Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-06-20
cOmmd'g. Right Wing Army of Occupation.
REPORT OF LIEUT.. RIDGELy.

NAAf NkAk MAIAAORAs, May l6, lSIG.
SIR-ln compliance with your directions have the
honor TO report that the company which now have the
honor TO command took up position IN the line of bat
tic about o'clock p. VI. the afternoon Of the sh a,
distance oil about 500 yards from the enemys line After
receiving few rounds Of artillery advanced about loo
yards, where opened battery with
ecuuon as proven the day; but in consequence of
meIr making hank movement TO right was detach
ed with two pieces to operate with 9Th infantry who
had been sent forward 10 oppose the movement NV
hon had already lost and horses badly wound
cd As was taking position the right Of the 9Th who
were IN square, they fired vOey from OF its faces on
tie enemy, whose cavalry had charged. al once pnl
oefed and commenced firing. Very shortly their ar
tIery and cavalry, which latter was in large force ,en
am happy 10 state our ire proved effective and the move
ment was frustrated. Brevet Second Lieut. French had
'He immediate charge OF one Of the pieces We continu
ed changing position from point point until dark when
We eneampod then learned that Breyet Major RnpsJ
who had been with the other section had been bndIy
wounded The section was brought up by Lieut. Shoy-
er' VINO had kept actively employed during the entire al
ternOOn.
The following morning, about noon. took nv position
IN rear VI the 9TH infantry on way to Matamoras
marching IN column OF sections wheney yer practic,be AZ
ter having advanced about five miles was ordered q, b
front with my battery and there Informed the enemy
were mmeoiaieiy IN our front, occupying the road with
Their artillery Capt. Walker, Of the Texas Rangers was
sent to point out to me their position After moving
very cautiously Tor short distance discovered them
about 4OO yards IN advance N e road and almost in
stanty their artillery opened. moved r.pidlv IN the font
Tor about 100 yards and returned their FIRE which was KENT
up very spnedy on both sides for Tine their grape
suO' passing lrOuBh our battery So
soon a. shckenod mbered up and moved RAPIDLY for,
ward never Numbering unless seeing them in front mr.
Percs'ng from the FIRE Of their infantry they were ON INV
Hanks Frequently tie several pieces fired canister on
them when not over 100 $50 yards After having ID
yanced IN this manner for about 500 yards Can't Nav "a
Dragons rode and SAID "Where are thew am GOING
to charge" gave them yoley and he mos, palsnty
dashed forward In coumn Of oursr AZ tho head of bis
squadron followed quickly as possible at a gallon
only hating when came upon the edge Of the Tsyine
where found three pieces OF artillery hut no eanuO1i,ys
however, their infantry poured into me most calling c
at from % to so paces snd here ensued most de.peroo
struggle, but our infantry coming up they were comoee
routed Their cavalry coming near that once cot n,
them with my sabre did advance rapidly as de
sed a. perceived was not al fiBes supported by the
nsny II being impossible for them TO get through the
cbapsua 80 ~
cannot sT speak IN two high terms Of the gaanry and
eooness OF my officers, and the behavior Of INV non com
mssioned officers and men generally and respectfully beg
leave TO coil the attention Of higher authorities 10 the fact
that the officers during the geser portion Of the engage
moni, and always when oose pressed had 10 perform th
duties Of not only one bat Do cannonier handling tbei,
own shot and firing their pieces ia consequenes Of
the very limited number Of men
In conclusion, orr proud fato inst until the eno
mys artillery was taken and they completely routed no
Other hey was required, used but the battery
have the honor 10 command.
sm, cir, very respectfully, your obcdent sorv,pt
RANDOLPH RfDGEI,Y
LIST Lieut.. 81 nrv. c0mfufg fty,t -o,,..... r.