The national whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1847, 1847-05-28
CHAPTER LII.
THE RATTLE OF PALO ALTO.


About noon, on the 9Th day Of May,
lS45, when the advance of the American
cavalry had reached the water hole Of Palo
Alto, the Mexican troops were reported in
front and were soon discovered occupying
the road in force General Taylor ordered a
halt upon reaching the water, with view
to rest and refresh the men and 10 form de-
liberately his line Of battle. The Mexican
line was now plainly visible across the Prai-
lie, and about three-quarters of mile dis
tant Their left, which was composed oil
heavy force of cavalry, occupied the road,
resting upon thicket Of chapparral, while
masses of infantry were discovered in sue
cession to the right, greatly outnumbering
the American force.
Gen. Taylor's line Of battle was now
formed in the following order: commenc-
ing on the extreme right-5lh Infantry,
commanded by Lieut. Col Mcintosh; Maj
Ringgold's Artillery; Sd Infantry, com
manded by Captain L. N Morris two Is
Founders, commanded by Lieut. Churchill,
Of the Sd Artillery 4,h Infantry, command
ed by Major G w. Allen-the Sd and 4th
Regiments, composing the third brigade,
All the above corps, together with two
squadrons Of Dragons, Under Captains Ker
and May, composed the right wing, under
the orders Of Colonel Twiggs. The left
was formed by the battalion of Artillery,
commanded by Lieut.. Colonel Chlds, Cap
tain Duncan's Light Artillery, and the 9Th
Infantry, under Captain Montgomery
forming the first brigade, under command
Of Lieut.. Col. Belknap. The train was
packed near the water, under directions of
Captains Crossman and Myers, and pro-
tected by Captain Ker's squadron.
At 2 o'clock, P. NJ, the American army
took up the march by heads of columns in
the direction of the enemy-the Is FOUNDER
battery following the road. While The CO.
lumns were advancing, Lieut.. Blake Of the
Typographical Engineers, volunteered re-
connoisance Of the enemy's line, which
was handsomely performed, and resulted
in the discovery oil at least two batteries Of
Artillery in the intervals of their cavalry
and infantry. These batteries were soon
opened upon the American troops, when
General Taylor ordered the columns halt
ed and deployed into line, and the fire to
be returned by all his artillery. The 9Th
Infantry, on his extreme left, was thrown
back to secure that flank. The first fires Of
the enemy did little execution, while the
l8-pounders and Major Ringgold's artille-
ry soon dispersed the cavalry which formed
his left. Captain Duncan's battery thrown
forward in advance Of the line was dong
squadron was detached 10 support that bat
/ terry and the left OF Gen. Taylor's position
The Mexican cavalry, with two pieces Of
artillery were now reported 10 be moving
through the chapparral on Gen. Taylor's
right 10 threaten that flank or 10 make
demonstration against the train. The 9Th
infantry was Immediately detached 10 check
this movement. and, supported by Lieut..
Ridgeley with section Of Major Ring
COLDS battery and Captain Walkers com
Pany Of volunteers, et1ectually repulsed the
enemy-the 9Th Infantry repelling charge
4 of lancers and the artillery doing great ex-
ecntion in their ranks. The Sd Infantry
was now detached TO the right as still fur
ther security 10 that flank, yet threatened
by the enemy. Major Ringgod, with the
remaining section kept up his fire from an
advanced position, and was supported by
the 4th Infantry
The grass Of the prairie had been acct
dentally fired by the American artillery, and
the volumes Of smoke partially concealed
the two armies from each other. AS the
enemy's left had evidently been driven
back and the road had been left free-for
their canonnade had been suspended
Taylor ordered forward the 1s-pounders on
the road nearly TO the position first occupi-
ed by the Mexican cavalry, and caused the
first brigade TO take up new position still
to the left of the Is FOUNDER battery. The
9Th was advanced from its former position
and occupied a point on the extreme right
of the new line The enemy had made a
corresponding change Of position. After
suspension Of nearly an hour the action
was resumed.
The fire Of the American artillery was
now most destructive-openings were con-
stantly made through the enemy's ranks
by it. The consistency with which the
Mexican infantry sustained this severe can
nonade was theme Of universal remark
and admiration. Captain Mays squadron |
was detached to make demonstration on
The left of the enemy's position, and it suf-
Tered severely from the fire Of his artillery,
to which it was for some time exposed.
The 4th Infantry, which had been ordered
to sustain the lS-pounder battery was also
exposed to most CALLING fire of the enc
my's artillery, by which several men were
killed and Capt. Page dangerously wound
ed. The enemy's fire was directed against
the Is FOUNDER battery, and the guns under
Major Ringgold in its vicinity. The Major
himself, while coolly directing the fire Of
his pieces, was struck by cannon ball and