The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-05-18
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The Union publishes a series oil despatch
es which have just been received at the War
Department, The one embraces the letters
which have been brought by Lieutenant EN-
DRY from Gen. Kearney: in California, ex-
planning his route from Santa Fe TO the Col
orado; his first encounter with the Mexican
troops; his junction with Commodore Stock
ton, marines and seamen, and their joint en-
gagemeut with tine Mexicans on the 9Th and
9th OF January; the defeat Of the enemy, and
the arrival oil Kearney and his troops alSan
Diego. The others are from Col. Doni-
phan, at the head Of the Missouri volunteers.
They detail his first engagement. near the
Paso del Norie, and his battle at the Sacra-
mento, and lis subsequent capture Of Chihu-
ahus.
One despatch from Col. Doniphan is d.
recied 10 the Adjulant General, at Wash
ington; and is dated at ~Chiahuahua, March
4th, and gives The particulars of the battle,
which, fought asi was, against tremendous
odds, more Than four TO one-was a most
brilliant affair. We have room for only the
concluding part OF the despatch, which is as
follows
The force of The enemy was 1900 cavalry.
from Durango and Chiahuahua, with the
Vera Cruz Dragooncr. 1909 infantry from
Chiahuahua, 300 artillerests. 400 rancho
res badly armed wilk %lasoos, lances, and
machetoes, or corn knives, ten pieces oil ar
tilIery and six culverins, or rampant pieces.
Their forces were commanded by Maj. Gen.
Hendea, General of Durango, Chihuahua.
Sonora. and New Mexico; Brig. Gen. Jasti-
mani. Brig. Gen. Garcia Condo, formerly
Minister Of War for the Republic of Mexico,
who is a scientific man, and planned its
whole field of defence; Gen. Uguerte, and
Gov. Trias, who acted as Brigadier General
on the field; and Colonels and other officers
without number.
Our force was 924 effective men, at least
one hundred Of whom were engaged in hol-
ding horses and driving leans:
Tit loss ofthe enemy was his entire artil-
lery, 10 wagons, masses OF beans and pinola,
and other Mexican provisions. about 300 Kill
led, and about the same number wounded,
many Of whom have since died, and forty
prisoners.
The field was literally covered with the
dead and wounded. from our artillery and the
uneiring fire of FOUR rihemen. Night put u
stop 10 The carnage. the battle having COM
menced about 3 o'clock. Our loss was one
killed, one MORALLY wounded, and seven go
wounded as to recover wilhou: the loss Of
any limbs. | cannot speak too highly OF the
GOODNESS. gallantry and bravery ufihe officers
and men under my command.
was ably sustained by the field officers.
Lieut.. Coils. Mitchell and Jackson, OF the first
battalion, and Major Gilpin Of the second
battalion; and Major Clark and his artillery
acted nobly, and did the most effective ser.
vice in every part OF the field. 1t is abun
dainty shown, in the charge made by Capt
Weightman with the section of howitzers'
that they can be used in any charge ofcaval'
~ with great effect.
Much has been said, and justly said, ofthe
gallaniry of or artillery. Numbering with
in 250 yards of the enemy at Palo Alto; but
how much more daring was the charge of
Captain Weightulan when he unlimbered
within fifty yards OF the redoubis of the en-
envy.
On the first day of March we took formal
possession OF the capital Of Chihuahua, in the
name of our government. We were ordered
by Gen. kearney TO report TO Gen. Wool at
this place; since our arrival we hear he is al
Saltillo; surrounded by the enemy. Our
present purpose is either 10 force our way 10
him, or return by Bexar. as our term of ser
vice expires on the last day Of May next.
have The henorto be,
YOUR ol,edient servant,
A. w. DONIPHAN.
Colonel LIST Rgt. Mo. Volunteers.