Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-04-29

night severely cold, the troops were compelled
for the most 10 bIvouack without 6res expecting that
morning would renew the conflict. During the night
the wounded were removed Saltilo, and every
again attack position. Seven fresh companies
were drawn from the town, and Brigader General
Marshall, who had made forced march from the
Rnconada, with a reinforcement Of Kentucky cavalry
and four heavy guns, under Captain Prentiss, LIST
artillery, at hand, when it was discovered
that the enemy had abandoned his position during
the night Our scouts ascertained thct he had
fallen back upon Aqua Nueva. The great disparity
of numbers, and the exhaustion of troops, rem
dered IT inexpedien and hazardous to attempt pursuit
staff officer despatched to General Santa Anna
10 negotiate an exchange Of prisoners, which was
satisfactorily completed on the following day. Our
dead collected and buried, aud the Mexican
wounded, Of which large number had been left
upon the field, were removed Saltillo and rendered
as comfortable as circumstances would permit.
On the evening of the 18th, close reconnaissance
was made of the enemy's position, which was found
to be occupied only by a small body of cavalry, the
infantry and artillery having retreaied in the direc-
ton of San Luis Potosi. On the 9th our troops
resumed their former camp at Aqua Nueva, the
my's rear guard eyacuatlng the place as we ap-
preached. leaving considerable number of wounded
1t was my purpose break up his quarters Encar
nacon early the next morning, but upon examination,
the weak condition Of the cavalry horses rendered it
unadvisable to attempt long march without
water. A command was finally despatched to Encar-
nacion, on the LIST of March, under Colonel Belknap
Some two hundred wounded and about sixty Mexi-
soldiers found there, the army having passed
ON in the direction of Matehuaa, with greatly re-
duced numbers, and suffering much from hunger
The dead and dying we're strewed upon the road and
crowded the buildings of the hacienda.
The American force engaged In the action of
Buena Vista is shown, by the accompanying field
report, 10 have been 334 officers and 425 men,
elusive Of the small ommand left in and near Saltlo.
or this number, two squadrons of cavalry, and three
batteries of light artillery, making not more than
453 men, composed the only force of regular troops.
The strength of the Mexican army is stated by Gen.
Santa Anna in his summons, to be 10000; and that
estimate is confirmed by oil the information since
obtained. Our loss is PCT killed, 456 wounded and
% missing. OF the numerous wounded, many did
not require removal to the hospital, and is hoped
that comparatively small number will be permanent
ly disabled. The Mexican loss in killed and wounded
may be fairly estimated at 1900, and will probably
reach 1000. At least 500 of their killed left
upon the field of battle We have no means OF
ascertaining the number Of deserters and dispersed
men from their ranks, but it is known TO be very
great
Our loss has been especially severe in officers twen-
ty-e ght having been killed upon the field. We have
to lament the death of Capt George Lincoln, assist
ant adjutant general, serving on the staff of Gen.
Wool young officer of high bearing and approved
Il Z
more heavily upon the army in the field than that of
Coils. Hardin and Mckee, and Lieut. COL Clay. Pos
sessng in q remarkable degree the confidence of their
commands, and the last two having enjoyed the ad-
vantage OF military education, had looked partic-
ulary them for support in case we the enemy.
need not say that their zeal in engaging tie enemy,
and the cool and steadfast courage with which they
maintained their positions during the day fully real
lied my hopes and caused me feel yet sensi-
bly, their untimely loss.
! perform grateful duty in bringing to the notice
of the government the general good conduct of the
troops. Exposed for successive nights without fires
to the severity of the weather. they prompt
and cheerful in the discharge of every duty, and final
ly displayed conspicuous steadiness and galantry in
repulsing at great odds disciplined foe. While the
brilliant achieved by their arms releases me
from the painful necessity Of specifying many cases
of bad conduct before the enemy, feel increased
obligation 10 mention particular corps and officers
whose skill, cooness and galantry in trying situa-
tons and under continued and heavy fire, seem to
merit particular notice.
To Brigadier General Wool my obligations es-
pecially due. The high state of discipline and in
struction of several Of the volunteer regiments was
attained under his command, and his vigilance and
arduous services before the action, and his gallanty
and activity the field, large share of
may justly be attributed. During most of the engage
ment he was In immediate command of the troops
thrown back on our left flank. beg leave to recon-
Brigader General Lane, Slightly wounded)
tive and jealous throughout .be day, and displayed
great GOODNESS and gallantry before the enemy.
The services of the light artillery, always conspic-
uous were more than usually distinguished. Moving
rapidly over the toughest ground, it always in
action at the right place and the right tme and Its
welldirected fire dealt destruction in the masses of
the enemy While | recommend to particular favor
the gallant conduct and valuable services of Major
Munroe, chief of artillery, and Captains Washington
4ih artillery, and Sherman and Bragg, Sd artillery
commanding batteries, deem it no more than just to
mention all the subalern officers. They were nearly
all detached at different times, and in every situation
exhibited conspicuous skill and gallantry. Captain
O'Brien, Leutenants Brent, Whiting, and Couch, 4h
artillery, and Bryan Typographical engineers Slight
ly wounded were attached to Captain Washingon's
battery. Leutenants Thomas, Reynolds, and French,
Sd artillery, Severely wounded) TO that OF Captain
Sherman; and Captain Shower and Lieut.. Kiburn, Sd
artillery, TO that of Captain Bragg. Captain Slower,
in conjunction with Lieut. Donaldson, 1st artillery,
rendered gallant and important service In repulsng
the cavalry of General Mfi)n The regular cavalry,
under Lieut.. Col. May, with which associated
Captain Pixies squadron of Arkansas horse, rendered
useful service in holding the enemy in check and in
covering the batteries at several points. Captain
Seen, 1st Dragons. severely wounded early in
the day, while CALAMITY enJeavoring, with my au-
thory, to rally the troops which falling to the
rear.
The Mississippi rifemen, under Col. Davis, were
highly conspicuous for their gaantry and steadness,
and sustained throughout the engagement the reputa
ton of veteran troops. Brought into action against
an immensely superior force they maintained them
selves for long time unsupported and with heavy
loss and held important part of the field until REIN
forced. COL Davis, though severely wounded, remain
ed in the saddle until the close of the action HIS
distinguished GOODNESS and galantry at the head Of his
regiment this day entitle him the particular
4, of Ia Ind.