The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-06-27

ing the fire OF his pieces, was struck by
cannon ball and mortally wounded.
In the meantime the battalion of al
tillery under Lieut.. Col. Childs had
been brought up to support the artillery
on our right. A strong demonstration
of cavalry was now made by the ene-
my against this part of our line, and
the column continued to advance un-
der severe fire from the l8-pounders.
The battalion was instantly formed in
square and held ready to receive the
charge Of cavalry, but when the ad-
vancing squadrons were within close
range a deadly fire of canister from
the .l8-pounders dispersed them. A
brisk fire of small arms was now OPEN
ed upon the square by which one Off
Ger, Lieut.. Luther, Cd artillery, was
slightly wounded, but well directed
volley from the front of the square 81
fenced all further firing from the enemy
in this quarter. 1t was now nearly
dark and the action was closed on the
right of our line, the enemy having been
completely driven back from his posi-
ton and foiled in every attempt against
our line.
While the above was going forward
on our right and under my own eye,
the enemy had made a serious attempt
against the left of our line. Captain
Duncan instantly perceived the move
ment, and by the bold and brilliant ma
neuvreing Of his battery. completely
repulsed several successive efforts of
the enemy to advance in force upon
our left flank. Supported in success
sion by the 9th infantry and by Cap
tain Ker's squadron of dragons, he gal
lantly held the enemy at bay, and final
ly drove him, with immense loss, from
the field. The action here and along
the whole line, continued until dark.
when the enemy retired into rear OF
his position. Our army bivouacked n
the ground it occupied. During the
afternoon the train had been moved for
ward about half a mile, and was pack
ed in rear of the new position.
Our loss this day, was nine killed
forty-four wounded, and two missing
Among the wounded were Major Ring
gold, who has since died, and Captain
Page, dangerously wounded; Lleuten
ant Luther slightly so.
Ourown force engaged, was III Off
GERS and ell | men-aggregate, 2,28e.
The Mexican force, according to the
statements of their own officers taken
prisoners in the affair of the 9th, was
not less than 5000 regular troops, with
10 pieces of artillery, and probably ex.
ceeded that number: the irregular force
not known. Their loss was not less
than 200 killed and 400 wounded
probably greater. This estimate is
very moderate, and formed upon the
number actually counted upon the field
and upon the reports OF their own
officers.
AS already reported in my first brei
despatch, the conduct of our officers
and men was every thing that could be
desired. Exposed for hours to the
severest trial-.a cannonade of artillery;
our troops displayed a GOODNESS and
constancy which gave me, throughout,
the assurance of victory.
purposely defer the mention of in
dividuaIs until my report of the action
of the 9th, when | will endeavor to dc
Justice to the many instances Of distin-
guished conduct on both days. In the
meantime | refer' for minute details to
the reports Of individual commanders.
lam, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brig. General,
U. s. Army, Commanding.
The ADJurANr GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, d. G.
Headquarters Army of Occupation
Camp near Fort Browne, Texas,
May II, 1916.
SIR: In submitting more minute
report of the affair Of 'sResaca de la
Palma" have the honor to state that
early in the morning of the 9th inst.
the enemy who had encamped near the
field Of battle of the day previous, was
discovered moving by his left flank, ev-
identity 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
strongly packed at its position, and left
with It four pieces OF artillery-the two
lS-pounders which had done such good
service on the previous day-and two
1 . 4 Al