The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-05-01

and by portinns ofthe Arkansas and Indiana
troops under Lieutenant Col Roame and Mai.
German, now approached the base Of the
mountain, holding in check the right flank
oithe enemy, upon whose masses, crowded
in the narrow gOrges and ruyincs, our artillery
was doing fearful execution.
The position of that portion ofthe Mexican
army which had gained our rear was now
very critical, and it seemed doubtful whether
it could regain the main body. At this mo-
ment received from Gen. SANTA Anna II
message by staff officer desiring 10 know
what wauted?-l Immediately dispatched
Brig. Gen. Wool TO the Mexican Genern-in-
Chief and sent orders TO cease firing. Upon
reaching the Mexican lines Gen. Wool could
not cause the enemy to cease their fire, and
accordingly returned without having an in
teryIew. The extreme right of the enemy
continued its retreat along the base of the
mountain, and finally, in spite ofull our eff
forts effected u junction with the remainder
oflhe army.
During the day, the cavalry of Gen. Minon
has assembled the elevated plain above Saltii-
10, and occupied the road from the city to The
field ofbattle where they intercepted several
ofour men. Approaching the town, they
were fired upon by Capt. Webster from the
reduuht occupied by his company, and then
moved off towards the eastern side otthe val
ley, and obliquely toward Bnena Vista. At
this time Captain Shower moved rapidly for
ward with his piece, supported by n miscel-
laneous command of mounted volunteers.and
fired several shots at the cavalry with great
effect. They were driven into the ravines
which lead to the lower valley, closely pursu-
ell by Captain Shower, who was farther sup
ported by piece Of Captain Webster's bat
terry, under Lieutenant Donaldson, which had
advanced from the rodoubt. supported by
Captain Wheeler, with company Of Illinois
volunteers. Tho enemy made Que or two Ell.
torls 10 charge the artillery, but was finally
driven back in II confused mass, and did not
again appear on the plain.
In the meantime the firing had partially
ceased upon the principal field. The enemy
seemed to Confine his efforts Ia the protection
OF his artillery, and had left the plateau for
moment, when | was recalled thither by IL
very heavy nusketry fire. On reguining that
position, discovered that our infantry (lH-
nois and the ID Kentucky had engaged II
greatly superior force otthe enemy--evident-
~ his reserve-nnd that they had been over
whelmed by numbers. The moment was
most critical. Captain O'Bren, with two
pieces, had sustained this heavy charge 10 the
last, and was finally obliged to leave his guns
on the tield-hs infantry support being en-
tireIy routed. Capt Bragg, who had Just ar
rived from the left. was ordered II! once into
battery. Without any infantry to support
him, and nj the imminent risk of losing his
guns. tins officer came rapidly into action,he
Mexican line being but few yards from the
nluzzle of his pieces. The first discharge Of
canister caused the enemy to hesitate, the
second and third drove him back in disorder
aud saved the day. The ID Kentucky rcgi-
ment, which had advanced beyond support,
ing distance in the affair. was driven back
and closely pressed by the enemy's cavalry.
Taking n ravine which led in the direction
ofCapt. Washingtou's battery, their pursuers
became exposed to his fire which soon check
ed and drove them back with loss In the
mean time the rest OF our artillery had taken
position on the plateau. covered by the Mssis-
sppi and 3d Indiana regiments. the former
of which had reached the grousd in time to
pour fire into the right flank OF the enemy,
and thus contribute to his repulsc. In this
last conflict we had the misfortune to sustain
very heavy loss. Col Hardin, st Illinois
and Col Mckee, and Lieutenant Col CLAY,
I'd Kentucky regiments, fell at this tin,c while
calamity heading their commands.
No farther attempt was made by the enc
my 10 force our position and the approach
olnight gave nm opportunity to pay proper
attention TO the wounded, and also to refresh
the soldiers, who had become exhausted by
incessant watchiuIncss and combat Though
the night was severely cold, the troops were
compelled for the most to bivouack without
fires, expecting that morning wo@ld renew the
conflict. During the night the wounded
were removed TO Saltllo, and every prepare
ton made to receive the enemy should he a.
gain attack our position. Seven fresh COM
ID
Gen. Marshall, with Il reinforcement of Ken
lucky cavalry and four heavy guns, under
Capt Prentss, LIST artillery, was near at hand
when it wns discovered that the enemy had
abandoned his position during the nighr. Our
scouts soon nscertained that he had fallen
back OH Aqua Nueva. The great disparity
OF numbers, and the exhaustion Of our troops,
rendered itineXpedient and hazardous to at
tempt pursuit. A staff officer was despatch
ed to Gen. Santa Anna to negotiate an ex-
change of prisoners, which was satisfactorily
completed on the following day. Our own
dead were collected and buried, and the Mex
lean wounded, of which large number had
been left upon the field, were removed to Sal
tillo, and rendered as comfortable as circum-
stances would allow.
On the evening fthe Goth, close recon-
noissance was made Ofthe enemy's position
which was found to be occupied only by
small body of cavalry. the infantry and artl-
lery having retreated in the direction of San
Luis Potosi. On the eth, our troops resum.
ed their former camp at Aqua Nueva, the en-
emy's rear-guard evacnating the place as we
approached lenvinga considerable number
OF wounded. 1t was my purpose TO beat up
his quarters at Encurnacion early in the next
morning, but upon examination, the weak
condition of the cavalry horses rendered it
unadvisable TO attempt so long a march with
out water. A command was finally dispatch
ed TO Encarnacion, OH the LIST of Marcel, under