The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-20
OFFICIAL.

secure us honorable peace through honorable
war.
Report of Colonel ChiIds.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF PuEBLA,
Puebla, October 49, 1917
SIR: | have the honor report, that after twenty
eight days close investment, the enemy yesterday raised
The siege, and left for Atlixco.
Twill avail myself OF this opportunity to submit TO the
Geneln chief brief account OF the operations of the
troops this point from the period OF my assuming
mand the termination OF the siege, and the arrival OF
Brigadier General Lane with rentorcements.
On entering upon duties as civil and military governor
| found myself in command of Captain Ford's company
of cavalry, 46 strong; Captains Hendricks and Miilers
companies OF artillery, numbering 1905 together with six
companies of the lst Pennsylvania volunteers command
ed by Lieut. Colonel Black-hs total effective strength
being 2i7-and hospitals filled with 500 sick
With this command, San Jose the grand depot in the
city, Loreto and Guadalupe, to be garrisoned and
held against the combined Efforts OF the military and
The isolated position selected for the hospitals com
PEELED me to remove them withip the protection of San
Jose on the first demonstration of hostility. This was
not long in exhibiting itself, when put myself, with
such had at my disposal, in the best possible
state for defence conning my efforts to the squares
Immediately around San Jose and from these points the
enemy during the entire SIEGE not able TO force in
(bu Tor single noment) sentinel
No open acts OF hostility, other than the numbering of
struggling soldiers occurred until the night of the 18th of
September, when fire was opened from some of the
streets On the night of the 18th it recommended, and
from every street, with violence that knew of no ces
saton for twenty eight days and nights.
The enemy, with their numerous cavalry, succeeded
in cutting Oft at once every kind OF supply, and vanly
attempted to change the current of the stream of water
however, before the cattle and sheep disappeared from
this vicinity two welldrected parties obtained 80 Of
the former and 400 of the latter.
The various points to be defended for the preservation
of San Jose which the safety of the other posts de-
pended, demanded the unting vigilance OF every officer
and man.
I i:
firing ncreased and finally, on the 22d of Septem-
Der, General Santa Anna arrived with large reinforce
mens from Mexico much to the delight OF the besegers
on which occasion general ringing of bells took place.
and was only stoppedas it had been several times be-
fore-by discharge OF shells and round shot from Lo
reo into the heart OF the city
On the 25th OF September Gen. Santa Anna demanded
my surrender copy of his demand, together with the
reply are herewith enclosed, marked A.
here beg to pay passing tribute to my gallant troops
so soon as had despatched my answer supposed not
moment would be lost by the General, who was to attack
at all points with his 5000 troops. | rode to the
different posts and announced to the troops the demand
the force with which backed and my reply Their
response convinced me that all safe that hard and
bloody battle must be fought the great captain of
Mexico could overcome my little band.
The point OF attack San JOSE commanded by
Lieut. Col Black, with Capt Fords company of cavalry,
and Capt Miller's company of 18th artillery and four
companies OF his own regiment and one hospital, the
guard OF which was IN command OF Capt Rowe, OF the
9th regiment of infantry
The duty required of this command, as have before
observed in consequence OF the various points be de-
fended demanded untrng effort on the part of every
officer and soldier shower of bullets was constantly
poured from the streets, the balconies the house-ops
and churches upon their devoted heads
night after night for than thirty successive nights,
nor exhibit more patience, spirit and gallantry. Not
post OF danger could but the gallant fellows
ready to fill it, Not sentinel could be shot, but
another anxious and ready to take his place Officers
and soldiers wed with each other be honored martyrs
in their counys cause This is the general character of
fhn trnn had fha hrpp
dent the crown OF victory would perch upon their stand
ard when the last great effort should be made Their bold
and determined front deprived them of what they anxi-
ousy desired
On the Both ut Gen. Santa Anna had established his
battery bearing upon San Iose and opened with much
spirit Having anticipated this movement, had thrown
up traverse on the plaza, and Withdrawn H. FOUNDER
from Loreto, by which means enabled to answer
his shot, Towards night his battery ceased, and the
next morning was withdrawn, together with from
forcements then daily expected at Pinal.
On the ed instant availed myself Of some reduction
OF the ehemys numbers to make sorte against ertan
barricades and buildings whose fire had become very
annoying: One OF the expeditions confded to Capt
Small OF the LIST Pennsylvania volunteers Passing
through the walls of entire square with fifty men, he
gained position opposite the barrcade and drove the
enemy with great loss they leaving dead
the ground The barricade, consisting of $50 bales OF
cotton, was consumed In this affair, Capt Small and
his command behaved with great gallantry, and for
tweny-our hours were unceasng in their labors in ac-
complshing the objects when sent Lieut. Ladley, of
the ordnance corps, 10 dow up prominent bulldnS
which was done by that excellent officer in good style
when the entire party Withdrawn, with few wounded
AT the same time Lieut. Morgan, of the 18th regiment,
with detachment OF Marines and Lieut. Merrifeld OF
the 18th regiment, with detachment of rifles attempted
to gain possession of certain buildings from which we
were receiving most CALLING fire. Lieut. Merrifeld en-
tered the building Lieut. Morgan was not so fortunate
The enemy being present great force directed him
fall back, with the loss of one man killed On the 9Th
instant Capt Heron detached with his company to
take possession of building, from which the enemy had
been enfading the plaza. This he did in very hand
some manner, and to my entire satisfaction with only
few wounded.
Other minor acts of gaaAtry and good conduct were
exhibited by officers and men at San Jose; and from
Guadalupe two successful sories made upon
the enemy, which engaged in their daily attacks San
Jose.
From Lieut. Col. Black the immediate commander OF
San Jose, and his officers have received the most cor
dial support Col Black for than thirty days was
untrng IN his efforts and zeal for the safety OF that point
olcers and men at their posts night and day. with
out regarding the peltlng storm; and cannot say too
much in praise of the gallant colonel his officers and
men, before and during the siege.
Lieut. Ladley, OF the ordnance corps, commanded the
2pounder the mountain howitZer and four rocket bat
erse at the barrcade, and there stationed himself night
after nights and, often these batteries opened,
was with effect Capt Ford commanding the cavalry,
athough no opportunity occurred, consequence of the
limited number OF his troops to engage the enemy.
all tunes ready, Capt Miller OF the 18th artillery,
parncuary successful in managing the FOUNDER in
ana sSllul artllerst
MAJOR Gwynn, commanding Loreto, although not at
lacked, was viglan and his command of great
sistance to Several deachmenfs from his most occ,l-