Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-04-08
The Official Dispatches
FROM
MAJOR GEN. TAYLOR
rsom The Washington Union, April lst.

HrApQuARTERs ARMY OF OccUrATIoS,)
Camp on the field of battle, Bucna Vista,
MExico, Feb. "a, ls47
SIR,-l have the honor to report that
havmg become assured on the 20th inst.
lha, the enemy had assembled in very
heavy force at EncarnacIon, 80 miles in
front of Aqua Nueva, with the evident
design of attacking my positions, broke
rp NV camp at the batter place on the
2isl, and took up a strong hne IN front
rf BUens Vista, seven miles south OF
Sallillo. a cavalry force left at Aqua
Nurva for the purpose of covering the
removal of supplies was driven in dur
ing the night, aud on the morning of the
22d lbe Mexican army appeared Imme-
datrly in front OF our position. AT ] |
O'Clock, A. NJ, a flag was sent, bear
iig from General Santa Anna a summons
OF unconditional surrender. To which ]
iInmed dla,ely returned negative reply
The summons nnd my reply are here
with enclosed. The action was com
mpnced hate 10 the afternoon, between
the light iroops on the left flank, bu,
was not seriously engaged until the
n,ornlng Of the 23d, when the enemy
made an effort to force the left flank Of
our position. An obstinate and sanguin-
ary conflict was maintained with short
intervals, throug hout the day, the result
being lha, the enemy was completely re-
pulsed from our lines. An attack OF
cavalry upon the rancho of Buena Vista
aud demonstration upon the city Of Sal
tillo Itself, were likewise handsomely re.
PEELED. Early in the night the enemy
Withdrew from his camp and fell back
upon Aqua Nueya, distance of twelve
miles.
Onr own forco engaged a, all point.
IN this action fell somewhat short Of D,
400, while that OF the enemy from the
statement of General Santa Anna, ma,
he estimated al 10000. Our success
against such great odds is a suflicien
encumlnm on the good conduct oi on
trnops. In more detailed official re
pert, | shall have the satisfaction %
bringing to The notice of the govern
m.ut the conspicuous gallantry Of pariic
ular officers and corps. may be per
uittrd here, however, To acknowledge
my great obligations la Bog. Gen
Wool, the second 10 command, to whom
! feel particularly indebted for his valua
bic services on this occasion.
Our loss has been very severe, ant
will not probably fall short Of 700 men
The Mexican loss has been immense -
] shall take the earliest opportunity o
forwarding correct list of the casual
lies of the day.
| am, sir, very respectfully,
your obedIcni servant,
H. TAYLOR,
Major Gen'l u S. A Commanding.
The ADJUrANT GENERAL Of the Army,
Washington, ID. G..
Translation.
Summons of Santa Anna 10 General Taylor.
You are surrounded by 10000 men
and canrot, in any human probability
avoid suffering a rout, aud being cut I,
pieces with your troops but as you de
serve consideration and particular es
TEEN, ! wish to save you from ca'as
ttophe. and for that purpose give yo'
this notice, in order that you may sur
render at discretion, under the assurance
that you Will he treated With the cOnsld
GRAFTON belonging to the Mexican char
acief, 10 winch .bJ you will be- granted