The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-21
THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.

In times Of excitement like the present, when
We read so much in Black Republican journals
about the easy conquest of the entire South, the
article below will be read with interest. The
enemy forget, probably, that men of the same
heroic daring and firm resolve, still alive; men
who will prove to the world that they can neither
be inundated by threats, nor. overawed by num-
bers. In reviewing Claiborne's Life and Times
of Quitman, in DeBow's Review, the writer says
An episode may be here tolerated, in regard to
the conduct of the celebrated Mississippi Rifles,
under charge of Colonel, President jefferson
Davis, on the field of Buena Vista The great
movement then made by Davis, is said to have
been without previous parallel in the art of war,
aud was regarded BY the Duke of Wellington as
new and n.asterly 1t was subsequently made, we
learn the authority of General Cushing, on the
fields Of the Crimea -.' F--7
6 The battle had been raging sometime with
fuctuating fortunes, and was setting against us,
when General Taylor, with Colonel Davis and
others, arrived on the field. Several regiments
(Which were subsequently rallied and fought
bravely) were in full retreat; OBren, after having
his men and horses completely cut up, had been
compelled to draw off his guns, and Bragg, with
almost superhuman energy, vas sustaining the
brunt of the fight Many officers of distinction
had fallen. Colonel Davis rode forward to examine
the position of the enemy, ana concluding that
the best way to arrest our fugltiyes would be to
make bold demonstration, he resolved at once to
attack the enemy, there posted in force, immedi-
ately in front, supported by cavalry, aud two
divisions In reserve in his rear. 1t was resolution
bold almost to rashness, but the emergency was
pressing. With handful of Indiana volunteers,
who still stood by their brave old Colonel, (Bowes)
and his own reg iment, he advanced at double quick
time, firing as he advanced. His own brave fel-
lows fell fast under the rolling musketry of
the enemy, but their rapid and fatal vollcys car
ried dsmay and death into the adverse ranks.
deep ravine separated the combatants. Leapng into
it, the Mississippians soon appeared on the other
side, and with shout that heard the
battle field they poured in a well directed fire. and
rushed upon the enemy. Their deadly aim and
wild enthusiasm was Irresistible. The Mexicans
fed in confusion to their reserves, and Davis
seized the commanding position they had occupied.
He next fell upon party of cavalry and COM
PEELED it to fly, with the loss of their leader and
other officers. Immediately atterward brigade
Of lancers, 900 strong, approaching at
gaop, in beautiful array, with sounding bugles
and futtering pennons. 1t was an appalling spec
tacle, but not man finched from his position.
The time between our devoted band and eternity
seemed brief indeed But conscious that the eye
OF the army upon them, that the honor of
Mississippi was at stake, and knowing that if they
gave way, or were ridden down, our unprotected
batteries in the rear, upon which the fortunes of
the day depended, would be captured, each man
resolved to die in his place sooner than retreat
Not the Spartan martyrs at Thermopylse-not
the sacred battalion of Epaminondas-not the
tenth legion of Julius Cesar-not the Old Guard
of Napoeon-ever evinced more forttude than
these young volunteers in crisis when death
seemed inevitable They stood like statutes a> fi9id
and motionless as the marble itself Impressed vi h
this extraordinary frnness, when they had antci-
pated panic and flight, the lancers advanced more
deliberately as thous h they for the first time
the dark shadow of the fate that was impending
over them. Col. Davis had thrown his into
the form of rc-entering angle familiarly known
as his famous V novcment,) both fanks resting
on ravines, the lancers coming down on the inter-
vening ridge. This exposed them to a covering
fire. and the moment they came within rife range
each man singled out his object, aud the whole
head of the column fell A more deadly fire
never delivered, and the brilliant array re-
coiled and retreated, paralyzcd and dismayed.
"Shortly afterward the Mexicans having con-
centrated large force the right for their final
attack, Col. Davis Was ordered in that direction.
His regiment had been in action all day; exhausted
by thirst ana fatigue, much reduced by the
carnage OF the morning engagement, and many 10
the ranks suffering from wounds, yet the noble
fellows moved at double quick time. Bow;es'
little band of Indiana volunteers still acted with
them. After marching several hundred yards
they perceived the Mexican infantry advancing.
in three lines, upon Bragg's battery, which, though
entirely unprotected, held his position with reso-
tion worthy of his fame. The pressure upon him
stimulated the Mississippians They increased
their speed, and when the enemy was within one
hundred yards Of the battery, and confident of its
capture they took him in flank and reverse, and
poured in a raking and destructive fire. This
broke his right line, and the rest gave way
and fed back precipitately. Here Col. Davis was
severely wounded" - -
After this lengthy extract in regard to the |
heroic conduct OF Davis, shall soon pass to the
acts Of Qutman at the gates of Mexico, but be-
fore doing so, we will be permitted momentary
notice of the behavior of the South Carolina regi-
ment under the fire of the Mexican enemy Those |
whe sneer at Carolina courage and virtues, in
general too ignorant of history to be affected by
the record Butler left his sick bed, against med
ical advice to lead the Pamettos His horse was /
shot under him. He took another, and was Sc.
verey wounded Dickinson now commanded, t
and taking the flag from Beggs, was himself shot
down, as was also Beggs Butler resuming the |
was killed by the side of Dickinson,
under the flag Dickinson fell again, but now
mortally wounded, and GLADDEN., placing the flag
in the hands of Leonard, led the charge. There
was no wayeriDg as death swept through the /
ranks. Shot and shell hailed upon them. The
storm ragged s-sz.--.- ezs@ - -s ~.
"In the whole history" says Claiborne, there