Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-10-31


TEXAS RANGERs-BLooDY BATTLE IN MEXICO
1t may be remembered that some time ago
a body Of Texas Rangers; underthc cenin.snd
of Captain Callahan, were with the approba-
tion OF the Executive, mustered in the west
crn part of the State. The object contem-
plated by them. was to destroy the encanp-
ment of Lipan Indians on the Mexican side of
the Rio Grande, and to exterminate the warli-
ors OF that tribe, which had long infested their
ffontier-murdering their wives and children,
and depreGating upon our propcrty-and such
Mexicans and negroes as would be found allied
with them.
Captaia Callahan, in an address to the peo-
pie OF Texas. dated Eagle pass, the 4th inst,
gives a narrative OF the campaign. The indi-
an camp, he had learned, was situated about
30 miles west of the river, near the city of San
Fernando, in the State Tainanlipas. Towards
tbs Ind inst, about three O'Clock in the after
noon, and when within ten miles of San Fer
nando--the Indian camp lying on the other
side of tuwn-they deserted three horsemen
approaching them from a mound of timber
about a mile to the northward
s'At first says Capt. Calohan, (for we now
quote his own language,) sEthese men We're not
noticed. we sapposing them to be herGsmen-
but their approaching within two hundred
yards Of us we discovered them to be chief
tains, ready dressed and painted for battle !;
and they were evidently striving to decoy us
line along the road, waited for them to begin
the battle, for by this time large numbers Of
them had emerged from the timber, seeming
~ with the intention OF attacking us; !; they
soon spread out in front of us, and to outright
and left, to the amount of several hundred
horsemen, and commenced to fire on us. About
this time one OF my lnen fred upon chief,
two hundred yards distant, and broke Il leg of
his horse. Perceiying that the enemy, com
posed of Indians and Mexicans, were trying
TO outfiahk us, | ordered my men to charge,
which wss executed in fine ST. lie, and thirty Of
the enemy were slain.
While making our Charge, the left flank of
the enemy, which extended for nearly half
mile, came in on our rear and opened on Us
very severe fire, during which four of our gal
liant men were killed. The front and right on
which We charged, after gallant fire, fled be-
fore US, leaving us in possession of the posi-
tion Which it was our object and determination
to gain.
Then we discovered that our enemy num-
bered some or 700, and their footmen were
concealed in the timer, and had not advanced
in view on the prairie. Ny men formed in a
strong position beneath the hank Of small
creek, on which the enemy had been encamp-
ed, and their whole fo.ce coming up against
us, We continued tbe battle for about three
hours, when they fed in thv direction of San
Fernando, leaving, as heard this evening,
some 50 killed, and with the loss of one hum
dred wounded.
This we learn from some Mexicans who
were engaged in the battle, and from other
scources since my report to his Excelleney the
Hon. Z. II. Pcase. The same McxicaGS have
also informed me that the actual number of
our enemy was seven hundred and fifty men.
After the retreat of the enemy, which was
about dark, we, supposing that they would
come on lis again before day, with large rein
forcements, fell back to the Rio Grande, where
we would be safe fran any number of men,
and any quantity Of artillery they might bring
against US. ss --5 ~ Hetle
Approaching the town of Piedras Negras
about sunrise. we took possession of and now
occupy position opposite Eagle Pass, on the
west bank of the Rio Grarde. The men who
were killed ofiny command are-W. II. Clop-
ton and August Smith, of my company of
Rangers Willis Jones, of Capt Henry's com
pany and Mr. II. r. Holland company Of
Volunteers. @ as arsls et Fs