The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-25
Brevet Brgadier General u s. A., commanding
The ApJUTAsr GENERAL, U. s army,
Washington, d. C.
HEADeUARTERs ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camp at Resaca de Ia Palma,

HEApoUARTERs Army OF OCCUPATION,
Camp at Resaca de Ia Palma,
3 miles from Matamoras,
10 o'clock, p. M, May 9, 1876.
SIR: | have the honor TO report that marched
with the main body Of the army at . o'clock to-
day, having previously thrown forward a body Of
light infantry into the forest, which covers the
Mslamoras road. When near the spot where am
now encamped, my advance discovered that n ra-
vine crossing the road had been occupied by the
envy with artillery. Immediately ordered battery
Of field ertiIltry to sweep the position, thanking
and sustaining it by the Sd, 4th, and 5th regiments
deployed as sklrmishers tn the right and left. A
heavy FIRE Of artillery and Of muskeTy kept
up for some time, until finally the enemy's batteries
were carried in succession by a squadron Of dra-
goons and the regiments Of infantry that were on
the ground. He was soon driven from his posi-
ton, and pursued by squadron Of dragons bat
talon Of artillery, 81 infantry, and light battery
to the river. Our victory has been complete. Eight
pieces Of artillery, with great quantity Of ammuni-
ton, three standards, and some one hundred pris-
oners have been taken; among the latter, General
La Vega, and several other officers. One general
is understood to have been killed. The enemy has
recrossed the river, and am sure will mot again
modest us on this bank.
The loss of the enemy in killed has been most Sc
vers Our own has been very heavy, and deeply
regret to report that Lieut. Inge, Cd Dragons Lieut.
Cochrane 4th infantry, and Lieut.. Chadbourne, 9Th
InIdntTy were hlicu on lzlcul. SOi.
4th artillery, Lieut.. Col. Mcintosh, Lieut. Dobbins,
81 infantry, Capt. Hooe and Lieut. Fowler, 5th in.
fantry, and Capt Montgomery, Lieuts. Gates, Sci.
den, McCay, Burbank, and Jordan, 9Th infantry
were wounded. The extent Of our loss in killed
and wounded is not yet ascertaned, and ia reserved
for more detailed report. ... =
The affair of to-day may be regarded proper
supplement to the connonade of yesterday; and thu
two taken together, exhibit the GOODNESS and gallan
try of our officers and men in the most favorable
light. All have done their duty, and done it noby
1t will be my pride, in a more circumstantis repor
of both actions, to dwell upon particular instance.
of individual distinction.
1t affords me peculiar pleasure to report thai
the field work opposite Matamoras has sustained
itself handsomely during cannonade and bonn
bardment of I60 hours. But thee pleasure is
alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its
heroic and indomitable commander, Major Brown,
who died to-day from the effect Of a shell. His
loss would be one to the service at any
time, but to the army under my orders, il is indeed
irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned
officer killed and ten men wounded, comprise all the
casualties incident to this severe Commandment
| inadvertently omitted to mention the capture OF
a large number Of pack mules left in the Mexican
camp.
/ am, sir very respectfully,
Your oLedient servant,
Y. TAYLOR,
BIT. Brig'r General u. s. A., Cong.
The ADJUTANT GENERAL of the army,
Washington, d. C..