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THE CONSTITUTIONALIST. ( ~ ~ ■■■' 1 JAMES GARDNER, JR. TERMS. 1 Daily, per annum 5 S’ oo < Tri- Weekly, per annum 6 00 If paid in advance 5 00 'Weekly, per annum 3 00 If paid in advance... 2 50 To Clubs, remitting $lO in advance, Fl\ E i COPIES arc sent. This will put our W eekly pa per in the reach of new subscribers at TWO DOLLARS A YEAR. [fTpSubscribers who will pay up arrearages, and send, four new subscribers, with the money, can get the paper at $2 00. fFT'AII new subscriptions must be paid in ad vance. [PJ’Postage must be paid on all communications and letters of business; OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. The Union of Monday comes laden with further despatches from Gen. Scott, and his brave officers. Although highly interest ing, we are sorry that we will be compelled to curtail some of them. Could we spare the room nothing would afford us more pleasure than to publish them in full, for they are all well written and give a graphic view of seve ral of the most brilliant battles ever fought, and all in one day. Report of Brev- XKKaj- Gca- Worth- Headquarters First Division, ) Tacubaya, Aug. 23, 1847. ) »**’ * * * As least exceptionable, corps will be refer red to in order of formation, and persons in connexion with their corps. Ist. Brevet. Lieut. Col. Duncan command ed and directed the light artillery, with the steal and gallantry, judgment and effect, which have so often distinguished and presented him to the notice of his General-in-chief and the government. 2d. Brevet Lieut. Col. Smith commanded and directed his light battalion with charac teristic gallantry and ability. 3d. Brevet Col. Garland (lieutenant colonel 4th infantry) commanded the first brigade, conspicuous in many fields in the present war; ’ in his last great combat, by skill, conduct, and courage, he has greatly added to an already established reputation lor patriotism and sol diership. Os his brigade. Major Galt com manded and gallantly led the 2d artillery, (act ing as infantry ;) Lieut. Col. Belton, the 3d artillery, (also acting as infantry ;) and Major Lee the 4th infantry. The chief of the bri gade speaks in terms of commendation of each of these commanders. A list of officers engaged, as also of non commissioned officers and prvates in each re ' giment, will be found in the regimental re ports, to which reference is respectfully made. 4th. Col. Clarke commanded the 2d brigade —a veteran of the war of 1812, and heretofore distinguished by zeal and intelligence in this war —was, while gallantly leading his brigade into battle, struck from his saddle, and disa bled for several hours; whereupon the com mand devolved upon Brevet Col. Mclntosh, (lieutenant colonel sth infantry,) who led on with the prestige of many well-fought fields, and acquitted himself, as always, with, high courage and devotion. The command of the 6th infanty devolved in turn upon Brevet Lt. Col. Scott, and the mantle could not have fal len upon a better or braver soldier ; he most gallantly led the regiment to its assigned work, and, in so doing, came to the close sup port and joint action with the corps to whose lot it fell to carry with the bayonet the main work. One wing of the Gth infantry, a por tion of which was under the gallant lead of Capt. Hoffman, did all that it was in the pow er of men to do to carry the tete de pout by di rect attack on the main road, while the other wing, under Major Bonneville, was in close conflict with the enemy on the right of the road. The Bth infantry, although from its po sition coming up last, by the zeal and energy of its commander. Major Waite, and by the circumstances of the ground, which impeded the advance of other and proximate corps, found itself in position to render most gallant and effective service. The companies of Cap tains Bomford and Larkin Smith, under the direction of Brevet Major Wright, preceded by xkdjutant Longstreet, colors in hand, were led on most bravely to the assault of the tete de pont; crossing the ditch under a heavy fire of musketry, they mounted the rampart, and finished the work with the bayonet, closely supported by the sth and detachments of other corps. The regimental reports of this brigade a e also respectfully referred to. The medical carp?, consisting of Surgeons Satterlee (senior) a id Wright, Assistant Surgeons Simpson, De- Leon, Simons, Holden, Roberts, and Deyerlc, presents claims to especial thanks and admi ration—ever among the most fearless, and in different to hazard during the conflict. It is after the battle, when others seek repose, that they are found skilfully and noiselessly fulfil ling the duties of their high vocation, in ad ministering comfort to the crushed and sor rowful soldier. The following named officers and non-com missioned officers are conspicuously presented by commanders: Staff Ist Brigade— Brevet Capt. Nichols, A. A. A. Gen.; Lieut. Thorn, Aid-de-camp; 2 d Brigade— Lieuts. Burwell; Aid-de-camp, Lieut. Kirkham, A. A. A, Gen. : Light Battery —Lieuts. Hunt, Hays. Clark, and Sergeant Platt: Light Battalion — Lieuts. Elsey, Peck, and Simpson, 2d artille ry: Ist Sergeant Henry Wilson, company A, and Sergeant Mickel, company K, 2d artillery; Capt. E. K. Smith ; Lieut. Fanely; Sergeants Updegraff, Archer, and Flynn, company 11, 6th infantry—Capt. Reeve, Lieuts. Holloway and Pitcher, Bth infantry : 2d Artillery —Capts. McKenzie and Brooks; Lieuts. Shackelford and Daniels : 3 d ArliVery —Capt. Burke, Bre vet Capt. Ayers, and Sergeant Heck : 4th In f mtry —Lieut. Adj. Prince, and Brevet Major B ichanan ; sth Infantry —Capts. Merrill and MiPhail; Lieuts. Rossell, Fowler, and Adju tant Lugenbeel; Sergeants Golding, Dudley, Johnson, Chit nan and O Brien : 6 tk Infantry —Capts. Hoffman and Walker ; Lieuts. Arm stead, Buckner, and Adjutant Ernst, Sergeant Major Thompson, Battalion Sergeant Major Owens, Color Sergeant McCain, Sergeants Staniker, Williams, Mclntyre, Cressy and Downs : Bth Infantry —Brevet Major Wright, Capts. Bomford and Smith, Adjutant Long street, and LieUt. Selden, (the latter present at many battles, honorably wounded at Resa ca, and not behind the foremost in zeal and courage here,) color bearer, Sergeant Pink, Sergeant Ford, and Sergeant Edward Bertram. Injustice would be done to the whole division in failing to bring to the no tice of the General-in-chief the praise worth v —if he will pardon the expression—the cou rageous conduct of the Rev. Mr- McCarty, chaplain to the 2d brigade. That excellent man and Christian was seen in the midst of the conflict administering comfort and 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 ob ligations and express his admiration of the gal lant bearing of Major Gen. Pillow, and Brig. U*ns. Shields, C:idwallader, and Pierce, with v koui he had flee gratification of concert and . i co-operation at various critical periods of the 1 f conflict. And it may now, in closing, be per- j ' nutted to speak of the staff of the division, general and personal. The subordinate re- \ ports will be found to speak with one senti- i ment of Capt. Mason, of engineers ; but these j are not to debar my testimony and warm ac- | knowlettgmcnts of the intelligent and gallant j services of this accomplished officer—in the estimation of all, he has won high reputation, | and established unequivocal claims to higher i rank. Lieut. Hardcastle, topographical engi- ; neer, has been distinguished by zeal, intelli- ■ goncc and gallantry, in his particular depart ment, as also in combat. 'I o Surgaon Satter- : lee, senior medical officer, the highest praise | is due. Capt. Myers, division quartermaster, i has highly distingushed himself by energy and i devotion in his particular department, and by I gallantry in combat. Lieut. Armstrong, cli- j vision commissary, is also highly distinguished ! for energy and devotion in his particular de- j partrnent, and by gallantry in combat. Os the gallant and efficient assistance of Capt. Mack all, assistant a Ijutant general, (but in a dif ferent relation,) of Brev. Capt. Pemberton and Lieut. Wood, aides-de-camp, it lias been my pleasing duty heretofore to speak under simi lar circumstances. On this occasion, each j member of the staff’has fulfilled every duty of i his station to the entire satisfaction of their i chief, and established new claims to proses- j sional distinction and reward. To Lieut. * Semmes, of the navy, volunteer aid-de-camp, j the most cordial thanks of the general of the 1 division are tendered for his uniform gallantry ! and assistance; and the General-in-chief is re- j spectfully requested to present the conduct of j this accomplished and gallant officer to the | special notice of his distinguished branch of the public service—our glorious navy. 1 have the honor to present to the General a national standard, a trophy secured from the enemy by the Ist division. Headquarters, 2d Div. of Rf.gct.at;?, San Angel, near Mexico, AngustSSd, 1847. Sir: For the information of the General in-chief of the United States army, I have the honor to make the following report of the op erations of my division, and of those of other troops which came under my command on the 19th and 20th instant. Agreeably to instructions from Gen. Scott, I left my train of wagons at San Augustin on the morning of the 19th, and proceeded with my division to cross the mountain route pre viously reconnoitered by Capt. Lee, of the en gineers, and cover a working party under the orders of Major Gen. Pillow. Having pro ceeded about two miles, the enemy was dis covered in force at Contreras, where the trail intersects one of the main roads to the city of Mexico, (and some nine miles from it,) distant one mile, in a naturally strong position, made still more so by breastworks which command ed the approach in every direction. Captain McClellan, of the topographical engineers, and Lieutenant McClellan, of the engineers pro per, were sent in advance to reconnoitre, with a view of placing our batteries. They were soon stopped by one of the enemy’s pickets, and were compelled to return, each having had his horse shot. The rifle regiment, command ed by Major Loring, was then ordered foward as skirmishers to clear the ground. This duty was performed handsomely and with despatch. Having driven in the enemy’s pickets to with in 300 yards of his works, Captain Magru der’s battery and the mountain howitzer and racket battery, commanded by Lieut. Callen der, of the ordnance, were placed in position by Capt. Lee, of the engineers. These batteries were placed at my disposal by the kindness of Major General Pillow', by whose magnanimity (he being my senior pre sent) I had the control of any reinforcements, and of every facility from his division which I required. So soon as our batteries were es tablished, the enemy opened a most destruc tive fire from several of his large guns. The cannonading was kept up on both sides for several hours, until, compelled by the loss of officers, men and crippled pieces, our batteries were placed for the time under shelter. In this affair the very gallant and much lamented Lieut. J. P. Johnstone, of Magruder's battery, was mortally wounded; and Lieut. Callender, of the howitzer and rocket battery, severely wounded. The coolness and determination evinced by the officers and men whilst under this hot fire, gave some indications of the re sult of the coming conflict w'hen all my com mand would get in position. General Smith’s brigade was ordered to proceed in the direc tion of our batteries, and Riley’s by inclining to the right, to get a position, if possible, in the enemy’s rear. The route he was com pelled to take w'as most difficult and tedious, passing over volcanic rocks and crossing large fissures barely narrow enough to permit the men to get over by leaping. Accompanied by Lieutenant Tower, of the engineers, this bri gade finally reached the main road, and got in position in rear of the enemy’s position, hav ing driven before it a large body of lancers, who attempted to check its progress. Hav ing become separated by seven or eight hun dred yards from any reinforcement, a large body of the enemy (ten or twelve thousand) ; was discovered coming from the direction of the city, and closing on Riley’s rear. At the same time, from the field-works at Contreras came out two or three thousand men on the road, which the brigade had crossed, cntirely cutting off Riley’s from Smith’s brigade.— Notwithstanding the very great desparity in numbers in favor of the enemy, this fine bri gade kept its ground, occasionally driving from its vicinity, with loss, bodies of the ene my who had rashness enough to approach within musket range. During this state of affairs, Smith’s brigade w'as ordered to form a junction Avith Riley’s, whilst General Pierce’s brigade occupied the left of the trail, and remained as a support to the batteries. Much credit is due to Colonel Ransom, by whose untiring exertions and zeal the 9th and 12th infantry were placed in posi tion near the batteries late in the night of the 19th. Late in the evening, the two brigades joined near the road—Riley having maiKcu vred in the face of the enemy' so as to rejoin Smith’s. Still later, Shields’ and Cadwala dcr’s brigades formed a junction with my di vision, then under the immediate command of Gen. Smith. I being unable, from a lame foot, so follow the route taken by my troops, returned to the vicinity of Taylor’s battery, where I passed the night, General Smith made his arrangements to attack the enemy’s work the next morning. For the particulars of this affair I would re spectfully refer the General-in-chief to the reports of Gen. Smith and Col. Riley, to whom, and to the other officers engaged, is due all the credit that attaches. Iw as unable, for the reason given above, to come up to my di vision till the affair was over, and the road opened for my horse. In all the recommen dations from brigade and regimental comman ders I fully concur; and In addition, for gal lant services on the 19th, w'ould present the names of Captain Me Lei I an, topographical en gineers, Lieutenants Beauregard, Tower, G. W. Smith, G, B. McClellan, Stevens, and Fos ter, of the engineers proper, (the last-named officer w'as particularly active in the manage ment of one of Captain Magruder’s pieces after the lamented Johnstone lost his leg,) Capt. Magruder, Lieut. Jackson, Lieutenants Callender and Reno, serving with their re spective batteries. Lieut. G. B. McClellan, after Lieut. Callender was wounded, took charge of and managed the howitzer battery (Lieut. Reno being detached with the rockets) | with judgment and success, until it became so disabled ns to require shelter. For Lieut. 1 c McClellan’s efficiency and gallantry in this as- I fair, I present his name for the favorable con- g sideration of the General-in-chief. The med- i t ierd officers of the division, always ready to I t administer to the comfort of the sick and j wounded, were particularly active on this oc- 1 casion. With no conveniences for themselves, ] and but little shelter for the wounded, this ad- 1 mirable corps of officers spent the entire night ■, exposed to the pitiless storm, in dressing the 1 wounded and in alleviating their sufferings.— ( I cannot do less than give their names a place ’ in this report: Surgeons C. S. Tripler, B. i liandall, and J. W. Cuvier; Assistant Sur geons A. F. Sutcr, H. 11. Steiner, C. C. Kee ney, and Hammond, make up the num ber. My immediate stats—Lieut. Brooks, A. A. A. G., Lieut. McDonald, A. D. C., Capt. I Alien, quartermaster, and Lieutenants Graf ton, ordnance officer, and Sykes, A. O. S. to | the division, were active and efficient in con : veyins orders, and, when necessary, in giving ! directions. Having secured the prisoners and captured ; property at Contreras, [entrenched camp,] i the 4th artillery, with other troops, was left | as a guard, and to provide for the wounded and bury the dead. Pursuing a small rctreat | mg force through the village of San Angel I and Santa Catarina, giving them occasionally j a running fire until we arrived in front of i Churubusco, where the enemy were in a | strongly fortitied position, with seven pieces i of cannon and several thousand bayonets, a 1 large body of lancers guarding the approach I to the right of their work, which was incom- I plete, I came to a halt, by order of the Gcnc ; ral-in-chief, for the purpose of having a re connoisance made. Lieut. Stevens, of the en gineers, was sent for to look at the enemy’s position, supporred by the company of sappers and marines. He reported a good position for Taylor’s battery 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 bat tery was accordingly ordered. It opened with great spirit, and remained under a most gall ing and destructive fire of grape, round-shot, shell, and musketry, for an hour and a half; by which time, having accomplished the de sired object, it was withdrawn, much crippled 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 further to our left, with a view of turning and gaining en trance to the open portion of the entrench ments on the enemy’s right. After an unin terrupted and severe fire on both sides for two hours, my troops entered the work. All the regiments were close at hand and shared equally in the dangers and honors of the day. General Rincon, the commander of the place, and two other general officers, together with several others of rank, in all numbering 104, and 1,155 non-commissioned officers and pri vates, prisoners of war, seven pieces of cannon, and a large number of small arms, and some ammunition, fell into-our hands. This closed the operations of my division, which had been under arms in the face of the enemy without intermission for thirty hours, and achieved one of the most glorious triumphs to the American arms —placing in possession of the United States government 29 pieces of artille ry, a largo number of small arms, and a great amount of ammunition of all kinds, together with 2,655 prisoners of war. To Capt. Lee, of the engineers, I have again the pleasure of tendering ray thanks for the ex ceedingly valuable services rendered through out the whole of these operations; and to Lieut. G. W. Smith, of the engineers, who commanded the company of sappers and mi ners, I am under many obligations for his services on this and on other occasions.— Whenever his legitimate dut e« with the pick and spade were performed, he always solicited • permission to join in the advance of the storm ing party with his muskets, in which position i his gallantry, and that of his officers and men, j was conspicuously displayed at Contreras as ; well as at Cero Gordo. His name I also pre sent to the Commanding Generals for his dis tinction. Finally, to Brevet Brigadier General Smith and Brevet Colonel Riley, all the praise I can bestow is entitled, for their cordial and inval uable support to me on all occasions and in . every emergency. Their names, already con spiculous in the present campaign, have been rendered doubly so during the two recent bat tles. My effective force on the morning of the 20th was one hundred and eleven officers and twen ty-five hundred and thirty non-commissioned officers and privates; and of that were number killed and wounded twenty-officers, and two hundred and forty-five 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 killed, wounded, and missing, I have the hon or to present with this report. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, ' your obedient servant, D. E. TWIGGS, Brig. Gen. U. S. A. Com’g 2d Div. Regulars. Headquarters of the army in the field. Report of Brcv- Brig- Gca- P- F- Smith. Headquarters Ist Brig. 2d Div. of Regulars, J San Angel (near Mexico) Aug. 23, 1847. | ******** The troops in the actions in the pedregal,on the afternoon of the 19th, and at Contreras and Churubusco on the 20th, distinguished themselves far beyond my capacity to do them justice. The difficulties they overcame—sup posed by the enemy to be insuperable—the hardships they endured, and the fatigue they suffered, contrasted with the manner in which they did their work, raises their character as solders 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 Riley’s, and led it forward in the most gallant style under the fire directed at j the latter. The Ist brigade was conducted ; ' by Major Dimick, who charged in line with it | on the enemy’s left, driving before him the force formed there outside of the works, and putting to rout a far superior force, displaying the skill of the commander as well as the bravery of the soldiers. But the opportu nity afforded by his position to Col. Riley was seized by that gallant veteran with all the skill and energy for which lie is distinguished. The charge of his noble brigade down the slope, in full view of friend and foe, unchecked even for a moment, until he had planted all his colors upon their farthest works, was a spec tacle that animated the army to the boldest deeds. Majors Gardner and Brown, 4th. artillery, at the head of their regiment, setting an ex ample 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. Plympton and Major Bainbridgc, with the 7th infantry, as that veteran regiment deserves to bo led,and Capt. Morris, in command of the 2d infantry, brought it up to share equally with the others in the honors of the successful assault. Capt. Alexander’s good conduct brought his regi ment up most effectively. Major Loring de tached 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 effective. Lieut, u. \V. Smith, in I 11 command of the engineer company, and Lieut, f 1 McClellan, his subaltern, distinguished them- 1 selves throughout the whole of the three ac- £ tions. Nothing seemed to them to bold to be undertaken, or too difficult too be executed; ( and their services as engineers were as valua- 1 ble as those they rendered in battle at the i ( head of their gallant men. Lieutenant Foster, i being detached from his company during the 1 action at Contreras, did not fall under my no- : tice, but in the actions on the 19th, and at j Churubusco, he was equally conspicuous for i ] his gallantry. In adverting to the co?id uct of ! the staff, I wish to record particularly my 1 i admiration of the conduct of Captain Lee, of the engineers. His recorinoissance, though , : punished far beyond the bounds of prudence, were conducted with so much skill, that their fruits were of the utmost value —the sound- i ness of his judgment and personal daring be-j ing equally conspicuous. Lieuts. Beauregard and Tower, of the same corps, rendered me the most important services in examining the j ground, and displayed throughout the great est personal gallantry. To the latter, lam in- I debted for the knowledge of the route by j which if was practicable to turn the enemy’s j works. ’1 he accident which separated the ! different parts of the division on the evening of the 19th, left its acting assistant adjutant general, Lieut. W. T. 11. Brooks, with Col. Riley’s brigade, and on 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 readi ness to encounter any danger or difficulty, his personal courage and coolness were brilliantly displayed in the course of the day. The events j of Fort Brown,Monterey,Vera Cruz, and Ccrro I Gordo had already afforded to my aid-de camp, Lieut. Earl Van Dorn, opportunities of | calling forth commendations of his command- i ing officers. He has not let pass the present | one; but though his gallantry was again shown I in a personal conflict with the enemy, it is far from being the highest quality of a soldier that j he possesses. The names of officers who dis- ; tinguished themselves in the corps of Generals ! Cadwalader and Shields will no doubt be found in the reports of those generals to the headquarters of divisions to which they pro- j perly belong. It would be impossible for me j to enumerate the acts of all those in the 2d division (Twiggs’s) who have entitled them selves to particular mention. I beg leave to j make the brigade and regimental reports, which ! I herewith transmit, a part of my own —mere- j ly repeating here the names of those officers mentioned therein as peculiarly deserving praise. Captain Wessels and Captain Canby, A. A. G., and Lieut. Benjamin and Lieut. Hayden, A. D. C., (mentioned in the 2d brig ade report;) Captains Sanderson, Backenstos, : Porter, and Crittenden; Lieuts. Van Burcn, McLanc, Gibbs, and Palmer; and Assistant j Surgeon Suter of the regiment of mounted , riflemen; Capts. "Winder and Naumau; Lieuts. Brannon, Seymour, and Coppee, and Assistant Surgeon H. H. Steiner of the Ist artillery; Capt. Drum and Lieut. Howe, and Assist. Surgeon Cuyler of the 4th artillery; Capts. Casey, J. R. Smith, and Kingsbury, Lieut enants Gardner, Lyons, Jones, Jarvis, Tilden, and Davis, of the 2d infantry; Captains Craig, i Van Horne, and Chandler; Lieutenants Buel and Richardson, and Assistant Surgeon Kee ney, of the 3d infantry; Captains Rose and Paul, and lieutenants Gantt, Tyler, and Henry, of the 7th infantry. But as the bat tery of Capt Taylor was at Churubusco, acting immediately under my own eye,and displayed from its gallant commander down to the low- j cst non-commissioned officer, a coolness and activity under circumstances of the most ex traordinary danger, I ask leave to record here, besides the names of its four officers, already mentioned, the names of Sergeants Thomas Wihon, Patrick Martin, Joseph McGee,Charles Kullmeyer, and Corporals M. Bigelow, John Jones, Wm. Barbour, and William Jameson. In the action at Churubusco were killed Cap tains Capron and Burk, Ist artillery, and L’eut. Hoffman, Ist artillery; and were wound ed, Captain Craig and Lieut. Buel, 3d Infan try. In the pedrepal were wounded, on the 19th, Captains Hathaway, Ist artillery, and Chandler, 3d Infantry; Lieut. Van Buren, mounted riflemen; at Contreras, Captains Wessels, 2d infantry, and Ross, 7th infantry, Lieutenant Collins, 4th artillery, and Tilden, 2d Infantry, were wounded. But the victory there, important as it is, was dearly bought by the death of Captain Charles Hanson, 7th in fantry. A more perfect soldier never fell on a battle-field—kind in all his affections— j ust in all his acts —pure in his life, and im moveable 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 at Contreras, including General Shields’ was about 3,500 men; that of the enemy about the works,7,ooo, ; under Valencia, and in their reserve, 12,000 under the President, Sana Anna. I transmit herewith a return of the killed and wounded, but leaving out all those wound- ; ed at Contreras who were not disabled. Our loss in killed and wounded there did not exceed 60. Report of Brig-- Gen Shields- HEADQUARTERS IST BuiG. VOL. DIVISION, ) 1 San Augustin, Mexico, Aug. 21th, 1847. } 1 ***** In this terrible battle, in which a strongly fortified enemy fought behind his works under the walls of his capital, our loss is necessarily severe. This loss, I regret to say, has fallen most severely upon my command. In the two regiments of my own brigade, numbering about ! 600 in the fight, the loss is reported 249 in killed and wounded. In this last engagement, my command cap tured 380 prisoners, including 6 officers. Os this number 42 had deserted from the Amcri- j can army during the war, and at their head was found the notorious O’Reily, who had fought against our troops at Monterey and elsewhere. A particular and detailed report of the loss, as also of the prisoners captured by i the command, accompanies this report. Pierce’s brigade, under my command in this action, lost a considerable number in killed and j wounded. Amongst the latter, the gallant | Col. Morgan of the 15th. This command hav | ing rejoined its division immediately after the j action, I have,as yet, received no official report of its loss. In closing this report, I beg to offer my thanks to the many gallant officers of my com- | mandfor their zealous and fearless support during the conflict. To Col. Burnett and Lieut. Col. Baxter, of the New York volun teers, to Lieut. Col. Dickinson and Major Gladden, South Carolina volunteers; as 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. Dickerson also severely wounded whilst in command of his regiment, and while bearing gallantry forward the colors of his corps. My thanks are due to the medical staff of the command—Doctors Halstead and Mc- Kebbin, of the New York, and Doctors Clark and Bland, of the South Carolina regiments; as also to Doctor Swift, U. S. A., for their de voted attention to the wounded. It affords me pleasure, and I hut perform my duty, too, in acknowledging my great ob ligations to Captain. 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 encourging the troops, I and conveying my orders durin g the different i engagements, Lieut. Reno, commanding I * howitzer battery, deserves great credit for the f handsome manner in which he brought his guns into action, and continued to serve them. I beg respectfully, through the general of divisions, to ask for these gentlemen the favora ble notice of the Commander-in-chief, and to commend them to the President. Lieut. Shub rick, of the navy, who accompanied me, at tached himself to the Palmetto regiment of his native State, 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 withfeelings of sorrow, though with pride, to recollect the gallant dead. Lients. Adams and Williams, of the South Carolina regiment, and Lieut. Chandler, of the New York regi ment, 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 of the South Carolina regiment, P. W. Butler, had risen | from his sick bed to share the hardships of the j field and the dangers of the combat with his j devoted regiment, lie survived the conflict of the morning to lead his command where vic tory again awaited it. Although woumied himself, and having lost his horse, shot under him, he siill continued to press onwards near the colors of his regiment, until the fatal ball terminated his life. A gallant soldier in his youth, he has won in his death, upon the fiekl of battle, fame for j himself and his regiment, and added another i name to the roll of Carolina’s departed heroes. \ Report of Col Harney- Headquarters Cavalry Brigade. } Tacubaya, Mexico, Aug. 24, 1847. 5 *'* » * * The reports of Major Sumner, commanding Ist battalion,and Lieut. Col. Moore,command ing 2d battalion, which I have the* honor to forward herewith, will show in what manner the other troops and squadron of my comman were employed. The three troop of horse brought by me on the held being ordered away in different directions, Major Sumner and my self soon found ourselves without commands. I then employed myself with my staff in ral lying fugitives and encouraging our troops on the left of the main road. Maj. Sumner, to ! wards the close of the engagement, was placed | by the Genoral-in-chief in charge of the last | reserve, consisting of the rifle regiment and j one company horse, and was ordered to sup- I port 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 of the main cause- I ways leading to the city of Mexico, I collected all the cavalry within my reach, consisting of ■ parts of Capt. Ker’s company 2d dragoons, Capt. Kearney’s company Ist dragoons, and Captains Mcßeynold’sand Duperu’s companies of the3d dragoons and pursued them vigorously until we were halted by the discharge of the bat teries at their gate. Many of the enemy were overtaken in the pursuit, and cut down by our ; sabres. I cannot speak in terms too compli i mentary of the manner in which this charge was executed. My only difficulty was in res i training the impetuosity of my men and of ficers, who seemed to vie with each other who I should be foremost in the pursuit. Capt. Kearney gallantly led his squadron into the very entrenchments of the enemy, and had the misfortune to lose an arm from a grope-shot j fired from a gun at one of the main gates of the capital. Capt. Mcßeynolds and Lieut Graham j were also wounded, and Lieut. Ewell had two horses shot under him. Great praise is due to Major Sumner, com manding Ist battalion, for his zeal, energy and promptitude, and for the gallant manner, in which he led up the last reserve of the Gene ral- in-Chief. It is much to be regretted that the 2d battalion, under Lieut. Col. Moore, w r as so cut up by detachments, as to materially w r caken its efficiency, and to impair the use fulness of that officer, who was always at the post of danger and anxious to participate in the conflict. My w armest thanks are due to nay brigade staff, consisting of Capt. Wood, A. Q. M., Lieut. Steele, A. A. Gen., and Lieut. May, my aid-de-camp, who w'eie actively em ployed on the morning of the 20th in rallying our men, and who exhibited the utmost cool ness and bravery under a heavy fire of the enemy. The tw r o h>st 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 from the commencement of the march from Puebla, have been engaged on the most active and laborious service. These duties have been the more arduous in consequence of 1 the small force of cavalry, compared with the , other arms of service. Small parties being constantly engaged in reconnoitring and on picket guards, the utmost vigilance and pre caution,have been required to prevent surprise and disaster. The gallant Captain Thornton, while reconnoitering the enemy near San An tonio on the 18th inst. Avas shot through the . body by a cannon shot and instantly killed.— ' His death is much to bo regretted. On the ! 20th, although I had but four companies of my brigade with me on the field, the remain der were actively employed in the performance of important and indispensable duties. Capt. Hardee, while w atching the enemy with his company near 3an Augustin, Avas attacked by a band of guerrillas; but the enemy was promptly and handsomely repulsed, and a number of their horses, with arms and accoutre ments, captured. [From the New Orleans Delta, IP/i inst.] Vera Cruz Correspondence- Our regular Vera Cruz correspondent has j been confined by sickness for some time, but we are happy to preceive by the following let tor that he is himself again. Vera Cruz, Nov. 5, 1847. Ech. Delta. —One of the most stirring events of the time, and one which created quite a sensation here, took place this morning— namely: The arrival of Company No. 1, of Scott’s Guerrillas ! ! You need not start —I ; saw them myself, and spoke to one that un derstood English. The left the city of Mexico i on the 25th ult. and form one of the four com panies which have been fighting under the | banners of our own victorious general for several months past. A great variety of opin ions exist here as to the propriety of employ ing these men in the capacity in which they i came down here —that is, as an escort for the I bearer of despatohes for Washington. Be the matter right or wrong, however, they have discharged their duty faithfully. The James L. Day arrived here at an early hour yester day morning, bringing dates from New Orleans to the 28th ult. Her arrival has caused some considerable satisfaction to many persons here, it having been reported by a previous arrival that the Fashion was lost, and the James L. Day brought the pleasing information that such Avas not the case. The 11. S. steamer Anna Chase still remains stranded at or a lit little east of Fort Santiago; strenuous and ac- ! tive exertions are being made to get her out of her present position. You aaTII remember that she was driven from her moorings and went ashore during the late norther, AA'hich w*as , the longest and severest experienced here this season. I should also mention to you that a portion of the Georgia Mounted Men, under command of Capt. Loyall, reported to have been killed in the engagement in which the lamented Capt, Walker fell, and accompanied by Lieut, i Henderson, arm’edhere with the company of Guerrillas. A portion of the latter are lan - C€ c°n I ° r T ! ancers ’ and are undei the command of Col. Dimgngues. The Colonel reports that there was not a single guerrilla seen on the road between here and Puebla, and evervtW beAond that point w’as remarkably quiet It was reported that Gen. Patterson had ar rived at the National Bridge, md so far, had .not met Avith any adventure worthy of men tion. By the steamer, wrhich takes 'this com munication, I send you tAvo numbers of the Puebla Flag of Freedom, tAvo do. of El Arco Iris, and the extra containing an account of the battle of Huamantla, received here this morning by the escort or train, or whatever you wish to call ft. lam indebted, however, to the politeness of a private soldier, who came doxvn furnished Avith them. It is noAv Avell ascertained here that Ave shall have a train here on the loth, from the City of Mex ico, and probably one aaull arrive some days previous from Puebla. [From thk Baltimore *Svn.J LATER FROM SANT A FE. Indians and Mexicans Threatening Taor INHABITANTS ASKING PROTECTION, icq. The Philadelphia papers of yesterday have telegraphic despatches fromCincmnati thelsth„ stating that byway of St. Louis, the Santa Fe Republican, of the 17th September, had been received. Captain Newby had arrived at Santa Fe and taken charge of that depart j ment. i At Santa Fe, on the 11th, the troops Avere j all in excellent health. Col. Eaton enforced 1 rigid discipline, and was very popular with the troops. The inhabitants expressed them selves much pleased wdth his government, and seemed satisfied that they were used better than they e\ r er had been before. Letters from Judge Burdino, residing at Taos, had been received at Santa Fe, stating that the lawless portion of the Indians and Mexicans at that place had threatened to com mit depredations on the propert y of the citi zens, and that they anticipated much trouble from these w'orse than savages. The com mandant at Santa Fe, seeing the peril therre habitants were in—their lives and property being in jeopardy—at once took prompt mea sures for their relief, by despatching several companies of troops to their assistance. The Apacnas Indians Avere murdering indivi duals and surprising small parties of emigrants, and plundering them Avhenever the opportuni ty occurred. An expedition was being sited out, and a number of troops ordered south, but for what purpose was not stated. Santa Fe is represented to be in a most thriv ing condition; merchants were doing a pros perous business —houses were be Jig built up in all directions, and commissary trains were arriving almost daily. The whole army of the west is laid to be in a high state of discipline, and in fine condition, Capt. Mclntyre leads the advanced guard of the column in New Mexico, and is well pro visioned and prepared for effective service.— The eastern battalion is also w’e 11 disciplined. Verbal reports represent that there Avere no troops either at Chihuahua or El Passo, but this AA*as not entirely credited. At a fandango, on the 13th, so me difficulty having arisen between a Mr. Bolt and a private in Capt. Graner's company, the atter drew a pistol and shot the former dea<i. It’caused some excitement among the people, but the culprit Avas immediately placed under arrest by the officers of the company. 2 ugnsta, (Georgia. SATURDAY M DRNING NOV. 20. The Election of Judges, Solicitors and State House Officers by the People- The proposition is undoubtedly correct that all public officers .are servants of the people— that their offices are or should be in the gift of the people,and that they should never be enjoy ed by any aspirant except in conformity to the popular will to which he is amenable. This is the true principle of democratic government. Far distant bo the day >vhcn office shall be held by a different tenure. But care should be taken that the practical operation of the principle be not carried to extremes. There may be ultvaism in the application of a theory perfectly correct in itself. It may be applied in such a Avay as Avill involve inconveniences and evils incalculable. The frequent recurrence of popular elections is attended Avith many and very serious evils, Avhich are obvious to CA'cry intelligent mind. There are also some offices which cannot he brought directly in connection with the popu lar suffrage, Avithout detriment to the body politic. Among those offices are those speci fied in the caption of this article. We are in duced to comment on this subject by the fact that the proposition is now before the Legisla l ture to submit these elections directly to the people. It is too important a proposition, and supported by talents and influence too respect able to be allowed to pass unnoticed by the public press. It deserves grave consideration before being acted upon. It cannot be denied that the reasoning is at least plausible, if not sound, in favor ot the proposition, and it has the advantage of the example of other States Avhere it is said the system has worked well for the short period in which the experiment has been tried. No one contends that because there are evils incident to all popular elections, th erefore they should never take place. They are necessary in order to ascertain the popular will. There can be no go\ r ernment by the people without such a process. There should be no one in vested Avith power to make laws that are to govern the people, but those who are elected for that purpose by the people, and therefore acting directly as the agents of the people to carry out their Avill, The election of such agents is attended by no injury to the people or themselves worthy of comment, in com parison with the paramount necessity of hav ing such agents. They are, ex vi termini , es sential to a government of the people—or a democracy. But Avith regard to judicial officers, men clothed with the authority to construe laws— to expound them, and to administer justice among the people—to hold the scales even handed betAveen the State and the citizen, and between man and man, the case is different. He is not a governor —a ruler—a law maker. He forms no part of the governing power. That function is already exercised by the au thority AAffiich has made the laws furnished to him for exposition and enforcement. His elec tion directly by the people therefore is n ot essential to the principle of self go vernment, j There being no necessity for it, then, accord ing to any sound democratic view, the sdvun-