The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-03
THE UNION.
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.


The following interesting letter received by gen
tleman in this city, which has been politely placed
At our disposal, presents in a clear and somewhat
military style Of narrative, details in relation
to General Tsylors recent victories, which we have
not before seen. We publish il with great pleasure,
and we shall be happy to receive other contributions
from the same source;
"BArrLE FIELD, REsAcA DE Ia PALMA,
"May TO- 1876.
Yesterday 9th, was achieved one Of the greatest
victories Of the sge and the result of the battle will
no doubt spread more terror to the Mexican people,
than could fifty ordinary battles have done. Our
performances commenced about O'Clock, p. m, on
the 9th, as we were returning from Point Isabel,
where the greatest portion Of the army had been
an escort for our wagon train, and il was upon our
return that we met the enemy on the edge Of a
prairie, near water hole, called by the Mexcans,
Palo Alto. The enemy had drawn his forces across
this prairie to oppose our further progress; after
watering at the Palo Alto, we continued steadily 10
move forward, and when we had approached to
within aboat half Of mile of the enemy's line,
he opened bis batteries on the right, which was
promptly responded to by two lS-pounders, In
charge Of Lieutenant Churchill (Which we were
bringing up for the use of the fort the light artillery
commanded by Major Ringgold, attached to my por-
ton of the army Cihe right wing,) advanced some
thing like one hundred yards further, and opened
heavy fire, with great effect as was seen the next
day by the number Of dead along the enemy's line.
The infantry formed in squares in rear OF the
artillery, receiving with perfect sdngfoid the
my's fire. and from the loud halo, impatient for the
word to charge and rush TO participate actively
in the affair The enemy's cavalry, consisting for
the most part Of lancers, and 900 strong, at
tempted to outfsnk US on the right, and get 20
wagon train; but with GOODNESS peculiar TO the
Americans, il was frustrated. The tfth infantry,
~. l. r. - "A
one Of the sides Of the square, opened upon their
squadrons, when they were within from fifty to
sixty yards, and the right Of the enemy's caval-
ry neared their train they discovered that their visit
had been anticipated, and consequently commenced
retiring in order. Lieutenant Ridgely, with two
pieces Of light artillery, having taken position
the first position Of the fifth infantry, opened his
battery upon the enemy's retiring columns creating
great confusion in their ranks, killing and woundng
great number Of men and horses. Night coming
on, we slept on the battle ground, and turned our
attention to the wounded. Major Rnggold and
Captain Page were both wounded, the former NOR
tally, besides several wounded, and two killed
Ten horses were killed, and twelve wounded du-
ring this days battle in the right wing; the losses
in the len wing, | cannot ascertain, but must be
fully equal.
"rhis battle has never been surpassed, II equaled;
for three hours men returned with GOODNESS the
enemy's cannonading and ceased not their efforts
tercs made it useless to cannonade longer. This
battle field next morning presented the most horrid
slghrs Imagination can picture, cannon having done
oil the injury on both sides The manged men
and horses, along the enemys line, proved that we
must have moved platoon after PLATOON down. We
found some few wound amongst the Mexican
line, who prompt cared for; but as cannon balls
do not touch lightly their chance for recovery is very
eight.
"At daylight, on the 9th, the enemy was dis
covered retiring, and after we had breakfasted we
pushed slowly but steadily forward, and after pro-
ceeding to within short distance Of this place,
advance guard reported the enemy in front, when
the infantry depoyed through the dense chapparel,
and returned the fire Of the enemy, whose guns by
this had opened upon us; urmen gallanry driv-
ing their infantry back from thcket to thicket, until
we had gained upon Their batteries, when squadron
of Dragons, led on by Captain May, made mos,
gallant charge, and drove the gunners from their
guns, the infantry securing the guns and preventing
their recapture. This battle terminated, after
the enemy had lost his guns We took eight pieces,
General Vega and several other officers, whose
and name do not know-al their camp equipage,
500 or 600 mules, 400 stand of arms, large lot Of
ammunition, &c. The enemy must have lost in all,
about 1900 killed, wounded, and missing. Our loss
is comparatively but triAng."