The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-06-16
COMMUNICATIONS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE UNION.
BuENA VISTA, Mexico, May 10, IS

NAV have an extensive circulation There appears be
disposition with many to do injustice to Indiana. Even
the official reports of Generals Taylor and Wool am
informed, made out under erroneous Impressions OF the
facts, do some injustice to the I'd Indiana regiment
Since the BATTLE court of inquiry has, in legal and
judicial manner, ascertaned many important facts that
neither OF the commanding generals was IN possession
OF when the official reports were made
This communication you may rely upon containing
nothing but the facts, know them myself to have
transpired. All that Indiana claims, Justice As
Of her citizens ask that this letter may be published in
your widely -crculated and truly democratic paper.
BuENA VISTA, MEXICO, May 10, ls47.
From the comments of the press, the letters
that have been written and published the many false and
ridiculous statements uttered by different persons
dry places concerning the battle at this place the 22d
and 23d February last and more particularly in conse-
quence OF the statements invented and crcu
lated in reference 10 the Indiana brigade conneXon
with that memorable day, feel myself constrained, in
discharge OF imperous duty TO give to the public sue
cinct account OF facts which may enable every candid
reader to arrive at correct conclusions and that the public
mind may be disabused OF studied and systematic al
tempt at Misrepresentation and detractoH.
The disposition of the troops TO have been
hded TO Gen. Wool, and were posted in the following
order-vz The cd regiment of Indiana volunteers com
manded by Col. Bowles with three pieces of artillery
under Capt OBrien, were posted on the extreme left.
The Sd regiment OF Indiana volunteers, commanded by
Col Lane, occupied height in of Washington bat
terry the lst Illinois regiment commanded by Col Har
din, stationed on high hill near, and short dis
lance to the left and front of the same battery the I'd
Kentucky, volunteers, under Col. Mckee, were on the
22d posted on the right OF deep ravine, at distance OF
half mile the right of the battery, but the MORN
ing of the 23d ordered TO the avlne and
took position near Col. Hardin, and to his left The I'd
regiment Illinois volunteers, under Col. Bisse were
posted further TO the LETT and the and TO the right at
distance OF about half mile from where the I'd Indiana
regiment were paced-whch regiment, as before remark
ed occupied the extreme left of the field the base OF
the mountain The four rifle companies OF my command,
under Major German, We're, at early dawn of day, order
ed to move up the side OF the mountain to engage the
enemy, some three thousand strong who endeayor
ing to cross the points OF the mountain, and to turn our
lett flank, These rlfemen were directed to check their
advance, if possible. Three rifle companies of the I'd l
nos regiment, and three companies OF Col Marshalls
mounted regiment, dismounted and sent up the
mountain TO the assistance of Major German, who had
now been for SOME time holly engaged with the enemy
The contest the mountain brow ragged with fury for
about the space OF three hours, when was informed by
Col Churchill that the enemy in great force were ad-
vancng under cover of deep ravne about four hun
dred yards in my 'front.' and to the right. Immediately
put my small command in motion to meet them II should
be borne in mind that my whole force the eight bat
talon companies OF the Cd Indiana regiment and Capt
OBens battery OF three gunsn ALL about four hundred
men, On arriving on narrow ridge, between two deep
and rugged ravines, found the Mexican Infantry, from
four TO SIX thousand song supported by body OF Ian
GERS; the infantry were coming up out OF the ravne on
my left and forming in beautiful order the ridge,
leaving the lancers in the ravne; Immediately directed
Capt OBen to halt his battery, and get ready for the
fray The column was halted when the first company
up WITH and the left of the battery and formed
and continued in front, as the companies were forming
into line, and was much delighted to the officers and
men move forward in good order Coonessa and courage
depicted every countenance. By the time that
half the companies in line, and while was yet in
'front.' the MeXicans opened their fire from their entire
line. In moment, the left companies were in line.
passed to the and the fire returned with prompt
ness and good effect Thus commenced the battle on
the plain of Buena Vista The distance between the
tine and my W wa , about one sn
menced. the enemy opened tremendous fire from
their battery OF three heavy guns posted my left,
and little to the rear, which nearly enhlated my line
In this the battle continued to rage for TWEEN
ty-fve minutes, the firing being very both
sides-the lines of the Mexican infantry presenting
break and fall back several times but their successive
formations the ridge enabled them at to force
the men back to their POSITION and keep them steady.
then formed the determination to take position the
enemy with the hope of routing and driving them from
that part OF the field and for the purpose of placing the
line out OF the range of the enemys guns, which had
succeeded In getting the range as to be doing some
execution nearly every fire For that purpose sent my
aid to direct Captain OBren advance his battery
nifty or sixty yards to the 'front.' and 10 return to me to
assist in passing order TO the line to advance to the
same point. He went with the battery TO its advanced
position was at that moment near the left of my line.
Before my aid returned to me, was much surprised
my line begin TO give way the right, and contnu
to give way to the extreme left not knowing at that
time that Colonel Bowes had given order to retreat;
and ii several days after the battle land not until af
ter had made my official reporD before satisfied
that the regiment had reeaed in obedience to order
given by Colonel Bowes. This order not obeyed
until it had been twice repeated, has since been
proven in court of inquiry appointed TO inquire into the
conduct OF the colonel Lieutenant Colonel Haddon and
twelve other good witnesses have testified to his having
twice thrice given the order before the line broke
unwilling were they TO abandon their position The
I'd regiment occupied important poson--it the
key that part of the eld-and unsupported by
| any other troops.
An evidence of their being in very hot place is, that
about ninety of them were killed and wounded before
they retreated. They had stood mly doing their duty
| ,,.nn had,
charged twenty rounds OF cartridges at the enemy,
killing and woundng some five hundred of them; and
have hesitation in saying that If 1t had not been for
that unnecessary unauthorized, and cowardy order to
retreat, they would not have left their position.
hesitate not TO express my belief, that if my order to
vanced position, intended, would have driven the
enemy from the ridge.
Although the retired in confusion, the most
of them ralledsay to the number of two hun
ded and fty-and they continued to fight like veterans
throughout the day Lieutenant Robinson my aid de
camp) and Lieutenant Colonel Haddon were very active
in allyng the Major Cravens ordered to pro-
had gone in that direction which promptly done.
Captains Davis, Kimball, McRea, Briggs, Lieutenant
Spicely, then in command OF his company in
quence OF the fall of the gallant and lamented Kinder,
Lieutenants Sharks, Hoggatt, Burwel, Lewis Foster,
Benael, Kunkle, Lowdermlk, Roach, Rice, and Zenor,
with the most OF the company officers, also very
active in ralying their men. Captain Sanderson and
Leutenan Davis, Hogan, and Cayce land several other
oicers) were wounded and had to leave the field also
Captain Dennis; who had fought like hero, with gun
hand until he found himself unable, from fatigue and
indspositon, TO remain longer on the field.
Paymaser Major Dix, having arrived on the field at
this moment, was very active in assisting to rally
4 IL r II