Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-06-11
From The Washington Union.

From THE SEAT OF WAR.-The following in
tercsling letter received by gentleman in this city,
which has been politely placed at our disposal,
presents in a clear and somewhat military style Of
narrative, some details in relation TO General Tay-
lor's recent victories, which we have not before
seen:
BATTLE FIELD, REsAcA DE LA PALMA.
"Muy 10, 1916.
yesterday 9th, was achieved one of the greatest
victories OF the age and the result the battle will
no doubt spread more terror TO the Mexican people,
than could fifty ordinary battles have done Our
performances commenced about 8 o'clock p M, on
the 9Th, IS we were returning from Point Isabel,
where the greatest portion OF the army had been as
an escort for our wagon train, and il upon
return that we met the enemy on the edge Of
prairie, near a water hole. called by the Mexicans,
Palo Alto The enemy had drawn his forces across
this prairie to oppose our further progress; after
watering at the Palo Alto we continued steadily to
move forward, and when we had approached to
within about half ola mile Of the enemys line, he
opened his batteries the right, which prompt
ly responded to by two lS-pounders in charge of
Lieutenant Churchill, (which we were bringing up
for the use ofthe fort the light artillery, command
ed by Major Ringgold, attached to my portion Of
the army, 1.-THE right wing) advanced something like
one hundred yards further and opened heavy fire,
with great effect, seen the next day by the
number Of dead along the enemy's line. The in
fantry were formed in squares in rear Of the art.
ery, receiving with perfect saRgfrOid the enemy's
fire, and from the loud halo, impatient for the word
TO charge, and rush to participate actively in the
affair The enemys cavalry, consisting for the most
part of lancers, and 1000 strong, attempted out
flank US on the right, and get to our wagon train ;
but with GOODNESS peculiar 10 the Americans, it
YVES frustrated. The fifth infantry, under Colonel
Mcintosh, formed in square, and from one Of the
sides of the square, opened upon their squadrons,
when they were within from fifty TO sixty yards,
and as the right ofthe enemys cavalry neared their
train, they discovered that their visit had been an
ticipated, and consequently commenced retiring in
order Lieutenant Ridgely, with two pieces of
light artillery, having taken position the first
position OF the fifth infantry, opened his battery up
on the enemy's retiring columns, creating great
confusion in their ranks, killing and woundng a
great number Of men and horses. Night coming
on, we slept on the battle ground, and turned our
attention TO the wounded. Major Ringgold and
Capt. Page were both wounded, the former NOR
tally, besides several men wounded, and two killed
Ten horses were killed, and twelve wounded dur
ing this days battle in the right wing the losses
IN the LETT wing cannot ascertain, but must be
fully equal
This battle has never been surpassed il equal
led Tor three hours our men returned with cool
ness the enemy's cannonadng. and ceased not their
efforts till Darkness and the silence Of the enemys
batteries made it useless to cannonade longer =
This battlefield next morning presented the most
horfld sights Imagination can picture, cannon hav-
ing done all the injury on both sides The manged
men and horses, along the enemys line, proved that
we must have moved platoon after platoon down,
We found some few wounded amongst the Mexican
line, who were promptly cared for but as csnnon