Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

The following is an extract from letter dated
Both April, Camp of the U. S. Army opposite
Maiamoras, from an officer in Major Ringgod's
company, to friend in Baltimore:
Gen. Taylor received information that the enc
my had crossed the river about % miles above our
camp, in strong force, about 1000 or more. As we
had been daily annoyed by such various reports, aud
as scarcely the least reliance can be placed on what
a Mexican tells, he ordered Capt, Thornton TO
march from this, late Oh the afternoon Of the 22d
to reconnoitfe and the enemy in person, but no
account to get into engagement, but as soon as
he had satisfied himself, TO return, with the utmost
despatch, to camp.
After the command had proceeded 26 or 81
miles, the guide, Mexican, refused 10 go further
Thornton, although himself satisfied, from the in
formation he had gathered, that the river had been
crossed felt compelled TO carry out the orders strict
y our expeditions had frequently been Ruthless
on account OF the ialsehood of what is told He
however doubled his advance guard, placed an Of
icer in command of it, and proceeded about two
miles farther, when he came to large field in
which there were some houses. Here he halted
his command, and went forward in person with the
advance guard, (this was about 3 O'Clock on the
morning the 23d,) to see if he could find any
one to give him information.
As he was approaching the houses, he turned and
motloned to the remainder of the squadron 10 stay
behind They it seems, mistook the signal and
followed in after him. Whilst he was questioning
man, the alarm was given that the enemy were a.
round them. He now perceived for the first time,
the error which had been committed, and turning
to his guard, ordered the charge, heading it in
person. Dashng at the pass, where the Mexcans
had entered the field, he found it occupied by an
overwhelming force of both cavalry and infantry
He then made for the gap through which he had
entered That likewise was occupied and in fact
the three sides Of the field 1.-THE river which is un.
tordable, formed the fourth were completely sur.
rounded by the enemy's infantry aud cavalry But
the gallant Thornton undauntcdy dashed on the
infantry, who were on the inside, between him and
the fence, which was very high and thick, and sue
ceeded in cutting his way through them, at the
same time clearing the fence few of his men
likewise got through Twenty five men were ralli.
ed on the inside OF the enclosure by Capt Harde,
who attempted TO cross the river, but found the
banks, were boggy. He captuated on the ground
that all the honors of war should be granted the
command.
After Thornton got outside he had the cavalry
to oppose him. Strange to say, he succeeded alone.
las the others who got through were killed or cap.
tured,) in arriving within six miles of the camp.
when TO avoid party that had intercepted him. he
dashed his horse headlong at a precipce, some 20
or 30 feet in depth. His horse fell and stunned
him SO severely that he remained senseess for six
hours Thus, after thousand escapes he was
captured His friends have always considered
that nothing could appal him for an instant
He was on board the Pulaski when she blew up
and hoated above five days on a single plank He
IS SLENDER delicate looking man, but withal fine
horseman and good swordsman and lancer. His
command, all told, was SO men, The enemy took
capt. iiarde and Lieut.. Kane together with As
others prisoners, some OF them wounded Lieut..
Mason and the rest were killed Besides the cayal.
ry, two full regiments of infantry were opposed to
them. The officers write that the greatest kind
ness and attention are shown them all, officers and
men.