he ’d a taught him % hbW to get militia-men over a ferry,’ ” After the battle of Buena Vista, Gerieral Taylor addressed the following letter to the Hon. Henry Clay, concerning the death ^^^of his son. It shows that although the general has lived from a youth amid the horrors of camp life, he yet has a heart big with the noblest sentiments of humanity. “ My dear Sir : You will no doubt have received, before this can reach you, the deeply distressing intelligence of the death of your son in the battle of Buena Vista. It is with no wish of intruding Taylor’s letter to clay. 85 upon the sanctuary of parental sorrow, and with no hope of admin istering any consolation to ybur wounded heart, that I have taken the liberty of addressing you these few lines ; but I have felt it a duty which I owe' to the memory of the distinguished dead, to pay a willing tribute to his many excellent qualities, and while my feel- ings are still fresh, to express the desolation which his untimely loss and that of other kindred spirits has occasioned. “I had but a casual acquaintance with your son, until he became for a time a member of my military family, and I can truly say that no one ever won more rapidly upon my regard, or established a more lasting claim to my respect and esteem. Manly and honour- able in every impulse, with no feeling but for the honour of the service and of the country, he gave every assurance that in the hour of need I could lean with confidence upon his support. Nor was I disappointed. Under the guidance of himself and the lament- ed McKee, gallantly did the sons of Kentucky, in the thickest of the strife, uphold the honour of the state and the country. “A grateful people will do justice to the memory of those who fell on that eventful day. But I may be permitted to express the bereavement which I feel in the loss of valued friends. To your son I felt bound by the strongest ties of private regard ; and when I miss his familiar face, and those of McKee and Hardin, I can say with truth, that I feel no exultation in our success.” We close our sketches of General Taylor by the following just tribute to his abilities and integrity of character. At a barbacue given to the Kentucky volunteers at Jeffersontown, Colonel Humphrey Marshall delivered a speech, in the course of which he spoke in the following terms of the character of Old Rough and Ready. It may be remarked that those qualities which are so conspicuous in the character of General Taylor, such as his simplicity, sincerity, manliness and honesty, are the very at- tributes that endear him to the masses. Nothing recommends a man more speedily to the affections of the people than the pre- sence of those homely and old-fashioned virtues which prove the sterling metal of his nature : « My service in Mexico frequently brought me near to General Taylor, and I was industrious in my examination of the actual char- acter of the man whenever opportunity was presented. I have no motive to deceive you, and you must take the impressions I received 8 / :v Taylor’s letter to clay. 85 upon the sanctuary of parental sorrow, and with no hope of admin istering any consolation to your wounded heart, that I have taken the liberty of addressing you these few lines ; but I have felt it a duty which I owe to the memory of the distinguished dead, to pay a willing tribute to his many excellent qualities, and while my feel- ings are still fresh, to express the desolation which his untimely loss and that of other kindred spirits has occasioned. “I had but a casual acquaintance with your son, until he became for a time a member of my military family, and I can truly say that no one ever won more rapidly upon my regard, or established a more lasting claim to my respect and esteem. Manly and honour- able in every impulse, with no feeling but for the honour of the service and of the country, he gave every assurance that in the hour of need I could lean with confidence upon his support. Nor was I disappointed. Under the guidance of himself and the lament- ed McKee, gallantly did the sons of Kentucky, in the thickest of the strife, uphold the honour of the state and the country. “A grateful people will do justice to the memory of those who fell on that eventful day. But I may be permitted to express the bereavement which I feel in the loss of valued friends. To your son I felt bound by the strongest ties of private regard ; and when I miss his familiar face, and those of McKee and Hardin, I can say with truth, that I feel no exultation in our success.” We close our sketches of General Taylor by the following just tribute to his abilities and integrity of character. At a barbacue given to the Kentucky volunteers at Jefferson town. Colonel Humphrey Marshall delivered a speech, in the course of which he spoke in the following terms of the character of Old Rough and Ready. It may be remarked that those qualities which are so conspicuous in the character of General* Taylor, such as his simplicity, sincerity, manliness and honesty, are the very at- tributes that endear him to the masses. Nothing recommends a man more speedily to the affections of the people than the pre- sence of those homely and old-fashioned virtues which prove the sterling metal of his nature : “ My service in Mexico frequently brought me near to General Taylor, and I was industrious in my examination of the actual char- acter of the man whenever opportunity was presented. I have no motive to deceive you, and you must take the impressions I received 8 86 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. for what they are worth. If I desired to express in the fewest words what manner of man General Taylor is, I should say that, in his* manners and his appearance, he is one of the common people of this country. He might be transferred from his tent at Monterey to this assembly, and he would not be remarked among this crowd of respectable old farmers as a man at all distinguished from those around him. Perfectly temperate in his habits, perfectly plain in his dress, entirely unassuming in his manners, he appears to be an old gentleman in fine health, whose thoughts are not turned upon his personal appearance, and who has no point about him to attract particular attention. In his intercourse with men, he is free, frank and manly ; he plays ofT none of the airs of some great men whom I have met. Any one may approach him as nearly as can be de- sired, and the more closely his character is examined the greater beauties it discloses. “1. He is an honest man. I do not mean by that merely that he does not cheat or lie. I mean that he is a man that never dissem- bles,' and who scorns all disguises. He neither acts a part among his friends for effect, nor assumes to be what he is not. Whenever he speaks you hear what he honestly believes ; and, whether right or wrong, you feel assurance that he has expressed his real opinion. His dealings with men have been of a most varied character, and I have never heard his honest name stained by the breath of the slightest reproach. “ 2. He is a man of rare good judgment. By no means possessed of that brilliancy of genius which attracts by its flashes, yet, like the meteor, expires even while you gaze upon it ; by no means possessing that combination of talent which penetrates instantly the abstrusest subject, and measures its length and breadth as if by in- tuition, General Taylor yet has that order of intellect which more slowly but quite as surely masters all that it engages, and examines all the combinations of which the subject is susceptible. When he announces his conclusions you feel confident that he well under- stands the ground upon which he plants himself, and you rest assured that the conclusion is the deduction of skill and sound sense faithfully applied to the matter in hand. It is this order of mind which has enabled him, unlike many other officers of the army, to attend to the wants of his family, by so using the means at his dis- posal as to surround himself in his old age with a handsome private CHARACTER OF TAYLOR. 87 fortune, and to be blessed with an almost perfect constitution. I would to-day prefer his advice in any matter of private interest — would take his opinion as to the value of an estate — would rather- follow his suggestions in a scheme where property or capital was to be embarked, would pursue more confidently his counsel where the management of an army was involved, or the true honour of my country was at stake, than that of any other man I have ever known. I regard his judgment as being first-rate at every thing, from a horse- trade up to a trade in human life upon the field of battle. “8. He is a firm man and possessed of great energy of character. It were a waste of time to dwell upon these traits of his character, for his military career has afforded such abundant examples of his exercise of these qualities as to render them familiar to every citizen who has ever read or heard of the man. In his army they are daily exhibited, and stand conspicuously displayed in every order which emanates from his pen. “ 4. He is a benevolent man. This quality has been uniformly displayed in his treatment of the prisoners who have been placed in his power by the vicissitudes of war. No man who had seen him after the battle of Buena Vista as he ordered the wagons to bring in the Mexican wounded from the battle-field, and heard him as he at once cautioned his own men that the wounded were to be treated with mercy, could doubt that he was alive to all the kinder impulses of our nature. The indiscretions of youth he chides with paternal kindness, yet with the decision which forbids their repetition ; and the young men of his army feel that it is a pleasure to gather around him, because there they are as welcome as though they visited the hearth-stone of their own home ; and they are always as freely in- vited to partake of what he has to offer as if they \vere under the roof of a father. His conduct in sparing the deserters who were captured at Buena Vista exhibited at the same time in a manner his benevolence and his judgment. ‘ Don’t shoot them*,’ said he : ‘the worst punishment I will inflict is to return them to the Mexican army.’ When Napoleon said to one of his battalions, ‘Inscribe it on their flag: No longer of the army of Italy,’ he used an expres- sion which w^as deemed so remarkable that history preserved it for the admiration of future ages ; yet it was not more forcible as an illustration of his power in touching the springs of human action 88 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. than is that of General Taylor illustrative of the manner in which he would make an example for the benefit of the army. “ 5. He is a man of business habits. I never have known General Taylor to give up a day to pleasure. I have never visited his quar- ters without seeing evidences of the industry with which he toiled. If his talented adjutant was surrounded with papers, so was. the ^ general. And though he would salute a visitor kindly, and* bid ^ him with familiar grace to amuse himself until he was at leisure, he never would interrupt the duties which his station called him to perform. When these were closed for the day, he seemed to enjoy to a remarkable degree, the vivacity of young officers, and to be glad to mingle in their society. As a conversationist, I do not think General Taylor possesses great power. He uses few words, and expresses himself with energy and force, but not fluently. His language is select. I would say, however, from the knowledge of the man, that he is entirely capable of producing any thing in the shape of an order or letter which has ever appeared over his signa- ture ; and, in saying so much, I understand myself as asserting that he is master of his mother tongue, and can write about as eflectively and handsomely as he can fight. Such, then, is the picture of the man — not of the general — who won my esteem. I am not in the habit of eulogizing men, and have indulged on this occasion because I desired to describe to you, with the exactness of truth, those quali- ties which, combined in General Taylor, made him appear to me as a first-rate model of a true American character. Others will dwell upon the chivalry he has so often displayed, and his greatness so conspicuously illustrated upon the field of battle. I formed my ideas of the man when he was free from duty, and had no motive to appear in any other light than such as was thrown upon him by nature, education and principle.” Note. — In tlie Philadelphia North American and Gazette of November 30th, 1847, is the following interesting description of the swords about to be presented to General Taylor and other officers ; — “ Our fellow-townsmen, Bailey and Kitchen, whose establishment is worthy to have been the laboratory of Benvenuto Cellini himself, have just completed three magnificent swords, intended as tributes to the gallantry of three brave officers — Major-General Zachary Taylor, Major-General William O. Butler, and Major P. N. Barber. We have never seen more elegant specimens of taste and skill j and the production of such articles 88 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR, than is that of General Taylor illustrative of the manner in which he would make an example for the benefit of the army. “ 5. He is a man of business habits, I never have known General Taylor to give up a day to pleasure. I have never visited his quar- ters without seeing evidences of the industry with which he toiled. If his talented adjutant was surrounded with papers, so was the general. And though he would salute a visitor kindly, and" bid him with familiar grace to amuse himself until he was at leisure, he never would interrupt the duties which his station called him to perform. When these were closed for the day, he seemed to enjoy to a remarkable^ degree, the vivacity of young officers, and to be glad to mingle in their society. As a conversationist, I do, not think General Taylor possesses great power. He uses few words, and expresses himself with energy and force, but not fluently. His language is select. I would say, however, from the knowledge of the man, that he is entirely capable of producing any thing in the shape of an order or letter which has ever appeared over his signa- ture,; and, in saying so much, I understand myself as asserting that he is master of his mother tongue, and can write about as effectively and handsomely as he can fight. Such, then, is the picture of the man — not of the general — who won my esteem. I am not in the habit of eulogizing men, and have indulged on this occasion because I desired to describe to you, with the exactness of truth, those quali- ties which, combined in' General Taylor, made him appear to me as a first-rate model of a true Smerican character. Others will dwell upon the chivalry he has so often displayed, and his greatness so conspicuously illustrated upon the field of battle. I formed my ideas of the man when he was free from duty, and had no motive to appear in any other light than such as was thrown upon him by nature, education and principle.” Note. — In the Philadelphia North American and Gazette of November 30th, 1847, is the following interesting description of the swords about to be presented to General Taylor and other officers “ Our fellow-townsmen, Bailey and Kitchen, whose establishment is worthy to have been the laboratory of Benvenuto Cellini himself, have just completed three magnificent swords, intended as tributes to the gallantry of three brave officers — Major-General Zachary Taylor, Major-General William 0. Butler, and Major P. N. Barber. We have never seen more elegant specimens of taste and skill ; and the production of such articles SWORDS FOR TAYLOR, ETC. 89 fairly entitle Messrs B. and K. to special notice and praise. The first of these splendid weapons, intended for General Taylor, has a gold scabbard, heavily mounted in fine chased gold, and ornamented with three large an4 beautiful Siberian carbuncles. The hilt is of mother-of-pearl and fine engraved gold alternating, and surmounted with a large and unusually rich Brazilian topaz. The blade is an exquisite piece of work, covered with neat and appropriate devices, among them being the arms of Ken- tucky, \vith the motto, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’ On the scab- bard is the following inscription : “ ‘ Presented by the people of Kentucky to Major-General Zachary Taylor, . as an, evidence of the opinion of his generalship, gallantry and firmness, in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey.’ (We would bore state that this sword was ordered before the battle of Buena Vista was fought, which accounts for this brilliant achievement not forming a part of the record here.) “The sword for General Butler, like that for General Taylor, is made according to the proscribed form of weapon for a Major-General; has a Silver grip, is ornamented in the head with a fine Brazilian topaz, and embellished in a style of similar elegance. It contains the following in- scription : “‘Presented by the people of Kentucky to Major-General William 0. Butler, in testimony of his daring gallantry in heading his brave division in the desperate charge against a battery in the battle of Monterey.’ “ The sword intended for Major Barber’s widow is a steel sabre, gold mounted, with silver grip, handsomely engraved and decorated, and having a pale topaz in the head. The inscription was as follows : “ ‘ Presented by the people of Kentucky to the widow of Major Philip Norbourne Barber, in testimony of his services as a patriot and his achieve- ments as a soldier, the chivalry of his life and the glory of his death.’ “ These swords were ordered by a committee of gentlemen appointed by Governor Owsley. They are to be in Frankfort at the opening of th-e next Legislature of the State of Kentucky.” 8 ^ I SWORDS FOR TAYLOR, ETC. 89 fairly entitle Messrs B. and K. to special notice and praise. The first of these splendid weapons, intended for General Taylor, has a gold scabbard, heavily mounted in fine chased gold, and ornamented with three large and beautiful Siberian carbuncles. The hilt is of mother-of-pearl and fine engraved gold alternating, and surmounted with a large and unusually ^m^h Brazilian topaz. The blade is an exquisite piece of work, covered neat and appropriate devices, among them being the arms of Ken- with the motto, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’ On the scab- ^^tJard is the following inscription : “ ‘ Presented by the people of Kentucky to Major-General Zachary Taylor, as an evidence of the opinion of his generalship, gallantry and firmness, in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey.’ (We would here state that this sword was ordered before the battle of Buena Vista was fought, which accounts for this brilliant achievement not forming a part of the record here.) “The sword for General Butler, like that for General Taylor, is made according to the prescribed form of weapon for a Major-General ; has a silver grip, is ornamented in the head with a fine Brazilian topaz, and embellished in a style of similar elegance. It contains the following in- scription : “ ‘ Presented by the people of Kentucky to Major-General William 0* Butler, in testimony of his daring gallantry in heading his brave division in the desperate charge against a battery in the battle of Monterey.’ “ The sword intended for Major Barber’s widow is a steel sabre, gold mounted, with silver grip, handsomely engraved and decorated, and having a pale topaz in the head. The inscription was as follows : “ ‘ Presented by the people of Kentucky to the widow of Major Philip Norbourne Barber, in testimony of his services as a patriot and his achieve- ments as a soldier, the chivalry of his life and the glory of his death.’ “These swords were ordered by a committee of gentlemen appointed by Governor Owsley. They are to be in Frankfort at the opening of th^ next Legislature of the State of Kentucky.” MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. General Worth was born in the city of Hudson, Columbia county, New York. The first of the name in this country came from Devonshire, England, and settled in Massachusetts in 1642. The general’s father followed the sea, was a man of character and capacity ; his mother was the daughter of Marshall Jenkins, Esq., one of the original proprietors of the city of Hudson. Worth was educated for, and bred up to mercantile pursuits ; but, as he once said to an acquintance, “he was not born to be a merchant;” meaning that his inclinations pointed another way, and that the cast and character of hi^ mind disqualified him for the avocation. On the declaration of war in 1812, he was a resident of Albany ; and though but eighteen years of age, determined at once to enter the service : but unable to get a commission, or impatient of the delay, which those who apply for office sometimes experience, he joined the army as a private secretary to Major-General Lewis, who finding him more inclined to the field than the desk, and having no vacancy in his own family, very kindly recommended him to Scott, who was then at the head of his brigade on the Canada frontier. Scott immediately appointed him his aid and placed him on his staff. In the active and spirited campaign which ensued, he distin- guished himself as a brave and gallant soldier. He was with Scott in the battles of Chippewa and Niagara, where he distinguished himself in a manner that won the entire approval of his able com- mander. “The family of General Scott,” says the commander. Brown, in his official report of Niagara, “ were conspicuous in the field, Lieutenant Smith, of the 6th infantry, the major of the brigade, and Lieutenants Worth and Watts his aids.” He was rewarded by government [August 19th, 1814] with a captaincy. At the celebrated battle of Niagara he received a severe wound, ( 90 ) GENERAL WORTH IN FLORIDA. 91 from the effects of which he still suffers occasionally. Throughout the whole of that terrible battle, however, he distinguished himself in a manner that gave unequivocal presage of his future ability ; and w'as officially rewarded by the brevet rank of major. After the war, he was for several years stationed at West Point, instructor of tactics. As major of ordnance, he commanded at ’Water vliet, was afterwards promoted to the rank of colonel, and assigned to the eighth regiment. As colonel. Worth was ordered to Florida, during the trying period of the Seminole war. After a tedious pursuit of the Indians, he forced them to battle [April 19th, 1842] at the Okeehumphee swamp, and gained a complete victory. Every trail made in their flight was taken and pursued till dark, and resumed the next day, the detachments marching twenty or thirty miles each day. The consequences of the battle were most beneficial. On the 4th of May, the active chief, Hallash Tustemuggee, with eighty of his band, came to the American head-quarters at Palatka, and surren- dered. On the 12th of August, Colonel Worth announced to govern- ment that the Florida war was ended ; and he was, consequently, ordered from Florida. The rank of brevet brigadier-general was conferred upon him, and he received many other testimonials of public favour. When the Indians renewed hostilities he was re- manded to Florida, and before the close of the year received the surrender of a large body of Creeks at Tampa. When General Taylor was appointed to organize a corps of ob- servation at Corpus Christi, General Worth received instructions to join him, which he did, acting as second in command. The army was left in his care when, on the march toward the Rio Grande, Taylor pushed toward Point Isabel, in order to establish there a depot. With his own hand, he planted the national colours on the bank opposite Matamoras. Unfortunately, during the short season of inactivity that ensued immediately after the arrival at this station, a dispute concerning etiquette arose between Worth and Colonel Twiggs, in consequence of which the former threw up his commission, and set out for Wash- ington. This course was adopted by Worth out of a pure sense of justice and professional dignity, and not from malice or envy. He assured his command at leaving, that could he at any time be 92 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. of service to them, or if, contrary to the complexion of affairs at that time, war should ensue, he would waive all etiquette, and hasten to resume some post of danger. He had scarcely reached Washington, when news arrived that the Mexicans had crossed the river, surrounded both American stations, and placed Taylor in im- minent danger. He immediately addressed the following note [dated May 9th, 1847, six o’clock, P. M.] to Adjutant-General Jones : “ Reliable information, which I have this moment received from the head-quarters of the army in front of Matarnoras, makes it not only my duty, but accords with my inclination, to request permis- sion to withdraw my resignation, and that I be ordered or permitted forthwith to return to, and take command of the troops from which I was separated on the 7th of April, &c.” The answer was as follows : — “ I have submitted to the Secretary of War your letter of this afternpon’s date, in which, for reasons stated, you request that your resignation, recently tendered, may be recalled, and you may be ordered or permitted forthwith to return and take command of the troops, from which you were separated. The motives which prompt this course on your part are fully appreciated, and I am directed to say that your request is complied with. You will, therefore, repair without delay to General Taylor’s head-quarters, and report to him accordingly.” Worth reached the Rio Grande in time to be present at the taking of Matarnoras, and was appointed as head of the delegation from the American army, to negotiate the capitulation. General Worth was extremely mortified in having missed the battles of May 8th and 9th, in consequence of his voluntary absence. Appreciating this feeling. General Taylor gave a rare proof of his disinterestedness and sympathy with a brother officer, by entrusting him with an independent command during the storming of Monterey. A description of the defences appertaining to this city is given in the biography of Taylor ; and against a chain of these, on Federa- cion and Independencia hills, was General Worth with the 2d divi- sion sent. His operations are thus described by himself: — “I have the honour to report that, in obedience to the verbal orders of the general-in-chief, the division under my command, composed of Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan’s battery of horse artillery, GENERAL WORTH AT MONTEREY. 93 artillery battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, and 8th regiment, Captain Scriver, constituting the first brigade, under Lieutenant- Colonel Staniford ; Lieutenant Mackall’s battery, horse artillery, 5th infantry, (Major Scott;) 17th, (Captain Miles;) and one com- pany Louisiana volunteers, (Captain Blanchard ;) 2d brigade, under Brigadier-General Persifer F. Smith, (colonel of rifles,) and Colonel Hays’s regiment of Texan mounted riflemen, moved from the main camp at El Bosque de St. Domingo at two o’clock P M. on the 20th. “ My instructions were by a detour to the right, to endeavour to find and reach the Saltillo road, effect a thorough reconnoissance of the approaches to the city from that direction, to cut off* supplies and reinforcements, and, if practicable, carry the heights. “ Owing to the difficulties of the ground after leaving the Marin, and before striking the Presquina Grande road, the division had reached only six miles, in consequence of the delay in making the route practicable for artillery, which service was performed by Cap- tain Sanders, at six o’clock, P. M., and was halted just without the range of a gun-battery on the summit of an isolated hill called Loma de Independencia, midway on the ascent of which was the Bishop’s Palace. Thence a reconnoissance was made, under cover of de- tachments of Hays’s Texans, to the intersection of the Presquina Grande route, then in our possession, with the Saltillo road. This examination resulted in the conviction that the grounds in our front and on our left, in advance, constituted at the sanae time the weak and the strong points of the enemy’s position, and entered mainly into the defences of the city — the weak point, because commanding the only lines of retreat and of supply in the direction of Saltillo, and controlling that in the direction of Presquina Grande ; the strong point, because of the peculiarly defensive character of the hills and gorges, and of the very careful and skilful manner with which they had been fortified and guarded. It was also clearly indicated that our further advance would be strenuously resisted. “ On the morning of the 21st, the division was put in motion, and with such formation as to present the readiest order of battle, on any point of assault. At six, the advance, consisting of Hays’s T’exans, supported by the light companies, 1st brigade, under Cap- tain C. F. Smith (both extended as the valley widened or con- tracted), closely followed by Duncan’s light artillery and battalion, 94 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. heads of columns, on turning an angle of the mountain at a hacienda called San Jeronimo^ came upon a strong force of cavalry and in- fantry, mostly the former. A conflict immediately ensued. The Texans received the heavy charge of cavalry with their unerring rifles and usual gallantry ; the light companies opened a rapid and well-directed fire ; Duncan’s battery was in action in one minute, (promptly supported by a section of Mackall’s,) delivering its fire over the heads of our men. Ere the close of the combat, which lasted but fifteen minutes, the 1st brigade had formed to the front, on the ri^ht and left, and delivered its fire. The 2d brio^ade was held in reserve, the ground not admitting of its deployment. The enem}?- retired in disorder (leaving on the ground one hundred killed and wounded ; among the former, Don Juan N. Najua, colonel of the permanent regiment of lancers,) upon the Saltillo road, and was closely pursued, until we got possession ©f the gorge, where all the debouches from Monterey unite, whereby the force just defeated, as also reinforcements and supplies from that direction, were ex- cluded from entering the city. At this important point the division was halted, and attention directed to the mountain forts which en- velope the city on its western and south-western faces. Soon dis- covering, however, that our position brought us within effective range of the batteries, the troops were advanced some eight hundred yards further on the Saltillo road. “ The examination, thus far, had manifested, besides the impor- tance of the positions, the impracticability of any effective operations against the city, until possessed of the exterior forts and batteries. Independent, however, of ulterior objects, the occupation of these heights became indispensable to the restoration of our lines of com- munication with head-quarters, necessarily abandoned for the mo- ment in order to secure the gorges of the Saltillo road. At twelve M., a force was detached under Captain C. F. Smith, with orders to storm the batteries on the crest of the nearest hill, called Federa^ cion., and after taking that, to carry the fort called Soldada, on the ridge of the same height, retired about 600 yards. The two effec- tually guarded the slopes and roads in either valley, and consequently the approaches to the city. This command consisted of four com- panies (K 2d, B 3d, and G and H 4th artillery,) of the artillery battalion, and Green’s, McGowan’s, R. A. Gillespie’s, Chandler’s, Ballone’s, and McCulloch’s companies of Texan riflemen, under worth’s operations at MONTEREY. 95 Major Chevalier, acting in co-operation — in all about three hundred effectives. It was impossible to mask the movement of the storm- ing party. On approaching the base of the mountain, the guns of both batteries opened a plunging fire, and numerous light troops were seen descending and arranging themselves at favourable points on the slopes. Perceiving the indications of determined resistance, Captain Miles was detached from the 7th, to support and co-operate with the first party. “ In a short time the fire became general, the enemy gradually yielding and retiring up the rugged acclivity, and our men as steadily pursuing. The appearance of heavy reinforcements on the summit, and the cardinal importance of the operation demanding further support, the 5th under Major Scott, and Blanchard’s compa- nies of volunteers were immediately detached, accompanied by Bri- gadier-General Smith, who was instructed to take direction in that quarter. On reaching the advance parties. General Smith discovered that under favour of the ground, he could, by directing a portion of the force to the right, and moving it obliquely up the hill, carry the Soldada simultaneously with the Federacion. He accordingly very judiciously pointed and accompanied the 5th, 7th, and Blanchard’s company in that direction. Captain Smith’s command having most gallantly carried the first object of attack, promptly turned the cap- tured gun — a nine-pounder — upon the second, and moved on with his main body to participate in the assault on Soldada, which was carried in gallant style by the forces under Scott, Miles, Blanchard, and Hays (who had been detached on special service, but who re- turned in time to share with fifty of his men in the first assault, and to take a prominent part in the second), the whole directed by General Smith. “At this point we secured another nine-pounder, and immediately both pieces were brought to bear upon the Bishop’s Palace, situated upon and midway the southern slope of the hill Independencia, a valley of only six hundred yards intervening. We had now secured an important advantage, and yet but half the work was done. The possession of these heights only made the more apparent the con- trolling importance of those opposite, and the necessity of occupying the palace. A violent storm ensued, and night closing in, operations for the day ceased. The troops had now been thirty-six hours without food, and constantly tasked to the utmost physical exertions. 96 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. Such as could be permitted slept with arms in hand, subjected to a pelting storm, and without covering till three A. M., when they were aroused to carry the hill Independencia. “ Lieutenant-Colonel Childs was assigned to lead the storming- parties, consisting of three companies, I and G (fourth), and A, (third artillery battalion;) three companies 8th infantry, (A, B, and D,) under Captain Scriven, with two hundred Texan riflemen, under Colonel Hays and Lieutenant-Colonel Walker (captain of rifles), acting in co-operation. The command moved at three, conducted to its point of ascent by Captain Sanders, military, and Lieutenant Meade, topographical engineers. Favoured by the weather, it reached by the dawn of day within about one hundred yards of the crest, in which position, among the clefts of rocks, a body of the enemy had been stationed the previous evening in apparent antici- pation of the attack. The enemy’s retreating fire was ineffectual, and not returned until Colonels Childs and Hays’ command had reached to within a few yards of the summit, when a well-directed and destructive fire, followed by the bayonet of the regulars and rush of the Texans, placed us in possession of the work ; the can- non having been previously withdrawn, no impression could be made upon the massive walls of the palace or its outworks, without artillery, except at enormous sacrifice. “ Lieutenant Rowland, of Duncan’s battery, was ordered from the main rank with a twelve-pound howitzer, and in two hours (aided by fifty men from the line, under Captain Sanders, military engi- neer, for the purpose of selecting the route least difficult) that enter- prising and gallant officer had his guns in position, having ascended an acclivity as rugged as steep, between seven and eight hundred feet in two hours. A fire was immediately opened from the howit- zer, covered by the epaulement of the captured battery, upon the palace and its outworks, four hundred yards distant, and soon pro- duced a visible sensation. Meanwhile, to reinforce the position, the 5th, Major Scott and Blanchard’s volunteers, had been passed from the first heights, and reached the second in time to participate in the operations against the palace. “ After many affairs of light troops and several feints, a heavy sortie was made, sustained by a strong corps of cavalry, with des- perate resolution, to repossess the heights. Such a move had been anticipated and prepared for. Lieutenant-Colonel Childs had ad- COLONEL CHILDS. worth’s operations at MONTEREY. 97 Tanced, under cover, two companies of light troops under the com- mand of Captain Vinton, acting major, and judiciously drawn up the main body of his command, flanked on the right by Hays, and 'eft by Walker’s Texans. The enemy advanced boldly, was repulsed by one general discharge from all arms, fled in confusion, closely pressed by Childs and Hays, preceded by the light troops under Vinton ; and while they fled past, our troops entered the palace and fort. In a few moments the unpretending flag of our union had replaced the gaudy standard of Mexico. The captured guns — one six-inch howitzer, one twelve, and two nine-pounder brass guns, together with Duncan’s and Mackall’s field-batteries, which came up at a gallop, were in full and effective play upon the retiring and confused masses that filled the street (of which we had the prolongation) leading to the nearest plaza. La Capella^ also crowded with troops. At this moment the enemy’s loss was heavy. The investment was now complete. Except the forces necessary to hold the positions on Independencia and serve the guns (shifted to points where the shot could be made to reach the great plaza), the division was now concentrated around the palace, and prepara- tion made to assault the city on the following day, or sooner, should the general-in-chief either so direct, or, before communication be had, renew the assault from the opposite quarter. In the mean time attention was directed to every provision our circumstances per- mitted, to alleviate the condition of our wounded soldiers and officers ; to the decent interment of the dead, not omitting in either respect all that was due to those of the enemy. “ About ten A. M., on the 23d, a heavy fire was heard in the op- posite quarter. Its magnitude and continuance, as well as other j^ircumstances, did not permit a doubt that the general was conduct- !ng a main attack ; and that his orders for my co-operation (having io travel a circuit of some six miles) had miscarried or failed to leach me, by means of the numerous cavalry of the enemy. Under these convictions, the troops were instantly ordered to commence an operation, which, if not otherwise directed, I had designed to exe- cute in part, under favour of the night. Two columns of attack were organized, to move along the two principal streets, leading from our position, in direction of the great plaza, composed of light troops slightly extended, with orders to mask the men whenever practicable, avoid those points swept by the enemy’s artillery, to 9 E 98 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. press on to the first plaza, Capella, to get hold of the ends of streets beyond, then enter the buildings, and by means of picks and bars break through the longitudinal section of the walls, work from house to house, and ascending the roofs, to place themselves on the same breast-height with the enemy. Light artillery by sections and pieces, under Duncan, Roland, Mackall, Martin, Hays, Irons, Clarke, and Curd, followed at suitable intervals, covered by reserves to guard the pieces and the whole operation against the probable en- terprises of cavalry upon our left. This was effectually done by seizing and commanding the head of every cross street. The streets were, at different and well-chosen points, barricaded by heavy ma- sonry walls, with embrasures for one or more guns, and in every instance well supported by cross batteries. These arrangements of defence gave to our operations at this moment a complicated cha- racter, demanding much care and precaution ; but the work went on steadily, simultaneously, and successfully. About the time our assault commenced, the fire ceased from our force in the opposite quarter. Disengaged on the one side, the enemy was enabled to shift men and guns to our quarter, as was soon manifested by accu- mulation of fire. At dark we had worked through the walls and squares, and reached to within one block of the great plaza, leaving a covered way in our rear — carried a large building which towered over the principal defences, and during the night and ensuing morn- ing, crowned its roof with two howitzers and a six-pounder. All things were now prepared to renew the assault at dawn of day, when a flag was sent on, asking a momentary suspension of fire, which led to the capitulation upon terms so honourable to our arms. “As the columns of attack were moving from the palace hill, Major Munroe, chief of artillery, reached me with a ten-inch mortar, which was immediately advanced to the plaza, chapel, put in posi- tion masked by the church wall, its bed adjusted as rapidly, as pos- sible, and by sunset opened upon the great square. At this period, our troops had worked to within one square of the plaza ; the exact position of our comrades, on the opposite side, was not known, and the distance of the position to be assailed by the bomb battery, but conjecturing eight hundred yards was assumed, and the fuze and charge regulated accordingly ; the first shell fell a little short of the point on which it was directed, and beside our troops ; a slight in- crease of the projecting charge gave exact results. The whole worth’s operations at MONTEREY. 99 service was managed by Major Miinroe, most admirably, and, com- bined with other operations, exercised a decided influence upon the final results. Early on the morning of the 23d, Major Brown’s artillery battalion was despatched with a select command, and one section of Mackall’s battery, under Lieutenant Irons, to occupy the stone mill and adjacent grounds, constituting, one league in advance, the narrow gorge near St. Catarina. The major took possession, repulsed the enemy’s pickets, and was preparing his command to resist any attack, when he received my orders to retrace his steps, enter the city, and form the main reserve to the assaulting columns. He came up in good time and in good order, and was at once under fire. “ On the 25th, in conformity to the articles of capitulation, the citadel was taken possession of by a command consisting of two companies of each regiment, and one section of each battery, second division. General Smith was directed to take command of this corps, and conduct the ceremony ; which duty he executed with delicacy to the unhappy and humiliated foe. “You will receive lists of captured munitions of war, lists of such as were surrendered having already been handed in. It is a source of high gratification that we have been able to accomplish such fortunate results with so moderate a sacrifice of gallant men. Annexed is a return of killed and wounded, exhibiting dates, actions, and cir- cumstances. “ When every officer and every soldier, regular and volunteer, has, through a series of harassing and severe conflicts, in the valley and on the mountain, in the street and on the house-top, cheerfully, bravely, and successfully executed every service and complied with every exaction of valour and patriotism, the task is as difficult as delicate, to distinguish individuals ; and yet it will always happen, as it has always happened in the varied scenes of battle and siege, that fortune presents to some those opportunities which all would have seized with gladness and avidity. It is my pleasing and grate- ful duty to present to the consideration of the general-in-chief, and through him to the government, the distinguished conduct of Briga* dier-General Smith, colonel of rifles. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, artillery battalion. Colonel Hays, Texan riflemen. Brevet Captain C. F. Smith, 2d artillery, commanding light troops first brigade. 100 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. “ My thanks are also especially due to Lieutenant-Colonel Stani- ford, 8th, (commanding first brigade,) Major Munroe, chief of artil- lery, (general staff;) Brevet-Major Brown, Captain J. R. Vinton, artillery battalion ; Captain J. B. Scott, artillery battalion light troops ; Major Scott, commanding, and Captain Merrill, 5th ; Cap- tains Miles, commanding. Holmes and Ross, 7th infantry, and Cap- tain Scriven, commanding 8th infantry ; to Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, (captain rifles,) Major Chevalier and Captain McCulloch, of the Texan, and Captain Blanchard, Louisiana volunteers; to Lieutenants Mackall, (commanding battery,) Roland, Martin, Hays, Irons, Clarke, and Curd, horse artillery ; Lieutenant Longstreet, commanding light company, 8th ; Lieutenant Ayres, artillery bat- talion, who was among the first in the assault upon the Palace, and who secured the colours. Each of the officers named, either headed special detachments, columns of attack, storming parties, or detached guns, and all were conspicuous for conduct and courage. “ My attention has been particularly directed by General Smith, to the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Gardner, 7th infantry, during the assault upon the city ; on which occasion he threw himself in advance, and on the most exposed points, animating his men by his brave example. Particular attention has also been called to the Lieutenants Nicholls, (brothers) Louisiana volunteers, as having highly distinguished themselves by personal daring and efficient service. The officers of brigade and regimental staff were con- spicuous in the field, or in their particular departments. Lieutenants Hanson, (commanding,) Vanhorn, aidTde-camp, 7th; Lieutenant Robison, 5th, (quartermaster’s department,) on the staff of General Smith; Lieutenant and Adjutant Clark, 8th infantry, staff 1st brigade; Lieutenant Benjamin, adjutant artillery battalion — Peck, ordnance officer, artillery battalion ; G. Deas, adjutant 5th ; and Page, adjutant 7th infantry, are highly commended by their respec- tive chiefs, to the justness of which I have the pleasure to add my personal observation. In common with the entire division, my par- ticular thanks are tendered to Assistant Surgeons, Porter, (senior,) Byrne, Conrad, De Leon, and Roberts, (medical department,) who were ever at hand in the close fight, promptly administering to the wounded and suffering soldier. “ To the officers of the staff, general and personal, more espe- cially associated with myself — Hon. Colonel Balie Peyton, Louisi- COMMENDATION OF OFFICERS. 101 ana troops, who did me the honour to serve as aid-de-camp; Cap- tain Sanders, military engineers ; Lieutenant Meade, topographical engineers ; Lieutenants E. Deas, Daniels, and Ripley, quartermas- ter’s and commissary’s staff ; and Lieutenants Pemberton, 4th artil- lery, and Wood, 8th infantry, my aids-de-camp— I have to express the greatest obligation. In such diversified operations during the three days and nights, they were constantly in motion, performing every executive duty, with zeal and intelligence only surpassed by daring courage in conflict. I beg to commend each to special con- sideration. “ We have to lament the gallant Captains McKavett, 8th infantry, an officer of high merit, killed on the 21st, and Gillespie, Texas volunteers, on the 22d. The latter eminently distinguished himself while leading his brave company at the storming of the first height, and perished in seeking similar distinction on a second occasion ; Captain Gatlin and Lieutenant Potter, 7th, Lieutenant Rossell, 5th, and Wainwright, 8th infantry, and Lieutenant Reece, Texas rifle- men, received honourable, happily not mortal wounds. “ The following non-commissioned officers are reported as having highly distinguished themselves : Sergeants Hazard, 4th, and Dil- worth, 3d artillery ; Quartermaster Sergeant Henry, 7th infantry ; Cross, company C; Rounds, Bradford, (colour sergeants,) and Nogg, company E ; Bailey, company I, and Ballard, 7th infantry. “ In the several conflicts with the division, the enemy’s loss is ascertained to exceed four hundred and fifty men, four nine-pounders, one twelve-pounder brass gun, one twenty-four-pounder howitzer, and two national (garrison) standards captured.” Samuel C. Reid, in his excellent work, “ Scouting Expeditions of the Texas Rangers,” gives this vivid account of the street-fight in which Worth’s men were engaged ; — “ Every street was barricaded with heavy works of masonry, the walls being some three or four feet thick, with embrasures for one or more guns, which raked the streets ; the walls of gardens and sides of houses were all loop-holed for musketry ; the tops of the houses were covered with troops, who were sheltered behind para- pets some four feet high, upon which were piled sand-bags for their better protection, and from which they showered down a hurricane of halls. “ Between three and four o’clock, from the cessation of the fire 9 * 102 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. in the opposite direction, it was evident that the enemy had become disengaged, which enabled them to draw off men and guns to our side, as their fire had now become almost doubly increased. The street-fight became appalling — both columns were now closely en- gaged with the enemy, and steadily advanced inch by inch — our artillery was heard rumbling over the paved streets, galloping here and there as the emergency required, and pouring forth a blazing fire of grape and ball — volley after volley of musketry, and the con- tinued peals of artillery became almost deafening. The artillery of both sides raked the streets, the balls striking the houses with a ter- rible crash, while amid the roar of battle were heard the battering instruments used by the Texans. Doors were forced open, walls were battered down, entrances made through the longitudinal walls, and the enemy driven from room to room, and from house to house, followed by the shrieks of women, and the sharp crack of Texan rifles. Cheer after cheer was heard in proud and exulting defiance, as the Texans or regulars gained the house-tops by means of lad- ders,' while they poured in a rain of bullets upon the enemy on the opposite houses.” The same writer thus speaks of General Worth : — “The position General Worth then occupied might have been considered as critical as it was dangerous. Separated from the main body of the army — his communication cut off, and no possible route less than eight miles to retain it — with but scanty supplies of pro- visions for four days, surrounded by gorges and passes of the moun- tains, from whose summits belched forth the destructive shot, shell, and grape, he was liable at any moment to be attacked by an over- whelming force in the direction of Saltillo, which had been reported to be daily expected, and which would have placed his command in the very jaws of the enemy. For although holding the gorges and passes of the Saltillo road, yet a superior force from the advance would certainly have forced him back to, and have turned upon him the very passes which he then held. It was feared too, from his impetuous nature, that he would rush his command into unnecessary danger by some rash and desperate attempt. But it was not so. He was collected, calm, and cool, and bore himself with that proud, resolute, and commanding mien, giving his orders with promptness and decision, which inspired men and officers alike with confidence. He never appeared better than on that day ; and all felt that with WORTH’S OPERATIONS AT MONTEREY. 103 Worth they were sure of victory. He knew that General Taylor had staked the issue of the battle on him, and he felt the great and weighty responsibility that rested on the course he should pursue. As he surveyed with his glass the enemy’s works before him, he seemed to feel that not a moment was to be lost. He saw at once that it would be necessary to carry by storm the battery on Federa- cion hill, situated on the right bank of the San Juan de Monterey, as well as the fort on the ridge of the same height, called Soldada, about six hundred yards from the battery on the crest of the hill, as these two batteries commanded the approaches from the Saltillo road, as well as the egress from the city. For this purpose. Captain C. F. Smith of the 2d artillery was ordered to proceed with his own, and three companies of the artillery battalion, commanded by Lieutenants Shackelford, Van Vliet, and Phelps — ^accompanied by Lieutenant Edward Deas, of the quartermaster’s staff, and Lieute- nant Gibson, together with two companies of the Texas Rangers (dismounted), under our brave and gallant Major Chevalier, com- manded by Captains Gillespie, Ballowe, McCulloch, Chandler, Green, and McGowan. The whole command numbered in all three hundred men, more than half of whom were Rangers. “ It was now about twelve o’clock, and the meridian sun poured down its hottest rays. Before us stood the steep and rugged hill, about three hundred and eighty feet high, whose slopes were covered with thick and thorny chapparal. With a glass could be seen the swarm of Mexicans that crowned the height, while its cannon that looked down in defiance at us, seemed to threaten with annihilation all who dared approach. The daring of the expedi- tion was thought to be one of the last hope ; and men looked for- ward to meet death calmly in the face, as they felt that it was only by great sacrifice that they could gain a victory. General Worth rode up as the command moved off, and pointing to the height said : — ‘Mm you are to take that hill and I know you will do it.'* With one response they replied : — ‘We will f and those who be- fore had felt a doubt as to its practicability, now became reanimated and felt themselves invincible. The words of Worth had nerved every arm, and hearts swelled with that proud feeling of enthu- siasm, which makes men indomitable before the foe. The command took up its line of march along the Saltillo road, and then struck off' to the right through fields of corn and sugar, in single file, in 104 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. order to conceal, as far as possible, the movement from the enemy. On we hurried in double quick time, brustling through the rows of cane and corn towards the river bank. It was soon evident that we were discovered, and while yet in the fields, the batteries opened upon us a fierce and plunging fire, enveloping the crown of the hill with smoke, through which could be seen the blazing of the cannon, which seemed to vie with the sunbeams’ glare. On we pressed toward their murderous artillery, until we gained the bank of the rapid stream, which we had to cross. Unprotected and exposed to the very face of the enemy, a terrific storm of shot and grape was now poured into our ranks. Nothing daunted the men rushed into the sweeping current, waist deep, while the enemy’s shot, as it struck the water, sent forth a hissing sound, and made the river boil and foam with the whistling windage of their venomous copper balls. Bravely did our men stem the torrent amid the shower of galling grape, and soon we reached the opposite bank and clam- bered up the rocky steep without the loss of a man.” W orth was appointed principal of the delegation to negotiate the capitulation, and contributed more than any other man to a final adjustment of the unfortunate issues which arose during the deli- berations. While Taylor remained at Monterey, Worth with twelve hun- dred men and eight pieces of artillery, marched against Saltillo, of which he took possession without the slightest opposition. Here he remained until the middle of January, when he was ordered to pro- ceed with the regulars and volunteers of the army to join General Scott at Vera Cruz. On arriving at the coast. General Worth soon convinced all around him that his part in the siege was to be an active one. He is among the very few officers mentioned by Commodore Conner in his description of the landing. The latter has the following lan- guage descriptive of that brilliant scene : — “The anchorage near this place being extremely contracted, it became necessary, in order to avoid crowding it with an undue number of vessels, to transfer most of the troops to the vessels of war for transportation to Sacrificios. Accordingly, on the morning of the 9th, at daylight, all necessary preparations — such as launch- ing and numbering the boats, detailing officers, &c., — having been previously made, this transfer was commenced. The frigates TROOPS LANDED AT VERA CRUZ. 105 received on board between twenty-five and twenty-eight hundred men each, with their arms and accoutrements, and the sloops and smaller vessels numbers in proportion. This part of the movement was completed very successfully about eleven o’clock A. M., and a few minutes thereafter the squadron under my command, accompa- nied by the commanding general, in the steamship Massachusetts, and such of the transports as had been selected for the purpose, got under way. “The weather was very fine — indeed we could not have been more favoured in this particular than we were. We had a fresh and yet gentle breeze from the south-east, and a perfectly smooth sea. The passage to Sacrificios occupied us between two and three hours. Each ship came in and anchored without the slightest disorder or confusion, in the small space allotted to her — the har- bour being still very much crowded, notwithstanding the number of transports we had left behind. The disembarkation commenced on the instant. “ Whilst we were transferring the troops from the ships to the surf-boats (sixty-five in number), I directed the steamers Spitfire and Vixen, and the five gun-boats, to form a line parallel with and close in to the beach, to cover the landing. This order was prompt- ly executed, and these small vessels, from the lightness of their draught, were enabled to take positions within good grape-range of the shore. As the boats severally received their compliments of troops, they assembled in a line, abreast, between the fleet and the gun-hoats ; and when all were ready, they pulled in together, under the guidance of a number of officers of the squadron, who had been detailed for this purpose. General Worth commanded this, the first line of the army, and had the satisfaction of forming his com- mand on the beach and neighbouring heights just before sunset. Four thousand five hundred men were thus thrown on shore, almost simultaneously. No enemy appeared to ofier us the slightest oppo- sition. The first line being landed, the boats in successive trips re- lieved the men-of-war and transports of the remaining troops, by ten o’clock P. M. The wffiole army (save a few straggling companies), consisting of upwards of ten thousand men, were thus safely depo- sited on shore, without the slightest accident of any kind.” An eye-witness of the same scene says : “ General Worth, certainly the most useful man in command E* 106 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. here, had a smart brush with a body of Mexicans last night [March 12th] and this morning, in which they were beaten. A cemetery about one mile from the city was taken possession of, and fortified by General Worth.” From the very nature of a siege, few individuals save the artiller- ists are able to distinguish themselves. Worth, however, received the commendations of General Scott, and was appointed to-negotiate the terms of surrender. He also attended while the city was being evacuated by the Mexicans, and was subsequently appointed mili- tary governor. This office he held only for a short time, moving with the army in its march toward the Mexican capital. At Sierra Gordo, he marched with his whole division to support the left of General Twiggs, in the attack upon the main fort. During the whole time he was exposed to the full range of the enemy’s fire, but in unison with his brother officer gallantly carried the redoubt, and completely routed the garrison. On the 22d of April, Worth captured the town and castle of Pe- rote,‘ one of the strongest in Mexico. It contained immense quanti- ties of ammunition, ordnance, small arms and other military stores. On the 16th of May he approached the city of Puebla. Here Santa Anna had a portion of his army, with which he was collecting pro- visions and other stores. As Worth approached, he was met by about fifteen hundred lancers, and a skirmish ensued on the plains of Amasoca, in which the enemy lost ten in killed and wounded. They retreated, and were pursued over the plain, and through the streets of the city. Santa Anna fled at the same time, with the re- maining portion of his troops. “ The city of Puebla is located on a plain, and the main posi- tion of the place is nearly level, the streets a little wider than those of any Mexican towns I have seen — the style of building is nearly the same throughout the city; and taking it all through, is the best built town or city I have ever seen, and the people are the worst population with which I have ever come in contact. The streets are daily more crowded than either Chartres, Camp, or St. Charles streets, of New Orleans, and depravity, vice and degradation are depicted in every expression of the great mass, from the infant to the aged and infirm. It seems utterly inconceivable that a popula- tion of this kind should inhabit such a beautiful and well-built city. The population, I heard before my arrival, was about thirty thou- DESCRIPTION OF PUEBLA. 107 sand ; from all the information I can get I do not think it contains less than sixty thousand souls. The people of this place (los Pue blanos) are noted throughout the whole of Mexico for their villany and their turbulent spirit. I am free to confess that I do not think there is as much religion, and as little morality, in any town on the continent of America, as can be found here. The mass of the peo- ple are very poor, while the rich are very rich — the poor are always ready to* engage in crimes of every shape and hue, and prefer vice to labour for the purpose of procuring the necessary means of sup- port. There are upwards of one hundred churches, seven hundred priests, and the value of the church property is a little over one hundred and forty-eight millions of dollars. The churches are all of a very superior order. It is impossible to convey an idea of the magnificence of the cathedral. I have heard men who have seen every public building in the United States, and many of those in foreign countries, state that they have never seen any building that would, in the least degree, compare with the elegance and gorgeous- ness of this building and its decorations — the large paintings, solid massive gold and gilded carved work, are all of the finest style, and are so arranged as to present the appearance of sublimity. Although there are a great number of designs and paintings, there does not appear to be too many or too few, but just enough to show well. Like all other places in this country, Puebla has its places of amuse- ment and resort. The Almeda (a large public garden) with its wide walks, blooming flowers, flowing fountains, and shading trees, all within a permanent and neat enclosure — theatres, amphitheatre for bull-fighting, cockpits, etc., to all of which the men, women and children flock in great crowds at certain seasons of the year, for the purpose of enjoying such festivities as may ‘be on hand.’ Bull- fighting is their great national amusement, which usually takes place on Sundays and feast days, so that it may not interfere with their usual business. Church in the morning, and bull-fighting in the evening, and a fandango at night. Men, women and children, of all ages and conditions, visit the arena as a usual pastime amusement. When the desperate conflict commences, they all, male and female, become excited alike, the men rewarding the victors with roars of applause, and the ladies with the waving of white handkerchiefs. The climate is a most pleasant one, the temperature varying but little between winter and summer — the nights being cool enough to 108 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. make sleeping under a blanket comfortable, and the days warm enough to be agreeable, the heat not oppressive, and juleps desirable in which we have the opportunity of indulging. Snow and ice are daily brought down from the mountains, and hawked through the streets for sale. From the peculiar adaptation of the climate and soil to the culture of all kinds of fruit, grain, and vegetables, there is one of the best supplied markets here I have ever seen — there is an abundance of all the fruits and vegetables of the northern parts of the United States, together with those of the south and West In- dies. The meats and fowl are very fine, and the supply good, though, unlike our country, it is never offered for sale in the public market- places, but usually kept in private store-houses in diflbrent parts of the city. The rainy season has fairly commenced, but I cannot say it is at all unpleasant — the sun shines out fair and brilliant in the morning, and so continues until about two o’clock, when suddenly a dark heavy cloud makes its appearance on the mountain-side, and soon passes over the valley, enveloping it in darkness, and pouring out its floods of water, which completely drench the earth for about four hours, when the rain usually ceases ; in half an hour the streets are as dry as if there had not been a rain for twelve months — all classes and conditions again sally out into the streets, and the city soon becomes the theatre of a motley crowd ; those who can lay any claim to decency are the more gay and lively, while vice and im- morality, as if invigorated by a short respite, come out in all the gay and inviting dresses calculated to allure and deceive.” Puebla became the head-quarters of the army until the 8th of August, when General Scott commenced his march for the capital. He led the advance while marching around Lake Chaleo, and was the first to reach the hacienda of San Gregoria, when a halt was ordered, in consequence of General Twiggs having met a large force of the enemy near Chaleo. On the 17th, General Worth renewed his march over a terribly bad road, but by eight o’clock in the morning he was in sight of the domes and spires of the capital, without any opposition, except that rocks had been rolled into the road, and ditches dug, evidently showing that General Scott had stolen a march on Santa Anna. On reaching this point, however, a scattering fire was opened by a force stationed in an advantageous position, which was soon silenced by Colonel Smith’s light battalion of the 2d artillery, under Major Galb. MARCH ON THE CAPITAL. 109 Another attack was shortly after made, but again the enemy’s pickets were driven in without loss. At seven o’clock on the 18th, General Scott arrived at San Au- gustine, and at ten o’clock General Worth was in full march for the city of Mexico by the main road. Majors Smith and Turnbull, Captain Mason and other engineer officers, were sent in advance, supported by Captain Blake’s squadron of dragoons, to reconnoitre, when a masked battery was opened on them, and the first ball from an eighteen-pounder killed Captain Thornton of the 2d dragoons, besides seriously wounding a guide. Colonel Garland’s brigade was ordered to occupy a position in plain sight of the enemy’s batteries at San Antonio, whilst Colonel Stark’s brigade and Duncan’s battery took their station in the rear close by. A party was then sent out to reconnoitre to ascertain the practicability of finding a road by which the village of San Angel could be reached, and the stronghold of San Antonio thus turned ; this party had a skirmish with the enemy, killing five or six, and taking as many prisoners, without losing a man. The result of the reconnoissance was favourable, and it was ascer- tained that a read could be made. The Mexicans were plainly seen in force near Bronteras, and at a council held that night it was de- termined to attack them in the morning. While this reconnoissance was going on. General Worth had established himself at the hacienda of Buvera, from the windows of which countless numbers of the enemy could be seen at work upon the batteries of San Antonio. About noon they opened upon the h'acienda with both round shot and shell. Nearly every shot took effect, but did no damage, except to the buildings. Late in the evening they ceased firing, and were silent during the remainder of the night. Had the fire been kept up, the hacienda might have been torn to pieces, and the entire command compelled to retire. At eight o’clock on the morning of the 19th, the batteries again opened on General Worth’s position. So hot was the fire that the troops were compelled to gain shelter behind the buildings, but did not give up their position. About nine o’clock the divisions of Twiggs and Pillow were ordered to march in the direction of Bron- teras, and by one o’clock in the afternoon were in plain sight of the enemy’s batteries, and within range of the heavier guns. The bri- gade of Colonel P. F. Smith was ordered to advance directly towards 10 110 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. \ the enemy’s works, whilst that of Colonel Riley moved towards a small village at the right, and thus cut off reinforcements which might be sent to Valencia from the city. An incessant fire was opened on Colonel Smith’s command, and soon the rifles were en- gaged with the pickets of the enemy, driving them in. The twelve- pounder battery of Captain Magruder, and the mountain howitzer batteries now commanded by Lieutenant Callender of the ordnance department, were pressed forward and opened on the enemy, but were so much exposed to a fire from heavier guns, that they were soon silenced. Lieutenants Johnson and Callender were seriously wounded. At three o’clock, General Cadwalader was ordered out to support Colonel Riley — heavy reinforcements having been seen on their way out from the city, whilst General Pierce was sent to sustain General Smith. The firing from the enemy’s batteries was inces- sant. About four o’clock General Scott arrived, and seeing the immense strength of the Mexicans, at once ordered General Shields’ brigade to support Riley and Cadwalader, and prevent, if possible, a junction of the forces coming out of the city, with those of Valen- cia. But few of the movements of our troops could be seen, but every motion of the enemy was visible. The order of battle of Valencia was most imposing. His infantry was seen drawn up to support the batteries, whilst long lines of the enemy’s cavalry were stationed in the rear, as if awaiting the shock of the battle. Two separate charges of the latter were distinctly seen to be re- pulsed by Colonel Riley. Until night had fairly closed in, the firing from the enemy s batteries had not slackened ; it had been a con- tinuous roar for nearly six hours. General Scott retired to San Augustine about eight o’clock, in the midst of a hard rain, and Generals Twiggs and Pillow came in about eleven o’clock, completely exhausted, not anticipating the great strength of the works of the enemy. It was thought that the batteries could be taken at a dash, and that the troops would be comfortably quartered at San Angel for the night ; instead of this a large portion of them were compelled to bivouack, without blankets, in the midst of a pitiless storm. On the morning of the 20th, General Worth was ordered to move a part of his division (Garland’s brigade) to aid in the attack on Valencia, for to force this position was deemed indispensable. At seven o’clock, a few discharges 'of cannon were heard, and SAN ANTONIO CAPTURED. Ill the rattling of musketry, and some even said, that in the distance horses of the enemy could be seen flying towards the city, yet few deemed that the batteries had been stormed and carried, yet it was so. General Scott, accompanied by General Worth, started for the scene of action, when they were met by Captain Mason, with the joyful intelligence that Valencia had been completely routed after a terrible struggle. The attack upon his works was planned by General Smith, and resulted in the capture of fifteen pieces of artillery and some fifteen hundred prisoners, among them Generals Blanco, Garcia, Mendoza and the notorious Salas. He also captured all the ammunition and camp furniture, and the road over which those who escaped fled was strewed with muskets. No less than seven hundred of the enemy, among them many officers, were left dead upon the field, whilst the number of wounded was far greater. The works of Bronteras were completely in the power of the American army. General Scott at once ordered General Worth to fall back on San Antonio, to tun:i and capture that work, and then push on towards the capital by* the main road, whilst the main body of the army moved on towards San Angel and Cohoycam. General Twiggs had scarcely moved a half a mile beyond the lat- ter village, when a rattling fire of musketry announced that our forces was actively engaged with the outposts of the enemy, and the heavy booming of cannon now gave token that the noted second division had fallen on another strong work. A few minutes more and a tremendous firing from the right made it evident that General Worth’s division was also actively engaged ; he had completely turned the strong works of San Antonio, but while doing so, the enemy had abandoned the place with a loss of three heavy guns, and had fallen back on a second and stronger line of works. It was now^ one o’clock, P. M., and about the commencement of the battles, and such a rattling of fire-arms has seldom or never been heard on the continent of America, accompanied with such booming of artillery ; and this was continued over two hours, when the enemy was completely routed from every point, and until those who were not killed or taken prisoners were in full flight for the city. The strength of the enemy in this battle is known to have been 112 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. fifteen or twenty thousand, all fresh troops, and occupying a posi- tion of uncommon strength. Opposed to them were about six thou- sand Americans, jaded and broken down by marches, counter- marches, and incessant toil. After these brilliant victories the succeeding armistice delayed the operations of the army more than two weeks ; but as all attempts to conclude a treaty had failed, both armies prepared for another despe- rate struggle. On the 7th, the American army commenced recon- noissances of the enemy’s positions, with the purpose of making an immediate attack. “ The same afternoon,” says General Scott, “ a large body of the enemy was discovered hovering about the Molinos del Bey, within a mile and a third of this village, where I am quartered with the general staff and Worth’s division. “It might have been supposed that an attack upon us was in- tended ; but knowing the great value to the enemy of those mills, (Molinos del Bey,) containing a cannon foundry, with a large de- posit of powder in Casa Mata near them ; and having heard, two days before, that many church bells had been sent out to be cast into guns, the enemy’s movement was easily understood, and I resolved, at once, to drive him early the next morning, to seize the powder, and to destroy the foundry. “Another motive for this decision — leaving the general plan of attack upon the city for full reconnoissances — was, that we knew our recent captures had left the enemy not a fourth of the guns ne- cessary to arm, all at the same time, the strong works at each of the eight city gates ; and we could not cut the communication between the capital and the foundry without first taking the formidable castle on the heights of Chapultepec, which overlooked both and stood between. “For this difficult operation we were not entirely ready; and, moreover, we might altogether neglect the castle, if, as we then hoped, our reconnoissances should prove that the distant southerri approaches to the city were more eligible than this south-western approach. “Hence the decision promptly taken, the execution of which was assigned to Brevet Major-General Worth, whose division was reinforced with Cadwalader’s brigade of Pillow’s division, three squadrons of dragoons under Major Sumner, and some heavy guns BATTLE OF MOLINO DEL KEY. 113 of the siege-train under Captain Huger, of the ordnance, and Cap- tain Drum, of the 4th artillery — two officers of the highest merit “ For the decisive and brilliant results, I beg to refer to the report of the immediate commander, Major-General Worth, in whose com- mendations of the gallant officers and men, dead and living, I heartily concur ; having witnessed, but with little interference, their noble devotion to fame and to country.” General Worth gives the following graphic account of this battle : “ Sir : Under the inconvenient circumstances incident to recent battle, and derangement from loss of commanders — staff, commis- sioned, and non-commissioned — and amid the active scenes resulting therefrom, I proceed to make a report, in obedience to the orders of the general-in-chief, of the battle of El Molino del Rey, fought and won on the 8th of September, 1847, by the first division, reinforced as follows : “ 1st. Three squadrons of dragoons and one company of mounted riflemen — two hundred and seventy men, under Major Sumner, 2d dragoons. “ 2d. Three pieces of field artillery, under Captain Drum. “ 3d. Two battering guns, (twenty-four-pounders,) under Cap- tain Huger. “ 4th. Cadwalader’s brigade, seven hundred and eighty-four strong, consisting of the voltigeur regiment, the 11th and 14th regi- ments of infantry. “ Having, in the course of the 7th, accompanied the general-in- chief on a reconnoissance of the formidable dispositions of the enemy near and around the castle of Chapultepec, they were found to exhibit an extended line of cavalry and infantry, sustained by a field-battery of four guns, occupying directly, or sustaining a system of defences collateral to the castle and summit. This examination gave fair observation of the configuration of the grounds and the extent of the enemy’s force ; but, as appeared in the sequel, an in- adequate idea of the nature of his defences, they -being skilfully masked. “The general-in-chief ordered that my division, reinforced as be- fore mentioned, should attack and carry those lines and defences, capture the enemy’s artillery, destroy the machinery and material supposed to be in the foundry, (El Molino del Rey,) but limiting 10 * 114 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. the operations to that extent ; after which my command was to be immediately withdrawn to its position in the village of Tacubaya. “ A close and daring reconnoissance, by Captain Mason, of the engineers, made on the morning of the 7th, represented the enemy’s lines collateral to Chapultepec to be as follows : His left rested upon and occupied a group of strong stone buildings, called El Molino del Rey, adjoining the grove at the foot of the hill of Chapultepec, and directly under the guns of the castle which crowns its summit. The right of his line rested upon another stone building, called Casa Mata, situated at the foot of the ridge that slopes gradually from the heights above the village of Tacubaya to the plain below. Midway between these buildings was the enemy’s field-battery, and his in- fantry forces were disposed on either side to support it. This re- connoissance was verified by Captain Mason and Colonel Duncan on the afternoon of the same day. The result indicated that the centre was the weak point of the enemy’s position, and that his flanks were the strong points, his left flank being the stronger. “ As the enemy’s system of defence was connected with the hill and castle of Chapultepec, and as my operations were limited to a specific object, it became necessary to isolate the work to be accom- plished from the castk of Chapultepec and its immediate defences. To effect this object the following dispositions were ordered : Colonel Garland’s brigade to take position on the right, strengthened by two pieces of Captain Drum’s battery, to look to El Molino del Rey as well as any support of this position from Chapultepec ; and also within sustaining distance of the assaulting party and the battering guns, which, under Captain Huger, were placed on the ridge, five or six hundred yards from El Molino del Rey, to batter and loosen this position from Chapultepec. An assaulting party of five hun- dred picked men and officers, under command of Brevet-Major George Wright, 8th infantry, was also posted on the ridge to the left of the battering guns, to force the enemy’s centre. The 2d (Clark’s) brigade, the command of which devolved on Colonel McIntosh, (Colonel Clark being sick,) with Duncan’s battery, was to take post still further up the ridge, opposite the enemy’s right, to look to our left flank to sustain the assaulting column if necessary, or to discomfit the enemy, (the ground being favourable,) as circum- stances might require. Cadwalader’s brigade was held in reserve, in a position on the ridge, between the battering guns and MeIn- FORTRESS OF CHAPULTEPEC. BATTLE OF MOLINO DEL KEY. 115 • tosh’s brigade, and in easy support of either. The cavalry, under Major Sumner, to envelope our extreme left, and be governed by circumstances — to repel or attack, as the commander’s judgment might suggest. The troops to be put in position under cover of the night, and the work to begin as soon as the heavy metal could be properly directed. Colonel Duncan was charged with the general disposition of the artillery. Accordingly, at 3 o’clock in the morn- ing of the 8th, the several columns were put in motion, on as many different routes ; and, when the gray of the morning enabled them to be seen, they were as accurately in position as if posted in mid- day for review. The early dawn was the moment appointed for the attack, which was announced to our troops by the opening of Hu- ger’s guns on El Molino del Rey, upon which they continued to play actively until this point of the enemy’s line became sensibly shaken, when the assaulting party, commanded by Wright, and guided by that accomplished officer. Captain Mason, of the engi- neers, assisted by Lieutenant Foster, dashed gallantly forward to the assault. Unshaken by the galling fire of musketry and canister that was showered upon them, on they rushed, driving infantry and artillery-men at the point of the bayonet. The enemy’s field-bat- tery was taken, and his own guns were trailed upon his retreating masses ; before, however, they could be discharged, perceiving that he had been dispossessed of this strong position by comparatively a handful of men, he made a desperate effort to regain it. Accord- ingly, his retiring forces rallied and formed with this object. Aided by the infantry, which covered the house-tops, (within reach of which the battery had been moved during the night,) the enemy’s whole line opened upon the assaulting party a terrific fire of mus- ketry, which struck down eleven out of the fourteen officers that composed the command, and non-commissioned officers and men in proportion; including among the officers Brevet-Major Wright, the commander ; Captain Mason and Lieutenant Foster, engineers ; all severely wounded. “ This severe shock staggered for a moment that gallant band The light battalion, held to cover Huger’s battery, under Captain E. Kirby Smith, (Lieutenant-Colonel Smith being sick,) and the right wing of Cadwalader’s brigade, were promptly ordered forward to support, which order was executed in the most gallant style ; the enemy was again routed, and this point of his line carried, and fully • 116 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. possessed by our troops. In the mean time Garland’s (1st) brigade, ably sustained by Captain Drum’s artillery, assaulted the enemy’s left, and, after an obstinate and very severe contest, drove him from this apparently impregnable position, immediately under the guns of the castle of Chapultepec. Drum’s section, and the battering guns under Captain Huger, advanced to the enemy’s position, and the captured guns of the enemy were now opened on his retreating forces, on which they continued to fire until beyond their reach. While this work was in progress of accomplishment by our centre and right, our troops on the left were not idle. Duncan’s battery opened on the right of the enemy’s line, up to this time engaged ; and the 2d brigade, under Colonel McIntosh, was now ordered to assault the extreme right of the enemy’s line. The direction of this brigade soon caused it to mask Duncan’s battery, the fire of which, for the moment, was discontinued ; and the brigade moved steadily on to the assault of Casa Mata, which, instead of an ordinary field entrenchment, as was supposed, proved to be a strong stone citadel, surrounded with bastioned entrenchments and impassable ditches — an old Spanish work, recently repaired and enlarged. When within easy musket range, the enemy opened a most deadly fire upon our advancing troops, which was kept up, without intermission, until our gallant men reached the very slope of the parapet of the work that surrounded the citadel. By this time a large proportion of the command was either killed or wounded, amongst whom were the three senior officers present. Brevet Colonel McIntosh, Brevet Lieu- tenant-Colonel Scott, of the 5th infantry, and Major Waite, 8th in- fantry ; the second killed, and the first and last desperately wounded. Still, the fire from the citadel was unabated. In this crisis of the attack, the command was momentarily thrown into disorder, and fell back on the left of Duncan’s battery, where they rallied. As the 2d brigade moved to the assault, a very large cavalry and infantry force was discovered approaching rapidly upon our left flank, to reinforce the enemy’s right. As soon as Duncan’s battery was masked, as before mentioned, supported by Andrews’s voltigeurs, of Cadwala- der’s brigade, it moved promptly to the extreme left of our line to check the threatened assault on this point. The enemy’s cavalry came rapidly within canister range, when the w^hole battery opened a most effective fire, which soon broke the squadrons and drove them back in disorder. During this fire upon the enemy’s cavalry. Major BATTLE OF MOLTNO DEL KEY. 117 Sumner’s command moved to the front, and changed direction in admirable order, under a most appalling fire from the Casa Mata. This movement enabled his command to cross the ravine imme- diately on the left of Duncan’s battery, where it remained, doing noble service until the close of the action. At the very moment the cavalry were driven beyond reach, our own troops drew back from before the Casa Mata, and enabled the guns of Duncan’s battery to re-open upon this position, which, after a short and well-directed fire, the enemy abandoned. The guns of the battery were now turned upon his retreating columns, and continued to play upon them until beyond reach. “ He was now driven from every point of the field, and his strong lines, which had certainly been defended well, were in our posses- sion. In fulfilment of the instructions of the general-in-chief, the Casa Mata was blown up, and such of the captured ammunition as was useless to us, as well as the cannon-moulds found in El Molino del Rey, were destroyed. After which, my command, under the reiterated orders of the general-in-chief, returned to quarters at Tacubaya, with three of the enemy’s four guns, (the fourth, having been spiked, was rendered unserviceable ;) as also a large quantity of small-arms, with gun and musket ammunition, and exceeding eight hundred prisoners, including fifty-two commissioned officers. “ By the concurrent testimony of prisoners, the enemy’s force exceeded fourteen thousand men, commanded by General Santa Anna in person. His total loss, killed, (including the second and third in command. Generals Valdarez and Leon,) wounded, and prisoners, amounts to three thousand, exclusive of some two thou- sand who deserted after the rout. “ My command, reinforced as before stated, only reached three thousand one hundred men of all arms. The contest continued two hours, and its severity is painfully attested by our heavy loss of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, including in the first two classes some of the brightest ornaments of the service. •• It will be seen that subordinate commanders speak in the warmest terms of the conduct of their officers and men, to which I beg leave to add my cordial testimony. There can be no higher exhibition of courage, constancy, and devotion to duty and to country. “ These operations, occurring under the observation of the general- in-chief, give assurance that justice will be done to the noble officers 118 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. and soldiers whose valour achieved this glorious but dear-bought victory. Commending the gallant dead, the wounded, and the few unscathed, to the respectful memory of their countrymen, and the rewards due to valour and conduct, I present the names of those especially noticed by subordinate commanders, uniting in all they have said, and extending the same testimony to those not named.” Here follows a catalogue of the officers who particularly distin- guished themselves. The following more circumstantial sketch is given by a partici- pator in the action : — “I have just returned from another battle-field — one on which the victory of the American arms was complete, and on which our troops contended against an enemy immensely superior in number and strongly posted. General Worth commenced the attack at early daylight, and in less than two hours every point was carried, all the cannon of the enemy were in our possession, an immense quantity of ammunition captured, and nearly one thousand men, among* them fifty-three officers, taken prisoners. “For more than an hour the battle raged with a violence not sur- passed since the Mexican war commenced, and so great was the odds opposed, that for some time the result was doubtful. The force of the enemy has been estimated at from twelve to fifteen thousand, strongly posted behind breastworks, and to attack them our small force of scarcely eight thousand was obliged to approach on an open plain and without the least cover ; but their dauntless courage car- ried them over every obstacle, and notwithstanding the Mexicans fought with a valour rare for them, they were finally routed from one point or another until all were driven and dispersed. The de- feat was total. “ But to gain this victory our own loss has been uncommonly severe ; it has been purchased with the blood of some of the most gallant spirits of the army. The 5th infantry has suffered the most. This regiment, along with the 6th and 8th, was engaged in the attack upon a strong work on the enemy’s right, and was opposed to such superior numbers, that it was compelled to retire along with the others. The celebrated Colonel Martin Scott was killed in this attack, along with Lieutenants Burwell and Strong, while Colonel McIn- tosh and many other officers were badly wounded. — The worse than savage miscreants in the fort, after our men retired, set up a BATTLE OF MOLING DEL KEY. 119 yell, and came out and massacred such of our wounded as were unable to get off. In this way poor Burwell lost his life. Fully were they avenged, however ; for within half an hour Duncan’s battery, aided by the fall of another of their works, drove the das- tardly wretches in full flight across the fields. No one knew or even surmised the strength of the place — it was an old fort, constructed long since, and was one of the main defences of the line of works.j On the enemy’s left, and nearer Chapultepec, our loss was also great, although not as severe. It was here that Colonel William M. Graham, as brave a spirit as ever lived, was killed ; Captains Merrill and Ayres also fell in this part of the field. The wonder now is how any one could come out so safe under such a terrible fire as the enemy poured from his entire line of works. Nothing but the daring and impetuosity of our men, who rushed onward while their comrades were falling thick around them, gained the victory — had they once faltered all would have been lost. “ The broken ground on the right of the enemy, cut up by deep ravines, saved many of Santa Anna’s troops in their flight ; yet as it was, our dragoons killed and captured many of the fugitives. Large bodies of Mexican cavalry approached the scene of strife several times, but they were driven like sheep by Duncan’s battery. *• The Mexican loss has been even more severe than our own. General Balderas, General Leon, and many other officers are num- bered among the dead, while the interior of their works, the tops of the houses from which they fought, and the ground over which they fled, are strewed with lifeless bodies. Such w^as the panic that many of our officers say that a few fresh troops might have taken Chapultepec itself almost without a struggle ; but other than a few shots fired at that point from some of the captured cannon, no de- monstration was made. / “ After the battle was over. General Scott came out accompanied by his staff, and also by Mr. Trist. The Mexicans at the time were throwing shells at some of the wagons that General Worth had sent out to pick up the dead and wounded. They had placed a howitzer in position on Chapultepec at the close of the action, and now seeing the enemy within reach, the cow^ardly wretches opened upon the ambulances, and those who were gathering the bodies of their wounded and lifeless comrades. On seeing this wmrse than savage outrage, one of our officers, with a sarcastic expression of 120 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. countenance, asked whether Mr. Trist had any new peace proposi- tions in his pocket. Mackintosh did not come out after the battle to gain more time for his friend Santa Anna, nor warm our fresh intelligence of the strength and movements of our army, in order that he might be of service to the Mexicans by communicating it. “ The Mexican prisoners say that Santa Anna himself was on the ground in the rear of their works, but left at the commencement of the rout. They admit that their entire force was fifteen thousand ; it is certain that including killed, wounded, prisoners and dispersed* their loss has been near five thousand. Many of them were regu- lars, the 11th and 12th infantry regiments suflering most. The commander of the latter. Colonel Tenorio, is a prisoner in our hands ; some fourteen officers belonging to the former are also prisoners, but the commander, General Perez, escaped. “ The foundry, in which several moulds for casting cannon and other apparatus were found, was entirely demolished; and, after ascertaining this. General Scott, not wishing to hold the position, ordered all the forces to retire.” The 13th was signalized by the storming of Chapultepec, of which Worth gives the following account, confined principally to his own operations : — “ On the evening of the 12th instant, having the verbal orders of the general-in-chief to designate a storming party, to aid in the assault upon the castle of Chapultepec, a command from my divi- sion, with scaling ladders, was organized, consisting of ten officers— Captain McKenzie, 2d artillery, commanding; and two hundred and sixty men, volunteers, drawn in due proportion from the several corps. At five A. M., on the 13th, these detachments assembled at the appointed place, and proceeded to their duty. For the man- ner in which this was executed, I refer to the report, herewith, of the gallant commander. “ At the same time, I had the orders of the General-in-chief to take position with the remainder of my division and support the operations of General Pillow\ This position was taken at the time and place appointed, and that general informed of my preparations and of my readiness to support him. Lieutenant Semmes (navy), one of my aids-de-camp, whom I despatched with this intelligence, found General Pillow, soon after the assault had commenced, wounded, at the foot of the hill. General Pillow desired him to ’ :V-»-' ■■■• ■'•vV.;. ;:■ '-r* .» • , ■■ K ■•■ ■ . - V,' . - j • : ^ _ : . • V", ''V‘,V.^-r.K • • <■ ''^■''1'' ■ . "•■ '_■ !I^. '■ .V '.;' ■.. I ', >v:. # CITY OF MEXICO, FROM THE CONVENT OF SAN COSME. CHAPULTEPEC CARRIED. 121 return to me, with a request ‘ to bring up my whole division, and make great haste, or, he feared, I would be too late.’ The 2d (Clark’s) brigade was ordered instantly to advance. It did so, passed on, mingled with the advancing forces, and entered, with them, peUmell into the assaulted work. At the same instant, the 1st (Garland’s) brigade, the light battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, and Duncan’s battery, were put in motion, around the north-eastern base of the hill of Chapultepec, and moved, in opera- tion, upon the San Cosme route and aqueduct. After advancing some four hundred yards, we came to a battery which had been assailed by a portion of Magruder’s field guns — particularly the section under the gallant Lieutenant Jackson, who, although he had lost most of his horses, and many of his men, continued chivalrously at his post, combatting with noble courage. A portion of Garland’s brigade, which had been previously deployed in the field to the left, now came up with, and defeated the enemy’s right ; the enemy’s left extending in the direction of the Taciibaya aqueduct, on which Quitman’s division was battling and advancing. Pursuing the San Cosme road, we discovered an arched passage through the aqueduct, and a cross route practicable for artillery, for a considerable distance over the meadow^s, in the direction of the battery, and left of the enemy’s line, which was galling and endeavouring to check Quitman’s advance. Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan, with a section of his battery, covered by Lieutenant-Colonel Smith’s battalion, was turned off upon this route, and advancing to within four hundred yards of the enemy’s lines, (which was as far as the nature of the ground wbuld permit,) opened an effective fire — first upon the bat- tery, and then upon the retreating troops, great numbers of whom were cut down. Having thus aided the advance, and cleared the front (being favourably situated) of my gallant friend Quitman, as far as it was in my power, this portion of the command was with- drawn. The 2d brigade now coming up, the advance upon the main road was continued. We soon came up with and carried a second battery, and afterwards a third, both of them strong works and enfilading the road. This brought us to the Campo Santo, or English burying-ground, near which the road and aqueduct bend to the right. At this point the general-in-chief came up, with his staff, and instructed me to press on, carrying the garita San Cosme, and, if possible, penetrate to the Alameda, Shortly after, Brigadier Gen- ii F 122 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. eral Cadwalader reported to me, by the order of the general-in- chief ; and, later, between 8 and 9 P. M., Colonel Riley, with the 2d brigade, 2d division. The former was left in position at the Campo Santo, to hold that point, and look to the left and rear. The latter, coming up after the firing had ceased, was halted in rear of the 1st division, and entered the city with it on the morning of the 14th. “ Here we came in front of another battery, beyond which, distant some two hundred and fifty yards, and sustaining it, was the last defence, or the garita of San Cosme. The approach to these two defences was in a right line, and the whole space was literally swept by grape, canister, and shells, from a heavy gun and howitzer ; added to which, severe fires of musketry were delivered from the tops of the adjacent houses and churches. It hence became neces- sary to vary our mode of operations. Garland’s brigade was thrown to the right, within and masked by the aqueduct, and instructed to dislodge the ifenemy from the buildings in his front, and endeavour to reach and turn the left of the garita, taking advantage of such cover as might offer, to enable him to effect his objects. Clark’s brigade was, at the same time, ordered to take the buildings on the left of the road, and, by the use of bars and picks, burrow through from house to house, and, in like manner, carry the right of the garita. “ While these orders were being executed, a mountain howitzer was placed on the top of a commanding building on the left, and another on the church of San Cosme, on the right, both of which opened with admirable effect. The work of the troops was tedious, and necessarily slow, but was greatly favoured by the fire of the howitzers. Finally, at 5 o’clock both columns had reached their positions, and it then became necessary, at all hazards, to advance a piece of artillery to the evacuated battery of the enemy intermediate between us and the garita. Lieutenant Hunt was ordered to exe- cute this duty, which he did in the highest possible style of gallan- try ; equally sustained by his veteran troops, with the loss of one killed and four wounded, out of nine men, although the piece moved at full speed over a distance of only one hundred and fifty yards ; reaching the breastwork, he came muzzle to muzzle with the enemy. It has never been my fortune to witness a more brilliant exhibition of courage and conduct. The moment had now arrived AMERICANS ENTER THE CAPITAL. 123 for the final and combined attack upon the last stronghold of the enemy in my quarter: it was made, by our men springing, as if by magic, to the tops of the houses into which they had patiently and quietly made their way by the bar and pick, and to the utter sur- prise and consternation of the enemy, opening upon him, within easy range, a destructive fire of musketry. A single discharge, in which many of his gunners were killed at their pieces, was suffi- cient to drive him in confusion from the breastwork ; when a pro- longed shout from our brave fellows announced that we were in possession of the garita of San Cosine, and already in the city of Mexico. “At this point we again had the pleasure to meet the President- general-in-chief, took one of his aids-de-camp. Captain Jose M. Castanary, and several superior officers, with many other equally unimportant prisoners ; and one of my most gallant and leading sub- alterns had the gratification of eating his excellency’s well-prepared supper. “ The remainder of the division was now marched within the city gate, and Captain Huger, of the ordnance, who had been di- rected by the general-in-chief to report to me, with heavy guns, some time before, was desired to advance a twenty-four-pounder and a ten-inch mortar, place them in position at the garita, obtain the distance, and open a few shot and shell upon the grand plaza and palace, assumed to be about sixteen hundred yards distant. This battery opened at nine o’clock — three shot being fired from the gun and five from the mortar. They told with admirable effect, as at one o’clock at night a commission from the municipality came to my advanced post with a flag, announcing that immediately after the heavy guns opened the government and army commenced evacuating the city, and that the commission was deputed to confer with the general-in-chief, to whose head-quarters it was passed under Assistant Adjutant-General Mackali. “ At five, A. M., on the 14th, my troops and heavy guns advanced into the city, and occupied the Alameda, to the point where it fronts the palace, and there halted at six o’clock, the general-in-chief having instructed me to take a position and await his further orders. Shortly after, a straggling assassin-like fire commenced from the house-tops, which continued, in various parts of the city, tnrough the day, causing us some loss. The first shot fired at a group of 124 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM J. WORTH. officers at the head of my column, struck down Colonel Garland, badly wounded ; and later in the day. Lieutenant Sydney Smith was shot down mortally wounded — since dead. “ The free use of heavy battering guns upon every building from which fire proceeded, together with musketry from some of our men thrown out as skirmishers, soon quelled these hidden and das- tardly enemies. About the time of our entrance into the city, the convicts in the different prisons, to the number of some thirty thousand men, were liberated by order of the flying government, armed and distributed in the most advantageous houses, including the churches, convents, and even the hospitals, for the purpose of exciting, if possible, the entire population of the city to revolt, and effect, by secret and dastardly means, what the whole Mexican army had been unable to accomplish. This was no time for half-way measures ; and if many innocent persons suffered incidentally under the just infliction of punishment we found it necessary to bestow on these miscreants from the jails, the responsibility should rest upon ‘the barbarous and vindictive chief who imposed upon us the necessity. “ Officers and men of every corps carried themselves with wonted gallantry and conduct. Be pleased to refer to reports of subordi- nate commanders. Major Sumner reported to me with his cavalry on the morning of the 13th, was actively on service and under fire, and was advanced upon the San Cosme road, to be at hand to pur- sue the enemy. Towards evening, the general-in-chief ordered his command to re-occupy Tacubaya. The commander and his excel- lent corps rendered every service which the incidents of the day offered to their ready acceptance. “ I am most happy to have occasion to submit but a moderate list of casualties, compared with recent reports ; two officers killed, ten wounded, and one hundred and twenty-nine rank and file killed, wounded and missing, of which full returns are forwarded here- with ; as also a sketch of the ground, &c., covered by the opera- tions of my command. “All of which is respectfully submitted to the general-in-chief, himself a close observer of the incidents of the day.” Such has been the course of General Worth up to this time. He now ranks among the ablest and most successful of American offi- cers. BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. Brigadier-General John E. Wool was born in Orange county, New York. His family were Whigs of the Revolution. Losing his father at an early age, he was taken by his grandfather, a farmer in Rensselaer county, to be brought up ; and, consulting the bent of his disposition, he placed him when a boy as a clerk in a store in the city of Troy. By attention, industry, and perseverance, he be- came in a few years a merchant, and in due time he would have reached, in that capacity, the wealth and distinction that always follow energy, perseverance, and high honour ; but a total loss of his property by fire induced him to turn his attention to some other pursuit — one more congenial to his own mind. The war with Eng- land breaking out about this time, Wool was offered, and accepted a commission as captain in the 13th regiment of United States’ in- fantry, and at once entered that career, in which he has lately be- come so distinguished. Wool was early thrown upon his own resources, for the family from whence he sprung were poor but true and honest patriots of the Revolution ; he was, in consequence, the founder of his own fortunes, and has literally fought his way to military distinction. His commission as captain bears date, April, 1812. Immediately after its receipt, he commenced raising a company in Troy, and having done so, he made his military debut at the battle of Glueens- town Heights. Previous to this memorable action, our army had suffered so many reverses and defeats, as to cast upon our officers and troops the stigma of cowardice and misconduct ; it was there- fore necessary that some brilliant effort should be made, in order to redeem their character, and to raise throughout the United States a proper spirit for carrying on the war. The first and most brilliant effort was made at Queenstown Heights, 11 * ( 125 ) 126 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. a formidable post, fortified and held by a part of the British army. This place Major-General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who commanded the militia of the state of New York on the Niagara frontier, and who had established his quarters at Lewistown, determined to storm ; and accordingly, a detachment of six hundred men, under the com- mand of Colonel Van Rensselaer, and Lieutenant-Colonel Chrystie, were despatched on this hazardous service. In this detachment were three companies of the 13th, commanded by Captains Wool, Malcolm, and Armstrong. On Captain Wool the command of these devolved, and never did either officers or soldiers conduct themselves so gallantly under such trying circumstances. A po- sition of extraordinary strength was about to be attacked by a band of less than three hundred men. The moment they reached the Canadian side of the river they encountered a tremendous fire from the enemy, so deadly in effect, that nearly every officer, and most of the soldiers in Captain Wool’s command were either killed or wounded. Colonel Van Rensselaer was badly wounded, and was fast sinking from loss of blood, when Captain Wool, al- though himself wounded in both thighs, sought him and requested permission to continue the assault. The Colonel, at first unwilling to entrust the fate of the affair to so young an officer, and who was for the first time on the field, reluctantly consented. The assault was renewed with vigour by Wool and his gallant little band ; they climbed the heights and drove the British from their batteries. The British, receiving a reinforcement under General Brock, the battle was renewed. Captain Wool, rallying his forces by a desperate effort, once more charged the British, reinforced though they were, and drove them a second time from the heights. General Brock was slain : seeing this, the British, panic-stricken, abandoned their position and fled, leaving the Americans the victors of the field. For his gallant conduct at Queenstown, Wool was promoted to the rank of Major in the 29th regiment, and we find him volunteer- ing his services wherever and whenever duty and danger led. After this engagement. Major Wool continued actively engaged with the army until the great battle of Plattsburg, [September, 1814,] in which he again distinguished himself. The following report of the American general, Macomb, is a vivid description of the dangers of that glorious event : — “I have the honour to communicate, for the information of th<% BATTLE OF PLATTSBURG. 127 war department, the particulars of the advance of the enemy into the territory of the United States, the circumstances attending the siege of Plattsburg, and the defence of the posts intrusted to my charge. “ The governor-general of the Canadas, Sir George Prevost, having collected all the disposable force in Lower Canada, with a view of conquering the country as far as Crown Point and Ticon- deroga, entered the territories of the United States on the 1st of the month, and occupied the village of Champlain ; there avowed his intentions, and issued orders and proclamations tending to dissuade the people from their allegiance, and inviting them to furnish his army with provisions. He immediately began to impress the wagons and teams in the vicinity, and loaded them with his heavy baggage and stores. From this I was persuaded he intended to attack this place. I had but just returned from the lines, where I had commanded a fine brigade, which was broken up to form the division under Major-General Izard, ordered to the westward. Being senior officer, he left me in command ; and except the four com- panies of the 6th regiment, I had not an organized battalion among those remaining. The garrison was composed of convalescents and recruits of the new regiments — all in the greatest confusion, as well as the ordnance and stores, and the works in no state of defence. “To create an emulation and zeal among the officers and men in completing the works, I divided them into detachments, and placed them near the several forts ; declaring in orders, that each detach- ment was the garrison of its own work, and bound to defend it to the last extremity. “ The enemy advanced cautiously and by short marches, and our soldiers worked day and night ; so that by the time he made his ap- pearance before the place, we were prepared to receive him. “General Izard named the principal work Fort Moreau, and, to remind the troops of the actions of their brave countrymen, I called the redoubt on the right Fort Brown, and that on the left Fort Scott. Besides these three works we have two block-houses strongly fortified. “ Finding, on examining the returns of the garrison, that our force did not exceed fifteen hundred effective men for duty, and well in- formed that the enemy had as many thousands, I called on General Moor of the New York militia, and arranged with him plans for jr * 128 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. bringing forth the militia, en masse. The inhabitants of the village fled with their families and effects, except a few worthy citizens and some boys, who formed themselves into a party, received rifles, and were exceedingly useful.. By the fourth of the month General Mooers collected about seven hundred militia, and advanced seven miles on the Beckmantown road, to watch the motions of the enemy, and to skirmish with him as he advanced : also to obstruct the roads with fallen trees, and to break up the bridges. “ On the lake road to Dead creek bridge, I posted two hundred men, under Captain Sproul of the 13th regiment, with orders to abattis the woods, to place obstructions in the road, and to fortify himself ; to this party I added two field-pieces. In advance of this position was Lieutenant-Colonel Appling with one hundred and ten riflemen, watching the movements of the enemy, and procuring in- telligence, It was ascertained, that before daylight on the 6th, the enemy would advance in two columns on the two roads before-men- tioned, dividing' at Sampson’s, a little below Chazy village. The column on the Beckmantown road proceeded most rapidly; the militia skirmished with his advanced parties, and, except a few brave men, fell back most pfecipitately in the greatest disorder, not- withstanding the British troops did not deign to fire on them, except by their flankers and advanced patroles. The night previous I or- dered Major Wool to advance with a detachment of two hundred and fifty men to support the militia, and set them an example of firmness. Also Captain Leonard, of the light artillery, was directed to proceed with two pieces to be on the ground before day, yet he did not make his appearance until eight o’clock, when the enemy had approached within two miles of the village. With his conduct, theiefore, I am not well pleased. Major Wool, with his party, dis- puted the road with great obstinacy, but the militia could not be pre- vailed upon to stand, notwithstanding the exertions of their general and staff officers ; although the fields were divided by strong stone walls, and they were told that the enemy could not possibly cut them off. The state dragoons of New York wear red coats, and they being on the heights to watch the enemy, gave constant alarm to the militia, who mistook them for the enemy, and feared his getting in their rear. Finding the enemy’s columns had penetrated within a mile of Plattsburg, I despatched my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Root, to bring off the detachment at Dead creek, and to inform BATTLE OF PLATTSBURG. 129 Lieutenant Appling that I wished him to fall on the enemy’s right flank. The colonel fortunately arrived just in time to save his re- treat, and to fall in with the head of a column debouching from the woods. Here he poured in a destructive fire from his riflemen at rest, and continued to annoy the column until he formed a junction with Major Wool. The field-pieces did considerable execution among the enemy’s columns. So undaunted, however, was the enemy, that he never deployed in his whole march, always pressing on in column. Finding that every road was full of troops crowding on us on all sides, I ordered the field-pieces to retire across the bridge and form a battery for its protection, and to cover the retreat of the infantry, which was accordingly done, and the parties of Appling and Wool, as well as that of Sproul, retired alternately, keeping up a brisk fire until they got under cover of the works. The enemy’s light troops occupied the houses near the bridge, and kept up a constant firing from the windows and balconies, and annoyed us much. I ordered them to be driven out with hot shot, which soon put the houses in flames, and obliged these sharp-shooters to retire. The whole day, until it was too late to see, the enemy’s light troops endeavoured to drive our guards from the bridge, but they suffered dearly for their perseverance. An attempt was also made to cross the upper bridge, where the mijitia handsomely drove them back. “ The column which marched by the lake road was much im- peded by the obstructions, and the removal of the bridge at Dead creek, and, as it passed the creek and beach, the galleys kept up a lively and galling fire. “ Our troops being now on the south side of the Saranac, I di- rected the planks to be taken ofT the bridges and piled up in the form of breastworks to cover our parties intended for disputing the passage, which afterwards enabled us to hold the bridges against very superior numbers. “From the 7th to the 11th the enemy was employed in getting on his battering train, and erecting his batteries and approaches, and constantly skirmishing at the bridges and fords. By this time the militia of New York, and the volunteers of Vermont, were pouring in from all quarters. I advised General Mooers to keep his force along the Saranac to prevent the enemy’s crossing the river, and to send a strong body in his rear to harass him day and night, and keep him in continued alarm. 130 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. “ The militia behaved with great spirit after the first day, and the volunteers of Vermont were exceedingly serviceable. Our regular troops, notwithstanding the skirmishing and repeated endeavours of the enemy to cross the river, kept at their work day and night, strengthening the defences, and evinced a determination to hold out to the last extremity. “ It was reported that the enemy only waited the arrival of his flotilla to make a general attack. About eight in the evening of the 11th, as was expected, the flotilla appeared in' sight round Cumber- land Head, and at nine bore down and engaged our flotilla at anchor in the bay off the town. At the same instant the batteries were opened on us, and continued throwing bomb-shells, shrapnels, balls, and Congreve rockets until sunset, when the bombardment ceased, every battery of the enemy being silenced by the superiority of our. fire. The naval engagement lasted but two hours, in full view of both armies. Three efforts were made by the enemy to pass the river at the commencement of the cannonade and bombardment, with a view of assaulting the wmrks, and he had prepared for that purpose an immense number of scaling-ladders. One attempt to cross was made at the village bridge, and another at the upper bridge, and a third at a ford about three miles from the works. At the two first he was repulsed by the regulars, at the ford by the brave volunteers and militia, where he suffered severely in killed and wounded, and prisoners ; a considerable body having crossed the stream, but w^ere either killed, taken, or driven back. The woods at this place were very favourable to the operations of the militia A whole company of the 76th regiment was here de- stroyed, the three lieutenants and twenty-seven men taken prisoners, the captain and the rest killed. “ I cannot forego the pleasure of here stating the gallant conduct of Captain McGlassin, of the 15th regiment, who was ordered to ford the river, and attack a party constructing a battery on the right of the enemy’s line, within five hundred yards of Fort Brown, which he handsomely executed at midnight, with fifty men, drove off the working-party, consisting of one hundred and fifty, and defeated a covering party of the same number, killing one officer and six men in the charge, and wounding many.^ “At dusk the enemy withdrew his* artillery from the batteries, nnd raised the siege ; and at nine, under cover of the night, sent off DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH. 13 ] in a great hurry all the baggage he could find transport for, and all his artillery. At two the next morning the whole army precipi- lately retreated, leaving the sick and wounded to our generosity and t e governor left a note with a surgeon, requesting the humane at- tention or the commanding general. “Vast quantities of provisions were left behind and destroyed also an immense quantity of bomb-shells, cannon-balls, grape-shot, ammunition, flints, &c. &c., intrenching-tools of all sorts, also tents and marquees. A great deal has been concealed in the ponds and creeks, and buried m the ground, and a vast quantity carried ofi’ by the inhabitants. Such was the precipitance of his retreat, that he arrived at Chazy, a distance of eight miles, before we discovered he had gone. The light troops, volunteers, and militia, pursued imme- diately on learning of his flight; and some of the mounted men made prisoners five dragoons of the 19th regiment, and several others of the rear-guard. A continual fall of rain and a violent storm prevented further pursuit. Upwards of three hundred de- serters have come in, and many are hourly arrivino- “ We have buried the British officers of the army and navy with the honours of war, and shown every attention and kindness to those who have fallen into our hands. “The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and sol- diers of my command, during this trying occasion, cannot be repre- sented in too high terms ; and I feel it my duty to recommend to the particular notice of government, Lieutenant-Colonel Appling of the 1st rifle corps; Major Wool, of the 39th; Major Totten, of the corps of engineers ; Captain Brooks, of the artillery ; Captain McGlassin, of the 15th ; Lieutenants de Russy and Trescott, of the corps of engineers ; Lieutenants Smyth, Mountford, and Cromwell, of the artillery ; also my aid-de-camp. Lieutenant Root, who have all dis- tinguished themselves by their uncommon zeal and activity, and '■“’PI' “Tne loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, prisoners, and de- rundr ’d '"“l ^ cannot fall short of twenty-five ton onh;^uff^^" Cot!^! ‘S "“"‘‘“"i’ Lieutenant- Colonel, [September 11th, 'ISId,] “for gallant conduct at the bat- 132 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. tie of Plattsburg.” Before the close of the war he was in seve- ral engagements of less magnitude than the two above mentioned, and in each displayed that coolness, intrepidity, and careful fore- thought, which have been his principal characteristics throughout life. At the expiration of the war, Lieutenant-Colonel Wool continued in the army, and in 1816 was commissioned Inspector-General, with the rank of Colonel. In 1826, he was brevetted a Brigadier-Gene- ral; and, on the 25th of June, 1841, he was promoted to the rank of full Brigadier, and assigned to the command of the eastern divi- sion of the army, which had become vacant by the appointment of General Scott as general-in-chief, on the death of General Macomb. As Inspector-General, General Wool acted for twenty-five years. His duties were connected with every department of the military establishment in the United States and her territories, extending from Eastport, in Maine, to the gulf of Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. There were military posts established at Mackinac, Sault St. Marie, Chicago, Green Bay, Prairie du Chien, St. Peter’s on the Upper Mississippi, twenty-two hundred miles from its mouth. Council Bluffs, some eighteen hundred miles up the Missouri ; and posts on the Arkansas, six hundred miles from its mouth, and on the Red River four hundred miles. All of these were within the limits of his tours of inspection, which annually embraced a distance of from seven to ten thousand miles. There were no means of reaching these several posts but by canoes and on horseback, with provisions packed for a journey of months through the wilderness. The dangers, privations, and hardships, unavoidable in traversing lakes, rivers, and forests by such means, often with Indian guides, and always without a shelter, or any resting-place but the earth and a blanket, can hardly be realized by those who witness only the facilities and advantages of travelling in civilized communities. Such was the nature of the duties of Inspector-General prior to the settlement of the states west of the lakes and of the Mississippi river; yet, notwithstanding the many privations and hardships, Wool was at all times cheerful, prompt and energetic. General Wool was also employed by the government in three special services, each of which required the s^ill, experience, and address of an accomplished officer and gentleman. These were, 1st, the suppression of the Canadian outbreak, when the sympathy GENERAL WOOL VISITS EUROPE. 133 of our people for the struggles of the “ Canadian Patriots” nearly blew the flame of disturbance into the conflagration of war. Its suppression was therefore a delicate and hazardous service ; but it was admirably conducted and completely accomplished by General Wool. A conflict with Great Britain, when the exasperation along the frontier threatened a total disregard of boundaries, and the burn- ings and marches of British troops, Canadian refugees, and border- patriots, menaced a catastrophe which neither nation wished, was prevented by the extraordinary management of General Wool, in breaking up the convocations, and prevailing on armed bodies to surrender their weapons to him. 2d. His military visit to Europe. The object of this visit was to examine the state of military improvement abroad, for the purpose of engrafting on our own system and establishing any valuable changes. His Teception abroad was as flattering to the object as he could wish. No national jealousy closed the gates of fortresses, armories or garrisons. King Louis Philippe gave General Wool an opportunity that seldom occurs. He invited him on the occasion of the celebration of the “ Three Days,” to a grand review, when more then seventy thousand men passed in battle array before them. At Belgium General Wool witnessed a practical operation in Euro- pean warfare, being present at the siege of Antwerp. 3d. General Wool was placed in command of the Cherokee country, for the purpose of carrying out the treaty with those Indi- ans, and extending the arm of the government for their protection until their transportation to the west. His conduct in this affair not only met with the approbation of the government, but with the gra titude of the Indians themselves. Since the war with Mexico was declared by Congress to exist [May, 1846], General Wool has been occupied, 1st: In the organi- zation of the western volunteers ; 2d, In the concentration of a division at San Antonio de Bexar ; 3d, In their march to Saltil’o ; and 4th, In the battle of Buena Vista. Immediately after the war with Mexico was declared. General Wool volunteered to take part in the campaign, and a few days subsequent to the passing of the act by Congress, he was gratified by receiving orders to repair forthwith to Washington. The very day he received these orders he was en route to the capital, and having obtained his instructions, he proceeded to the west to 12 134 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. organize and muster into the service the twelve months’ volunteers of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. In six weeks he accomplished the task assigned him ; raising in that short time fourteen and a half regiments, or over twelve thou- sand troops. Nearly ten thousand of these he sent to reinforce General Taylor ; the remainder, nearly three thousand, he concen- trated at San Antonio de Bexar, as a separate division under his own command. All these men were from the ranks of private life, and were with- out experience in the art of war, — all destitute (when General Wool arrived) of the means and supplies of a campaign, and all anxious to push forward to their respective rendezvous to be inspected, mus- tered, organized, provided for, and sent off to the seat of war. General Wool found himself engaged in a novel, arduous, embar- rassing, and unpleasant duty ; in a situation involving all the details, great and small, unavoidable in mustering an army into service ; in the heat of June arid July, and amid the ten thousand questions, wahts, and complaints of the volunteers. It required patience, skill, and labour to prepare an army from six different states, and at the same time to conduct a correspondence with local governors, colonels, agents and other officers, as well as with the military authorities at Washington ; — to fly from state to state, rendezvous to rendezvous, and be almost simultaneously at them all, where volunteers were rushing forward in all the confu- sion incident to their first appearance, without even a tent or a camp-kettle. Notwithstanding all this, from the first week in June to the third in July this perplexing and arduous, but most important service, was performed. He organized and prepared for service three regiments from Ohio, three from Indiana, four from Illinois, two from Kentucky — one of these a regiment of cavalry, and con- sequently requiring much more preparation than infantry ; one of cavalry from Tennessee ; and one and a half from Mississippi. How all this was done in so short a period, considering the various difficulties already mentioned, and the delays in procuring arms, camp-equipage, means of transportation and other necessaries, was a matter of surprise and admiration to military men and public authorities. In six weeks after he had fulfilled his instructions in organizing the volunteers, and despatched the required reinforcements to Gc- EXERTIONS IN ORGANIZING THE ARMY. 135 neral Taylor, General Wool arrived at San Antonio de Bexar, and commenced preparations for his own march through the province of Coahuila. This march terminated at Saltillo, and is one of the most remarkable and interesting of the war. General Wool arrived at San Antonio de Bexar about the middle of August. His army (about three thousand men) had concentrated at this place. By the application of great exertion, and with the aid of indefatigable staff-officers, he was able to put about one-half of his army into a condition for marching, leaving the rear to be brought forward by the chief of his staff, Inspector-General Churchill, as soon as means of transportation, and indispensable supplies should arrive. For a complete narrative of the march of General Wool, and of the battle of Buena Vista, we refer the reader to the following letter from a soldier in General Wool’s army: — “Dear Sir: — I seize the first opportunity afforded since the battle of Buena Vista, of writing to you from the field an account of the more recent operations of General Taylor’s army, including that of General Wool’s, heretofore known as the centre division. The official details of the battle are, I suppose, already published in the states, and made familiar to you ; but you must be ignorant of many occurrences of great interest precedent and subsequent to that memorable event. “General Wool landed from the Gulf on the 2d of August, 1846, at Labaca, Texas, with the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments (infantry) commanded by Colonels Hardin and Bissell ; and soon after took up the line of march for San Antonio de Bexar, one hundred and fifty miles to the north. There he was joined by Colonel Yell’s mounted regiment from Arkansas, and by that of Colonel Marshall of Ken- tucky : Captain Washington’s well-drilled company of flying artil- lery, eight pieces, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Major Bonneville’s battalion of regular infantry, and Colonel Harney, with four compa- nies of dragoons, were also attached to this division. “General Wool displayed-^reat activity in organizing his army, and putting the commissariat in the finest possible condition. Sugar and coffee of the best quality have always been a part of his sol- diers’ daily diet. No army was ever better provided than this with all the munitions and appliances of war ; if we except the quality of the powder, which the government, by some most culpable agents. 136 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. furnished for us — the infantry; an article far inferior to that of Eng lish manufacture, used by the Mexican soldiers. “The two months passed in this delightful region were well spent in drilling for active service. On the 26th of September, two days after the capitulation of Monterey, the advance, under Colonel Harney, marched for the Rio Grande, followed soon after by General Wool, who left Colonel Churchill, the inspector, and Colonel Bissell, to bring up the rear, as they began to do on the 14th of October. The whole army at this time was two thousand six hundred strong. We, of the advance, marched to the Rio Grande, two hundred miles, in twelve days, resting one for General Wool to join us. “ As I can only approximate to accuracy, I shall use round num- bers in mentioning distances and the population of towns. Crossing the present boundary between our country and Mexico on the 12th day of October, we set foot upon the soil of the enemy. Thence, marched a distance of four hundred miles to the city of Parras, on the south-western confines of this state, (Coahuila,) and near a lake of the same name ; passing through and taking peaceable posses- sion, in our circuitous route, of the cities. Presidio del Rio Grande, Nava, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Monclova, the ancient capital of this state, and Parras, w^hich last we reached on the 6th of Decem- ber, 1846. These cities contain each a population of from five to fifteen thousand souls, except Nava, which numbers about two thou- sand. Monclova and Parras are quite wealthy, and exhibit fine spe- cimens of Spanish art and refinement. We spent some time in each of these cities with pleasure and profit, viewing much of Mexican manners and customs, and enjoying an apparently cordial intercourse with the citizens. Our line of march carried us through a great variety of scenery, marked, after three days’ progress in Mexico, by high and barren mountains on the south and west, covered with traces of rich ores ; by sterile plains and table-lands, scantily supplied, in the dry season, with water ; and in the interior, by beautiful fertile valleys, embosoming the quiet Mexican cities, towns, and haciendas, and surrounded in the hazy distance by cloud- capt mountains covered with cedars. You are acquainted with Illi- nois, and can form some idea of Mexico, as I saw it for six hun- dred miles, by imagining the Prairie State elevated a thousand feet, and made somewhat more broken and undulating, with craggy ORDERED TO CO-OPERATE WITH TAYLOR. 137 rocky mountains towering from one to two thousand feet above the plains, taking the place of the groves and interesting face of the country in all directions. But it is only by actual vision, that you can adequately estimate the grand, though uninviting picture of lonely desolation — the inhospitable sterility that met the eye of the wearied soldier, in his toilsome, thirsty marches, and often made him wish that an earthquake had sunk the country he was sent to con- quer. The country bordering on the Rio Grande, where we crossed it, and for a considerable distance into Mexico, west and south, is low, level, very fertile, and w^ell watered by streams or irrigating canals. It already supports' a large population, and contains the cities of Presidio, Nava, and Fernando ; the last two, situated forty and fifty miles west of the river, struck me as quite flourishing. “ The land between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, for nearly a hundred miles, except a few fertile prairies, is divided into sandy deserts and marshy chapparals, almost as difficult of access as the jungles of India. It will be the haunt only of savages and wild beasts for many generations, if not forever. Personal observation ‘ satisfied me that Senator Benton was right when he pronounced the Nueces ‘ the most profitable western boundary of Texas.’ Of the country east of this river, of which I saw much, I must say as of Texas generally, with her rolling prairies and crystal streams, that here I beheld the future France of America, a land destined to bloom with “ the olive and myrtle, the cedar and vine,” and to flow, even in our own time, with milk and honey. “ The effect of our long marching, the strict discipline enforced by our general, and the exercise taken in drill were most salutary upon the health of our army. After the professional and sedentary life in the bilious atmosphere of the Mississippi, the campaign had a most renovating effect. The army lay encamped at Monclova three weeks, during which period our rear came up, and General Wool was ordered to co-operate with General Taylor at Monterey, instead of marching upon Chihuahua, which, up to this time, had been our destination. Eleven days bjought us to Parras, two hun- dred miles farther into the country, where supplies were abundant. Here we lay in camp eleven days, in friendly intercourse with the people, of whom many were not destitute of moral worth and intelli gence. The American sharpers among them — soi-disant gentle- men, — engaged in trade and marrying fortunes, struck me with 12 ^ 138 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. more disgust than the most degraded Mexicans. Many of the better class of natives commanded my highest esteem. One Don Manuel Toarra, who was educated in the United States, found some old friends in the army, and treated us with a hospitality commensurate with his great wealth. The position was fixed in neutrality by his intelligence and prudence ; by his respect for the American charac- ter and institutions, sympathy for his country, and by an unfeigned aversion for his own rulers — the demagogues in the city of Mexico. Santa Anna had assessed his contribution for the army at sixty dol- lars per week. His reply to Santa Anna was, ‘ Come with your army and take it.’ “ But these halcyon days soon passed over our heads, and more stirring scenes were at hand. General Worth, who lay at Saltillo, one hundred and twenty miles north of east from us, with a thou- sand regulars, received intelligence (which he credited) on the 16th of December, that Santa Anna was within three days’ march of him, with thirty thousand men, and was advancing. He despatched ex- presses to Monterey and Parras for aid, promising to hold out one day against any force, and requesting us to reinforce him on the fourth day. “General Wool received this news in the evening of the ITth, and in less than two hours the whole of the army was on the march. On the 21st we reinforced Worth, but no enemy was to be seen. For three nights in succession on this march, which was accom- plished in three days and a half, the army was aroused at one o’clock in the morning to resume the advance. The cavalry and artillery called us sleep-walkers, and complained that we were killing ofi their horses. “ The spirit displayed by the men, their alacrity, cheerfulness and patience, were most admirable. Expecting as they did to meet the enemy every hour, their demeanour inspired the staff and all other officers with confidence in the result. Volunteers as they were, and, as compared with the regulars, but imperfectly disciplined, they suddenly assumed a bearing, and readiness to obey orders, not altogether unworthy of the ‘ Old Guard of Napoleon.’ This march was a fitting prelude to the battle of Buena Vista. “On the 21st of December we sat down at Agua Nueva, a small rancho or town, twenty-one miles south of Saltillo, and near the great pass in the mountains leading to San Luis Potosi, the seat of the Mexican power. Here we passed Christmas watching for the ap- TAKES POSITION AT BUENA VISTA. 139 pearance of the enemy in this pass, and in two smaller ones, a few miles distant on each side of us. New Year’s day was spent at Encantada, nine miles nearer to Saltillo ; we still watching, how- ever, and enjoying the luxury of frequent false alarms. We soon after took up our fighting position at the rancho of Buena Vista, five miles from Saltillo, and prepared to defend the pass two miles in advance of our camp. “In the mean time. General Taylor was concentrating all his available forces at Monterey, either to receive the attack or to make it himself. General Scott, however, chose that he should receive it. Early in January, General Worth was detached with his divi- sion from General Taylor, and joined to Scott at Tampico. Not content with taking this and General Patterson’s command at Mata- moras, Scott broke into our division — the marching column — and drew off to himself Colonel Harney with two companies of dragoons, and Major Bonneville’s battalion of four companies, leaving General Wool an army of volunteers, exclusively ; if you except Captain Steen’s squadron of dragoons, and Captain Washington’s battery, which last even he (Scott) had the modesty to request for his own use.” The following valuable extracts from a letter of one in General Wool’s army, [dated San Antonio de Bexar, Oct. 14th, 1846,] gh^e accurate estimates of the force and condition of the Division of the Centre. “ It was the last of August before all the various detachments which had been ordered here to compose this division, arrived. As soon as they had done so, they were actively employed in organiz- ing, drilling, manmuvring, &c., preparatory to taking the field. The stores, both of subsistence and ammunition, came in but slowly, as they had to be hauled in wagons from Port Laraca, on the Gulf, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles ; and sufficient means for transporting them were not supplied in season to bring them all on at once. It was the 25th of September before these stores had ac- cumulated here, over and above the necessary quantity for the daily use of the troops, to allow the general to commence his campaign. By that time a train of wagons large enough for the advance had been collected, and the 26th was appointed as the day on which that portion of the division should move. It was composed of the following troops : — 140 BRTGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. “Colonel W. S. Harney, 2d dragoons, in comrriand. First Lieutenant Daniel H. Rucker, 1st dragoons, acting assistant adjutant-general. Captain Osborne Cross, assistant quartermaster. Dr. Josiah Simpson, assistant surgeon, U. S. A, Dr. William Levely, assistant surgeon, U. S. A. Captain Robert E. Lee, U. S. corps of engineers. Captain William D. Fraser, U. S. corps of engineers. Captain George W. Hughes, U. S. corps of topographical engi- neers. First Lieutenant Lorenzo Sitgreaves, U. S. corps of topographi- cal engineers. Lieutenant William B. Franklin, U. S. corps of topographical engineers. Captain John M; Washington, 4th artillery. First Lieutenant John P. J. O’Brien, 4th artillery. First Lieutenant Thomas L. Brent, 4th artillery. Second Lieutenant Henry M. Whiting, 4th artillery. These are the officers of Washington’s light ar- tillery, (company ‘ B,’ 4th artillery,) which num- bered for duty, and able to march One squadron 2d regiment U. S. dragoons, com- posed of ‘A’ and ‘I’ companies — able to march The officers composing this squadron were Brevet-Major Benjamin L. Beall, 2d dragoons. First Lieutenant John H. Hill, “ First Lieutenant Daniel G. Rogers, “ Second Lieutenant John Y. Bicknell, “ Second Lieutenant James M. Hawes, “ One battalion of light infantry, composed of three companies of the 6th U. S. infantry, and one of Kentucky volunteers — able to march . These are the officers of that battalion, so far as I have been able to ascertain — Major B. L. E. Bonneville, 6th U. S. infantry. Captain William Hoffman, “ Captain Albemarle Cady, “ Captain John Williams, Kentucky volunteers Total. Aggregate. 95 99 118 124 253 LIST OF OFFICERS, ETC. 141 First Lieutenant Edward H. Fitzgerald, 6th infantry A. C. S. First Lieutenant Leonidas Wetmore, 6th, com- manding company. Second Lieutenant Edwin Howe, 6th, Second Lieutenant William Read, 5th U. S. infantry. Brevet Second Lieutenant Williani Rhea, 6th U. S. infantry. (Three subalterns of Capt. Williams’ company of Kentucky volunteers, names not known.) Six companies of Arkansas mounted volunteers. Their collective strength of men able to march, was ' . . .392 421 Colonel Arch. Yell, Arkansas mounted vol. Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Rone, “ “ First Lieutenant G. Meares, adjt. “ “ Captain Albert Pike, “ “ Captain John Preston, Jr., “ “ Captain John Dillard, “ “ Captain Danley, “ “ Captain Porter, “ “ Captain Inglish, “ “ (Subalterns’ names not known.) Two companies (‘A’ and G’) 1st regiment of Illi- nois volunteers, commanded by Captain Morgan, of the Gluincy riflemen, 150 156 Two companies (‘B’ and ‘H’) 2d regiment of Illi- nois volunteers, commanded by Captain Webb of the 2d regiment I. V. . . . . 135 141 One company of pioneers, under the direction of Captain Lee, and numbering .... 30 Advance — with 66 officers, .... 1171 1237 “ Two boats had been constructed at this place by Captain Fraser, Engineers, by which the division is to cross the Rio Grande. They were taken apart and transported thither in wagons. The general directed that all the men who were unable to march fifteen miles per 142 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. day should be left behind, to come up with other troops, should they recover from sickness, and regain their strength. “ This force started on the morning of the 26th September. Every man in fine spirits, and every company in the best possible fighting order. Captain Washington had a fine battery of six brass pieces — two twelve-pounders and four six-pounders — and a good supply of ammunition for them. Two more brass six-pounders are to be forwarded from here. These are to be added to his battery, and will reach him at the Rio Grande. On the morning of the 29th of September, General Wool, staff, and escort (one squadron of 1st regiment U. S. dragoons) left San Antonio for the Rio Grande. The officers were — Brigadier-General John E. Wool,-U. S. army. First Lieutenant Irvin McDowell, 1st artillery, A. D. C. Brevet Second Lieutenant Francis T. Bryan, topographical engi- neers, additional A. D. C. Captain James H. Prentiss, 1st artillery, assistant adjutant-general. Captain William W. Chapman, assistant quartermaster. First Lieutenant Marsena R. Patrick, 2d infantry, A. C. S. Dr. Charles M. Hitchcock, assistant surgeon, U. S. A. Major David Hunter, paymaster, U. S. A. Second Lieutenant Charles P. Kingsbury, ordnance department. Captain Enoch Steen, 1st regiment U. S. dragoons. Captain William Eustis, “ “ Second Lieut. Abram Buford, “ “ Sec. Lieut. Joseph H. Whittlesey, “ “ The squadron of 1st dragoons was composed of ‘A’ and ‘E’ com- panies, and numbered one hundred and thirty-one. Aggregate of all the force which left on the 29th, one hundred and forty-four. “Colonel Sylvester Churchill, inspector-general U. S. army, was left in command of the forces remaining at San Antonio dq Bexar, which forces were to be forwarded on to join the general at the Presidio del Rio Grande, as fast as means of transportation would allow. “On the 2d of October eight companies of the 1st regiment Illi- nois volunteers took up their line of march. This force was com- manded by Colonel John J. Hardin, 1st regiment Illinois volunteers. LIST OF OFFICERS. 143 His field and staff officers were — Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford, 1st regiment Illinois volunteers. Major Warren, “ “ “ “ Captain Robert H. Chilton, A, Gl. M., U. S. army. 9 Dr. Herrick, assistant surgeon (by the new law). 0 ^ Dr. Zabriskie, acting assistant surgeon (by appointment). First Lieutenant W. H. Wallace, adjutant 1st regiment Illinois volunteers. The captains of companies were — Captain Mower, 1st regiment Illinois volunteers. Captain Fry, “ “ “ Captain Zabriskie, “ “ Captain Richardson, “ “ “ Captain Crow, “ “ “ Captain Wyatt, “ “ “ Captain Montgomery, “ “ “ Captain Landon, “ “ “ The total of Colonel Hardin’s command was 538 — 36 officers— aggregate, 574. “ This command was also in fine order, and not encumbered by any men unable to march fifteen rhiles per day. “ The last intelligence received here from General Wool was dated at his head-quarters on the evening of October 5th. He had overtaken Colonel Harney and the advance, and was then encamped^ twenty-five miles only from Presidio del Rio Grande. By his table of distances from one watering-place to another, for the whole route, (and giving an account of the grazing, &c., for the information of the forces to succeed him,) Presidio is estimated to be one hundred and fifty-seven miles from San Antonio. The water abounded in sufficient quantities, and at intervals short enough to prevent the necessity of transporting it, except for a part of one day’s march, for the whole way. The grazing is also reported as being generally good, except at the Leona and Nueces rivers. “ Since writing the foregoing, another express has arrived from the general, with communications dated the 11th instant. He had arrived at the river on the 9th, and nearly the whole of the advance had crossed without opposition, and was already in Mexico. The following order was published to the troops, on the 9th: — “ Soldiers ! — After a long and tedious march, you have arrived G 144 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. on the bank of the Rio Grande. In the performance of this service the commanding general has witnessed with the greatest pleasure your patience, good order, and perseverance under many depriva- tions and hardships. All have done their duty, and in a manner that reflects the highest credit on both officers and men. From this remark he would not except his staff, who have actively and zeal- ously devoted themselves to the service ; whilst Captain Cross has been eminently successful in forwarding his long train of supplies, without delay or serious accident. “ To-morrow you will cross the Rio Grande, and occupy the ter- ritory of our enemies. We have not come to make war upon the people or peasantry of the country, but to compel the government of Mexico to render justice to the United States. The people, there- fore, who do not take up arms against the United States, and remain quiet and peaceful at their homes, will not be molested or interfered with, either as regards their persons or property ; and all those who furnish supplies will be treated kindly, and whatever is received from them will be liberally paid for. “ It is expected of the troops that they will observe the most rigid discipline and subordination. All depredations on the persons or property of the people of the country are strictly forbidden ; and any soldier or follower of the camp who may so far forget his duty as to violate this injunction, will be severely punished. “ A report reached San Antonio last evening, that the Mexicans had assembled a force of seven thousand at Monclova, to arrest General Wool’s advance at that place ; and it is also reported that Santa Anna has taken command of his army in person, and already established his head-quarters at Saltillo. “ The rear of the Central Division leaves here this day, to join the general. The officers are — Colonel Sylvester Churchill, Inspector-General U. S. A., com- manding. First Lieutenant J. Henry Carlton, 1st dragoons, aid-de-camp. Majqr Charles Thomas, quartermaster U. S. A. Captain Davis, A. Q,. M. (Under new act.) Captain Howard, A. C. S. t< Dr. Edward B. Price, surgeon, “ ^ Dr. J. Ham White, surgeon, “ “ Major John B. Butler, paymaster, “ “ LIST OF OFFICERS, ETC. 145 Captain George A. H. Blake, 2d dragoons, commanding detach- ment of artillery, dragoons and infantry. Brevet Second Lieutenant James Oaks, 2d dragoons, on duty with Captain Blake. Two companies of Arkansas mounted volunteers, commanded by Captain William G. Preston and Captain Hunter. Colonel William H. Bissell, commanding 2d regiment Illinois volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, 2d regiment Illinois volunteers. Major Trail, “ “ “ Seven companies only, of the 2d regiment, march with this com- mand — two having gone with Colonel Harney, and one (Captain Hacker’s) left as a guard to this place. They are commanded by the following officers : Captain Wheeler, Captain Baker, Captain Coffee, Captain Armstrong, Captain Lemon, Captain Lott. Captain Miller, One company of Texas volunteers, commanded by Captain Charles A. Seefeld. (Names of subalterns not known.) The whole of this command numbers, aggregate, 724. “With the next train of wagons. Major Solon Borland, with the remaining two companies of Arkansas volunteers, is to come up. They are commanded by Captain Moffitt and Captain Patrick, and will number, aggregate, 150. “ Then all the forces of this division will have left for tlie field, and will number, all told, only 2829. “ The general will probably establish a depot for stores somewhere in the interior beyond Presidio — as when the rainy season com- mences, he no doubt desires to have the distance for immediate and frequent transportation as short as possible. It is thought by many here that we shall have a hard struggle before we capture Chihua- hua. Let that be as it may, we will all try to render out country a good account of ourselves. “ I shall write you again from the Presidio del Rio Grande. You . have in this crude letter the different corps, and the strength of each ; and when they are mentioned in future letters, you can refer to this for many data which will in them be necessarily suppressed. “The north-western frontier of Texas, during our advance, will 13 146 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. be protected by a military police, composed of four or five compa- nies of mounted rangers, three of which have already been mustered into the service of the United States for twelve months.” Fortunately for General Taylor, Wool was not sent with the regular troops who had been called away from the Rio Grande to Vera Cruz. To him was entrusted the management of the battle of Buena Vista, and in all the extremities of that eventful field, the army leaned on him for advice and assistance. There the volun- teers learned the use of that strict discipline which he had been so indefatigable to enforce ; and his stern voice sounded along the gorges of Angostura like some mighty spirit’s, to whom was en- trusted the chances of battle. His official report of the action, which we insert entire, is the most scientific description of it ever published. “Agreeably to the orders from the commanding general, I have the honour to report that, on the 21st ult., the troops at Agua Nueva broke up their encampment, and, preceded by the supply and bag- gage train, marched for Buena Vista and Saltillo, except Colonel Yell’s regiment of Arkansas volunteers, which remained to look out for the enemy, reported to be advancing on Agua Nueva in great force, and to guard some public stores left at the hacienda until transportation could be obtained to carry them to Buena Vista. “ On the arrival of the commanding general at Encantada, he di- rected that Colonel McKee’s regiment, 2d Kentucky volunteers, and a section of Captain Washington’s battery, be kept at that place to give support to Colonel Yell in case he should be driven in by the j enemy. Betw^een Encantada and Buena Vista, at a place called the Pass, Colonel Hardin’s regiment 1st Illinois volunteers was stationed. The rest of my command encamped near the hacienda of Buena Vista. The major-general commanding, accompanied by Lieute- nant-Colonel May’s squadron, (2d dragoons,) Captains Sherman and Bragg’s batteries, (3d artillery,) and the Mississippi regiment, com- manded by Colonel Davis, proceeded to Saltillo, to provide against the attack meditated by General Minon, with a cavalry force reported to be three thousand strong. As many wagons as could be obtained were ordered to return forthwith to Agua Nueva, and bring off what remained of the stores at that place. “ In the course of the evening, agreeably to the instructions of the commanding general, transmitted from Saltillo, Colonel Marshall, WOiftL’S OPERATIONS AT BUENA VISTA. 147 with his regiment and the 1st dragoons, were ordered to Agua Nueva to reinforce Colonel Yell, who was directed, in case he should be attacked, to destroy every thing at that place he could not bring off, and to retire before 12 o’clock, P. M, Colonel McKee, at Encantada, with the section of artillery, was directe^d^'to join Colonel Yell on his retreat, and the whole to fall back to Buena Vista, should the enemy pursue them to that place. Before leaving Agua Nueva, Colonel Yell’s pickets were driven in by the advanced parties of the Mexicans. He then retired with the reinforcements under the command of Colonel Marshall, after destroying a small quantity of corn yet remaining at the hacienda, and leaving a few wagons which had been precipitately abandoned by their teamsters. “All the advanced parties came into Buena Vista, except Colonel Hardin’s regiment, before daylight on the morning of the 22d. “At 8 o’clock, A. M., oh the 22d, I received notice that the Mexican army was at Agua Nueva, and ordered a section of Cap- tain Washington’s artillery to move forward and join Colonel Hardin. Shortly afterwards I repaired to that position, where it had been de- termined to give battle to the enemy. During the previous night, agreeably to my orders. Colonel Hardin’s regiment had thrown up a parapet on the height, on the left of the road, and had dug a small ditch, and made a parapet extending from the road around the edge of the gulley, on the right of the road. They were then directed to dig a ditch, and make a parapet across the road for the protection of Captain Washington’s artillery, leaving a narrow passage next to the hill, which was to be closed up by running into it two wa- gons loaded with stone. “ About 9 o’clock, our pickets, stationed at the Encantada, three and a half miles distant, discovered the enemy advancing. Word w^as immediately despatched to the commanding general at Saltillo ; and I ordered the troops at Buena Vista forthwith to be brought forward. “ Captain Washington’s battery was posted across the road, pro- tected on its left by a commanding eminence, and on its right by deep gullies. The 2d Kentucky infantry, commanded by Colonel McKee, was stationed on a hill immediately in the rear of Wash- ington’s battery. The six companies of the 1st Illinois regiment, commanded by Colonel Hardin, took post on the eminence on the left; and two companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford, 148 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOft. occupied the breastwork on the right of Washington’s battery. The 2d Illinois regiment was stationed on the left of the Kentucky regi- ment. The Indiana brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Lane, was posted on a ridge immediately in rear of the front line, and Captain Stein’s squadron in reserve, in rear of the Indiana bri- gade. The Kentucky regiment of cavalry, under the command of Colonel Marshall, and the Arkansas regiment, under the command of Colonel Yell, were stationed to the left of the second line towards the mountains. Shortly afterwards the rifle companies of these two regiments were dismounted, and with the cavalry companies of the Kentucky regiment, and a battalion of riflemen from the Indiana brigade, under Major Gorman, under the command of Colonel Mar- shall, were ordered to take post on the extreme left, and at the foot of the mountains. “These dispositions were approved by the major-general com- manding; who had now returned from Saltillo, bringing with him Lieutenant-Colonel May’s squadron of the 2d dragoons, Captains Sherman and Bragg’s batteries of artillery, and the Mississippi regiment of riflemen. “The enemy had halted just beyond cannon-shot, and displayed his forces on either side of the road, and commenced pushing his light infantry into the mountains on our left. At the same time, in- dications of an attempt on our right induced the commanding ge- neral to order the 2d Kentucky infantry and Captain Bragg’s bat- tery, with a detachment of mounted men, to take post on the right of the gullies, and at some distance in advance of Captain Wash- ington’s battery, in the centre. “ Captain Sherman’s battery was held in reserve in rear of the second line. “ The enemy was now seen pushing his infantry on his right towards the heights, showing evidently an intention to turn our left, in order to get possession of the key to our position — the eminence immediately on the left of Washington’s artillery— and thus open a free passage to Saltillo. “Colonel Marshall, with his regiment, the Arkansas riflemen, under Lieutenant-Colonel Roane, and the Indiana rifle battalion, under Major Gorman, was charged with meeting this party, and checking their movement on our left. Brigadier-General Lane, with the 2d Indiana regiment, and a section of Captain Washing- BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 149 ton’s artillery, under Lieutenant O’Brien — since captain in the quar- termaster’s department — was ordered to the extreme left and front of the plain, which was terminated by a deep ravine, extending from the mountain to the road, with orders to prevent the enemy from coming around by the base of the mountain. “At 2 o’clock, as the enemy’s light infantry were moving up the side of the mountain and m the ravines, they opened a fire on our riflemen from a large howitzer posted in the road ; and between 3 and 4 o’clock Colonel Marshall engaged the Mexican infantry on the side of the mountain, and the firing continued on both sides at intervals until dark. In this our troops sustained no loss, whilst that of the enemy is known, by a subsequent inspection of the ground, to be considerable. After the firing had ceased, the major- general commanding again returned to Saltillo to see to matters at that place, and to guard against General Minon and his cavalry, taking with him the Mississippi regiment and squadron of the 2d dragoons. “ The troops remained underarms during the night in the position they occupied at the close of the day. About 2 o’clock, A. M., of the 23d, our pickets were driven in by the Mexicans, and at the dawn of the day the action was renewed by the Mexican light in- fantry and our riflemen on the side of the mountain. “ The enemy had succeeded during the night, and early in the morning, in gaining the very top of the mountain, and in passing to our left and rear. He had reinforced his extreme right by some fifteen hundred to two thousand infantry. “Major Prail, 2d Illinois volunteers, was ordered, with his battalion of riflemen, to reinforce Colonel Marshall, who was engaged in holding the right of the enemy in check. “The enemy now opened a fire upon our left from a battery planted on the side of the mountain near where his light infantry had com- menced ascending it — every thing now indicating that the main attack would be against our left. “The 2d Kentucky infantry and Bragg’s battery of artillery were by instructions given to Major Mansfield, ordered from the extreme right, and Sherman’s battery ordered up from the rear to take post with Colonel Bisseli’s regiment (2d Illinois volunteers) on the pla- teau which extends from the centre of the line to the foot of the mountain, the sides of which were now filled with the Mexican in- 13^ 150 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. fantry and our riflemen, between whom the firing had become very brisk. About this time the major-general commanding was seen returning from Saltillo with the Mississippi regiment and the squad- ron of the 2d dragoons ; and, shortly after, he arrived and took his position in the centre of the field of battle, where he could see and direct the operations of the day. At 8 o’clock, a large body of the enemy, composed of infantry, lancers, and three pieces of artillery, moved down the high road upon our centre, held by Captain Wash- ington’s battery and the 1st Illinois volunteers, but were soon dis- persed by the former. The rapidity and precision of the fire of the artillery scattered and dispersed this force in a few minutes with considerable loss on their side, and little or none on our own. “ In connection with this movement, a heavy column of the ene- my’s infantry and cavalry and the battery on the side of the moun- tain moved against our left, which was held by Brigadier-General Lane, with the 2d Indiana regiment, and Lieutenant O’Brien’s sec- tion of artillery, by whom the enemy’s fire was warmly returned, and, owing to the range, with great effect by Lieutenant O’Brien’s artillery. General Lane, agreeably to my orders, wishing to bring his infantry within striking distance, ordered his line to move for- ward. This order was duly obeyed by Lieutenant O’Brien. The infantry, however, instead of advancing, retired in disorder ; and, in spite of the utmost efforts of their general and his officers, left the artillery unsupported, and fled the field of battle. Some of them were rallied by Colonel Bowles, who, with the fragment, fell in the ranks of the Mississippi riflemen, and during the day did good ser- vice with that gallant regiment. I deeply regret to say that most of them did not return to the field, and many of them continued their flight to Saltillo. “Lieutenant O’Brien, being unsupported by any infantry, and not being able to make head against the heavy column bearing down upon him with a destructive fire, fell back on the centre, leaving one of his pieces, at which all the cannoniers and horses were either Rilled or disabled, in the hands of the enemy. Seeing themselves cut off from the centre by the flight of the 2d Indiana regiment, and the consequent advance of the Mexican infantry and cavalry upon the ground previously occupied by it, the riflemen under the com- mand of Colonel Marshall retreated from their position in the mountain, where they had been so successfully engaged with the BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 151 enemy on the other side of the dry bed of a deep and broad torrent that is immediately in rear of our position. Here many fled in dis- order to the rear. Some of them were subsequently rallied and brought again into action, with their brave companions ; others were stopped at the hacienda of Buena Vista, and there re-formed by their officers. “The enemy immediately brought forward a battery of three pieces, and took a position on the extreme left of our line, under the mountain, and commenced an enfilading fire on our centre, which was returned with so much effect upon the advancing column of the Mexicans, containing near six thousand infantry and lancers, that it forced them to keep to the upper side of the plateau, close under the side of the mountain ; and, instead of turning to the left and advancing on our centre, against the heavy fire of so much well-served artillery, continued its course perpendicular to our line on the extreme left, crossed over the bed of the dry torrent, in the direction taken by our retreating riflemen, keeping all the while close to the foot of the mountain. Colonels Marshall and Yell, with their cavalry companies. Colonel May, with the squadron of the 1st and 2d dragoons, and Captain Pike’s squadron, Arkansas regiment, in connection with a brigade of infantry, formed of the Mississippi regiment, the 3d Indiana, (Colonel Lane) and a fragment of the 2d Indiana regiment, under Colonel Bowles, and Bragg’s artillery, and three pieces of Sherman’s battery, succeeded in checking the march of this column. The Mississippi regiment alone, and with a howit- zer under Captain Sherman, moved against some four thousand of the enemy, and slopped them in their march upon Saltillo. A large body of lancers from this body formed column in one of the moun- tain gorges, and advanced through the Mexican infantry, to make a descent on the hacienda of Buena Vista, near which our train of supplies and baggage had been packed. They were gallantly and successfully met by our mounted men, under Colonels Marshall and Yell, and the attacking column separated — part returning to the mountain under cover of their infantry, and a part through the ha cienda. Here the latter were met by a destructive fire from those men who had left the field in the early part of the action, and had been rallied by their officers. Colonel May’s dragoons and a section of artillery, under Lieutenant Reynolds, coming up at this moment, completed the rout of this portion of the enemy’s cavalry. The G* 152 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. column that had passed our left, and had gone some two miles to our rear, now faced about, and commenced retracing their steps, exposing their right flank to a very heavy and destructive fire from our infantry and artillery, who were drawn up in a line parallel to the march of the retreating column, of whom many were forced on and over the mountains, and many dispersed. “ General Santa Anna, seeing the situation of this part of his army, and, no doubt, considering them as cut off, sent in a flag to the ma- jor-general commanding to know what he desired. The -general asked me to be the bearer of his answer, to which I cheerfully assented, and proceeded immediately to the enemy’s battery under the mountains, to see the Mexican general-in-chief. But in conse- quence of a refusal to cease firing on our troops, to whom the news of the truce had not yet been communicated, and who were actively engaged with the Mexican infantry, I declared the parley at an end, and returned without seeing General Santa Anna, or commu- nicating the answer of the general commanding. “ The Mexican column was now in rapid retreat, pursued by our artillery, infantry, and cavalry ; and, notwithstanding the effect of our fire, they succeeded for the greater part, favoured by the con- figuration of the ground, in crossing the bed of the torrent, and regaining the plateau from which they had previously descended. “Whilst this was taking place on the left and rear of the line, our centre, under the immediate eye of the commanding general, although it suffered much in killed and wounded, stood firm, and repelled every attempt to march upon it. “ The Mexican forces being now concentrated on our left, made a bold move to carry our centre, by advancing with his whole strength from the left and front. At this moment. Lieutenant O’Brien was ordered to advance his battery . and check this move- ment. He did so in a bold and gallant manner, and maintained his position until his supporting force was completely routed by an immensely superior force. His men and horses being nearly all killed and wounded, he found himself under the necessity of aban- doning his pieces, and they fell into the hands of the enemy. From this point the enemy marched upon the centre, where the shock was met by Colonel McKee, the 1st Illinois, under Colonel Hardin, and the 2d, under Colonel Bissell, all under the immediate eye of the commanding general. This was the hottest as well as the most RETREAT OF THE ENEMY. 153 critical part of the action ; and at the moment when our troops were about giving way before the vastly superior force with which they were contending, the batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg coming up most opportunely from the rear, and under the immediate direction of the commanding general, by a well-directed fire checked and drove back with great loss the enemy, who had come close upon the muzzles of their pieces. A part of the enemy’s lancers took our infantry in flank, and drove them down the ravine in front of Captain Washington’s battery, who saved them by a well-directed and well-timed fire from his pieces. “ This was the last great effort of General Santa Anna ; the firing, however, between the enemy’s artillery and our own, continued until night. “ The troops lay on their arms in the position in which they were placed at evening. Major Warren’s command, consisting of four companies of Illinois infantry, and a detachment of Captain Web- ster’s company, under Lieutenant Donaldson, were brought on the field from Saltillo; where they had performed, during the day, im- portant services in connection with Captain Webster’s battery, under a piece ably served by Lieutenant (now Captain) Shover, 3d artil- lery, in repelling the attack of General Minon and his cavalry on that place. Every arrangement was made to engage the enemy early the next morning, when, at daybreak, it was discovered he had retreated under cover of the night, leaving about one thousand dead and several hundred wounded on the field of battle, and two hundred and ninety-four prisoners in our hands, one standard, and a large number of arms. “ Our own loss was, I deeply regret to say, very great — equalling, if not exceeding, in proportion to the numbers engaged, that of the enemy. In killed, wounded, and missing, it amounted to rising of seven hundted. Anong the dead, some of the most gallant of our officers- fell while leading their men to the charge, and some who are well known to the country for distinguished services on other fields, among whom were Colonel A. Yell, of Arkansas, Colonel William McKee, Lieutenant-Colonel H. Clay, of Kentucky, and Colonel Hardin, of Illinois. I also lost my assistant adjutant-gene- ral, Captain Lincoln, who was as brave, gallant, and as accomplished an officer as I ever knew. He fell in the execution of my orders, and in the attempt to rally our men. 154 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. “ The troops posted in the centre were constantly under the eye of the commanding general, and their movements and bearing during the battle are better known to him ,than myself. I think it proper, however, to bear witness with him to the particular good conduct of the 1st Illinois volunteers, under Colonel Hardin, and, after his death, under Colonel Weatherford ; of the 2d Illinois volunteers, under Colonel Bissell ; and the 2d Kentucky infantry, under Colo- nel McKee, Lieutenant-Colonel Clay, and after their death, under Major Fry. These regiments suffered greatly in the contest, and were ably and gallantly led on by their officers, as their number, names, and rank of the killed wdll abundantly testify. “I also desire to express my high admiration, and to offer my warmest thanks to Captains Washington, Sherman and Brag-g, and Lieutenants O’Brien and Thomas, and their batteries; to whose services at this point, and on every other part of the field, I think it but justice to say, we are mainly indebted for the great victory so successfully achieved by our arms over the great force opposed to us — more than twenty thousand men and seventeen pieces of artillery. Without our artillery we would not have maintained our position a single hour. “ Brigadier-General Lane was very active and prompt in the dis- charge of his duty, and rendered good service throughout the day. He reports, among many others, Colonel Lane and the 3d Indiana regiment as having done themselves great credit. To Colonel Davis and the Mississippi regiment under his command, whose ser- vices were conspicuous in the open engagements on the rear of our left, great credit is due for the part they performed, and much praise for their conspicuous gallantry, which caused them to be a rallying point for the force that was driven in from the left, and wffio, in con- nection with the 3d Indiana regiment, and a fragment of the 2d Indiana, under its gallant colonel, constituted almost the only in- fantry opposed to the heavy column of the enemy. “ Colonel Marshall rendered gallant and important services, both as the commander of the riflemen in the mountains, where he and his men were very effectual, and as the commander of the cavalry companies of his regiment, in connection with those of the Arkan- sas regiment, under Colonel Yell, and after his death, under Lieu- .iCnant-Colonel Roane, (who commanded them in a gallant manner,) in their operations against the enemy’s lancers. Colonel Marshall CORPS AND OFFICERS DISTINGUISHED. 155 reports that Lieutenant-Colonel Field was everywhere during the battle, and equal entirely to his station, and rendered the most es- sential assistance. • “ Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel May, 2d dragoons, with the squadron of the 1st and 2d dragoons, and Captain Pike’s squadron of Arkan- sas cavalry^ and a section of artillery, admirably served by Lieu- tenant Reynolds, 3d artillery, played an important part in checking and dispersing the enemy in the rear of our left. They retired be- fore him whenever he approached them. The gallant Captain Steen, whilst rallying, under the orders of the commanding general, some men running from the field of battle, was severely wounded in the thigh. “Major McCulloch, quartermaster, in command of a Texas spy company, has, on the field, and in all the reconnoissances for seve- ral days previous to the contest, given me great assistance and valuable information. “ Though belonging to the staff of the major-general command- ing, yet the very important and valuable services of Major Mans- field, to whom I am greatly indebted for the aid I received from his untiring exertions, activity, and extensive information, as well as for his gallant bearing during the days and nights of the 21st, 22d, 23d and 24th, give me the privilege of expressing to the com- manding general my entire admiration of this accomplished officer’s conduct.. “My thanks are also due to Major Monroe, chief of artillery, for the services rendered by him on the field, as chief of artillery, and for his exertions in rallying the men at Buena Vista, and disposing of them at that place, to meet the attack of the enemy’s lancers. Paymaster Dix and Captain Leonard rendered very valuable aid by their gallantry in rallying the troops. Lieutenant Renham, en- gineer, was very gallant, zealous, and efficient at all times, night and day, in the performance of the important duties with which he was charged. ' “ Of my stafi’ I cannot speak in too high terms ; their devotion to duty at all times, day and night, and their activity and gallant bear- ing on the 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th, not only command my admi- ration, but is worthy of all praise. # ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ if: ^ * “ T cannot close my report without expressing, officially and for- 156 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. mally, as I have heretofore done personally to the major-general commanding, the feelings of gratitude I have for the confidence and • extreme consideration which have marked all his acts towards me ; which have given me additional motives for exertion, and increased zeal in the execution of the responsible duties with which I have been charged. “The forces engaged in the great battle of the 22d and 23d ultimo, were as follows “ The United States troops, commanded by Major-General Taylor, amounted to only four thousand six hundred and ten, including officers. “The forces under the command of General Santa Anna amount- ed to twenty-two thousand. Some of the Mexican officers taken prisoners stated the number to be twenty-four thousand, exclusive of artillery. This number, I presume, included General Minon’s cavalry, reported to be from two to three thousand. “ The army is represented to be in a disorganized state, and that the Josses in killed and wounded, and by desertion, exceed six thou- sand men. The dead, the dying, and the wounded in a starving condition, everywhere to be seen on its route, bespeak a hurried re- treat and extreme distress,” A writer, already quoted, gives the following account of Wool’s conduct in the battle, together with many interesting incidents : “ Our general was encamped on the 5th ult., with Colonel Bissell and Captain Washington, on the heights above and to the south of Saltillo, the rest of the army being distributed through the valley, still watching the passes to San Luis, when he who is called by his devoted soldiers Old Rough and Ready, came up with Bragg’s and Sherman’s batteries and Colonel Davis’ Mississippi regiment. He expressed great satisfaction and pleasure with our discipline and the manner in which General Wool had ‘brought us up.’ By command of General Worth, General Lane, with his Indianians, and Lieute- nant Kingsbury, had built a very good fort on the heights of Sal- tillo, and in it Captain Webster’s two twenty-four-pound howitzers, with smaller pieces, were placed, and commanded every building in the city below, as well as the whole plain from mountain to moun- tain, east and west. “On the 8th of February, the whole army with General Taylor, MAJORS BORLAND, GAINES, ETC., CAPTURED. 157 except four companies of Illinois, left to guard the town, lay in camp at Agua Nueva, and here our generals patiently awaited the arrival of new levies, which they hoped would make their forces ten thou- sand strong, and forty days’ provisions, to enable us to march for Santa Anna’s stronghold, San Luis Potosi, three hundred miles south of Saltillo. General Taylor expected to be ready for the march on the 1st of April. But for a long tim.e the signs had been thickening, that the Mexican dictator was aiming a blow at us, the Voluntarios, as composed of more conquerable stuff than the regu- lars under Scott. On the 22d of January, Majors Borland and Gaines, Captain C. M. Clay, and Lieutenant Davidson, with eighty men, were at Incarnacion, sixty miles from Saltillo, on the San Luis road, scouting, when they were suddenly surrounded in the night by three thousand lancers under General Minon, taken prisoners in the morning, and marched off for the city of Mexico. Soon after this, Captain Eddy, of Kentucky, with seventeen men on picket guard, was captured in the same manner — a manner little creditable to soldiers. “ Our pickets were several times driven in, and the enemy’s cavalry frequently hovered around us on the south and east, to cut off small parties. Many of the citizens suddenly became sullen to- w^ards the Americanos^ who had scattered money among them with so lavish a hand. Three men were missing out of the Arkansas regiment, one of whom was found on the 9th ult., near the camp, dead, with a lasso around his neck, and presenting a horrid specta- cle. For this act of an unknown criminal, a few comrades of the deceased, on the next day, took a frantic and senseless revenge, by shooting down in cold blood about thirty unarmed Mexicans, who, with their families, had abandoned the ranch, and were living in the mountains under cover of trees and bushes, to cut wood, as they said, for sale in our camp. Some Illinois infantry saved the greater part of these poor people from massacre. Generals Taylor and Wool were greatly enraged at the act, and branded it in general orders as a cruel and cowardly outrage. Meanwhile a black cloud was gather- ing up from San Luis, soon to burst upon our heads in storm and thunder. On the 20th ult.. Colonel May, Captain Howard, and Lieutenant O’Brien, with a scouting party at Idionda, twenty-five miles south-east, took a Mexican, who said that Santa Anna wa advancing upon us from Incarnacion. They came into camp early 14 158 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. on the morning of the 21st, with this intelligence, which many things conspired to stamp with truth. Having breakfasted, the army lei- surely retreated to Buena Vista, fourteen miles, and there took posi- tion. All the infantry except Colonel Hardin, who remained in the centre of our line at the pass of Buena Vista, encamped at the ranch, whither our wagons, which had returned to Agua Nueva for the rest of our provisions in camp, came back in the night with hot haste. Colonel Yell, by order of General Taylor, had remained there until near night, when he was attacked by the advanced guard of the enemy. Destroying such provisions and wagons as he could not carry off, he retired to our position. On the next day, the birth- day of Washington, in the morning. Colonels Bissell and McKee, with their respective regiments, and General Lane wdth his brigade, marched out to meet the enemy. We left our tents standing, and our baggage and provisions, which were in the ranch, unguarded, except by teamsters, and one man more. Major Roman, commissary. Our force on the field varied little from four thousand men. That of Santa Anna was twenty-four thousand, as all concur in stating. The mountains on each side of our position stand two miles apart, and are high and difficult of ascent. Our flanks rested upon them. The centre occupied the road, with Washington’s battery behind a slight breastwork of earth ; above, a little on the left and in advance of which. Colonel Hardin was posted, on a high conical hill, behind a low breastwork of stone. His office was to guard this battery on the road below. On a level with this hill, to the left, was an elevated plain or table-land, terminating at the road in high bluffs, and cut up in front and rear of our line, as well as on its right, by very deep, wide ravines, dry, with sloping sides, and running for the most part at right angles with the mountain, and parallel with our line of bat- tle. Here was our left wing. Our right was posted on a low allu- vion, cut up in nearly all directions by deep precipitous ravines, now dry, which in the rainy season receive and convey the mountain torrents. This low ground was commanded as far as the mountain, and could be swept by our cannon on the road. Near to and about parallel with the mountain on the right, a creek with high and per pendicular banks ran to the north, between which and the mountain the Kentuckians of Colonel McKee, with two of Bragg’s cannon, were posted on the 22d, and remained there till the morning of the BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 159 23d, when, finding nothing to do on the right, they abandoned this position and rushed into the battle, then raging on our left. “ It became evident on the 22d, that the high plain was to be the principal field of battle. Most of that day was spent by Santa Anna in throwing a large force of infantry, under General Ampudia, into the mountain to our left, for the purpose of gaining our rear. At four o’clock P. M. of the 22d, the battle began, with a cannonade on our right and centre, followed soon after by a sharp engagement in the mountain to our left, between Kentucky riflemen from Colonel Marshall’^ mounted regiment and the flankers of Ampudia, at least three thousand strong.'^ The mountain sides to the top seemed alive with the enemy, whose bright English muskets glistened in the rays of the setting sun. “ Night came, and all was still, save the hum of voices from the two opposing armies, bivouacked within musket-shot of each other. Had our forces been a little larger, that night would have seen the destruction of Santa Anna’s army. But our only safety lay in an obstinate defence of our position. Early in the morning of the 23d the ball opened. The 2d of Illinois, Colonel Bissell, occupied the right of the plain, his right resting on the head of a ravine, and well guryjfled by Bragg’s and Sherman’s artillery. On his left were O’Brien’s three pieces, detached from Washington’s battery ; and still further to our left, next to the mountain, stood the 2d of In- diana, Colonel Bowles, with General Lane and his staff. The 3d of Indiana, Colonel Lane, and Colonel Davis’ well-tried Mississip- pians, were held in reserve. Behind our line, and sheltered by a ravine from the heavy artillery of the enemy, (much heavier than ours,) was our cavalry. The battle to-day was opened by our rifle- men in the mountains, who renewed the attack which they com- menced the evening before. ”To their assistance was soon sent the rifle battalion of the 2d Illinois, three companies under Major Trail. Here the blows of our men were soon felt by the enemy, who stood at bay, at a respectful distance from their rifles. “The main force of Santa Anna soon advanced against us on the plain, while their artillery played upon our ranks on the left. The infantry came on in admirable order, crossing one deep ravine after another in our front, and deploying out of them into line, with a re- gularity that excited our admiration, and must have struck the fancy of our two regular geneials. Their eight columns of regiments, ad- 160 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. vancing in line, looked formidable indeed. As the enemy rose out of the first ravine in our front, they opened their fire upon us of the 2d Illinois, which we received some time without returning, and ad- vanced a short way in it ; but which, when we did return it, quickly slackened. The ranks immediately before us soon staggered under our fire, and were ripe for a charge of bayonets by us, when the 2d Indiana, on our left, was seen in base/ inglorious flight.' General Lane, and his aid, Mr. Robinson, strove in vain to rally them. The general had, just before this disgraceful rout, replied to an officer who suggested a retreat — ‘ Retreat ! No ; I wilf charge Aem with the bayonet.’ Many of thi^ ‘ flying infantry’ ran to the ranch, many to town, and some, the bearers of ill-tidings, may have run, for aught I know, to the United States. The enemy now charged O’Brien’s guns, of which they took one ; and our left being turned, were con- centrating their fire upon our single regiment with destructive effect. By command of Colonel Churchill, Colonel Bissell ordered his ranks to cease firing and retreat to the ravine in our rear; which order was several times repeated amidst the rattling volleys before it could be heard and obeyed. Rallying out of the ravine to the right behind the artillery, which was now ploughing through the advancing columns of the enemy, we quickly joined the Kentuckians msider Colonel McKee, and with them drove back the enemy’s left with slaughter into the ravines, where many of them were killed and wounded. But on our left the enemy were victorious, and were fast pushing into our rear. Their flankers in the mountains rushed forward to surround our riflemen, and the swarms of lancers driving before them the Arkansas cavalry, whom Colonel Yell in vain called upon and adjured to follow him to the charge. “Our brave skirmishers from the mountains were on the point of being exterminated, when Colonels Yell and Marshall, with a few companies and the dragoons of Captain Stern’s squadron, slightly checked the career of the lancers, and enabled the greater part of our riflemen to retreat to the ranch. About this time. Captain Stern was struck with a grape-shot and compelled to retire. The gallant and good old captain was greatly missed throughout the day. Here, with many others, fell Lieutenant Price of Illinois, seventy-two years old. Captain Conner, of the rifles, was attacked by three lancers, and saved himself by his skill with the sword. “ The lancers still made head against our cavalry, and drove them BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 161 to Buena Vista, where they were finally repulsed, after charging and dispersing the Arkansas regiment, with the loss of its noble colonel. May, with the dragoons, now came up, and with our riflemen and two pieces of artillery, soon drove back the main body of the lancers. But in the mean time, a large brigade of Mexican infantry had gained our rear, and a large force of lancers had gone by our left to attack Saltillo, in conjunction with General Minon on the north. These last were quickly repelled by our cannon in the front, and were chased a considerable distance back, by infantry from the town with a small cannon. The Mississippi infantry now marched to attack that of the enemy in our rear, drawn up along the base of the mountain, and gave them battle with a gallantry and steadiness worthy of veterans. They were soon joined by the 3d of Indiana, and a large part of the tarnished 2d, who had rallied and returned to the conflict. General Lane was in command here, though wounded early in the morning. The battle was bloody, obstinate,, and long-continued. Two pieces of artillery, with our rallied riflemen under Major Wall, came up to the left, and attacked the right of the Mexican line with great effect. With this squad, for a short time, was General Wool, cool and collected, directing the fire of the artillery and men, and placing them in the best positions. The battle on the plain, meanwhile, was confined to artillery, of which the enemy had planted a battery on our left, and alongside of which was the main body of the infantry. On the flanks of our artillery, opposed to that of the enemy, were Colonels Hardin, Bis- sell, and McKee, ready to repel an expected charge of the Mexican infantry, and in full view of the splendid contest going on in our rear. Colonel Hardin, on finding that all the attacks by lancers on Washington’s battery were feints, and that the stream of battle flow- ed only on our side of the field, left his hill and came with a portion of his regiment to the plain. With us was young Clay, whose firm- set countenance and eye of fire, called up in memory his eloquent father in the height of an oratorical triumph. “At length, about three o’clock P. M., we saw the Mexican force in our rear begin to falter and retrace their steps, under the well- directed shot of our ranks of marksmen, and the artillery still pour- ing its iron death-bolts into their right. Their lancers, who had taken refuge behind their infantry, and there watched the progress of the fight, made one desperate charge to turn the fortune of the 14 ^ 162 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. day by breaking the line of Indiana and Mississippi. But the cool, steady volunteers, sent them with carnage and confusion to Santa Anna, on the plain above, with the report that our reserve was five thousand strong, and filled all the ravines in our rear. The retreat of their infantry, which paused for a moment, was now hastened by the repulse of the lancers, but still under a galling fire. They march- ed back in excellent order. While making their toilsome and bloody way back, with their men falling at every step, Santa Anna practised a ruse, to which any French or English officer would have scorned to resort. He exhibited a flag of truce, and sent it across the plain to our right, where stood our generals. The heralds first asked what troops we were ; and one officer, a volunteer too, had the folly to say we were regulars, ‘ troupos de ligne.^ They then asked General Taylor what terms he had to propose. ‘ I demand that General Santa Anna surrender himself and his whole army prisoners of war; I will release them on parole’ — was his reply. In the morning Santa Anna had summoned Taylor to surrender, representing the folly of resistance with volunteers against his overwhelming force of regu- lars^ The old hero then replied, ‘ we are here, come and get us.’ The tables were now turning. The bearers of the flag asked what time they could have to consider these terms' — ‘ An hour V ‘ Not half that time,’ exclaimed our second in command, who may be called Old Ready as well as our first ; ‘ not half that time.’ ‘ Take thirty minutes,’ said our chief. The flag returned to the Mexican army, accompanied by General Wool. By this time the detachment in our rear, to save which the flag was exhibited, had nearly gained the plain, still, however, under the fire of General Lane, who did not intermit for a moment his terrible blows upon the retreating enemy. At length they joined the main army. The cannonade had recommenced on the side of the enemy against us, with the return of the flag, and was quickly answered by our ‘ mortal engines.’ Soon afterwards their whole army commenced an orderly retreat ^ along the base of the mountains. Now came a disastrous movement. Colonel Hardin called his men to a charge on the retiring enemy. Colonels McKee and Bissell, under the influence of his example, and willing to share his fate, seconded the movement, and marched with their men against ten times.our numbers. Our batteries took a nearer position and continued their fire. O’Brien, with his two re- maining guns on our left, accompanied us to the middle of the plain. BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 163 where he opened on the enemy. We continued to advance, when the Mexicans, wheeling into line, poured upon us, not yet formed into line, a fire such as no ranks ever withstood. At the same time their lancers, in immense squadrons, attacked our right, while their whole line of infantry advanced upon us in rapid, regular march. “Their discipline is wonderfully perfect. Had they been less eager to kill and plunder our wounded, and had their officers known the value of minutes, and how to improve them, the day had been lost to us in blood and horror ; for they gave no quarter. Lieutenant Robbins surrendered, and was stabbed dead with his own sword. The same fate befell Lieutenant Leanhart in the morning, and many others during the day. We retreated fighting to the head of a ravine far to right of our batteries, and in advance of our line in the morn- ing. O’Brien’s batteries and most of his gunners were gone. We made a short stand at the head of this ravine, where McKee, Hardin, and Clay fell, and then ran a gauntlet through it, of three-quarters of a mile, in the midst of shot from both sides, to the road where Washington’s battery stopped the pursuit, and saved many. I, with a few others, went down a shorter ravine, leading into the road nearer the battery, and climbing Hardin’s hill, we were soon greeted with the appearance of Colonel Bissell, safe and unhurt. Mean time. General Lane, with Colonels Davis and Lane, and the Monterey heroes of Mississippi, the gallant Indianians, and the Illinois pioneers under their sergeant McFarland, rose upon the plain, from their victory in the rear, and in full view of our rout, with their scathing volleys called off the vultures from the massacre and plunder of the fallen. Following these up, with the American yell, so terrifying to Mexican hearts, they quickly put their discipline to a severe proof to save their own army from a total rout. They formed, however, rapidly, and renewed the battle, when General Lane fell off to our left to protect our artillery, whose thunders, above all other sounds, incessantly and without pause, continued to drown the groans of the wounded, and to chant the requiem of the dead, carrying death upon their bolts through the solid ranks of Santa Anna. “ As soon as I had found a breathing place, the shrill voice of General Wool was heard, calling in trumpet tones, ‘Illinois, Illinois, to the rescue ; out, my brave boys, out and defend our batteries.’ So complete had been our rout, and the dispersion of the 2cl of Illi- nois, which, with six companies, had in the morning kept her iron 164 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. ranks against the whole Mexican line, that now only four men of the regiment were within hearing of this appeal, who answered it by rallying instantly, with a few Kentuckians and Illinoians of the 1st, to repel, v^zith General Lane, a threatened charge. These four men were, private Harman Busch, corporal Charles Gooding, a lieu- tenant, and Colonel Bissell. I mention the last with greater plea- sure, because he is a true man, a good officer, a native of your state, and my colonel. Our force augmented swiftly with the rallying fugitives ; but Santa Anna judged it prudent not to make this charge, and thus to save a part of his army for other fields. Had he made it, I cannot bring myself to doubt as to the result, when I consider the exasperated mind of every survivor among us, inflamed to the highest and bitterest resentment for the wanton murders of the wounded and vanquished, committed under our eyes throughout the day. We had now determined to conquer or to die. “ Santa Anna resumed his retreat. Still under the fire of our artillery, and in good order, he recrossed the ravines, out of which- he had marched upon us in the morning. His bivouack was a little in, advance of our position till about midnight, when he retired to Agua Nueva, and thence, on the 26th ult., marched for San Luis Potosi. He admitted his loss to have been four thousand killed, wounded and missing, of whom, certainly, not half were deserters. We exchanged his prisoners for C. M. Clay and the others taken in January, whom he promised to send to Vera Cruz. Our killed and wounded were seven hundred. The despatches have already informed you who they are. The letter is now so long that I must close with a brief notice of a few of the dead, reserving the most recent events for another epistle. “ Captain Lincoln, so distinguished at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, was shot through the head early in the day, while rallying us, and fell from his horse, near me, into the arms of Captain Raith. He was a gallant New Englander, and stood high in the esteem of all. He was adjutant to General Wool. “ Colonel Hardin was slain by lancers, near where, and soon after McKee and Clay were shot. He was an excellent officer, a good lawyer, and a man of talent. His character and fate bear a strong similitude to that of Colonel Davies, who fell at Tippecanoe. “ Colonel McKee, whom I did not know, is much regretted in BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. IQ j the army, and his character spoken of, universally, in the most ex- alted terms. “ It was never my fortune to know a more kind-hearted, chivalric and accomplished gentleman, than Colonel Yell of Arkansas. He fell with Captain Porter, in a hand-to-hand conflict with lancers, but feebly supported by his regiment. None knew him but to love him; none named him but to praise. “ Lieutenant William Price, of our Illinois rifle battalion, was slain by lancers while retreating from the mountains, after our left was turned in the morning. The frost of seventy-two winters had silvered his hairs, and he had left a home of affluence and ease, with the expressed wish to die in the service of his country, and if need be, on the field of battle. ‘They cannot cheat me out of many years,’ said he. When ordered with the battalion, like a for- lorn hope, to the trying contest in the mountains, he exclaimed with a look of joy, as he drew his swmrd, ‘Now boys, this looks like doing^ something.’ The enemy triumphed over his fall, supposing him to be General Wool; and some prisoners taken soon after said that General Taylor alone was left to save us. They judged erro- neously of us from themselves, and would have found us an army still, though deprived of our three generals. “Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Clay, jr., was much lamented. His manners, voice, and features reminded the observer strongly of his father. You saw the suavity, ease, and dignity of his carriage and deportment in them both. The statesman of Kentucky will sav with old Siw^ard : “ ‘ My son has paid a soldier’s debt, In the unshrinking station where he fought. Had I as many sons as L have heirs, I would not wish them a fairer death: And so his knell is knolled.’ “ In the same part of the field, and about the same time with Clay, McKee, and Hardin, another fell, pierced by a lance, whose name is worthy of a place in the rolls of fame — Private Alexander Konze, of company H., 2d regiment of Illinois. The writer was honoured with his friendship, and had an opportunity of knowing him well, being a member of the same company and his tent-mate. His con- duct on the field was most soldierly, cool, calm, deliberate, and prompt in obeying orders. His courage was conspicuous, even in 166 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. the moment of his death, when he refused to surrender. Except a brother in South America, he left no relatives on this continent. His widowed mother lives in Bueckeburg, in Hanover, near to his native city — Hamburg. He received a splendid education at the universi- ties of Jena and Goettingen. He had been but a year in the United States when he joined our regiment in Alton, whither he had come to volunteer, from Wisconsin. His motives in taking this step were that he might serve the country, whose constitution he respected before all other systems of government, and gratify his curiosity in a new mode of life, by seeing Mexico, and observing as he did with a philosophic eye, the character of her people and institutions. The writer promised much pleasure to himself in travelling with him through this country. He was twenty-seven years of age, and pro- bably the most learned man in the army. His knowledge of philo- logy was accurate and profound. Such was his familiarity with the Latin, that by one day’s examination of a Spanish grammar, he was able to read this cognate language with facility. Many pleasant hours have we spent together in rambling over the plains and mountains of Mexico, while he filled his haversack with new plants to send to Germany, and which his knowledge of botany often en- abled him to class in their several genera and species. “ A better or a braver heart than his never beat its last on a field of battle. While awaiting upon the field, on the night of the 23d of February, the renewal of the attack by Santa Anna, the thought was most consolatory to several of his comrades, that death on the next day, might make them companions of Miltiades, of Socrates, and of Konze. This man died for a country of which he was not a citizen ; shall it be said that he, the republican son of Germany, was not a true American ? May his example animate the hearts of those whom alone he would acknowledge as countrymen — the good and the true of every clime and country.” General Taylor did not forget to accord due credit to the con- duct of General Wool. In his first hasty despatch to the depart- ment, he mentions him alone. These are his words : — “ I may be permitted here, however,, to acknowledge my great obligations to General Wool, the second in command, to whom I feel particularly indebted for his valuable services on this occasion.” In his enlarged report is the following testimonial : — “To Brigadier-General Wool my obligations are especially due. POPULAR APPROBATION OF WOOL. 1G7 The high state of discipline and instructions of several of, the volun- teer regiments was attained under his command, and to his vigilance and arduous service before the action, and his gallantry and activity on the field, a large share of our success may justly be attributed. During most of the engagement he was in immediate command of the troops thrown back on our left flank. I beg leave to recommend him to the favourable notice of the government.” In addition to this high recommendation, we annex a preamble and resolutions, passed at a mass meeting of the citizens of Troy, on the 10th of April, 1847. ‘‘Whereas, The Common Council of the city of Troy have (in common with their fellow-citizens,) had the great gratification of hearing, from all quarters, of the courage and gallant bearing of our townsman, Brigadier-General John E. Wool, during the hard-fought and nobly-won field of Buena Vista : “ Therefore, Resolved, That General Wool has fully justified the high opinion always entertained among us, of his character as an accomplished soldier; and his courage and conduct at Buena Vista amply fulfil the bright promise of his first feat of arms at Queens- town. “Resolved, That feeling a just pride in his renown, and desiring to testify our high regard for both the citizen and soldier, we, in the name of the city of Troy, present to him a sword, as a testimonial of the place he occupies in the esteem of those who have known him so long and so well ; and as a memorial, (though not a reward,) of the distinguished services he has rendered to his country. “Resolved, That a committee of four persons be appointed by the mayor — two from the common council, and two from the citi- zens .generally, to carry into effect the foregoing resolution.” The sword, made in accordance with a design from Brown, the sculptor, is thus described : — “ It is a Roman sword. The mountings — hilt and scabbard — are of gold. The blade is two-edged, broad and straight, about two feet four inches long. The hilt is surmounted with a Roman helmet. On its sides are figures of Hercules and Mars. The wings of the American eagle are outspread beneath the guard, and on the guard is the following appropriate inscription : “‘Presented by the Common Council and Citizens of Troy, N. Y., II 168 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. to their townsman, Brigadier-General John E. Wool, as a token of their personal esteem, and of their high appreciation of his gal- lantry and military ability, as displayed on the bloody field of Buena Vista, on the 22d and 23d days of February, 1847.’ “ The scabbard is richly engraved with numerous battle scenes, arms, and banners, and other suitable devices, and bears the follow- ing inscription : “‘Queenstown, Oct. 13, 1812. Plattsburg, Sept. 11, 1814. Buena Vista, Feb. 22 and 23, 1847.’ ” The following letter and accompanying remarks will be pleasing to every friend of General Wool. While it accords due justice to him, it also shows that his skill is as great in selecting an advanta- geous battle-ground, as in defending it when the enemy are upon him. “ So many persons have claimed the credit of saving the day at Buena Vista, and some in a most extraordinary manner, and so many claimants have appeared for praise for the honour of selecting the ground upon which the glorious battle of Buena Vista was fought, that it may not be improper, even at this late period, to ‘ render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.’ As General Wool, in my opinion, is entitled to the credit of having selected the spot, the following letter, which incontestably establishes that fact, may not prove uninteresting. It is from the pen of Captain Carleton, of the United States Dragoons, a very gallant officer, and one whose pen has often enriched the columns of the New York Spirit of the Times in times past, and is addressed to General Wool.” Now follows the letter of Captain Carleton, dated Buena Vista, July 27th, 1847 “ By reference to my journal of the marches, &c., of General Wool’s column, I find that on the 21st of December, 1846, you arrived in the valley of Encantada with your whole force, consist- ing of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, wdth 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 three days. At that time the command 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 SELECTION OF BATTLE-GROUND. 169 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 of December, you left your camp at Agua Nueva to visit both himself and General Worth ; it being reported that they were confined to their beds in consequence of the wounds they had previously received. You were accompa- nied by Captains Lee, Hughes, and Chapman, United States Army, by your aid. Lieutenant McDowell, and by myself, then on duty as one of your aids-de-camp. It was quite dark when you left Agua Nueva, 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 1 1 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 re- turn to your camp at Agua Nueva, accompanied only by myself, all the other officers who had gone to Saltillo with you being still detained there by official business. When you had proceeded as far as Angostura, 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 me ; ‘Afr. Carleton^ this is the very spot of all others 1 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 were the great military advantages it possessed ; and 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 moun- tain on that side, would cripple the movements 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 Lieutenant McCown, 4th artillery, a mile or more further on. So forcibly was I impressed with your choice, and all you had said in favour 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- 15 170 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. General Churchill and his assistant, Captain Drum, United States Army,) at the time saying 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 De- cember 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 neighbourhood of La Encantada or further 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, be- cause it was not only less exposed to the bleak winds which contin- ually sw^ept through the pass at La Encantada, and which at that season of the year w^ould cause the troops much suffering, as we were all in tents and fuel very scarce, but offered the additional advantage of an abundant supply of pure water, and besides was just in rear of what you had selected as the strong point of defence. V 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 reasons 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 himself. During the conversation that ensued after your note had been deli- vered, 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 believed you could maintain in case the enemy advanced upon you from the direction of San Luis Po- tosi. General Butler said he would not revoke his order, and re- marked 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 on to it. I have mentioned all these circumstances to show with what anxiety and exertion you endeavoured 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 ESTAJ3LISIIt:S Ills HEAD-QUARTERS. 171 obliged to retrace its steps to La Encantada, which it did with evi- dent reluctance, as ah 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 Saltillo, (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 pre- vented, as I have shown, by the extreme darkness even from seeing the great road on which they sought to travel, and could not there- fore have had at that time a favourable opportunity for making military reconnoissances. 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 reasons, were coincident with those ex- pressed by General 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 forward to Agua Nueva, as there he could have an extensive 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 moment had ripened to gain the grand results by feigning a precipitate retreat, that retreat was but a rapid movement back to the identical spot you had chosen, and on to which the Mexican army was hurriedly drawn with all its fatigue and disarray conse- quent upon a forced march of upwards of forty miles ; and where, on the 22d and 23d of February, 1847, was fought the battle of Buena Vista. The result of that conflict afforded conclusive evi- dence of the correctness of your first remark; for there four thousand six hundred and ten Americans contended successfully against up- wards of twenty thousand Mexicans. This letter, general, is but a dry detail of facts, but I hope they are set forth with sufficient clear- ness to prevent their being misunderstood.” Immediately after the battle. General Wool established his head- quarters at Buena Vista. In the month of May following, he, on the occasion of taking leave of the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, whose term of service (one year) had nearly expired, issued the following orders, dated Buena Vista, May 28th, 1847. “The term of service for which the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments have engaged has nearly expired, and they are about to return to 172 BRIGADIER-QENERAL JOHN E. WOOL. their homes. The general commanding takes this occasion to ex- press his deep regret at the departure of those who have been so long under his immediate command, and who have served, and served so well, their country. Few can boast of longer marches, greater hardships, and none of greater gallantry in the field of Buena Vista. It was there that the general witnessed with infinite satis- faction their valour, which gave an additional lustre to our arms, and increased glory to our country. To their steadiness and firmness, in connection with the 2d Kentucky Foot, in resisting the Mexicans at a critical moment, and where there were five to one against them — and, as General Santa Anna said, ‘when blood flowed in torrents, and the field of battle was strewed with the dead,’ — we may justly ascribe a large share of the glorious victory over more than twenty thousand men. “A great victory, it is true, but attained at too great a sacrifice ; Hardin, Zabriskie, Woodward, McKee, Yell, Clay, and many others fell leading their men to the charge. Their names and gallant deeds will ever be remembered by a grateful people. “ In taking leave of these regiments, the general cannot omit to express his admiration of the conduct and gallant bearing of all, and especially of Colonels Bissell and Weatherford, and their officers, who have, on all occasions, done honour to themselves, and heroic- all}’^ sustained the cause of their country on the field of Buena Vista. “The wishes of the general will attend them to their homes, where they will be received with joy and gladness -as the pride of their families and their state.” On the 23d of June, the following reply was made by the officers of these regiments : “Brigadier-General Wool, — The officers and soldiers of the 1st regiment of Illinois volunteers, on the eve of leaving Mexico for their homes, would do violence to their own feelings did they not tender to their immediate commanding general a testimonial of their regard. “ Upon entering the service a year since, they were not prepared to appreciate the importance of discipline and drill, and consequently complained of them as onerous and unnecessary. Complaints were loud and many. Their judgment convinced, their feelings have undergone a change, and they now thank you for your untiring ex- ertions to make them useful to their country and a credit to their state. CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS OFFICERS. 173 “ Whatever; sir, of service we may have done our common coun- try, or whatever honour we may have done the state of Illinois, to General John E. Wool is due the credit. You, sir, brought ^our column into the field, well provided for, and well disciplined, and fought them well when you got them there ; and should our country ever again need our services in the field, it would be our proudest wish to again meet the enemy under the immediate command of one in whose energy, watchfulness and courage we, and the whole army, have the most unlimited confidence. “With the best wishes for your future fame and happiness, on the part of the regiment, we beg leave to subscribe ourselves your friends.” This paper was signed by W. Weatherford, colonel of the 1st Illinois volunteer regiment, by W. B. Waring, lieutenant-colonel, and forty company and staff officers. From the battle of Buena Vista, up to the last accounts from General Wool’s command, we find that he has been stationed at Buena Vista, awaiting reinforcements to enable him and General Taylor to make a movement in the direction of San Luis Potosi, passing through and taking possession of Encarnacion on the route. /: MAJOR RINGGOLD. Major Samuel Ringgold was the eldest son of General Samuel Ringgold, formerly United States’ senator from Maryland. His mother was daughter of General John Cadwalader, endeared to the citizens of Philadelphia for his patriotic services in the revolution. The major was born in the year 1800, at Front Park, near Hagers- town, Washington county, Maryland. In 1814, he entered the military academy at West Point, and after remaining there four years, and performing its laborious requirements wdth promptness and success, he graduated [1818] with distinction, at the head of his class. But not satisfied with his proficiency in military matters, he determined to visit the various professional schools of Europe, so that nothing of a theoretical nature might be wanting to com- plete his education. He entered the Polytechnique, and afterwards the military institution at Woolwich, perfecting himself in the science of artillery. Returning to his country, he laid before go- vernment the result of his arduous researches, pressing the import- ance of an efficient organization of artillery to complete our military establishment. Although neglected by the department, and dis- countenanced by the public, yet such was his untiring perseverance, that he was at length partially successful, and saw added to the national army a branch of flying artillery, which, during the whole of our war with Mexico, has proven the bulwark of success. Ringgold first entered the army as lieutenant, and being recom- mended by General Scott, he was received as aid-de-camp into that officer’s staff. After improving rapidly in this capacity, he com- menced service, as brevet lieutenant of the 1st regiment. In July 1822, he was promoted as first lieutenant in which capacity he oc- cupied Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, until the settlement of the nullification difficulties in 1833. Next year he received the brevet ( 174 ) SERVICES IN FLORIDA. 175 rank of captain, dating from May 8ih, 1832. The full rank of captain, with command of a company in the 3d artillery, was given to him in 1836. But his most arduous service was experienced in Florida. Natu- rally rather delicate in health, the diseases of that swampy country, the dreadful toils encountered in advancing through forests, lakes, and marshes, and the other hardships of the Seminole campaigns, preyed upon his constitution, and sowed the seeds of permanent decay. After the disbandment of his company in 1838, the captain went to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with instructions to organize and equip a company of light artillery, to be composed of men dropped from the rolls of the first and second artillery. He was soon afterwards bre- vetted major, for his meritorious services in Florida. In this capa- city he remained, perfecting his favourite branch of service, until the opening of our war with Mexico. Major Ringgold was with the “ Corps of Observation,” from the time of its organization at Corpus Christi, until the battle of Palo Alto. That engagement was commenced on the part of the Ameri- cans by Lieutenant Churchill, with two eighteen-pounders. Ring- gold stationed himself in advance of the eighteen-pounders, and, at the distance of seven hundred yards from the enemy, opened his fir# with terrible effect. When the march was resumed on the fol- lowing morning, the direction of his fire could be traced by the mangled heaps which it had left in its course. Major Ringgold personally attended his guns, and was so accurate in his manage- ment of them, so sure of his aim, as frequently to point them at particular individuals. Thus for a while was the battle conducted, — the artillery alone employed. The American infantry, drawn up as a support, stood watching with intense feeling the ravages of this terrible weapon, bursting forth into loud cheers at every discharge. While the battle was thus raging, the Mexican lancers moved down toward the wagon train, in consequence of which Lieutenant Ridgely was detached with two pieces to protect it. Notwithstand- ing this diminution of numbers, Ringgold still maintained the battle against fearful odds, and held the enemy at bay for three hours. He then received the wound which caused his death. It was oc- casioned by a six-pound cannon shot, which struck the middle of his right thigh, passed through it, and through the shoulders of his 176 MAJOR RINGGOLD. horse, and came out through the left thigh. Men and officers came to his assistance, but he waved them away, exclaiming, “Don’t stay with me ; you have work to do — go ahead.” He was immediately carried from the field under the direction of Dr. Byrne, who dressed his wounds. Although nearly all the an- terior muscles were torn from each thigh, yet no bones were broken nor any important artery divided. His pain was trifling, and up to the time of his death, he conversed cheerfully with his attendants upon the incidents of the battle. He steadily grew worse, however, until one o’clock on the morning of the 10th, when he expired. His burial took place on the following day. Major Ringgold was formed by nature to be popular. No man possessed more the affection and obedience of the soldiers, and no one was ever more sincerely lamented. Even those who had ^known him only for a few months, partook of the general sorrow ; and when it was announced throughout the United States that Ringgold had fallen, the shout of victory was dashed with a wail of sympathy. In his native state especially was this feeling mani- fested* At the Monument Square a meeting convened to hear the details of the struggles of the 8th and &th. Colonel Davis was one of the speakers ; and when he announced that Ringgold had been killed, a deep silence settled over the dense mass, and every head was uncovered. The Baltimore county court adjourned on learn- ing the melancholy event. On that occasion the honourable Judge Le Grande made the following remarks : “ In the motion of the attorney-general the court recognises a be- coming appreciation of the sad feeling which the announcement of the death of our brave townsman has inspired in the bosoms of our entire community. It is fitting that the court and indeed every branch of the government should exhibit the sincerest evidences of the affliction which all have sustained in the death of one who sur- rendered his life in the defence of his country. Custom has pre- scribed, amongst its usual cold ceremonials, the expression of grief at the final departure of any distinguished citizen ; but when the resolute and noble defender of the honour of the country and the integrity of its soil is swallowed up in the jaws of death, whilst in the act of adding by his daring intrepidity another brilliant page to its history, the patriotic heart properly demands, and will have the tribute which the just and the grateful ever promptly pay to the REGRETS FOR HIS DEATH. 177 gallant dead. To us all this is evident by the gloom which is every- w^here in our city ; and which the enunciation of a succession of the glorious victories of our arms cannot dispel. The court therefore can have no difficulty in concurring in the motion, responsive as is that concurrence to the feelings of the community and of its own. Major Ringgold was a citizen of Baltimore, known to us all, to some of us intimately, and by whomsoever and wheresoever known, recog- nised as a gentlemen of the highest sense of honour, and of the kind- liest feelings of which humanity is susceptible. He is gone, but the fame his late brilliant conduct won will henceforth constitute a part of the pride and history of his country.” Other public and political bodies manifested similar tokens of re- gret. On the 26th of May the flags of all vessels and public build- ings were half-masted, and hung with crape. More recently, mea- sures have been adopted to transport his remains from Texas to Baltimore. According to the arrangements for this interesting ceremony, the relics “ will be kept in the Rotunda for a few days, with a military guard of honour constantly present, to enable compa- nies in distant portions of the state to gratify the wishes they have expressed, to participate in the ceremonies [of burial] ; and the time fixed for the funeral will be communicated to all companies not located in Baltimore, upon their expressing such a wish by letter addressed to the Eagle Artillery Company, who are charged with all the details of the funeral.” The press was not wanting in its contribution of esteem. “ The major,” says a Baltimore editor, “ was an accomplished gentleman, beloved by his friends, respected by all. He was devoted to his profession, and justly appreciated the high responsibilities of an officer in command. He rigidly enforced discipline at all times and in all things ; and yet, probably, no officer had more entirely the respect, the confidence, and the affectionate regard of all his officers and men.” “ The death of this accomplished officer,” sa37's the Philadelphia North American, “is a heavy loss to the country. He had been instructed with a revision of a system of tactics for our army, and devoted much time and study to improving upon the English and French systems. His corps was as fine a one as any service could boast. He leaves unfinished, w^e think, a work which he was pre- paring on the utility and practicability of the flying artillery arm in 178 MAJOR RINGGOLD. / service. Major Ringgold’s constitution was much impaired by his long campaign in Florida ; but passionately attached to the profes- sion of arms, he still remained in the army, and died a martyr to his country. “ His death has stricken thousands of hearts that gush under the blow with feelings which no ordinary public calamity could have excited. He was generally known and appreciated in this city as the Bayard of the age — the star of the war ; and his career was watched with anxious eyes and hearts. That it would be glorious no one doubted ; but who thought that an orb so bright would sink so early ? The soul of chivalry and honour, accomplished as a sol- dier, lofty as a patriot, beloved as a man, it demands an agonizing struggle to reconcile us to such a sacrifice. And yet it is a noble one. In the flash of his fame he has died as he lived — for his country. The offering was doubtless a glad one. He desired no better fate than such a death ; he could leave no richer inheritance than such an example. While we feel as if destiny had robbed the future of the fame which such a nature must have won, we dare not repine that his career has been closed in its morning with this sunburst of glory. His memory will be gratefully cherished so long as honour has a victory, freedom a hero, or his country a name.” CAPTAIN WALKER. Samuel Hamilton Walker was born about the year 1815, in Prince George county, Maryland. His brothers and other relatives now reside in Washington city. During the Seminole Indian war he enlisted in the United States’ service as a private, and was one of Colonel Harney’s picked men to penetrate the everglades of Florida, where foot-prints of the white man were never before seen. In that hazardous expedition, which effectually put an end to the Florida war, by conquering the Indians around their own council fires, young Walker greatly distinguished himself. He was a favourite of the daring Harney, whose quick perception never failed to select the most energetic and bold. At the close of the Seminole war, Walker went to Texas and joined Colonel Hays’ company of rangers. In the summer of 1844 he was one of the fifteen of Hays’ men, armed with revolving pis- tols, who attacked eighty Camanche Indians, and defeated them, leaving thirty-three dead Indians upon the field ; and, from the num- ber of dead and dying carried off, it was believed that more than half of the Camanche force was slain by these fifteen rangers. In this fierce battle Walker was pierced through the body by the spear of an Indian, the spear pinning him to the ground ! He was left in that condition by his companions, who supposed he was dead. After the battle, he was found with the spear still sticking through him, though he had succeeded in getting it out of the ground. His companions relieved him from it, and found it had not touched a vital part. He recovered. Walker was also one of Colonel Fisher’s three hundred men who marched against two thousand Mexicans stationed at Mier, and was captured by the Mexicans previous to that battle, as he was making an excursion among them. After the defeat of the Mier expedition, he 079 ) 180 CAPTAIN WALKER. Ifi was marched, with other prisoners, to the castle of Perote. These prisoners received the inhuman treatment which no other people on earth, save Mexicans and cannibals, inflict upon those within their power. At Salado, the Texans resolved to make their escape. Walker was foremost. It was arranged that he should seize and disarm one of the guard, and that Cameron, a Scotchman, should serve the other in the same way. At the signal, the guards Avere disarmed in a moment, and the Texans, two hundred and fourteen in number, rushed into the outer court, where one hundred and fifty Mexican infantry were guarding a quantity of arms and ammuni- tion. The Texans soon had command of this point, and armed themselves. Whilst doing so, three hundred Mexicans, cavalry and infantry, formed outside of the gates. The Texans rushed upon these, and defeated them, killing ten of their number, and losing five. The company then escaped, but finally became lost in the mountains, and suffered greatly from hunger. As Walker expressed it to a friend, after his return, their eyes became so sunken, from hunger and fatigue, that they appeared like augur-holes in the head. In this condition they were re-captured by the Mexicans and taken back to Salado. Here the blood-thirsty Santa Anna demanded the life of every tenth man, and the company was marched out to draw the black beans — one black bean for every tenth man being placed in the bowl, and all who drew them were shot. Young Torrey was one of these unfortunates, and was killed on the spot. Those who drew the white beans were subjected to intense sufferings. Walker, with eight others, however, finally escaped from Mexico, and returned to Texas. He then joined the Texas revenue service, where he exhibited his usual efficiency. When General Taylor marched into Texas with his army of ob- servation, and matters were wearing a hostile appearance. Walker, at the head of a company of Texas rangers, armed with Colt’s patent repeaters, offered his services to the United States, was ac- cepted, and aided in defending Point Isabel. He was stationed be- tween that place and General Taylor’s advance camp, with instruc- tions to keep the communication open, if possible. This service was perilous: but Walker’s bravery and rapid movements over- came all obstacles. On the 28th of April, 1846, he ascertained that quite a large body of Mexicans intended to surround General Tay- lor’s camp, and he at once set out with seventy-five men, to comma- HIS DARING JOURNEYS. 181 % nicate with the general. After proceeding twelve miles, he encoun- tered fifteen hundred Mexicans, and most of his men being inex- perienced, fell back at the appearance of such an overwhelming opposition. The few that remained around their bold commander firmly received the attack of the Mexicans, and gave them battle for about fifteen minutes, killing about thirty of them. They then retreated, and were pursued to within half a mile of Point Isabel. It was reported that Walker was slain, but at night he came into the fort, and with that indomitable spirit for which he was distin- guished, at once offered to communicate with General Taylor, pro- vided he could have four men as companions. This proposition, under such circumstances, with the enemy in force, and lurking in every path and thicket, was considered rash. But six Texans volunteered, and after several bold adventures, in one of which they charged through a large body of Mexican lancers, whilst they were preparing to forage their horses, they reached the camp of General Taylor in safety on the 30th. In consequence of the information thus received. General Taylor marched from camp on the 1st of May, and reached Point Isabel the day after. On the 3d, the Mexicans commenced their bombardment of the river fort. Anxious to know how Major Brown sustained this attack, the general despatched Captain May, with one hundred men, assisted by Walker and six rangers, for the purpose of open- ing a communication. At two o’clock, P. M. of the 3d, May started, and in the evening came in sight of Arista’s camp fires. Though the whole Mexican army was before him, he manosuvred so skilfully as to escape observation, pass round its front, and find ambush in some thick chapparal a few miles from the fort. Walker was then sent forward to the fort, wdth instruction to note particularly any force he might observe along the road. He reached his destination without accident, while May and his troops remained waiting in their sad- dles. Owing to several unforeseen causes. Captain Walker was un- able to rejoin May that night, and daylight approaching, the latter returned to Point Isabel. Here the keenest anxiety was felt for the gallant ranger, as it seemed almost certain that he had been inter- cepted by the enemy. On the night of the 4th, however, to the great joy of the whole army, he reached General Taylor’s station in safety, having performed in the face of a hostile army one of the most daring journeys on record. 16 182 CAPTAIN WALKER. Walker and his little band performed arduous and trying duty in the battles of the 8th and 9th of May. He was by turns in every part of the field, and followed May in the headlong charge upon the batteries at Resaca de la Palma. The best evidence of his efficiency is given by General Taylor himself. “ I would mention the ser- vices of Captain Walker, of the Texas rangers, who was in both affairs, with his company, and who has performed very meritorious services as a spy and partisan.” It is rarely that a young man of so short a term of service is mentioned in so flattering a manner. Without solicitation, government rewarded his services and sig- nal bravery by a captain’s commission in the new regiment of United States’ mounted rifles. Thus promoted, he repaired to Mary- land, and soon rallied around him, principally from Maryland and Kentucky, two hundred and fifty volunteer rangers, whose services were accepted by the government. With this company he went to Vera Cruz, and was employed to keep the guerillas at bay, and open communication. The bold feats of himself and his confident followers struck terror into the prowling guerillas, and this class of highway robbers, always well armed and well mounted, were sure to leave a clear path when “ Walker and his rangers” were on the track. One of the most brilliant actions of Captain Walker was his battle at the pass of La Hoya on the 20th of September, 1847. A full description of it is given in his official report to Colonel Wynkoop, dated from the castle of Perote. “When ordered forward by you at 3 o’clock, on the morning of the 20th, I understood from you that you had an advance picket about two hundred yards. In this I was disappointed ; I had not advanced more than one hundred yards before I was hailed by the enemy, who appeared about forty in number. I could not return or delay a moment to reconnoitre, as I intended, without subjecting my command and yours also to a raking fire ; and I immediately ordered the charge. “ The enemy were completely routed, and fired in such confusion and haste that no man was wounded ; but, unfortunately, we found a curve in the road, which we supposed to be straight, and a num- ber of us were unhorsed by the falling of our horses over a fence, which was not seen until we were upon it. In this affair I lost seven public horses, which probably fell into the hands of the ACTION AT LA HOYA. 183 enemy, one of them badly wounded, so as to render him valueless. I also lost my private horse. Richardson (musician), and Raborg (interpreter), were slightly injured by the fall of their horses. On the same day, about 9 o’clock, A. M., after leaving you for the pur- pose of watering my horses, I resolved to drive off the party of lancers who had appeared on the hill on our right early in the morn- ing. I dismounted one-half of the men, and threw them out on my right and left. Several of their stragglers were killed, and the balance made a rapid retreat before we approached near enough to engage them. I then returned to the village of Las Vegas, having also taken two prisoners, whom I released, both being elderly men. “At about 11 o’clock, A. M., while advancing upon La Hoya, with your permission to feel the enemy and ascertain their position, and so forth, I heard the firing of artillery at the Pass. I dismounted some of my men and threw them out on each side of the road to avoid an ambuscade. When about two miles from the Pass, we saw about fifty of the enemy on our left. I sent forward a few men on foot, for the purpose of bringing on an engagement. It soon became apparent that the enemy had either a very considerable force, or that they had feared the consequence of allowing us the opportunity of attacking them in the rear, and they had almost en- tirely withdrawn from the Pass. In a very few minutes after the first shot was fired, my skirmishers were pressed by such over- whelming numbers, as to force them to retire within distance of support, and to give them a more defensible position. “ I then ordered my horses all to be tied under cover of an old frame house. I then put my men under cover of a stone fence, and extended them sufficiently to the left to prevent the enemy from flanking, being emboldened by their success in driving in our skir- mishers. They rushed towards us in considerable numbers, confi- dent of victory, with shouts of triumph, which were returned by shouts of defiance from my men. The moment was most critical — many of my men had never been under fire of an enemy before, and nothing but my confidence in their heroic valour and coolness w^ould have induced me to remain in my position. “ At this moment I ordered my men to take their sabres from the fronts of their saddles, (which were secured in that way for the pur- pose of more secret movements by night,) and prepare to use them when it came to close quarters. The coolness and gallantry of my 184 CAPTAIN WALKER. men, and the deadly crack of their rifles, soon convinced them that it was better to retire. There could not have been less than three hundred Mexicans in the engagement, besides about three hundred more who were close by to support them, and might very properly be included in the number of the attacking party. I suppose their loss in this aflair, as nearly as I could judge, was at least forty killed and wounded. My whole number of men was fifty-one, which in- cludes several who were injured by the fall of their horses in the charge the night previous. “The action was warmly contested, and lasted about thirty minutes. I had one horse killed, and one man, private Huguenin, who volunteered his services — belonging to company E, rifle regi- ment, having been left sick in hospital — slightly wounded. My officers and men behaved with great gallantry, and such daring bravery, that it was with reluctance that many^of them seemed to obey my orders to take cover behind the rocks, from the shower of oullets which for some time filled the air above their heads. “ Where all behaved so nobly, it is difficult to make distinctions. Among the many, however, who have gained my esteem for their good conduct, I Qannot omit to mention the names of Sergeant Thomas Sloan, of England ; Edward Harris, of Virginia ; both of whom were wounded in former engagements ; also Sergeant Henry Haugh, of Maryland ; Corporal Thomas Gosling, of Maryland, who was also wounded at Cerro Gordo, is entitled to the distinction of being called the bravest of the brave ; also. Corporals Jos. E. Mer- riken, of Maryland, Samuel Hescock, of Maine, and Besson Con- stant, of France; also, privates Thomas H. Tilghman, of Mary- land, Jas. M. De Baupe, of Maryland, Isaac P. Darlington, of Maryland, Thaddeus S. Bell, of Virginia, William Glanding, of Maryland, Francis G. F. Waltemeyer, of Maryland, and also Richard M. Bradford, of Baltimore, Maryland, who was always among the foremost, and the last to retire from pursuit of the enemy. “All of these I recommend to the favourable consideration of the commander-in-chief of the American forces and to the war depart- ment, and request that they may be rewarded for their gallantr}^ Many of them are gentlemen of education, and worthy of commis- sions in the service of the United States, and I cannot too strongly recommend them for promotion to higher stations. And I must also take occasion to regret that sickness should have prevented so BATTLE OF HUAMANTLA. 185 many of my most gallant spirits from participating with me in this affair. “ I must not omit to mention that Lieutenant Charles L. Denman —who was by my side, and behaved gallantly in the charges, was in the engagement and behaved well, and continued in pursuit of the enemy to the last point — deserves much credit for his perse- verance, energy and bravery. Although on the sick report, and suffering severely for some weeks past, he would not remain behind. Lieutenant Thomas Claiborne took a rifle, and used it with consi- derable effect upon the enemy. “ Surgeon John T. Lamar, of Georgia, also deserves my thanks for volunteering his professional services, and remaining with us during the pursuit. I must also mention Lieutenant A. H. Goff’, of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, who was with us, and took the news of our engagement to you.” The following description of the battle of Huamantla, in which Captain Walker was killed, will be read with the greatest interest. It is fuller and more circumstantial than any which has yet ap- peared. “ On the evening of October 8, the train halted at a hacienda two and a half leagues from Nopaluca. General Lane sent out a spy to the town of Huamantla that night, having received information that General Santa Anna had gone thither during the day before. The next morning he returned, and reported that the cavalry of the enemy had left the town, leaving behind six pieces of artillery. Orders were immediately issued for the cavalry under Captain Walker, Colonel Gorman’s regiment. Major Lally’s battalion, Colo- nel Wynkoop’s regiment. Captain Taylor’s battery, and Captain Heitzelman’s battalion to be in readiness to march for the town, leaving the train with about eleven hundred men and two pieces of artillery, under the command of Colonel Brough. “At eleven o’clock the whole moved off* in fine style. The cavalry were ordered to keep some distance in the advance. W e had gone about two miles when Captain Walker determined to push on at a gallop and surprise the enemy. For five miles the cavalry moved at a very rapid pace until we reached the outskirts of the town, when Captain Walker gave orders to form fours and close up. He then entered a very narrow lane, both sides of which were lined with thick maguey, so narrow in many places that the sets of fours had IG* 186 CAPTAIN WALKER. 10 be broken, and the column moved by twos. On we went at a irot, until the lane opened into the main street leading to the plaza, when, in column of four, the order was given to draw sabres and charge. Then rose a wild yell, and such a charge ! The flashing of the sabres, the thundering of the horses’ feet over the paved streets, were enough to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy. Two of their cannon were pointed up the street, another pointed down a cross street, and the fuse was burning in it. The terrified artillerymen moved merely to the sides of the houses, at whom our men made their thrusts and right and left cuts, killing many in this manner. The cavalry rushed over their cannon ; the lancers (how many we did not know, but supposed there were three or four hun- dred,) fled, and our men separated into small parties, pursuing them beyond the town, on the outskirts of which a good many were killed. Captain Walker went beyond the town for the purpose of overtaking the artillery which had left the place. Captain Lewis went in an- other direction for the same purpose. Captain Besan^on was ordered to follow the road to see if the artillery could be overtaken. In the mean time, most of our men having gone in pursuit. Captain Loyall with a few men, assisted by Adjutant Claiborne, secured some fifty or sixty prisoners at their quarters, together with their arms, &;c. Lieutenant Claiborne then proceeded to secure and bring up to the plaza the cannon (three pieces,) we had captured. Captain Walker returned about this time, and going to the plaza was collecting our men. Lieutenant Anderson, of the Georgia volunteers, pursued and captured Major Iturbide and Colonel La Vega, (a brother of the general’s,) and a lieutenant; these he delivered to Captain Walker. Lieutenant Claiborne, assisted by Corporal Hescock and private Myers, and one or two others, limbered up the six-pounder and brought it to the plaza ; leaving it limbered up and the mules standing in it, and returning to get the four-pounder, the lieutenant was in the act of bringing it up, when he was forced to leave it by the appearance of all Santa Anna’s cavalry, two thousand five hundred strong. Corporal Tilghman, of company C, (rifles,) brought up a small howitzer. Private Dusenbery, of company C, took a lieutenant of artillery prisoner, and turned him over to Surgeon Reynolds. By this time a good many of our men had returned, and w<^re in the plaza in scattered groups, when the lancers charged them suddenly and unexpectedly. Our men received them with great bravery, and DEATH OF CAPTAIN WALKER. 187 kept the plaza, with the exception of a few under Captain Walker, who retired by a street leading west from the plaza ; they were joined by Lieutenant Claiborne and his party, who were approach- ing the square. Captain Walker led them from the plaza — the enemy close on them at a charge ; he turned the next street to his left, while the enemy, seeing the four-pounder, rushed to it to retake it. It was fortunate for the few men with Captain Walker they saw this piece, for at the very next corner a still larger force met him ; he wheeled, and dashing swiftly past the rear of those who had cut him off from the plaza, again entered it. Here the men dismounted and occupied the convent-yard, together with a large house on the corner of the square. “ Captain Lewis and Lieutenant Waters, with some ten or twelve men, charged twice upon the enemy, who gave way, and were pursu- ing them, when they discovered they were being surrounded by a vast number of the lancers. They gallantly forced their way to the plaza; Captain Besan^on barely returned in time to save himself. “Private Huguenin and Corporal Merrillen, of company C, rifles, being entirely surrounded, drove right into their midst, and fell co- vered with wounds. “ Captain Walker gave the orders promptly to form the men to re- ceive the enemy, who now made their appearance on our right, in front, and on our left. They had also run up the four-pounder to open on us. “Lieutenant Claiborne, assisted by Corporal Tilghman, unlimbered the six-pounder, and pointed it at the column on our left. Having no port-fire, he prepared to fire it with a horse-pistol ; the enemy came nearer and nearer, until at about sixty yards off, when they halted. At this moment the Lieutenant fired the pistol, but the fuse of the cannon would not catch; and being left alone in the plaza, he retired to the corner house, and posted some riflemen to keep the piece from recapture. “At this juncture Captain Walker, while examining the approach of the enemy, and looking at the four-pounder on our right, was shot from behind, from a house that displayed a white flag. He sunk down immediately and was borne into the yard, the men burst- ing into tears as the cry spread among them, “ Captain Walker is killed.” Captain Walker directed that w^e should “never sur- I 188 CAPTAIN WALKER. render,” and died in about thirty minutes.* Captain Lewis made a detail of eight men, who went out and brought the six-pounder and placed it at the gate. The enemy menaced us a long time, and fired the four-pounder six or eight times loaded with grape, one of which discharges shattered the leg of Frederick Raborg, Captain W.’s interpreter, arid a private of company C. Seeing the deter- mination of our men they hesitated, faltered, and fell back. Captain Lewis formed the men after Walker fell, and by his energy and ad- dress assisted ihaterially to suppress disorder. “ Lieutenant Lilly distinguished himself by his daring. Surgeon Lamar was in the first charge by the side of Walker; was in the plaza when the charge was made, and was saved by the devoted act of Captain Walker’s slave David, who caught at the lance aimed at him, and received it himself. He died in a few minutes. He was honest and faithful, and a favourite of his noble master. “ In death they were not divided.” “ The infantry came up as the enemy were retiring — Colonel Gor- man’s being the only portion of the infantry that got a shot at the enemy. There is much praise due them for the gallant manner in which they strove to be with the cavalry. They ran themselves out of breath, and then ran on. Never were men more anxious to reach an enemy. They had discovered the immense body of cavalry that was making its way in a gallop by a parallel road to the town, and both tried to reach town first. When they got to town we had pos- session. Surgeon Reynolds behaved very gallantly, and his whole energies after the fight were bestowed upon the wounded. “ The whole force of Captain Walker’s command did not exceed one hundred and ninety-five. The enemy dispersed on the first charge. There must have been more than five hundred, and in the subsequent fight they were two thousand five hundred strong. Com- pany C lost its gallant captain, whose fame needs no eulogy, and whose loss is irreparable. His valour, often tried, is appreciated by the whole of his countrymen. Peace to the ashes of the noble and gallant captain ! * It is proper to state, that an account different from that in the text has been given of the captain’s death. This account says, “he was foremost in tlie charge, and after displaying great intrepidity, attacked a young lancer and killed him. The father of the latter then rushed upon Walker, and pierced him With his lance.” The story in the text seems most authentic. CHARACTER OF WALKER. 189 “Killed, Corporal Merriken, Privates Huguenin and Tarbox. Woundedy Corporal Glanding, (since died;) Meachem, (severely;) Raborg, (lost a leg;) Welch, Wayne, McGill, Scott, and Myors, slightly. Missing, Sergeant Goslin ; Privates Dement, Darlington, Collins, McCleary, and Richards, of company C, rifles. Captain Lewis’s company. Private Murry, wounded. Captain Loyall’s company, killed. Private Richardson ; slightly wounded. Privates Fornely and Milton. “ The enemy lost over one hundred men, two pieces of artillery, and large quantities of ammunition. Most of the prisoners escaped during the charge. “ The command behaved in the most gallant manner, and received the highest praises from the commanding general. The whole force under General Lane returned to camp that night.” When the news of Walker’s death reached the United States, it created the deepest sensations of sorrow. The chivalric exploits of the gallant ranger, during the hours of gloom and anxiety on the Rio Grande, united with a remembrance of his former sufferings, had endeared his name to all. The press especially was eloquent in its contribution of respect. Among other notices were the follow- ing “ It would be in vain for me,” says the New Orleans correspondent of the Baltimore Sun, “ to attempt to describe the state of public feeling here this morning, on reading the above brief but deeply interesting information in the caption of the news by your special express from Mexico. The brave and patriotic Walker was our fellow-citizen ; we have known him from his youth up ; he was an independent mechanic, who laid aside the implements of his trade, and cheerfully volunteered his services in the hardest, roughest kind of warfare. He encountered peril from which escape was almost miraculous, and fought his way, through desperate risks, to promo- tion and distinguished honour. “ I now assume a responsibility hitherto prohibited. Captain Walker enjoyed the confidence of Major-General Scott in an emin'ent degree. He was opposed to formidable display in taking possession of defenceless towns or villages, or of intimidating unprotected wo- men and children. So far from being censured for sacking a certain village, and allowing the perpetration of outrages, the ‘ head and 190 CAPTAIN WALKER. front’ of his offence, as charged by a superior officer, was disobe- dience of orders, in refusing to enter a village under a charge. ' In the midst of this bereavement, it is gratifying to perceive, that in the fatal engagement both the accuser and the accused were participants, leaving little or no room to doubt that existing difiiH^l- ties had been amicably adjusted, and honourably to both parties. “ I understand that it is the intention of our mayor to make a communication to the councils in relation to the melancholy event, and that every demonstration of respect will be paid to the memory of the gallant dead.” The Baltimore Clipper says — “The rumoured death of Captain Walker, the gallant Texan Ranger, has created profound regret in this city, where he was well known, apd attached to whose company is a large number of Marylanders, many of thern. from this city. Captain Walker was a native of Prince George’s county, but had resided for several years in Texas. As several of his men are also reported to have been killed, their names will be looked for with the most painful anxiety by those having relatives and friends in his company.” The following more extended notice is from the New Orleans Delta : “ The death of the gallant Texan, whose fame has been extended over our whole country, and reached foreign and remote lands, has created a melancholy sensation in our city. He was well known here, and had many friends, some of whom had witnessed, and all had warmly admired his daring and intrepidity. We all remember his brilliant deeds on the Rio Grande, in cutting his way with a few gallant companions through Arista’s large army, communicating with Fort Brown, then besieged, and returning to General Taylor with full information of the state of things in the fort, and the posi- tion of the Mexican army : we remember his boldness and sagacity on the bloody fields of Resaca de la Palma, where he unhorsed a Mexican lancer, and chased the retreating foe on the charger of the slain Mexican. “These have become part of our national glory and of our national records. They will be immortal in history and in song. But long before this Mexican war had begun. Captain Walker had shown himself the hero. In that extraordinary expedition, whose history furnishes the most striking examples of the courage, fortitude, firm- CHARACTER OF WALKER. 191 ness and vigour of the American character which have ever been recorded — the Texan expedition against Mier — Samuel H. Walker, though but a beardless youth, was one of the leading spirits, ever foremost in the combat, and the last to yield. Endowed with great activity and skill in the use of arms, whether the deadly rifle, the sure revolver, or the irresistible bowie-knife ; capable of great en- durance against all the dangers, sufferings and trials of the battle, of captivity, chains, want and starvation, he was a terror to the Mexicans. “ These qualities enabled him to pass safely through the unpa- ralleled fight of Mier, where two hundred Texans kept at bay Am- pudia and a large and complete Mexican army of two thousand, slaying five or six hundred, and only surrendering on honourable terms, which were basely violated by the brutal Ampudia; to bear up under the horrible oppression and cruelty of the Mexicans whilst a prisoner; to sustain the severest visitations of hunger, thirst and destitution in the desert valley of Salado; and, finally, to break through the walls and iron bars of that famous Mexican bastile, the castle of Perote. “ By a strange coincidence, he has now fallen in the neighbour- hood of the castle, where he once pined in captivity, but not in his former unhappy condition, as one of a few ragged, dispirited, half- starved prisoners, jeered at by the dastard Mexicans ; but he fell in glorious battle, heading the charge of the resistless rangers, and in the arms of victory. Captain Walker was one of the best spies or rangers on this continent. We have heard Colonel Hays and Major McCulloch say that if they required a man to go into the enemy’s 3amp, or approach his lines, and pry out his designs, or perform iny other act requiring great danger, coolness and sagacity, they would select Walker in preference to any other man living. “Just previous to the attack of the Texans on Mier, Captain Walker entered the town, mixed with the people, ascertained the condition of things, reported to his commander, and subsequently guided the Texans through the streets of Mier. He was then a youth of about twenty years. “We have now before us a letter from a gallant young officer stationed at Perote castle, dated August last, in which occurs the following allusion to Walker, with which we conclude this notice: “‘Who, I ask, has not seen or heard of the gallant Walker’s 192 CAPTAIN WALKER. bravery ? To estimate him properly they should see him in his proper element. The captain in the States is quite a different indi- vidual from the captain under the galling fire of a foe. He is one of the few who retain their courage and composure under all cir- cumstances. In perils the most appalling, he has the courage of one born to command. I was at his side in the battle offLa Hoya, when, with his company (C) of the rifles, he charged and defeated fifteen hundred Mexicans. Would that some of our fathers, wives, bro- thers and sisters could have been placed on the summit of a neigh- bouring mountain, to witness that charge of the rifles, as with up- lifted glittering sabres they obeyed the loud call of their leader — ‘Follow me — charge — hurra!’ — and could have seen how the nu- merous foe began to waver, break, and finally take to their heels before our little band.’ ” In Washington city, a communication from the Mayor was re- ceived by the Board of Aldermen, suggesting some tribute of respect to the memories of Captains Graham, Hanson and Walker, news of whose deaths had just been received. Immediately, the follow- ing resolutions were unanimously passed, after eloquent remarks from Messrs. B. B. French and J. T. Towers. Resolved, That the two Boards have heard with deep emotion the communication of the Mayor, calling the attention of the two Boards to the fall in battle of Captains James Graham, Charles Hanson, and Samuel H. Walker, three brave officers of the army of the United States, all residents and two of them natives of this city. Resolved, That the sympathy of the two Boards be tendered to the relations of the deceased. “ Resolved, That the two Boards will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, in testimony of their respect for the memory of the deceased. “ Resolved, That a joint committee of five members, two from the Board of Aldermen and three from the Board of Common Coun- cil, be appointed to recommend such further testimonials of respect as they may deem expedient.” The death of Walker has thrown an interest around the battle of Huamantla far greater than its own importance could merit. Many of the incidents connected with it have been carefully col- ANECDOTES. 193 iLCted by the different journals, especially those which relate to the ranger’s death. The following are a few of the most interesting : — “I heard a touching anecdote of Colonel Wynkoop and Captain Walker yesterday, which I fear I cannot give as I received it. It is known, probably, in the United Stales, that difficulties had existed between these gentlemen, which their mutual friends have always regretted. They had, I believe, preferred charges against each other, but when Colonel Wynkoop heard that Captain Walker was seriously wounded^ and not likely to live, he sent a staff officer at once to beg an interview with the dying chief. Becoming impa- tient before the return of his messenger, the colonel hastened to where the captain lay and found him dead. The shock to him was overwhelming, and he could scarcely utter a word. In a few mo- ments, however, he said, with much emotion, ‘ I would give six years of my life for one word with that man!’ — and turned from the corps to ask of General Lane the command of W alker’s troop, that he might dash upon the retreating enemy and avenge the death of the gallant trooper 1 The General refused this request, as Walker’s men had been greatly reduced, and those not killed were much exhausted ; and Colonel Wynkoop returned to his command with a heavy heart.” “At the time that the gallant Walker was attacked by the Mexi- can reinforcements, one of his men was despatched to watch the approach of the column of infantry, and by signals to hasten its movements. He ascended the steeple of an immense church, and at a distance of some two hundred feet from the earth, got out upon a platform, about thirty inches in width, which ran around the steeple. Missing his footing, he fell upon the platform and dislo- cated his thigh, — narrowly escaping a fall to the earth. After the battle was over, the poor fellow’s cries attracted attention, and some of his comrades ascended to assist him down again. He was, how- ever, found to be so badly injured, and suffering such intense pain, that it was impossible to remove him, until the dislocated bone should be replaced. Surgeon Reynolds ascended for that purpose. In his first effort, his hold upon the limb slipped, and losing his own balance, he was very near being thrown to the ground. He was, however, fortunate enough to grasp a fixture of the steeple, by which he recovered his position, and upon that narrow platform, with the aid of one or two men, he replaced the bone in its socket, — 17 194 CAPTAIN WALKER. and the man was carried down, and speedily recovered. We doubt very much whether a dislocated limb was ever set in such a place, and under such circumstances.” “ When Walker’s remains were taken to Puebla, the carpenter made the coffin too small ; whereupon Lieutenant Clinton, of Scott’s company, 1st Pennsylvania, took off his uniform, rolled up his sleeves, and made him a coffin himself. He is a carpenter, it is stated, and is from Moyamensing or Southwark, in Philadelphia. Lieutenant Breese, of the same company, who is a blacksmith, en- tered a smithery, and made the nails. It is said that while these officers were at their ‘job,’ General La Vega and young Iturbide, both prisoners of war, looked on in perfect amazement. Such ver- satility of acquirements as they were witnesses of in this instance, took them by surprise. They had already seen what proficients they were in the art of war, and they now saw them no less at home as members of the mechanic arts.” The following testimonials of esteem, [passed December 7th, 1847,] from the citizens of Washington, convened by appointment, will show how deeply the memory of “ the Texas Ranger” is graven on the hearts of his fellow-citizens. “ On motion of Walter Lenox, Esq., the Mayor was called to the Chair, and explained the objects of the meeting. “ On motion of J. W. Jones, Esq., John T. Towers was appointed secretary of the meeting. “ On motion of William Archer, Esq., a committee of three were appointed for the purpose of preparing resolutions to carry into effect the objects of the meeting, consisting of Dr. Blake, J. W. Jones, and John Y. Bryant, Esqrs. “ Mr. Archer then addressed the meeting in a few eloquent and appropriate remarks, and concluded by reciting an elegy on the death of Captain Samuel H. Walker. “Dr. Blake, from the committee appointed for that purpose, offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : “ Resolved^ That deeply deploring the loss that the country, and this city in particular, has sustained in the deaths of Captains Walker and Hanson, who so gloriously fell in the battles of Huamantla and Contreras, we, the citizens of Washington, in town meeting assem- bled, recommend to the corporate authorities to adopt appropriate measures to have their remains brought home for interment. TESTIMONIALS OF RESPECT. 195 “ Resolved^ That the corporate authorities be further requested to cause suitable monuments, with appropriate inscriptions, to be erect- ed to the memories of those gallant and lamented officers. “ Resolved, That a committee of two from each ward be now ap- pointed to make suitable arrangements for the funeral, and that the military companies of the city be especially invited to attend. “ In pursuance of the last resolution the Chair appointed the fol- lowing gentlemen as the committee : First Ward, — Messrs. Wm. Wilson and J. H. McBlair. “ Second Ward, — Dr. Flodoardo Howard and Mr. John C. Rives. Third Ward, — Messrs. Peter Force and J. Y. Bryant. ^'‘Fourth Ward, — ^Messrs. George S. Gideon and W. H. Winter. *'^Fifth Ward, — Messrs. John Purdy and Peter Brady. Sixth Ward, — Messrs. Wm. M. Ellis and R. H. Harrington. ^‘Seventh Ward, — Messrs. W. B. Randolph and J. W. Jones. “ The meeting then adjourned. “W W\ SEATON, Chairman. “ Jno. T. TowERS,-Secretary.” ^ / CAPTAIN M’CULLOCH. Captain Benjamin McCulloch was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, about the year 1814 . His father was aid-de-camp to General Coffee, and served under General Jackson in the Creek war. He fought under the latter officer at Talladega, Tallahassee, and the Horse-Shoe Bend, where he exhibited that reckless daring, which often proves so efficient against savages, and which has since rendered his son so famous. Young McCulloch was early placed at school, where he remained until his fourteenth year, at which time his father removed to the western part of the state, and settled in Dyer county. This neighbourhood was then a wilderness, covered with swamps and dense forests, and infested by wild ani- mals. Bears were so abundant as to form the principal meat of the settlers ; and the hunting of them was an essential part of youthful education. McCulloch soon signalized himself in this dangerous occupation, and became renowned throughout the settlement as a most successful hunter. A youth spent in this manner could not fail to engraft a love of enterprize and roving adventure into the bosom of the young Ten- nesseean. Accordingly, having reached the age of twenty-one, he set out for St. Louis, in order to join a trapper company destined for the Rocky Mountains. Much to his disappointment, he arri\^ed at that city after the expedition had started. He then applied for admission into a company of Santa Fe traders, but here he was also unsuccessful, as their number was complete. Disappointed in his ardent expectations, McCulloch seems to have given up his intentions at roving for awhile, as we hear little of him until the war between Texas and Mexico. This at once roused his daring rit. The deep feeling excited throughout the United StatOw oy this event is well known. The barbarity of the Mexicans, ( 196 ) m’cullocii’s early life. 197 the sufferings of the patriots, and their claim, both by manners and descent, on the sympathies of our people, caused their northern neighbours to regard them as brothers, and their privations as mar- tyrdoms in the sacred cause of liberty. The following incident, though small in itself, is replete with im- portance in its consequences. It is taken from the valuable work already quoted, — ^Reid’s Texas Rangers. “ In September, McCulloch returned home, and soon after his arrival called on Colonel David Crockett, who was making up an expedition to go to Texas, to take part in the revolution that had then broken out in Mexico ; the whole south-west at that time was alive with feelings of sympathy for the Texans, and numbers were daily flocking to their standard. McCulloch agreed to accompany Colo- nel Crockett to Texas. Nacogdoches had been appointed the place of rendezvous from which the expedition was to start, and the Christmas of 1835 was named the day for the meeting, when, as ‘old Davy’ said, they were to make their Christmas dinner off the hump of a buffalo. Unfortunately, however, McCulloch did not arrive until early in January, and finding that the party was gone, he proceeded on by himself to the river Brazos, where he was taken very ill, and did not recover until after the fall of the Alamo. McCulloch’s disappointment was very great at not being able to join the gallant band of patriots at the time, but which afterwards proved very fortunate for him ; for Colonel Travis, after having sustained a siege for thirteen days, with only one hundred and eight Texans against Santa Anna’s army, fell with his brave little band, having previously killed nine hundred of the enemy. “ After his recovery, he descended the Brazos river in a boat to Grass Plant, where the Texan army^had assembled, under General Houston, and was induct to join the artillery iJyTlieir making him captain of a gun. This he gallantly served at the battle of San Ja- cinto, where Santa Anna was made prisoner, and his army of fifteen hundred killed or captured.” After this battle, McCulloch continued actively engaged in the partisan warfare between Texas and Mexico, besides assisting in several expeditions against the border Indians. He was witn the famous party concerned in the capture of Mier, but in consequence of leaving it before the surrender to Ampudia, he escaped the trials to which its members were exposed in Mexico. He finally settled 17 ^ 198 CAPTAIN M’cULLOCH. in Gonzales county, and became useful in surveying and apportion- ing land. Like many of the Texans who had suffered during the revolution, McCulloch immediately joined the standard of the United States, at the opening of the war with Mexico, and hurried forward to meet his old enemies. He was not able to organize his company of mounted “Texas Rangers” until after the capture of Matamoras, and of course missed the battles on the Rio Grande. Reid thus describes the camp and appearance of this celebrated ranger : “ Captain McCulloch is a man of rather delicate frame, of about five feet ten inches in height, with light hair and com- plexion. His features are regular and pleasing, though, from long exposure on the frontier, they have a weather-beaten cast. His quick and bright blue eye, with a mouth of thin compressed lips, indicate the cool, calculating, as well as the brave and daring energy of the man. ^ * * “The first of July was a clear beautiful day. We had had very heavy rains for the last week, and to see a bright day once more was a great relief to us all. In the morning we rode up to Fort Paredes, which was now garrisoned by our troops, and crossed the river ; then taking a winding path along the banks of the opposite shore, through corn-fields, we arrived at last at the camp of the Rangers. Here was a scene worthy of the pencil. Men in groups, with long beards and mustachios, dressed in every variety of garment, with one exception, the slouched hat, the unmistakeable uniform of a Texas Ranger, and a belt of pistols around their waists, were occu- pied drying their blankets, cleaning and fixing their guns, and some employed cooking at 'different fires, while others were grooming their horses. A rougher-looking set we never saw. They were without tents, and a miserable shed afforded them the only shelter. Captain McCulloch introduced us to his officers and many of his men, who appeared an orderly and well-mannered people. But from their rough exterior it was hard to tell who or what they vvere. Notwithstanding their ferocious and outlaw look, there were among them doctors and lawyers and manj'- a college graduate. While standing in the midst of a group, talking to the captain, a young fellow came into camp with a rifle on his shoulder, and a couple of ducks in his hand, and addressing the captain, said, ‘Ben, if you havn’t had dinner, you’d better mess with me, for I know none of EMPLOYED AS A SCOUT. 199 the rest have fresh grub to-day.’ After an invitation to stay to din- ner, we were informed that the company would move up to Reynosa, in a day or two, and were told to prepare to go with it.” After the fall of Matamoras, McCulloch advanced to the town of Reynosa, where he remained for a while under command of Colonel Watson. Leaving this place with his company, he pressed further into the interior, and took possession of the town of China. Soon after, he entered Camargo, about the same time that General Taylor was marching to attack Monterey. McCulloch was now employed by the commanding general to scout in advance of the main army, and give immediate information of all movements of the garrison at Monterey, and of the army said to be advancing under General Ampudia. His services to General Taylor were invaluable; they formed the basis of all the introduc- tory movements against the city. On the 11th of September, the following orders were issued to the whole army at Serralvo. They show the position of the rangers during the march. “ As the army may expect to meet resistance in the farther ad- vance toward Monterey, it is necessary that the march should be conducted with all proper precaution, to meet an attack and secure the baggage and supplies. “ From this point the following will be the order of march, until otherwise directed : — “ All the pioneers of the army, consolidated into one party, will march early to-morrow on the route to Marin, for the purpose of re- pairing the roads, and rendering them practicable for artillery and wagons. The pioneers of each division will be under a subaltern, to be specially detailed for the duty, and the whole will be under the command of Captain Craig, 3d infantry, who will report to head- quarters for instructions. This pioneer party will be covered by a squadron of dragoons, and Captain McCulloch’s company of rangers. Two officers of topographical engineers, to be detailed by Captain Williams, will accompany the party, for the purpose of examining the route. Two wagons will be provided by the quartermaster’s department, for the transportation of the tools, provisions, and knap- saclcs of the pioneer party. “ The first division will march on the 13th instant, to be followed on 'successive days by the second division, and field division of 200 CAPTAIN m’CULLOCH. volunteers. The head-quarters will march with the first division. Captain Gillespie, with half of his company, will report to Major- General Butler; the other half, under the first lieutenant, to Briga- dier-General Worth. These detachments will be employed for out- posts and videttes, and as expresses between the column and head- quarters. “ The subsistence supplies will be divided between the three co- lumns ; the senior commissary of each division receipting for the stores, and being charged with their care and management. The senior commissaries of divisions will report to Captain Waggaman for this duty. “Each division will be followed immediately by its baggage train, with a strong rear-guard. The ordnance train under Captain Bamsay, will march with the second division, between its baggage and supply train, and will come under the protection of the guard of that division. The medical supplies will in like manner march with the first division. “ The troops will take eight days’ rations, and forty rounds of ammunition. All surplus arms and accoutrements, resulting from casualties on the road, will be deposited with Lieutenant Stewart, left in charge of the depot at this place, who will give certificates of deposite to the company commanders. “ The wagons appropriated for transportation of water will not be required, and will be turned over to the quartermaster’s depart- ment, for general purposes. “ Two companies of the Mississippi regiment will be designated for the garrison of this place. All sick and disabled men, unfit for the march, will be left behind under charge of a medical officer, to be selecte d for this d uty by th e medical director.” In obedience to these orders, the advance marched for Marin early on the 12th. It was composed of McCulloch’s rangers, Captain Graham’s dragoons, and a small body of pioneers and engineers. On the 14th, the rangers encountered a body of two hundred mounted Mexicans, whom they defeated, driving them in hot haste through the little town of Ramos. On the following day McCul- loch entered Marin. The entrance is thus described by Mr. Kendall : — * "‘On reaching the hill overlooking the town, eight hundred, or a thousand yards distant, we came in plain sight of a large body of APPROACH TO MARIN. 201 the enemy’s cavalry, ranged in their principal street, and evidently much flurried by our appearance. They were armed with new escopetas and lances, and among their uniforms were many of bright scarlet. “With a force entirely too small to approach nearer — having only twenty-five men with him — McCulloch ordered a halt. The plaza was concealed from sight by the church and the adjoining buildings, making it impossible to tell whether or not there were any infantry or artillery in the town. The place oflered every opportu- nity for concealing an enemy of thousands ; and as our commander was not so particularly certain that the Mexicans might not send an eighteen pound shot, or some missile of the kind up our way on a flying visit, we were ordered to scatter a little along the brow of the hill. Scouts in the mean time were sent out to prevent a party from getting in our rear, as the advance of General Taylor was still several miles ofT. “For an hour we sat watching the hurried movements of the cavalry in the town, unable to make out their intentions. Horses were plainly seen dashing and cavorting about, while men on foot were jumping to get out of their way. Several greasers — ^Mexicans of the lower order dressed in greasy buckskin — were taken in the chapparal close by us, or voluntarily came up, stating, that the party below us was commanded by General Torrejon, who had driven them out of the place, anfl had threatened to destroy theii houses before the Americans should gain possession. They pointed out their jacales (cottages) and casas (houses) to us, and implored our assistance in saving them. Singular war this, and more singu- lar the people. “ In about an hour the cavalry began to move ofT in order, taking the route toward Monterey, now indistinctly seen lying at the foot of a large mountain, ten or eleven leagues ofT. Their rear had not yet left the place before McCulloch, accompanied only by Colonel Peyton, was dogging after them, intent on watching their move- ments. In half an hour’s time our captain appeared, near the main street, and beckoned us down, and in five minutes more we were all in the plaza. Nearly every house was closed, and the few men we met — for the women had all been taken off — greeted us as amigos or friends, with their hats in their hands. One old fellow, living in a large house next door to the church, said he had been 202 CAPTAIN M’CULLOCH. beaten -^-severely beaten — after we had appeared in the night, by gome of Torrejon’s officers, to induce him to leave ; but, regardless of blows, he had determined to stick, by his premises and property. All the inhabitants had been shamefully abused, their property taken from them, and they were then driven into the chapparal ; and we were told that in an hour’s time more, had our company not appeared in sight, they would have set fire to the place. “ Such is the policy which has been adopted, and such the course pursued by Torrejon, at every rancho and town since the enemy left Serralvo. To drive off the Inhabitants and destroy all the sup- plies on the road, is the game they are now playing, certainly de- termining to harass General Taylor, if they do not intend to fight him. The Mexicans all along on the road spoke confidently that General Taylor would meet with stout resistance at this place ; but the force we met only amounted to some eight hundred or a thou- sand cavalry, and they started off without firing a gun.” McCulloch’s company formed part of the regiment of Texas rangers, commanded by Colonel Hays, which marched with General Worth [September 20th] to assist in storming the Bishop’s Palace. The following was the order of the general’s march: — The first brigade, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Staniford, consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan’s battery of horse artillery ; Lieutenant- Colonel Childs’ artillery battalion, composed of the following com- panies : — Company K, of the 2d regiment ; companies A and B, of the 8d regiment ; and companies G, H and I, of the 4th regiment, acting as infantry ; and the 8th regiment of infantry under Captain Scrivner. The 2d brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, was composed of Lieutenant Mackall’s battery of horse artil- lery ; the 5th infantry, to which was attached Captain Blanchard’s company of Louisiana volunteers, under Major Martin Scott ; and the 7th infantry, under Captain Miles. Added to these, as we have mentioned, were the Texas rangers. In all the operations of General Worth’s division, McCulloch distinguished himself in a remarkable manner. When the troops left the main camp, (noon of the 20th,) his rangers, with Gillespie’s, formed the reconnoitring party. While passing a ridge on the follow- ing day, the enemy opened upon them with a howitzer and twelve- pounder, firing shell and round-shot as fast as they could discharge iheir pieces. This continued until they arrived at the base of a hill SERVICES AT MONTEREY. 203 between Palace Heights and the mountains, on the west. When the head of the column approached this place, a body of Mexican, cavalry came dashing round the ridge to charge it. Colonel Hays ordered his men to dismount ; but, as McCulloch was at a consider- able distance, he did not receive the command in time to obey. Accordingly, when the lancers approached, he poured into them a shower of rifle and pistol-balls. This being ineffectual to check their progress, a furious charge was made, and both columns reeled be- fore the terrible shock. Horse and rider were crushed to earth, and for a moment all was a wild hurry of confusion. Then the lance and rifle were thrown aside ; hand-to-hand a conflict commenced with sword and pistol, during which scores of the enemy sunk be- neath the fierce rangers’ aim. McCulloch fought with the intre- pidity of a knight of chivalry. On one occasion he was separated from his men, and completely surrounded ; but, putting spurs to his horse, he dashed against the enemy, broke their ranks, and arrived safely among his men. The action lasted fifteen minutes, during which the captain lost several of his command. The loss of the enemy was one hundred and fifty; the squadron which charged the rangers being nearly cut to pieces. McCulloch was with Captain P. F. Smith at the storming of the redoubt on Federacion Hill. He also assisted in the capture of the Bishop’s Palace, and received the commendations of his supe- rior officers for his distinguished bravery. He is particularly men- tioned by General Worth among those to whom his ‘thanks are especially due.’ After the fall of the Palace, the Texas rangers were employed in breaking open the houses of Monterey, and penetrating their walls inside toward the central plaza. They contributed most mate rially to the subsequent capitulation of the city. For his conduct during this siege, McCulloch received the com- mission of major. Soon after its conclusion, he set out with sixteen men for San Antonio. On the way he met with rather a singular adventure with two Indians, the particulars of which are thus given by his faithful biographer, Reid. “ Having crossed the Nueces with some difficulty, about mid-day, the party were reclining upon the grass to rest themselves, when a couple of daring Camanches rushed in among the horses close by and by their yells and accompanying antics succeeded in stamped* 204 CAPTAIN m’CULLOCH. %ng the entire cavallada^ with the exception of Major McCulloch’s horse, and that of the brave Captain Cheshire. These gentlemen mounted at once and put off in pursuit. On coming up with them, McCulloch received a flight of arrows, one of which wounded his horse, and caused him to dismount. • He and one of the Indians then commenced manoeuvring for advantaofes. McCulloch could not bring his five-shooter to bear. Mean time the other Indian, armed with a rifle, was creeping round, trying to level it upon McCulloch ; but the major was too cunning to be caught, even in a double-handed game. By this time Cheshire came up, when McCulloch proposed a charge. Cheshire, however, thinking it more prudent to try his rifle, fired, but it did not tell. “The manoeuvring continued — it was a sort of running fight. McCulloch charged up, close enough to let loose his repeater ; two shots did no execution ; at the third it broke, and the Indian escaped, Cheshire now fired and wounded his man ; the Indians retreated, leaving the horses. The Texans drove them back in triumph to the camp. In the interim the foot company were in the utmost suspense, watching the prairie to catch a glimpse of their returning comrades ; and when they at last hove in sight, with the horses safe and sound, the air was rent with huzzas. Never was there a more joyful crowd, for never did a set of gentlemen come nearer footing it into white settlements.” On his return to Monterey, McCulloch was employed by General Taylor to obtain information of the strength and movements of Santa Anna, who was reported to be moving toward him. He set out [February 16th] with about twenty men ; at about an hour before midnight he encountered a small detachment of Mexican cavalry, ex- tending across the road. The rangers mistook it for chapparal, but - were soon undeceived by a full volley of musketry. Although ignorant of the enemy’s force, McCulloch ordered a charge, which was vigorously executed, breaking the Mexican ranks, and driving them toward Encarnacion. The rangers escaped without loss. On the 20th, the major again set out with but four men, on a similar expedition. As he approached the foe, he sent all his men except one back to General Taylor, to report his observations. In this perilous situation, he was met by the enemy’s picket guard, who immediately gave chase. Instead of retreating, McCulloch and his companion (William Phillips) galloped directly toward the DECEIVES THE MEXICAN PICKETS. 205 Mexican camp, thus completely deceiving the picket, who imagined them their own men on duty. They then rode leisurely to a neigh- bouring hill, where they concealed themselves and passed the night. Next day they commenced their retreat, but in passing between two roads, were greeted with the sight of a picket of twenty men placed upon each of them. No course was now left but to assume the appearance of Mexican scouts ; and accordingly, without quick- ening their pace, they passed between the two parties, and proceeded toward Agua Nueva. Luckily the Mexicans were excessively fatigued, and having passed the night without fire, they were now industriously warming themselves. Considering the two strangers as their own scouts, they neglected to ride after them, and thus McCulloch escaped. But he was not yet out of danger. After pro- ceeding about eight miles he mounted a hill, where to his mortifi- cation he beheld another picket, guarding the only pass to the road. After remaining some time in hope of their being relieved by a fresh guard, he ventured into the plain, and though the pass was extremely narrow, he rode through it without being observed. The two friends then galloped on to Agua Nueva, and reported to Gene- ral Taylor. In the battle of Buena Vista, McCulloch behaved with his accus- tomed bravery. “ Major McCulloch,” says General Taylor, “ quar- termaster in the volunteer service, rendered important services be- fore the engagement, in the command of a spy company, and during the affair was. associated with the regular cavalry.” The disbandment of the major’s command took place about this time, after which most of the Texans returned home. 18 COLONEL HAYS. John Coffee Hays is a native of Tennessee. He was born about the year 1818, in Wilson county, and named after General CofTee of the United States’ Army. Even in childhood he appears to have been of a daring disposition, although little of any interest is known of him until the commencement of the Texan revolution. He manifested a lively interest in that struggle, and determining to be near the scene of warfare, emigrated in 1837 to San Antonio. Here he had several severe skirmishes with the Indians, and was engaged as surveyor on the frontier. In those times of peril, when Texas' needed the assistance of every soldier. Hays could not long remain unnoticed. He was first created captain of a scouting party, and soon after superintendent of the entire border, with the rank of major. Desperate, and sometimes personal encounters with the Indians, soon spread his reputation, and before the com- mencement of our war with Mexico, he was regarded by the sa- vages as superior to common men — the bearer of a charmed life. He was appointed colonel of the Texan mounted rifles, and reached the Rio Grande a short time after the battles of the 8th and 9th of May. Particular incidents of his command are given in the sketch of McCulloch. General Worth, in his official despatch of Monterey, speaks thus of him : “ It is my pleasant and grateful duty to present to the con- sideration of the general-in-chief, and through him to ihe govern- ment, the distinguished conduct of Brigadier-General Smith, and Colonel Hays, of the Texas riflemen.” An order from the same general, [dated Monterey, September 28th,] has the following paragraph : — “ The general feels assured, that every individual in the command unites with him in admiration of the distinguished gallantry and ( 206 ) colonel HA.YS; John Coffee. Hays is a native of Tennessee. He was born ^ about the year 1§18, in Wilson county, and named after General Coffee of the United States’ Army. Even in childhood he appearp . to have been of a daring disposition, although little of any interest '• is known of him until the commencement of the Texan. revolution. He manifested a lively interest: in that struggle, and' determining ta be near the, scene of warfare, emigrated in 1837 to San Antonio/*. Here he had several severe skirmishes with the Indians, and engaged as surveyor on the frontier. In those times of peril, >■ Texas heeded the assistance of every soldier. Hays could not; long remain unnoticed. He w^as first created captain of a seouting party, and soon after superintendent of the entire border, with the rank of major. Desperate, and sometimes personal encounters with-'th^In/lians, soon spread his reputsitibn, and before the cdih- rnencement pf our war with Mexico, he was regarded by the : vages as superior to common men — the bearer of a charnoed'life. '< | ,rHe was appointed colonel of ll;):e~Texan* mounted rifles, end- j^ reached the Kio Grande a short time after the battles of the 8th an4'*-i 9th of May. Particular incidents of his command are given in the sketch of McCulloch. ^ i General Worth, in his official despatch of Monterey, speaks thus - of him : “ It is my pleasant and grateful duty to present to th$ con- - sideration of the general-in-chief, and through him to the govern- ^ent, the distinguished conduct of Brigadier-General Smith, and' I^ Colonel Hays, of the I’exas riflemen.’' An order from the, same general, [dated Monterey, Septembei 28th,] has the following paragraph : — “ The general feels assured, that every individual in the comma unites with him in admiration of the distinguished gallantry a“ ( 206 ) ;4 m' HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. 207 -‘conduct of Colonel Hays, and his noble band of Texan volunteers. ’’^Hereafter, they and we are brothers, and we can desire no better guarantee of success than by their association.” ' V The following description of the personal" appearance of this • ^cejebrate’d partisan is giv^n by his friend j^eid ^ « «We had heard so much of, Col. Hays, that we were anxious to be introduced to the commander of our regiment. Thb quarters of Lieutenant Forbes Britton, co;::im'’‘?sary of subsistence, was at that time the general rendezvous ot aa the officers. And. go when you would to his quarters, from his generous and hospitable feelings, ail were. sure to meet with a kind reception.. On this occasion, as we , eijjered Lieutenant Britton’s quarters, we saw a group of gentlemen sitting around, amon^ whom were Gene rah Lamari^ Governor Hen- derson, General Cazeno, and/ General McCloud, all distinguished • m^n^of Texas, whose names are enrolled'on the page of its history. As we cast our eye around the group, we tried to single out the , ' celebrated partisan chief, and we were much surprised when we S .were presented to a delicate-looking young man, of about five feet " iiiches in stature, and tpJd that he was our colonel. He was '^dressed very plainly, and wore a thin, jacket, with the usual Texian ^ hat, broad brimmed, with a round ''top, and loose operi collar, with a jtlack* handkerchief lied negligently around his neck. He has dark ^ ^ brown hair, and a large and brilliant h^zel eye, which is restless in conversation, and speaks a language of its own not to be mistaken, with very prominent and heavy arched eyebrows. Hia broad, deep / Xoretead is \vell developed; he has A Roman nose, with a finely curved nostril ; a large mouth, with the corners tending downwards ; rshprt upper lip, while the under one , projects slightly, indicative . of great firmness and determination. Hq is naturally of a fair com- I plexion, but from long exposure on the frontfer has become dark and weather-beaten. He has rather a thoughtful and care-worn . epepression, from the constant exetcise of his faculties ; and his long ? acquaintance with dangers and difficulties,^ and the responsibilities • of a commander, have given him an, habitual frown when his feat^ tures are in repose. He wears no whiskers, which gives him a still ^ more youthful appearance, and his manners are bland and very pre- - possessing, from his extreme modesty.” ‘ Y Among other most interesting incidents, we extract from the same j|Uthor the following account of a few of his daring exploits . — K I 208 COLONEL HAYS. ‘‘It Avas some time in the month of July, 1844, that he was en- gaged in’ one of the most remarkable Indian fights perhaps on re- . cord. Remarkable, not for the numbers engaged, nor the duration of the conflict, but from the fearful odds against the Rangers. At the time we spea;k of. Hays was surrounded by as gallant a little band of noble and brave men, numbering only fourteen, as ever fought for the liberty of any land. Among this Spartan band were the names of a Gillespie, a Walker, and a Chevalier, whose noble deeds- h^ve since made them known to the world. On this occa- sion, Hays had gone out. with his men some eighty miles from San Antonio, towards the river Pierdenales, for the purpose of ascertain- ing the position of the Indians, and to watch their movements. On arriving near the river, they discovered some ten or fifteen Comanche warriors, well mounted, who immediately made demonstrations of . fight. As the Rangers advanced upon them, however, they would retreat, and thus endeavoured to lead the Texians towards a ridge of thick undergrowth. But Hays was tpo well acquainted with the * Indian character to be caught by their snarps ; and he immediately judged by their manceuvring, that an ambuscade had been laid for, him, and with difficulty restrained the impetuosity of his ‘boys' from advancing to the attack. He then marched around the copse, where he supposed the Indians to be concealed, and drew Up on another ridge, separated from their position by a deep ravine. * He . had oc.cupied this situation but a short time, when the Indians dis- covered who be ' was, and knowing their man, gave up the hope of. . catching him by stratagem. The Indians then showed themselves • to the number of seventy-five, and challenged him to the contest, Hays accepted the challenge, and signified to them that he would meet them, and immediately started doAvn the hifi with his men, towards the Indians, moving at the same time in the slowest possible pace, untUr.^eaching 4he^bott6m of the ravine,jBfhero he..w:as>hid . from the view Of the Indians, by the brow of the* hill upon which they were formed. Then turning at full speed down the ravine, 'followed by his little troop, he turned the point of the ridge, came up in the rear of the enemy, and charged their column, when every eye of the Indian phalanx was looking in momentary expectation of seeing him rise the hill in their front ! His first fire upon them was with short rifles, which being deadly, threAv them into utter , confusion. The yells, imprecations, and war-whoops that filled the FIGHT WITH THE INDIANS. 209 air after the report of the rifles, vvoold have blanched many a cheek as if echoed wildly over the plain.' But there stood Hays and his gallant men as firm and undaunted as the rocki The Indians seeing their great superiority in numbers, soon rallied, when the Ranger ordered his men to throw down their rifles, and prepare with their five-shooters to receive the charge of the enemy.: In order to resist attacl^ on, all sides, as the Indians were surrounding them, Hays formed his men in a circle, fronting outwards, being still mounted on their horses, and for fifteen or twenty minutes maintained that position, never firing a shot until the Indians came within the length of their lances of them. Thefr aim was sure, and every fire brought down a warrior. ^ Some twenty-one of the red men were killed on that:spot, before they desisted, and then the Rangers, changing their ground, charged them in turn.- The fight lasted for nearly an hour, the two parties alternately ^charging each other. By this time the Texians had exhausted the loads in their five-shooting pistols, and the chief was again rallying his warriors for one more desperate struggle. .. “ Hays’s numbers \yere now reduced, and the' crisis was an awful one. He saw that their only salvation was to kill the Indian chief, and demanded of his men, if any one had a charge left. The la- mented Captain Gillespie replied that he had reserved his rifle. “‘Dismount 'then,’ said Hays, ‘and make sure work of that chief.’ ^‘"Although speared through the .body, the gallant Gillespie dis- mounted^ and at the crack of his rifle, the chief fell headlong from l}is, horse. Panic-struck, the Indians fled in dismay, pursued by the Texians, who gained a complete victory. On the battle-field of Pierdenales lay some thirty odd of their dead ; how many were >vounded was not known. On the part of the Rangers, two were killed, and some four or five wounded, among whom were Gilles- pie and Walker, since celebrated in American history, who were both speared through the body. “ At another time, Hays went out with a party of some fifteen or twenty men, upon the frontier of Texas, then many miles west of the white settlements, for the purpose of surveying and locating lands in the vicinity of a place well known as the ‘Enchanted Rock.’ We are unable to give tp the reader the traditionary caus*-'' 18 * mi mi^mi >-4i^ ^ 018 '» ■«=tA».i«ilr#iS*«f .#» ^ ■ I^"* niQ .mTdinfid 9iktK>d tied; *“ %4*m '»?«A'n»»Mi^M**wwto :3>.fc,* fl#<- =^oJ4ffc- ,::«4i|^i% Mk1 ad , ; jewt loi •ItatBik {wfe-wb# ad taaam ddt xd ^heJn «» ccaibol «di evdw Mfkif bed adv «0B0} lid jtlid sdij Vk Bbit aoo adJ btmia^ boi imia 8B«d*a 09^ bed kui nd ^ iaon ad COLONEL HAYS. 210 why this place was so named, but nevei^heless, the Indians had a great awe, amounting almost to jeverence for it, and W'ould tell many legendary tales connected with it, and the fate of a few brave warriors, the last of a tribe now extinct, who defended themselves there for many years as in a strong castle, against the attacks of their hostile brethren. But they were finally overcome and totally annihilated, and ever since, the ‘ Enchanted Rock’ has been looked upon as the exclusive property of these phantom warriors. This is one of the many tales which the Indians tell concerning it, TJie rock forms the apex of a high, round hill, very rugged and difficult of ascent. In the centre there is a hollow, in the shape of a bowl, and sufficiently large to allow a small party of men to lie in it, thus forming a small fort, the projecting and elevated sides serving as a protection. - “Not far from the base of this hill, Hays and his men, at the time of the expedition spoken of, which occurred in the year 1841, or '42, were attacked by a large force of Indians. When the fight commenced. Hays being some distance from his party, ^as cut off from them, and being closely presseij by the Indians, made good his retreat to the top of the hill. Reaching the ‘Enclianted Rock,’ he ^ there entrenched himself, and determined to sell his life dearly, for he had scarcely a gleam of hope left to escape. The Indians who were in pursuit,'' upon arriving near the summit, se^‘Up a most hideous howl, and after surrounding the spot, prepared for the charge ; being bent upon taking this ‘ Devil Jack,’ as they called him, at all hazards, for they knew who was the commander. As . they would approach. Hays would rise, and level his rifle ; knowing his unerring aim, they would drop back. In this way he kept them at bay for nearly an hour ; the Indians howling around him all the while, like so many wolves. But finally becoming enoboldened, as he had not yet fired his rifle, they approached so near that it became necessary for him to go to work in earnest. So, as they continued to advance, he discharged his rifle, and then seizing his five-shooter, he felled them on all sides ; thus keeping them oflT, until he could reload. In this manner he defended himself for three long hours; when the Indians becoming furiously exasperated, rushed in mass, and gained the top,^on one side of the hill : his men, who had heard he crack of his rifle, and had been fighting most desperately to . HIS NARROW ESCAPE. 211 reach their leader, now succeeded in breaking through the file of Indians on the other side, and arrived just in time to save him. « ‘ This,’ said the Texan who told us the story, / was one of Jack^s most narrow escapes, and he considers it one of the tightest little places that he ever was in. The Indians, who had believed for a long time that he bore a charmed life, were then more than ever convinced of the fact.’ “ So many were the stories that went the rounds in camp, of his perilous expeditions, his wild . and daring adventures, and his cool and determined bravery, that when we saw the man who held such sWaj over his fellow-beings, we were first inclined to believe that we had been deceived. But when we saw him afterwards in the field, we then knew him to be the ‘intrepid Hays.’ So great is his reputation among the Mexicans, that he is everywhere known as ^Capitan Jack.^ Notwithstanding his rigid discipline, for his word is law among his men, yet off duty he is a bland and pleasant com- panion, and the men familiarly call him Jack ; though there is that about the man, which prevents one from taking the slightest liberty with him.” MAJOR TWIGGS, Major Levi Twiggs was born in Richmond county, Georgia, on the 21st pt^May, 1793. He was the sixth son of Major-General John Twiggs of revolutionary memory, whose patriotic devotion of his person and his purse in the war of independence earned for him ^an imperishable renown. A faithful son of his country, who, at the outset of that unequal contest, raised from his private fortune an effective brigade, which, with his own services, he tendered to the cause of liberty, services which proved most efhcient, earning for himself the rank of Major-General in our then infant army, and the still higher title of “ Saviour of Georgia.” The present eminent Major-General David E. Twiggs, is the fifth son of the same illus- . trious sire. 0 - . . At the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812, the sub- ject of the present notice, then just having completed his nine- , teenth year, was desirous of entering the service, but failing to obtain the sanction of his parents at that time, he continued his studies at the Athens college in his native state, for some months longer. At length his military ardour was fanned into an irrepres- sible fiame by the gallant exploits of our little navy, and on learning the news of the capture of the Macedonian frigate, by the United States under Commodore Decatur, he immediately left college, and solicited again his parents’ consent to apply for an appointment in the marine corps, which was now granted. He entered this corps as second lieutenant, on the 10th of November, 1813, and^ after a brief sojourn at head-quarters, was stationed on the Patuxent with' the troops which were posted there to oppose the passage of the British fleet, then hovering along the coasts of the Chesapeake/j where he displayed the energy of character and good conduct whicin ( 212 ) 't . ' !''’^Mr GU.NBRAL. TWIGGS vX ji;^^^. IJIAJOR TWIGGS. * 213 ever after distinguished hrm. From this duty Lieutenant Twiggs was ordered to join the frigate President, commanded by Commo- dore Decatur, on her last memorable cruise under ^ur flag. She sailed from New York on the 14th of January, 1815, and soon after encountered a British fleet, consisting of the Majestic razee, the Endymion, Tenedos and Pomona frigates, and a gun brig, and was captured after a most gallant defence, — one of the opposing fri- ^ gates, the Endymion, having been first disabled and her fire silenced in full view of the other ships of the hostile squadron. By some untoward accident, the senior marine officer did not sail in the President, and that arm of the service was commanded on this occasion by Lieutenant Twiggs — who by this time had attained the gracje of first lieutenant — with such consummate skill and gal- lantry as to elicit the warmest applause of his commander, and to obtain honourable mention of his name in the commodore’s official despatches. Lieutenant Twiggs’ command numbered fifty-six men, who, as is stated in Mackenzie’s Naval History, discharged during the action five thousand cartridges, and whose fire was pronounced by Commodore Decatur “ mcomjmrabley . The officers of the President were detained as prisoners of war in Bermuda, until news of the peace reached there, when they re- turned to their country. From thaf period until 1823, Lieutenant Twiggs was attached to .‘the New York station, from whence in that year he was ordered to . Philadelphia, having^in 1822 united himself in marriage to a daughter of the deceased Captain McKnight, of the marine corps, >‘and niece of Commodore Decatur, — the afflicted lady who now • . deplores his death. In 1824, he was ordered to the frigate Constel- lation, Commodore Warrington, to cruise among the West India islands, in which service he was absent nearly two years. On his re- — turn he was again attached to the Navy-Yard at. Philadelphia, having ‘ been advanced to a captaincy by brevet during his absence, on the 3d : May, 1825. ‘'In November, 1825, he was placed in command of the marines, ‘‘^at the Norfolk Navy- Yard. fn June, 1826, Captain Twiggs was ordered to Florida, where was engaged in the Seminole war until the month of April folio w- discharging the constant and very arduous duties attendant upon a g(War with wandering savages, marked by all the perils of treachery IHH; 1i^tii i l' i nii»f|, jy»B j^ » iH ([ ^ lil w4ff^ ii»*ammL. s. 214 MAJOR TWlCqg. 0 and ambuscades, and the more^iatal dangers^/ a pestilential climat^ and every species of suffering and exposure. From the period of his return from Florida until 1^3, having attained the "yank of Major on the 15th of November, 1840, he was, from^time to time, placed in command of the rnarines, at the several stations of Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, discharging his duty at every post, and on all occasions, to the entire satisfaction of the Navy Department, and of the local authorities and citizens' with whom he had either official or personal intercourse. In 1843, Major Twiggs assumed the command at the Philadel- phia Navy-Yard, where he proved himself worthy of the rank and station which his gallantry and long services had earned, by the scrupulous discharge of every detail of his duty as an officer, and no less by his amiable, manly, and unexceptionable bearing as a good citizen and high-bred gentleman. During the long period of thirty-four years’ service, he never but once asked leave of absence, and then on accQjint/pf the illness of a member of his family, when he was off* duty but a single week. ji^ On the 2d of June, 1847, Major Twiggs departed for Mexico, having solicited active service. On the 29th of June he arrived at Vera Cruz. On the 16th of July he left for the interior, with General Pierce’s brigade, and reached Puebla on the 6th of August, which place he. left with Major-General Ouitman’s division, a few days after, and on the 13th of September he fell, at the head of his com- mand, leading them to the assault at the storming of Chapultepec, pierced by a bullet through the heart ! Of the details of the operations in which Major Twiggs was en- gaged, as well on the march to the Mexican capital as on the bloody fields in its neighbourhood, na precise accounts have yet been re- ♦ ceived. ,We only know that, whilst in the performance of the proudest duty of a soldier, his brave spirit took its flight ! Of an imposing presence and noble mien, he was the personifi- cation of courage; dauntless himself, he infused the same quality into all his followers, performing the duties of his profession with a zeal that never flagged, and a singleness of purpose that considered no obstacle. Tenderly alive to the domestic sympathies, he sacri- ficed them aL to his sense of duty to his country. This sentiment was uppermost in his heart. /When he left home, therefore, upon his last tour of service- like a wise and good man, he made all his • worldly arrangements, based upon the probability that he would j * RfAJOR TWIGGS. 215 never return, whilst he^studiously abided alluditig to them to his family. ' , * The death of his gallant son, George Decatur Twiggs, who fell a Wunteer in Major Daily’s command at the NatiqnajifBridge, on the 12th of August, on the way to join his uncle the general, whose aid he was to become, had already excited a sincere and deep-felt sym- pathy for the bereaved mother. Having but just entered his twen- tieth year, a youth of the finest talents, and with the brightest pros- pects, already distinguished in the walks of literature, and pursuing his legal studies with the zeal inseparable from an ardent tempera- ment, he also, true to his blood — the commingled blood of heroes, which fiowed in his veins— panted for martial fame. In one action, he had already gained the applause of his commander ; in the next, whilst actively discharging the duty of a lieutenant in the place of one who had just fallen, the fatal missile of the enemy cut him off in the flower of his age ^ . “ As some fair tree which erst the forest graced, And charmed the eye by blooming vines embraced, Prone on the earth, a lovely ruin, cast. Yields to the lightning’s stroke, or tempest’s blast!” Of the many brave men who have laid down their lives for their country’s , honour during the existing war, none fought more gal- lantly, nor died more nobly, than did these kindred spirits, the father and son. Neither has it pleased an all-wise Providence to call hence on any of'^those battle-fields, recently rendered immortal by the achievements of our heroic soldiers, a more worthy and well-tried citizen than the one, nor a youth of brighter promise than the other. Well appreciated by his friends, to whom he was endeared, as well by his own virtues as those of his estimable wife, the news of the fall of Major Twiggs, almost coincident as it was with that of his son, has created a deep sensation of universal sorrow and sym pathy. Generous, humane, social, affectionate, with a soul of chivalry, he was swayed by the gentlest emotions; considerate to those under his command, without any relaxation of discipline, he was the friend of the soldier, and was rewarded by the soldier’s obedience and de- votion. As an officer, long holding most responsible and arduous stations, his conduct always elicited the applause of his, superiois ; and in all the social relations, and more especially in those of do- mestic life, his deportment may be pronounced to have been fault- less. Of scrupulous integrity, he was conscientious in the discharge MAJOR TWIGGS. ^ 215 « never return, whilst he studiously avoided alluding to them to his family. The death of his gallant son, George Decatur Twiggs, who fell a volunteer in Major Daily’s command at the National Bridge, on the 12th of August, on the way to join his uncle the general, whose aid he was to become, had already excited a sincere and deep-felt sym- pathy for the bereaved mother. Having but just entered his twen- tieth year, a youth of the finest talents, and with the brightest pros- pects, already distinguished in the walks of literature, and pursuing his legal studies with the zeal inseparable from an ardent tempera- ment, he also, true to his blood — the commingled blood of heroes, which flowed in his veins — panted for martial fame. In one action, he had already gained the applause of his commander ; in the next, whilst actively discharging the duty of a lieutenant in the place of one who had just fallen, the fatal missile of the enemy cut him off in the flower of his age ! “ As some fair tree which erst the forest graced, And charmed the eye by blooming vines embraced, Prone on the earth, a lovely ruin, cast. Yields to the lightning’s stroke, or tempest’s blast !” Of the many brave men who have laid down their lives for their country’s honour during the existing war, none fought more gal- lantly, nor died more nobly, than did these kindred spirits, the father and son. Neither has it pleased an all-wise Providence to call hence on any of those battle-fields, recently rendered immortal by the achievements of our heroic soldiers, a more worthy and well-tried citizen than the one, nor a youth of brighter promise than the other. Well appreciated by his friends, to whom he was endeared, as well by his own virtues as those of his estimable wife, the news of the fall of Major Twiggs, almost coincident as it was with that of bis son, has created a deep sensation of universal sorrow and sym pathy. Generous, humane, social, affectionate, with a soul of chivalry, he was swayed by the gentlest emotions ; considerate to those under his command, without any relaxation of discipline, he was the friend of the soldier, and was rewarded by the soldier’s obedience and de- votion. As an officer, long holding most responsible and arduous stations, his conduct always elicited the applause of his superiois ; and in all the social relations, and more especially in those of do- mestic life, his deportment may be pronounced to have been fault- less. Of scrupulous integrity, he was conscientious in the discharp-e 216 MAJOR TWIGGS. even of his minutest duties : a tender and affectionate husband, a most kind and indulgent parent, leaving a wife and three daughters to lament his loss : alas ! it is to those widoAved and orphaned hearts that his man}^ virtues are best known, and by them that they will be most fondly cherished ; hearts crushed beneath a weight of afflic- tion which few’ are called upon to bear ; for scarcely had they begun to recover from the shock of the loss of a son and brother, before this last stunning blow fell upon them like a thunderbolt. Let them be considered henceforth as the widow and children of the nation ; for to their case the annals of war, wdth its aggravated horrors, can scarcely produce a parallel ! To their prior bereavements it would be out of place to refer here. But that gracious Being, who has seen fit to visit them with such grievous afflictions, will not fail to comfort and uphold them in this hour of their bitter trial ! “ 0 ! thou that will not break the bruised reed, Nor heap fresh ashes on the mourner’s brow, Nor rend anew the wounds that inly bleed, The only balm of their afflictions Thou ! Teach them to bear thy chasteniug wrath, 0 God ! ' To kiss, with quivering lips, still humbly kiss thy rod I Forgive, forgive, e'en should their full heart break. The broken heart thou wilt not. Lord, despise. Ah ! thou art still too gracious to forsake, Though thy strong hand so heavily chastise.” Among the testimonials of respect from superior officers, and different friends, w^as the following order, dated adjutant and inspec- tor’s office, Washington, November 20th, 1847, and addressed to Captain J. G. Williams, commanding marines at Philadelphia : “ The commandant of the corps with profound and cordial sorrow, announces to the officers and soldiers the death of Major Levi Twiggs, while leading his command to victory and glory, on the 13th September, under the walls of the city of Mexico. In his loss the corps has to mourn for a gallant officer, who has passed all of his youth in its ranks, and his country for an estimable and patriotic citizen, and those who knew^ him most intimately, fora valued friend and a high-minded gentleman. “The usual badge of mourning will be worn for him by the officers of the corps for one month, and the flag at head-quarters will be half-masted to-morrow. “ By order of the Brevet Brigadier-General Commandant.” LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY. The reputation of Colonel May is based upon his conduct in the operations on the Rio Grande. During that period of gloom and foreboding, his activity, courage, and experience were to General Taylor invaluable. Little is known of his early history. He is a native of the city of Washington, and son of Dr. May. When the 2d regiment of dragoons was organized, during General Jackson’s administration, he was commissioned as lieutenant, and ordered ^to Florida. Here his duties were of course arduous but if we except the capture of the Indian chief Philip, nothing of interest is related of him. After he had joined General Taylor at Corpus Christi, we hear little of him until the march of that officer from Fort Brown to Point Isabel, in order to open the communication between them. As the cannonading of the river fort subsequent to Taylor’s departure, had been heard at Point Isabel, great anxiety was experienced as to the result ; and in order to ascertain the condition of the garrison. Cap- tain May with one hundred dragoons was despatched to the Rio Grande. He set out about two o’clock in the afternoon, and after proceeding some distance, halted until the approach of night. They then hurried forward until about nine, when the Mexican fires be- came visible in the distance, and soon after their whole army was observed stretched in sleep, over the open plain. Maintaining the strictest silence. May passed round their front, and succeeded in gaining unobserved a chapparal hedge at some distance from the fort. He now sent Captain Walker, of the Texas rangers, to com- municate with Major Brown. After waiting until near daylight without hearing any news of the captain. May concluded that he had been captured by the enemy and accordingly set out on his return. About sunrise he passed within half a mile of the Mexican main body without molestation. Soon after he encountered over one hundred lancers, drawn up in order of battle, about twelve miles from Point Isabel. These he charged, and drove them nearly three 19 218 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY. miles, but was not able to overtake them in consequence of the ex- hausted condition of his horses. He reached Point Isabel about nine o’clock, P. M., of the 4th. The report of Captain May shows the part he took in the actions of the 8th and 9th. “ Having been detached from the head-quarters of my regiment with my squadron, and acting under the immediate orders of the commanding-general during the actions of the 8th and 9th instant, it becomes my duty to report the services which the squadron I had the honour to command rendered during these actions. “You are aware that my first orders on the 8th were to strengthen the left flank of the army, and sustain Captain Duncan’s battery ; in this position I lost two horses killed and two wounded. “ About half an hour before sunset I received orders to proceed to the enemy’s left flank and drive in his cavalry. In execution | of these orders, and while passing the general and his stafl^, the enemy concentrated the fije from their batteries upon us, killing six i of my horses and wounding five men. I succeeded in gaining a position on the enemy’s left with a view of charging his cavalry, but ^ found him in such force as to render ineffectual a charge from my ^ small command, and therefore returned, in obedience to my instruc- tions, to my first position, where I remained until the close of the action, which terminated very shortly afterwards. Thus ended the service of my squadron on the 8th. “ On the morning of the 9th my squadron was actively employed ^ in reconnoitring the chapparal in advance of the field of- the 8th, I and on the approach of the army I took my position as the advance- ; guard. When about half a mile from the position which the enemy were reported to have taken, I was ordered to halt and allow the artillery and infantry to pass, and await further orders. I remained in this position about three-quarters of an hour, when I received orders to report with my squadron to the general. I did so, and was ordered by the general to charge the enemy’s batteries and drive them from their pieces, which was rapidly executed, with loss of Lieutenant Inge, seven privates, and eighteen horses killed, and Sergeant Muley, nine privates, and ten horses wounded. Lieu- tenant Sackett and Sergeant Story, in the front by my side, had their horses killed under them, and Lieutenant Inge was gallantly leading his platoon when he fell. We charged entirely through the enemy’s batteries of seven pieces — Captain Graham, accompanied 218 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY. miles, but was not able to overtake them in consequence ortjie ex- hausted condition of his horees. He reached Point Isabel about ninc^’clock, P. M.,'of the 4th. ^ The report of Captain May shows the pa|t he took in the actions of the 8th and 9th. “ Having been detached from the head-quarters of my regiment with my squadron, and acting under the immediate orders* of the j^ipmmanding-general during the actions of the 8th and 9th instant, it becomes my duty to report ,the services which the squadron I had the honour to command rendered during these actions. I* You are aware that my first orders on the 8th were to strengthen ^e leftfiank of the army, and sustain Captain Duncan’s battery ; in this position I lost two horses killed and two wounded. “About half an ]iour before sunset L received orders to proceed ip the'^enemy’s left flank and drive in his cavalry. In execution of these orders, and while passing the general and his staff) the enemy concentrated the fire from their batteries upon us, killing six of my horses and wounding five men, I succeeded in gaining p position on the enemy’s left with a view of charging his cavalry, but found him in such force as to render ineffectual u charge from ifiy small command, and therefore returned, in obedience to^ my instruc- tions, to nxy first position, where I remained until the close pfj fhe .action, which termina^d very shortly afterwards. Thus ended the service of my squadron on the 8th, ' . . “ On the morning pf the 9th my squadron w^as acfively employed in recoimoitring the chapparal in advance of the field of the 8tb,' and on the approach of the army I took my position as the advance- guard. When abofit half a mile from the position which the enemy were feported to have taken, I was ordered to halt and allow the artillery and infantry to pass, and await further orders. I remained in this position about three-quarters ofs an hour, when I received orders to report with my squadron to the general. I did so, and was ordered by the general to charge the enemy’s batteries and drive them, from their pieces, which was rapidly executed, with loss of Lieutenant Inge, seven privates, and eighteen j|prses killed, and Sergeant Muley, nine privates, and ten horses wounded. Lieu- ‘ tenant' Sackett and Sergeant Story,* in the front by my jide, had . their horses killed under them, and Lieutenant Inge was gallantly leading his platoon when he fell. We charged entirely through the enemy’s batteries, of seven pieces— Captain Graham, accompanied ^ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL* MAY. 219 by Lieutenants Winship and Pleasanton, leading the charge against the pieces on the left of the road, apd myself, accompanied by Lieutenants Inge, Stevens, and Sackett, those on the direct road, and gained the rising ground on the opposite side of the ravine, ’yhe charge was made Under a heavy- fire of the enemy’s batteries, which accounts for my great loss. After gaining the rising ground in the rear I could rally but six men, and with these I charged their gunners, who had regained their pieces, drove them off, and took prisoner General Vega, whom I found gallantly fighting in person at his battery. I ordered him to surrender, and on recognising me ^ ' as an officer, he handed me his sword. / 1 brought him, under a heavy fire of their infantry, to bur lines, accompanied by Lieutenant Stevens, and a sergeant of my squadron. I then directed Lieutepant Stevens to conduct hirri in safety to our rear, and present his sword to the commanding general. “From this time until, the enemy were routed, I was engaged in collecting my men, who had become scattered in our lines. I suc- ceeded in^ assembling half of my squadron, and joined the army in pursuit of the enemy, until he crossed the Ria Grande, from which 4 ^ I returned to camp. , : -3 “ I cannot speak in terms pf sufficient praise pf the steadiness and gallantry- of the officers aUd meri of my command. They all behaved with that spirit of courage and noble daring which distin- guished the whole army*in this memorable action, and achieved the most brilliant victory of the age.^” , . ^ Spea^dng of this charge. General Taylor says ; “The charge of cavalry against the enemy’s batteries on the 9th, ^ was gallantly led by Captain May, and had complete success.” / “After the unsurpassed, if not unequalled charge of Captain May’s squadron,” says Colonel Twiggs, “ the enemy was unable to fire a piece.” ^ ' In Lieutenant Ridgely’s report is the following incident of this charge : — ' “ Captain May rode up and said — ‘ Where are they ? J am going to charge.’ I gave them a volley, and he most gallantly dashed for- ward in ‘column of fours’ at the head of his squadron. I followed as quickly as possible at a gallop, only halting when I came upon the edge of the ravine, and where I found three pieces pf artillery, hut no cannoneers; however, their infantry poured into me a rhost 220 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY. galling fire, at from, twenty-five to fifty paces; and here ensued a most desperate struggle; but our infant^ coming up they, were completely routed.’- Ih^e march from Matamoras to Monterey, May "occaisionally acted as a scout, to obtain information of the. enemy. Prior to the . I operations against the' city, he was. promoted to the rank of lieu-* ’ tenant-colonel. Unfortunately, the nature of the assault against the city did not permit the second dragoons to be brought into action; bnt they were usefully employed by Colonel Mayas escorts, and ! in keeping open communications. At Buena Vista, May was associated with Captain Pike’s" squad- I ron pf Arkansas hprse, and rendered useful service in holding the I enemy in check, and covering batteries at several points. Extracts from his report will show the nature of these duties. “Before the squadron of the 1st dragoons could be recalled, it 5 had gone so far up the ravine as to be in close range. of the enemy’s artillery. It was thus, for a short time, exposed to a' severe fire,' which resulted in the loss of a few men. The other two squadrons / and the section of artillery were in the mean time placed ip motion for Buena Vista, where a portion pf our supplies were stored, and against which the enemy was directing his movemenls. Lieutenant Rucker joined me near tHe^ranchorand in time to assist' me in checking the heavy cavalry, force, which was then very near and ^ immediately in our front. A portion of the enemy’s cavalry, _ ^ amounting, perhaps, to two hundred men,- not perceiving mycom- inand, crossed the main road near to the rancho, and received a de- structive fire from a number of volunteers assembled there. The’ remaining heavy column was immediately checked, and retired in great disorder towards the mountains on our left, before, however,. I could place my command in position to chatge. Bqing unable, from the heavy clouds of dust, to observe immediately the move- ments of the body of cavalry which had passed the rancho, I fol- lowed it up, and found it had crossed the deep and marshy ravine on the right of the road, and was attempting to gain the mountains on the right. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Reynolds to bring his section into battery, which he did promptly, and by a few well- directed shots, dispersed and drove the enemy in confusion over the mountains. I next directed my attention to the annoying colu^ which had occupied so strong a position on our left flank and rear during the whole day, and immediately moved my command to a LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MAY. 221 position whence I could use my artillery on the masses crowded in .the ravines and gorges of the mountains. As I was leaving the rancho, I was joined by about two hundred foot volunteers, under Major Gorman, and a detachment of Arkansas mounted volunteers, under ^Lieutenant-Cdonel Roane.' Believing my command now sufficiently strong for any contingency which might arise, I ad- vanced it steadily towards the foot of the mountains, and to within aTew hundred yards of the position occupied by the enemy. I then directed Lieutenant Reynolds to bring his section again into battery ; and in the course of half an hour, by the steady and de- structive fire of his artillery,- the enemy was forced to fall back. This advantage I followed up ; in doing which I was joined by a section of artillery under Captain Bragg. My command still con- tinued . to advance, and the enemy to retire. We soon gained a position where we were able to deliver a destructive fire, which caused the enemy to retteat in confusion. While the' artillery was thus engaged, by order of General Wool, I steadily advanced the cavalry ; but ■ owing to the dee^ ravines which separated iny com- mand from, the enemy, I was unable to gain ground on him. The erieniy having been thus forced to abandon his position on our left and rear, I was again directed to assume a position in supporting distance of Captain Sherman’s battery, which occupied its former position, and against which the enemy seemed to be concentrating his forces, After having occupied this position some time, the geheral-in-chief directed me to move my command up the ravine towards;^ the enemy’s batteries, and to prevent any further advance on that flank. This position was occupied until the close of the battle, the enemy never again daring to attempt any movement to- wards, our rear. The cavalry, except Captain Pike’s squadron, which was detached for picket service on the fight of the road, oc- cupied, during the night of the 23d, the ground near where I was directed last to take my position before the close of the battle.. Find- ing on the morning of the 24th, that the enemy had retreated, I was joined by Captain Pike’s squadron, and ordered by the general in pursuit.” Shortly after the battle, Colonel May returned to the United States, where he remained for a considerable time. ,The fanie of his daring achievements had preceded hiin, and he was everywhere welcomed as a representative of the gallant ones with whom he had battled in Mexico. COLONEL CROSS. The name of Colonel Cross will ever be remembered with sad- ness. JHis splendid military talents would no doubt have shed a halo of glory around him, had .they- been permitted to come into exercise. But this j)rivilege, so ardently desired by himself, and confidently expected by a large circle of friepds, was denied him,-— He was the first martyr in our struggle, with Mexico. The editpr of Niles’ Register thus speaks of the melancholy event : — - ‘‘ War is ct horrible evil. The first yktim in this new war into which our country is now plunged, has brought with it a deepening sense of the evils inseparable from the mad conflict of man with man, be the occasion what it may. An acquaintance, formed in earjyjife— a warm and.steadfctiriend from the commencement of thnt acquaintanfe--a generous, open-hearted, ardent, intelligent, and talented man ; — one who was in all the attributes a s(an among men, is the fii;st victim. His father, forty years since, through many an ardent struggle, political and national, was shoulder to shoulder with us, in war with arms in his hand, and in peace or war, with, as ar- dent, patriotism at heart as ever animated a citizen and a republican. His son is snatched from our hopes, as well as from a wide circle of friends, and from his own wife, now widowed, and left with her orphans to a life— how desolate and lonely ! • Wreaths may encircle the brow of victors in the coming contest, but what shall compensate for suffering, of which this is but the type, that must be the price at which they are purchased " Colonel Trueman Cross was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. His father was also a colonel in the American service. From a condition of comparative obscurity, the son raised himself by his industry and perseverance both to distinction and affluence. His military career commenced under General Jackson, with whom ( 222 ) COLONEL CROSS. 223 he served bpth in Florida and the Creek country. His^ promptness, strict attention to duty, and indefatigable perseverance, gained the approbation of his superior officer, and led to promotion from govern- . ment* , ' ' / When General Taylor was sent to Texas, Colonel Cross was employed in the “Corps of Observation” as assistant quartermaster- general, and proceeded with it to the Rio Grande. Here, while the 'aimy lay in comparative inaction, he exercised himself by riding from camp daily on horseback. On the 10th of April, he remained so long on his excursion as to Excite the fears of his comrades ; more especially as his little son, whom he had taken with him, returned -toward evening without him. Anxiety soon merged into painful foreboding, and scouts were sent after him in all directions. That day, the" next and the next, they were unsuccessful. General Taylor wrote twice to Ampudia, but without being able to ob- tain information of the unfortunate colonel. Gloom and suspense pervaded officers and soldiers, until the 2rst, when a straggling Mexican entered camp and reported that he had seen the body of an American. A party immediately accompanied him, and in a thick chapparal,‘ Some miles from the fort, lay the mangled remains of the unfortunate Cross. 'He was identified by portions of his uniform. The guide reported, that a band of cut-throats under the notorious Romano Falcon, had attacked him on the 10th, and were about to carry him inta Matamoras. To this the leader objected, and oh finding his followers resolute, killed Xhe colonel with a pistol. A board of officers, convened oivthe 23d, rendered a verdict in accord- ance with these facts. The following order [dated April 23d, 1846] was "immediately issued by General Taylor. “ The commanding general has the painful duty of announcing that the doubt which has so long prevailed in regard to the fate of the late Colonel Cross, has at length been resolved into the melan- choly certainty of his death, and, there is too much] reason to fear, by violent hands. “The high rank of the .deceased, and the ability and energy which he carried into the discharge of the important duties of his office, will cause his loss to be seriously felt in the service, while the untoward circumstances of his demise will render it peculiarly afflicting to his family and personal friends. ;"-' ^^iiPfjffWP jPSPW^^ •^k-WiOi j «#«!;« *■*: :;'.|l«iiR^#f;«l^' 4Wftr>fc