Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-04-29
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
General Taylor's detailed report Of the
Battle Of Buena Vista.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF OcCUPATIoN,
Aqua Nneva. March 9. 1917

Battle Of Buena Vista.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OCCUPATION,
Aqua Nueva, March 9, l847.
SIR: have the honor to submit detailed report
of the operations If the forces under my command
which resulted in the engagement of Buena VISTA the
repulse Of the Mexican army and the reoccupaton Of
this position.
Tic Information which reached me of the advance
and concentration Of heavy Mexican force in my
front, had assumed such probable FORM induce
special examination far beyond the reach of pick
fets to ascertain its correctness small party of
Texan spies, under Major McCulloch, despatched to
the Hacienda of Ercarnacon, 30 miles from this. on
the route TO San Luis Potos, had reported cavalry
force of unknown strength at that place. On the 2Oh
ut February strong reconnaissance under Lieut. COL
May was despa-rhcd to the Hacienda of Heclionda,
while Major McCuoch made another examination at
Encarnacion The results Of these expeditions left
doubt that the enemy was in large force at Encarna-
cion under the orders Of Gen. Santa Anna and that he
mcrated a forward movement and attack upon our
position.
As the camp of Aqua Nueva could be turned on
either flank, and the enemys force greatly SUI
perior 10 own, particularly in the arm of cavalry
determined, after much consideration TO take up
position about eleven miles in rear, and there await
the attack. The army broke up its camp and march,
ed at noon the Dist, encamping at the position
little in front of the Hacienda of Buena Vista.
With small force proceeded to SaltIllo to make
town, leaving Brig Gen. Wool in the immediate
command of the troops.
Before those arrangements were completed on the
morning of the 22d, was advised that the enemy
in sight, advancing. Upon reaching the ground it
found that his cavalry advance in our front,
having marched from Encarnaclon, as we haYe since
learned, at ii O'clock the previous day, and dri-
wing in mounted force left at Aqua Nueva to cover
the removal of public stores. Our troops were in DO.
sition occupying line of remarkable strength. The
road at this point becomes narrow deEle the valley
its right being rendered quite impractcabe for
llllery by system of deep and inpassable ghllies,
while on the left succession of rugged ridges and
PERCEPTIONS ravines extends far back towards the
mountain which bounds the valley. Tie features of
the ground were such nearly to paayzc the artll-
ery and cavalry OF the enemy, while his infantry
could not derive all the advantage of its numerical
periorlty. In this position we prepared to receive
him. Captain Washlngton's battery (4th artillery
was posted to command the road, while the LIST and
I'd Illinois regiments under Coils. Hardin and Bissell,
each eight companies Ito the latter of which was at
tached Capt. Corners company of Texas volunteers
and the I'd Kentucky under Col. Mckee, occupied the
crests of the ridges the left and in The Ar
kansas and Kentucky regiments of cavalry comma nd
ed by Coils. Yell and Fl. Marshall, occupied the ex-
IRENE left the base of the mountains while the
the Indiana brigade, under Brig. Gen. Lane (com-
posed of the I'd and Sd regiments under Coils. Bowles
and and Lane,) the Mississippi rihemen under Col.
|
der Capt Steen and Lieut.. Col. May, and the light
batteries of Capts Sherman and Bragg, Sd artillery
were held in reserve. AT ii O'Clock received from
General Santa Anna a summons to surrender at dis
erection, which, with copy of my reply, have al
ready transmitted. The enemy still forbore his at
tack, evidently waiting for the arrival of his rear col
umns which could be distinctly seen by our look-outs
they approached the field. A demonstration made
on his left caused me TO deach the I'd Kentucky regi
ment and section of artillery to our right in which
position they bivOuacked for the night In the mean
time the Mexican light troops had engaged ours on
the exteme left composed of parts of the Kentucky
and Arkansas cavalry dismounted and rifle batta-
lion from the Indiana brigade under Major German,
the whole commanded by COL Marshall and kept up
sharp fire, climbing the mountain side, and appar-
emily endcavoring to gain our flank. Three pieces
of Capt. Washingto1s battery had been detached to
the left and were supported by the I'd Indiana regi-
ment. An occasional shell was thrown by the ebemy
into this part of our line, but without effect. The
skirmisng of the light troops kept up with tri
fling loss on our part until dark, when became con-
WINGED that serious attack would be made before the
morning. and returned with the Mississippi regiment
and squadron of ID Dragons to Satllo. The troops
bvouacked without fires, and laid upon their arms
body of cavalry, 800 strong, had been vsi-
bic all day in rear Of the town, having entered the
valley through pass east of the city. This
cavalry, commanded by Gen. Minon, had evidently
been thrown back in to break up and harass
our retreat, and perhaps make attempt against
the town if practicable. The city was occupied by
four excellent companies of illinois volunteers under
Major Warren of the LIST regiment. A ield-work
which commanded most of the approaches, was garri-
soned by Capt. Websters company LIST artillery, and
armed with two 24pound howitzers, while the train
and headquarters camp guarded by two companies
Mississippi rlfemen under Capt Rogers, and field
piece commanded by Captain Shower, Sd artillery.
Having made these dispositions for the protection OF
fhop oIoI - e n
Buena Vista ordering forward all the other available
troops. The action had commenced before my arrival
on the field.
During the evening and night of the 22d the enemy
had thrown body of light troops ON the mountain
side. with the purpose Of ouanking our left; and il
here that the action of the 2d commenced at an
early hour. Our rfemen under COL Marshall, whoh
been reinforced by three companies under Msjor
Trail ID Illinois volunteers. maintained their ground
handsomely against greatly superior force, holding
themselves under cover and using their wea pons with
deadly effect. About o'clock a strong demonstra-
tion wac made against the centre Of our position,
heavy column moving along the road. This forcs
was soon dispersed by few rapid and we-directed
shots frm Capt. Washington's battery In the mean-
time the enemy concentrating large force Of
infantry and cavalry under of the ridges. with
the obvious intention Of forcing our left which was
posted ON extensive plateau. The ID Indiana and
I'd Illinois regiments formed this part of line, the
former covering three pieces Of light artillery, under
the orders Of Capt. O'Bren-Brigadier General Lane
being in the immediate command In order bring
his men within effective range, Gen. Lane ordered
the artillery and I'd Indiana regiment forward. The
artillery advanced wrhin musket range of a heavy
body Of Mexican infantry, and was served against il
with greet effect, hut without being able check its
advance. The infhntry ordered to its support had
fallen back IN disorder being exposed, - wen a the