The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-12
REPORT OF CAPT MCCALL TO GEN. TAYLOR.
CAMP NEAR MATAmoRs,

Sra: On the 9th instant, in obedience to your or.
ders, marched from Pdlo .At0-the battle-ground
of the Sth-with the "adpGnes" consisting of 800
men, TO follow and observe the movements of the
enemy on the route to Aatamoras. | directed
Capt. c. +. Smith, I'd artillery, with the light COM
panes OF the LIST brigade, TO move on the right Of
the road, while advanced with the detachment,
of artillery and infantry, on the left,
Capt. Walker, of the Texas Rangers, with a small
detachment Of mounted men, was ordered to ex-
anime the road in front; and Lieut. Pleasanton, Cd
Dragons, with few Dragons, marched in rear Of
the columns of infantry
Having followed the trail of the enemy about two
and a half miles, through the chappGral, prisoner
was taken on the edge Of the Jackass prairie, and
one of the enemy killed by Capt. Walkers men on
the prairie.
Having examined the opposite side, Capt Wal.
ker reported the road clear, when desiring to pro-
cure definite information as to the position of the
enemy, pushed him forward into the chapparaI,
(wthin supporting dlstance,) and one or two par.
ties Of from three to six were in the brush one
of which-a mounted pary-was fred upon bv
my right hankers. On reaching the open ground
at La Resaca de la PatmI, the head of my coli mn re-
ceved three rounds of canister shot from masked
battery, which killed one private and wounded two
sergeants, on the left Of the road, and made nv
men take cover. They rallied, however, hand
somely, within forty or fifty PAGES. now brought
Capt. Smiths detachment 10 the left of the road,
proposing to attack by a flank movement, what
supposed to be only the rear-guard of the retiring
army; and sent Lieut. McCown, with two men, to
recall Lieut.. Dobbins, who, with few men, had
dep'oyed to the left, where he killed one or two o.
the enemy, who showed themselves in his from,
On the return of Lieut.. Dobbins, with Lieut.. Nc
Gown, the former reported large body of troops in
motion on our left, and at the same time some Ian
GERS were observed in the road in front Beng
now satisfied that the Mexican army was in force
in our front, despatched three dragons to inform
you of the fact, and then moved my command to
stronger position to await your arrival
On your arrival, Capt. Smith was again ordered
to take the right of the road, while took the left
with orders to bring on the action, and then flank
the enemy Advancing about three hundred wards
or more to the front and flank, | encountered the
right ofthe enemy's infantry, and the action mme.
diately commenced. They were strongly posted in
the ravine the near side of the pond, lhe prnci
pal line being on the opposite slde,) and, in add
ton TO the fire of musketry from both lines, nv men
were exposed to heavy discharges of canister from
two held-pieces in rear of their centre; vet, in
short time the enemy were driven from their ripht
towards the road, and my men followed with n
hearty cheer. In following them, however, soon
found that our own batteries were sweeping nv
front, and their fire being kept up [ made a aanl
movement TO the road, and here at once became
engaged with the enemy occupying the pond on III,
right Of the road. As soon as their fire ceased a,
this point, recrossed the road to regain nv former
position on the right flank Of the enemy. Here
part Of my regiment became mixed in with
the 9Th regiment Of infantry; they united
with that regiment, and charged with il
Lieutenant Pitcher of the 5th regiment was o,
the number ! continued to advance on the left of
the 9th regiment, and was soon engaged with part
OF the regiment Of the Tampco guards. They re-
ccved several destructive fires from nv men. and
then retired. should mention that during this in.
terval, Lieut. McCown having been separated from
me, joined the 9Th infantry and charged with them
My command continued to move forward on IN,
enemy's right with more or less interruption lin
separable from bush 6ght,) until the close of the
battle.
Capt. Smith being separated from me. | was not
an eyewitness Of the individual conduct of himself
and officers, but enclose herewith his report made
to me this day.
In that part ofmy command where 7 Was in nor.
son, every officer and man did his DUTY mos, hand.
somely. | received every assistance from the GOOD
conduct Of Lieutenants Dobbin, McCown. VAIN
wright and Pitcher Lieutenants D., w, and p.
used their own rifles and guns with good effect
against the enemy, and everywhere inspired the
men with confidence and eagerness to engage
The loss sustained by the "adranes" on the 9th
May, was killed and Ia 'ooundsd.
have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE A. MCCALL.
Capt 4th infantry com handing the advance
Capt. w. w. s. Bliss,
Adjr Gen. Army Of Occupation.