The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-12

HEADoUARTERs ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
No 80. Camp near Port Browne, Texas,
May II, 1916.
Sra: In submitting more minute report of the
affair of "Resaca de la Palma" have the honor to
state that early in the morning of the 9Th inst. the
enemy who had encamped near the fed Of battle
of the day previous, was discovered moving by
his left flank evidently 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 ar-
lery-the two lS-pounders which had done such
good service on the previous day-and two IL. pound
ers which had not been in the action. The wound
ed officers and men were at the same time sent
back to Point Isabel. then moved forward with
the columns to the edge Of the chappara or forest
which extends to the Rio Grande, distance of
seven miles The light companies Of the LIST brig
ade under Capt. c. F. Smith, Cd artillery, and a
select detachment of light troops; the whole under
the command of Capt Mccall, 4th infantry, were
thrown forward into the chappara to feel tho enemy
and ascertain his position. About three o'clock l
received a report from the advance that the enemy
in position on the road with at least two pieces
| of artillery. The command was Immediately put
in motion, and about o'clock | came up with Capt.
Mccall, who reported the enemy in force in our
front, occupying ravine which intersects the road
and is skirted by thickets Of dense chapparal.
Rdgeley's battery and the advance under Capt.
Mccall were at once thrown forward on the road
and into the chappara on either side, while the 5th
infantry and one wing of the 4th, thrown into
the forest on the left, and the Sd and the other
wing of the 4th, on the right of the road These
corps were employed skirmishers to cover the
battery and engage the Mexican infantry. Capt.
McCall's command became at once engaged with
the enemy, while the light artillery, though in a
very exposed position, did great execution. The
enemy had at least eight pieces Of artillery, and
maintained an incessant fire upon our advance.
| The action now became general, and although the
enemy's infantry gave way before the steady fire
and resistess progress Of own yet his artillery
still in position to check our advance-several
pieces occupying the pass across the ravine which
| he had chosen for his position. Perceiving that no
decisive advantage could be gained until this artl
lery was senced, ordered Captain May to charge
the batteries with his squadron OF Dragons. This
was calamity and effectuay executed the enemy
was driven from his guns and General La Vega,
who remained alone at one Of the batteries, was
taken prisoner. The squadron, which suffered
much in this charge, not being Immediately sup
ported by infantry, could not retain possession Of
the artillery taken, but it completely silenced.
In the meantime the 9th infantry had been ordered
up and had become warmly engaged on the right Of
the road. This regiment and part Of the 9Th were
now ordered TO charge the batteries; which was
handsomely done, and the enemy entirely driven
from his artillery and his position on the left Of the
| road.
The light companies Of the LIST brigade and the
Sd and ith regiments Of infantry had been deploy-
ed on the right Of the road where at various points,
they became briskly engaged with the enemy. A
small party under Captain Buchanan and Lieutensnts