Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-10-01
HEAD QUARTERS, 1st BRIGADE,

st. Augustine, Mexico, Aug. 9th, 1917. J
SIR On the 10Th inst, about o'cloc!, in
the morning, pursuant to tn order of the Gen
era. commanding this division, marched from
this place with the New York and south Car
DINA Regiments of Volunteers towards the
battle fields of Contreras OnreportIng to the
Commander in Chief, who occupied on my
arrival a position which overlooked the field
he described to me in few words the posi-
ton of the contending forces, pointed out tine
route of my command, and briefly instructed
me as to the dispositions which would render
my force the most 6erviceabe. Directing my
march upon the village near Contreras, the
troops had to pass over ground covered with
rocks and crags, and filled with chasms, which
rendered the route almost impossible A deep
raviRe, along the bed OF which rolled rapid
stream, was passed after dark with great diff
ficulty and eXertion; and to rest the wearied
troops after crossing, directed them to be up
on then arms until midnight, AMI. whilst oc-
cupying this position, two strong pickets
thrown out by my orders, discovered and fired
upon AM drove back body OF Mexican In
lantry, moving through the fields in a di:ec-
ton from their position, towards the city
have since learned that an attempt had,in like
manner been made by the enemy to pass the
position on the main road, occupied by the LIST
Regiment of Artillery, and with like want
of success, thus being foied in his efforts to
retire during the night. About midnight | a.
gain resumed the march and Joined Brig Gen.
Smith in the village already alluded to.
Gen. Smith previous to my arrival had made
the most judcious arrangements for turning
and surprising the Mexican position about
day break, and with which I could not wish
to interfere. This cast upon my command the
necessity of holding the position evacuated
by Gen. S. which was threatened by the enc
my'5 artillery and infantry on the right and a
large force of his cavalry on the left
About day break the enemy opened a brisk
| fire OF grape and round shot upon the church
and village in which my Brigade was posted,
and also, upon part of our own troops dis
| played to divert him on his right and front
evidently unaware of the movement in pro-
gress 10 turn his position by the left and rear
This continued until Col. RiIey's Brigade open
ed its fire from the rear, which was delivered
with such terrible effect that the whole Mexi-
can force was thrown into the utmost conster-
nation At this juncture ordered the regi-
ment of my command TO throw themselves on
the main road, by which the enemy must re-
tire, to intercept and cut off his retreat, and al
though officers and men had suffered severely
during the march of the nj ght, and from ex
posure without shelter or cover to the inces
SAINT ram until day break, this movement wa:
executed in good order and with rapidity.-
"I "'i'elo Regiment crossing a deep ravlne
dep'oyyed on both sides the road, and opened &
most destructive fire upon the mingled masses
OF the infantry and cavalry. and the N Yorl
Regiment brought IN lower down and IN thl
road side delivered its fire with like effect ="
At this point many OF the enemy were E;llo5
and wounded, and some 365 captured ~
which 25 were officers, and among the latte
was General Nicholas Mendoza
; In the mean time the enemy's cavalry, abou
5000 strong, which had been threatening on
position during the morning, moved down to
; wards us in good order as if to attack. | i'm
med'ately recalled the infantry TO place in re
sltlon to meet the threatening movement, br
sooh the cavalry changed its direction. and re
tired towards the Capital. now received tn
: order from General Twiggs to advance bv th
main road towards Mexico, AMI having rosie