The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-10-04
HEADQUARTERS 9TH REGIMENT INFANTRY,
Rattle -Geld near Mexicn ODD AuMusl. Isl


GENERAL have the honor 10 report that IN compll7
ance with your orders, advanced with my regiment and
battalion of the 18th infantry, under the command OF
Lieut. Col Bonham, support the battery of Capt Nc
Gruder and Lieut. Calender acting against the enemys
position at ---. The guns of the enemy were ADM
raby servedshes grape, and round shot were actually
showered upon my command | advanced however in
front of batteries and took position the valley OF
the - advancing across the rapid stream some 200
yards in front OF the enemys guns, where remained
until about 10 O'Clock at night when received your
orders to return TO the base OF the hill, about two
miles in the rear We had just returned and biyouacked
mander in chief, through Brigader General Twlggs to
lead my command and the battalion OF the 18th, under
Wood, and two companies OF the ID infantry under the
tention until combined attack should be made by the
main army upon his TANKS and rear.
arrived at the position indicated about daybreak, and
the enemy again opened heavy fire upon us, which was
continued and returned until by the attacks before men
toned he actually routed and we formed IN the pur-
suit taking several prisoners Having pursued the enc
my with other troops to the main road which leads to
Mexico from the village of -, received your orders
to remain with my regiment and the howitzer battery,
under the command OF Lieut. Keno, and hold that posi-
firing in front heard. received your order TO ad
vance and join the brigade. Your ADJ Gen. Wnshp d.
rected our ranks to the command My regiment, with
the howzer battery, although separated by long inter
val from the main command, overlook the rear OF Gen
Sheldss brigade before they had reached position,
when line formed near hacienda on the lett OF
the road from San Antonio to Mex co. my command be-
ing the right We were hardly formed before large
body of ancers opened heavy fire upon our lett flank,
which, with the fire in 'front.' caused temporary
confusion in our ranks Order was, however, restored
speedily, by the activity of Brig Gen Shields and the
South Carolina regiment and my with the battalion
of the 18th infantry under the command of Capt Wood,
which had acted eectually with my regiment since the
10th, promptly formed-the former advancing to-
wards the road to Mexico, and my command upon the
lancers who had attacked my flank We advanced rap
idly upon the enemy, loading and firing in quick success
son when he gave way and fled in every direction, and
joined the general pursuit towards the gates of the
city.
| have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the
bravery and good conduct both of officers and men Of my
command, well the battalion of the 18th infantry
acting with us. All have done well but cannot in
justice omit to mention particularly worthy OF common
dation the names of several officers to whose bravery
and skill | owe much; Captains Bodfsh, Thompson,
Kmball, and Wood; my Adutant 1st Lieut.. Charles }.
Sprague, and lst Leuts. Bowers, Jackson and Socum
the latter OF the 10Th nantry I'd Lieus Newman Palmer,
and Perce-the two former beng severely wounded
would also ask your particular notice OF Acting I'd Lieut.
McNab, as well as the sergeant major Fairbanks.
should do great injustice not to mention the gallant
bearing of Lieuts Calender and Reno, and the effective
service of the howzer battery, which was frequently
under my command. Among the non-commissoned
officers and privaes of my regiment there were many in
stances of personal bravery and heroism which will not
30 unrewarded, to which shall hereafter take great
pleasure in calling your attention, and recommending
them for promotion