The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-05-25
THE MON.


concurrence OF MAJOR Mansfield moved rapidly to that
point, and my arrival met horseman who reported
the force to be the commanding general with has escort
The action had now commenced IN my rear, and coun-
lemarched and moved up To our lines Passing one IN
my route to instruct and finding an opening the ell
of Capt STEMS squadron. st dragoons came into acton
with marked effect of the enemy's infantry then
hoty pressing our front. Here remained and kept up
my fire until observed LETT flank turned, and the
enemy rapidly gaining our rear Being very closely press
ed with musketry IN front, and without adequate sup,
port retired some two or three hundred yards, and
changed the direction OF my fire TO the left to haT
ass the head OF the enemys column, and check his ad
vance upon our rear. An impossible avine prevented
my gaining his front In this position my guns were
arduously served for considerable time. Captain
sherman was in my S yey s ana s So e, ,ne
tive was fire that the enemys column was d.
vided and large portion OF retired, leaving those N
front, as hoped, totally cut oil Immediately hmoeied
TO the front and moved up i'll the direction OF the foot OF
the mountains Passing Colonel Hardin, with his Iegi-
of Illinois infantry requested his support, when
promptly given. Having advanced as far as deemed
prudent against heavy force as opposed me, came
into action, and again played upon the enemys infantry
and cavalry II was but short time, however, before
discovered light battery OF several guns had been adj
vanced by the enemy within canister range OF me and
in short time il opened with such effect that saw
my men and horses must all fall if maintained my po-
siion accordingly retired again beyond Their range,
and fired upon the force which had gained rear |
particularly indebted TO the amented Colonel tardm
for his able support under this heavy hre
NV ammunition, by this time, was exhausted from my
Timber boxes; old could not leave iheif
guns and my recruts-for the first time under ie-i
found unequal to the task of replenlshing my supply
therefore moved under cover in the ravne behind me,
and rapidly transferred my ammunition TO Inc forward
boxes Before completing H. loud NOISE and cloua OF
dust attracted my attention TO the depot ana uaih
moved off in that direction, without ORDERS at rapid
pace supposing the enemy had attacked that point and
my presence might be essential in maintaining It.
Finding when arrived that the attack had been made
and cavalry force which had turned LETT flank, ana
was still advancing. AT this time saw that Lieutenant
Kilburn had joined me with his gun He had been ac
lively and calamity engaged in my vicinity during the
greater part of the day but my close occupation caused
me to overlook him. Seeing that the force which had
turned gradually moving along the 1907 OF te
mountain towards Salho, and was only held In check
by Captain Sherman with gun, under the support Oh
the Mississippi remen, which he had darngly advanced
against at least 1900 of the enemy put my battery IN
motion towards them, and sought support IRON scattered
parties of mounted men in the vicinity OF The tiain.
About fifty followed me BY the time | arrived wthlh
range of the enemy-my movement being very slow,
owing to the faded condition of my horsesl noticed the
Mississippi regiment calamity led against force m
lnensely superior. Overwhelmed by numbers, IT was
forced a back am happy to believe t ns my hsd a hs
enemy check until Colonel Davis could gain poslton
and assume stand Under my fire the enemy retired
some hundred yards, and advanced the same DIS
lance, and again came into action. From this point
several times fell back, and often advanced legu-
lang my movements by those OF the enemy, my sup
port being weak and uncertain. The effect OF my ire
was very apparent, frequently throwing whole CO. umns
into disorder Whilst thus engaged General W DOL came
up and, at my request ordered our cavalry then some
distance to my left, to TO my support al once
approached within canister range, and te confident
should infct loss upon the enemy from which he could
not possibly recover a white fag, however, rapidly
passed me, and ceased my fire. The enemy seized the
opportunity awaited themselves OF the protection OF our
flag. and drew off beyond the range of our guns.
As they retiring by the very route they had adj
vanced, | feared they would avail themselves OF oui
weakness at that point and the attack regardless
of our flag accordingly reversed my battery and urged
my horses to their utmost They were SO exhausted
! how that, ot he
them by both whip and spur Several deep ravnes had
TO be passed by circuous routes before could reach my
desired position; and, as feared before could posslo
get there, awful roar OF musketry commenced
Knowing the Importance of my presence, lett some Of
my heaviest carriages casson and pushed on with such
as could most rapidly Having gained point from
which my guns could be used put them in battery and
loaded with canister Now for the first tmc felt the
imminent peril in which stood Our infantry was
routed advanced artillery captured, and the enemy
in heavy force coming upon us at run Feeling tna'
the day depended upon the successful stand OF our arl-
lery appealed to the commanding, general, who was
near, for support None TO be had and, under ms
instructions to maintain position al every hazard
returned my battery, encouraged my men, and, when
the enemy arrived within good range, poured forth the
canister rapidly my guns could be loaded. AT the
first discharge observed the enemy faer, and IN shor
he in full retreat very heavy loss must have
been sustained by him. however, before he got beyond
range. My guns were now advanced several hun
with battery OF heavier calibre than our ownthe same
from which our left flank had been driven in the fore;
i
continued my fire until convinced that nothing could be
effected-the enemy holding elnnence from which we
could not disodge him without sacrifice which might
compromise the of the day. accordingly with
drew from then ire.
Thus closed my severe labors for the day. except few
scattered shot fired different parties OF the enemy passing
within range | had expended about $50 rounds OF
ammunition for each gun
About sunset withdrew my battery into the ravine in
of line, and took position for the night from
which could readily move to any assaabe point Here
remaned-oficers and the alert, and horses in
harness. AT daylight the next morning the rear guard OF
the enemy in full retreat and minute eXanl-
nation of the field showed the awful destruction TO his
ranks which could scarcely realize before but which
now fully accounted for his movement
Captain w II. Shower, my lst lieutenant, having been
detached with of my guns for the defence OF Saltlo
must refer to his report for full account OF the opera
tons of that portion OF my company His department
there when viewed in connexon with his former disin-
gulshed conduct than OCCASION, and his long
and arduous services since the commencement OF the
warhe being the only officer with my battery who orgl
nally accompanied it to the fed-dcserve, and hope
will receive, the special notice of the commanding gene
raj.
OF Lieut. Kilburn, whose GOODNESS, efficiency, and gal
lantry under my particular notice, cannot speak
in terms complimentary than he deserves His
invaluable 10 me- whether IN the camp, the
march, in action feel that it is unnecessary for me
lief that they have fully sustained the distinguished repu
taton the company has enjoyed since IT first encountered
the enemy on the field of Palo Alto.
II is of regret that just at this critical time,
should have had many recruits but partially instructed
By it, the accuracy and rapdity of my fire both Inn
its proper direction to encourage inspire, and instruct
them The want of full complement OF officers to my
company also seriously felt
! am, sir very respectfully, your obedent servant,