The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-27
The Battle of Monterey.

In the surrender of that stronghold to the
American forces under General Taylor; the
present seems most appropriate time in which
| to recall to our people, and especially to the
youth of our State, the brilliant deeds per
formed during that memorable siege by the
| men of Louisiana" The record of the Lou.
siana Volunteers may be found upon the page
| of American history but it is well to trace il
| now and then in fresher colors, SO that oul
brave youth may find therein an inspiration
and guide, if the future should ever call upon
their valor and their patriotism.
| When the war with Mexico began, Louisiana
sent 5000 gallant men to assist General Taylor
until the regular army could be organized.
All classes of men, leaving their families and
business, promptly responded to this appeal.
1t appeared, however, that this call fo1 six
months troops was not legal, and hence the
whole splendid brigade of Louisiana troops,
under General Percifer Smith, was sent home.
But at the same time orders were issued by
General Taylor for the retention of such regi-
ments or companies as might be willing to
serve for one year-or the war.
Under these instructions Captain A. G.
Blanchard, an ex-offcer of the United States
Army, raised a company which was mustered
into service as the Independent Phoenix Com
pany of Louisiana Volunteers. 1t was formed
of men from each of the regiments of Smiths
Louisiana Brigade, and was a splendid body of
men. Its name was suggested by the peculiar
ity of its sprnging from the ashes of the old
Brigade.
The officers were Captain A. G.. Blanchard,
who, with first Lieutenant, VIM. Tenbrink, is
still living in New Orleans. Second Lieuten-
ants E. Nichols, w. Nichols and Sam Scott, are
dead. There were eight non commissioned
officers and eighty privates, of whom only one
is now known to be alive, viz: Captain John
Pof. Of the two Nichols (brothers) history
records " that not only Judge Nichols, but old
Louisiana might well be proud of such sons"
The acceptance of Captain Blanchard's
Ph9nix Company caused some excitement in
Louisiana, and a correspondence occurred be-
tween Captain Blanchard and Governor John
Picayune of that day and satisfied every body
We have before US, at this moment, faded,
but most interesting copy of this paper, dated
November 3D., 1S4G, containing these letters
the tone of which, calm, diguitied and respect
ful, is in great contrast with certain documents
of to-day bearing official and military signa-
W
records of the past; for they serve to remind
US of the changes going on in the times and
men about Courtesy-that badge of a true
knight has become thing of the past f; for
little power, even if only upheld by bayonets,
assumes in our day tone of arrogance and
contempt.
The Company of Louisianians, under Cap
tain Blanchard, was sent to Camargo from
Matamoras, and attached to the 9TH Infantry
with which command it served until after
Monterey was taken. To days chapter will.
therefore, refer only to this period of their
history.
There is a bit of unwritten history connected
with the Camargo expedition which cannot
fail to interest our readers. The boat convey
ing the troops up the Rio Grande made but slow
headway, owing to poor steam, and a strong
current against her. The distance to Camargo
by river was thirty miles by land only eight
miles. Captain Blanchard consulted with the
captain of the vessel to know if the with
drawal of his company would facilitate the
course of the boat and learning that it would
be very material relief. he, with his gallant
Louisianians, determined to march overland to
Camargo. Springing from the boat into the
river they waded to the shore, leaving bag
gage, provisions and the sick in charge of
small guard on board-and then, with bri ght
faces and unselfsh hearts, started off on their
eight mile march through an enemy's country
Capturing Mexican along their way Captain
Blanchard ordered him to lead his men to
General Taylor's camp; explaining at the same
time that instant death would follow any
treachery on his part while silver money
would reward his fidelity to orders Station
ing an armed soldier on each side of their
Mexican guide, the company marched on their
way, AID came upon General Taylor's camp
from quite an unexpected quarter, thereby
causing slight commotion among the forces,
until they were recognized as friends, and
hailed with pleasure by the whole command
Copying extracts from the journal of the
captain commanding these men, we read, in
reference to this movement: august 9TH.
Left Matamoras for Camargo on steamboat
Exchange. Thank God, we are going forward
and not back May we all prove worthy of
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