The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-05-14


tsouniea-Gsn. Ii Vega again prisoner.
The steamship MeKim arrived at New
Orleans on the 2o.h ult. bringing news OF
the anticipated battle between Gen. SCOTS
forces and Santa.
On the afternoon OF the l7th, the al
vance under Gen. Twigg's encountered the
enemy, when severe but decisive con-
tict ensued. The main battle occurred on
the 18Th, and resulted in the complete TIT
umph OF the American arms.
Santa Anna made his escape after his ar
my was routed. Gen. La Vega is again
among the prisoners. Besides him there
were five Generals taken, and long list OF
Colonies and subordinate officers,
We subjoin the editorial correspondence
o! the New Orleans Picayune, giving de-
tailed account of the engagement.
PLx DEL RIO, April lis, r,M.
have Just returned from the scene OF
conflict, and bloody one it has been
considering the number engaged A hill
This side of the fatlherest Mexican work,
and on which there was no one seen last
evening, was found occupied by the ene-
my's light troops this morning, and TO force
it was al once deemed indisp ensabe. For
this purpose The Rifles under MAJOR Sum
ner, besides attachments Of artillery and
infantry, were ordered 10 charge up the
rugged ascent This they did in gallant
style, driving the Mexicans, after resis-
lance which may be put down as most OBJ.
stnale. Great numbers Of the enemy were
killed, while on our side the loss was also
severe. Maj. Sumner was shot in the head
by musket ball-severely but not mortal.
Iy. Lieuts. Mauary and GIBBS, Of the RI
lles, were also wounded, but not severely
as was also 1t. Jarvis Of the 2d Infantry.
Abou, o'clock, the enemy made dem.
Onstration from the fort on the neighboring
heigh, to the one our men had captured, a,
it with The intention OF retdkiug it; but i
all ended in marching down the hill, blow
ing most terrific charge on their trumpets
firing few shot and then retiring. Then
appearance, as they came down the slope
was certainly most imposing. The cannon
on the height meanwhile kept up contin
nous fire upon Gen. Twiggs' lines, yet do
ing little execution, other than cutting down
the trees and brush. As we re,urned t,
camp. the fire still continued-the enemy
had evidently ascertalned the position o
the road, which had ius! been cut, with &C
curacy, but their balls principally wen
over.
Gen. Shields, at o'clock, was ORDERED
ont 10 support Gen. Twiggs, with 3 regi
nents of volunteers--iwo from Illinois un
der Coils. Baker and Barnett. They vii
have warm work tomorrow, if the Mexi
cans stand up 10 the work as they did to
day.
There has no, been a lille skirmishin!
TO day bot" tho forage and beef parties
sen, on, in the rear, and the rancheros.
Tomorrow. the grand attack, both upol
the front and rear of the enemy, is to b.
made Gen. Worth is To move at sunrise
and little peace will the MeXicans have fol
one "a hours, at least.
APRiL Is, 4 o'clock. p w.
The Americans have achieved anoihe
glorious and most brilliant victory. Our
numbering Gen SCOTS force materially
and occupying positions which looked i'm
pregnable as Gibraltar, one after another o
their works have been taken to-day, fv,
generals, colonies enough TO command tel
such armies as ours, and other officers in
Vulnerable, have been taken prisoners, 10
ge,her with 6000, and the rest of their ar
my driven and routed with the loss Of eve
ry thing, ammunition, cannon, baggag,
train, aH Nothing but the possibility o
finding road for the Dragons to the rea
of the enemy's works saved any part o
Santa Annals grand army, including hi
own iluslrious person.
As i, is, his travelling coach, togethe
with all his papers, vauables, and even hi
Wooden leg, have fallen into our hands, to
geiher with all the money OF his army. N,
one anticipated, when they arose from thei
hard bivouac this morning, such a com
plete victory.
The loss on both sides has been very
heavy-how could i, have been otherwise
The rough and rocky road, cut through
rugged deiles and dense chapparal by on
troops. is now lined with our wounded
Gen. Shields was severely, and am Tear
ful, MORALLY wounded, while calamity lead
ing his brigade to storm one ofthe enemy
farlhest works. General Pillow was ais
wounded, although slightly, while storm
ing fertilization on this side commando
by La Vega.
At / O'Clock this afternoon Gen. Twiggs
whose division has thus far been in tn
hardest Of it, was pursuing the flying arll|
lery towards Jalapa. Pierson, who con-
handed the forts nearest Plan del Rio, ask
ed of Gen. Worth time to consider belor
he capiula,ed. DESTROYS to come 10 term,
Gen. Worth gave him fifteen minutes, an
he surrendered Internationally Had h
no, done so, the slaughter would have bee
terrible.
think that FIVE hundred will cover on
entire loss. No one, a, present, can est
mate the loss of the Mexcans they ar
scattered on the hills, in the roads, every
where.
What disnnsiiion Cen Scott is IN max