Weekly national intelligencer., 1846-11-28

that had not in the first hasty examination Under al
these dscouragemens most reluctantly compelled,
surrndeng the command, TO advise the withdrawal OF tn
troops TO less exposed position There is possibility tina
the work might have been carried but without excessv
loss and if carried, feel assured would have been
tenabe
accordingly, the division, under Gen. Hamer, whom
deybved the command moved a position the cap
tusd fort and within sustaining distance Of field battee
Oh the left The troops remained in and this position
and under fire Of the cnemys batteries until late in the day
For the details of the after proceedings OF the day. refer
Gen. Hamers report.
II is with little pride and qualification that bear esl
mony OF the gaantry and general good conduct of my
mand Were proof waning mournul one is TO be ount
in the sboned return, of the casualties of the day. Tha
part Of my division properly the field did exceed clever
hundred, Of which number full one-h killed wound
ed The fact that troops for the first time under fire should
have suffered such loss without shrinking, connuous srug
gle Of than two hours and mainly against sheltered
and inaccessible foe, finds few parallels and itself
eulogium to which need not add. That there some
prominent for skill and gallaniy than others,
contest where all brave, there be doubt and
leave TO those better qualified from their situations than my
self the pleasing though delicate task Of reporting upon the
| especliye merits.
Qf my brigpdies, however, it is proper that should my
self speak Gen Hamer was placed in situation rivr'
nothing brilliant could be achieved but which at every mo
impemtivey demanded prudence and calm unbendng
courage 1t is but justice 10 him to say at found him
equal TO the emergency.
General Qulman had before him field in which military
be fairly won and but echo the general voice in saying that
he nobly avaied himself of the occasion.
My special thanks due TO Major L. Thomas assistant
adutant general Gen A. Sidney Johnston, Of Texas act
ing inspector general, and Lieut. q. w. Lay, aid-decamp,
who only displayed great gaanty and cooness but by
their professional skill activity, and energy, rendered vaua
BILE service throughout the action After my withdrawal they
remained with the troops in the field.
Surgeon K. p. Hunt, my volunteer aid-de-camp, also
eynccd great coones and conveyed promptly the orders
fdel 10 him.
On nmy way back TO camp found the Kentucky regiment,
the command Of Col Ornsby, drawn up fine order
repel threatened charge from large body Of Mexican
cavalry then in view. Though necessarily kept from the field
Of action proper they occupied most important positions and
had two wounded in defending IT,
make mention of the movements of Capt. Webster
hovzcr battery which withdrawn from my division
placed under charge of the chief of artillery.
Enclosed the reports of Brgadars General amer ant
utman of the operations of their respective brgades a!so
in detail of the oss sustained by the division.
| am, sir, very respectfully, your obcdient servant
| w. O. BUTLER
| Maj Gen. Comdg Field Division Volunteers.
| Major w. w. s. Bliss,
| Assistant Adutant General
| Headquarters Army of Occupation,
Monterey, Mexico.