The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-04-23

our left in consequence of the giving way ono of the
volunteer regiments which could not be rallied with but
few exceptions the greater portion retiring about mile
to large rancho farm house. where our wagons and
portion Of stores left These after
attacked by the enemy scavay who were repulsed with
some loss
For several hours the fate of the day was extremely
doubtful so much so that was urged by some Of the
most experienced officers to fall back and take up
position. This knew it would do to attempt with
volunteers, and at once declined it, The had
become one OF the deepest interest Between the
raj deep ravnes there portions Of level land from
one to four hundred yards in extent which became
alternately points of attack and defence after our left
WAS turned by both sides These extended along and
near the base 81 the mountain for about too miles and
IN s"ss J"r mem may Dc rery appropriately compar-
and strange TO both armies occupied the same posi-
tons they did in the morning before the battle COM
on our arms all night, had done the two previous
without fires there being wood to be had and
the mercury below the freezing point ready expect
ing 10 renew the contest the next morning but
found ut daylight the enemy had rctreated during the
night leaving his killed and many Of his wounded for
TO bury and take care ofcarrying Oft every thing
and taking up u position at this place. We did not
think 1t advisable to pursue not knowing whether he
would renew the attack continue his retreat wished
odraw us from our strong position but contented
selves with watching his movements closely Finding
the 26th he renewed his retreat early i'm The
morning of the 27th tho army put in motion for this
place where we arrived about o'clock, p. M-their
rear guard consisting of cavalry leaving our nd
vance got IN sght at once determined Harvesting
his rear but on examining the state of the men and
horses found that five days aud nights marching, in
40 exhausted the first and broken the latter it
next to impossible to accomplish any thing without
We remained quiet here until the I'd inst when pushed
n command on the San Luis road to large plantation
called Incarnation, where found between two and
three hundred wounded in the most wretched condition
besides those they carried with them and left here and
ON the field Here took about ten prisoners the main
part Of their army having proceeded in the direction
OF San Luis in n very disorganized condition
On the Odd the enemy threw in rear. through the
passes Of the mountains 1000 cavalry and early the
morning of the next day the Dad made demonstrations
fha da Iheva nI
ed at one time in cutting off the communication between
the city and battle ground and making several prison
ers but were driven away by the officer commanding In
the CITY, with two pieces Of artillery covered by about
sixty men. They, however, while in possession Of the
road prevented u good many from running off to the
city to which place about our mon had succeeded
in getting previously to the cavalry occupying the road
they the runaways reporting that army beat
en-, and in full retreat
The loss on both sides very great, you may
supposeenough so ours to the whole country
with mourning for among the noblcst and of the
land have fallen We have and 500 wounded
The enemy has eunered in still greater numbers but
the dead and wounded are scattered all the
try, IT Is difficult to ascertain their number The prison
ers who have fallen into hands bctween 200 and 800
enough to exchange for all who have been taken from
us) az well medical officers left behind to take
care of the wounded their killed and wounded Is not
less than 1900, and they say perhaps more.
hope the greater portion Of the good people of the
country will be satisfied with what have done this
occasion aatter myself that our compelling Mexican
army OF more than 900 men completely organized and
led by their Chief Magistrate to retreat with less than
five hundred regulars and about 1000 volunteers, will
lnecC tnelr approval mad not single company o
regular infantry the whole taken from me-
was truly gratifed to observe that the chief magis
trate Of your State had conferred you the rank
brigadier general in the militia, and had hoped the Pres
dent OF the United States would have called you into
service ns such with the regiments, and hope hi
may yet do so, us need hardly repeat the pleasure
would give me to be associated with you in carrying
this war The road to the city of Mexico from here IL
now OPEN and we My want few thousand good regu
In addition to the volunteers to enable to reach
| that place. What effect late battle will have on
Santa Anna and the Mexican Congress- time must de-
termine but sincerely hope will lead peace One
thing Is certain their principal army has become de-
molshed, and it will BIO very difficult for them to
raise and equip another.
regret to hear your crop of sugar short but
sincerely hope, the failure Of the crop general
that the high prices obtained will fully make up for
quantity.
much fear have spun out this long, and to you
interesting epistle beyond your patience to wade
through but have the consolation to know you
not compelled to read the whole any part Of IT,
will conclude by desiring you to present most respect
fully to your excellent lady well to my friend Col
Nicholas and accept sincere wishes for the continued
health and prosperity Of you and yours through lonl
| life. With respect and esteem, your friend
| T.. TAYLOR.
| Gen. Z. q. w. BUTLER, Lousian.