The Arkansas banner., 1847-04-14

 Our regiment was ordered 10 retreat across a deep ravine, at the approach of the Mexican lancers, who greatly out-numbered our whole mounted force; and, but Tor the dismounting of some of our boys, and running 10 the up- per end of the deep gutter, and firing upon and killing quite number oi the advance, which turned them for a short time, they would have cut of the retreat of OUT men, and of course, slain the whole of them But they soon returned along the base of the mountain, under cover of the Mexican inlan- try, whose numbers were all the time in- creasing, and formed on our Jeff, resdy for charge on us. We were again ordered to retreat toward a number of old buildings, where we again formed in iron: of them, with two companies of Kentucky cavalry, and, in few moments, came the charge from the lancers, in numbers at least four to one of us.
 All the command were ordered to reserve their fire until they came within 20 yards of us. Their man9uvring was grand--splend- idly uniformed and we'll mounted. About one third of them, on coming close to us, turned their horses to flank us on the right The firing commenced chiefly upon them but in an inslanL they had fanked us on the left, and most bloody conflict ensued. We were in among them SO thick that 1t was al- most impossible to shoot without eldanger- ing our own men. We were all in run, a. full speed, and, as turned in my saddle to shoot one who was trying 10 plunge his lance into me, my weapon snapped, and, with scream, he plunged it obliquely into my left shoulder--but he was killed before he got the second thrust, by one of my own brave boys-G. w. Nicholas. Not losing the use of my bridle arm, instantly cooked my pistol, and shot one close on my left, giving him a ball and three buck shot in the body l received another thrust, which struck my sabre belt, and saved me bled great deal, but did not quit my horse until they were all gone There was a number killed on both sides, but they suffered most. Cot. cit feft fireraify covered with wounds, and will be brought home. He and Capt. Porter, of Independence, were the most aw- ful sights 1 have ever seen--their faces be- ing literally cut 10 pieces with fhe lance and sabre. would enter into full detail did not suppose you would have it in print by the time you receive this. Many of the bravest spirits that ever lived have gone.- The killed on our side is about 200, and the wounded about 300 There are in the church where am, about 900, and the balance in other large buildings in ihe place. Our men fought so we'll that the enemy was forced 10 retreat by an hour by sun. They report, am told, 2000 killed. If so, they can report 5000 wounded. They have permission to- day to bury their dead, and il is believed that Santa Anna will resume the fight tomorrow. If he does, It will, in my opinion be his last, for we have as many effective men now as we had on the 23rd, having been reinforced from Monterey, and. with them, two guns, weighing each 3270 lbs.
 It IS now after dark, and, from all we can learn the Mexicans will not renew the attack at present.
 dFThe following are extracts from several letters received in town by the last mail, from members of the ''Guards;n
 ''TowN OF SALTILLo, MEXICO,
 .Narch lsl lS47.
 Dear Sir-We have, at last, heard the Elephants below, The battle commenced on the'22d Feb, and lasted until the night of the 23d The first day, our squadron was not there--being Jeff in town, to guard that place. But, on the second day, we saw the grand scene III all its spendor. Our com pany %ith the exception of none, stood braveiy, while the cannon balls were play ing over us, and through onr ranks; but, an glad to say, we have not lost man, and had only two slightly wounded Sullivan, the painter, and Johnson. But the balance of our reg't. were not so fortunate Col YELL, Capt. PORTER, and JoHN PELHAM, were among the dead, and, also, our neigh Dor, TnoMAs ROLAND, jr. Col. HARDIN, of the Illinois reg't, was also killed. Old San la Anna had 2l,000 men on the day of the fight, which Gen. Taylor opposed with only 1000 men. Our killed and wounded are about 700 men.