The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-06-01


ment as stated IN the beginning OF tins report ihey haq
been threatened during the day bya strong detachment OF
the enemys cavalry had performed all the duues wch
belonged TO their position, will be seen by e accom-
panyng statement of Capt Rogers, IN manner creda-
BILE TO themselves and their regiments but they were as
appointed, because they had not been WIN US III the pa
tie of the day and were grated at the order TO afc
upon NIGHT service and probably to dangerous post
Every prt of the battle having been fought under the
eye OF the commanding general me anu a a H.
ner OF any service was our fortune 10 render VIII De
best estimated by him But IN view OF my own respon-
sbiity il may be permitted me to say IN relation TO ouI
first attack upon the enemy that considered the neces,
sy absolute and immediate. No one could have failed
to perceive the hazard. The enemy, in greatly dlspro
portonate numbers, rapidly advancing We saw NO
friendly troops coming to support and probably none
except myself expected reinforcement Under such cir
cums,ances the cheerfuly ardenty entered into the
conflict; and though We lost, in that single engagement
than thirty killed and forty wounded, the regiment
fatered nor moved except as 1t was ordered Had
the expected reinforcement arrived, could have pre-
vented the enemys cavalry from passing to our rear re-
suits decisive might have been obned and part
of our loss have been avoided.
To enumerae the instances of galantry and good con-
duct which witnessed, would exceed the limits proper
to this communication, and yet could not fan 10 omit
very many which occurred. will therefore attempt no
other discrimination than TO make an exception OF the
two prvates who were reported as missing ana VINO
have since been returned by the enemy taken prisoners
without wound; and upon all others, both officers and
men, have the pleasure to confer my unqualified com
mendaton.
| To Major Bradford offer my thanks for the prompt
and credtabe manner which he executed all the orders
gave him. and would especially refer to the delicate
duty assigned him of restoring order among the files of
another regiment when rendered unsteady by the fire OF
the enemys artillery
Adjutant Griffith rendered me important aid well in
his appropriate duties, by the intelligence and courage
with which he reconnoitred the enemy, and gave me
valuable information.
must also notice the good conduct Of Sergeant Major
Miller, and Quartemaster Sergeant White, OF the regi-
mental staff.
First Lieutenant Mott acting assistant commissary of
subsistence, joined his company Captain laylors) and
performed good service throughout the day.
Second Lieutenant Slade acting assistant quarermaser,
who left in charge of his train at our encampment,
il has been reported to me that when the enemys cavalry
threatened encampmen he formed his transfers and
others into party, mounted them wagon horses, and
joined Lieutenant Shower, of the artillery, in his brilliant
sore, by which the enemy was driven from his position
on our line OF communication.
Captain Sharp's company .'A," and Captain Delays
company "F," having been on detached service" when
the battle of Monterey was fought seemed anxious on
this occasion to bring up any in which they might
be supposed to stand to the regiment They formed the
first division, and did their duty nobly.
Three of the companies were by unavoidable causes,
deprived of the presence of their captains this
sion, VIZ:
Company co. commanded by Lieutenant Cook, whose
gaany at the sorming of Monterey received my notice,
and whose good conduct on this occasion is worthy Of
the highest commentator.
Company 'sE," commanded by Lieut. Fletcher, who
showed himself equal to all the emergencies of that
eventfu day.
Company "H." commanded by Lieut. Moore, who so
CALAMITY led 1t on the 23d OF September in the stormng
ed my highest respect and entire confidence He fell in
our first engagement, and on most advanced position
The command of the company then devolyed upon Lieut.
Cendenin, Captain elec who continued to lead during
the battle.
Captain Taylor, of company g." was present with his
command throughout the day, and as on former occa-
sons, proved himself worthy to be the leader OF that gal
liant company
Captain Cooper, with his company 3D." upon the left
flank Of the regiment seized every opportunity which his
position gave him, and rendered distinguished service
Captain Downing joined his company :" G" on the 22d
at Buena Vista. He had heard at the Rinconada that
were about be attacked and though the road beset
by rancheros he FASTENED forward and took command
of his company in the morning In the first engagement
of the 23d this company was particularly distinguished
ciplne had warranted Second Lieutenant McNuty was
killed when leading portion OF the company TO the
charge First Lieutenant Greaves and Second Lieutenant
Hampton for their gallantry battle and uniform good
conduct, deserve the highest consideration.
There many instances of both officers and men,
who after being wounded remained upon the field, and
continued to discharge their duties until active operations
had ceased Such the with Captain Sharp
who though shot through both thighs, evinced great
reluctance to leaving the field, that he permitted to
remain and follow his company on horseback
Lieutenans Posey, and Corwnc, and Stockard were
wounded, but set the valuable example OF maintaining
their posts. Such, ALSO the conduct of Sergeants
Scott of company c, and Hollinssworth, OF company A
OF private Malone, OF company F and OF others whose
names have not been reported to me-
report would mention, as deserving especial considera
ton for their gaantry and general good conduct Lieu
tenants Calhoun and DILL and Arthur, and Harrison, and
Brown and Hughes,
1t may be proper for to notice the fact that earyin
the action Colonel Bowes, of Indiana, with a small par
ty from his regiment, which he stated all of his men
that he could rally joined u.s. and expressed wish to
serve with my command. He remained with through
out the day. and under all circumstances, displayed much
personal gaantTy.
Referring for the casualties in my regiment TO the list
which has been furnished,
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most
obedent servant, JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Colonel Mississippi Rifles.
Major w. w. S. BLISS,
Asst AdJt General.
MONTEREY, MEXICO, Feb. 90, lS47.
SIR have the honor to report that, obedience to
your orde left this place with the command designa-
ted at O'Clock, p m, the oath instant, to the relief
of Lieut. Col Irwin at Marin, about halfpas o'clock
on that evening. While en- route for, and about two
miles from that place, my advance guard fired by
the enemys picket from the front and right flank i'm
mediatey felt my TANKS by discharge from each piece
of artillery, followed by volley of musketry from my
right and left, (Capts Trpett and Kearns companies)
which had wheeled outwards from line of battle and
proceeded on without further interruption and reported
myself and command to Lieut.. Col Irwin at Marin,
who found had been fighting the enemy but short
time previous.
regret to say, that Sergeant Onslow, Zone of four
whom had sent to communicate with Col lrvin0 was
slightly wounded by one of his picket-g guard