Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1847-04-27
large detachment Of lancers were equipped and

large detachment of lancers were equipped and
| mounted who had passed our left wing and out
f1snked US, drew up enlInr Ice, with
evident intention OF making demonstration on
the rear Of our forces. The Arkansas cavalry,
with probably some others, moved forward to OBJ
serve their movements. A large number of SOL
diers, some Of whom had been accii entaly sepa-
rated from their commands. and some others of
the rifle Companies who had been ordered To re-
treat from the ntfin side, wore in the vicinity
of the watering place near the Buena Vista Ran
ehD, near to which place the Ianeers were slowly
approaching.
| BY severe exertion, these men were rallied,
| formed and marched into a small Enclosure, sur
| rounded by mud brick wall about four feet
high. As the Arkansas cavalry moved forward
this large body Of lancers, probably six times the
number Of the cavalry, made descen: upon tho
cavalry, and were met by well directed FIRE;
but the Arkansas men were too few to Withstand
the shock, and they fired, retreated at full
speed past the place where we had collected our
scattered forces. AS they passed, holly pursued
by the LaDcers. our bows in the pen gave the
lancers most killing voley, which threw then,
into confusion, killed about 10 Of them. wound
ing many others. which enabled oar cavalry to
load again; and thus were the Lancers defeated
in their charges and compelled to pass to the
mountains for safety, instead of being permitted
to attack our wagon train and then fall back
upon our rear. After this charge and repulse,
the battle still ragged from every point with tre
mendous Jury. until the sun began to sink, and
Was near to the mountains top. when
our gallant forces driving the Mexicans into
They again rallied, but again put to
flight, and before tho shades of evening set in,
their fire han ceased, and they drew back their
forces on the road which they hal advanced.
At about twelve O'Clock at night, they silently
commenced general retreat, and retired to
Aqua Nueva, where they halted for the night
Here they remained during the Oath and 2oth,
and on the night ofnthe 18th had retrrated still
further in the direction of San Luis. Gen. Tay-
Tor sent an escort TO propose terms OF exchange
of prisoners, but Santa Anna was verv cross,
being discounted. On yesterday the Mexicans
sent for the exchange, and it was made, and l
understand stpulatons were entered into for the
release of Cassius NJ. Clay and his party.
Thus has closed Of the most desperate,
great and glorious battles on record either in
ancient or modern history; and victory to
American arms has been achieved as respe nde Mt
as any that ever gilded her pages. Gen. TAYLOR
with his usual eqnanirnity and and GOODNESS, com
manded the forces rs chief, and his presence was
an host IN itself inspiring confidence in every
breast that all that could be done would be DONE
ami that defeat would never disgrace us, how
ever great the disparity Of numbers. Gen. w DOL
was next in command, and most diligently and
valiantiy attended to every department Of the
engagement. lie is brave and competent Off
Ger, and merits the gratitude of his countrymen
for hrs services on this great occasion. Next
came Gen Joseph Lane, of the Indiana Brigade
He was on the field from the onset to the close
oil the action, and never did any man moro hero
icaIly devote himself to his duty The thickest
of the fight had terrors for him, for he
continually passing in all directions amidst n
shower OF bullets. He was however severely
wounded through the right arm, the ball passing
about midway between his shoulder and elbow,
through the centre of the arm, yet not breaking
the bone. Colonies Bowes, Lane. Haddcn and
McCarty were most CALAMITY employed, as were
Majors German ana Cravens. Major German,
who, as already stated first led the attack in the
mountains, is slightly wounded Every officer
of the Indiana Brigade sustained himself admi
". n rytl Ifai he ~
of the case, more conspicuous positions than
others, none failed to perform his part. The
soldiers deserve the highest commentator, for
no mah cuud he more of man in the field and
| each one fought though the great issue depen-
ded upon his individual efforts. If, in the press
ure of the fight forced to recede, let
Ii be remembered, that on similar occasions. tho
most renowned leCions have been ovprpowered
! and forced to retire from their position. This
one great battle has established for the young
State of Indiana reputation for patriotic devo
ton. chIvairons conduct and daring bravery
which VIII endure until the conclusion of time,
and the memory OF her gallant will be
sweet incense to her latest generations. Bnt she
mourns the loss of manv noble spirit, and her
/ JOY Will be tempered with tears of mourning. aud
the light smile of her countenance. shaded with
the Grape and pail This memorable battle ia
the more glorious as it CONNIE need the 22l Of
February. the birth day of the ilIustrious W ash
ington
/ The total loss Of the Indiana Brigade is as
follows:
Second Regi,nrnf-Killed 50; wounded Il;
missing 4-total lO7.
I Third Regiment-kilIed9 9; wounded 57-;otal
&c. In the two Regime nts, l13.
The loss of the enemy is estimated at from
to 6000, and some estimate il at near 1000 men.
Doubtless large item Of this amount is deserton
The immense masses Of killed and wounded on
the field besides III, taken away, is truly aston
ishing, and presented a shocking picture of blood
and carnage.
/ The men were carefully collected and buried
with the honors of war
will mention that Gen. Marshall. of Ken
tuckv has Just reinforced with two large 9
FOUNDERS, ~ FOUNDER, and howtZer, and
about 50 men. He arrived here on the morning
of the 24,h from Monterey. Had we had the
large guns they would have been of great service
on the Odd largest cannon only six
Founders, flying and light artillery.
Capt Kinder inhumanly murdered and
robbed (after he wounded and placed in A
wagon by the Mexican lancers. They took
from his pc rson S945 in gold. They lanced many
of our men who first fell wounded.
We still encamped upon the battle field.
where may stay until another fight. until
the enemy leaves us. Santa Anna still threat
us; but fear him but little, being deter
mined to fight TO the death rather than be
qnered. may write you again soon. You may
rely upon the statement: here given.
Your most obt ervant,
A. F. MORRISON. Major, Z. S. a.
His Exceliency, Gov. WHiFCoMs.
Oregon Emf SratiOn.