The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-04-02

Hattie Of Ruenn ylAtn.

predicted. hf
Battle of Buena Vista.
AS every incident connected with this memorable con-
hict as remarkable for its result for the disparity be-
tween the opposing forces, must be interesting to our
readers we have eneavored to group together some OF
them caught from hasy conversation with the inter-
estng and gallant volunteer aid OF General Taylor, who
was witness of the whole scene.
The pass of Buena Vista about and three quar-
tiers of mile wide, the road beng-in the middle Gen.
Tayors right rested upon the road and was protected
by the broken nature of the ground as to be secure
against any attempt to flank him that side From the
road TO the mountains the left is TOO 500 yards the
first half of the distance being good deal cut up by short
ravnes running to the road Beyond the heads of these
ravines the plain extends to the mountain, which is
steep and almost inaccessible On this plain the
battle mainly fought Most of Washington's
battery planted the right, to defend the road.
Braggs and Thomass batteries, and others were the
plain, and were used with tremendous effect upon the
enemy, whose dense columns had at one time APP
preached to thyaten by their mere weight,
the complete overthrow of army, when destructive
fire from Baggs battery appeared to open whole
through the solid masses in front, and to bid defiance to
any nearer approach
In the time, the superior numbers of the enemy
had passed our left flank while their artillery endeavored
to maintain raking position upon from the foot of
the mountain Some 500 OF their cavalry, besides in
antry had got around in that direction, and maintained
conflict for time. General Taylor directed
Lieutenant Colonel May, with four companies to charge
thisage body of cavalry; but when he got within about
one hundred yards, the enemy fed and the infantry
that quarter after in full retreat This
about o'clock and General Taylor despatched Mr.
Crenden with flag Of truce 10 say to the commander
OF these retreatng forces if they would surrender, he
would not fire on them. Mr. c. on horseback, with his
Interpreter, overlook the of the retreang par
ty and after passing many of the straggers, required
to STOP which order was enforced by the presentation
of gun, until the interpreter explained.
They were then blndfolded and carried forward, Mr.
c. occasionally inqurng for the officer in command OF
that corps They often said, ga little further on :;
and at one time, when he refused to proceed, officer
told him he could not be answerable for the conse-
quences from his men if he did not go on to Santa
Anna When he reached the latter, in sort of ravine
below the fire. the plain, Mr.. c. informed him
that his errand to the officer in command of the
treating body, and not to himself After while, tre-
mendous flourish of trumpets and instruments was the
signal for the bandages to be withdrawn from their eyes
when Santa Anna demanded the surrender of General
Taylors army. With smile, Mr.. c. replied, General
Taylor neper surrenders" An officer present, who
understood English explained to Santa Anna the nature
Of the answer, when he said"then, both armies are in
the like condition." or words to that effect
Mr. c. then asked for conductor that he might re-
turn. When he reached the plain again the two armies
seemed engaged in tremendous struggle, and after
taking leave OF his conductor he made his way back
best he could, greater peril from the fire of our own
guns than from those of the Mexicans.
1t is not true as heretofore reported, that Lieut. Col
May, in his "Reminiscences had lost Lieut. Wood and
They became separated, but all got back safe
ly to camp Lieut. Smrges taken prisoner but was
change of prisoners.
Mr. c. thinks the Mexican infantry behav ed much
better than their cavalrythe latter would not wait for
charge from one-ffth of their number
He does not know exactly how the three pieces of ar
tillery were taken He heard Col. Davis say he could
have spiked hem but supposed they would be retaken,
The rmor that General Taylors dispatches had been
cut off was unfounded Some of them had been de-
ayed at Monterey for want of an escort These Mr. c.
obtained when he through and all have been safe
ly delivered to the Adjutant General in this city
We are glad to learn from Mr. c. that Lieut. Col
May, who is reported having received ga severe contu
son,' out and considered well again. before Mr. c.
left the army.
Extract from a letter of a genfeDan attached tn he ar