The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-08-28
WOODSFIELD, OHIO, SATURDAY, AUGUST %, 1s4z

our Helu-pIcCc CdliIuSco pul tuiCC.-
The road to Huejutla lay along gorge
between steep activities. The pris-
oners, we knew, had been removed
| from that town. Our rear and f1anks
were now attacked by mult,tudes of
the men Of the towns left behind US on
our advance, who had already come so
near US as to take from US all our mules,
packed with everything we had, in pro-
visions, money, and clothing. There
seemed but one way to make our re-
turn possible; it was to regain, if possi-
BILE, the position we had occupied in
Tantayuca. Immediately ordered a
retrograde; We turned and retraced our
steps,; Immediately there fell upon our
hanks and rear large bodies ofthe enc
my, at such distance, however, as to
make their efforts but slightly efficient.
At every opportunity to reach them,
our rear, commanded by Capt. Mace,
delivered their discharges ofmusketry,
generally most fatal TO our pursuers.
While ascending hill in the road,
about one mile from Tantayuca, very
spirited resistance was made by the
enemy stationed on the summit, but
they were soon driven forward and dis.
persed by as many of Capt. Wyse's
men as could be spared from the piece,
who were in the advance, acting as
light infantry. AT this critical moment,
the piece was made again 10 play a
very important part in the safety Of
our urretreat; for it had scarcely reached
the summit of this hill before the enc
my came rushing on our rear, driving
in the rear guard, pack-mules, and eve'
rything else in confusion around the
gun; but Capt. Wyse promptly unlm-
bered, sighted, and elevated his gun
himself; and when within short musket
shot, he touched her of, sending death
and confusion into the column Of the
advancing enemy; and. before they
could recover from this shock, he gave
them another well-aimed discharge Of
canister, which effectually prevented
further attack from the rear. In this
manner we advanced nine miles, back
10 Tantayuca-the whole ground be-
ing one continued fight. When arrlv-
ed at that town, we found an organized
force to oppose us. Capt. Seguine'
then in advance, was ordered to pre-
pare his men for charge; and Capt.
Wysc advancing his piece to favora-
bic position, discharged upon our oppos-
ers one OF our last charges Of canister,
and Immediately thereon the charge
was made. The enemy fled and dis
persed in all directions.
We gained the town, and immed-
atey crossed it to favorable mound
overlooking and entirely commanding
it. Thus, masters there, we had Iels-
ure TO rest and restore our condition TO
better capabilities for defence. Men
were detached to the stores in the
town, to procure powder and ball;
from which number of cartridges were
prepared, using champagne bottles half
filled with balls, and the remaining
space packed with earth--a substitute
for tin cylinders. Other munitions
were also inspected and equally dis
tributed. These preparations being
complete, we had nine or ten good
canister charges, and an average OF
nine musket cartridges perman. Dur
ing this afternoon | found the men
were coming to camp. some OF them
richly laden with spoiIs Of all all kinds
from the shops and private houses; and
although | had not authorized it, did
not regret so just retribution for the
and treacilery ofpeople, who,
after affecting kindness and hospitality |
as we left them in the morning, had
subsequently fallen upon us, 10 annihi-
late US, and had despoiled us of about
ninety mules, and all our private bag
gage and provisions. |
While here, we perceived the enemy
passing round US from all directions, and
moving to some point upon the road
by which we had ceme from Aselhua-