The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-25
For the Union.
For the Union
BATTLES OF PALO ALTO AND REsACA
DE LA PALMA, TEXAS.

The following substantial facts have been elected
from several dslnterested eye-wnesses mot attach
ed to the 9Th regiment Of Infantry of these brilliant
and unequal achievements of our gallant little army
on the Rio Grande, which fully illustrate the posi-
ton and gallant services of the 9Th regiment of in
antry more fully than has been done heretofore, ow-
ing to the early loss of its commanding officer, Col.
Mcintosh, who was too severely wounded to keep
the field through the engagement, and the command
devolving on Major Stanford, brave and accom-
plished soldier; yet it is believed, owing to some
circumstances not yet developed the report from the
9Th regiment of infantry was not as full and clear
as it will hereafter be made known to the proper de-
partment and the world As an act of Justice to the
brave and accomplished officers of this regiment,
and to the brave men of the command, would thank
you, Mr.. Editor, to give the following PARTICULARS
derived from authentic sources of the battles OF those
two days:
TIE 5th regiment Of infantry constituted the
right of the right wing of the army during the recent
campaign on the Rio Grande. The regiment was
commanded by Lieut.. Col ]. S. Mcintosh; the right
wing by Col Twiggs. While on the march on the
7th and 9Th of May, the regiment was preceded by
a squadron of ragoons. About an hour after the
opening of the action of the 9th, the enemys cavalry
on the left were seen moving off towards skirt Of
chapparnl on his left, and running down the plain
near the right of our army. At this moment the 5th
regiment of infantry was ordered to the right to
protect our flank as well as the provision and ammuni-
In the execution Oh tnlS OTucT Tepl-
ment moved about 500 yards to the right, and about
100 Yards to the rear, took position, and formed
square and awaited the enemy, who soon showed
himself passing about $50 yards in front of the first
face of the square, moving towards the rear OF our
army. II afterwards appeared that he was passing
down small lagoon almost impossible for horses.
The enemy numbered about one thousand cavalry
and Iancers, who moved across the angle Of the
SQUARE between the first and second fronts, and
when about ffty yards of the second and first fronts
delivered his fire, and then charged in close column;
and when within about 20 PAGES Of the square, he
received volley from the second face, composed OF
three companies delivered with the utmost preci-
sion, which caused the enemy's column to be
routed and overpowered, over thirty of his men
lief, dead on the field. Soon after the cavalry was
routed batte.y of horse artillery presented itself
about $50 Yards in the front of the first face Of the
square. 1t comprised two guns, PROBABLY SKIES,
drawn by mules. The ramming Of the guns was
distinctly heard and of course the impression was,
that the enemy had loaded with grape. Fortunately
nj this moment two of Maj Ringgold's guns, under
the command of Lieut. Randolph rIsidgeey, came
nm Mt full sneed and delivered fire so well directed
as to overthrow the enemy's artillery, and rout II
without discharging gun. During the remainder
of this day the 9Th regiment Of infantry endured, in
common with other regiments, the severe cannona-
ding.
moving right in 'front.' halted about one-third of
a mile from the enemy s posluon, anu Lieut. huge-
LEWIS battery of flying artillery ordered past the
5th regiment of infantry to the front. The 18th
infantry then fled to the left of the road and then
formed on the right by file into line, and then adj
vanced towards the enemy's line, the right (grens-
dier) company following the direction OF the road,
and having arrived at the position taken by Ridge
Iey's battery within about 200 yards of the enemys
line directly in 'front.' there halted for orders. From
this front a few moments afterwards Capt, May
CHARGED mast Rdgelevs battery with his squadron Of
DRAGONS, moment afterwards the 9Th infantry re-
ceyed orders to charge, and moved in rear of Capt
MAYS squadron in double quick time, and portion
followed the dragons closely as to take posses
sion Of the enemy's battery which had Just been
carried. and at the moment the enemy was
endeayoring to return TO re-msn the guns. Captain
Hooe. of the 5th, moved down the road, and on the
right crossed the ravine, pressed forward towards
an enemy's battery on the second crest OF the ra-
vine; when within about 20 PAGES Of one OF the
guns. was struck in the right arm by grape shot,
and was obliged to retire. (Although little has been