The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-11-21

which partially overlooked the breastwork No. I
continued TO pour in their hre, and killed private
Tyree Of company X, whose gallant conduct al the
bresstwork had attracted the attention Of both hts
colonel and myself From this commencement, IN
short time the action became general. The enemy
appearing to be in great force and firing upon our
troops from every position Of apparent security,
DESPATCHED my aid Lieut. Nichols, with orders TO
advance the whole of my brigade which could be
spared from the redoubts occupied by US. A por-
ton Of the Mississippi regiment under MAJOR Brad
ford advanced 10 the support OF the troops engaged,
but 1t. Col. Anderson, with part ofthe Tennessee
regiment, was required to remain for the protection
Of the redouhts in our possession. With this addi-
tional force more active operations upon the city
were begun Detachments of our troops advanced,
penetroting into buildings and occupying the Hat
roofs of houses and, by gradual approaches, driving
the enemy back They had been engaged more than
an hour, when they were reinforced by a detach-
ment Of dismounted Texan rangers, commanded by
General Henderson, with whose active and etfectual
corporations the attack upon the city was gradual
ly, but successfully prosecuted. Buildings, Streets
and courts were occupied by our troops without
much loss, until, after being engaged for about i've
hours having advanced within less than two squares
Of the great plaza, apprehensye that we might fall
under tho range Of our own artillery, which had
been brought up to our support and our ammunl-
ton being nearly exhausted active operations were
ordered to cease until the effect of the batteries,
principal streets, could be seen. Ii being found
that the barbados in the neghborhood Of the plaza
were too stong to be battered down by our light
artillery. the commanding general, who had taken
position in the city, ordered the troops gradually
and slowly TO retire TO che defences taken in the
morning. This was done IN good order, the enemy
firing occasionally upon US, but not venturing TO
take possession Of the part Of the town we had oc-
cupied. Our forces had scarcely retired from their
advanced position in the city, when we heard the
commencement Of the attack Of the division under
General Worth on the opposite side of the town.
The force under my command had been engaged
from eight o'clock in the morning to three, p m.
II should be recorded, to the credit Of the volunteer
troops, that the greater portion Of them had been
without sustenance since the morning Of the 22d
and exposed throughout the very inclemeot and
rainy night Of the AID, to serve duty without blan-
kets or overcoats, and yet not murmur heard
among them-their alacrity remained unabaied to
the last moment. The character Of this affair." the
troops being necessarily separated into many small
parties, gave frequent occasion to the exhibition OF
individual courage and daring. The instances occur
red so frequently, in which both officers and me1
distinguished themselves, that TO recount those
which fell under my own observation, or which
were brought to my notice by officers, would ex
tend this report to an improper length. IL is my
rmy Of Occupation commanded by Major General z.