The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-09-22

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were seen IN our rear, occupying the OLD
houses on the road and the old guard
house of the Ri brigade. Bragg, John
son, and Lansing each gave them a round
OF canister and grape. which caused them
10 disperse. We were now compelled
to be very particular in the use of oul
ammunition for cannon, as the supply
was becoming very limited, whilst the
supplies of the enemy seemed ineXhaus-
tible, as thew now commenced throwing
iron shells for the first time. 1t was sup
sed, from the firing, that one OF the NOR
tars had been removed from our rear, and
we had every reason to expect It in very
short time from another direction, as the
enemy commanded far more preferable
positions for batteries than they had vet
selected. The bombardment was con-
tinued at intervals at the pleasure of the
enemy, taking time to procure the ammu-
milton from town and to cool their guns.
! We lost several horses tO-dav. and one Of
I the wheels of a caisson of Bragg's bat
terv was disabled. Our bomh-proofs
were now pretty far advanced. and served
( to protect our men from the sun whilst
engaged in making sand-bags, and the re-
lisying parties for labor. Again, at 2 o.
clock u. NJ, we were ANNOYED by the
fire of escopettes, from the hank of the
rIver-and rayinc, so distant, however, as
TO be harmless, This cowardlv action
on the part of the enemy served bat to
incense our men, and MANY Of them ap-
I piled to be permitted to pick them Off
with rifles in case they showed them
selves. II was about this time a Mexican
officer was observed frequently to take
position in tall tree, on the other side of
the river, to examine into the effect and
range of their shells; from his position
he could observe the maneuvres of the
piece directed by Bragg in person, and
was once or twice driven verv precipi-
tatcly from his position by pointing his
rife at him. The bombardment was con-
tinued without intermissiOn until sunset,
and more than twO-thirds Of the shells
took effect in the fort. All the instru-
ments of the 9Th infantry band were lost
to-day by the explosion Of bomb-shelI;
and Private Moody, of II company, 9TH
infantry, lost his arm. |! was now con
sidered NECESSARY 70 TeEnoye ihe traverse
fore the fort was commenced, and about
nine o'clock Capt. Miles, in command,
with Leuts. Van Dorm and ClitZ, with
eighty men, were sent out 10 level IT,,
with orders TO use the utmost precautlon,
and to work as silently as possible, in or
der not 10 draw the enemy's fire. This
dangerous operation was accomplished
with astonishing rapi,ity, and II must
have ast0nshed the enemy the next NOR
ming to find that it had been done without
theirnotica This party was covered BY
a detachment Of light infantry. comman-
ded by Lient. Potter, who performed his
duty with great credit 10 himself, throw
ing his party up and down the river
The guard was regularly detailed from the
7lh infantry. and on the non-commission-
ed officers and men of the 7th infantry
devolyed the pickei-guard duty, at this
time the most dangerous and arduous duty
to be performed On this duty Sergeant
Wragg, Corporal Manson, privates Bal
lard and Melton distinguished themselves
by their daring bravery in approaching
the enemv's lines. Corporal Manson
and privaies Ballard and Melton were al
WAYS volunteers when there was Danger
Gus service for a picket. aud invariably
performed the dirty most calamity. About
/ IL tonight Sergeant Wragg. BY the fire
Of one Of the enemy's pickets, received
a ball in his cap without injury to him
sell. and retreaied with his picket, having
returned the fire. 4 short time after
wards body Of the enemy advanced to
within about three hundred yards of the
fort, and commenced firing their esco-
petjes at random. sometimes in volleys,
each yoIlev preceded bv several blasts Oh
/ bugIcs. The exac! purporl of this we
could not understand, though il kept US
on the alert all night, with little or no
rest TO officers and men. This firing was
continued until near daylight the time
when we expected the enemy's columns
to advance 10 attack us.
OK THr 8th INSTANT. AT DAYLIGHT
This morning there was no evidence Of
the advance of the enemy. and at s. A.
NJ. the batteries opened on rs again from
La Fortine de la Fiecha. La Fortine Re-
donda. and the battery in or rear with
shells, and the bombardmont was eontin-
ned without cessation during the morning.
During the heavy bombardment, at the
suggestion of Capt. Mansfield. picket
was sent out to burn the old house near
/ the traverse thrown down the night he
/ fore. This was done by Corporal Man
son and private Ballard, who volunteered
to perform the service; aud. as soon as
/ they were observed. drew the fire OF the
enemy with round shot and sh.lls. Inc
firing was continued during the day al IN
tervals. The flagstaff, being some as