The New York herald., 1862-03-14
The Advance and Retreat of
the Rebels.
Heroic Conduct and Death of
Captain McCrea.
Brilliant Action Of the Union
Officers and Men.
FINAL DEFEAT OF THE REBELS.
The Texans to be Driven from
New Mexico,

81. LOUIS hepuottcda mas
New Mexico Of February 3d. which state that the Texans
have made various significant movements in the vicinity
of Fort Craig On the 1stn they advanced column of
infantry thousand strong in line Of battle, in front of
the fort, and also moved column OF eight hundred
cavalry to the west Of our defences.
They advanced within mile and half of the works,
with the rebel flag floating in the breeze They remained
in this position time and then commenced retro
grade movement.
During the time Of their advance Col Canby prudenty
concealed the greater part Of his forces in the rear OF the
fort When the enemy commenced retrcating and tho
infantry separated from the cavalry Col. Candy
ordered Major Duncan to charge the cavalry of the
my with squadron Of Dragons and mounted men,
which was done in gallant STYLE tho enemy rcreating
before them until they arrived at a deep ravne The
Texan infantry in the meantime advanced to the reof Of
the cavalry and skirmish took place at tho ravins.
Major Duncan, late IN the evening, was recalled.
The Texans continued to fab back.
It was reported that the Texans had eight pieces q
artillery placed in battery masked in the ravne but
short distance from where the skirmsh took place.
On the 10th and Goth the Texans crossed to the east
bank Of the Rio Grande in order it is supposed to take
possession Of the heights opposite Fort Craig. Colone
Candy crossed and pursued them in force, when the
Texans the heights fired some fty cannon shots with
out damage to forces. Colonel Candy fired but two
shots, doeming It imprudent to his ammunition.
On the morning Of the 2st two hundred Texan mules
were captured with their wagon master.
Tho Texans are the highlands destitute Of water
Colonel Candy has the pass to the water guarded by
battery and men, and all the other outlets also
guarded in force
The Texans either fight desperately for water
surrender
When the express closed The morning of the 21st the
booming Of cannon heard at Vaverde, announcing
that the battle had begun
THE LATEST.
military express has just arrived from Fort Craig,
with the Of serious conflicts between forces and
the Texans which lasted from Dne ocock in the
ing OF the 2lst until sundown Of the same day.
Tie fight commenced in the morning between portion
OF troops, under Colonel Roberts, and the enemy
across the Rio Grande with varied success until about
one or two O'Clock of that day (the 21st).
Colone Candy then crossed the river in force with
battery OF six pieces under Captain McCera, Of tho
vary, but detailed to the command of the battery Col
Candy also took with him small battery Of two howt.
zers. .
The enemy was supposed to have had eight neld
pieces.
The battle commenced by our artillery and skir-
mishsrs, and soon it became general.
Towards evening tho guns of the enemy sienced.
They however, mado desperate charge howitzsr
battery but were rcpulsed with great loss
Captain McCreas battery defended by Captain
Pmpton's company of United States infantry and por
on Of Col Psnos regiment Of New Mexican Volunteers
Tho Texans now charged desperately and furiousy
with picked men, about six hundred strong McCreas
battery. They were armed with carbines, revovers
and long pound bowie knives After dscharging
their carbnes, at close quarters, they drew their
voves and reached the battery amid storm Of grape
end canister The New Mexicans Of Colonel Ponos rsgi
ment became panic stricken and ingoriousy fed.
Captain Pmpton, with the United States infantry stood
his ground and fought nobly until than half
were numbered with tho dead
With his artlerymen Cut down and with his support
reported killed. wounded flying from the field Captain
McCrea sat down calmly and quietly OF bis guns
and with reviver in hand refusing to fly desert his
post, he fought to the last and gloriously died like
horo-the last man at his guns.
The Texans suffered terribly this desperate charge
Many Of officers greatly distnguis he'd themselves
on this day.
Major Donaldson who was chief camp to Colonel
Candy acted bravey and conspicuous every part
OF the led. His horse wounded in several places
but the Major not injured.
Kit Carson was in command OF regiment OF voun.
teers. who wore deployed skrmshers His command
did good service during the action and behaved we'll
We have lament the loss OF Leutenants Micher and
Stone, who, like Captaia Mccrea, nobly and bravely
maintained the honor Of Gag TO the last and died as
patriots
Many other Of our officers are wounded.
Our loss IL about two hundred killed and wounded
The loss OF tho enemy is believed TO bo much greater
w. ~-"atSst conadence is reposed in Co.. canh- and
If tho volunteers viii do their duty, the Texans will be
ANONYMOUSLY driven from the country.
Trade ON the Tennessee and Cumberland