The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1850-08-14
Rissell,s Relrcnt III Rnema Yist

We have been told by one who was there
the lninulie of this proceeding. When The
aid on Duty Col. Churchill, gave Bissel the
order 10 retreat, The Indiana regiment was in
rapid flight, in rear, scattered over half mile
of ground, each man thinking the battle lost
and trying 10 save hImself; and as soon as
Bsssel's men should be faced about 10 fa
back, those flying men would be in full view
and Of course The panic they were under mus
naturally influence somewhat those who
stood. Six thousand Mexican infantry were
pouring down upon the regiment, in steady
advance by column, in front and flank, within
point bIankdlslance, storm OF fire and lead
1000 cavalry were waiting for a favorable
moment, at the least sight OF waverng on ouI
part, 10 charge, and complete tile work of de-
struction; three pieces ofartllery we're lhun.
dering their death messengers of grape and
canister, tearing through the ranks like hail
storm ofvsangeance, determined on their an
initiation.
Col. Bssel replied, am no, ready to re-
treat yet" whilst his regiment returned the
FIRE of the Mexiccns. In few moments Il G
Colonel ordered, "cease frng!n "shoulder
arms!o "dressm The Mexican fire was a.
baled, and for two minutes did that noble
body of men stand under steady, CALLING
and raking fire of artillery and mnskelry
with an overwhelming force of infantry
and cavalry advancing upon them unoleuch
ing and unwaveriBg, without firing gun
Not man moved, the Colonel's eye ran
along the line to see if any one quailed-
"a bout facem ''dressw "lorward marchr
and the regiment retired under crcumstan.
ces which have never failed before in the
history ofwar in causing panic. The Mex
cans, certain of victory, with 'Vivas' and hur.
rahs,' came with splendid cavalry, in green
and scarlet, their plumes waving, and lance:
cleaning in the sun, with their thousand gay
sireamers catching the gIistening beams as
every breath of air ilultercd them like glit-
tering leaves Of fairy forest, upon the ap-
parenlly devoted body ofmen.
Two hundred yards quickly pissed; Bliss.
ellis men reached the spot designed for them
10 halt The lancers prepared for the last
charge, which was 10 hurt our brave fellows
into tho rayine below. "Haliw "dress!''
Cumly did those suckers obey; whilst the
thunder Of squadlons on The slope they had
left, told that the enemy was upon them.
They could not see them yet they heard
The horses bovfs, and the jingle Of sabres,
the claller Of lances, the inspiring charge OF
the bugle and the "viVas" of the men, as
they rushed on to seemingly easy victory
and no doubt many heart huttered, many an
eye glanced nVoluntariIy around--for III a
fearful Thing TO know that an enemy is upon
your back but pot a muscle sweryed.
"Abou facon and volley of muske,ry
rolled upon those huzzaing cavaliers, which
slenced their cheering; and as column and
iank went down before that deadly fre-as
their numbers lessened and their chargers
swerYed FROM this serried line Of men who
knew no defeat, their columns wavered, ifem
bled, slackened ia speed, and broke in conru.
sion. Rallyipg back in tumultuous retreat
upon the infantry, the whole division was
involved ip inex,rcublo confusion, and in
disorder left The field. Thus was the lido of
baiile turned on thai eVenlful day and less
than half full regiment in numbers de-
Ieaied 10000 Of the flower Of Santa An.
mas army; and thai, too, when the enemy
was rushing in flushed by victory and en-.
outraged BY the a ght Of one regiment, ga.
ring the credit of our army apd tho lives Of
hs thousands who stood there with thOm ?
'Ilinois Argus.