Arkansas intelligencer., 1847-04-24
COL. UARNEY'S DRAGON FIGHT.

Fayetteville, April 1th, 1917.
COL. IIARNl.Y'S DRAGON FIGHT.
The following account is taken from the Delta
ofthe 9th. with orhcr late intelligence from Vera
Cruz. Tho thousand admirers Of Col. Harney's
on this frontier, will bo highly gratilied but no,
disappointed by any means, at receiving so good
an account ofthe achievements of their old friend.
The Tcnnesseeans, under Col. Haskell have
shown that "bocd 'riH to' they performed an
important part, and won considerable distinction
in the affairs.
Information was received In camp this morn
ing that body Or MeXIcans were hanging on
rear intending to force the lines if possible.
and make their way into tho city with number
of cattle. Col. llarncv, with one hundred and
twenty dragons was ordered out in sea rch of
them. and report his observations. lie discover
cd them about two thousand in number entrcnch-
ed at a bridge and supported by two pieces of ar
ullery, three miles from Gen. Pattersou's head
quartars. Col. lInrncy started on his return, in
tending TO prepare properly and attack them the
next morning. But tho gallant Old solder know
ing that delays are dangerous could not bcar the
IDEA OF leaving the enemy after having come in
sight OF them, without having brush. Accord
'"c'N' ~ iSN"'h'" ~ 'IIS ''hNc, lOOh IL p'SllOl
whore he could watch their movements, and keep
his men secure from the cncmy's fire. The MeAi-
cans commenced firing at him. and threw a per.
feet shower of balls all around him, but without
injury. Col. Harnry then despatched messen-
ger to camp for small reinforcement. and some
artillery to break the breastworks. lie was re-
intGrced from Gen. Pat.erson's Division; by Lit.
Judi, with two pieces Of artillery abou, 60 dra-
goonS. di>mounted. and SIX companies of the lst
,nand of Co.. Haskell. acc ,mpanicd by General
Patterson in person. although he did not take the
command from Cot. lirrney, but merely parci
patcd as any other lndigit4al who was engaged.
Col IIarney then formed tic Tennesseeans on
the ght. his dragons the left. and advanced
slowly, to draw the fire of tho h,cXicans, until
Lieut. Judd got his artillery in such position as
he desired. The movement succeeded admira bly,
Lieut.. Judd got his ground within $50 yards Of
the Mrxicnns. and commenced fring--thev at
tempted tOreturn ii, but as soon slight breach
was made in the parapct, Col. llnrncy ordered
charge, which was answered By a veil from the /
Dragons and ICnnCS>ceans. Cot lIo oskcl, Can't.
ChratAnm aud Capt. Foster wcro the first men to
leap over the brcastwork and, "s naval officer
remarked. who witnessed the " hO!c affair, the |
bnInn"c went over 50 much Ike "a thousand Of
brick tHat there vas no tctting who was first or
last AS might have been expected, the Mryicans
wcrc unable To stand i char from 1.-THE bows who
stood Tie fire Of the Black Fort nt Mon.crcv." y
few Of the InCumbrnncns were soon thrown out of
the way, and CoI Iurnry. with his Drngoons
le lp"d the breast work and gave cinsc. lie had .
not prOrCcICd more lhtn mile before he found .
the enemy formed il line ready to receive him.
lie Immediately drployCd and from the head of
the line ordered n charge. When he approaC Chcd |
within about 20 yards Of the cncmy's line they
gave hIn fire from their sid rms bl. over shot.
Then came the test Of strength and skilI-thc
Dragon. with sword in Land. met the confiilng
Lancer, with pointed ance. ready to receive him.
The contest but for short tmc. In many
instances Iancrs were t"l-,eG from their cIenched
hod the MexcanS was unsadded and driven
hc,rr-skrItcr in every direction, and pursued by
the Dragons III drlachmcnts. Cot. llarncv and
several Of his officers met their men in single
combat. but none Of them received any inlury |
cXrcpt Lieut.. Nell, All lant Of the Regiment.
who was wounded severely in two places from
his magnanImlty. IN attempting 10 capture Mex
lean instead of killing him.
In this affair Coz. !iarncv had wounded and
| killed. Lieut.. Judd had one killed; aud the
Tennessceans had Mcssrs. Fox, Long, Woodlv v,
and one other Of Captain McCowns company.
whose name could not ascertain, woun led. Mr..
Young Texan Ranger, who was acting rs guide
was also wounded slightly. Nineteen Mcxicans
were found dcau al the bridge behind the breast
work. Col. llarrcy killed 30 and wounded about
tho number. Tho Mexican force near 1000;
Col. liarneys about 800.
Col. Haskell. Cnpts. Cheatham. Foster Snead,
Lieut.. Judd, and all the officers and men in the
command, are spoken of in the very highes,
terms by Col. llarney for their gallant conduct
throughout the whole affair.