The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-05-27
OF the Kentucky cavalry and have the honor to be YOU
very obedient servant
HUMPHREY MARSHALL
Colonel of Kentucky cavalry
Bnga,ier General Wool
CAMP TAYLOR, MEXICO,

CAMP TAYLOR, MEXICO,
February 81 1877
Brigadier General Wool: On the evening of the odd
when first drawn up in line OF battle to meet the
enemy who al that time, were III ourimmediae vicinity,
was assigned TO the command OF four companies OF
aforementioned Yell taking command of four compa-
MES OF cavary--two companies of regiment com
manded by Captains Pike and Preston jr being detached
from the regiment, and acting with some other corps
On the evening OF the odd the Mexicans having taken
possession of the side of the mountain, with view OF
turning our left flank, was ordered TO ascend and dis
lodge them from their position This attempted in con-
nexon with the Kentucky rlemen; but dark coming on
we recalled after sustaining heavy fire from the
enemy for more than an hour, and encamped upon the
PLAIN till morning.
On the morning of the 23d the position of nv com
mand was designated by our gallant general himself to
whose cool and heroic courage military judgment, and
commanding genius, would add my humble testimo-
Two companies, under the command of Captains Pat
rick and Hunter, were placed some distance in the ad-
vance, and commenced the fight sustaining their position
long required by the orders under which they acted
when they fell back and joined my command, Captain
Presons and Lieutenant IIousdae's companies lmme'
diaely on their taking position in line, in obedience TO
orders, with my whole command, moved forward TO the
'front.' and took position in line with the infantry that
at this time under the most CALLING fire from the Mexican
small arms This position my battalion sustained for a
length OF time, and did not yield until many lay dead and
wounded upon the field would they have given way
then had not regiment of infantry, that falling back
before the advancing foe, rushed among them, bearing
many off, and throwing others into confusion separating
the men from Their officers and the officers from each
and fell in with the illinois infantry, with whom they
fought till the battle ended
Finding it impossible to rally those who had thus been
dlsordered mounted my horse and joined Colonel Yell.
The Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry having been act
ing together during the day, at this time falling back
in good order before the Mexican horse. Gaining an ad
vanageous position the command was halted formed
and an order for charge given, which was promptly
obeyed, and for the first time during the day. the Mexi-
cans were driven back, sustaining very heavy loss from
our carbines and sabres.
The enemy being reinforced it was thought advisable
again to retire This did, the Mexican lancers pursu-
ing, When we had gained the plain, perhaps mile dis-
ant halted and prepared receive their charge,
number being about four hundred, and that of the
MeYicans variously estimated from twelve hundred TO
two thousand.
was echoed by our gallant Colonies Marshall and Yell,
who led on their men. Midway the contendng lines
met; and Colonel Yell-my immediate commander, who
was far in advance of his menfe at the very first
set, covered with glory and pierced with wounds and
yielded his unconquerable spirit while cheering his men
to victory
Upon the fall of Colonel Yell, the command of the reg-
nrnt devoved upon myself, the next in command The
fight still went on; and though many of brave men
lay dead and bleeding on the ground Mexican numbers
were forced TO yield to Saxon courage The enemy
entirely routed, cut off, and not TILL victory crowned our
arms, did they again join the main army. They had left
some thirty dead on the field and numbers bleeding,
made their escape
From this time till night, |, together with my command,
continued to act WITH and under the command of Colonel
Marsha and although not again brought to fight hand
to-hand, yet all the time we upon the field, and Of
ten in the most perilous positions
Inc number killed upon the ground out OF the eight
companies Of the Arkansas regiment that at different
times were IN the fght under my command, was twenty
three killed and forty wounded most of them dangerous
ly, some of whom have since died. and others doubtless
will
In mention of those whose gallant conduct happened to
fall under my personal observation, | would not be
thought to make nvidous distinctions That there were
others whose conduct was alike gallant and verify of
notice and cOmmpudaOn. | havta dpubf To hers
leave the pleasing task OF placing them in their proper
position before a grateful and admiring country.
1t is with feelings of mingled pleasure and heartfelt
gre that mention the names OF my brave and chyalrous
colonel and like gallant Captain Porter; who, all
prepared to expect, should it be their fate TO fall
the head of their commands, urging them 10 victory,
and leading the way.
By the side Of these would place the names of John
Pelham, Darwin Stewart and Others though privaes in
the ranks, were soldiers, and died like heroes.
Among those who more fortunate, and yet live to
enjoy the good name they won that day, would mem
ton Surgeon E. H. Roane and Assistant Surgeon j. w.
Glenn pass by unmentioned Surgeon Craven Peyon
who kindly volunteered his skilful professional services
to alleviate the suferngs of wounded who hap
pened to fall near him.
Amongst the officers of my command, whom |, by our
relative position, happened to observe, would mention
Capts Patrick and Hunter Llents TIousdale, Mckean
Desha, Searcy, Rceder, McClain, Carr, Adjt Mears,
Capt billiard, and Lieut. Stewart
Of the non-commssioned officers and privaes out Of
long list might mention without disparagSement TO 9TH
who was long in the fight, and then not yielding until
shot down. Sergeant Jno Adams Privates VIM Cues
enbury, Joshua Danley, who was twice wounded, John
Lavater James McVcar, and Lloyd Magruder | might
add TO the list, but the length would be too great
This is a hasty account of what was done (and the
names of ewvery few OF those who bore an honora-
BILE part in the action) by the Arkansas regiment the
memorable 22d and 23d instandays that will be re-
membered whilst Americans continue to reverence chv-
airy and heroic deeds; and the day upon which the
proof conclusive furnished to the world that the
spirits ola Jackson and Napoleon still lived in Taylor
and Wool.
am, with great respect, your obedient servant
JOHN SELDEN ROANE,
Lieut. Col Commanding Ark Regt Cav
JOHN 8. HORNER,