Tri-weekly journal. (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1847-188?, 1847-05-22
THE JOURNAL.

U3- 1he following is the letter OF Major A.
l.. RoBINsoE, the Aid of Gen. LANE, to which
we alluded on Thursday. Although we have
transcribed into our columns full and accurate
accounts of the battle of Buena Vista, still we
deem it to be our duty to publish whatever has
reference to our troops on that day.
| will briefly allude to one other matter in
connection with that brilliant victory. | am
not aware that it has been noticed in any Off
eial report: and that is the charge made upon
the enemy by the Kentucky and the two illi-
nois regiments in the afternoon, and their UNI
fortunate repulse. After four o'clock, P. M.
OF the 23d, the enemy were discovered drawing
OFF from the field in great numbers in the direc-
ton OF their camp. 1t was apparent they were
discouraged and disappointed in their efforts to
force our lines, and were on the eve of making
a retreat. At this juncture it occurred to Col.
Hardin of Ill, that by vigorous charge of those
three regiments upon the enemy's line, they
could be wholly routed, and their battery of
one "a FOUNDER and two II FOUNDER cannon
could be taken at the point of the bayonet Ac-
cordingly he called out to Col. Mckee, COM
manding the Kentucky regiment and COL Bis
sill OF the I'd Illinois to follow him in the
charge. They did so, but their advance was
made IN such irregular lines, and without that
perfect system lin the absence of which all mi
htary movements against an enemy prove
wholly abortive,) that the enemy, superior to
us in mere discipline, perceiying their advan-
tage at once, formed in good order, faced about,
and in turn charged our lines with such vigor
and impetuosity that those three regiments
were in time compelled to fly, which they did
IN some disorder and confusion. The ID and
3D. Indiana and Mississippi regiment, under the
command of Brig. Gen. Lane, had been closely
engaged near the foot Of the mountain, and had
Just resisted charge of that celebrated CORPS
the Vera Cruz lancers, and driven them, and al
so the enemy's infantry, from that part Of the
field. Hearing the rapid and continued firing
III the vicinity of the Illinois and Kentucky
forces, he proceeded in double quick time about
half a mile towards the scene of conflict, and
happily arrived in time to attack and repulse
the enemy who Were pursuing the forces who
had made the unfortunate charge. The then
last named regiments, commanded by Gen.
Lane, came upon the enemy within point blank
musket shot, and opened such deadly and
destructive fire on the enemy's right flank, that
they were compelled to forego the pursuit Of
the Illinois troops and change their front, and
return the fire of Gen. Lanes forces. But this
fire proved so deadly in its effect that the enc
my were again compelled to run, which they
did at full speed towards their camp. This was
the last firing that occurred between the con-
fthe success of the day were to be attributed
TO any one effort, would say that this repulse
OF the enemy, by Gen. Lanes command, at that
important and critical juncture, was the one.
The enemy had driven the 2 Illinois and Ken
lucky regiments down near the extreme right
of the field, and there was great danger that,
flushed with success, and almost the only sue
cess which the enemy had obtained during the
whole day, and being still greatly superior in
numbers fhav xvOnl1 charua a,,1 hat
terry posted at the pass on our extreme right
II was in this unfortunate charge that Col Har-
din, ID Ill. and Col. Mckee and Lieut.. Col.
Clay of the Kentucky regiment fell, while en-
deavoring to rally their men. Those three re-
giments lost in that charge more in killed and
wounded than they had lost during the whole
days fighting previous. 1t was in that attack
upon the pursuing enemy that the brave Capt.
Taggart of Brown county, of the Sd Indiana re-
giment fell. His last words deserve TO be re-
membered by the whole nation. As he was a.
bout to expire, knowing himself to be dying
man, he handed his sword to friend, saying
~ shall haze no more use for it-BUT TELL TIKI
BoYs TO FIGHT oN-oUR CAUSE Is JUST" and
then Immediately breathed his last.
The above remarks are not made with view
OF wounding the reputation or feelings of any
one, but for the purpose of bringing to the pub
lie notice the facts of this part of the field il
Ntldll' I1diVlls NlChee, anu Clay are out 81
many other words indicating bravery and cour
age; and the charge they made was well con
ceived, and had it been successful, would hav
crowned those men with fadeless laurels in al
dition to those they had already won. The
sleep in glorys bed, and their names will be re
corded ON the brightest page of our country
history. As an lndianian, | would not wer
II in my power so to do, claim for her all tn
honor Of that memorable day. Others are &C
tuated by the same sentiments. Honor an
glory are due to ALL Indiana had the honor
firing the first and the last gun in that battle
OF shedding the first as she shed the last drop
blood upon that sanguinary field. The victor
OF Buena Vista, unparalleled in modern histC
ny, was won by the valor and the blood of vo
mteeIs from the west and southwest. No on
State can claim all the honor; no ONE MAN ca
monopolize the glory of that sanguinary but SUI
cessiul conflict. As an Indianian, am pror
ofthe regiments, both officers and men, whiC
she sent to this field. They proved themselv
veterans on that day, and that State, and the ei
tire nation, have cause to be proud of men
gallant and so brave. Our Civilizations of SUI
cessare checked when we recollect the price
this victory. 1t has cost the life of many
brave man and will carry mourning into mar
family, not only in Indiana, but in many OF
er States. But grateful country will remer
Der the sufferers, and as much as possible relie-
them--the wounded by pensions and the fan
~ IL l.