Evansville weekly journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 184?-18??, 1848-04-13

of them continued their flight to Satillo
Lieut.. OBrien, being unsupported by any infantry,
and not being able to make head against the heavy
column bearing down upon him with destructive
fire, fell back on the centre, leaving of his pieces
at which all the cannoneers and horses were either
killed disabled, in the hands of the enemy Seeing
themselves cut OF from the centre by the flight Of the
I'd Indiana regiment, and the consequen advance
of the Mexican infantry and cavalry upon the ground
previously occupied by it. the rifenen under the COM
mand OF Col Marshall retreated from their position
IN the mountain, where they had been so successful
ly engaged with the enemy, to the other side of the
dry bed oa deep and broad torrent that is immediate
" in rear of our position Here many fled in disor-
der to the rear Some Of them were subsequently raj
lied and brought again into action, with their brave
companions Others stopped at the hacienda OF
Buena Vista and there reformed by their officers"
These facts are not denied by any one having
a regard for truth. In mitigation, it is alledg-
ed that Col. BowLEs ordered a retreat. This
is no doubt true, and yet it does not alter
the statement Of facts as given by the above
officers.
Now, Notwithstanding this unfortunate &C.
currence, we believe the men composing that
those composing any other regiment engaged in
that bloody field. Why should they not be2-
They were just such men as made up the third
Indiana regiment and the Kentucky regiment.
They were generally Kentucl1ans or their de-
scendants. They were, however, unfortunate
in the selection of commander who, though
net-deficient in personal courage, as court of
enquiry afterwards reported, was incompetent
to command them.
Taking this fact into consideration, in con-
nection with their exposed situation, (being
subject to the murderous cross-6re spoken of
by Gen. TAYLoR) and their retreat is not to be-
regarded as any evidence of cowardice on their
part. That Gen. TAYLOR ever attributed it to
a want OF courage is untrue; but on the con-
trary, he always had the fullest confidence in
the second Regiment, as we are gratifed to have
1t In our power to prove from under bis own
hand. The following letter was received from
him few days ago, in rep.y to one we address
ed him enclosing the resolutions which passed
the Senate last winter: Ell,
~0 BATON RoUGE, La, March 3D. 1915
DEAR SIR :--Ihave had the pleasure of receiving
your letter OF February 18th, enclosing copy of the
Resolutions adopted by the Senate of Indiana rela
tive TO the services of the officers and soldiers who
were under my command in Mexico, and also to
myseIA
1t is deeply gratifying to me to receive the marks
OF approval and grateful expressions embodied IN
these Resolutions, but 1t is infinitely more gratifying
and acceptable tina; they testimonials from State
to which have, by early associations as well as by
friendly and warm regard for her citizens always
been warmly attached The remembrance of my
earliest service upon the borders of Indiana and my
intimate acquaintance with her early history ava
ken in me the pleasantest feelings would have af-
torded me very great pleasure have accepted the
invitation to visit the State expressed in the Rese-
lutons, but am induced to await in the neighbor-
hood of this place, where have located my family,
such orders as the Department of War may at any
moment communicate for future service in the
field. 1851
In relation to the impression, which seems to be
current that my official report of the battle OF Buena
Vista has done marked injustice to the ID Regiment
of Indiana troops, have only to say, that nothing
has been developed subsequently the date of hatre-
port to cause me to charge it Ii was founded upon
my own lersonal observation on the field, and upon
the official statements of my subordinates--and
would say that all might have been well had not
many of the officers agitated the subject in manner
greatly to inure the Regiment and involve the credit
ofthe State, which very much regret
In all armies the best and most experienced troops
have been times subject panics under murder
fire of an enemy, which inexpiicable Such,
it is most probable. may have been the case at the
time in question l am proud and free to state how
ever that my confidence in that Regiment was not
l..
ton had the enemy resumed his attack the day fol-
lowing; and have always felt assured and confident
thai had the battle been renewed the ID Indiana Reg
iment would have acquitted itself with galantry and
all future occasions before the enemy
Please convey the members of the Legislature of
the State my high sense Of the compliment they have
so fatteringly conferred upon the officers and men
who composed my command in Mexico, and for their
honorable notice ofmyself. le
Withsentiments of high respect, 1 am dear sir.
our most obedient servant,
z. TAYLOR
JOHN D. DEFREEs, Editor of the State Journal, In.
annapolis, Indiana. hi 3.s
Hereafter, lei no more be said about Injustice
having been done the second Indiana Regiment
BY Gen. Taylor. Although it became his duty
10 speak of its retreat, as he did of the retreat
OIL other portions of his army, yet, under the
circumstances attending that retreat, HE NEVER
LOST CONFIDENCE IN IT, and proclaims to the
world that he fully believes that it would, on
all future occasions, have fought as heroically
as any other regiment in the field. GEN TAY-
LoR could not have had any motive to do injus-
lice to any of the troops under his command
and his character for candor and honesty forbids
The idea that he would avow anyopinion which
be does not entertain. To all candid minds
this avowal will be satisfactory. 1t cannot be
otherwise, because it relieves the second Regi-
nent from an implied charge ofcowardice, un-
Ter which it Will now no longer rest.
Gs0 Officers elect for the present quarter in
Posey Division No. 90 S. Oft.
az