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fortified front, which, by means of heavy guns,
commanded the approach through the whole
length and at various angles of the direct
route.
A glance discovered the impracticability of
assault in front without battering in breach, and
the secondary means of scaling ladders, fascines
&c. Reconnoiasance was immediately com
menced, and continued on the 19th, to'deter
mine a route for turning the whole system of
defence by the enemy's right. This accom
plished, with satisfactory results, acting under
the general instructions and discretion granted
by the General-in-chief, a movement, delayed
by the necessary temporary withdrawal of one
brigade to sustain the division occupied in the
direction of Contreras, was commenced at 11
o’clock, A. M., as follows: The 2d brigade,
composed of the sth, 6th, and Sth infantry,
commanded byColonel Clarke, 6th. supported
by the light battalion, composed of two compa
nies from the 2d artillery, and one from each
of the sth and Sth regiments of infantry, under
Brevet Lieut. Col Smith—the whole under
the guidance of Captain Mason, corps of engi
neers, assisted by Lieut. Hardcastle, topograph
ical engineers—moved to the left and diver
gent from the causeway, taking such a direc
tion as to strike the high road from San Anto
nio, with the double object of enveloping the
right of the enemy’s position, and at
the same time of cutting off his retreat to.
wards the capital. Lieut. Col. Duncan s
artillery (light battery) and the Ist brig
ade, composed of the 2d and 3d artillery and
4th infantry, commanded by Brevet Colonel
Garland, was advanced to an angle in the
causeway which partially masked it from the
enemy’s direct fire, and held in readiness for a
rapid direct movement when the 2d brigade
should become engaged, and have attracted
attention to that quarter. Subsequently the
4th infantry was placed on the left of the cause
way, and instructed to move by a flank, * ,n<J<sr
guidance of Assistant Adjutant General Mack
all, between that route and the 2d brigade, eith
er to sustain the latter, or, if op portunity offer
ed, rush upon one of the batteries. Discover
ing these dispositions, and particularly the
movement of the 2d brigade, and doubtless
influenced by the operations going
on in the direction of Contreras, the enemy
sent troops to check the advance of our left,
and commenced an evacuation of the works.
After having brushed away the troops in front,
Col. Clarke’s command approached a point on
the high road occupied by the enemy’s retreat
ing column: and by a rapid movement, partic
ularly of two companies of the sth infantry,
under Captains Morrill and McPhail, com
manded by Lieut. Col. Scott, guided by Capt.
Mason, cut this column nearly in the centre —
the advanced portion of it moving upon Chu
rubusco, (where we shortly afterwards discov
ered the enemy’s main array of battle,)Jand the
remainder, about two thousand in number, un
der General Bravo, with four pieces of artillery,
retreated upon Dolores. The instant Clarke’s
fire opened. Garland was instructed to advance
rapidly in column, and attempt a direct assault,
previously detaching a company in advance ;
which, by drawing the enemy’s fire might dis
cover the magnitude of his batteries in that
quarter; but it appeared that the guns at that
point had been hastily withdrawn, in the hope
of getting them away. Garland’s company
was soon in, unresisted, and rapidly passed
through the works, and on the high road to the
capital. Some six hundred yards beyond the
works the division was reunited, and, disregar
diugthe force retreating upon Dolores, the
whole moved rapidly and in good order to the
higher object. Approaching Churubusco —
that place being on the left, and near the road
—it was discovered to be strongly occupied
with tr ops, and protected by batteries and in
fantry defences. Further in advance was dis
covered a regular field-work, garnished with
heavy guns, and crowded with troops. Be
tween the two, a continuous line of infantry ;
and on the left and rear of the work, (tete de
pont,) a dense line of infantry as far as the eye
could reach. On getting within cannon-shot,
and so of musketry, the enemy opened with
effect upon the head of the leading battalion.
Garland’s brigade was now thrown promptly
to the right of, and in the line of columns ob
liquely to the road ; which order would, in its
advance and deployment strike the enemy’s
line at a like angle—the light battalion on its
right. The 2d brigade was ordered to move also
to the right, (except the 6th infantry,) and by a
flank parallel to the road, while the 6th infantry
was directed to advance by the high road and
storm the tete de pont in front. The field to the
right was filled with standing corn,which mask
ed large bodies of the enemy, and from whose
fire, in consequence, every command sutfered
greatly in the first instance. Running over
these, Garland's brigade was soon engaged with
their more regular lines and masses. Clark’s,
as soon as it could be got in the position above
described—and it came at double quick time—
became engaged in like manner. The Gih reg
ment of infantry moved with a steadiness worthy
ofits established reputation to assault the work in
front as directed ; but being exposed to a com
bined tire of grape, cannister, and musketry,
which raked the road, it was of necessity mo
mentarily checked. Meantime, the Bth and sth
of Clark i ' brigade, more favorably situated to
effect re s, but under a terrible fire, dashed
past thed p and wet ditch that entirely sur
rounded the work, carried it by the bayonet,
and, as quick as thought, turned the captured
cannon upon that portion of the enemy station
ed in the town, and which was combating our
troops approaching from the direction of Con
treras, occasionally reversing their fire upon
our left flank. Previous to this period, and
when in the act of giving direction to the bat
talions, 1 was joined by Major Gen. Pillow,
who came in from the left with three regiments
of his division—Cadwaladers’s brigade—having
will) great difficulty made his way through the
marshes ; thence, to the close of the day, I had
the pleasure of his gallant association and as
sistance. Lieut. Col. Dunean’s battery of light
artillery, which had been directed to be masked,
being unable to counter-batter the heavier me
tai in front, and the intersected character of the
ground rendering it impossible to move it from
the high road, was now rapidly advanced by its
gallant commander, and opened at a position
some two hundred yards distant from the work
around the church of San Pablo, situated in
and constituting the key of that portion of the
enemy’s defences ; seizing the prolongation of
a principal face, in a space of five minutes, by
afire of astonishing rapidity, the enemy was dri
ven from his guns in that quarter, and the infan
try from their entrenchments ; the main body
taking refuge in the church and undercover of
its yard walls The fire was then turned up
on the church, and, after a few rounds, several
white flags were thrown out by the enemy, the
five ordered to cease, and anotlicer despatched
to accept the surrender of the place.
To this period there had been no perceptible
abatement of the fire from the town in the di
rection of our troops attacking the opposite
face. Immediately thereafter, our troops in
the vicinity pushed on to the point where por
tions of Garland’ll and Clark's brigades were yet
engaged in hand-to-hand conflicts with the mas
ses of'infantry on the left and rear of the cap
tured field-work first referred to ; but under
the triple influence of our musketry, the cap
ture of the tete de pont, and the silencing of the
fire in the town, (directed upon other divisions
of our army.) the main body of the enemy
was soon discovered to be in full and confused
retreat, Pressing along the highway in pur
suit of the enemy, the division was soon inter
sected by the brigade of Gen. Shields, approach
ing from the left, with the remainder of his
brave command, consisting of the South Caro
lina and New York regiments, and also by
the arrival oi Lieut. Col. Graham with the small
remains of his battalion of the 11 th regiment
ot infantry; these were a portion of the main
army assaulting, in the opposite direction of the
town, the right and reserve of the enemv, un
der the immediate direction of the General-in
chief The pursuit of the enemv by the Ist
division, acting m concert and cordial co-oper
ation with these forces, was continued to with
in one mile and a half of the gate of Mexi
co, (La Candelaria.) At this point. ignorant
first of the magnitude of the defences at the
garita, and secondly of the ulterior views of
the Geueral-in-chief. I ordered a halt of the
united forces, after consulting with Major Gen.
Pillow and Brig. General Shields. Colonel
Harney coming up at this instant with two
squadrons of cavalry, was permitted to make a
dash at the rear of the enemy’s retiring forces.
In the eager pursuit, the head of the column
pressing on too closely, and disregarding or
not hearing their commander's recall, came un
der fire of the battery, and sutfered severely.
The ground on which the troops operated, otT
the high road, is remarkably intersected: loose
•oil. growing grain, and. at brief intervals,
deep ditches for die purpose of drainage and
irrigation. These ditches vary from six to
eight feet in depth, about the same in width,
with from three to four feet of water—the re
verse banks lined with the enemy's light troops.
W hen 1 recur to the nature of the ground,
and the fact that the division (2.600 strong of
all arms) was engaged from two to two and a
half hours in a hand-to-hand conflict with from
7.000 to 9,000 of the enemy, having the ad
vantage of position and occupying regular
works—which our engineers will kiy were
most skilfully constructed—the mind is filled
with w onder and the heart with gratitude to
the brave officers and soldiers whose steady
and indomitable valor has, under such circum
stances, aided in achieving results so honora
ble u> our country ; results not accomplished,
however, without the sacrifice of manv valua
ble lives. The little professional skill the com
mander may have possessed was intensely ex
erted to spare the men ; and vet. with the ut
most care. w t - haw to mourn the loss, in killed
Md wounded. ot Uunevn officers and three
humire. anu thirty rallit , tl4 di< . o
tr, ».H lament the ate ami honor the ...e.norv
of these bra.e men Ah« of ca., turcd or j.
nance has already been handed ln . « also
•oners, from generals down to private-* of,
.oners we pauaedto make but few; although
re* <*;v mg the surrender of many, to disarm and
pass was deemed sufficient. Among them,
however, an* secured twenty-seven deserters
from our own army, arrayed in the most
tawdry Mexican uniforms. These wretches
served the guns, the use of which they had been
taught incur own service, .and with ratal effect,
upon the persons oi their former comrades
And now, in enclosing this report, hastily
and inconveniently prepared, comes the pleas
ing and yet difficult task of bringing more par
ticularly to the notice of the General-in-chief
and Government the behaviour of the officers
and men under my command. Every (’lfir®*
of every grade, and every soldier, from chief oi
brigade, through rank and file, to the hum
blest. have bravelv and nobly done their duty;
and the delicacy i's felt in full force for distin
guishing, even by a separation oi one from the
other: and yet those in whose P ath or " !ie
threw her special favors are entitled o i.
As least exceptionable, corps will be referred
to in order of formation, and persons in con
nection with their corps.
Jst Brevet Lieut. Col. Duncan commanded
and directed the light artillery with the zeal and
«allantrv. judgment and ellect, wmcli have so
often distinguished and presented him to the
notice ofilis General-in chief and the Govern
ment.
2d. Brevet Lieut. Col. Smith commanded
and directed his light battalion with character
istic gallantry and ability.
3d. Brevet Colonel (jarland (Lieut. Colonel
4th infantry) commanded the Ist brigade, con
spicuous in many fields in the present war; in
this last great combat, by skill, conduct and
courage, he has greatly added to an already es
tablished reputation for patriotism and soldier
ship. Os his brigade. Major Galt commanded
and gallantly led the 2d artillery, (acting as in
fancy) ; Lietit. Col. Helton, the 3d artillery,
(also acting as infantry) ; and Major Lee, the
4th infantry. The clue! of the brigade speaks
in terms of commendation of each of these
commanders.
A list of officers engaged, as also of non
commissioned officers and privates in each
regiment, will be found in the regimental re
ports, to which reference is respectfully made.
4th. Col. Clarke, commanding the 2d brig
ade—a veteran of the war of 1812, and here
tofore distinguished by zeal and intelligence in
this war—was, while gallantly leading his brig
ade into battle, struck from his saddle and dis
abled for several hours : whereupon the com
mand devolved upon Brevet Col. Mclntosh,
(Lieut.-Col. sth infantry,) who led on with the
prestige of many well-fought fields, and ac
quitted himself, as always, with high courage
and devotion. The command of the sth in
fantry devolved, in turn, upon Brevet Lieut.-
Col. Scott, and the mantle could not have fall
en upon a better or braver soldier ; be most
gallantly led the regiment to its assigned work,
and, in so doing, came to the close support and
joint action with the corps to whose let it fell to
carry with the bayonet the main work. One
wing of the 6th infantry, a portion of which was
under the gallant lead of Captain Hoffman, did
all that it was in the power of'men to do to car
ry the tete de pont. by direct attack on the main
road, while the other wing, under Maj. Bonne
ville, was in close conflict with the enemy on
the right ofthe road. The Bth infantry, although
from its position coming up last, by the zeal and
energy *>f its commander, Maj. Waite, and by
the circumstances of the ground, which impe
ded the advance of other and proximate corps,
found itself in position to render most gallant
and effective service. The companies of Cap
tains James Bomford and Larkin Smith, under
the direction of Brevet Maj. Wright, preceded
hy Adjutant Longstreet, colors in hand, were
led on most bravely to the assault ofthe tete de
pont; crossing the ditch under a heavy fire of
musketry, they mounted the rampart,and finish
ed the work with the bayonet, closely support
ed by the sth and detachments of other corps.
The regimental reports of this brigade are also
respectfully referred to. The medical corps,
consisting of Surgeon Satterlee (senior) and
Wright, Assistant Surgeons Simpson, DeLeon,
Simons, Holden, Roberts, and Deyerle, pre
sent claims to especial thanks and admiration
—ever among the most fearless and indifferent
to hazard during the conflict. It is after the
battle, when others seek repose, that they are
found skilfully and noiselessly fulfilling the du
ties of their high vocation, in administering
comfort to the crushed and sorrowful soldier.
The following named officers and non-com
missioned officers are conspicuously presented
by commanders: Staff Is/ Brigade— Brevet
Capt. Nichols, A. A. A. (Jen.; Lieut. Thorn,
Aid-de-camp. 2d Brigade— Lieut. Burwell,
Aid-de-camp; Lieut. Kirkham. A. A. A. Gen
Light Battery— Limits. Hunt, Hays, Clark, and
Sergeant Platt. Light Battalion— Limits. El
zey, Peck, ami Simpson, 2d artillery; Ist Ser
geant Henry Wilson, company A. and Sergeant
Mickel. company lx. 2d artillery ; (’apt. E. K.
Smith, Lieut. Family. Sergeants Updegraff,
Archer, and Flynn, company 11, sth infantry;
Capt. Reeve, Limits. Holloway and Pitcher,
Bth infantry. 2d Artillery— Capts. McKensie
ami Brooks; Lieuts. Shackelford and Daniels.
3d Artillery— Captain Burke. Brevet (.’..plain
Avers, and Sergeant Heck. 4/4 Infantry—
Lieut. Adj. Prince and Brevet Maj. Buchanan.
5/4 Infantry— Captains Merrill ami McPhail;
Lieuts. Rossel I, Fowler, and \dj. Lugenbeel
Sergeants Golding, Dudley, John son, Clntina :
and O’Brien. 6/4 Infantry— Capts Hoffman
and Walker; Lieuts Armstead, Buckner, and
Adjutant Ernst; Sergeant. Major Thompson,
Battalion Sergeant Major Owens, Color Ser
grant McCain, Sergeants Staniker, Williams,
Mclntyre, Creasy, and Downs. H/h Infantry—
Brevet Major Wright. Captain- Bomford ami
Smith. Adjutant Longstreet, and Lieut. Selden,
(the latter present at many battles, honorably
wounded at Resaca, and not behind the fore
most in zeal and courage here.) color bearer
Sergeant Maj. Pink, Sergeant Ford, ami Ser
geant Edward Bertram. Injustice would be
done to the whole division in failing to bring to
the notice of the General-in chief the praise
worthy— if he will pardon the expression—the
courageous conduct ofthe Rev. .Mr. McCarty,
chaplain to the 2d brigade. That excefent man
and Christian was seen in the midst ofthe con
flict administering comfort ami consolation to
the stricken, and patriotically encouraging the
soldier in his forward path of duty.
The division commander cannot forego the
opportunity presented to acknowledge his obli
gations ami express his admiration of the gal
lant hearing of Maj. Gen. Pillow and Brig.
Gens. Shields. Cadwalader. and Pierce, with
whom he had the gratification of concert and
co-operation at various critical periods of the
conflict. And it may now. in closing, be per
mitted to speak ofthe staff of the division, ge
neral and personal. The subordinate reports
will be found to speak with one sentiment of
Capt. Mason, of engineers ; but these are not
to debar my testimony and w arm acknowledge
mentsof the intelligent and gallant services of
this accomplished officer ; in the estimation of
all, he has won high reputation, and established
unequivocal claims to higher rank. Lieut.
Hardcastle, topographical engineers, has been
distinguished by zeal, intelligence, and gallan
try. in his particular department, as also in
combat; to Surgeon Satterlee. senior medi
cal officer, the highest praise is due. Capt.
Myers, division quartern!aster, has highly dis
tinguished himselfhy energy and devotion in
his particular department, ami by gallantry in
combat. Lieut. Armstrong, division commis
sary, is also highly distinguished for energy
and devotion in his particular department, anil
by gallantry in combat. Os the gallant and
efficient assistance of Captain Mackall, assis
tant adjutant general (but in a different
relation.) of Brev. Capt. Pemberton and
Lieut. Wood, aids-de-camp it has been
my pleasing duty heretofore to speak under
similar circumstances. On this occasion each
member ofthe staff has fulfilled every duty of
his station to the entire s itisfacfion of their
chief, and established new claims to professional
distinction ami reward. To Lieut. Semines, of
the navy, volunteer aid-de-camp, the most cor
dial thanks of the General of division are ten
dered for his uniform gallantry and assistance ;
and the General-in-chief is respectfully request
ed to present the conduct of this accomplished
and gallant officer to the special notice of his
distinguished branch ofthe public service—our
glorious navy.
I have the honor to present to the General
a national standard, a trophy secured from the
Ist division.
Herewith are reports:
Ist. Os commanders of brigades, regiments,
and corps, lettered from A to \
2d. Tabular reports of killed and wounded.
’.hi. Report of kdled and wounded bv name.
4th. Map exhibiting the operations of the Ist
division, executed by Lieut. Hardcastle, from a
survey jointly by Capt Mason and himself.
\ erv respectfully, vourobedient servant.
W. J WORTH.
Brevet Major-Gen. I'. 8. A.
Capt. IL L. Scott, A. A. A. G.
[350 men w ere absent on baggage, tram, and
other guards.]
Report of Major* Ge neral Quitman.
liEAl>qi IKTFRS Voi l XTFKK DIMSXOX.
Angnstin. Aug. 26. 1*47.
Sir : I have the honor to enclose the report
of Brig lien. Shields of the operations of that
portion of my division, which was actively en
gaged in the recent battles before the city of
Mexico.
Having been ordered by the General-in-chief
to remain at this point in reserve with the re
mainder of my division, consisting of the 2d
Pennsylvania regiment, under command of
Col. Roberts, the battalion of marines, under
Lieut. Col. Watson. Capt. Steptoe's batterv.
and Capt. Gaither's troop of dragoons. I have
nothing to add to the enclosed report of Brig.
Gen. Shields, exce| t the express on
itied admiration ofthe distinguished conduct of |
that gallant officer, and iny approbation of the i
good conduct and gallantry of that portion of :
my division which had the good fortune to be
actively engaged under his command.
The troops which remained at this place in ;
reserve, di..gentry performed the burthensome
duties which fell to their lot during and after the
severe conflicts which took place before the
citv. Col. Roberts. 2d Pennsylvania regiment.
Lieut. Cel. Watson, of the marines, and Capts. ■
Steptoe and Gaither as*»duonsiv shared the a- I
bors and cares which devolved upon me. Mv I
thanks are due to and Lieut. Lovell, acting as
' *tant adjutant general, and Lieut. Wilcox. m»
aid. tor their able and active performance of
r duties I also take this opportunity of no
ng th.* energy activity, and zeal with which
api Pan ou laricrm.ister. has
performedl en the „ iareh la J
wtme ni Uns pos:uo n .
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J. A. Quitman, Maj. Gen. Coni.Vol.Div.
Capt. II L. Scott, A. A. A. G.
Report of Major General Pillow.
Headquarters Third Division,
Mircoac, August 24, 1847.
Captain: In compliance with the order of
the General-in-Chief, I moved with my divis
ion, consisting of the 9th, 11 th, 12th, 14th, and
15th infantry, and the voltigeur regiment, and
howitzer battery under Lieutenant Callender,
early on the morning of the 19th instant, and
opened the road over the mountain on the
route indicated by captain Lee, of the engineer
corps, assisted by Lieutenants Beauregard.
Stephens, Tower, Smith, McClelland, and
Foster. Brigadier General Twiggs, with his
division, reported to me for duty, under in
structions from the General-in-Chief, whilst
my own division was moving over the moun
tain.
Perceiving that the enemy was in large force
on the opposite side of the valley, with heavy
batteries of artillery commanding the only road l
through a vast plain of broken volcanic stone
and lava, rent into deep chasims and fissures,
effectually preventing any advance except
under his direct fire, I resolved to give him
battle. For this purpose I ordered General
Twiggs, to advance with his finely disciplined
division, and with one brigade to assault the
enemy’s works in front, and witli the other to
turn his left flank, and assail it in reverse.
Capt. Magruder’s fine field batterv and Lieut.
Callander's howitzer battery (both of which
constitute part of my division) were placed
at the disposal of Brigadier General Tw iggs.
This officer, in executing my order of attack,
dircted Brev. Brig. Gen. Smith to move with
his brigade upon the enemy’s front, whilst Col.
Riley, with his, was ordered to turn his left
and assail him in rear. To sustain these move
ments. Brig. Gen. Cadwalader was ordered tn
advance with his brigade and support Col.
Riley, and Brig. General Pierce, with his com
mand, to support the column moving upon the
enemy’s front, under Brig. Gen. Smith. This
last command was soon closely engaged with
the enemy, as were also the batteries of Capt.
Magruder and Lieut. Callender.
Col. Riley’s command, having now crossed
the vast broken-up plain of lava, passing the
village on the right, and whilst in the act of
turning the enemy’s left, was confronted hy
several thousand lancers, who advanced to the
charge, when a well-directed fire from the
brigade twice compelled them to fall hack in
disorder, under cover of their artillery. About
this time Brig. Gen. Cadwalader’s command had
also crossed the plain, when some 5,000 or
6,000 troops of the enemy were observed
moving rapidly from the direction of the capi
tal to the field of action. Col. Morgan, with
his large and fine regiment, which I had caused
to be detached from the rear of Pierce’s brig
ade, was now ordered to the support of Cad
walader by direction of the General-in-Chief,
who had now arrived upon the field.
This General, having discovered this large
force moving upon his right flank and to the
rear, with decided military tact and prompti
tude threw back his right wing and comfront
ed the enemy, with the intention to give him
battle, notwithstanding his overwhelming force.
This portion of the enemy’s force moved
steadily forward until a conflict seemed in
evitable, when Col. Morgan’s regiment, having
reached this part ofthe field, presented a front
so formidable as to induce the enemy to change
his purpose, and draw otfto the right and rear
of his former position.
During all this time the battle raged fiercely
between the other portions ofthe two armies,
with a constant and destructive fire of artillery.
Magruder’s battery, from its prominent posi
tion, was much disabled by the heavy shot of
the enemy, as were also Callenders howitzers.
A part ofthe enemy’s artillery had been turn
ed upon Riley’s command, whilst actively en
gaged with large bodies of lancers ; but even
these combined attacks could only delay the
purpose of the gallant old veteran and his no
ble brigade.
The General-in Chief having' arrived upon
the field with Gen. Shield’s brigade of volun
teers —consisting ofthe New York and South
Carolina regiments—ordered them to move up
to the support of the forces under Brig. Gen.
Cadwalader; hut it had now grown so late in
the evening that Gen. Shields did not get into
position until after dark. Night having come
on, (hut not until entirely dark,) this fierce
conflict was suspended, to he renewed on the
morrow.
The battle all this day was conducted under
my immediate orders, and within my view ;
a short time before sunset, having previously
engaged in the fight all the forces at my dispo
sal, myself and staff started to cross the plain,
to join in the terrible struggle on the immediate
field of action.
<)n my way thither I was joined by Brig.
Gen. Twiggsand stall'; but the darkness ofthe
night, rendered still more obscure by a heavy
rain, caused us to miss our way through the
broken-up lava, and to wander to the close
neighborhood ofthe works of the enemy; and
it was not until the shrill blasts of his bugles
apprized us of our position, that we became
satisfied we could not reach, during the night
our destination. We then returned, and re
ported to the General-in-Chief.
During the night Brig. Gen. Smi:h disposed
the forces present to renew the action at day
light, and complete the original order of attack ;
before dark, however, the enemy had placed
two pieces of artillery on a height nearly west
of Cadwalader’s position which had opened
with several discharges upon his forces Brig.
Gen. Smith, just before day light, moved a por
tion ofthe forces up the ravine to the rear of
the enemy’s position, so as to be within easy
turning distance of his left flank, leaving Col.
Ransom with the 9th and 12th infantry to make
a strong diversion in front. The day being suf
ficiently advanced. the order was given hy
Brni- Gen. Smith for the general assault;
when. Gen. Smith's command upon (tie left
ami Col. Riley wiih his brigade upon the right,
supported by Gen. Cadwalader with his com
mand, moved up with the utmost gallantry,
under the furious fire from liie enemy's bat
teries, which were immediately carried; a
large number of prisoners were taken, inclu
ding four generals, with 23 out ofthe original
28 pieces of artillery, and a large amount of
ammunition and public property.
.The retreating enemy was compelled to pass
through a severe fire, both from the assaulting
forces and Cadwalader’s brigade as well as
Shields’s command, who had remained at the
position occupied by the former General the
previous night with the purpose of covering
toe movement upon the battery. The forces
of the enemy engaged at this place including
the reinforcements of the preceding evening,
constituted a force of about 16.00(1 men, 5,000
of whom were cavalry ; the whole were un
der the immediate command of General Santa
\nna in person, assisted hy Generals Valen
cia. Salas, Blanco, Mendoza, Garcia, and
others; the last four mentioned were taken
prisoners.
Our forces, consisting of my division. Gene
rals Twiggs’s and Shields’s commands, amount
ed to about 4,500 men. The loss of the ene
my. as nearly as I can ascertain, was between
1.500 and 2.000 killed and wounded, and 800
prisoners, including the four generals previous
ly mentioned, four colonels, thirty captains,
and many officers ofinferior grades.
The reports of the different corps engaged
in this part ofthe battle, which were tempora
rily under mv command, being properly made
to their respective chiefs, and not having come
before me. I am unable to give our loss.—
Though many brave and gallant souls have fal
len. it is believed, however, when the strength
of the enemy's position, ins enormously hea
vy artillery. and his superior forces are consi
dered. our loss is comparatively small. Il is a
matter of just pride and exultation that among
the guns captured in the batteries were the
two pieces taken by the Mexican army at Bue
na X ista, belonging to Capt. Washington’s
battery, i.at that battle under the immediate
command ofCapt. O’Brien ;) and it is no less
remarkable than gratifying thalthe good fortune
and honor us recapturing them belong to the
Uh regiment of artillery, of which Captain
Washing ion’s company forms a part.
Threughom this engagement every corps
! engaged the enemy wherever he was met with
I the most determined resolution, and behaved
with a degree oi gallantry rarely equalled, cer
tainly never surpassed m anv engagement
known to the American arms. Brigadier Gen
eral Twiggs, next in command to myself, and
charged with the immediate execution ofmv
order of battle, wasdistinguished by the judg
ment, promptitude, and courage displayed bv
him throughout the engagement.
Brigadier General Smith, the senior officer
nho remained across the plain, and disposed
(he forces for the final assault, deserves and
will doubtless receive the thanks of the armv
and the honor due to the constancy of purpose
| and the daring which distinguished his conduct
.on this great occasion. Brigadier General
i Cadwalader displayed great judgment anti high
i military skill and heroic courage in the manner
hi which he met the sudden and trying emer
gency. when all parties were in great anxiety
for the safety vfhi< comparat velv small com
mand. when about to De assailed by the over
whelming reinforcements of the enemy on the
preceding evening, also in the inannerin which
he brought up his command to the support of
the gallant Riley. This veteran officer distin
guished himself no less by the manner in which
ne contended almost single handed with great
ly superior numbers on the first day. than in
his gallant and successful charge upon the
works ofthe enemy on the second.
Brigadier Generel Pierce, though badly in
jured by the fa I of his horse wh le gallantly
leading his brigade into the thickest ofthe bat
tle on the 19th. did notquit the field, but con
tinued in command of his brigade, two regi
ments of which—the 9th and 12th infantrv. un
der the immediate command of the gallan't Col.
Ransom and Lieut. Col. Bonham on the 19th.
and ( apt. Woods ou the 20th—assailed the en
emy’s works in front at daylight, with great in- '
trepidity. and contributed much to the glorious
consiuntnauon ofthe work so handsomely com- :
mencel on the preceding day. s
The commanders of regiments and inferior ’
officers all behaved with gallantry no lees dis- i
Anguished, though in subordinate positions to
those named above as commanding divisions
and brigades ; hut the space proper for this re
portwill not admit of further devils.
In justice, however, to officers of this class,
I beg to call the attention of the Commander-in*
Chief to the detailed reports of the officers of
the several corps engaged Jn this action. It is
due to Capt. McGruder and Lieut. Callender,
who have no other organization than as parts
of my division, to testify to their gallantry and
daring, the proof of which is found in their los
ses, and in the fact that both of their batteries
were much cut up by the terrible tire of the en
emy’s heavy guns. During the cannonade,
Lieut. T. I*. Johnston, whilst gallantly serving
the advanced section of McGruder’s battery,
fell mortally wounded, and Lieut. Callender,
in command of the howitzers, nearly at the
same time, received so severe a wound as to
disable him from commanding his pieces, which
consequently devolved upon Lieut. Reno, of
the ordnance corps, who for the remainder
of the battle, conducted the service of his batte
ry with equal gallantry and judgment.
I cannot in justice omit to notice the valuable
services of Captain Lee, of the engineer corps,
whose distinguished merit and gallantry deserve
the highest praise, and who, in the execution of
his duties, was ably assisted by his assistants
previously mentioned. They were important
aids in the combination ofelements brought to
bear with success, no less triumphant than glo
rious to our arms, upon the most powerful col
lection ofartillery (supported by a force of
four to one of our forces) ever successfully
assailed in any battle upon this continent.
Having myself crossed the plain and reached
this bloody theatre as the last scene of the con
flict was closing, as soon as suitable dispositions
were made to secure the fruits of the victory I
resolved upon pursuing the discomfitted enemy,
in which I found that Brigadier Gens. Twiggs
and Smith had already anticipated me by hav
ing commenced the movement. At the same
time I apprised the General-in chief of my ad
vance. and requested his authority to proceed
with all the forces still under my command,
and sweep around the valley, and attack the
strong works at San Antonio in the rear, and
requested the co-oper<|jon of Gen. Worth’s
division, on an assault of that work in front;
which the General-in-chief readily granted and
directed accordingly—having, as I learn, upon
being advised of the victory, previously given
the order. I had moved rapidly forward in ex
ecution of this purpose until I reached the town
of Coyoacan, w here the command was halted
to await the arrival ofthe General-in-chief, who
1 was informed was close at hand. Upon his
arrival the important fact was ascertained that
the enemy’s forces at San Antonio, having per
ceived that the great battery had been lost and
the total defeat and rout of their forces at Con
treras, by which their rear was opened to as
sault, had abandoned the work at San Antonio,
and fallen back upon their strong entrench
ments in rear at Churubusco.
Upon the receipt of this information the Gen
eral-in-chief immediately ordered Brig. Gen.
Twiggs’s division to move forward and attack
the work on the enemy’s right, and directed me
to move with Cadwalader’s brigade and assault
the tetc du punt on its left. Moving rapidly in
execution of this order. I had great difficulty in
passing the con.maud over some marshy fields
and wide and deep ditches, filled with mud and
water. I was compelled to dismount in order
to cross these obstacles, w hich were gallantly
overcome by the troops, when the whole force
gained the main causeway ; at which place 1
met Gen. Worth, with the advance of his divi
sion, moving upon the same work. It was then
proposed that our united divisions should move
on to the assault of the strong fete du pont,
which with its heavy artillery enfiladed the
causeway. This being determined upon, the
troops of the two divisions moved rapidly to at
tack the work on its left flank, and, notwith
standing the deadly lire of grape and round shot
from the work, which swept the roadway with
furious violence, tin and onward these gallant
and noble troops moved with impetuous valor,
ami terrible .and long was the bloody conflict. —
But the result could not be doubted. At length
the loud and enthusiastic cheer of the Anglo-
Saxon soldier told that all was well, and the
American colors waved in triumph over the
bloody scene.
The larger portion of Gen. Worth’s veteran
division was engaged in this fierce conflict, to
gether with the 11th and 14th regiments of in
fantry. constituting a part of my division, under
the commands respectively of Lieut. Col. Gra
ham ami (’ol. Trousd de. To the 14th infantry
belongs the honor of capturing a flag on this
fort, ami taking of a large number of prisoners
in the fort, among whom was the body of de
serters.
The voltigeur regiment, then under com
mand of Lieut. Col. Johnston, had been led on
by my adjutant-general. Capt. Hooker, to the
assault of the strong fortification on the enemy’s
right, w ith which Gon. Twiggs’s division was
hotly engaged ; but finding the artillery of the
enemy, as well as his small arms, bore directly
on this advance, which was entirely uncovered,
the regiment was placed in the rear ofa church,
where it remained until it received an order
from myself in person to move to the assault
in conjunction with tin 1 lively play of Duncan’s
battery. This fine regiment was rapidly exe
cuting this order, now under Col. Andrews,
ami led by Gen. Cadwalader, when that work
surrendered, ami was taken possession of by
Tw iggs’s division.
Gen. Worth, (to whose great gallantry du
ring the action it afforded me pleasure to bear
w itness.) w ith his division, and myself with the
11 th and 14th regiments of my command, press
ed rapidly on in pursuit of the flying enemy,
until we had arrived w ith our commands near
ly under the fire ofthe guns ofthe enemy, plant
ed in the suburbs of the capital, w here we w ere
overtaken bv an order from the General-in
chief to call off our troops from further pursuit.
During this movement I met with Cols. Ran
som’s and Morgan’s regiments, 12th infantry
under Capt. Wood, and the howitzer battery
under Lieut. Reno, parts of my division, form
ing General Pierce’s brigade, which had been
moved by order of the General-in-chief, under
command of Gen. Pierce, against a large body
ofthe enemy to the right and rear ofthe main
work, w here they had been, in conjunction with
Shields’s brigade, engaged in a fierce open field
fight with a large force.
Brigadier Gen. Pierce, though still suffering
severely from his injury ofthe preceding day.
had nevertheless been on duty, and in com
mand of his brigade during the day, and until a
few moments before, when he had fainted from
pain and exhaustion, and been carried from
the field. In this last engagement the gallant
Col. Morgan was wounded severely, when the
command of the 15th regiment devolved on
Lieut. Col. Howard.
During this long-continued battle, which last
ed nearly two days, every part ofthe army in
the field participated in the engagement. The
consequence was. that all share justly in the
honor and glory ofthe brilliant victory. I can
not distinguish between the conduct of the
commanders of regiments in my division ; they
all acted a distinguished part, as did their field
and company officers, though the circum
stances of battle caused Ransom's, Morgan’s.
Graham’s, and Trousdale’s regiments, and the
12th infantry, under command of Lieut. Col.
Bonham on the 19th, and of Capt. Wood on
the 20th, to be most actively engaged. My di
vision was composed entirely of recruits, whom
the exigencies of the service had not allowed
time to become well disciplined; but they emu
lated in deeds of valor and constancy the vet
erans ofthe old divisions; and I am proud to
testify to the General-in-chief my high appreci
ation of their good conduct.
I cannot withhold the expression of my sense
ofthe deep obligations I am under for the suc
cess and honor due to my command, to rnytwo
gallant Brigadier Generals, whose promptitude,
skill, and daring were equal to every emergen
cy, and who, in the absence of discipline in their
commands, met and overcame every obstacle,
and led on their brigades to honor and distinc
tion.
I will be pardoned, I trust, by the General-in-
Chief for travelling beyond the legitimate I
bounds of a report to notice becomingly’ the ;
patriotic conduct of the pious chaplain of Col.
Clarke s brigade. Whilst the battle raged fu
riously . my column had great difficulty in cross
ing a deep ditch without damaging their ammu
nition. Ihe worthy chaplain, besides encour- ‘
agmg the passing soldiers to their work, active- .
»y »etthe example ot filling the excavations, so ;
as to enable the troops to press onward to the ;
as&au.t. My medical staff (particularly Sur- I
geon Jordon, though infirm and aged, and Sur
geon Slade distinguished themselves by their
great activity and energy in keeping with the i
column throughout the action, and attending to |
tne wounded and dying on the spot where they j
leu. a< did also the entire medical staff of mv I
division. J I
During the arduous duties of my command i
on tae I'th, my personal staff being all en- !
gaged on duty, t was compelled to make use of
Hie services ot some ot my friends from civil 1
lue : among these. I am mjebted to Mr Ken- 1
dah tor his assistance in promptly bearing and !
delivering orders : also to Paymaster Burns I :
express mv indebtedness turhis valuable ser- i
Vices: to Captain O Hara, chief of the quar
termaster s department of mv division, I am
especially under obligations for h,s assistance,
as well as to Lieutenant Davis, of the Uth re*-
iment. acting ordnance officer
My personal Staff-Captain Hooker, mv ad
jutantgeneralandcluef of my staff; Lieuten
ant Ram>. -Itn artil.ery. and Lieutenant Riplev.
r .. and Passed Midship-
man Robert < . Rodgers, v .lnnteermd-de-camp
—distingursbed themselves by their
tearless an u gadant conduct, as well as bv their
judgment and skm in leading forward mv differ
ent commamls and placing them in no.mon
lor effective service throughout these long and i
desperate conflicts. I trust the General-in- .
C hies w m deem their conduct worths his spe- I
ci al notice. *
I ai*o notice the extraordinary activity
and giuuni conduct 01 Lieutenant Iron*. Ist
art.Jerv, aid-de-camp to Gun. Cadwalader. who
received a wound, probublv mortal. whilst in
the d.scharge ol his duties.’
Lieutenant t aldweo. of the marines, on du
ty with my div .siouas senior officer of the com
missary department, rendered invaluable ser
vices in h;s department, as well on the long
march to this place as during rhe long-con-
tinned action. Lieut. Reno, in command of
the howitzer battery on the 20th, rendered val
uable services under the orders of Brigadier
General Pierce in his engagement with the
enemy.
Generals Pierce and Cadwalader speak in
the highest terms of the good conduct and gal
lantry of the officers of their respective staffs;
and, concurring fully in their expression of
opinion, I beg to call them to the special notice
of the General-in-chief.
Capt. Mason, of the engineer corps, render
ed me important services in indicating posi
tions for portions of my command, during the
action of the 20th at Churubusco. Lieutenant
Rains, my aid-de-camp, was stunned by the
fragments of stone thrown from a wall by a
cannon-shot, at the same place.
Capt. Kearney, of Ist dragoons, command
ing a squadron composed ofhis own and Capt.
Mcßeynolds’s companies, was on duty with my
division during the* action, and made his way
with great difficulty across the wide and marshy
fields and deep ditches. Seeing no field for the
action ofhis fine squadron until the tetc du pont
was carried, I had held him in reserve. I then
let him loose. ..Furious was his charge upon
the retreating foe, dealing death with the un
erring sabre until he reached the very suburbs
ofthe city, and drew’ from the enemy’s batteries
at the garita a heavy and destructive fire, by
which the gallant captain lost his left arm.—
Lieut. J. L. Graham, of 10th infantry, serving
with Capt. Kearney, was wounded in the left
arm; and Capt. Mcßeynolds, 3d dragoons,
who nobly sustained the daring movements of
his squadron commander, was also wounded in
the left arm. Both ofthe.se fine companies sus
tained severe losses in their rank and file also.
By detachments to secure prisoners taken in
the first engagements at Contreras, and cap
tured public property, my force was reduced to
about 1,800 men. My total loss in killed,
wounded and missing, is 211 officers and pri
vates. The loss of the enemy in this last action
I have no means of ascertaining. The whole
field and road for miles was covered with the
dead and dying. In these engagements, consti
tuting one continued battle, the enemy himself
estimates his loss in killed, wounded, and mis
sing, at about 7,000. This includes prisoners
taken by our forces -
Among th«*“Sany gallant officers whose loss
we have to deplore is the brave Major Mills, of
the 15th infantry, who. after having participated
most actively in the fierce struggle in which
that regiment had its colonel wounded and one
third of its force cut down, joined Capt. Kear
ney’s squadron in pursuit ofthe enemy, and
was killed by the fire of the enemy’s artillery at
the very garita of the city.
Appended is a list of killed and wounded of
my division.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, Gm. J. Pillow.
Major Gen. United States Army.
To Capt. 11. L. Scott, Act. Asst. Adj. Gen.
Report of Brigadier-General Shields*
Headquarters Ist Brigade Vol. Division, ?
San Augustin, Mexico, Aug. 24, 1847. $
Sir: On the 19th inst , about three o’clock
in the afternoon, pursuant to the order of the
general commanding this division, I marched
from this place with the New York and South
Carolina regiments of volunteers towards the
battle-field of Contreras. On reporting to the
commander-in-chief, who occupied on my arri
val a position which overlooked the field, he
described to me, in a few words, the position
ofthe contending forces, pointed out the route
of my command, and briefly instructed me as
to the disposition which would render mv force
the most serviceable.
Directing my march upon the village near
Contreras, the troops had to pass over ground
covered with rocks and crags, and filled with
chasms, which rendered the road almost impas
sible. A deep, rugged ravine, along the bed of
which rolled a rapid stream, was passed, after
dark, with great difficulty and exertion; and to
rest the wearied troops after crossing. I direct
ed thorn to lie upon their arms until midnight.
While occupying this position, two strong
pickets, thrown out by my orders, discovered,
fired upon, and drove back a body of Mexican
infantry moving through the fields in a direc
tion from their position towards the city. I
have since learned that an attempt had in like
manner been made by tin* enemy to pass the
position on the main road occupied by the Ist
regiment of artillery, and with a like want of
success. About midnight I again resumed the
m uch, and joined Brig.-Gen. Smith in the vil
lage already referred to.
General Smith, previous to my arrival, had
made the most judicious arrangements fortuni
ng and surprising the Mexican position about
day break, and with which I could not wish to
interfere. This cast upon my command the
necessity of holding the position to be evacua
ted by General S., and which was threatened
by the enemy’s artillery and infantry on the
right, and a large force of his cavalry on the
left. About day break the enemy opened a
brisk fire of grape and round shot upon the
church ami village in which my brigade was
posted, as also upon a part of our own troops
displayed to divert him on his right and front
—evidently unaware of the movement in pro
gress toj.iArn iws paction b>tlic left and r*ar.
This continued unttrfJol. Riley’s brigade open
ed its tire from the rear, which was delivered
with such terrible effect, that the whole Mexi
can force was thrown into the utmost conster-
nation.
At this juncture. I ordered the two regiments
r of my command to throw themselves on the
r main road, by which the enemy must retire, to
- intercept and cut off his retreat; and. although
, officers and men had suffered severely during
• the march of the night, and from exposure
- without shelter or cover to the incessant rain
until day-break, this movement was executed
- in good order, and with rapidity. The Palftiet
to Regiment, crossing a deep ravine, deployed
- on both sides the road, and opened a most de*
>' structive fire upon the mingled masses of in
>’ fantry and cavalry; and the New York regi
merit, brought into line lower down, and on die
i road side, delivered its fire with a like effect,
r At this point many of the enemy were killed
' and wounded: some 3(55 captured, of which 25
i were officers, and amongst the latter was Gen.
i Nicolas Mendoza.
1 in the meanwhile the enemy’s cavalry, about
3.000 strong, which had been threatening our
t position during the morning, moved down to
. wards us in good order, ami as if to attack. 1
- immediately recalled the infantry, to place them
i in position to meet the threatened movement;
i but soon the cavalry changed its direction ami
i retreated ’.owards the capital. I now received
! an order from Gen. Twiggs to advance by the
main road towards Mexico; and having posted
i Capt. Marshall’s company of South Carolina
volunteers, and Capt. Taylor's New York vol-
- unterrs in charge of the prisoners and wound
i ed, I moved off with the remainder of my
■ force, and joined the positions of the 2d and 3d
j divisions already en route on the main road.
- On this march we were joined by the General
in-Chief, who assumed command of the whole,
and the march continued uninterrupted until
I we arrived before Churubusco. Here the en-
■ emy was found strongly fortified, and posted
with his main force—probably 25,000.
The engagement was commenced by the 2d
division under Twiggs, soon joined by the Ist,
i under Worth, and was becoming general, when
I was detached by the Cominander-in-Chief
with my two regiments and Pierce’s brigade—
the 9th. 12th, and 15th—with the mountain
howitzer battery, and ordered to gain a posi
tion, if possible, to attaek the enemy’s rear, and
intercept his retreat.
Leaving Coyoacan by a left hand road, and
advancing about a mile upon it, I moved thence
with my command towards the right, through
a heavy corn-field, and gained an open but
swampy field, in which is situated the hacienda
de los Partales. On the edge of this field, be
yond the hacienda. I discovered the road by
which the enemy must retire from Churubusco,
an-1 found his reserve of about 4.000 infantry
already occupied it. just in rear of the town.
As my command arrived. I established the right
upon a point recommended by Capt. Lee, en
gineer officer, in whose skill and judgment I
had the utmost confidence, ami commenced a j
movement to the left, to Hank the enemy on I
his right, and throw my troops between him
and the city: but finding his right supported by i
a heavy body of cavalry of some 3.000 strong.
' and seeing, too, that with his infantry he an- i
J swered to my movements by a corresponding •
one towards his right Hank, gaining ground ’
faster than I could, ow ing to the heavy mud and <
I swamp through which I had to operate. I with- ;
- drew the men to the cover, of the hacienda. I
and determined to attack him upon his front, i
: 1 selected the Palmetto regiment as the base of ;
' my line, and this gallant regiment nioved for- ■
: ward firmly and rapidly under a fire of mns-
I ketry as terrible, perhaps, as any which soldiers j
ever faced; the New York. 12th. and 15th. de-
■ ployed gallantly on the right, and the 9th on the
I left, and the whole advanced, opening their fire
j as they came up. and moving steadily forward,
j The enemy began to waver, and when my or-
1 der to charge was given, the men rushed upon |
1 and scattered his broken ranks. As we reached .
the road, the advance of M orth s command ap-
I peared. driving the enemy from bis stronghold
iof Churubusco. I took command of the ,
i front, an 1 continued in pursuit until passed by ,
I Harney with his cavalry, who followed the (
■ routed foe into the very gates of oie city.
In this terrible battle, in which 4 strongly for- *
titled enemy fought behind his works under the .
walls of iiis capital, our loss is necessarily se- ‘
vere. This loss, I regret to say, has fallen .
most severely upon my command. In the two (
reg uients of my own brigade, «'• • * r
about in the fight, the loss is reported 24V '
in killed and wounded.
In ’ins la-t engagement my command cap
tured 3m» prisoners, including 6 officers. Os f
this number 42 had deserted from the Ameri- -J
con army during the war. and at their head was *
found the notorious O’Reily. who had fought L
against our troops at Monterey and elsewhere. *
A particular and detailed report of the I >ss, as *■
also of the prisoners captured by the com- r
mand. accompanies this report. r
Pierce’s brigade, under my command in this f
action, los: a considerable number in killed and
wounded. Amongst the latter, the gallant h
Col. Morgan of the 15th. This command hav- ti
ing rejoined its division immediately after the a
action. 1 have, as vet. received no otncial re- p
port of its loss. '
In closing this report, I beg to offer my
thanks to the many gallant officers of my com
mand for their zealous and fearless support du
ring the conflict. To Col. Burnett and Lieut.
Col. Bextar, of the New York volunteers; to
Lieut.-Colonel Dickinson and Maj. Gladden,
South Carolina volunteers; ns also to many of
their gallant subordinates, every praise is due.
Col. Burnett was severely wounded at the head
of his regiment; and Lieut.-Col. Dickinson al
so severely wounded whilst in command ofhis
regiment, and while bearing gallantly forward
the colors of his corps. My thanks are due to
the i.iedical stall’ of the command—Doctors
HoLstern and M Kebbin. of the New York, and
Doctors Clark and Bland, of the South Caroli
na regimen vs; as also to Ductor Swift, U.S.
A., for their devoted attention to the wounded.
It affords me pleasure, and I but perform my
duty, too, in acknowledging my great obliga
tions to Capt. R. E. Lee, engineer corps; as
also to my particular staff, Capt. F. N. Page,
A. A. G.; Lieut. R. P Hammond, 3d artillery,
aid-de-camp; and Lieut. G. T. M. Davis, of
Illinois, acting as aid, for their gallant services
and fearless exposure in encouraging the
troops, and conveying my orders during the
different engagements. Lieut. Reno, com
manding howitzer battery, deserves great cre
dit for the handsome manner in which he
brought his guns into action, and continued to
serve them.
I beg respectfully, through the general of
division, to ask for these gentlemen the favor
able notice of the Commander-in-chief, and to
commend them to the President. Lieutenant
Shubrick, of the navy, who accompanied me.
attached himself to the Palmetto regiment of
his native Slate, and fought in its ranks, and is
spoken of handsomely in the report of its com
mander.
Whilst thus enjoying the pleasure of bestow
ing my commendation upon the living, I turn
with the feelings of sorrow, though w ith pride,
to recollect the gallant dead. Lieut*. Adams
and Williams, of the South Carolina regi
ment, and Lieut. Chandler, of the New York
regiment, are of those who gallantly fell. Yield
ing their lives to achieve this glorious victory,
they have won a soldier’s fame with a soldier’s
death.
The noble and gallant colonel ofthe South
Carolina Regiment, P. M. Butler, had risen
from his sick bed to share the hardships of the
field and the dangers of the combat with his de
voted regiment. He survived the conflict of
the morning to lead his command where victo
ry again awaited it. Although wounded him
self, and having lost his horse, shot under him,
he still continued to press onwards near the
colors of his regiment, until the fatal ball termi
nated his life.
A gallant soldier in his youth, he has won in
his death upon the field ofbattle, fame for him
self and his regiment, and added another name
to the roll of Carolina’s departed heroes. I
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. SHIELDS,
Brig. Gen. comd’g. Ist brig. vols.
To Lieut. M. Lovell, 4th art., A. A. A. G.
Report of Brigadier General Twiggs.
Headquarters, 2n Division Regulars,
San Angel, near Mexico, August 23d, 1847.
Sir : For the information of the General
in-chief of the United States army, 1 have the
honor to make the following report of the ope
rations of my division, and of those of other
troops which came under my command on the
J9th and 20th instant.
Agreeably to instructions from Gen. Scott, I
left my train of wagons at San Augustin on
the morning ofthe 19th, and proceeded with
mv division to cross the mountain route previ
ously reconnoitred by Capt. Lee, ofthe engi
neers, and cover a working party under the
orders of Maj. Gen. Pillow. Having proceed
ed about two miles, the enemy was discovered
in force at Contreras, where the trail intersects
one ofthe main roads to the citv of Mexico, and
some nine miles from it.) distant one mile, in a
naturally strong position, made still more so
by breastworks which commanded the ap
proach in every direction, (’apt. McLellan, of
the topographical engineers, and Lieutenant
McClellan, ofthe engineers proper, were sent
in advance to reconnoitre, with a view of plac
ing our batteries. They were soon stopped by
one ofthe enemy’s pickets, and were compelled
to return, each having had his horse shot. The
rifle regiment, commanded by Major Loring,
was then ordered forward as skirmishers to
clear the ground. This duty was performed
handsomely and with despatch, having driven
in the enemy’s pickets, to within 300 yards of
his works. Captain Magruder’s battery and the
mountain howitzer and rocket battery, com
manded by Lieut. Callender, ofthe ordnance,
were placed in position by Capt. Lee, of the
engineers.
These batteries were placed at my disposal by
the kindness of Maj. Gen. Pillow, by whose
magnanimity, (he being my senior present) I
had the control of any reinforcements, and
every facility from his division which I required.
So soon as oitr batteries were established, the
enemy opened a most destructive fire from se
veral ofhis large guns. The cannonading was
kept up oti both sides for several hours, un
til compelled by thq loss of officers, men, «Mtd
crippled pieces, our batteries were placed for
the time under shelter. In inis affair the very
gallant and much lamented Lieut. J. P. John
stone. of Magruder’s battery, was mortally
wounded; and Lieut. Callender, ofthe howit
zer ami rocket battery, severely wounded.
The coolness and determination evinced by
the officers and men while under this hot lire,
gave sure indications ofthe result ofthe coming
conflict, when all my command would get in
position. Gen. Smith’s brigade was ordered
to proceed in the direction of our batteries, and
Riley’s by inclining to the right, to get a posi
tion, if possible, in the enemy’s rear. The
route he was compelled to take was most diffi
cult and tedious, passing over volcanic rocks
atid crossing large fissures barely narrow
enough to permit the men to get over by leap
ing. Accompanied by Lieut. Tower, ofthe en
gineers, this brigade finally reachedthe mainroad
and got in position in rear of the enemy’s po
sition. having driven before it a large body of
lancers, who attempted to check its progress.
Having become separated by seven or eight
hundred yards from any reinforcement, a large
bony of the enemy (ten or twelve thousand)
vas discovered coming from the direction of
the city, and closing on Riley's rear. At the
same time, from the field-work at Contreras
came out two or three thousand men on the
road which the brigade had crossed, entirely
cutting off Riley’s from Smith’s brigade. Not
withstanding the very great disparity in num
bers in favor of the enemy, this fine brigade
kept its ground, occasionally driving from its
vicinity, with loss, bodies ofthe enemy who had
rashness enough to approach within musket
range.
During this state of affairs. Smith’s brigade
was ordered to form a junction with Riley’s,
while Gen. Pierce’s brigade occupied the left
of the trail, ami remained as a support to the
batteries. Much credit is due to Col. Ransom,
by whose untiring exertions and zeal the 9th
and 12th infantry were placed in position near
the batteries late in the night ofthe 19th. Late
in the evening the two brigades joined near the
road —Riley having manoeuvred in the face of
the enemy so as to rejoin Smith’s. Still later
Shields’s and Cad waiader’s brigades funned a
junction with my division, then under the im
mediate command of Gen. Smith. I being un
able. from a lame foot, to follow the route tak-
I en by my troops, returned to the vicinity of
Taylor’s battery where 1 passed the night. Gen.
Smith made his arrangements to attack the en
emy's work the next morning.
For the particulars of this affair I would re
spcctfully refer the General in-chief to the re
ports of Gen. Smith and Col. Riley, to whom,
and to the other officers engaged, is due all the
credit that attaches. I was unable, for the rea
son given above, to come up to my division til
i the affair was over, and the road opened for my
i horse. In all the recommendations from bri
i gade and regimental commanders I fully con
[ cur. and in addition, for gallant services on the
19th. would present the names of Captain Mc-
Clellan. topog.aphical engineers. Lieutenants
Beauregard, Tower. G. W. Smith. G. B.
McClellan, Stevens and Foster of the en
gineers. proper, (the last named officer was
particularly acuve in the management of
one of Capta'm Magruder’s pieces after the
lamented Johnstone lost his leg, McGru
der. lieut. Jackson, lieutenants Callender
and Re.io serving with their respective batte
ries. Lieut. G. B. McClellan, after Lieut. Cal
lender was wounded look charge of and man
aged the howitzer battery (Lieut. Reno being
detached with th" rockets) with judgment and
success, until it became so disabled as to re
quire shelter. For Lieut McClellan’s efficien
cy and gallantry in this affair, I present his
name for the favorable consideration of the
General-in-ciiief.
The medical officers of the division, always rea
dy tojadimni-ter to the comfort of the sick and
wounded, were particularly active on this oc
casion. With no co iveniences for themselves.
I and but little shelter for the w ounded, this ad-
I mirable corps of officers spent the entire ni<dit
exposed to the pitiless storm, in dressing the
wounded and alleviating their sufferings. 1
cannot do less than give their names a place in
this report : Surgeons C. S. Tripier. B. Ran
dall. and J. \\ . Cutler : A--i-tmt Surgeons
A. I . ."liter. 11. 11. Sterner, C. C. Ke »iev. and
Hammond, make up die number' Mv
immediate staff—LieuL Brooks. A. A. A. G*,
Lieut. McDonald, A. I). C.. Capt. Alien, quar
termaster, anu Lieuts Grafton, ordnance offi
cer, and Syke-*. A. C- S. to the division, were
active and efficient in conveving orders, and.
when necessary, in giving directions.
Having secured the prisoners and captured
property at Contreras, [entrenched camp.] die
4di artillery, with other troops, was left as a!
guard, and to provide for the wounded and ■
bury the dead. Pursuing a small retreating j
force through the villages of San Angel and ’
Santa Catarina, giving them occasionally a
running fire until we arrived in front of Chu
rubusco, where the enemy were in a strongly
fortified position. with seven pieces of cannon
and several thousand bayonets, a large body of
lancers guarding the approach to the right of
their w ork, which was incomplete. 1 came to
a hah. by order of die general-in-chief, for the
purpose of having a reconnoissance made.
Lieut. Stevens’ of the engineers, was sent for-
ward to look at the enemy’s position, support*
ed by the company of sappers and miners.
He reported a good position for Taylor’s bat
tery towards the left of the work, from which
it was practicable to drive from the roof and
walls of the church such of the enemy as, from
their elevated position, could annoy my foot
troops destined to storm the work surrounding
the church.
The battery was accordingly ordered. It
opened with great spirit, and remained under a
most galling and destructive fire of grape,
round-shot, shell, and musketry, for an hour
and ahaif: by which time, having accomplished
the desired object, it was withdrawn, much crip
pled in officers, men, and horses. In the mean
time, Smith’s brigade was ordered in the same
direction the battery took, immediately in front
of the work, and Riley’s farther to our left,
with a view of turning and gaining entrance to
the open portion of the entrenchments on the
enemy’s right. After an uninterrupted and se
vere fire on both sides for two hours, my troops
entered the worn. All the regiments were
close at hand, and shared equally in the dangers
and honors of the day. Gen. Rincon, the com
mander of the place, and two other general of
ficers, together with several others of rank, in
all numbering 104, and 1155 non-commission
ed officers and privates, prisoners of war, se
ven pieces of cannon, and a large number of
small arms, and some ammunition, fell into our
hands. This closed the operations of my divi
sion, which had been under arms in the face of
the enemy without intermission, for thirty
hours, and achieved one of the most glorious
triumphs of the American arms—placing in
possession of the United States Government 29
pieces of artillery, a large number of small
arms and a great amount of ammunition of all
kinds, together with 2655 prisoners of war.
To Capt. Lee, of the engineers, I have again
the pleasure of tendering my thanks for the ex
ceedingly valuable services rendered through
out the whole of these operations; and to Lieut.
G. \V. Smith, of the engineers, who command
ed the company of sappers and miners, I am
under many obligations for his services on this
and on other occasions. Whenever his legiti
mate duties with the pick and spade were per
formed, he always solicited permission to join
in the advance of the storming party with his
muskets, in which position his gallantry, and
that of his officers and men, was conspicuous
ly displayed at Contreras as well as at Cerro
Gordo. His name I also present to the Com
manding-General for distinction.
Finally, to Brevet Brigadier General Smith
and Brevet Colonel Riley all the praise I can
bestow is entitled, for their cordial and invalu
able support to me on all occasions, and in
every emergency. Their names, already con
spicuous in the present campaign, have been
rendered doubly so during the two recent
battles.
My effective force on the morning of the2olh
was one hundred and eleven officers and twen
five hundred and thirty non-commissioned
officers and privates, and of that number were
killed and wounded twenty-one officers, two
hundred and forty-live men, killed wounded
and missing.
For more minute information, I will refer
you to the accompanying reports of brigade
and regimental commanders. A list of the kil
led, wounded, and missing I have the honor
to present with this report.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, 1). E. Twiggs.
Brig. Gen. U. S. A., Comd’g 2d Division Regulars.
Captain 11. L. Scott, A. A. A. G., Headquarters of
the army in the field.
Report of Brig.-Gcn. Persifor F. Smith*
Headquarters, Ist Brio. 2d Div. Regulars,
San Angel, (near Mexico.) Aug. 23, 1847. $
Sir — On the 19lh instant my brigade, with the
rest of the division, marched from San Augustin to
cover the division of General Pillow, opening the road
from San Augustin to that which runs through this
place to 'he city, in order to turn the position of San
Antonio. Advancing about one and a half mile, we
were met by a fire of the Mexican batteries opposite
to us on the San Angel road. Between us was about
a half mile of lava rocks, almost impassable fora sin
gle footman, then a slope downward toward a ravine,
on the opposite bank of which were the road and the
enemy’s works, on a height called Contreras. Die
front laced us, and the left flank swept the road below
it, a turn forward in the road bringing the work di
rectly in the prolongation of the lower part of the
road. The work had upward of twenty large guns,
was full of infantry, and large masses of cavalry and
infantry were behind it and on its flank. Magruder’s
battery was ordered forward to a position in front of
thee»enty, and partially covered by a ledge of rocks.
My brigade was ordered to follow and support it, and
cover the advance of the party making the road. We
went forward under a very heavy tire, and took a po
sition on the left of Magruder's battery. We found
Lieutenant Callender’s howitzer battery at this point.
When we took this direction Riley’s brigade was
sent to the right. Magruder's battery and the how
itzer battery were soon disabled, and, on examining
the ground, it wasevident that we were advancing by
the only path that crossed the broken bed of lava, and
on which ‘he enemy were prepared to receive us, hav
ing cleared away all the bushes that obstructed their
view. The guns could go no farther ami the infantry
would, on its march down the slope, be exposed to a
terrible fire, without knowing whether the crossing of
the ravine below was |>ossibfe.
Being isolated from the division, I determined to
try one of the enemy’s flanks; and that on our right
being preferable, as it would cut off his retreat, I de
termined to move in that direction, taking Lieut. G.
W. Smith’s engineer company, the Ist artillery, un
der Major Dimick, ami 3d infantry under Captain
Alexander, and as many of the mounted riflemen as
could be collected near; the regiment having been
detached as skirmishers at the first by Gen. Twiggs,
arid ordered by him to cover different parties of re
connoitering officers. Captain Magruder was directed
to open his fire as we passed his rear, to occupy the
enemy, and mask our movement to the right. This
he did most effectually, though suffering from a great
l<i-’s, especially of officers. To replace this loss Lieut.
ll.»-kiiis and twenty men were detached from Major
Dimick’s regiment, ami three companies of the 3d
infantry were left to sup|»orl him. With great diffi
culty we succeeded in crossing the rock for near a
mile, and descended toward the village of Encelda,
whose church was visible among the trees. As we
emerged I’r* m the rocks we saw an immense number of
troops, cavalry and infantry, approaching from Mexi
co ami forming on the slope on the opjiosite side of the
village.
We crossed two small streams at the bottom of deep
and difficult gulleys, and found some of our troops in
the village, they proving to bo four regiments, chiefly
of General Pillow’s division, and under command of
General Cadwalader, who immediately reported to
me. I'tie village lay entirely on the other side of the
main road, and a small stream ran between them at
the bottom of a ravine. On the road, and between it
and the stream, was a garden and house surrounded
by a high and tolerably strong stone wall. The vil
lage was intersected by narrow lanes lying between
high dikes enclosing gardens full of trees and shrub
bery—the lanes afiording ’.ovr, and the trees conceal
ment for the men. In the centre stood an old stone
church. I drew Gon. Cadwalader’s fi»rce up in the
outer edge of the village, facing the enemy—placed
the 3d infantry and rifles in column by company, left
in front, on tin- right flank —occupied the church with
Lieut. Smith’s engineer company and Capt. Irwin’s
company of the 1 Itli regiment—placed Maj. Dimick’s
regiment in the garden on the road, to secure that
avenue and our rear.
The enemy was now formed opposite to us in two
lines—the infantry in front, and cavalry in the rear —
about ten thousand strong. It was now after sunset
when Col. Kiley’s brigade arrived. It had crossed
and gone up towards Contreras, [entrenched camp,]
and driven off strong parties of the enemy. I now
ordered an attack on the enemy’s right, intending to
attack in two columns—Col. Kiley’s on our left, and
Gen. Cadwalader’s on the right of the former—re
tired in cchellon; but before the troops could be dis
engaged from the thickets, (the officers being without
horses,) it was already so dark that the enemy’s line
could not be seen, and the order for attack was coun
termanded. Gen. Cadwalader took position again
in the edge of the village ; Kiley’s brigade parallel to
it in a long line inside; the rifles under Major Loring
on his right, and the 3d infantry in the church yard.
The troops were without shelter or fire, and it rained
all night.
At this time Lieut. Tower reported that he had been
at the ravine towards the rear of the enemy’s work
at Contreras, and thought it practicable for infantry
though very difficult. We had now in front, andon
our left flank, eighteen thousand Mexicans with be
tween twenty-five and thirty guns —among the troops
six or seven thousand cavalry. We were, at most,
three thousand three hundred strong, and without ar
tillery or cavalry; and it was evident wo could only
maintain our position, which was of the utmost impor
tance to the Commanding General, By the must
prampt and energetic action. I therefore directed an
attack on the work at Contreras, (the entrenched
catnp.) by turning their rear befitre day; and Cupt.
Leo, of the engineers, offered to return to General
Scett (a most difficult task) and inform him of our po
- n, and that I would march out by 3</clock, A. M_,
s<> that any diversion that he could make in our favor
from that side might be prepared accordingly. The
officers commanding brigades were informed of the
plan and order of attack and directed to have their
commands formed, and the heads resting on the path
by winch we were to march out by 2} A. M.
I was at a loss how to secure our rear; for if the
enemy took possession of the village, he would not
only secure the retreat of his force nt Contreras. [bis
entrenchments,]but wn-ild greatly embarrass us; and
1 was not sironj enough to detach largely for that
purpose. At this juncture Gen. Shield’s aid arrived,
and reported that the General was near, on the other
side of rite ravine, with the South Carolina and New
\ ork volunteers. These two regiments were direct
ed t-. hold Encelda, [the village.] and cut off the re
treat ol the troops from Contreras, [the camp.] or take
his large reserve in flank, if it changed front to the
right to attack us towards Contreras, [the camp, j At
preci-cly 3 o’clock in the morning «»f the 20th, the
tro-aps commenced their march. It had rained all
nij and the men had lain in the mud, without fire,
and s itTering from cold. It rained now, and was no
dark than an object six f-et off could not be seen.
The men were ordered to keep within touch of each
other, so that the rear could not go astrav.
Lieut. Tower, of the engineers, with Lieut. Brooks
j acting assistant adjutant general of the 2nd division,
[ now acting in my fetaif, had, during the night, again
reconnoitered the pass, to the practicabiii v of
the march. Lieut. r->w»-r accompanied the head of
the column, to lead it. and Lieut. Brooks and Lieut.
Beauregard, engineers, went with me at the head of
Gen. Cadwaleder’s brigade. Col. Riley’s brigade
led. General Cadwaldvr s was to follow’ and Major
Dimick, with mv own brigade, at the head of which
was Lieut. **. . Smith, engineer company, clased
the r ar. lue path was narrow, full of rocks and
mud, and so difficult was the march that it wasdav
break before the head of Cad walader’s brigade got
-cit of the village, where the path descends to die
ravine ; and as the march was by a flank the com
mand was stretched out thrice its length’. Having
1 Jlowed up the ravine to a point where it seemed
possible to get at the rear of the work, the head was
halted, and the rear closed up; many loads that were
wet were drawn, and Riley formed two columns by
divisions.
He thus advanced farther up the ravine, turning to
his i.-fr. and rising over the bank, s; fronting the
rear of the work, but still sheltered from its fire by a
shgn: Ja* livity before him. Having reformed hia
ranks, be ascended the top of the hill, and was in full
view of the enemy, who immediately opened a warm
fire, not only from the work baton his right flank.—
Throwing out his two first divisions as skirmishers, he
rushed down the slope to the work. The engineer
company and rifles had been’thrown across an inter
vening ravine, under the brow of the slope, and from
that position swept it in front of this column, and then
inclining towards their left, joined in the attack on the
troops outside of the left flank of the fort. In the
meantime Gen. Cadwalader followed the route taken
by Riley, and forming his columns as the troops came
up, moved onto his (Riley’s) support. The Ist bri
gade had been ordered to follow the same route • but
while it was still marching in that direction by its
right flank up the ravine, and nearly opposite the
work, seeing a large body of the enemy on its left
flank, I ordered Maj. Dimick to face the brigade to the
left, and, advancing in line, attack this force in flank.
This was done in the finest style, and the Ist artil
lery and 3d infantry, mounting the bank of the ra
vine, rushing down the next and up its opposite bank
met the enemy outside of the work just as Riley’s bri
gade poured into it, and the whole giving way. Ca
valry, formed in line for the charge, yielding to the
bayonets of our foot, the route was complete, while
Riley’s brigade cleared the work and planted their
cokrs on it. The two first pieces captured, which
fell into the hands of the 4lh artillery, proved to be
the pieces lost (but without loss of honor) by a compa
ny of that very regiment at Buena Vista. Leaving a
force to collect and guard the captured ordnance, the
pursuit was continued down the road.
This, it will be recollected, passed not more than
half a mile off the garden and house occupied by a j>or
tion of Shields’s brigade, placed there to intercept the
retreat ofthe enemy. This skilful and gallant officer
when we marched, had spread his men over the line
we had occupied, and directed them to make fires
towards daylight as though preparing their breakfast.
The enemy in front had during the night, placed bat
teries along their line, and in the morning moved de
tachments forward to take in flank the attack he saw’
we were meditating the night before, which he was
preparing to meet —supposing from the indications he
found that we were still in force in the village. When,
after daylight, he saw a column moving on Contreras,
the entrenched camp] and already prepared to turn
it, he must have supposed we had been strongly rein
forced; for his movements to and fro indicated great
perplexity. His doubts were soon resolved, however,
by the loss of Contreras, [the camp] and he immedi
ately commenced a hasty retreat along the top of the
hill, inclining towards the San Angel road.
Shields’s force (500 or 600 men) having under his
skilful direction, thus disposed of one enemy he turn
ed to the other, who, in their flight, found themselves
intercepted at the garden, and under the sure fire of
the South Carolina Regiment, broke away over the
op|>osite fields, and taking shelter in the ditches and
ravines, escaped, many of them, to the rocks. Two
squadrons of cavalry, either by chance or a wise de
sign, in a narrow part of the road between the wall
and dike, laid down their arms, and so choked the
way that the pursuit was interrupted for upwards of
twenty minutes; which sufficed, we having no ca
valry, for the safety of many of the fugitives. A
large body escaped upwards towards the mountains.
1 did not pursue them being entirely out of our direc
tion.
Accounts from Mexican officers intercepted since
the battle, inform us that there were 7000 in and about
Contreras, [the entrenched camp,] commanded by
Gen. Valencia, and upwards of 12,000 in front of En
celda, or hamlet of Contreras, in reserve, commanded
by Gen. Santa Anna. We killed seven hundred and
took fifteen hundred prisoners, among them several
generals. We captured 22 pieces of brass ordnance,
viz: 4 Spanish 16-pounders, 4 8-inch howitzers. 25A
inch howitzers, 6 6-pounders, and 6 smaller pieces,
with a large amount of shells and ammunition. We
also took 7000 pack mulesand many horses, and an
immense number of small arms which we destroyed.
After directing the prisoners anti property to be col
lected, I directed the pursuit to be continued, and was
forming the column, when Gen. Twiggs arrived. He
immediately ordered the most vigorous pursuit, and
we moved forwards. As we approached San Angel,
the rifles were again thrown forward as skirmishers,
and entered the town at the heels of the enemy's
lancers, capturing an ammunition wagon.
Here Gen. Pillow assumed command, and at Coyoa
can the commander-in-chief came up. The Ist bri
gade was sent forward with the rest of the division
towards Churubusco; the rifles were detached to
the right to cover a reconnoissance. Lieut. Stephens
ofthe engineers, covered by Lieut. Smith’s engineer
company, went forward to reconnoitre the church of
Churubusco, and reported a one-gun battery acioss
the road, which could be turned by its left. The Ist
artillery was directed to be detached forthat purpose,
and marched in that direction. A heavy fire opening
there, I was ordered up with the 3d infantry, and
shortly after Taylor’s battery was placed in position,
fronting the buildings about the church, the 3d infan
try supporting it. At this time the tremendous fire
from the neighborhood of the church showed clearly,
not only that there was a strong force stationed there,
but there was also a more considerable work than
was at first supposed; but being all surrounded by
very high corn, its form could not be discovered. It
afterwards proved that the place was regularly fortified.
The church buildings formed a large square ; the low
er front towards us was chiefly a wall scaffolded for
infantry. Behind it rose a higher building, also cov
ered with infantry; behind it the church, and the
high steeple on its right flank, also filled with men.
In front of the first was a curtain, connecting two
salient angles which flanked it, and were continued
back to the side walls of the church. It was garri
soned by about 2000 men, and mounted 7 pieces.
What was supposed to be the one-gun battery, was
the right salient angle which enfiladed the road from
Goyoacan; so that when the Ist artillery attempted
to turn it, they found themselves in front of this cur
tain, ami exposed to all the musketry ofthe walls be
yond. They however stood their ground with great
loss, getting such cover as the ground afforded, and
firing at the embrazures when opportunity offered. It
was now reported that the other brigade (Riley’s) was
ordered round to tin? pghtof work, and Gtfflbd
Pillow’s division to its left. I therefore ordered the
3d infantry to be ready, so soon as the fire of these corps
began to tell, to advance under the cover of some huts
near the right bastion, and after silencing the fire of
its musketry, to assault it.
In the meantime Taylor’s battery had continued its
fire uninterrupted by the severest shower of grape,
canister, musketry, round shot and shell, within short
musket range, that was ever witnessed. The conduct
of Captain I’aylor, Lieut. French, and the men who
remained unhurt, was the admiration of all who wit
nessed it. The pieces were served as though on drill,
while two ofthe officers, Lieuts. Marlin and Boynton,
and twenty men wounded, and 15 horses crippled,
laid around, and test ified to the danger of their posi
tion. Hearing now the fire from the other corps, and
finding that ofthe work to be less steady, I directed
Capt. Alexander (commanding 3d infantry) to ad
vance to the position indicated and commence his
work. After clearing the ramparts partially of their
men, the 3d rushed over the bastion, led by Captain
J. M. Smith and Lieut. Shepherd, and their compa
nies, and a part of the Ist artillery, over the curtain,
when the garrison held out a while flag, and surren
dered to Captain Smith, who was fortunate enough to
be the first in the work. Many had escaped to the
back of the church; but 104 officers, among them se
veral generals, and 1155 men were counted after the
surrender.
It is proper here to observe, in order to prevent er-
rora hereafter, that after Capt. Alexander’s command
had received the surrender of the garrison, and had
gone up into the gallery of the front house, with Gen.
Rincon, from which he was displaying the colors of
bis regiment, a staff officer from another division who
bad seen the white flag still flying, rode into the work
to receive the surrender which had been made some
time before to Capt. Alexander. Seven pieces of brass
cannon, much ammunition and small arms, the pri
soners before mentioned, and an important position
were the fruits of this victory. I should have men
tioned before that Captain Craig had in the morning
rejoined the regiment with the three companies left
with Capt. Magruder; and those companies of rifle
men who had been left in the pedregal, (field of rocks
and lava,) had also joined the regiment.
The troops in the actions in the pedregal, on the as
ternoon of the 19th, and at Contreras and Churubus
co on the 20th, distinguished themselves far beyond
my capacity to do them justice. The difficulties they
overcame —supposed by the enemy to be insuperable—
the hardships they endured, and the fatigue they suf
fered, contrasted with the manner in which they did
their work, raises their character as soldiers highly
towards perfection.
Brig.-Gen. Cadwalader [in the morning] brought
his corps up from his intricate bivouac in good order,
formed the head of his column to support Kiley’s, and
led it forward in the most gallant style under the fire
directed at the latter. The Ist brigade was conduct
ed by' Major Dimick, who charged in line with it on
the enemy’s left, driving before the force formed there
outside of the works, and putting to rout a far supe
rior force, displaying the skill of the commander as
well as the bravery of the soldier. But the opportu
nity' afforded by' his position to Col. Kiley was seized
by that gallant veteran with all the skill and energy
for which he is distinguished. The charge of his
noble brigade down the slope, in full view of friend
and foe, unchecked even fora moment, until he had
planted all his colors upon their farthest works, was
a spectacle that animated the army to the boldest
deeds.
Majors Gardner and Brown, 4th artillery, at the
head of their regiment, setting an example by their
own courage, carried the part of the work before them,
and Capt. Drum, of that corps, had the good fortune to
recover the trophies of Buena Vista. Col. Piympton
and Major Bainbridge, with the 7th infantry, as that
veteran regiment deserves to be led, and Capt. Mor
ris, in command of the 2d infantry, brought it up to
share equally with the others in the honors of the suc
cessful assault. Capt. Alexander’s good conduct
brought his regiment up most effectively. Major Lo
ring, detached to cover Col. Riley’s left, showed not
only a perfect knowledge of the value of his arm, but
the courage and activity necessary to make it effec
tive. Liet. G. W. Smith, in command of the engi
neer company, and Lieut, McClellan, his subaltern,
distinguished themselves throughout the whole of the
three actions. Nothing seemed to them too bold to be
undertaken, or ton difficult to be executed; and their
services as engineers were as valuable as those they
rendered in battle at the head of their gallant men.
Lieut. Foster, being detached from his company dur
ing the action at Contreras, did not fall under my no
tice; but in the action on 19th, and at Churubusco, he
was equally conspicuous for his gallantry. In ad
verting to the conduct of the staff, I wish to record
|iarticularly my admiration of the conduct of Capt.
Lee, of the engineers.
His reconnaissances, though pushed far beyond the
bounds of prudence, were conducted with so much
skill that the fruits were of the utmost value —the
soundness of his judgment and personal daring being
equally conspicuous. Lo uts. Beauregard and Tow
er, of the same corps, rendered me the most important
services :n examining the ground, and displayed
throughout the greatest person al gallantry. To the
latter I am indebted for the knowledge of the route by
which it was practicable to turn the enemy’s works.
The accident which separated the different parts of the
division on the evening of the 19th, left its acting as
si- rant adjutant general, Lieut. W. T. 11. Brooks,
with Cui. Riley’s brigade, and <>n its joining me he of
fered his services on my staff. I owe him my thanks
for the very efficient aid he rendered me, and for his
indefatigable energy and readiness to encounter any
danger or difficulty; his personal courage and cool
ness were brilliantly displayed in the course of the
day. The events of Fort Brown, Monterey, Vera
Cruz and Cerro Gordo, had already afforded to my
aid-de-camp, Lieut. Earl Van Dorn, opportunities of
calling forth the commendations of his commanding of
fice rs/
He has not let pass the present one ; but though his
gallantry was again shown in a personal conflict with
the enemy, it is far from being the highest quality of a
soldier that he possesses. The names of officers who
distinguished themselves in the corps of Generals Cad
waladcr and Sh elds will no doubt be found in the re
ports of those generals to the headquarters of divisions,
to which they properly belong. It would be impossi
ble for me to enumerate the acts of all those in the 2d
division (Twiggs's) Who have entitled themselves to
particular mention. I beg leave to make the brieadc
and regimental reports, which I herewith transmit a
part of my own—merely repeating here the names’of
those officers mentioned therein as peculiarly deserv
ing praue. Capt. Wessels and Capt. Canby A A
G.; and Lieut. Benjamin and Lieut. Hayden’ A D
C., (mentioned in 2d brigade report;) Capts. Sander
son, Backenstos, Porter, and Crittenden; Lieuts. Van
Buren, McLane, Gibbs, and Palmer; and Assistant
Surgeon Suter of the regiment of mounted riflemen •
Capts. Winder and Nauman ; Lieuts. Brannon Sey
mour, and Coppee, and Assistant Surgeon H. h’ Stei
ner, ofthe Ist Art.; Capt. Drum and Lieut. Howe
and Assist. Surgeon Cuyler, of the 4th Art. ; Capts.
Casey, J. R. Smith, and Kingsbury, Lieuts. Gardner
Lyons, Jones, Jarvis, Tilden and Davis, of the 2d Inf.*
Capts. Craig, Van Horn, and Chandler; Lieutenants
Buel and Richardson, and Assistant Surgeon Keeney
ofthe 3d Inf.; Capts. Ross and Paul, and Lieutenants
Gantt, Tyler and Henry, ofthe 7»h Infantry.
But as the battery of Capt. Taylor was at Churu
busco, acting immediately under my own eye, and
displaying, from its gallant commander down to the
lowest non-commissioned officer, a coolness and activ
ity under circumstances of the most extraordinary
danger, I ask leave to record here, besides the names
of its four officers, already mentioned, the names of
Sergeants Thomas Wilson, Patrick Marlin, Joseph
McGee, Charles Kullmeyer, and Corporal M. Bige
low, John Jones, Wm. Barbour, and William Jame
son. In the action at Churubusco, were killed Capts.
Capron and Burke, Ist Art., and Lieut. Hoffman, Ist
Art.; and were wounded, Capt. Craig and Lieutenant
Buel, 3d Infantry. In the pedregal were wounded,
on the 19th, Capts. Hathaway, Ist Art., and Chandler
3d Inf.; Lieut. Van Buren, mounted riflemen; at Con
treras, Capts. Wessels, 2d Inf., and Ross, 7th Infan
try, Lieut. Collins, 4th Artillery, and Tilden, 2d Inf.
were wounded. But the victory there, important as
it is, was dearly bought by the death of Capt. Charles
Hanson, 7th Infantry. A more perfect soldier never
fell on a battle field—kind in all his affections—just
in all his acts —pure in his life ; and immovable in his
courage, he met the present with the boldness of a
man, and the future with the pious confidence of a
Christian.
The force present on our side of Contreras, inclu
ding Genera) Shields, was about 3,650 men ; that of
the enemy about the works, 7,000, under Valencia,
and in their reserve, 12,000, under the President, San
ta Anna.
I transmit herewith a return ofthe killed and woun
ded, but leaving out all those wounded at Contreras,
who were not disabled.
Our loss in killed and wounded there did not ex
ceed sixty.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obe
dient servant, Persifor F. Smith,
Brevet Brigadier General.
Lieut. W. T. H. Brooks, Act’g. Assist. Adj’t. Gen.,
2d division of regulars.
Report of Col. Harney.
Headquarters Cavalry Brigade,
Tacubaya, Mexico, Aug. 24, 1847.
Sir — I have the honor to present the following re
port of the operations of the cavalry brigade under mv
command during the battle of Mexico.
The cavalry force being necessarily weakened by
detachments to the different divisions of the army, I
found myself, on the morning of the 19th insL, in the
immediate command of nine companies only, consist
ing of six companies of the 2d dragoons, one company
of mounted riflemen, and two companies of mounted
volunteers. With this force I was ordered by the
General-in-chief to report to Brigadier Gen. Twiggs,
who was at this time covering Major General Pillow’s
division in an effort to make a road through the ridge
of lava which forms the pass of San Antonio. Owing
to the nature of the ground, 1 was compelled to haft
within range ofthe enemy’s shells, and to remain in
this position for several hours—an idle spectator of the
action which ensued. After night 1 returned with my
command to San Augustin, and remained there until
the enemy’s position at Contreras was carried on the
morning of the 20th.
As soon as the road was ascertained to be opened
and practicable for cavalry, I was directed by the
General in-chief to proceed with two squadrons and
Capt. McKinstry’s company of volunteers to the field
of battle, and to take charge of the prisoners which
had been captured. While in the execution of this
order, I received instructions from the General-in
chief to leave one squadron in charge ofthe prisoners,
and to report to him in person with the other three
companies. Capt. Blake, with his squadron, was di
rected to perform this duty ; while Maj. Sumner and
myself, with Capt. Ker’s squadron and Capt. McKin
stry’s company of volunteers joined the Commanding
General near the field of Churubusco just after the en
gagement at that place bad commenced.
The reports of Major Sumner, commanding Ist bat
talion, and Lieut. Col. Moore, commanding 2d battal
ion which I have the honor to forward herewith, will
show in what manner the other troops and squadrons
of my command were employed. The three troops of
horse brought by me on the field, being ordered away
in different directions, Major Sumner and myself soon
found ourselves without commands. 1 then employed
myself with my staff in rallying fugitives anil encour
aging our troops on the left of the main road. Major
Sumner, towards the close of the engagement, was
placed by the General-in-chief in charge of the last
reserve, consisting ofthe rifle regiment and one compa
ny of horse, and was ordered to support the left. This*
force was moving rapidly to take its position in line of
battle, when the enemy broke and fled to the city.—
At this moment, perceiving that the enemy were re
treating in disorder on one ofthe main causeways lead
ing to the city of Mexico, I collected all the cavalry
within my reach, consisting of parts of Captain Ker’s •
company 2d dragoons. Capt. Kearney’s company Ist
dragoons, and Captains Me Reynold’s and Duperu’s
I companies ofthe 3d dragoons, and pursued them vigo
rously until we were halted by the discharge of the
batteries at their gate.
Many ofthe enemy were overtaken in the pursuit,
and cut down by our sabres. I cannot speak ia terms
too comulypentary o£the manner in which this charge
was Mainly difficulty was in restraining
the impetuosity of my men and officers, who seemed
to vie with each other who should be foremost in the
pursuit. Capt. Kearney gallantly led his squadron in
to the very entrenchments ofthe enemy, and had the
misfortune to lose unarm from a grape-shot fired from
a gun at one ofthe gates ofthe capital. Captain Mc-
Reynolds an I Lieut. Graham were also wounded, and
Lieut. Ewell had two horses shot under him.
Great praise is due to Major Sumner, commanding
Ist battalion, for his zeal, energy, and promptitude,
and for the gallant manner in which he led up the last
reserve of the Genend-in-chief. It is much to be re
gretted that the 2d battalion, under the command of
Lieut. Col. Moore, was so cut up by detachments as
to materially weaken its efficiency, and to impair the
usefulness of that officer, who was always at the post
of danger, and anxious to participate in the conflict. —
My wannest thanks are due to my brigade staff, con
sisting of Captain Wood, A. Q. M., Lieut. Steele, A.
A. Gen., and Lieut. May, my aid-de-camp, who were
actively employed on the morning of the 20th in rally
ing our men, and who exhibited the utmost coolness
ami bravery under a heavy fire of the enemy. The
two last named officers were foremost in the pursuit,
and Lieut. Steele cut down three of the enemy with
his sabre.
In conclusion, I beg leave to state that the dragoons,
front the commencement of the march from Puebla,
have been engaged in ’he most active and laborious
service. These duties i. ..e been the more arduous in
consequence of the small force of cavalry, compared
with the other arms of service. Small parties being
constantly engaged in reconnoitering and on picket
guards, the utmost vigilance and precaution have been
required to prevent surprise ami disaster. The gallant
Captain Thornton, while reconnoitering the enemy
near San Antonio on the 18th inst., was shot through
the body by a cannon shot and instantly killed. His
death is much to be regretted. On the 20th, although
I had but four companies of my brigade with me on
the field, the remainder were actively employed in the
performance of important and indispensable duties.—
Captain Hardee, while watching the enemy with his
company near San Augustin, was attacked by a band
of guerrillas; but the enemy was promptly and hand
somely repulsed, and a number of their horses, with
arms and accoutrements captured.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient ser
vant, Wm. S. Harney,
Col. corn’g. cavalry brigade.
Capt. H. L. Scott, Acting Adj. Gen. U. S. Army.
By Telegraph.—For thef Baltimore American.
Further Important News from Santa Fc
--Fights with the Indians.
Cincinnati, Nov. 16—12 o’clock.
j There has been another arrival at St. Louis
from Santa Fe, by which the papers of that
city are placed in possession of further itnpor-
i tant and interesting nows from that quarter.
Mr. Coons, of that city, Mr. Wethered, of
Baltimore, and Mr. /Xiistin, of Dayton, arrived
in St. Louis on the 12th. Mr. Wethered left
Santa Fe on the Sth of October, and Mr.
Coons on the 18th of the same month. The
latier gentleman travelled alone until he reach
ed the mouth of the Arkansas river, where he
fell in with a train, and soon after overtook
.Mr. Wethered’scrossing the Middle Arkansas.
Mr. W.’s party had with them the Express
Mail—the whole party being under the charge
of Captain Turner and Lieut. Rogers.
As nineteen men belonging to Mr. Wether
ed’s party were about crossing the Arkansas
river at night, they were suddenly attacked by
a party of Pawnee Indians, who were evident
ly bent on plunder. A pretty warm engage
ment ensued, but the Indians soon broke, and
fled before the well directed lire of the rifles
from Mr. W.’s men, leaving one of their tribe
dead on the ground. By the marks of blood
on the ground it seemed certain that they had
been most severely dealt with, as several more
of them must have either been killed or badly
wounded. The Indians did not succeed in
dr’ving tiffany of the livestock. None ofMr.
W.’s men were harmed by the attack.
On the next night, about, twenty-five miles
from the place where they had been attacked,
Mr. W.’s party again encountered the Indians.
They seemed determined to have revenge for
their late defeats, and made a vigorous and in
furiated attack on the parly, firing a shower of
balls and arrows into their camp, by which one
man was slightly wounded in the arm, and
another struck by an arrow in the leg.
Mr. W.’s party soon rallied, and poured a
well directed fire into the Indians, which scat
tered them in all directions, and they were not
molested by them again that night.
The Indians, on this occasion, did not show
any disposition to drive off the stock, but seem
ed to be actuated altogether, in making the at
tack, out of’revenge for the loss of some of their
tribe in the first attack.
There were a number of reports in circula
tion in regard to the assembling of hostile forces
at Chihuahua and El Passo—but nothing in an
official form had reached .Santa Fe, from those
places, up to the time of Mr. Coons’ leaving.
A number of commands at Santa Fe were
preparing to repel any attacks that might be at
tempted by the hostile Indians and Mexicans,
numbers of whom are banded together for the
purpose of plundering and murderingthe peace
ably disposed inhabitants whenever the least
chance offers for them to do.
Mr. Conk’s valuable lot of goods sent down
by Mr. Skinner, were captured by a large force
of Mexicans. He and Mr. Pomeroy were
taken prisoners by the Mexicans.
The St. Barrien party from Missouri had ar
rived out safety.
The population of Newark. N. J., is estima
ted at 30.000, being an increase of 12,000 since
die census of)J840, or 76 per cent