The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-12
CAMr sEAR MArAnosAs,

May III, 1916.
SR: In compliance with your directions, | have
he honor to report that the company which now
have the honor 10 command took up It's position in
Inc of battle about o'clock p. m. the afternoon
ofthe 9Th at distance Of about 800 yards from the
snemys line. After receiving few rounds Of arti-
Jsry, we advanced about 100 yards, where we
Opened our battery with considerable execution, as
proyen the next day, but in consequence of their
making a flank movement 10 our right, | was
detached with two pieces to operate with the 5th in
hntry who had been sent forward 10 oppose the
movement My section had already lost one man,
and two horses badly wounded. As | was taking
position on the right Of the 5th, who were in square
ikey fred yollcy from one Of its faces on the enemy
whose cavalry had charged. | at once unimbered
and commenced firing. Very shortly | saw their
artillery and cavalry, which latter in large force
retiring. am happy to state our fire proved etfec
I'VE and the movement was frustrated BreYet
Second Lieutenant French had the immediate charge
ofone OF the pieces. We continued changing pOsi
ion from point to point until dark when we en-.
camped. / then learned that Brevet Major Ring
gold who had been with the other section, had been
bady wounded The section was brought up by
Lieutenant Shower, who had kept il actively en-
aoyed the entire afternoon.
The following morning about noon, took my
position in rear Of the 5th infantry, on our way to
llALdnOrdS, Columns OF ecCllOl8 NneTe-
ever practicable. After having advanced about five
niles was ordered TO the front with my battery,
and was then informed the enemy were immedI.
atey in our 'front.' occupying the road with their
artillery. Capt. Walker Of the Texas Rangers was
sent point out to me their exact position. Aer
moving very cautiously for a short distance dis.
covered them about 400 yards in advance IN the
road, and almost instantly their artillery opened. !
moved rapidly to the front for about 100 yards, and
IL. -. -. n.
on both sides for some time, their grape shot pass
lng through our battery in every direction. s..
soon as It slackened, ! mbered up and moved
npdly forward, never unllmbering unless seeing
hem 10 front, perceiying from the fire Of their in
hntry they were on my TANKS. Frequently the
several pieces fired CANISTER on them, when not
over 100 or $50 yards. After having advanced in
this for about 500 yards, Capt. May, second
dngoons rode up and said, "where are theyl | am
going to charge" gave them volIey, and he
most CALAMITY dashed forward in columns OF fours'
Al the head Of his squadron. followed as quietly
{" possible at agaiIop, only hating when | cam
upon the edge Of the rayine, where found tire.
pieces Of artillery, but no eannoni,rs; however their
infantry poured into me a most CALLING fire at from
Is to SO PAGES; and here ensued most desperate
struggle, but our infantry coming up they were
completely routed. Their cavalry came so near
that once cut at them with my sabre. | did not
tuNhnCc as Tdpiuiy as uesfcu, as percelVeu
was not al times supported by the infantry il being
impossible for them TO get through the chapparal.
cannot, sir, speak in too high terms of the gal
lntry and coolness of my officers, and the behaviour
Of my non-commissoned officers, and men gener-
ally, and respectfully beg leave to call the attention
Of higher authorities to the fact that the officers du
ring the greater portion of the engagement, and
aways when closely pressed, had to perform the
duties of not only one, but hoo caRnoners, handling
their own shot and fire their own pieces in conse-
quence of the very Unite 1 number Of men.
In conclusion, sir, am proud to state, that until
the enemy's artillery was taken, and they complete
ly routed, other artillery required at least
used, but the battery | have the honor to COM
mand. ..... .. ...... ....
am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
. RANDOLPH RIDGELY,
LIST It. Sd Artillery, commanding Light Co. c.
Casualties.