Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-05-06

the left, and were supported by the "a lndi-
ana regiment. An occasional shell was
thrown by the enemy into this part of our
line, but without effect. The skirmshing
of the light troops was kept up with trifling
loss on our part until dark, when | became
convinced that no serious attack would be
made before the morning, and returned with
the Mississippi regiment and squadron of I'd
Dragons to Saltillo. The troops bivouack-
cd without fires and laid upon their arms
A body of cavalry, some | 800 strong, had
been visible all day in rear ofthe town, hav-
ing entered 'llo valley through narrow pass
east of the city. This cavalry, commanded
by Gen. Minon had evidently been thrown in
our rear to break up and harrass our retreat,
and perhaps make some attempt against the
town, if practicable The city was occupi-
ed by four excellent companies of Illinois
volunteers under Major Warren of the LIST
regiment. A tield-work, which commanded
most of the approaches, was garrisoned by
Capt. Webster's company, LIST artillery, and
armed with two 24-pound howitzers, while
the train and headquarter camp was guard
ed by two companies Mississippi riflemen
under Capt. Rogers, and fed-piece com
manded by Capt. Shower, I'd artillery. Hav-
ing made these dispositions for the protec-
ton of the rear, | proceeded on the MORN
ing the Odd to Buena Vista, ordering for
ward all the other available troops. The
action had commenced before my arrival on
the field
During the evening and night of the 22d,
the enemy had thrown body oflight troops
on the mountain side, with the purpose of
outf1anking our left; and it was here that
the action of the Odd commenced at an ear
ly hour. Our rihemen, under Colonel Mar
shall, who had been reinforced by three COM
panes under Major Trail I'd Illinois volun-
teers maintained their ground handsomely
against a greatly superior force, holding
themselves under cover, and using their wea-
pons with deadly effect. About 3 o'clock
a strong demonstration was made against
the centre of our position, heavy column
moving along the road. This force was
soon dispersed by few rapid and well di-
rected shots from Captain Washingtons bat
terry. In the meantime the enemy was con-
centrating large force of infantry and cav
airy under cover of the ridges, with the OBJ
vious intention of forcing our left, which
was posted on an extensive plateau The Cd
Indiana and I'd Illinois regiments formed
this part of our line, the former covering
three pieces of light artillery, under the Or
ders of Captain Intercollegiate Gener-
eral Lane being in the immediate command
In order to bring his men within effective
range General Lane ordered the artillery
and I'd Indiana regiment forward. The ar
tillery advanced within musket range of a
heavy body of Mexican Infantry, and was
served against it with great effect, but with
out being able to check its advance. The
infantry ordered to its support had fallen
back in disorder, being exposed, as well as
the battery, not only to severe fire of small
arms from the front, but also to a murderous
cross fire of grape and canister from Mex
lean battery on the left. Captain O'Brien
found it impossible to retain his position
without support, but was only able to with
draw two of his pieces, all the horses and
cannoneers of the third piece being killed
or disabled The Cd Indiana regiment,
which had fallen back as stated, could not
be rallied, and took no further part in the
action, except handful of men, who, I'M
der its gallant Colonel, Bowles, joined the
Mississippi regiment, and did good service,
and those fugitives who, at later period in
the day. assisted in defending the train and
depot at Buena Vista. This portion of our
lines having given way, and the enemy APP
pearing in overwhelming force against our
left flank, the light troops which had render
ed such good service on the mountain, were
compelled to withdraw, which they did, for
the most part, in good order. Many, how
ever, were not rallied until they reached the
To ba Hafa Of Ivbs cb
they afterwards contributed.
Colonel Bissels regiment I'D Illinois,
which had been joined by a section of Cap
tain Sherman's battery, had become com
pletely out1anked and was compelled to fal
back, being entirely unsupported. The en-
envy was now pouring masses of infantry
and cavalry along the base of the mountain
on our left, and was gaining our rear il
great force. At this moment / arrived up
on the field. The Mississippi regiment hac
been directed to the left before reaching the
position, and Immediately came into actor
against the Mexican infantry which hao
turned our flank. The I'd Kentucky regi
ment and section of artillery under Capt
Bragg, had previously been ordered from thu
right to reinforce our left, and arrived at
most opportune moment That regiment
and portion of the LIST Illinois, under Col
Hardin, gallantly drove the enemy, and re
covered portion ofthe ground we had lost
The batteries of Capts. Sherman and Bragg
were in position on the plateau, and dit
much execution, not only in front, but par
ticularly upon the masses which had gain
ed our rear. Discovering that the enem,
was heavily pressing upon the Mississippi
regiment, the Sd Indiana regiment, unde
Col, Lane, was despatched to strengthen
that part of our line, which formed crotch
ct perpendicular to the first line of battle
AT the same time Lieut.. Klburn, with piec
of Capt. Bragg's battery, was directed t
support the infantry there engaged. Th
action was for a long time warmly sustaine
at that pont-the enemy making several al
tempts both with infantry and cavalry q
gainst our line, and being always repulse
with heavy loss. | had placed all the regu
lar cavalry and Capt Pixies squadron of Al
kansas horse under the orders of Breve
Lieut.. Col. May, with directions to hold i
check the enemys column, still advancin
to the rear along the base Of the mountain
which was done in conjunction with tn
Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry under Co
onels Marshall and Yell. In the mean tim
our left, which was still strongly threatene