The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1907-02-21

as Buena Vista, from which the battle
took its name. The American forces were
disposed SO as to secure every advantage
afforded by the lay of the land, and the
road through the pass-the key to the
whole position-was swept by artillery.
The troops were in high spirits. 1t was
Washington's birthday, and this incident
was commented upon as being good
omen.
About noon a Mexican officer brought a
note to General Taylor, in which Santa
Anna demanded the surrender of the
American Army. This demand was re-
fused, but nothing definite was accom-
plished that day.
During the night of the 22d. Santa Anna
re-enforced the column under Ampudia,
and opened the battle at daybreak on the
23d of February by trying to turn the
American left. This attempt was success
full, but the attack upon the center was
repulsed by the Americans.
At this moment General Taylor arrived
upon the field from Saltillo, bringing with
him Nays Dragons, several companies of
Mississippi Riflemen, and portion OF the
Arkansas Cavalry, embracing every man
that could be spared from Saltillo. 1t was
a critical moment, for the turning of the
American left flank had neutralized the ad-
vantage of the position. Many of the troops
were in retreat upon Buena Vista, and
nothing but the courage of the remainder
could save the day. By great exertion
Colonel Jefferson Davis rallied the greater
part of his own regiment-the Mississippi
Rifles-and part of the Second Indiana,
and by sharp advance drove the enemy
from his front. This had barely been ac-
complished when a thousand Mexican
lancers attacked him. Forming his men
into letter V, with the opening towards
the enemy, Davis ordered them to await
the near approach of the enemy. He had
posted Sherman's Battery on the left, and
the Mexicans galloped into a fire which
could not be withstood. They fled,
While this attack was going on, the Mex
leans sent body of cavalry under Tore
jon to take the plantation of Buena Vista.
They were driven back by the Kentucky
and Arkansas volunteers, assisted by
Colonel Mays Dragons. Colonel Yell Of
the Arkansas Regiment was killed and
Torrejon wounded in the engagement
Santa Anna now sent strong force to
the left in the effort to gain Taylor's rear,
and Torrejon's retreating men Joined their
comrades. The movement was detected
by Colonel May, who met the enemy.
General Taylor sent assistance in cavalry
and Bragg's Battery. Surrounded, the
5000 Mexicans seemed ready to surrender
or be exterminated. In this emergency the
white flag was raised, and a parley asked
for. The Americans ceased firing, where
upon the Mexican right escaped under the
flag of truce and joined the main army, at
the base of the mountain.
Santa Anna brought up his reserves, and,
with $4,000 men, rushed to attack the
Americans, who had been fighting eight
hours and who were outnumbered nearly
four to one. Taylor's only hope was to
concentrate his scattered regiments.
Bragg's Artillery was the first to arrive in
reinforcement. Others of the Americans
came up rapidly. The Mexican right flank
was turned, and they broke and fled from
the field, leaving their dead and wounded.
The American loss was 267 killed and 456
The Mexicans lost over 1900
killed and wounded.
Buena Vista was decisive. Taylor's
victory saved the valley of the Rio Grande
from invasion by the Mexicans, and en-
abled General SCOTS expedition to proceed
without delay to Vera Cruz.