The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1847-10-23

ChnpultepeS and within six pound range Of
the guns Of the fort. On The west side Of the
buildings, and the breastworks around them, is
alarge open plain, gradually descending tOthe
position occupied by the Mexicans-a deep "a
vine %inclines round this plain, or open space,
until it arrives within about two hundred yards
Of the building upon which rested the enemy's
hank-two "a Founders, belonging to Captain
Huger's siege train, were placed in position to
batter down the breastworks and buildings, if
they were found to, be occupied BY a heavy
force-but they did not FIRE but a very few
shots, before Gen. Worth advanced his infantry
down the plain, and attacked the enemy's
works in the front and centre. The Mexicans
opened upon them a most murderer us FIRE from
the point attacked, and both their TANKS, which
moved down our troops like grass before the
scythe. Many Of the hest officers Of the d.
vision were cut down, and the heavy loss in
the ranks caused the advance to waverfora
moment, until the supporting force came up,
which also sustained a severe loss. A column
OF l%ancers, numbering A TO 5000, which were
stationed on the enemy's right, perceiving the
effect Of this deadly fire on our infantry, came
charging down, in the hope Of being able to
take advantage Of circumstances, and put our
troops to rout-but they were soon checked in
their onward career. Col. Duncan brought
two pieces Of his battery to bear upon them,
and Capt. Drum, with the two re-captured
Buena Vista pieces, also opened his fire on
them--while at the same moment, Mai. Sum
ner, with two ~squadrons Of dragons, and
Capt. Rufus company Of mounted rifles, which,
until then, had been held in reserve, passed
down under the fire from the enemy's works,
and charged the head Of their column, which
they could not stand for moment, and COM
menced q confused and precipitous retreat
After that, they rallied twice, and attempted to
return, but at each time our little handful Of
dragons made them leave without exchange
ing cards. While the cavalry and the infantry,
rallying, succeeded in carrying the buildings
and breast.works which the enemy held, and
compelled them to retreat--capturing seven
pieces of artillery, a large quantity Of ammu-
milton, small arms, &c, and about GOO prison.
ers. AS soon as they were driven from the
buildings, Capt. Drum and Col. Duncan adj
vanced their light batteries, and Lieut.. Stone
brought forward one Of the 24-pounders, the
whole Of which opened a most destructive fire
upon them, as they r~etTeated across a low plain
to the rear Of the position they at first occupied
Our loss was very heavy, and | regret to say,
that some Of the very best officers Of our army
fell killed and wounded, while the Mexican
loss was very slight, until they commenced
their retreat. While the cavalry were passing
IN front of the enemy, in order to charge the
column Of l%ancers, they were not under the fire
more than ten seconds, and during that time
they sustained o. loss Of six officers wounded,
thlrty-two %prlvatos killed and wounded, and a
loss of i65 horses. There were but two Off
GERS that did not have their horses shot under
them@~but there is one thing very remarkable,
that the horses from which the riders had been
shot, wheeled and moved with the same regu-
larity as though they had been mounted, until
they came to halt from the charge, when they
all kept on in q body in direction of the enemy.
We were deceived in reference to the cha
racter Of tie buildings, as there was no foun-
dry, or even a semblance Of one-and after
blowing up some Of the buildings, and bring
ing off our killed and wounded, we evacuated
the place, as the occupation Of II would give
US no advantage. Our loss was 800 killed
wounded and missing.
The result Of this engagement taught us ont
lesson, which was, that the Mexicans use theil
arms well, and fight we'll, when they are in
position; and although the superiority of oul
arms, and the vOlor Of the troops will eventu.
ally triumph, yet still we must call into requisi
ton oil our military science and skill, or, We
purchase our victories at too dear a price.
Col. Riley was now advanced from San An
gel This former camp to Ell Piedad, in order il
make a diversion, and hold the entrance 10 III,
Piedad and San Antonio. Gen. Pillows divi
sion moved up to within supporting distance
and thus rested our army until the 18th, with,
out any thing Of moment occurring.
On the 18th a column Of cavalry sailed GU
f from the fort on the San Antonio load, eithe
for the purpose Of threatening our position 0
r taking Capt. Mogruder's battery, which wa
9 stationed with the picket within about 8Ol
$ yards Of their fort, though in a great measur,
: covered from the range of their guns. AS sool
4, as they got their column moved out into a plac,
9 Tree from all distractions, Capt. Magrude
opened two pieces upon them with shot an,
shell, which passed through them with grea
destruction, and they took to their heels, an,
? got back to the fort as quick as possible, Tn
fort opened " guns on the battery, but with
! out further effect than killing one man Of til,
18th Infantry,
: About shutdown Gen, Twiggs, with the bal
e ance Of the division, arrived at Piedad and Ger