The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-20
THE UNION.


western side OF the town, then detached Lieutenant
Colonel Lane with two companies of the Missouri reg
ment TO support Loves battery, which ordered TO take
position within 500 yar@s of the town, the road lead
ing TO Chihuahua, and commanding the principal plaza
and church, around and IN which the enemy were
strongly posted; reserving Rails remaining four compa-
MES my centre, and disposed TO afford timely
support to the artillery under Love and Hassendenbe
My final disposition made, Hassendenbels two II.
Founders having been put in battery the west side OF
the town. supported by Rails command, |, at l0l m,
ordered my batteries to open, which, for nearly an hour
maintained spirited and destructive fire. clearing the
houses and church of the enemy which latter from It's
thanking position and strength of construction, became The
stronghold of the enemy.
The fire of the enemy during this time, from all his
heavy guns and wall pieces, was lncessant, but from
their position, without effect Observing that large gun
of the enemy, which | afterwards learned to be a
9pounde had been brought to bear upon assendenbes
battery, and evidently with view 10 silence IT, Lieut.
Dyer, of the ordnance belonging to my staff but who
volunteered for duty with Loves battery, was ordered
to reinforce Hassendenbel with "a FOUNDER howitzer
and 6-pounder gun. This movement having been per-
ceiyed by the enemy his battery was reinforced and an
ncessant IRE OF CANISTER grape, and round SHOT was
opened upon our battery but without dong material IN
jury Lieut. Dyer was soon in position, where he con-
linued direct fire upon this battery placed in embrasure
IN one OF the principal streets leading TO the man plaza
as well the church and large building upon both OF
which stationed strong force For upwards OF an
hour this battery served with great effect clearing
the houses and church; during which time It was eX-
posed TO the fire OF the enemys batteries which, through
out maintained most rapid firing.
now ordered Lieut. Love, with a24-pounder howitzer
and 5-pounder gum, (he remainder OF his battery hav
ing been disabled IN ng to advance upon tne poslloh
occupied by Lieut. Dyer, determined, possible to ST.
lence the enemys 9pounde which contributed by the
efficient manner in which it served greatly to our
annoyance Immediately thereafter received lniorma-
ton that my was threatened by large cavalry force
of the enemy supposed to be about 900 strong and IN
tended reinforcement for the enemy within the town
Immediately withdrew my artillery to a commanding
position about hree-quarters OF mile IRON the town.
and in the direction Of the Chihuahua road ordering at
the time, the remainder of my command to the same
the of attacking this supposed rein
forcement This movement was evidently regarded by
the enemy prelude to signal defeat Loud cheers
from the Town, the houses were again covered by
the sodiery, flag Immediately up from an angle
of the church. and the fire of the enemys heavy guns be-
unusually brisk soon discovered the report OF
large reinforcement OF the enemy In my rear 10 De Moor
rect and that only small body of cavalry had threatened
it, which soon dispersed with the command under Lieut.
Col. Lane
now determined to storm the town, agreeaby to the
dispositions made at the commencement OF the attack
and therefore gave orders for Rails, Lane, and walker
to resume their former positions, dsmoun their men, ana
charge the town at the points assigned them SO soon as
my batteries should reopen.
Lieut. Love was ordered 10 take up his former posi-
ton About 81 p m, the action was resumed, and the
fire of our battery returned with unusual briskn
Lieut. Loves battery at this time consisted OF one
"a FOUNDER howitzer one 6pounder and one 2poanuer
For detailed report of this battery and the ethcleni
aid contributed by the officers who kindly assisted at IT,
respectfully refer to Lieut. Loves report which take
pleasure in endorsing from my personal observations upon
that day .,
For the particulars of the several storming parties
must also refer to the reports OF their respective ches
which desire to be identified as portion OF my own
The charge OF Rails compenced under my own eye,
and in manner which foreboded success. 80 soon as
time would permit, witnessed the persevering efforts OF
Major Walkers command, and felt confident OF the re-
would also refer to Major peas report for the duty
assigned the squadron OF dragoons under the command
of Capt Grier In afordng protection tony battery on the
10th in the Judgment and activity displayed to intercept
any attempt by flight OF the enemy, and IN the dschafse
of the highly important duties of the siege, discovered
feel confident that cannot add to the known repu
taon OF this commands for the second time has It shared
with me the honors of victory Although the first was
the sacrifice OF its gallant and accomplished leader,
he amented Burgwin) yet cannot refrain from accord
ing that tribute of praise which is due the distinguished
services they have performed since forming portion OF
| my command.
/ Shortly after shutdown, the enemy surrendered Gen.
Tras and fortytwo (42) of his principal officers were
made prisoners of war; and eleven pieces OF artillery,
nine wall pieces besides SIT stand of arms fell into our
hands. Our loss in this action lieutenant two
corporals and one private, killed. and nineteen prvaes
wounded The loss of the enemy-from the evidence OF
commanding officers herewith submed-was two Off
GERS, and 236 commissioned officers and prvaes the
| number wounded cannot be correctly ascertaned.
In submitting to the consideration OF the government
the operations which have been performed by my troops
feel anxious to exhibit that high degree OF praise their
conduct upon this occasion so Justly merits The ex,
ceedngly duties of forced marches, over serll
and desert country of nearly $40 miles, without tents or
transportation trains, with merely few days ratons OF
subsistence, have been willingly indeed cheeTinlly en-
dared by my gallant column. feel OF pride IN
recording the distinguished bravery of al-regulars and
volunteers believing that feeling will be recprocated by
the War Department, and cherished by the American
people
The distinguished conduct of Lieut. Love-in the high
ly efficient in which his batteries We're served
the rapidly of movement which characterized his con-
duct when ordered TO reinforce me, travelling night and
day, going into battery four hours after his ARRIVAL and
his unceasing efforts during the entire day in working his
battery-deserves especial notice; and cannot refrain
from expressing the strongest recommendation Tor that
honorable gratitude from his country which the brave
soldier acquires by his exploits
| To Colonel Rails, to Lieutenant Colonel Lane, to
Major Walker and their brave officers and men, must
accord the highest honors uninchlng in the perform
ance they each and all We'd where duty called them Tor
the browning result of success. Rails, on the west,
the southeast, sormed with daring and bold determine
ton; Lane, the northwest, with small command,
forced the enemys BARRIERS gained the main plaza but
overwhelmed by numbers, prudenty withdrew, IN good
ORDER his small command In this charge, the brave but
lamented Lieutenant G. o. Hepburn, Missouri mounted
horse, fell leading his gorously, cheering and am
mating them the last His country has lost val liable
officer his relatives and friends must look to his deeds
worthy of record upon the page of history, to console
them for their loss.
From the officers of my personal staff have received
the most important services and encouraging aid Capt
McKissck assistant quartermaster, Capt Garrison, as
sstant cOmmissary of subsistence Major SpaldIng pay
department, and Lieutenant Prince, a. D. c. and A. A.
A. General, served during the contest near my person.
conveying my orders with prompness wherever necessity
demanded.
Captain McKissck, suffering severely from sickness,
resumed his position in the field rendering valuable ser
| vices through out the action
To the medical staff, conducted by Assistant Surgeon
r. T. Simpson, United States army have to express my