Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-10-23


until they were recalled. Capt. Smiths party
now arrived AMI moved up the hill, the Rangers
in advance, and did not halt for an instant until
the Mexican's were driven from the summit
Whilst this was goirg on, Col. Persifor F. Smith,
who commanded the 9Th and 7lh Inlan,ry-the
9th, with Blanchard's Louisiana boys, under Maj.
Martin Scott had been ordered to tosupport the whole
gave orders for these commands to pass around
on each side and storm the fort which was situa-
ted about half mile back Of the summit on the
same ridge and commanded Bishops Palace.
Such foot race as now ensued has seldom if
ever been seen; the Louisiana boys making the
tallest kind of strides to be in with the foremost.
Capt. Smith had the gun which he took upon the
hight, run down toward the breast-wOrks and fl
red into it. Then came Col. p. f. Smiths men,
with perfect rush, firing and cheerng-lhe 9TH
and 9Th and Louisianians reaching the ridge a.
boye nearly at the same time. The Mexicans fl
red at them with grape, but it did not save them,
or cause an instani's hesitation in our ranks
Our men run and fired, and cheercd, until they
reached the work, the foremost entering at one
end, whilst the Mcxcans, about 900 in number,
left the other in retreat.
The colors of the 5lh Infantry were Instantly
raised, and scarcely were they up before those Of
the 9TH were along side. The three commands
entered the lcrt altogether, close was the race
tho 9th, however, getting an advance in first.
y. w. Miller, of Blanchard's company, was a.
mong the first four or five who entered. The
three commands may be said to have come out
even in the race, for the 7th was not five seconds
behind. In less thatflvc minutes the gun found IN
the fort was laundering away at the Bishops
Palace! More ammunition was found than our
troops will use with the three guns that were cap
tured. One of the guns was found concealed
They are nine pound brass pieces.
Several mules and half dozen beautiful tents
were likewise captured. Killed, none. WOun-
ded, in the 9TH Infantry. Lieut.. Potter, bullet
through the calf of the leg Orderly Sergeant
Hurdle, of Kentucky company; Corporal S. P.
Oakly, severely in the thigh. Oakley is from
New York city, and a very intelligent, well edu-
Gated man, as we'll as a good soldier. Private
White-the same who captured the Mexican Off
GERS trunk at Marin, and who received il aud its
contents from Gen. Taylor-wounded inthe head.
Fifth Infantry; killed, none; woundcd-Licut.
Rosscll, in The arm; Sergeant Maj. Brand, badly
in the mouth with musket ball. Privates Nc.
Manus aud Grubb, slightly wounded-Sergeant
Uptergraph, color-bcarcr distinguished himsefby
his gallantry.
Thus was this brilliant coup de main made al.
most without bloodshed. | have not time now
to give the particulars of this glorious affair
Capt. c. f. Smith was in the advance with Nc.
Call, at the battle of Rcsaca dc la Palma, and is
one of the most gallant and accomplished officers
in the army-so say all his fellow officers whom
| have heard speak of him. Col. p. +. Smith
Gen. Smith Of Louisiana distinguished himself
on that occasion, as did Maj Scott aud Capt.
! Miles; and in truth, every officer aud man did
his duty nobly.
The gallant conduct of Capt. Blanchard and
| Lieut.. Tenbrnck aud the two broth ~ Nichols,
is praised by all the officers who wcra there. In
truth the Louisiana boys have fought every day
for four days, and assure you, as Gen. Worth s
report will bear me out in saying, and as every
officer in the 2I Division will testify, this corps
has distinguished itself on every occasion where
they have been called on.
The sons of Judge Nichols, of Donaldsvillo,
have stood fire for four or five hours at II time
driving the cnemy-under their baIcry-irom
bush to bush, and from rock to rock and at last
were among the foremost on rush into the Bsh-
ops Palace and tuko it by storm. Capt BIanch-
ard and his company have already made repu-
taIion that will not soon be forgotten. s. q. Al
len, private Of this company was mortaIly woun-
dnd in this fight, and died next morning. Capt.
Smith had one killed or wounded in his party OF
rogular5-two Texans were wounded, viz VIM.
Carlcy and B. +. Koeso. ii.