The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1846-09-19
From The Heksburg Hhig.
"The Battle Of Burita.o

1t was midnight; bright Pho bus threw her
mellow radiance over the deep green sward
that carpeted picturesque Ridge overlooking
the dark and turbulent waters of the Rio
Grsnde, midway between the vilageu of Buriia
and Lometa, whereon were pitched the white
tents Of thousands Of Louisiana's gallant sons,
giving lie 70 the scene, appearing like burnish-
ed miniature houses Of a new made city.
Silence reigned throughout the camp; no
sound could be heard, save the challenge Of the
sentry, as he slowly paced his lonely round; or
the chirpings of the night-bird from the chappa-
rel, as il i'll at ease at the invasion Of his do
minion. Suddenly the report Of firearms was
heard. Alarm Immediately spread Throughout,
the line. Staf-Oficers came hurrying through
the camp, giving orders to the commanders Of
companies, in a whispered tone, to put the men
in motion. The report that Canales at the
head Of several thousand mounted rancheros
was on the eve Of attacking US, spread with
lighining-like rapIdity.
Our Regiment had Just arrived. The day
previous we had marched a circuitous route
from the Brazos, = distance Of twenty-five
miles, through mud and water, wadng lagoons
to the depth Of the chins Of the tallest men,
Overpowered with fatigue, our slumbers were
deep, and with difficulty our officers made us
conscious Of the cause Of the disturbance
All was confusion; officers excited, the SOL
diers stupid, one searching Tor his cartridge-box
another for his shoes, another for his hat, each
one swearing at his messmate, and blaming
him for misplacing his sccoutrements.
With much difficulty something like tranquil
lity was restored; a line as crooked as a rams
horn was formed, and the officers proceeded to
distributing cartridges. Many OF the soldiers
had never before beheld one, and consequent
ly were ignorant Of the manner in which they
were to be used. They were ordered to use
despatch, and load their pieces to suit them
selves, which order they instantly obeyed;
some placing the carridgesin their pieces with
ball downwards, others, it is asserted, actually
charging their guns twice.
In the rear Of our encampment, at the base
of the ridge, was broad, marshy plain, where,
at the distance Of half mile, was chapparel,
or thicket Of low trees; this was scarcely dis
cernible in the moonlight. Broad gulleys,
washed By rains, were between US and the low
land; into these we were ordered to take our
post, where we could commsnd the road l. sd-
ing to Matamoros, and better defend ourselves
from the attack Of cavalry. Forward we went
in double file, quick time, with Indian caution,
until we reached the brow Of the hill. yb,re
the road led into ravine, down which we be-
held sight that made the steutest heart. to
thrOb. An hundred soldiers there lay in am
bush; the brighter part Of their ,ecoutrements
glitterine in the moonlight, giving them for
midsble appearance!
"The Mericsns! the Meriesn,!- rang along
our line--the hearts Of the men rising in their
throsts as they spoke. One man, more excited
than his comrsdes, broke from the ranks, raised
mis- rife to his shoulder, and was in the act Of
pouring lie deadly contents into the ranks Of