The national whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1847, 1847-06-05
CHAPTER VI Continued.
THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.


Of February, the enemy had thrown abod.
Of light troops on the mountain side, to
the purpose of outhanking Gen. Taylor's
left and it was here that the action OF tht
23d commenced at an early honr. The
American rihemen under Col. Marshall
who had been reinforced by three compa.
MES under Major Trail, of the Cd llDinon
volunteers, maintained their ground hand
somely against greatly superior force
holding themselves under cover, and using
their weapons with deadly effect. About s
O'Clock A. NJ. strong demonstration was
made against the centre of Gen. Taylor's
positions heavy column moving along
the road. This force was soon dispersed
by few rapid and well directed shots from
Captain Washington's battery. 10 the
mean time the enemy was concentrating e.
large force of infantry and cavalry, under
cover of the ridges, with the obvious in
tention Of forcing Gen. Taylor's left, which
was posted on an extensive plateau. The
I'd Indiana and Cd Illinois regiments formed
this part of his line, the former covering
three pieces Of light artillery, under the
orders Of Capt. O'Brien-Gen Lane being
in the immediate command. In order to
bring his men within effective range, Gen.
Lane ordered the artillery and I'd Indiana
regiment forward. The artillery advanced
within musket range of the Mexican infan-
try, and was served against it with great
effect, but without being able to check its
advance. The infantry ordered TO its sup
port had fallen back in disorder, being ex-
posed, as well as the battery, not only to a
severe fire of small arms from the front,
but also to murderous cross-tire of grape
and canister from Mexican battery on
the left. Captain O'Brien found it impos-
sible to retain his position without support,
but was only able to withdraw two Of his
pieces-al the horses and cannoniers of
the third piece being either killed or dis
abled The I'd Indiana regiment, which
had fallen back, could not be rallied, and
took no further part in the action, except
q handful Of men, who, under their gallant
Colonel Bowles, joined the Mississippi
regiment, and did good service; and except
those fugltives, who, at a later period Of
the day, assisted in defending the train and
depot at Buena Vista. This portion Of the
American line having given way, and the
enemy appearing in overwhelming force
against Gen. Taylor's left flank, the light
troops which had rendered such good SER
vice on the mountain were compelled to
withdraw, which, they did, for the most
part, in good order. Many, however,
were not rallied until they reached the de-
pot at Buena Vista, to the defence Of which
they afterwards contributed.
Col. Bissell's regiment, ed Illinois,
which had been Joined by section of Cap
tain Sherman's battery, had become com
pletely outflanked, and was compelled 10
fall back-being entirely unsupported. The
enemy was now pouring masses of infantry
and cavalry along the base of the mountain
on Gen. Taylor's left, and was gaining his
rear in great force. AT this moment Gen.
Taylor arrived on the field.
The Mississippi regiment had been d.
rected TO the left before reaching the posi-
ton, and Immediately came into action
against the Mexican infantry which had
turned their flank. The Cd Kentucky reg
imept and section Of artillery had previ-
ously been ordered from the right to rein
force the left, and they arrived at most
opportune moment That regiment and
portion Of the LIST Illinois, under Col. Har-
din, CALAMITY drove the enemy, and recov-
cred portion of the ground which had
been lost. The batteries of Captains Sher-
man and Bragg were in position on the
plateau, and did much execution, no, only
in front, but particularly upon the masses,
which had gained their rear. Discovering
that the enemy was heavily pressing upon
the Mississippi regiment, the Sd Indiana
regiment, under Col. Lane, was despatched
to strengthen that part Of the line which
formed a CROCHET perpendicular to the frs.
line of battle. At the same time, Lieut.
kilburne, with piece Of Captain Bragg's
battery, was directed to support the intan-
try there engaged. The action was for
long time warmly sustained at that point
the enemy making several efforts, 10th
with infantry and cavalry, against the Ame-
rican line, but being always repulsed with
heavy loss.
Gen. Taylor had placed all the regular
cavalry, and Captain Pixies squadron Of
Arkansas horse, under the orders Of Lieut..
Colonel May, with directions TO hold in
check the enemy's column, still advancing
10 the rear along the base of the mountain
This was executed in conjunction with the
Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry under Col
onels Marshall and Yell 10 the mean time
the American left, which was still strongly
threatened with superior force, was fur
ther strengthened by the detachment Of
Captain Bragg's and portion Of Captain
Sherman's batteries. The concentration
of artillery fire upon the masses of the en-
envy along the base Of the mountain. and