Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-09-01
CHAPTER XII.
Tie Battle of Sacramento.

The American Army proceeded southwark
slowly and cautiously. Every one was aware
that The expedition periIous one but there
was no retreat and upon victory alone their safe
ty depended. Several large trains accompanied
the command, and the teamstefs, of whom there
were about three hundred, were furnished with
arms and ammunition Col. Doniphan appoint
ed Wells as their commander.
'l ou must be my aId-decamp Frank" said
Wells laughingy, when he was informed of his
appointment Colonel pro tenn.
''Iou will furnish me with an uniform beft-
ting my rank hope sir,'' replied Winfield.
:" Pull off your coat Frank, and YOU will be in
tuH Dress" returned Wells.
On the evening of the 9th of February lS47
the army encamped within ten miles of the valley
OF Sacramento. at which latter point the Mexican
forces strongly fortified and enrenched, awaited
the advance of the Americans. At sunset all was
bustlo and activity in the American camp. for on
the morrow, battle would be either LOST or won.
Sabfcs were sharpened, rifles and carbines were
carefuiIy cie"nscd' ana every necessary prepura-
ton made.
IL was strange wild scene. The ravs of
'WifGit las; merging into night. feobly struggled
WIN me rcd glare cast by an hundred camp fires
upon OIL jccts around.-Far off in the eastern skv
the moon appeared above The summit Of the noun.
IaIns, and beneath her pail, beams the uneven and
rugged side of the range to tho west of the valley
were dlmIy shadowed forth. Gathered in groups.
around their tents and camp fires, were men ar
rayed III sollcd and worn garments, with hair and
beard untrimmed, nd countenances bronZed by ey.
posure 10 the sun and weather, yet glowing with
the excitement, caused by the danger of their sit
uatlon. These are men who delight in perous
achievements urged onward by a wild uncontrol-
able impulse, they plunge into the vortex of dam
ger and think not, reck not Of the consequences
TO such the mad excitement of the battle field the
n fIprc yn1t CHI 4
hurrah, the clang of gittering steel, and even the
agonlzng cries that rend the air, have each fear
full charm. OF men like these the command
of COL Doniphan mainly composed. They en-
tered the army not for the sake of gain, not be-
cause they were destitute of the means of obtain
ing livelihood out of the service, but for a love
OF adventure, desire to minge and take an active
part IN the scenes of peril in order emphatcally
to prove themselves. Some there were but their
number was small, who boasted loudly of their
wish 10 meet the enemy at any odds in the hour
OF danger, and al the time when active and ener.
gelic blows were needed, their voices were hush.
ed, and their cheeks were blanchcd with fear. But
those who had acted the braggurt's part
those who had Stunned all disputes and quarrels
and were noied for their quiet and geniema MY
department were then all life and activity eager
tor the morrow's fray.
AT an early hour, on the morning Of the 2Sh
the American army was in motion, advancing
slowly and in perfect order.-The Wagons under
the direction of Wells, were formed in two lines
about fifty yards apart, and in the space between,
marched the regiment Of mounted men and the
lighthouse artillery, under command of Major NJ.
Lewis Clark. About two O'Clock in the after
noon the American forces halted within a mile,
and III sight of the Mexican redoubts. A consul
tatIon was here had by the officers and it de-
lermIned 10 leave the main road on the left, and
crossing The bed of SEGA, endeavor to gain high
table land, and attack the left fla nix Of the line Of
redoubts, occupied by the enemy, which extended
across the entrance Of the pass. The execution
OF tins movement was somewhat difficult on ac
count OF the roughness of the bed and steep banks
OF the SEGA before mentioned, but it was finally
accomplished. AT this moment BODY of twelve
hundred Mexican Cavalry issued from their re-
doubts, and advanced rapidly towards the poin,
which the Americans endeavoring 10 gain.
No sooner was this movement perceived, than the
American forces accelerated their pace, and ad.
vanclng al q full sound ,rot, gained favorable
position on The pan and drew up in line of battle.
Soon after, the American Battery of four six poun
ders and two mounted howitzers opened destruc
tive fire upon The body of Mexican Cavalry, which
had commenced slowly returning. engage
ment had now commenced in earnest, Kah-r hah
as we will still continue TO call the ira pper, and
Frank w inffeld with Cato, remained close al the
side of the trader Wells, whilst Ducher and
number of others posted themselves upon tho right
flank of the Ame ercan line. The Mexican bat