Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-14

vices from New Mexico, Feb. 23d, which state
that the Texans have made various significant
movements in the vicinity of Fort Craig. On
the 18th they advanced column OF Infantry 900
strossg in line of battle in front of the tort. and
also moved a column OF 800 cavalry TO the west
of the other delerses.
They advanced within a mile and half of the
works and halted, with the secession flag floating
in the breeze and remained some time. and then
commenced a retrograde movement
During the time OF the advance Col. Candy
prudenty concealed the greater part OF his forces
in the rear OF the fort
When the enemy commenced retreating, and
the infantry was separated from the cavalry,
Col. Candy ordered Major Duncan to charge
the cavalry of the enemy with a squadron of
dragons and mounted men, which they did in
gallant style, the enemy retreatIng before them
until they arrived at deep ravine.
The Texan infantry in the meantime advanced
to the relief of the cavalry, and skirmish took
place at the ravine.
The Texans the highlands and destitute
of water
Col Candy has the pass to the water guarded
by battery and 10y force of 1000 men and all
other outlets guarded in force.
The Texans must either fight desperately for
water or surrender.
When the express arrived on the morning of
the 3lst the booming in the direction OF Naverde
announcing That TIE Udllle H3u DeS uu.
The Military Express has just arrived from
Fort Craig with the news of a series of conflicts
between our forces and the Texans. which lasted
from clock a NJ. of the 2lst until shutdown
of the same day.
Major Duncan late in the evening was recalled
and the Texans continued TO fall back.
1t is reported that the Texans had eight pieces
of artillery placed in a battery, masked, in
vine but short distance below where the skIr-
mish took place.
On the 18th and Goth the Texans crossed to
the east bank OF the Rio Grande, in order, as is
supposed. TO take possession of the nights oppo
site Fort Craig.
Col Candy crossed and pursued them in force
when the Texans the nights fired some fifty
cannon shots without doing any damage 10 our
forces
Col Candy fired but two shots, deeming it
imprudent to waste ammunition.
On the morning of the 2lst 200 Texan mules
were captured with their wagon master.
The ight commenced in the morning between
a portion of our troops under Col Roberts and
the enemy across the Rio Grande. with varied
success, until one or two O'Clock T. NJ. of that
day.
battery OF six pieces, under Capt McRae, of
the cavalry, but detailed in command of the bat
tery; also "A small battery of howitzers.
The enemy was supposed to have seven or
eight pieces
The battle commenced by artillery and Skin
misheS, and soon became general.
Towards evening, most of the enemy's guns
silenced.
They, however, made a desperate charge on
the howtzer battery. but were repulsel with great
loss.
Capt McRae's battery was defended by Capt
Plymp,on's company OF United States infantry,
and portion of Col. Pines regiment of New
Mexican volunteers.
The Texans charged desperately and furiousy
with picked men about 60O men. They were
armed with carbines, revolvers and long pound
bowie knives After dischargins their carbines
"a close distance; they drew their revolvers and
rushed on the battery in storm of grape and
canister The Mexicans of Pros regiment
panic stricken and ingloriously fled. Cap
tain Plympton and infantry stood their ground
and fought bravely till more than one half of
them were numbered among the dead. With his
artillery men cut down, his support either killed,
wo uuded or flying from the field. Captain Nc
Rae sat down calmly and quietly of his
guns and with revolver in his hand. refusing to
fly or desert his post he fought till the last and
gloriously died the death of hero, and the last
man by his gun.
The Texans suffered terribly in this charge.
Many officers distinguished themselves on this
day. Major Donaldson, who was chief aid of
Col. Candy, acted bravely and conspicuous
on every part of the field His horse was wound
ed in several places, but he was not injured
Kit Carson, in command OF regiment of vol
unteers deployed as skirmishers, did good service
and behaved well.
We have, however, to name the loss of Leuts.
Nichier and Stone, who like Capt. McRae ncbly
and bravely mintined the honor of our flag to
the last and gloriously died the death of true pa
triots.
Many other officers were wounded.
Our loss about 300 killed and wounded;
that of the enemy is believed to be much more
heavy.
The greatest confidence is reposed in Colonel
Candy and if the volunteers will do their duty
the Texans will be ANONYMOUSLY driven from
the country.