The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-11-21

try at some distance in rear of their works The
presence of this force, amounting 10 nearly three
lines our effective numbers, and which appeared
70 be posted for the protection Of the works in
duced me 10 give up all idea Of forcing the
works without endorsements During the night
several Reconnaissance were made with details OF
Captain Whtheld's company in the direction of the
| redoubt "El Diablo." Frequent signals between
the different posts of the enemy during the night
kept on the alert and at the first dawn Of day
the 23d, It was discovered that the enemy had
abandoned, or were abandoning the strong works
nearest 10 US. Colonel DAVIS, with portion of his
command, supported by Lieutenant Colonel Ander-
son, With two companies Of the Tennessee regiment,
was ordered 10 take possession Of the works This
was promptly done. The enemy had Withdrawn
their artillery during the night and nothing Of value
fell into our hands bat some prisoners and ammu-
milton. From this work, which commanded view
Of the cathedral and portion Of the great plaza of
the city, we perceived another half moon or TRAN
guar redoubt in advance Of US, and our right,
| which appeared TO be Immediately connected with
heavy stone buildings and walls adjoining the block
OF the city, Having reported my observations To
the commanding general who had approached the
field Of our operations received permission to ad-
upon the defences of the city in this direction,
aud, il deemed practicable to occupy them. IL was
sufficiently apparent that all the approaches to the
city on this side strongly fortified. Wishing
to proceed with caution, under the qualified permits
sion of the commanding general, sent out party
of rifemen, under Lieutenant Graves, to reconnoi-
tire, supporting them at some distance by compa-
ny Of Tennessee infantry, under Captain McMur-
ray. Some active movements of the enemy in the
vicinity induced me to halt this party, and order
out Colonel Davis, with two companies of his COM
mand and two companies of Tennessee troops, TO
advance on these works As the troops advanced,
armed men were seen flying at their approach. Upon
reaching the redoubt which had attracted
ton, we perceived that IL open, and ex posed to
the fire Of the enemy from the stone buildings and
walls in the IL was therefore, necessary se-
lect another position less exposed. Posting the two
| companies of infantry in a position to defend the
Judgment we had effected, directed Colonel Davis
| to post his command as he might deem most advan-
tageous for defence active operations, intending
here to await further orders reinforcements. In
recommending the place several shots were fred at
Colonel Davis by the enemy, and several files of the
riaemen who had advanced to the slope Of breast
work mo. ~ which had been thrown across the
for the defence Of the city, returned the FIRE
voley from the enemy succeeded Our party having
been reinforced by additions from the nhemen and in
fantry, brisk firing soon opened on both sides,
| the enemy from the house tops and parapets at
tempting to drive from the Judgment we had ef-
fected. A considerable body of the enemy, secure
y posted on the top of large building on our left,
Return Of the killed, pOundsd, and missing Of the :.