The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-10-18
Events OF the War In rIexieo.

we have received, from an authentic source, the fol
lowing description OF the expedition under the command
of Maj Lally from Vera Cruz to Jalapa and as several
OF the accounts heretofore published have in some re-
spects disagreed, we give ii place in columns:
The train consisted of seventy wagons guarded by
ioce OF one thousand undiscpned troops The expedi
iion was to have been commanded by Col Wilson OF the
iln mianry but on the 9th OF August the day appoint,
ed tor The tram to leave Vera Cruz that officer seized
with The vomito which prevented him from assuming
the command; and Major Ially who was himself but
Just convalescent OF the same disease ordered to pro-
coed with the tram report had gone abroad that there
was to be conveyed to Mexico by this train, million oil
dollars and it was determined by the Mexicans to en-
Poy the strongest force which could be raised TO capture
IT, The first regular attack was made on the 10th OF
August, although hardly hour passed, while Were
upon the road, but we were fired upon from the thick
chapparal or some hill top This attack was made from
hill which commanded the road, by advance guard
OF about 400 Little damage was done to the train,
and the Mexcans were easily driven from their position by
charge But in about two hours, at place called Paso
Oveas, we were attacked upon whole line covering
about mile on the road, by force of at least 800
Mexicans. Their heaviest fire at first the centre
and rear OF the column, which was more destructive to
the teams than to the their object being to cut of
the wagons number of horses and mules killed,
and considerable confusion created in the train Major
the chappara, which dslodged the enemy, and slenced
the fire on the centre and But the action in front
continued 10 be obsnately contested-our right wing
being holly engaged with the enemy in meadow al
musket range. The Mexcans having the advantage OF
hill and some old stone buildings, Major Lllly, on
coming up, ordered charge, which was executed in
most gallant and effective style, under the lead OF Capt
Avord of the 18th infantry, who was acting adutan
The enemys position carried after determined
ssance In this charge, two as brave and excellent oh
uniforn-Capt Calwel, of the wolff
genrs, and Capt Cummings, OF the 18th infanry-were
shot down, both severely wounded. Two field pieces
under the direction OF Lieut. Sears, were skilfuly man,
and nine wounded. Having so large train to guard,
we were unable to bring into action over 400 men.
On the nth we rested (f it may be called while
heavy voley OF muskety was constantly being poured in
upon u.s. On the 18th, we resumed march, and
necessarily annoyed by attacks upon different parts OF the
line until noon, when we arrived at the National Bridge
This one OF the strongest upon the road to Mex
leo The bridge crosses the river just above the juno.
ton OF two rapid streams, and curves around high hill
on the left, which is crowned with castle that
mands the bridge On the right. the opposite side Of
the river there is perpendicular bluff along the edge of
which they had breastworks. 1t certainly appeared to
formidable fortress to capture with recruits.
Major Laly, with his staff and strong body OF wolff
geus advanced upon the bridge to reconnotre but could
not discover man OF the enemy. But. the farther
end Of the bridge, they discovered strong breastwork,
which appeared il the enemy intended defend that
point and TO their fire until they could decoy
whole train to the bridge and the valley leading TO it.
One company was ordered ahead an advance guard
and stormng party followed by two pieces of artillery
and three companies onfantry On reaching the centre
of the bridge most deadly fire opened upon us and
our advance guard being thrown into disorder, fall
tered Notwithstanding the exertons OF the officers Mai
Laly then ordered the two pieces of artillery open upon
the barrcade drom which the fire principally proceeded)
with round-shot while the men covered themselves as
well as they could But on percevng that this did not
produce the desired effect he ordered the whole body
with the exception of company of infantry, which
was partially shetereD to retire; which was done in
good order.
Finding the enemy in large force, Mai Lay deter
mined to attempt the capture of the castle before crossing
the bridge For this purpose, he selected two strong
companies and placing them under the command of the
brave Lieut. Rdgey OF the 4th directed him to pass
down and ford the first stream ascend the height in the
of the castle, and storm it. He then attached
raised it to the top OF high hill on the right of the road
and one side OF the bridge. This somewhat astonsh-
ell the Mexcans, as they had supposed this height mac
fire opened upon the castle with great effect, and
the Mexcans soon began TO leave it and when they dis
covered Rdgelys siorming party. they rushed out in
double quick time The castle being thus taken, the re-
naming two companies of infantry and one Of cavalry
charged the BRIDGE carrying the barricade, and
routing the enemy in every direction.
loss was considerable Mr. Twggs, acting in the staff
of Major Ially noble and gallant young man. kill
ed and Captain Clark and Leuts. Winder Adams, and
Creanor all officers of great worth, severely wound
ed Eleven men were killed MORALLY wounded, and
upwards of forty wounded not MORALLY. The enemy
were 1900 strong, and their loss great They Were
perence and high reputation, who takenp prisoner at
Vera Cruz and was on his parole Of honor not to serve in
the army until duly exchanged Several other officers,
must conquer these outlaws How absurd to extend
parole to such barbarians AT this battle too did these
I" officers parole display the black flag intending to
ntimdae men by giving them to understand that no
quarter would be shown them II had, however, con-
ary eect for its being displayed the Major ordered
three cheers to be given, which was heartily responded
to.
Our wounded and sick had so much accumulated,
that remained at the bridge the 18th, with little
moestaOn, to give them proper and attention. We
moved on again on the l4th, and usual were fired
upon all day. We reached Plan del Rio in the evening,
and forded the river with little opposition On the
packed, had all the sick and wounded taken into the
church, and everything prepared for their defence He
then selected from the best and reliable troops about
400 infantry, two pieces OF artillery and squadron of
Dragons; with which, leaving behind the train and
wounded marched for Cerro Gordo, where under
to capture The march was about four miles. When
reached the entrance OF the gorge. we met by
hot fire of round and grape shot Very little damage
however, done, distance being so great. The
Major then placed hundred and fifty picked
der the gallant Rdgey with orders to storm the fort
the height the left At the same time he ordered
Capt Hornsby, with four companies of infantry enter
heights on that side, which were covered with Mexcans
The votgeurs and company OF 5th infantry, with the
artillery under leut Sears kept in They
had, however, amusement by occasional voley
at the enemy, who attempted 10 get in the of Lieut.
On the right, the chappara was very thick, and the
reached the hill; and though under the fire of the enc
my, obliged 10 rest short time On the left for
some distance, Lieut. r. found path; and though the
distance to the fort after leaving the road than
two miles, up steep hill the men came in
sight of the enemy, and within 800 yards of the fort
than they formed in ine gave three cheers and carried
il at dash This was done 50 quickly, that the Mexi-
ho had two oun1er had fima tn isrho