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

by his left fink, evidently in retreat, and
perhaps at the same time to gain new
position on the road to Matamoras and
there again resist our advance.
| ordered the supply train to be strong
ly packed at its position, and left with it
four pieces Of artillerv-the two lS poun-
ders which had done such good service
on the previous day-and two IL poun-
ders which had not been in the action.-
The wounded officers and men were at
the same time sent back to Point Isabel.
| then moved forward with the columns
to the edge of the chaparral or forest.
which extends TO the Rio Grande, dis
tance of seven miles. The light compa-
nies of the lst brigade, under Capt. G. F.
Smith, 2d artillery, and select detach-
ment of light troops, the whole under
command of Capt. Mccall. 4th infantry,
were thrown forward into the chaparral
to feel the enemy and ascertain his posi-
ton. About O'Clock | received report
from the advance, that the enemy was in
position on the road with atleast two pie
ces of artillery. The command was inn
mediately put in motion, and about o.
clock came up with Capt. Mccall, who
reported the enemy i'll force on our front,
occupying a ravine which iniersects the
road and is skirled by thickets OF dense
chaparral. Ridgeley's battery and the adj
vance under Capt. Mccall were at once
thrown forward on the road, and into the
chaparral on either side, while the 9th in
fantry and one wing OF the 5th was
thrown into the forest on the left, and the
Sd and the other wing of the 4th on the
right of the road. These corps were en-
pIoyed as skirmishes to cover the battery
and engage the Mexican infantry. Capt.
McCall's command became at once enga-
ged with the enemy, while the light artil-
lery, though in very exposed position,
did great execution. The enemy had al
least eight pieces Of artillery, and main
tanned an incessant fire upon our advance.
The action now became general, and
although the enemy's infantry gave way
before the steady fire and resistless pro-
gress of our own; vet his artillery was
still in position to check our advance
several pieces occupying the pass across
the ravne which he had chosen for his
position. Percciving that no desisive ad-
vantage could be gained until this artillery
was siienced, | ordered Capt. Nav to
charge the batteries with his squadron of
dragoons. !; This was CALAMITY and eff
fecmaily executed, the enemy was
driven from his guns, and Gen. La
Vega, who remained alone at ono of the
batteries, was taken prisoner. The squa-
dron, which suffered muchin this charge,
not being Immediately supported by IN
lantry, could not retain possession Of The
artillery taken, bat it vas completely si-
lenced. In the m9antiIhe the Sth inlan-
try had been ordered up and had become
warmly engaged on the right of the road.
This regiment and a part of the 5lh were
now ordered to charge the batteries. which
was handsomely done, and the enemy en-
tirely driven from his artillery and his po-
sition on the left of the road.
The light companies Of the lst brigade
and the third and fourth regiments of in
fantry had been deployed on the right of
the road, where at various points, they
became briskly. engaged with the enemy.
A small party under Capt. Buchanan and
Lieut.. Wood and Hays, 4th infantry. com
posed chiefly of men of that regiment,
drove the enemy from breastwork which
he occupied, and captured piece of ar
~ larx a oft ~ tn
was repelled by Captain Barbour, Sd In
fantry. The enemy was at last complete
ly driven from his position on the right of
the road, and retreated precipitately, leav-
ing baggage Of every description. The
4th infantry took possession Of camp
where the head quarters of the Mexican
general-in-chief were established. AL! his
official correspondence was captured at
this place.
The artillery battalion excepting the
flank companies had heen ordered to
guard the baggage train, which was pack
ed some distance in the rear. The .hattal-
ion was now ordered up TO pursed. thee
envy, and with the Sd infantry, Capt.
Ker's dragons, and Captain Duncan s
battery followed him rapidly to the river,
making a number of prisoners. Great
numbers of the enemy were drowned in
attempting to cross the river near the
town. The corps last mentioned encamp-
ed near the river-the remainder of the
army on the field of battle.
'fhe strength Of our marching force on
this day, asexhibited in the annexed field
report, was l73 officers, and 2.049 men
aggregate 2.222. The actual number
engaged with the enemy did not exceed
1,700. Our loss was three officers killed
and l2 wounded; 36 men killed, and III
wounded. Among the officers killed, |
have 10 regret the loss of Lieut.. Inge, 2nd
dragons, who fell at the head Of his pla-
toon, while calamity charging the enc
my's battery. of T .ieut Cochran of the