The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1850-07-18

We have been told by one who was there,
the minute Of this proceeding When the
aid on duty (who was Col. Churchil) gave
Col. Bissell the order 10 retreat, the Indiana
regiment was in rapid flight, in rear of Bliss
ellis, scattered over half mile of ground,
each man evidently thinking the battle lost,
and trying to save HIMSELF and as soon as
BisselPs men should be faced about TO fall
back, those flying men would be in full
view, and of course the panic they were un.
der must naturally influence somewhat
those who stood. Six thousand Mexican
infantry were pouring down upon the devo-
led regiment, in steady advance by column,
in front and flank, asssiling them, within
point black distance, with steady hail
storm of fire and lead four thousand cavaI-
ry were looming up behind these columns
ofinfantry, waiting tor favorable moment,
at the least sign of wavering on our part, to
charge, and complete the work of destruct-
ion, three pieces of artillery were thunder
ing on them their death messengers of grape
and canister, tearing through their ranks like
hail storm Of vengeance, and they seemed
TO stand alone, exposed to all this conce. tras
ted attack, determined on their annhiIa-
tion.
To the aid, Col Bissell replied ri am not
ready TO retreat yet" whilst his regiment con
tinued returning the fire of the Mexicans.
In a few moments, the Col. ordered, "cease
firing p shoulder arms !" 'tdressp The
Mexican fire was abated, and then for at
least two minutes did that noble body of men
stand under steady, CALLING and fire of ar.
tiiery and musketry, with an over whelm-
ing force of infantry and cavalry advancing
upon them, unblenching and unwavering,
without firing gun.
Not man moved, while their Colonel's
eye ran along the line to see if any one quail
ed--"About face - "dressgo "forward
march p they moved off in common time.
sQuick time-march p'--and the regiment
retired under circumstances which have nev-
er before failed in the history of war, in
cansing panic. The Mexi cans considered
themselves certain of victory, and with 'tvi-
vas" and ''hurrahs," on came their splendid
cavalry, suiging in their green and scarlet,
their piumes waving and their lances CLEAN,
ing in the sun, with their thousand gay
streamers catching the glistening beams as
every brealA of air fluttered them like
glitterins leaves Of fairy forest, upon that
apparently devoted body of them.
Two hundred yards quickly passed, Bliss
ellis men reached .the spot designed for
them 10 hold. The lancers were preparing for
the last charge, which was 10 huh our brave
fellows into the ravine below them. 'Halt"
"dressW Cody and calmly as if on parade,
did those Suckers obey the command, whilst
the thunder of squadron after squadron on
the s.ope they had just left told that the en-
envy was upon them. They could not see
them, but they could hear the horses hoofs
, the Jingle Of sabres and the clatter of lances,
the inspiring charge of he bugle and the
"vivasn of the men, as they rushed on to the
seemingly easy victory and no doubtman-
v heart Auttered and many an eye glan-
ced around-for it is fearful thing 10 know
that an enemy is upon our back, but not a
muscle swerved.
"About face p' Commence firing p and
volley of musketry rolled upon those huz-
zaing cavaliers, which silenced their cheer
ing; and as column and rank went down
before that deadly and steady fire--as their
numbers lessened and their chargers swerv-
ed from this serried line of men who knew
no defeat; their column wavered, trembled,
as ii were, slackened in speed and broke in
confusion n.-Railying back in tumultuous re-
treat upon the infantry, the whole division
was involved in inextricable confusion, and
in disorder left the field Thus was ths tide
of battle tunred on that eventtul day, and
less than half full regiment in nun bers de-
feated ten thousand OF the flower of Santa
Annals army and that, too, when the ene-
my was rushing in, flushed by victory, and
encouraged by the flight of one regiment,
saving the credit of our arms and the thou
sands who stood there with them.-Minois
Argus.