The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-20
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT PERorE,
DID,. Aa4Dlo.


SIR On the evening of the 18th instant learning that
General Rea was in command of consd erabe force of
the enemy at AtliXco about ten leagues from this place
ordered movement for the next morning at o'clock
My force consisted of the 18th Ohio and It'll Indiana reg
ments, Major Lallys and Captain Hentzemans batta
ions, Col Wynkoop's battalion of four companies lst
Pennsy wanna volunteers, Captain Taylors and Lieut.
Prats batteries OF light artillery, and squadron OF dra
goons, commanded by Captain Ford Sd Dragons About
o'clock p. m, when Santa Isabella, seven leagues
covered halt was ordered until the cavalry (Which
had previously been detached to examine hacenda)
should arrive The enemy, with his accustomed bravado,
came to the foot OF the hill small parties, firing their
escopetas and waving their lances On the arrival Of
the cavalry forward movement was made BY the col
umn large deep ravine appearing on the left OF the
ordered to flank it, Major Lay with his battalion lead
ing the advance. Our column had scarcely commenced
its movement, when signs of confusion were visible
among the enemy In consequence OF which, the cav
airy was ordered to charge, follow them up and engage
them until the infantry could arrive. Lieut. Pratt with
his battery was ordered to follow in of the Dragons
at galop. Had this movement been performed, the
whole force would have been ours But by order
from Major Lally Lieut. Pratt taken from the place
assigned him by me, and in consequence detained until
greater portion of the column had passed them owing
the nature of the ground it impossible for his bat
terry TO proceed with apdity
The cavalry pursued the retreating enemy for about
mile ana half, skirmishing with them On arriving at
small hill, they made stand and fought severely until
our infantry appeared, when they took flight Our arti
lery fired few shots came up but without
erect retreat liey
at long range The Dragons were again ordered to to
low and keep them engaged. After running fight OF
about four miles, and when within mile and half Of
Atlixco, the whole body of the enemy discovered
on side hill covered with chapparal, forming hedges,
behind which they had posted themselves Our cavalry
dashed among them, cutting them down in great num-
bers. So thick was the chappara, that the dragons
were ordered to dismount and fight them on foot. A
most bloody conflict ensued fatal to the enemy Our in
fanty for the last six miles had been sanng themselves
to the utmost to overtake the enemy pressing forward
most arduousy, notwithstanding the forced march Of
sixteen miles since II o'clock. Owing to the nature Of
the road, almost entirely destroyed by gues, the arl-
ery could only advance at walk. AS as the in
fantry again appeared in sight the enemy again retreated
So horses, Uhe having been broiI
ing hot all dayD that they could pursue the enemy no
further The column was pressed forward as rapidly
possible towards the town but night had already shut
in, giving us, however, the advantage of fine moon
light AS approached, several shots were fired at
and decmng it unsafe to risk street fight in n
known town at night ordered the artillery to be posted
hill near to the town and overlooking II, and open its
fire. Now ensued one of the most beautiful sights con
cevabe. Every gun was served with the utmost ra-
pdy and the crash of the walls and the roofs of the
houses when struck by shot and she'll mingled
with the of artillery The bright light Of the
moon enabled to direct shots TO the most thickly
populated parts OF the town.
After firing three quarters of an hour, and the firing
from the town having ceased, ordered Major Lay and
Col. Brough to advance cautiously with their commands
into the town. On entering, | waited upon by the
ayuntamiento, desiring that their town might be spared
After searching the next morning for arms and ammun
ton and dlsposng OF what was found commenced my
return.
Gen. Rea had two pieces of artillery; but as he
aware Of our approach he ordered them with haste
10 Maamoras, small town eleven leagues beyond The
enemy their loss in this action to be 2l9 killed
and 800 wounded. On part, we had man killed
and one wounded Scarcely ever has more rapid forced
march been made than this, and productive of better
suits Atlixco has been the headquarters OF gueras in
this section of country and of late the of govern
ment Of this State From hence all expeditions have been
fitted out against troops. SO much terror has been
impressed upon them, at thus having brought TO their
own homes. that am inclined to believe they will give
us more trouble.
The cavalry under Capt Ford deserves my very wamest
thanks The service performed by them of most
arduous and dang character and nobly did they
tain themselves To Capt Lewis, Lieuts Waters and
the notice Of the department for their gaantry Also
Lieut. Martin, Sd dragons, commanding for the time
Capt Ford's company, behaved in handsome manner.
To the commanders OF regiments and battaons, to Capt.
Taylor "a artillery and Lieut. Pratt, 81 artillery,
handing batteries of light artillery am under great in
deb,einess To Lieut.. Sears, "a artillery, acting A. A.
g. for his promptness and efficiency throughout the day
carrying my ORDERS also my highest thanks due
Lieut. Douglas, Ohio regiment, (my add Lieut. Hender
SON. Louisiana regiment, Lieut. Grooms, Ohio regiment,
and Lieut. Mcdonald, assistant quartermaster deserve
my thanks for efficient service during the day To my
secretary, Mr A. Phelps, my thanks due To Docts.
Reynolds, Newton, and Lamar must tender my thanks
On my return, when at Cholula learning that two
pieces of artillery had Just been finished al Guexocingo
determined to proceed thher, and took with me por-
ton of Col. Brough's and Wynkoops regiments and a
part of Capt Henzlemans battalion, and Capt Taylors