The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-06-27

9Th infantry, slightly; Lieutenants
Gates and Jordan, 9th infantry, each
twice; Lieutenants Selden, Maclay,
Burbank, and Morris, 9th infantry,
slightly.
have no accurate data from which
to estimate the enemy's force on this
day. He is known to have been rein.
forced alter the action of the 9th, both
by cavalry and infantry, and no doubt
to an extent at least equal TO his loss
on that day. 1t is probable that 5000
men were opposed to US, and in po-
sition chosen by themselves,and strong
ly defended with artillery. The ene-
my's loss was very great. Nearly 200
of his dead were buried by us on the
day succeeding the battle. His loss in
killed, wounded, and missing, in the
two affairs of the Slh and 9th is, think,
moderately estimated at 1000 men.
Our victory has been decisive. A
small force has overcome immense odds
of the best troops that Mexico can fur
nish veteran regiments, perfectly
equipped and appointed. Eight pieces
ofartilery, several colors and standards,
great number of prisoners, including
IA officers, and large amount of bag
gage and public property have fallen
into our hands.
The causes of victory are doubtless
to be found in the superior quality OF
our officers and men. have already,
in former reports, paid general trib-
ute to the admirable conduct OF the
troops on both days. 1t now becomes
nv duty--and fell it to be one OF
great delicacy-to notice individuals.
In so extensive field as that of the 9th.
and in the dense cover where most OF
the action of the 9th was fought, could
not possibly be witness to more thana
small portion of the operations OF the
various corps; and must, therefore, de-
pend upon the reports OF subordinate
commanders, which respectfully en-
close herewith.
Colonel Twiggs, the second in COM
mand, was particularly active on both
days in executing my orders, and di.
rectng the operations of the right wing.
Lieutenant Colonel Mcintosh, ,comman-
ding the 9Th infantry, Lieutenant Colo
mel Garland, commanding the Sd bri-
gade, Lieutenant Colonel Belknap, COM
manding the lst brigade, Lieutenant
Colonel Chllds, commanding the artille.
ry battalion, Major Allen, Captains l..
N. Morris and Montgomery, comman-
ding respectively the 4th, Sd, and 9th
regiments OF infantry, were Jealous in
the performance of their duties, and
gave examples to their commands of
cool and fearless conduct. Lieutenant
Colonel Mcintosh repulsed with his
regiment charge of lancers in the ac-
ton of Palo Alto, and shared with it
in the honors and dangers of the fol-
lowing day, being twice severely woun-
ded. Lieutenant Colonel Belknap
headed charge of the 9th infantry,
which resulted in driving the enemy
from his guns, and leaving us in pos.
session Of that part of the field.
Captain Duncan and Lieutenant
RidgeIy deserve especial notice for the
gallant and efficient manner in which
they manGuvred and served their bat
teries. The impression made by Cap
tain Duncan's battery upon the ex-
treme right of the enemy's line, at the
affair of Palo Alto, contributed largely
to the result of the day; while the terri
bic fire kept up by Lieutenant Ridge.
ly, in the affair OF the 9th, inflicted
heavy losses upon the enemy. The
1s-pounder battery, which played
conspicuous part in the action of the
9th, was admirably served by Lieuten-
ant Churchill, Sd artillery, assisted by
Lieutenant Wood, Typographical engi-
neers. The charge Of cavalry on the
enemy's batteries on the 9th, was gal
lantly led by Capt. May, and had COM
plete success.
Captain Mccall, 4th infantry, render
ed distinguished service with the ad-
vanced corps under his orders. Its
loss, in killed and wounded, will show
how closely it was engaged. ! may
take this occasion to say that, in two
former instances, Captain Mccall has
rendered valuable service as partisan
officer. In this connexion | would
mention the services of Captain Walk
er, of the Texas rangers, who was in
both affairs with his company, and who
has performed very meritorlous servl'
ces as spy and partisan.
Imust beg leave 10 refer to the re-
ports Of subordinate commanders Tor
the names of many officers, non-com-
mlssioned officers and privates, who
were distinguished by good conduct
on both days. Instances of individual
gallantry and personal conflict with
the enemy were not wanting in the af-
fair Of the 9th, but cannot find place in