The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-20
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT PUEBLA,
Puehla October IS .IS47

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT PUEBLA,
Puebla October IS, lS47.
SIR have the honor 10 make the following report of an
engagement between part OF my forces and the enemy,
under the command of Gen. Santa Anna, at the city OF
Huamantla, the 9th inst After my departure from
Vera Cruz, and when the San Juan river, party OF
gueras was observed the hacienda OF Santa Anna
Capt Lewiss company of mounted volunteers was de-
taehed in pursuit; portion OF the command, under Lieut.
Lley, came upon the enemy, and had smart sklrmsh
with them. Lieut. Lilley behaved in the most gallant
manner rayng and encouraging his men under severe
fire. Upon leaving Paso de Oveias, the rear guard was
fred upon by small guerilla force, and regret to have
10 the death of Lieut. Cline, who shot IN
the affair He is reported to have been most energetic
and efficient young officer, belonging TO Capt. Lewiss
company OF Louisiana mounted volunteers.
At various points the road umos reached me that
large force concentrating between Pcroe and Pueba
These rumors confirmed my arrival at the for
place. and also received the additional intelligence
that Santa Anna in person commanded them, having
about four thousand and six pieces of artillery No
moestaton occurred until my arrival at the hacienda
San Antonio Tamaris, which place. through the
dun OF my SPIES learned that the enemy at the
city OF Huamana- Leaving my train packed at the for
mer place, guarded by Col. Broughs regiment Ohio vol
unteers, Capt Simmons battalion of three companies,
and Lieut. Pratts battery, my force consisting OF Col
Wynkoops battalion, {from Perote) Col Gornans regl-
ment OF Indiana volunteers, Capt Hentzemans battalion
OF six companies, Maj Lallys regiment OF four compa-
MES OF mounted men, under command of Capt Samuel
H. Walker, mounted rlemen and five pieces OF artillery
under command of Capt Geo Taylor Sd artillery, assist
ed by Lieut. Field, artillery On arriving the city at
about o'clock, p. m, Capt Walker commanding the
advance guard (Of hoTSemen was ordered 10 move 0r-
ward ahead of the column, (but within supporting dis
ance) to the entrance of the city, and if the enemy were
force to await the arrival of the infantry before enter
ing When within abou, three miles, parties OF horse
men being making their way through the fields to-
wards the city, Capt Walker commanded gallop Oy-
ing 10 the thick maguay bushes lining the sides OF the
road IT was impossible TO distinguish his further move
ments But short time had elapsed when firing was
heard from the city The firing continuing the column
was pressed forward as rapidly possible AT this time
BODY OF about 1000 ancers hurrying over the
hills towards the city. directed Col German, with his
regiment TO advance towards and enter the side OF
the city, while Col. Wynkoop's battalion, with the aril
ery, moved towards the east side, Capt Heinzlemans
moving on his right, and Maj Lallys constituting the
serve
Upon arriving at the entrance to the city, Capt Walker
discovering the main body of the enemy in the plaza
(abou 500 in number,) ordered charge. A hand TO
hand conflict took place between the iorces but
lutte the charge that the enemy were obliged to give
way being driven from their guns. They were pursued
by Dragons for distance, but the pursuit was
checked by the arrival OF their achievements Col
Germans regiment, on arriving nj the entrance to the
city at about The time the rentorcements OF the
enemy opened well directed fire, which succeeded IN
routing them With the left wing OF his regiment he pro-
ceeded in person towards the upper part OF the town,
where the enemy still were, and succeeded IN dispensing
them Col Wynkoop's command, with the batteries, as.
sumed their position but before they were within range
the enemy fled in haste The occurred with Capt
Hentzleman's command The enemy entering the town
becoming somewhat scattered. Maj Laly with his reg
ment proceeded the fields cut OF his iea1 and
intercept his retreat This movement not being percev-