Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-07-02

Capt Montgomery, 9Th infantry, slightly; Liz
tenants Gates and Jordan, 9Th infantry, severe
(each twice; Lieutenants SeldeD, Maclay, Is,
bank and Morris, 9Th infantry, slightly. A tabul
statement of the killed and wounded Is annex
Herewith. Nr
have no accurate data from which TO estma
the enemy's force on this day. He is known
have been reinforced, after the action of the ST.
both by cavalry and infantry, and no doubt to eA
tent at least equal to his loss that day. 1t pre-
bable that 5000 men Were opposed to us, and in
position chosen by themselves, and strongly defend
ed with artillery. The enemy's loss was very
great Nearly 200 Of his dead were buried by us
on the day succeeding the battle. His loss i'm kill
cd. wounded, and missng in the two affairs of the
9Th and 9th is, think, moderately estimated at
| 900 men,
Our victory has been decisive: A small force
has overcome immense odds of the best troops that
Mexico can furnish-veteran regiments, perfectly
equipped and appointed. Eight pieces of artillery
several colors aud standards great number of pri-
soners including fourteen officers and large amount
hands.
The causes of victory are doubtless to be fonnd in
the superior quality of our officers and have
airedy In former reports, paid general tribute to
the admirable conduct of the troops ON both DAVIS
IL now becomes my duty-and feel il to be one Of
great dellcacy-to notice individuals. In SO extern
sive field as that of the Sth aud i'm the dense
cover where most of the action of the 9th was fought
could not possibly be witness to more than small
portion OF the operations of the various corps and
must. therefore, depend upon the reports OF subord
na,G commanders which respectfully enclose here
with.
Colonel Twiggs, the second in command. was
particularly active both days in executing my or
ders, and directing the operations of the rght wing
Lieutenant Colonel Mcintosh, commanding the 9th
infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Garland commanding
the 3rd Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Belknap, com,
manding the LIST brigade, Lieutenant Colonel
ChlIds, commanding the artillery battalion, Major
Allen, Captains l.: M. Morris, and Montgomery,
commanding respectively the 9TH, Sd, and 9Th regi-
ments OF infantry, were jealous in the performance
OF their duties, and gave examples to their com
mands of cool and fearless conduct. Lieutenant
Colonel Mcintosh repulsed with his regiment
charge OF lancers in the action of Palo Alto, and
shared with it in the honors and dangers of the fol-
lowing day, being twice severely wounded Lieu
tenant Colonel Beknap headed charge Of 9Th in
iantry, which resulted in driving the enemy from
his guns, and leaving in possession Of that part OF
the field.
Capt. Duncan and Lieutenant Ridgely deserve
especial notice for the gallant and efficient manner in
which they manGuvred and served their batteries.
The impression made by Captain Duncan's battery
upon the extreme right of the ncmys line; at the
affair OF Pao Alto contributed largely TO the result
of the day. while the terrible fire kept up by Lieil-
tenant Rdgely, in the affair Of the Sth inflicted
heavy losses upon the enemy. The Is FOUNDER
battery, which played conspicuous part in the ac-
ton OF the 9Th, was admirably served by Lieuten-
ant Wood, Typographical engineers. The charge Of
cavalry on the enemy's batteries on the 9th was
CALAMITY led by Captain May, and had complete
success
Captain Mccall, 4th infantry. rendered distin-
guished service with the advanced corps under his
orders.--lts loss in killed and wounded will show
how closely it was engaged. may take this occa-
sion to say that, in two former instances Captain
Mccall has rendered valuable service as partizan
officer. In this connection. / wonld mention the ser
vices of Captain Walker, of the Texas ranGers
who was in both affairs with his company, and
who has performed very meritorious services as a.
spy and partisan.
must beg leave TO refer to the reports Of sub
ordinate commanders for the names of MANY Off
GERS, commissioned officers and privates. who
were distinguished by good conduct on both DAYS.
Instances of individual gallantry and personal con-
Hct with the enemy were not wanting i'll the affair
OF the 9th, but cannot find place in general report
The officers serving on the staff of the different
commanders are particularly mentioned by them.
derived efficient aid on both days from all the
officers of my staff. Captain Bliss, assistant adiu-
tant general, Lieutenant Colonel PAYNE inspector
general, Lieutenant Eaton, A. ID. c., Captain
Waggaman, commissary of subsistence, Lieuten-
ant Scarret, engineer, and Lieutenants Blake and
Meade, Typographical engineers, promptly convened
my orders to every part of the field Lieut. Col.
rayne was wounded In the affair of the 9th, and
have already had occasion to report the melancholy
death OF Lieut.. Blake by accident in the interval
between the two engagements Major Craig and
Lieutenant Brereton, of the ordnance department.
were actively engaged in their appropriate duties:
and Surgeon Craig, medical director superintendent
In person the arduous service of the field hospitals
take this occasion to mention generally the devo
ton to duty OF the medical staff OF the army who
have been untiring in their exertions both in the
held and In the hospitals TO alleviate the sucrnps
OF the wounded of both armies. Captains Cars
man and Myers, Of the quarter masters depart
ment. who had charge Of the heavy supply train at
both engagements, conducted it in most satsfacto-
ry manner, and finally brought it up without the
smallest loss, to its destinations
l enclose an inventory of the Mexican property
captured on The field, and also sketch of the field
Of Resaca de la Palma,' and of the route from
Point Isabel made by my aid de-camp, Lieutenant
Eaton. One regimcntal color, (battalion Of Tam
plco,) and many standards and ouidons of cavalry
were taken at the affair of the 9th. | would be
pleased to receive your instructions as to the dispo
sition 10 be made of these trophies-whether thew
shall be sent to Washington, sc.
am, very respectfully,
Your obcdient servant.
II. TAYLOR.
Brew. Brig. Gen. u S. A. Commanding.
The Adjutant General of the Army;
WASHINGTON. D. e.,