The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-05-18
OFFICIAL.
We lay before readers the dispatches which were
received by last evenings mail by the War Department
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY

| Jalapa, April 30, ls47
| SIR In forwarding the reports of commanders which
detail the operations OF their several corps against the
Mexican lines at Cerro Gordo, shall present in contn
uaon OF my former report, but outline of the affair."
and while adopting heartily their commentators OF the
ardor and efficiency of Individuals shall mention by
name only those who figure prominently or, from posi-
ton could moi be included in those sub-repors.
The field sketch herewith, indicates the positions OF the
two armies. The terra caiente, OF low level terminates
at Plan del RIO, the site of the American camp, from
| which the road ascends Immediately in a long circuit
among lofty hills whose commanding points had all been
fortified and garrsoned by the enemy. His right en-
enched, rested precipice oyerhangng an impassa-
BILE ravne that forms the bed of the stream and his
renchmens extended continuously to the road, which
was placed formidable battery. On the other side the
lofty and difficult height of Cerro Gordo commanded the
approaches in all directions. The main body of the
Mexican army was 'encamped ON level ground with
battery of five pieces, hall mile in of that height
towards Jaapa.
Resolving if possible TO turn the eaemys left and at
tack in rear while menacing or engaging his front,
caused dy reconnossances 70 DC pushed with the view
of finding route for force to debouch the Jalapa
road and cut OIL retreat.
The reconnaissance begun by Lieut.. Beauregard,
continued by Capt Lee, engineers and road made along
difficult slopes and chasmsout of the enemy's view
though reached by his fire when discovered-unti, ar
irving at the Mexican lines further reconnaissance be-
came impossible without an action The desired point
OF debouchure the Jaapa road not therefore reach
ed though believed to be within easy distance; and to
gain that point it became necessary carry the
height of Cerro Gordo The dispositions in my plan of
accordingly made.
Twiggs's division, reinforced by Sheldss brigade of
volunteers, was thrown into position on the l7th and
was OF necessity, drawn into action in taking the ground
for its byouac and the opposing height for heavy bat
terry. II will be that many OF officers and men
were killed wounded in this sharp combat-handsome-
Bvt First Lieut. Gardner who is highly praised BY all
his commanders for signal services Col Harvey coming
up with the rifle regiment and first arley (aso parts OF
his brgade) brushed away the enemy and occupied the
| a nj
one 24-pounder and two 2i-pound howzers under the
superintendent of Capt Lee, engineers and Lieut. Hagner
ordnance. These guns opened next morning. and were
served with effect BY Capt Sepoe and Lieut. Brown Sd
artillery, Lieut. Hagner, Ordinance, and Lieut. Seymour,
LIST artillery.
The night with extreme toll and difficulty under
| the superintendent OF Lieut. Tower, engineers, and
Lieut. Ladley. ordnance, S-inch howitZer was put in
position across the river and opposite TO the enemys
right battery detachment OF four companies under
Major Burnham, New York volunteers, performed this
credtabe service, which enabled Lieut. Ripley I'd artil
ler, in charge of the piece to open timely fire in that
quarter
! Early the 18th the columns moved to the general
attack and our success speedy and decisive. Pill
lows brigade, assaultng the right of the entertainments
although compelled to retire. had the effect have hereto
vital point OF Cerro Gordo, pierced the CENTRE gained
command of all the entertainments, and them off from
support As infantry Colonel Reys brigade) push
ed on against the main body of the enemy the guns OF
their fort rapidly turned to play that force
(under the immediate command of General Santa Anna,)
who fled in confusion; Shelds's brigade, bravely
sauhng the left carried the battery Give guns) on
the Jalapa road and aided materially in completing the
rout of the enemy.
The part taken by the remainder of our forces held
in reserve to support and pursue has already been
ticed.
The moment the fate of the day was decided the caval-
ry and Tayor's. and Wallis field batteries were pushed
towards Jaapa in advance of the pursuing columns of
inantry-Twiggss division and the brigade of Shields,
(now under Colonel Baker)and Major General Patter
sent to take command of them In the hot pur-
suit many Mexicans were captured or slain before our
men and horses were exhausted by the heat and dis
lance.
The rou proves have been completethe retreating
army except a small body Of cavalry, being dispersed
and utterly disorganized The immediate consequences
have been possession of this important city, the aban
donment OF the works and artillery La Hoya, the
formidable pass between Vera Cruz and the capital, and
the prompt occupation by Woths division of the fortress
of Peroc, tsecond only 10 San Juan de Uloa with its
extensive armament of sxtysx guns and mortars, and
its large supplies OF mdef1a To General Woh's report,
annexed, refer for details.
have heretofore eneavored TO do justice to the skill
and courage with which the attack the height of Cerro
Gordo directed and executed naming the regiments
most distinguished, and their commanders under the lead
of Colonel Harvey Lieutenant G. w Smith led the en-
gneer company part OF the stormng force, and
ticed with distinction.
| The reports of this assault make favorable men
ton of many in which can well concur having wit
messed the daring advance and perfect stcadness of the
whole. Beside those already named, Lieut. Brooks, ID
infantry Lieut. Macdonald, % Dragons, Lieut. vandon,
ls artillery, and Leut Gardner 18th infantry seem TO
have won especial praise,
Colonel Rleys brigade and Talcotts rocket and howit-
ger battery were engaged on and about the heights and
bore an active part.
The brigade so CALAMITY led by General Shields, and
after his fall by Colonel Baker, deserves high common
daton for its fine behavior and success Colonies Fore
man and Burnett, and Major Harris commanded the regi-
ments; Lieut. Hammond, Sd artillery, and Lieut. Davis,
Illinois volunteers constituted the brigade staff These
operations hid from my view by intervening hills were
not fully known when my first report hastily writ
| ten.
Brigader General Twiggs who was in the immediate
command of all the advanced forces, has earned high
credit by hisjudgment, spirit, and energy,
! The conduct of Colonies Campbell, HASKELL and
ade is reported in terms of strong appreciation by
Major General Patterson. | recommend for commits
Quartemaster Sergeant Henry, of the 18th infantry
(aready known to the army for ntrepty on former oc
casions) who hauled down the national standard of the
Mexican fort.
In expressing my Indebtedness for able assistance to
Lieut. Col. Hitchcock, acting inspector general to Ma
jors Smith and Turnbul, the respective chiefs of engi
neers and typographical engineersto their assistants
lLieutenans Mason, Beauregard, Stevens, Tower c. w
Smith, Mcclellan, engineers and Leuenants Derby and
Hardcastle Typographical engneerso Capt Allen chief
quartemaster and Lieut. Blair, chief commssary-and
to Leuenants Hagner and Laidey ordnanceall actively
employed mpelled to make special mention of the
services of Capt. r. +. Lee, engineers. This officer
greatly distinguished at the siege of Vera Cruz was
again interchangeable during these operations in recon-
nossances as daring aborious, and of the utmost
value Nor was he less conspicuous planting batteries
havy fire of the enemy.
| Nv, I