The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1848-05-17
EXTRAORDINARY MARCH AND
BRILLIANT VICTORY.
TIE BATTLE OF SANTA CRUZ DE RosALE:

AT last we have the full details of this I'M
portant and brilliant, victory, achieved by our
arms in the State Of Chihuahua, from re-
Liable source. Mr. Collins, bearer OF dis
patches from Brig. Gen. Price, arrived IN
town last evening. from chihuahua. Uaa. Sal
tillo and Camargo. He is on his way TO
Washington, having with him Gen. Pr'ce's
official report of the battle lately fought by
a portion of the army Of the North, at Santa
Cruz de Rosalcs, 90 leagues from Chlhua-
hua. We gather from Mr. Collins the 'ol-
lowing particulars of that action:
Gen. Price being at FL Paso. and learning
that Don Angel Trlas, Governor OF Duran
90, was at chihuahua, with a considerable
force. endeavoring to inclte the Mcxlcans to
attack the Americans determined to make a
forced march upon Chihuahua, and surprise
the town. He according ly left Ell faso on
the lsl March, with 700 men, and made The
march in the extraordinary short space ol
seven davs, the distance being 300 miles
As SOON as Gen. Price arrived before
chihuahua, and was preparing TO attack the
place. Gov. Tras got alarmed and retreat
ed out of town, with his whole force. Lcav'
ing small force to occupy Chihuahua, Ocn'
Price started in pursuit OF Trlas, and follow
ed him ND to the well built and deicnsIbe
town of Santa Cruz dc Rosales. On de-
manding the surrender of the place, he was
Informed by Governor Trias that he could
NOT enter the town, as treaty OF peace, or
aru,istice. had been agreed upon between
tho JJntcd States and Mexico. Negotiations
then ensued, Gen. Price consenllng to walt
four davs for the return Of a special messen-
ger who had been despatched to the CITY OF
Mexico. for a copy of the alleged treaty, or
arms ice. lie was induced to grant THIS
de!ay in order to bring up some oil his troops
which he had left behind, as the town pre-
scnled a very formidable appearance being
we'll defended with cannon, and large DO
DIV of troops. On the 7lh day OF the nego'
tlalions, The express messenger not having
returned and Gen. Price beng reinforced
with more troops and artillery, he began his
preparations to attack the town.
Early on the eighth day after his arrival at
Santa Cruz, the cannonading commenced,
and was kept up on both sides Tor so'netI!ne
very briskly. At l2ofthat day, Gen. Price
arranged his forces to storm the place, when
rumor reached him that force oil 800 Ian
GERS were about to attack him IN The rear,
which caused MIN to draw off his forces to
protect his wagons. The rcpor, turning out
untrue the General again advanced against
The town IN three divisions, commanded sew
crally bv Coils. Bocs and Lane, and MAJOR
Walker. who assaulted at three different
points. The town, like all Mexican towns
being wei! adapted for defence, the streets
being graded by cannon and the turrcts OF
the houses covered with the enemy, was able
to make quite vigorous resistance. But It
was vain against the indomitablc courage and
energy of our brave western boys, who push
ed on regardless of the constant hre OF the
cnemy's artillery, and having entered the
town reverted TO the plan of operations so
successfully employed at Monterey, OF cut
into and throug h the houses, driving the en-
emy from the tops In this way our troops
finally succeeded in cooping the enemyup in
the public Plaza, where they were completely
surrounded, and after short resistance, sur
rendered at discretion. Among the prison.
ers were Gov. Trlas and the other official
dignitaries, and forty-two officers. Four
teen fine brass pieces, four wall guns. and a
large quantity of small arms were captured
and ablut one hundred Mexcans were killed
in the action. The loss Of the Americans
was FIVE killed I'd twenty wounded-two o
whom died afterwards.
The prisoners were all released excep,
the Governor and State officers, Gen. Price
the next day after the battle returned to
Chihuahua leaving Col. BolIs with six com
panies in charge Of Santa Cruz de Rosals