Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-06-19
REPORT OF LIEUT.. RIDGELY.

Sir-In compliance with your directions,
have The honor 10 report that the company which
| now have the honor TO command, took up is
position in the line Of battle about3 o'clock, F. NJ.
on the afternoon oithe Sh al 4 distance OF about
800 yards from the enelnys line. After receiv-
ing few rounds OF artillery, we advanced about
100 yards, where "e opened our battery with con-
siderable execution, a proven the next day; bul
in consequence OF their making flank move
ment 10 our right, was detached with two pieces
10 operate with The 9Th infantry, who had been
sen! forward 10 oppose The movement. My Sec
ton had already LOST one man and Two horses
badly wounded. As | was taking position on the
right ofihe 9TH, who were in square, they fired a
yolley from one OF lis faces on The enemy, whose
cavalry had charged. | at once numbered and
commenced firing. Very shortly saw their ar
tiIlery and cavalry, which later was in very
large force, retiring am happy 10 state our
fire prove! elecii.e, and The movement was frus-
uatcd. Breyel Second Lieutenant French had
The immediate charge OF one ot The pieces. We
continued changing position from point 10 point
until dark, when We eHoamped. then learned
that Brevet Major Rineeo!d, who had been with
The other section had been badly wounded The
section was brought up BY Lieut.. Shower, who
had kept il actively employed during the entire
afternoon.
1T IUilOWlEG IucTUll1, ABOUT noon, look my
position in rear OF The 5th infantry, on our way IL
Maamoras, marching in column Of sections
whenever practicable. After having advanced
about five miles, | was ordered TO the front with
my battery, and was there informed The enc my
were Immediately in our front, occupying he road
with their artillery. Capt, Walker, of the Tex
as Rangers, was sent 10 point out 10 me their ez-
act position Alter moving very cautiously Tor
shcrl distance, discovered then about 100 wards
in advance ~ III road, ard almos, instantly their
| artillery npcaed. | moved rapidly 10 The from
ior about 100 Yards, and returned their fire, which
was kept no "erv spifiiecly On bath sides for some
time !icg grape shot passing through our bate
" il every direction. So soCn as il slackencd,
imbercd up and moved rapidly forward, never
Numbering unless seeing them in 'front.' or per
ceiving from The fire Of their infantry they were
on my TANKS. Frequently The several pieces
| fired canister on them when not over 100 or $50
YARDS Alter having advanced in this manner for
about 500 yards, Captain May, . dragons, rode
] up and said, "Where ale they2 am going Ia
! charge" gave hem a voey, and he most ca!
laniy dashed forward in Column Of fcurs." al
the head Of his squadron. followed as quickly
as possible d, saliop only hating when | came
| upon III" q, se oil the ravac, where found three
| pieces Il artillery, but '.0 caanenicrS however
| their infantry poured into me most Calling fire
al from 25 TO 50 PAGES; and here ensued mos
desperate struggle, hui, our infantry coming up
hey were completely routed. Their cavalry
coming 50 near that once cut al them with ny
sabre, did moi advance a rapidly as | desired
as perceived WAS not At times supported BY The
infantry, it being impossible for them 10 gel
through The chappora
cannot, sir, speak in loo high terms OF the
gaanry and GOODNESS OF my officers, and the be-
havor of my non-commissoned officers and men
generally; and respectfully beg leave 10 call The
attention Of higher authorities TO the fact that The
officers during The greater portion Of the engage
meut, and always when closely pressed, had 10
perform The duties oil not only one Jan tro can
ncniers, handling their own shot and firing their
ogn pieces, in consequence OF the very Limited
number Of men.
la conslusion, sir am proud 10 state that IN
iii the cnemy's artillery was taken and they COM
plelely routed, no other artillery was required, OF
4, least used, but the battery have the honor 10
command.
lam sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser
want, RANDOLPH RlDGELY,
Isl Lieut.. Sd arty, coming light company c.