The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-05-08

ny my permission AdJutant II. walk
er, ed regiment Missouri mounted vol.
unteers, accompanied Capt. Burgwin.
Lieutenant Wilson, Isl dragons, also
volunteered his services as private in
Capt. ST Vrain's company.
Captain Burgwin, pushing forward,
discovered the enemy, TO the number
OF six or seven hundred. posted on the
sides Of the mountains, just where the
gorge becomes so contracted as scarce
ly to admit Of the passage OF three men
marching abreast.
The rapid slopes Of the mountains
rendered the enemy's position very
strong, and its strength was increased
by the dense masses of cedar and large
fragments OF rocks which every where
offered them shelter. The action was
commenced by Captain st. Vrain, who
dlsmounting his men, ascended the
mountain on the left, doing much exc
cutlon. Flanking parties were thrown
out on either side, commanded respec-
lively by Lieut.. White, % regiment
Missouri mounted volunteers, and by
Lieuts. McIlvaine and Taylor, lst dra-
goons. These parties ascended the
hills rapidly, and the enemy soon re-.
tired in the direction OF Embudo, bound
ing along the steep and rugged sides Of
the mountains with speed that deied
pursuit. The firing at the pass Of En-
budo had been heard at LA Joya, and
Capt. Slack, with twenty five mounted
men, had been Immediately despatched
thilher. He now arrived and rendered
excellent service by relieving Lieut..
White, whose men were much tatigued.
Lieutenants Mcllvaine and Taylor
were also recalled; and Lieut.. Ingalls,
was directed TO lead "a flanking party on
the right slope, while Captain Slack
performed the same duty on the left.
The enemy having by this time re-
treated beyond our reach, Capt. Burg
WIN marched through the de6Ie, and
debauching into the valley in which
Embudo is situated, recalled the flank
ing parties, and entered that town with
out opposition, several persons meeting
him with white flag.
Our loss in this action was one man
killed, and one severely wounded.
both belonging to Capt. St. Vran's
company. The loss of the enemy was
about twenty killed and sixty wounded.
Thus ended the battle Of the pass OF
Embudo.
On the 3oth, Capt. Burgwin marched
to Trampas, where he was directed to
await the arriva! of the main body,
which, on account of the artillery and
wagons. was forced to pursue more
southern route. On the 3lst reached
Trampas; and being joined by Captain
Burgwin, marched On 10 Chamisal with |
the whole command. On the lst of
February we reached the summit of
the Taos mountain, which was cover
ed with snow to the depth Of two feet;
and on the Cd, quartered at small vii
lage called Rio Chcito, in the entrance
of the valley of Taos. The marches
of the lst and Cd were through deep
snow. Many of the men were frost
bitten, and all were very much jaded
with the exertions necessary to travel
over unbeaten roads, being marched in
front of the artillery and wagons in
order to break the road through the
snow. The constancy and patience
with which the troops bore these hard
ships, deserve all commentator, and
cannot be excelled by the most veteran
soldiers. On the Sd, marched through
Don Fernando de Taos, and finding
that the enemy had fortified themselves
in the Pueblo de Taos, proceeded 10
that place. found 1t place of great
strength, being surrounded by adobe
walls and strong pickets. Within the
enclosure and near the nothern and
southern walls, arose two large build
lngs Of irregular pyramdal form to the
height of seven or eight stories. Each
Of these buildings was capable OF shell
terins five or six hundred men. Be-
sides these, there were many smaller
buildings, and the large church of the
town was situated in the northwestern
angle, a small passage being left be-
tween it and the outer wall. The ex-
terror wall and all the enclosed build.
ings were pierced for rifles. The town
was admirably calculated for defence.
every point of the exterior walls and
pickels being fanked by some project
ing building, as will be seen by the en-.
closed drawing.
After having reconnoitred the town,
! selected the western flank Of the
church as the point Of attack; and
about 2 o'clock. p. M, Lieut.. Dyer was
ordered to open his battery at the dis.