The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-06-30

position first occupied by the Mexican
cavalry, and caused the lstbrigade to take
up new position still on the left of the
l5-pounder battery. The 5th was advan-
ced from its former position and occupied
point on the extreme right of the new
line.-the enemy made a change of posi-
ton corresponding to our own, and after
suspension Of nearly all hour the action
was resumed.
The fire of artillery was now most
destructlve-openings were constantly
made through the enemy's ranks by our
fire. and the constancy with which the
Mexican infantry sustained this severe
cannonade was theme of universal re-
mark and admiration. Captain Mays
squadron was detached to make demon
stration on the left of the enemy's posi-
ton, and suffered severely from the fire
Of artillery towhich il was for some time
exposed. The 4th infantry, which had
been ordered to support the lS-pounder
battery was exposed to most calling fire,
by which several men were killed and
Capt. Page dangerously wounded. The
ememy's fire was directed against our l8
FOUNDER battery and the guns under Ma
jor Ringgold in its vicinity. The Major
himself, while coolly directing the fire of
his pieces was struck by cannon ball
and mortally wounded.
In the meantime, the battalion of artil-
lery under Lieut.. Col. Childs had been
brought up to support the artillery on our
right. A strong demonstration of caval
ry was now made by the enemy against
this part of our line, and the column con-
tinued to advance under severe fire
from the Is FOUNDERS. The battalion was
instantly formed in square and held ready
TO receive the charge OF cavalry, but when
the advancing squadrons were within close
range, a deadly lire of canister from the
Is FOUNDERS dispersed them. A brisk
fire of small arms was now opened upon
the square by which one officer, Lieut..
/ Luther, ID artillery was slightly wounded,
but well directed volley from the front
of the square siIenced all further firing
from the enemy in this quarter. 1t was
now nearly dark and the action was clos
ed OH the right of our line, the enemy
having been completely driven back from
his position and foiled in every attempt
against our line.
While the above was going forward on
our right and under my own eye, the en-
emy had made serious attempt against
the left.of our line. Capt. Duncan in
stantly perceived the movement, and by
/ the bold and brilliant maneuvering of his
battery, completely repulsed several sue
fccssive efforts Of the enemy to advance
in force upon our left flank. Supported
in succession by the sth infantry and by
| Capt. Ker's squadron Outrageous, he gal
lanily held the enemy at bay, and finally
drove him, with immense loss, from the
field. The action here and along the
whole line, continued until dark, when the
enemy retired into the chaparrel in the rear
of his position. Our army bivouacked
on the ground it occupied. During the
afternoon the train had been moved fer
ward about half mile, and was packed
in rear of the new position.
Our loss this day, was nine killed, for
tv-four wounded, and two missing. A
mong the wounded were Major RinggoId,
who has since died, and Captain Page,
dangerously wounded; Lieut.. Luther
slightly so. annex tabular statement
of the casualties Of the day.
Our own force engaged, is shown by
the field report, herewith, to have been
ia officers and 2,lll men-aggregate
2,2s6. The Mexican force according to
the statements Of their own officers taken
prisoners in the affair of the 9th, was not
less than 5000 regular troops, with 10
pieces of artillery, and probably exceed
ed that number: the irregular force not
known. Their loss was not less than
800 killed and 400 wounded-probably
greater. The estimate is very moderate,
and formed upon the number actually
counted upon the reports of their own of
ficers.
As already reported in my first brief
despatch, the conduct of our officers and
men was every thing that could be desir-
cd. Exposed for hours to the severest
trial--a cannonade of artillery - our
troops displayed GOODNESS and constan-
cy which gave me, throughout, the assu-
rance of victory.
purposely defer the mention OF indi-
viduals until my report Of the action OF
the 9Th, when | will endeavor to do JUS
ticc to the many instances Of distinguish
ed conduct on both days. In the mean
time. / refer, for minute details, to the re-
ports Of individual commanders.
am, sir, very respectfully.
Your obedientservant,
z. TAYLOR.
Brevet Brig. Genl. U. S. Army, Com
manding. The Adjutani General of the
Army.
Washington, D. c.