Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-04-03
THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.

addluon to intelligence hitherto
of the public respecting the battle of Buena Vista
enhance the glory of that sanguinary action As is
known of il, is thought of As achievement of
stands preeminen amongst feas chvary as an
illustration of military Skill places the gallant commander of
the American forces amongst the great captains known in
fame We have listened the recital Of the incidents which
occurred during the days fighting without knowing which
most applaud the courage and consistency Of the soldiers
the professional wisdom Of Gen. Taylor What change has
been wrought in the public mind within the few days
The best that hoped of the little army in Coahuia was
that had cut its way Monterey where might rest in
comparative security But instead of pursuing this course
Gen. Taylor awaited the approach Of Santa Anna over
whelmed his vast army with unparalleled slaughter Not
inch of territory has been retrieved by the enemy and now
there snone oppose the progress the dec-
ton of San Luis Potos.
1t may have been a rash determination in
Gen. Taylor give battle with such unequal numbers So
seemed when he encountered the enemy Palo Alto at
Resaca and at Monterey but results the merit OF mill
ta operations and luck four successive
victories ii we may take the opinions Of military
guide in forming opinion in the premises few generals
would have hazarded the action Buena VISTA as few would
have fought the battle of Resaca
As have before stated, the fighting on the 22d of Feb
ruaan unfortunate day upon which to attack an American
armywas confined principally cannonadng and skirmsh-
ing with light troops The bloody business done on the
3d. which opened by attack from side under the
direction OF Gen. Wool portion Of the advance sha-
ken by overwhelming numbers but supported by General
Taylor who brought forward the reserve and decided the day
by ressess charge. What is here said in few words re-
CURED day 10 consummute, and recital of the Incidents
and manGuves which ended tumphanty would demand
many columns for space An eyewitnessone who was near
Gen. Tayos person all the time with the exception of those
intervals during which he carrying his orders over the
hed-infoms us that not man, with the exception above
noticed OF the American lines wavered for instant whilst
facing the most CALLING fire and receiving the repeated charges
Of the enemy, which, is candor say were conducted
with spirit and address.
As instance Of the desperation with which both armies
fought, Mr.. Crittenden, who acted Gen. Taylors aid
throughout the fight when asked whether the Mexcans had
taken three pieces Of ordnance from us Santa Anna re-
ported replied in the affirmative and said that the guns were
not till every at them shot down and every
horse killed them and, moreover that in bearing them
off the Mexcans suffered loss Of hundred men,
They nered mady between the retreatng guns and our
men seeking 10 regain Them These guns a part of
Capt Washngtons battery, under the command of Lieut.
OBien. Lieut.. OBJ. wounded before his guns were
taken, and when reporting his loss Gen. Taylor
plmened for his bravery. 1t fault of his. Captain
Washington in another part of the field and sustained
himself with great GOODNESS and intelligence did Captains
Bragg and Sherman, with their respective baeesin all
but fourteen guns.
may be here proper explain the circumstances upon
which report founded that Gen. Taylor had sent Santa
Anna flag Of truce during the action. II occurred that
body Of Mexican infantry, about thousand strong had
become detached from Santa Annals army and being
moved down with terrible slaughter General Taylor sent
Mr. Crtenden with ag say to them that il they would
surrender he would stop killing them. When Mr.. Cttenden
amongst them he taken by them to Santa Anna with
his eyes blndfoded This he demonstrated against without
effect When he brought to Santa Anna he asked
his mission. He told him he had message for him that
he ask detached force surrender to save
the euson Of blood and his Grand unsuccessful ne
demanded to be back bis General II was then that
Santa Anna requested him tell General Taylor that he
would surrender he would be protected and well cared for
Mr. Crcnden replied that he had no commission to speak
with him Sana Anna) upon that any other natter but it
to send any such message, General Taylor
nerr surendered.--[ Picayune.
FRoM TIE CHrnoKEE CouSInr.-The Advocate of March
chronicles three homcdes by murderer one to pre-