The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-12-04

A halt was ordered until the cavalry
(Which had previously been detached
10 examine a haciendal should arrive.
The enemy, with his accustomed bra
vado, came to the foot Of the hill in
small parties, firing their escopetas and
waving their %lances. On the arrival
Of the cavalry, a forward movement
was made by the column. A large
deep ravine appearing on the left 0 fthe
road, Lieut.. Col. Moore. with his Ohio
regiment, was ordered to flank it, Ma
ior Lally with his battalion leading the
advance. Our column had scarcely
commenced its movement, when signs
of confusion were visible among the
enemy. In consequence OF which, the
cavalry was ordered to charge, follow
them up, and engage them until the in
rantry could arrive. Lieut.. Pratt with
his battery was ordered to follow in
the rear Of the Dragons at a gallop'
Had this movement been performed
the whole force would have been urs.
But by an order from Major Lallv.
Lieut.. Pratt was taken from the place
assigned to him by me, and in conse'
quence detained until a greater portion
Of the column had passed; then, owing
to the nature of the ground, it was i'm
possible for his battalion to proceed
with rapidity.
The cavalry pursued the retreatine
enemy for about a mile and a half
skirmishing with them. On arriving
at a small hill, they made a stand and
fought severely until our infantry APP
peared, when they took flight. OuI
artillery fired a few shots as soon as il
came up, but without effect, as by their
rapid retreat they had placed them
selves at long range. The dragons
were again ordered to follow and keep
them engaged. After running fight
of abou, tour miles, and when within a
mile and a half Of Atlixco, the whole
body of the enemy was discovered on
a side hill, covered with chapparal
forming hedges, behind which they had
posted themselves. Our cavalry dashed
among them, cutting them down in
great numbers. So thick was the
chapparal, that the Dragons were or
dered to dismount and fight them on
loot. A most bloody conflict ensued,
fatal to the enemy. Our infantry for
the last six miles had been straining
themselves TO the utmost to overtake
the enemy, pressing forward most ar
duousIy, Notwithstanding the forced
march of sixteen miles since | O'Clock.
Owing 10 the nature ofthe road, almost
entirely destroyed by gullies, the arlil-
lery could only advance at a walk. As
soon as the infantry agsin appeared in
sight, the enemy again retreated. 80
worn out were our horses, (the sun
been broiIing hot all day,) that
they could pursue the enemy no fur
ther. The column was pressed for
ward as rapidly as possible towards
the town; but night had already shut
in, giving US, however, the advantage
Of a fine moonlight. As we approach.
ed, several shots were fired at US, and
Jeeming it unsafe to risk Il street fight
in an unknown town a, night, order
ed the artillery to be posted on a hill
near the town and overlooking il, and
open its fire. Now ensued one Of the
most beautiful sights conceivable
Every gun was served with the utmost
rapidly; and the crash of the walls
and the roofs Of the houses when struck
by our shot and shells, was mingled
with tie roar of our artillery. The
bright light of the moor enabled us &c
direct our shot to the most thickly pop
ulated parts of the town.
After firing three quarters of an hour
and the firing from the town having
ceased, | ordered Major Lally and Col
Brough to advance cautiously will
theircommands into the town. On EN-
tering, | was waited upon by the ay
untamiento, desiring that their tow
might be spared. After searching the
next morning for arms and ammunition
and disposing of what was found,
commenced my return.
Gen. Rea had two pieces of artlIle
ry; but as soon as he was aware of GU
approach, he ordered them with hast;
to Matamoras, a small town clever
legues beyond. The enemy state thei
own loss in this action to be 2l9 killet
and 800 wounded. On our part, w
had ond man killed and one wounded
Scarcely ever has a more rapid torce'
march been made than this, and pro
ductive of better results. Atlixco. ha
been the headquarters of guerillas il
this section of the country, and of lat
the seal Of government Of this State
From hence all the expeditions hav