Weekly national intelligencer., 1846-11-28

nearly three times effective numbers, and which appeared
to be posted for the protection Of the works. induced me 10
give up all idea of forcing the works without reniorcenenis
During The night several reconnosanccs made with de-
tails Of Captain Whtlelds company in the direction Of the
redoubt s'El Dao Frequent signals between the different
posts OF the enemy during the night kept the alert and
at the first dawn oil day on the 23d discovered that the
enemy had abandoned abandoning the strong works
nearest Colonel Davis with portion Of his command,
supported by Lieutenant Colonel Anderson with compa-
MES of the Tennessee regiment ordered to take possession
OF the works. This promptly done, The enemy had
Withdrawn their artillery during the night and nothing Of
value fell into our hands but prisoners and ammunition.
From this work, which commanded view OF the cathedral
and portion of the great plaza of the city, perceived
another hamoon triangular redoubt in advance Of and
right which appeared TO be Immediately connected with
heavy stone buildings and walls adjoining the block of the city,
Having reported my observations To the Commanding General
who had approached the field oour operations received pems
sion to advance upon the deenccs of the city in this decon
and il deemed practicable to occupy them II was su lent
y apparent that all the approaches 10 the city this side
strongly fortified. Wishing proceed with caution,
under the qualified permission of tho Commanding General
sent out party Of enen, under Lieutenant Graves
connoic supporting them at distance by company OF
Tennessee infantry, under Captain McMuray Some active
movements Of the enemy in the vicinity induced 10 halt
party, order ont Colonel Davis with eopPa
Of his command and companies OF Tennessee troops,
to advance these works As the troops advanced armed
flying their approach. Upon reaching the
edoubt which had attracted attention. perceived that
open, and exposed TO the fire of the enemy from the
buildings and walls in the II was therefore
cessary select another position less exposed Posting the
companies OF infantry position TO defend the lodgmen
had effected, directed Coone Davis to post his command
he might deem most advantageous for defence or active
operations intending here await further orders reinforce
In recommending the place several shots fired
at Colonel Davis by the enemy and several files of he rifle
men who had advanced to the slope of teaswork (No y
which had ben thrown the street for the defence OF the
city, returned the fire. voley from the enemy succeeded
Our party having been reinforced by additions from the rifle
men and Infantry, brisk firing opened on both
Sides the e,emy from the house topsana parapes attempting
drive from the lodgment had ELECTED. consider
able body the enemy securely posted the top OF large
building left which partially overlooked the breastwok
No i continued pour in their re and killed private Tyee,
company X, whose gallant conduct at the breawork had
attracted attention Of both his Colonel and myself From
this mmencemen, in short time the action became general
The enemy appearing be great force and firing our
troops om every position Of apparent security, dispatched
m aid Lieut. Nichols, with orders To advance the whole of
my brigade which could be spared from the reoubs occupied
10y portion Of the Mississippi regiment under MAJOR
Bradford advanced 10 the support OF the troops engaged but
Lieut. Col Anderson with part OF the Tennessee regiment
required remain for the protection OF the reoubts IN our
With tins additional force more active operations
pon the city were begun Detachmens of troops ad
vanced penetrating into buildings and occupying the Hat roofs
Of houses, and by gradual approaches driving the enemy
back They had been engaged more than an hour when
they were reinforced by detachment Of dsnouned Texan
rangers commanded hy General Henderson, with whose
tive and elecua corporations the attack upon the city was
gradually but successfully prosecuted Buildings streets
until after being engaged Tor about five hours having ad
vanced within less than squares OF the paza appre
hensve that might fall under the o own alIe-
y which had been brought up to our support and our am
munon being nearly exhausted active operations were
deed until the effect Of the batteries which bad been
brought forward into of the principal Streets could be
found that the bacadesnthe neghbohood othepaza
were too strong battered down by light artillery
Cenaral who hal taken position the
ordered the troops gradually and slowly TO retire to the de
fences taken i the morning This done IN good order
and the enemy firing occasionally upon but not venturnl
take possession Of the part Of the town had occupied
Our forces had scarcely retired from their advanced position
in the city when heard the of the attack
of the division under General Worth the opposite side
the The force under my command had been engaged
from eight o'clock in the morning to three j. NJ II should
be recorded to the credit of the volunteer troops, that Che
greater portion them had been without suscnance since the
morning Of the 22d and exposed throughout the very nce
and rainy night Of the 3d. to duty without ban-
kcts ovcrcoats, and yet not murmur heard among
ihcm-thcir aacry remained unabaed to the last moment
The character of this affair." the troops being necessarily
paraed into many small parties gave frequent occasion TO the
exhibition Of individual courage and daring The instances
occurred frequently in which both officers and men dlstu
guished themselves that those which m under my
observation which brought TO my notice Ivy Off
GERS, would extend this report TO improper length II is
my duty and pleasure mention the fact, that the
General Lamar ofrcxas, joined my command volunteer
in the of the attack the city, and by his
council and example aided and encouraged the troops Major
f. r. Price Of Nachez and Capt ]. r. Smith, of Louisiana
both from The recently sbanIcl Louisiana troops acted with
distinguished bravery volunteers in Colonel Daviss reg
ment. Referring the reports Of Col Davis, Lieut. Col
Anderson Major Bradford for further particulars, and
the lists herewith submitted Of the killed and wounded the
22d and 231,
have the honor to remain, very respectfully &c
]. A. QUTTMAN,
Brig. Gen. u. S. A., Com III Brig. VOL
4. I,, -