Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-04-17
NO. g..

| AT sunrise, on the 22d of February,
the battle began in earnest. The Mex
leans were drawn out in immense
numbers. The dark columns Of in
fantry extended as far as the eye could
reach, and the cavalry seemed 10 COW
or the whole view with their inter-
minable lines. AT intervals between
the infantry and cavalry, their big
guns, strongly protected by large
artillery force, kept up an inccssant
cannonade against our lines. Their
forces ware soon in motion. Our ar
tillery was soon in motion to meet
them, protected by the Volunteers
Gen. Wool led the main body in per-.
son, and was seen everywhere, rally
ling and encouraging the volunteers
The two armies were soon engaged in
hot conflict The broken nature Of
the ground divided the forces, so that
instead OF one general engagement, the
regiments were compelled in a great
measure to fight on their own hook
Our officers were always in advance,
leading their troops-hence the great
mortality among them. In this gen.r.
al melee one Of our small regiments Of
400 men, would be attacked by a
whole Mexican brigade Of several
thousands. Thus the Kentucky regi-
ment was attacked a, the foot Of hill,
in deep ravine, by an immense
force Of the enemy. A large number
of the officers were killed here--a-
mong them was Col. Mckee, who fell
badly wounded, and was Immediately
despatched by the enemy, who pierced
him through with bayoncts as he lay
on the ground. Lieut.. Col. Clay was
shot through the thigh, and being una
BILE to walk was taken up aud carried
some distance by some Of his men. but
owing TO the steepncss Of the hill, ,ae
men finding the enemy in great num-
bcrs pressing on them, the gallant
Lieut.. Colonel begged them TO leave
him and take care Of themselves
Forced TO leave him on the field. the
last that was seen of This noble young
officer, he was laying on his back,
fighting with his sword the enemy
who were stabbing him with their
bayonets. The veteran Capt, w. 5.
Wallis, of the same regiment, at tho
head of his company, with three stall
wart sons who fought at his side, was
badly wounded, but still continued to
flight, till he was overcome with blood.
! In the meantime The Indiana brigade
who were drawn out and ordered 10
charge the enemy, were seized with a
panic, and displayed some hesitation.
Assistant Adjuiant General Lincoln
rushed TO their front, and while up
braiding them for t,.eir cowardicc, was
shot, several balls passing through his
body. In justice 10 this brigade. it
should be stated, that they subsequrnt-
lily rallied and fully redeemed their
reputation by the most gallant and eff
fcctive fighting.
! Col. Hardin led the IIlinoians in
very handsome style, and the sturdy
E''suckcrs" fought ll,elions. Their in-
trepid Colonel fell wounded, and ex-
perienced The fate Of Coils Mckee and
Clay, and was killed by the enemy
not, however, before he had killed ono
Of the cowardly miscreanis with pis-
toll, which he fired whilst lying on the
ground. a
| Col. Yell led, the foremost man, a
charge of bis mounted volunteers a
gainst large body Of lancers, and was
killed by lance, which entered his
mouth and tore off one side ofhis face.
! The Mississippians, the heroes of
Monterey, after doing hard duty 40
skirnishers, were ordered into the line
to receive a charge Of cavalry, which
they did with their rifles. delivering at
the same time deadly fire among the
crowded columns Of cavalry. The
enemy were completely repulscd. The
distinguished commander Of this GAL
liant regiment, Col. Jefferson Davis.
was badly wounded, an escopcttc ball
having entered his foot and passed out
OF his leg. lie was, however doing
well when last heard from. The
chivalrous Col. M'CIung was prevent
cd from doing his share of the bravo
deeds Of this brilliant fight, by the
grevious wound received at the battle
Of Monterey, which still confines him
to his bed, and fom which it is much
feared by his best friends he will new
er recover.
Col. Humphrey Marshall's splendid
regiment OF Kentucky cavalry were
impatient for an onnnrfnnifx az sho,,.