NNR 71.145 Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny's expedition to Tonie
NNR 71.145 the Union discredits the report that additional volunteers will be called for, remarks thereon
NNR 71.146 Army journal, two companies of troops depart Charleston for Point Isabel
NNR 71.146 Army journal, recruits
NNR 71.146 Army journal, company of 95 sappers
NNR 71.146 legal proceedings against Col. John D. Stevenson
NNR 71.150 congressional nomination in Boston in opposition to Robert Charles Winthrop because of his votes for supplies for the war
NNR 71.151 Gen. Zachary Taylor's congratulatory orders on the capture of Monterey
NNR 71.152 letter about the cause for losses at Monterey, skepticism about results of the armistice, notice of arrival of dispatches from Washington
NNR 71.152 letter from a correspondent of the Boston "Courier" about the advance of Gen. John Ellis Wool toward Presidio Rio Grande and Chihuahua
NNR 71.152-71.153 Gen. John Ellis Wool's division advancing on Monclova, for Chihuahua, letters giving details, list of his officers
NNR 71.153 experience of the Louisville Legion at Monterey
NNR 71.153 Gen. William Orlando Butler's letter detailing affair at Monterey
NNR 71.153 Kentucky mounted volunteers leave San Antonio for Port Lavaca and Camargo
NNR 71.153-71.154 letters of S. D. Allis about the assault on Monterey
NNR 71.154-71.157 letters from Lt. Henry Little and other officers at Monterey
NNR 71.157 list of killed and wounded at Monterey
NNR 71.160 Col. John Charles Fremont's affair in California
NNR 71.160 letter from Col. William Bowen Campbell describing the actions of the Tennessee regiment in the assault on Monterey
NNR 71.164 Union discredits notion that volunteers are to be called, signifies that Gen. Zachary Taylor has not been ordered to advance on San Luis Potosi, &c. , reconciled to his remaining for the present where he is, impression that a peace is about to be effected
NNR 71.164-71.165 letter on the campaign against Mexico
NNR 71.165 brisk trade at Matamoros, order of Gen. Robert Patterson concerning persons trading on the Rio Grande
NNR 71.165 arrival of the company of sappers and miners at Matamoros
NNR 71.165 Mexicans evacuate Saltillo
NNR 71.165 Gen. Zachary Taylor ordered to advance on San Luis, difficulty of so doing
NNR 71.165 correspondence between
Gen. Zachary Taylor and Gen. Francisco P. de Morales respecting conduct
of volunteers
71.165 correspondence relative to supplies of provisions
NNR 71.165-71.166 express mail with dispatches taken by Mexicans
NNR 71.166 Texas volunteers disbanded at Monterey, their return to Texas
NNR 71.166 Gen. John Ellis Wool crosses Rio Grande en route for Monclova
NNR 71.166 Maj. Lear expected to recover from his horrible wound
NNR 71.166 death of Lt. Richard H. Graham
NNR 71.166 Gen. William Orlando Butler recovering from wound
NNR 71.166 letter reporting that the Mexicans had evacuated Saltillo to stand at San Luis Potosi
NNR 71.166 Gen. Pedro Ampudia and the authorities of Saltillo, his official announcement of the surrender of Monterey
NNR 71.166 Gen. Jose Mariano de Salas' announcement of the loss of Monterey, and calling on Mexicans to rally
NNR 71.167-71.168 Maj. Luther Giddings' account of Monterey and its capture
NNR 71.168-71.169 Col. John B. Weller's report of the actions of the Ohio regiment in the action at Monterey
NNR 71.169 John Wise's project for reducing the fortress of San Juan de Ulloa
NNR 71.173-71.174 letter concerning
Capt. John Charles Fremont's operations in California
NNR 71.174-175 Lt. Emory's
Journal
NNR 71.176 spirited Mexican exertions for defense
NNR 71.176 Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny's proclamation appointing officers of government for New Mexico, leaves Santa Fe for California
NNR 71.176 Col. Alexander William Doniphan's regiment to proceed from Santa Fe for Chihuahua
NNR 71.177 British press on the Monterey victory
NNR 71.178 advice to government and estimates of force requisite to take the city of Mexico, by correspondent of New Orleans Tropic
NNR 71.178 orders relating to recruiting
NNR 71.179 copy of Secretary of War William Learned Marcy's reply to inquiry from Delaware, saying no more volunteers would be required, requisition upon states for nine regiments of volunteers, rendezvous assigned them, speculation of the public press as to reasons for the sudden change, letter from Camp Crocket, Texas, remarks on letter writing
NNR 71.180 "affairs at Monterey" by "An Actor"
NNR 71.180-71.181 Gen. William Jenkins Worth's general orders after the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.181 no token of submission on the part of the Mexicans
NNR 71.181 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's letter on his arrival at San Luis de Potosi, his seizure of a conducta of specie
NNR 71.181 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's letter after the disaster at Monterey, his intentions
NNR 71.181 fruits of the Mexican seizure of correspondence between Secretary of War William Learned Marcy and Gen. Zachary Taylor
NNR 71.181 Gen. Pedro Ampudia's assertion that the "generals of the enemy" had suggested the armistice
NNR 71.181 Mexican accounts of the Battle of Monterey, praise for the valor of our troops, Gen. Pedro Ampudia's demand for an investigation of his conduct
NNR 71.181 Gen. Romulo Diaz de la Vega exchanged for Capt. Edward William Carpender of the brig Truxton, &c.
NNR 71.181-71.182 Mexican movements, their account of the Monterey affair, disputes over control of the reins of government, &c.
NNR 71.182 circular of Minister Manuel Crecenio Rejon about resisting the enemies of the existing order
NNR 71.182 resignations of Senor Cortina and Minister Manuel Crecenio Rejon
NNR 71.182 Mexicans perfectly apprised of sickness at Matamoros, their movements in defense of Veracruz
NNR 71.182 enthusiasm among Mexicans for the successful defense of Alvarado
NNR 71.182 Mexican troops from Puebla for Veracruz
NNR 71.182 Yucatan re-incorporated in the Mexican confederacy
NNR 71.182 Mexican troops sent to the defense of Veracruz
NNR 71.182 description of the fortress and defenses of Monterey
NNR 71.182 munitions captured at Monterey
NNR 71.182-184 list of the killed and wounded at Monterey
NNR 71.182-71.184 second attack on Alvarado
NNR 71.185 movement against Tabasco
NNR 71.185 movements on the Pacific coast, expedition against San Diego, Com. Robert Field Stockton takes San Pedro, California ports occupied
NNR 71.185-71.186 arrival
of the prize bark Coosa at New Orleans
71.186 the captured Mexican schooner Telegraph brought up to the fleet
NNR 71.186-71.187, 71.194 Daniel Webster's speech at Faneuil Hall (November 6, 1846)
NNR 71.187-71.191 Capt. John Charles Fremont's operations in Upper California, correspondence among Fremont, Jose Castro, Manuel Castro, and Thomas O. Larkin
NNR 71.192 Col. Richard B. Mason dispatched to the Pacific via Panama to supersede Col. John D. Stevenson in command of the California expedition
NNR 71.192, 71.196 rumor that Gen. Pedro Ampudia has not evacuated Saltillo but had marched toward Monclova, rumor contradicted
NNR 71.193 The Americanizing of Santa Fe
NNR 71.193 Com. Robert Field Stockton's proclamation to the people of California
NNR 71.194 general orders regarding preparation of returns and transfer of officers
NNR 71.195 the war assuming
a very grave aspect, and promises to continue, review and reflections
71.195 an agent of Mexico and Secretary of State James Buchanan
NNR 71.195-71.196 Mexican
operations, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's finances
NNR 71.196 English offer of mediation to Mexico
NNR 71.196 agent sent to Europe to negotiate a loan for Mexico
NNR 71.196 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna concentrating his forces
at San Luis Potosi
NNR 71.196 Gen. Gabriel Valencia selected as second in command to Gen.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 71.196 Mexican reinforcement of Veracruz
NNR 71.196 disputes in Yucatan over re-incorporation into Mexico
NNR 71.196 Alvarado made a city
NNR 71.196 Yucatan ships warned off Mexican ports
NNR 71.196-71.197 disease in our Army, letters describing state of affairs
NNR 71.197 "Jersey Blues" in the conflict with Mexico
NNR 71.197 account of the interview between Gen. Pedro Ampudia and Gen. Zachary Taylor at Monterey
NNR 71.197 Gen. Stephen
Watts Kearny orders part of his force back to Santa Fe and proceeds for
California with only 200 men
NNR 71.197 apprehensions about winter forage at Santa Fe, large number
of men left unemployed there
NNR 71.198 second attack on Alvarado
NNR 71.199-71.200 Com. Matthew Calbraith Perry's operations at Tabasco
NNR 71.200 vessels captured at Tabasco
NNR 71.200-71.201 Gen. Zachary Taylor's official account of taking of Monterey
NNR 71.201-71.202 Jack Hays and his men
NNR 71.208 naval expedition against Tampico
NNR 71.208 Gen. John Ellis Wool's address to his Army on reaching the Rio Grande, dispatches from him
NNR 71.209 review of the
condition of affairs
NNR 71.209 Californias occupied, Mexican ports in possession, position
of the armies, Gen. Winfield Scott and Com. Charles Stewart to assume command
and Veracruz the next point of attack, move-making with that view
NNR 71.209 condensed table of killed and wounded at Monterey
NNR 71.209 Capt John Gross Barnard to supervise fortifications at Tampico
NNR 71.209 Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny's movements toward California
NNR 71.209 concern about subsistence at Santa Fe
NNR 71.209 naval movements against Tampico
NNR 71.210 march of the Army of the Center from San Antonio de Bexar to the Rio Grande
NNR 71.210-71.211 Gen. Pedro Ampudia's proclamation on the fall of Monterey
NNR 71.218 Com. Matthew Calbraith Perry's official account of affair at Tabasco
NNR 71.218 addition to the official report of the affair at Tabasco
NNR 71.219-71.220 Gen. William Orlando Butler's report on the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.220 Gen. Thomas Lyon Hamer's report on the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.220-71.221 Gen. John Anthony Quitman's report on the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.221 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' report on the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.221-71.223 Gen. William Jenkins Worth's report on the Battle of Monterey
NNR 71.223 Gen. James Pinckney Henderson's report on the Texas volunteers at Monterey
NNR 71.224 traders to Santa Fe proceeding to Chihuahua
NNR 71.225 report of Mexican privateers fitting at Cuba
NNR 71.226 arrest of Mark H. Parkenson at New Orleans for holding intercourse with the Mexican government
NNR 71.226 news of Gen.
Stephen Watts Kearny on his way from Santa Fe to California
71.226 Col. Alexander William Doniphan detained for want of provisions,
no money, treasury draughts at heavy discounts, predictions, provisions
on the way to Santa Fe
71.226 Col. Philip Saint George Cooke, with the regiment of Mormon infantry,
leaves Santa Fe for California
NNR 71.226 designation
of New York volunteers for Mexico
71.226 letters from the secretary of war declining additional volunteers
NNR 71.240 Panuca captured
71.240 troops arrive at Tampico
71.240 Saltillo occupied by Gen. William Jenkins Worth
71.240 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's movements
NNR 71.240 Gen. John Ellis Wool's reception at Monclova, which he occupies, proceeds for Saltillo
NNR 71.241 speculation as to
the disposition of the new Mexican Congress and as to Gen. Antonio Lopez
de Santa Anna's designs, &c.
71.241 urgent appeals to the Mexican Congress to make Gen. Antonio Lopez
de Santa Anna dictator
NNR 71.241 correspondence between Gen. Zachary Taylor and Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 71.241 Gen. Zachary
Taylor visits Saltillo
71.241 Gen. Winfield Scott's purposes
NNR 71.241 more volunteers called into service
NNR 71.241 state of affairs at Santa Fe
NNR 71.242 Mexican account
of affairs at Monterey
71.242 skirmish between Georgia volunteers and Mexicans
NNR 71.242 storming the Bishop's Palace at Monterey, touching incident
NNR 71.243 Com. Robert Field Stockton's proclamation organizing a government in California
NNR 71.243 burning the Mexican brig Creole
NNR 71.256 accurate table
of killed and wounded in Battle of Monterey unavailable
NNR 71.256 fifteen hundred volunteers said to be buried on the Rio Grande
NNR 71.256 diminution of the Baltimore battalion
NNR 71.257 loss of the United States sloop of war Boston, capture of Panuca
NNR 71.258 estimate of the prize money from the Tabasco and Tampico captures
NNR 71.258 praise for Midshipman Simpson's gunnery
NNR 71.259 exposed state of the Indian frontier because of withdrawal of troops for the war with Mexico
NNR 71.262 rumors relative to superseding the commanding generals by appointing a lieutenant general, Gen. Robert Armstrong or Thomas Hart Benton considered for post, Com. Charles Stewart's appointment as commander of the Gulf Squadron also being reconsidered, review of results of the campaign, glimpse at the future
NNR 71.262 affair at Angelos, Mexican finances, ordnance at San Luis, Campeche identified with Mexico, Capt. G. T. M. Davis' account of route of Gen. John Ellis Wool's division
NNR 71.263 Wool abandons original object, Chihuahua, marches to Monclova, and thence to Saltillo; letter from "a volunteer" describing the country, condition of the troops, objects, &c.
NNR 71.264 Gen. John Ellis Wool ordered to occupy Parras
NNR 71.264 wounded from Monterey, change of the direction of the Army, Gen. Zachary Taylor proposes to march for Victoria
NNR 71.264 Gen. Robert Patterson's command retiring to the mouth of the Rio Grande en route for Tampico
NNR 71.264 Gen. William Orlando Butler
NNR 71.264 Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow
NNR 71.264 rumor of Gen. Antonio Canales having taken sixty baggage wagons
NRR 71.264 directions of the different corps
NNR 71.265 letter of "Gomez"
from Monterey
71.264 rumors respecting Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's movements
NNR 71.270 letter of Consul John Black to Secretary of State James Buchanan transmitting correspondence of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 71.270-71.271 plans of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 71.272 Mexicans determined to defend their country
NNR 71.272 formidable Mexican force assembled at San Luis
NNR 71.272 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at a grand review of the troops
NNR 71.272 defense of the Mexican withdrawal from Tampico
NNR 71.272 accounts of the burning of the Mexican vessel Creole at San Juan de Ulloa
NNR 71.272 prizes taken at Tabasco are wrecked
NNR 71.272 American blockade of Mexican ports
NNR 71.272 Cyane blockading Guaymas
NNR 71.272 American traders arrested at Chihuahua
NNR 71.272 Gen. John Ellis Wool occupies Parras, Gen. William Jenkins Worth at Saltillo
NNR 71.272 Mexican destruction of water tanks between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi
NNR 71.272 Gens. Zachary Taylor and Gideon Johnson Pillow march for Victoria
NNR 71.272 volunteers embark from Rio Grande for Tampico
NNR 71.272 Gen. Winfield Scott arrives in New Orleans on his way to the seat of the war
NNR 71.272 military appointments, &c.
NNR 71.272 Mexicans at El Paso del Norte
NNR 71.272 Mexican levy on the church and clergy to finance the war, shipments of specie to Europe
NNR 71.272 steamer Gopher breaks her chains and is lost in heavy winds, other ships sunk in gale
NNR 71.145 November 7, 1846 Gen. Stephen Watts Kearney’s expedition to Tonie
GENERAL KEARNEY’S EXPEDITION TO TONIE
Santa Fe, Sept. 13, 1846
Messrs. Editors: On the 2d instant, General Kearney, with about eight hundred
men, left this town on an excursion south. We went to a village
called Tonie, about one hundred miles distant. We struck the Rio
Grande twenty seven miles from this place, at a village called San Domingo,
inhabited by the Puebla Indians. Our reception at this village was
quite a grand affair; the principal men and braves met us six miles from
the town, and escorted us in; the braves were mounted on their best horses,
and dressed in the most gaudy apparel, and armed and equipped in the same
manner as when they go out for the purpose of fighting. When the
general passed the head of their columns, they fired off their guns, and
then one file on each side of our companies proceeded to the rear, and
then wheeled and came down to close our line at the top of the speed of
their horses, yelling and going through all the maneuvers of a regular
charge; they met again at the head of our columns, fired at each other
with their pistols, made passes with their lances, and then filed off, and
returned to the head of our companies. This was repeated several
times, to the great admiration and astonishment to all who witnessed it.
I have never seen better horsemen anywhere, and from what I could discover,
I should take them to be formidable in battle, if properly armed.
They are fine looking men, and much superior in every respect to the Mexican
population. They have a very fine village, most splendid vineyards,
and appear to be much more comfortable, in every respect than the Mexicans.
When we got into the village, we were invited to the priest’s house, where
a most sumptuous repast was set out consisting of the best grapes I ever
saw, melons, apples, cakes, and with liquor sufficient to wash them down.
There is at this town quite an extensive church, to which is attached
the priest’s house, where he keeps his wives, or concubines. The
priest at this place has four-two of them are quite good looking.
After our repast, the general made a speech to the citizens, who appeared
quite well pleased. They then escorted us out of town, and we went
on our way rejoicing, with full stomachs, and every man with just liquor
enough in him to make him feel patriotic. This was the only Indian
village we visited.
After we left San Domingo, we passed through villages every eight or ten miles, until we reached the village of Tonie. Most of them, however, were quite small and the inhabitants, with exception of two or three men in each, are a poor miserable set.
The only villages on the Rio Grande, that we visited worthy of note, are
San Domingo, San Phillippe, Albuquerque, and Tonie. Albuquerque was
the residence of Armijo. We halted a short time at the place, going
and returning. Gen, Kearney called on the late governor’s wife,
and passed an hour or two, as he told me, very pleasantly. She is
said to be an intelligent woman, and deported herself with much propriety.
Her husband, (Armijo,) it is said, has gone to the Passo, and it is supposed
will continue on to the city of Mexico. The people near the town
of Tonie, and the inhabitants of the different villages, have heard of
our intended visit, and the general so arranged our marches as to bring
us to this town the evening before the anniversary of our patron Saint
– a great day with the inhabitants of that region of the country; and
I assure you it was a great day not only with them, but to all who were
present. There was an immense concourse of people, men, women, and
children, Mexicans, Indians, and White folks. They had prepared
fire-works, which were gotten up in a very good style, the town was illuminated,
they had a theatre- that is, a play in the open yard, which appeared to
be well received by the inhabitants. They also had a fandango, which
was not only crowded, nut jammed and crowded to overflowing. The
beauty and fashion were there, and, to my astonishment, I found some of
the women quite handsome. During the day there was mass said, and
the Virgin Mary was paraded down the streets followed by the principal
men of the town, and also Gen. Kearney and his staff, with lighted candles
in their hands.
The priest at Tonie joined in the waltz, and appeared as jovial and
as much disposed to participate in all the amusements as anyone else.
The country south of this place, (Santa Fe,) along the Rio Grande, is
much better than any portion of the province I have yet visited; yet in
my judgment, no Missourian would ever think of locating anywhere here
for the purpose of cultivating the soil. The province has been overrated,
and our government has been grossly imposed upon and deceived, as to
its resources, commerce, &c. I have not seen anything since
my arrival here that would excite the least desire for me to reside here.
To sum up the whole in a few words, the Mexicans are physically, mentally,
and morally, an inferior and “low flung” race.
Yesterday an order was read, assigning the five companies of dragoons
for the California expedition; there has not as yet been any place designated
for my winter quarters; it is however believed that my company will be
attached to Maj. Clark’s battalion, and stationed at this place.
I hope such may be the case, unless I can induce the general to let me
go south, to the Passo del Norte. I saw the general last night,
and requested that he would not assign me to Doniphan’s command-he said
he would not.
I have found the officers of the army very agreeable companions, and thus far, all has gone on very well.—Our mail will not leave before next Thursday. Should anything occur before the departure of the mail, I will write you again.
September 15, 1846.—Since writing the foregoing, an order was made, assigning my company to do duty with Maj. Clark’s battalion, and stationing us at this place for the winter.The five companies of dragoons, will, it is said, march on the 25th instant for California. We have had no news in relation to Price’s regiment, nor of Captain Allen’s command of Mormons. We do not know how to account for the non-arrival of Price, nor the delay of Allen.[MJK]
NNR 71.145 November 7, 1846 the “Union” discredits the report that additional volunteers will be called for, remarks thereon
The Washington Union contradicts the report that additional volunteers have been called for. That paper of the 4th inst. says: “The moment ‘new troops’ are wanting, in addition to the regulars and the volunteers now in service, we presume they will be called for. When, it does not become us to say,; still less to what point any of our troops may be sent-whether to Saltillo, (to which the Inquirer undertakes to say Gen. Taylor has been ordered to advance,’ without any discretion,) or to Tampico, or to Vera Cruz, and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, as other essayists have urged, or to any other point of the compass. We avoid touching upon these points. It is not within our province. The impartial press will excuse us for saying that, even if any friend of the administration were to be acquainted with the plan of the campaign, or even to suspect it, it would scarcely be his duty to go to the house tops and proclaim it in the ears of our enemies.”The Baltimore American, of yesterday, quoting the above, replies: “Not withstanding the strict reserve which the Union here professes, it did intimate some time ago, with distinctness enough that an expedition was contemplated against Tampico, and that the men to compose it were to be taken, a portion at least, from the Rio Grande.
With such a disclosure as this, and with the further knowledge that Gen. Taylor had peremptory order to terminate the armistice, with a view, as we are told, of a vigorous prosecution of the war, the public anxiety becomes naturally excited at the apprehension that Taylor’s support is to be withdrawn from his base line of operations at the very moment that he is directed to advance into the enemies country. It is not from a disposition to indulge in idle speculation that the newspapers in various parts of the country dwell upon this subject. Great fears are felt that the gallant army in Mexico, which has covered itself with glory, may, by some blunder of the administration, be left in jeopardy. We say that such fears are felt-and sensitively too. The country looks with anxiety towards Gen. Taylor, watching every step; and while it has great confidence in him and his brave soldiers it has not a great deal of confidence in the competency of the administration. This, we believe, is the chief secret of the extreme solicitude which possesses the public mind in reference to affairs in Mexico, and concerning the manifestations of which in the public prints the official paper gives indirect lectured on propriety.”A report has become very general, and was certainly authorized by the highest authority that the President had determined to call for additional volunteers. At the same time a report prevailed that a formidable diversion was to be made either upon Tampico or Vera Cruz. It is probable that the two reports were dependant upon each other. If an invasion of Mexico, at one of these ports was to be attempted, the call would be made, and not otherwise.
We refer to details from the several divisions of the army, for the latest intelligence from each.
The official reports and particulars of the late engagements, and list of the killed and wounded, have not reached Washington. [MJK]
NNR 71.146-11/7/1846 Army Journal/Company Movement
Two companies of the U. S. army embarked from Charleston, S. C., on the 27th ult. in the ship South Carolina, for Pont Isabel. The following are the names of the officers--
Company H--E. J. Steptoe, lieut. Command'g the detachment; Lieuts. H. . B. Judd, L. D. Welch. Company D--Lieut. F. O. Wyse, Lieut. E. G. Beckwith, Lieut. G. P. Andrews. John M. Cuyler, assisstant surgeon. [SCM]
NNR 71.146-11/7/1846 Army Journal/ Recruits
Recruits. - The officers of the army were detached by Gen'l Taylor after the battles of the 8th and 9th May for recruits are now returning with the recruits they have obtained to join the army.A detachment of fifty German recruits, under the command of Lieut. H. Browne, embarked from N. York on the 29th ultimo in the brig Ellen and Clara, for Fort Brooke, Tampa bay, Florida. [SCM]
NNR 71.146- 11/7/1846 Army Journal/Company of Ninety-five Sappers
The company of ninety-five Sappers and Miners reached N. Orleans on the 24th ultimo in the ship Clinton, from New York.The ship John Holland, arrived at Brazoson the 17th with troops.The steamer Florida, with a number of the wounded soldiers from Monterey, had been aground on the bar off Brazos, but got off, and proceeded for New Orleans.Cat. Ruggles, in command of a detachment of the 5th infantry, about 175 men, accompanied by Lieuts. Tyler and Gibson, the latter in command of a detachment of artillery recruits, embarked from New York on the 30th ult., in the ship Corsair for Brazos Santiago. Capt. Ruggles was in the battles of Palo Alto and Reseca do le Palma.Wm. W. Tompkins, esq., formerly captain of the 2d dragoons, U. S. army, and who served in the Florida war until the close of the year 1838, is making vigorous efforts to organize in New York a corps of volunteers for the Mexican war [SCM]
NNR 71.146 November 7, 1846 legal proceedings against Col. John D. Stevenson
Col. STEPHENSON.—Commander of the California expedition.— In the suit of Ellingwood vs. Jonathan D. Stephenson, colonel, &c. United States army, his honor said the motion to set aside the writ of ne exeat must be denied, and the motion to open the default, and the motion for an attachment against the colonel must be granted. [N.Y. Gaz & Times. [MJK]
NNR 71.150 November 7, 1846 congressional nomination in Boston in opposition to Robert Charles Winthrop because of his votes for supplies for the war
At a public meeting held in Boston on Thursday evening, Charles Sumner, Esq., was nominated as an independent candidate for congress, in opposition to the regularly nominated whig candidate, Mr. Winthrop. Hon. C.F. Adams (son of the ex-president) presided, and such men as Dr. S. G. Howe, Dr. Channing, Dr. Bowditch, &c., who are opposed to the Mexican war, were concerned in the measure. They oppose Mr. Winthrop because he voted for supplies. Whig journals say the true whigs of Boston will be inspired by the result of this meeting to make extra exertions in favor of their candidate.—Four parties are in the field arrayed against them. [MJK]
NNR 71.151 November 7, 1846 Gen. Zachary Taylor’s congratulatory orders on the capture of Monterey
“ARMY OF OCCUPATION.”
CAPTURE OF MONTEREY
From Matamoras “American Flag” of October 10
ORDERS-No. 123
Headquarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp near Monterey, Sept. 27 1846.
The Commanding General has the satisfaction to congratulate the Army under his command upon another signal triumph over the Mexican forces.—Superior to us in numbers, strongly fortified, and with an immense preponderance or artillery, they have yet been driven from point to point until forced to sue for terms of capitulation. Such terms have been granted as were considered do to the gallant defense of the town and to the liberal policy of our own government.
The General begs to return his thanks to his commanders and to all his officers and men, both the regulars and the volunteer forces, for the skill, the courage and the perseverance with which they have overcome manifold difficulties, and finally achieved a victory shedding luster upon the American arms.
A great result has been obtained, but not without the loss of many gallant and accomplished officers and brave men. The Army and the country will deeply sympathise with the families and friends of those who have thus sealed their devotion with their lives.
By order of Maj. Gen. TAYLOR:
(Signed)
W.W.S. Bliss
Official: Ass’t. Adj’t. General.
Geo. A McCall, ass’t Adj’t. Gen.
[MJK]
71.152 November 7, 1846 letter about the cause for losses at Monterey, skepticism about the results of the armistice, notice of arrival of dispatches from Washington.
Another correspondent over the signature of L. writing from Matamoras, under the date of October 5t, says:- It is generally believed that our great loss was occasioned by a “fool hardy valor” pushing men up in the face of danger, when the exercise of a little military skill would have enabled our troops to have taken the enemy at great advantage. Our troops are as brave as any in the world, and our regulars act upon the principle—“No nice distinction a true soldier knows, But bid him go to h—l, to h—l he goes.” And under this military axiom would push through death and surrounding dangers-whenever ordered.-But it was wise to place our brave men to be sacrificed to the want of skill on the part of chefs de batallion or of division either? Certainly not; and the taking of Monterey and its consequences, have demonstrated if any demonstration were needed, that cool courage, skill, and tact do more, with less loss, than impetuous valor without arrangement-whose line of march is marked but by his own dead-however great was the goal at the final end of the bloody trail.
In relation to the armistice, and prospects of permanent peace, I place no confidence in the benefits to flow from the former, knowing, as I do, that before the fall of Monterey, the Mexican government had, with commendable foresight, called for a draft of 30,000 men, who will, I’m of opinion, be assembled at Saltillo, and fortify the mountain passes before the expiration of the stipulated two months; and as to peace, I conceive the time of its consummation with Mexico far distant. Heaven grant I may be mistaken. But it behooves our government to reinforce Gen. Taylor by at least fifteen or twenty thousand men; and if it consult the best interests of the nation, it will dispatch Gen. Scott immediately to the seat of war. His skill and judgment would give regularity and order, and insure a peace in the shortest possible time.
October 6th.—Last night a special messenger arrived from Washington, bearer of dispatches to General Taylor- we are ignorant of their import. If in consideration of overtures for peace from Mexico, distrust them, as Paredes is again getting up, and may be, before long, once more in the ascendancy; and as to Santa Anna, who but an idiot would trust him, even under the most solemn obligation. I tell you, that unless we send reinforcements here, the termination of the armistice will find General Taylor hemmed in Monterey-mark that! San Luis Potosi has pronounced against Santa Anna, and in favor of Paredes-this after the taking of Monterey. [MJK]
NNR 71.152 November 7, 1846 letter from a correspondent of the Boston Courier about the advance of Gen. John Ellis Wool toward Presidio Rio Grande and Chihuahua
ARMY OF THE CENTRE
–GEN. WOOL.
Letter from a correspondent of the Boston Courier, dated:
Army of Chihuahua,
San Antonio de Bexar, Oct. 2, 1846.
I avail myself of a short respite from my arduous duties to give you some little information in regard to the movement and operations of this division of the invading army. I arrived here on the 20th Sept. from La Baca, after a somewhat fatiguing journey. On the 26th ultimo the advance of this army left for Presidio Rio Grande, consisting of the following troops, viz: company B, 4th light artillery, under captain Washington: two company 2d dragoons, under brevet major Beall; three companies 6th infantry, and one company Kentucky volunteers, under major Bonneville, United States army; six companies Arkansas cavalry, under colonel Yell; four companies of Illinois volunteers, under captains Webb and Morgan; corps of pioneers, artificers, &c. under command of captain Lee, of the engineers U. States army; a train of one hundred and eighteen wagons, loaded with subsistence, ammunition and quartermasters stores, boats and lumber, for making a flying bridge across the Rio Grande-the train under charge of captain O. Cross, assistant quartermaster United States army. The entire force under command of Col. Wm S. Harney, 2d dragoons, amounting to fourteen hundred effective men.
On the morning of the 29th ultimo, gen. Wool, with a portion of his staff, and escorted by two companies of the first dragoons, left here to overtake the advance.
Col. Churchill, inspector general is left in command of the rear division, to follow with the remainder of the forces as soon as sufficient number of wagons (now en route for this pace) shall arrive from La Baca. Major Thomas, chief of the quartermaster’s department, also remains for the purpose of hastening the forwarding of supplies, &c. and will be here in about five days, with col. Churchill and the remainder of the forces, to join gen. Wool at the Presidio, under command of col. J. J. Hardin, with a train of twenty four wagons and two pieces of cannon.
The wagons with supplies and stores, are rapidly arriving; one train of fifteen wagons came in on the 30th ultimo, and one to-day of the twenty one wagons.
<>p> It is almost impossible to imagine the difficulties encountered by the quartermasters department towards fitting out and preparing the “trains” for transporting supplies. In the first place the mules have to be broken to work in harness. There is a scarcity of teamsters, and inefficient wagon-masters are sent from New Orleans, where they are picked up and sent out upon their representing that they are first rate teamsters--the greater part of whom scarcely know how to harness a mule, not to speak of their driving a five mule team.Too much praise cannot be awarded to Major. Thomas for his untiring exertions and unceasing vigilance in organizing the department, and protecting the interests of the service from the depredations of those who are constantly devising means to cheat the government. It was really amusing to see coming into La Baca with old wagons and broken down oxen to sell to the government, for which the most exorbitant prices were asked. Six hundred dollars has been asked for a wagon and five yolk of oxen, for which three hundred dollars might be a great price. Individuals must have an idea that the government must purchase from them at any price, and that government officers are bound to believe what they say, without examination. However, they found major Thomas an officer possessing too much practical knowledge to be taken in by them. Consequently he is abused in the newspapers in the most outrageous manner, and why? For the simple reason that they cannot deceive him and rob the government. [MJK]
NNR 71.152-71.153 November 7, 1846 Gen. John Ellis Wool’s division advancing on Monclova, for Chihuahua, letters giving details, list of officers
nbsp; The New Orleans Delta, of the 27th has the following:
THE ARMY OF CHIHUAHUA.
From major M. C. M. Hammond, U.S. army, who arrived a day or two since Port Lavaca and San Antonio, Texas, we obtain the following information:
One half of gen. Wool’s army left San Antonio for the Presidio on the Rio Grande on the 26th of September. The general went in person on the 29th. The remainder, consisting of sixteen companies of Illinois infantry and four companies of Arkansas cavalry, were under command col. Churchill, inspector general United States army. Between the 5th and 8th of October eight of these companies marched, commanded by Col. Hardin; and colonel Churchill was to have conducted the remainder on the 14th, leaving one or two companies in garrison at Bexar, to protect supplies and furnish escorts.
Gen. W. expected to reach Presidio in twelve days. He established a depot at that point, until it was ascertained whether steamers can ascend the Rio Grande to a position more suitable to his operations. His army will cross the river on a flying bridge, boats for which were constructed at San Antonio, under the direction of capt. Fraser, engineer, and were transported in wagons.
As soon as supplies are received to enable him to advance, gen. Wool will press on to Chihuahua, taking Santa Rosa and Monclava in his route. The former town is garrisoned with regular troops and said to be capable of strong resistance. This line of operations is longer than might be selected, but it has the advantage of turning the mountain passes-of abundance of water and some provisions-and runs within seventy or eighty miles of gen. Taylor’s when co-operation can be readily effected if necessary.
If it is found impossible to transport supplies by water to the Presidio or other point on the Rio Grande whence to furnish the army, it will be necessary to haul all their provisions from Port Lavaca by way of San Antonio, a distance to Chihuahua of nearly 800 miles, and through a country in a rainy seasons almost impassable for heavy wagons.
It will be seen that this enterprise is gigantic and its accomplishment will be an achievement more arduous and more creditable than a brilliant victory. The health of the troops had very much improved. The sick were left at Bexar under the care of Dr. Glen, U. States army.
The command consists of the following officers and troops:
STAFF
Col. Churchill,
inspector gen. Unites States army; captain Prentissm assistant adjt. General;
lieuts. McDowell and Bryan, aids-de-camp.
Captains
Lee and Frazer, corps engineers.
Captain
Hughes and Lieut. Sitgreaves and Franklin, topographical engineers.
Lieut.
Kingsbury, ordinance corps.
Major Thomas,
quartermaster; Captains Cross, Will, Chapman, and Chilton, assist quartermasters.
Dr. Hitchcock,
medical director; Drs. Simpson, Levely, and several volunteer surgeons
. 1 company light artillery; 2 do. 1st dragoons; 2 do 2d dragoons; 1 regiment Arkansas Cavalry;3 companies 6th regular infantry, 1 do. Kentucky infantry; 2 regiments Illinois infantry.
The Kentucky regiment of cavalry left Lavacca on the 13th inst. for Matamoras. About 40 of them had died, fifty to seventy had been discharged, and one hundred sick had been sent to Matamoras by water. At one time it was said that 300 men were on sick report. The Tennessee cavalry followed the Kentucky regiment on the 16th. [MJK]
NNR 71.153-11/7/1846 The Louisville Legion
An officer of the legion writes to the editor of the Louisville Courier:
-“The situation of the Louisville Legion was a very silent, but at the same time a very chafing one. We were obliged to stand the fire from a well directed battery of twelve pounders from the Castle, which were directed at the howitzer and mortar, before mentioned as being immediately in front. Their pieces were very troublesome. Their cavalry formed in front of the Castle frequently, for the purpose, it is supposed, of making an attack upon us, but a bomb thrown in their midst soon dispersed them. The Legion was formed in squares every hour or so for the purposes of receiving their expected attack on our battery. This is the reason why we were not actively engaged. Gen. Butler ordered us into the city at one time, but Major Munroe, who had charge of the pieces, remonstrated in the strongest terms, and said that the mortar battery would be taken by the Mexicans in half an hour after we left, and that the pieces we were protecting were then doing more damage to the enemy than we could possibly do in the city. Upon this, General Butler then countermanded the order.” [SCM]
NNR 71.153 November 7, 1846, Gen. William Orlando Butler’s letter detailing affair at Monterey
GENERAL BUTLER.
—The following letter from General Butler to a near relative near Louisville is from a Louisville newspaper:
Monterey, Sept. 25, 1846.
Monterey is ours, but not without a heavy loss, and my division has probably sustained more that one half of it. I am myself wounded, but not badly. I was struck by a musket all below the knee; it entered in front, grazed the bones without injuring them, ranged round through the flesh, and came out on the opposite side.
I became faint from loss of blood, and was compelled to leave the field after having been in it under a heavy fire of grape and musketry for three hours.—I have been required by my surgeon to keep perfectly still, ever since the battle.
I was in the act of leading the Ohio Regiment to storm two of the most formidable batteries un the town, flanked by a stone wall, ten feet high, with a deep ditch in front and covered by a strong musketry force in the rear, under complete shelter. There were two other batteries of grape shot discharged, that swept the ground continually.
Col. Mitchell, who commanded the regiment of Ohio volunteers, was wounded about the same time that I was, and we then prudently abandoned the enterprise, as we became convinced that our loss would have probably been at least one hundred more men, had we persevered.
I hope you will not think I acted rashly. I know that I am often rash where I involve myself alone, not so, however, when the fates of other are at stake.
The condition in which we were placed fully justified, if it did not positively require us to make the attempt. The peculiarity of our situation I cannot now explain without going into greater detail than I am able to.
The battle commenced about 9 o’clock, A.M., and continued without intermission, with various degrees of intensity for eight hours.
I had almost 1,000 men in the battle (the Louisville Legion having been left to guard our mortars and of that number we lost in killed and wounded about 250).
We took one battery and a house fitted up as a fortification, and assisted the regulars in taking a second. Gen. Worth, with great gallantry and equal success, and with far less loss. Carried on his operations on the opposite side of town.
Under all the circumstances, the terms of capitulation are favorable to us. There are still several forts in the hands of the enemy, which we would have been compelled to take by regular approaches with heavy losses. The plaza is of itself an enormous fortification of continuous houses, with thick stone walls, and all the streets leading into it strongly fortified and filled with guns.
They admit that they will have at least 8,000 fighting men, whilst our part we cannot muster 5,000 for duty, and have only a few heavy guns, and them we took from them.
Never, I believe, did troops, both volunteers and regulars, behave with more calmness and intrepidity, and I do not believe that for downright, straightforward, hard fighting, the battle of Monterey has ever been surpassed. [MJK]
NNR 71.153 November 7, 1846 Kentucky mounted volunteers leave San Antonio for Port Lavaca and Camargo
THE KENTUCKY MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS.
Perhaps a more splendid or spirited regiment of men, officers, and horses never paraded in any country, then composed the Kentucky volunteers that repaired so promptly to the frontier- and were ordered to join the division of the army under general Wool. They had no sooner reached his headquarters, then they were ordered thence to Port Lavaca en route to Camargo, to join general Taylor. The following letter from an officer of the regiment is from the Observer and Reporter.
Camp near Port Lavaca, Texas Sept. 23, 1846.
Dear sir- the departure of the steam ship Galveston affords another opportunity to write to you, and more and more at large than I was able to do the other day. We are somewhat rested from the fatigue of our long and hard march. The equinoctial gales are in full blast, and the fresh breeze from the sea brings healing on its wings to the sick I our hospitals. I told you in my last, that Col. Marshall chafed much under the order of brig. gen. Wool directing him to repair with his regiment to this place. His reasons seemed sound at the time, and subsequent events verify their correctness. He said that a halt and quiet at a moment just preceding a change in seasons, when the sickness carried in the atmosphere would develop disease lurking in or passing through the system, because the indolence of a stationary camp would aid, where as continual action would enable the system to resist or ward off the attack of disease. He was anxious to press forward to Camargo without halting and to rest on the Rio Grande after the season changed, which they do generally after the equinoctial storms. Disease has increased in our camp alarmingly since our arrival here. Yesterday the surgeon reported 160 new cases in the hospital. Many of our boys look chap fallen at this sudden reverse of our condition, but the commander and the surgeon seem to recognize the change as one they had expected, and to fear no great degree of fear as a result. I have no doubt the letters from the regiment will be gloomy enough by this mail, but the writers don’t understand the diagnosis of our malady. We are sick of an order from a general who don’t know what he is about, and which brings death in its train that could have easily been avoided. Col. M. sent an express to gen. Taylor the other day, immediately arriving here, remonstrating against the order delaying him here, and predicting just what has occurred. He also spoke freely to officers on their way to gen. Wool’s camp, and wrote gen. Wool himself. General Wool sent down an order day before yesterday to Col. M. authorizing him to move forward to Camargo whenever he chose to do so. The troops expected that col. Marshall would be off directly, and he did make one “revolution,” as they say, but his train wanted repairs and on applications from the shops at Lavaca, he found them employed from gen. Wool’s train, and that the same mail which authorized him to proceed, imperatively directed the quartermaster to confide the shops exclusively to work on wagons destined for San Antonio de Bexar, which cut off all chance of a speedy departure, unless we go without a train. The col. did talk a little of cold meat, but he abandoned that notion, and now I suppose we may be considered as firmly aground. Indeed, the news by the Galveston that Mexico had rejected the overtures of our government for peace, on the ground that the Mexican congress alone had power over that object opens a new chance for a contest and seems to have produced a desire on the part of col. Marshall to recruit his men more effectively than he seemed disposed for when he thought there was a slim chance of getting there on time. I hope by the next letter I write to give you accounts of improving health in the regiment. You ought to see the boys. Their condition is a reproach to the government. They are barefooted, and some of them literally without breeches, many without hats and coats, but they stand up as proud as if they were dressed I imperial purple. The government is indebted to this regiment this day $75,000- it has received no pay whatever, and though paymasters pass and repass, it hath seen no signs of payment.—
Young men of education and intelligence, used to the luxuries of life, are by this neglect absolutely turned naked in a wild country, and exposed to the climate and suffering from the weather, without any care for their condition on the part of the government they serve. They would raise a row pretty quickly, but that they respect to highly the feelings of their own officers to place them in an awkward position, by drawing down on them the displeasure of the was department.We shall go to Camargo, and I think we shall leave here between the 1st and 5th of October. In the meantime we shall drill and be recruited. The distance to Camargo from our camp is 236 miles. Col. Marshall has already every creek, spring, pond, bayou, Ranche, sandy piece on the way, and I am indebted to his politeness for information as to the gross distance. He says he shall march it in 14 days.The arming of our regiment in two different ways attracted originally, some comment, and alarmed the pride of our commanding officer. He had a correspondence with the war department as to the meaning of this movement, but the secretary repelled the idea that any undue advantage was to be taken of the volunteer officers. The apprehensions of col. Marshall are beginning to be realized. For instance, the advanced guard of Wool’s division is made up of thus:
4 companies United States infantry – 1 company Kentucky infantry- capt. Williams. 2 companies Illinois infantry –Hardin’s regiment. 3 companies Illinois infantry – Sissell’s regiment.
No volunteer colonel or lieut. Colonel obtains the command, but the command is conferred on brevet major Bonneville, of the regular army. He-a mere major by brevet-it to be placed in command of a full regiment, while superior officers who are volunteers are not noticed at all. He is forsooth to have ten companies under his charge, while Hardin and Bissell are reduced to seven or eight each by the operation!A similar operation is opening on our regiment.
Gen. Wool has ordered major John P. Gaines to detach C. M. Clay’s and
Pennington’s companies from Marshall’s regiment, one company from the
Tennessee and one from the Arkansas cavalry, to form a battalion which he
now says should be under Gaines’s command. This robbery of our regiment
is to [?]ure to the benefit of Archie Yell, colonel of the Arkansas regiment
who will have command of more than a regiment by the operation! I
don’t know what our col. Means to do with these orders. I see he
is moody and clouded to-day, and not disposed to say much about it.
He had a Mexican rider in camp to day and started him to Camargo.
It is supposed he bears dispatches touching on this order to major gen.
Wm O. Butler. I see no preparations making for the departure of our
companies, and should not be surprised if this business closes with our
colonel in arrest, for if he determines to permit the separation of the
regiment into minute detachments for the use and advantage of other officers,
he will maintain his position at the cost of his commission. He
has trouble ahead of him I fear, and it is suspected that there had been
some intrigue, as the order designates the companies to be detached.
By my next we shall have a development, of which I will apprise you.
J.J.
[MJK]
NNR 71.153-71.154 November 7, 1846 letters of S.D. Allis about the assault on Monterey
The following letters are copied from the N. Orleans Picayune, and were written by S.D. Allis, who was formerly a clerk with the Picayune office, and was known as “the tall Yankee clerk.” The letters were written for private perusal by his family, but on that account are the more full of those personal details which always interest and enlighten the reader:
- Monterey, Sept. 24, 1846
Uncle:- I once more have an opportunity to write you, and it would be difficult for me to express the sensations of pleasure I feel in being able to do so, after having participated in many hard fights with the enemy to get possession of this beautiful place. Yes, Monterey is ours. After four days’ hard fighting the Mexicans have capitulated. I have heard and read of battles, but never had an idea what a battle was before. The whistling of bullets, grape and canister- 6, 12, and 18 pound balls-the roar of cannon and bursting of shells- have become as familiar and common to me during the fight as the alphabet. Our company has done honor to Louisiana, and our division, under Gen. Worth, all agree, has done its duty. I was with our company at the storming of three batteries, located on hills so high that you might call them mountains, and so steep that a slip of the foot would have thrown us hundreds of feet below. The Louisiana boys made the attack on the castle, and lay five hours by themselves within 200 yards of it, picking off those that exposed themselves, and all the time the enemy pouring in showers of musket balls and grape; but they flew over our heads. Finally they sallied forth and charged on us. The 7th infantry, in reserve all this time came up and rushed on the castle, and raised the stars and stripes. We fired on the Mexicans as they left the breastworks and the castle, and captured four pieced of artillery. Our division has done the work; although our loss is small, we have done more to conquer Monterey than the whole of the two divisions who made the attack of the front. I would give you a description of the fight on our side, but Haile and Kendall, who were there, can do it better than I can. I will say, however, that the first five shells thrown by the Mexicans in the rear, where we made the attack, fell almost in the midst of your company, and burst without doing any harm. This was the opening of this side of the town, on Monday, the 21st inst. Yesterday, three divisions of Mexican troops marched out of town, and to-day 3,000 more. The balance have four more days to leave in. There were troops enough here , had they been Americans to keep of 50,000 good men. Every house is a fort, and every resident, even the little boys, had muskets and fired them upon the rooftops; but we finally went from house to house until we had taken one half the city, when a flag of truce was sent in by General Ampudia, and the terms of surrender agreed upon. We are in a most splendid house, near the center of town; but will be removed to the Government barracks as soon as the Mexicans have all left. The two Nichols have behaved nobly during all the fights, indeed exposing themselves more than necessary. The old gentlemen may well be proud of such boys as they are. We are now anticipating a speedy return, for we think that affairs will soon be settled, and that this dose will be enough for the Mexicans. The taking possession of the big fort was an interesting ceremony. The Mexicans fired a salute and marched out – we fired one and marched in, then raised the star spangled banner and gave three cheers, while our band played the appropriate air.—We marched in the tune of Yankee Doodle, but it would be hard to tell what tune was played by the Mexican band. Our company has had two killed and four wounded. Many of them have the marks of balls in their clothes and caps, and it would seem that a Divine Province had interfered to preserve the lives of our little band.
Monterey, Mexico Sept. 28, 1846
Dear Uncle:
I am sergeant to the guard to-night, and have concluded to write out a description of my own experience and what I saw at the storming of this place during the three days’ hard fighting, for your amusement and for the benefit of those who left me here in particular—who tried to persuade me to go home, saying that we would never see a Mexican with a musket that would pull a trigger at us. You, who returned, don’t you wish you had stayed here-that you had come along as far as Monterey and taken a hand in a battle that will be remembered as the United States remains a nation, and perhaps longer? To thrash these yellow skins in their own forts, cities, and their own mountains-to see the stars and stripes raised in triumph on the ramparts of their fortifications by the boys that can do it handsomely! Ah, I pity you from the bottom of my heart! You came a long ways to get a fight and were disappointed-
I came a little further and was in a glorious one. It would have done you good to have seen what these long understandings of mine have been to me in climbing up the Mexican mountains. But I must commence more formally.
Saturday morning, Sept 19th.
–The 1st division under Gen. Twiggs took the head at daybreak, and soon ours (the 2d) one hour latter, and the third one soon after us. About 10 o’clock, we first heard the cannon of the Mexicans in this place, which had been fired at a body of Texas Rangers, who had been reconnoitering and trying to coax out the Mexican lancers, and, oh, with what pleasure did we here it rebound around the fort! Cheers rent the air for miles- the whole army. Exhausted as the men were, all appeared to double their speed, anxious to be brought to the scene of action. But it was not the intention of Gen. Taylor to bring us into action until Monday, so we came to a halt at the walnut springs, distant four miles from town, a beautiful place in a small valley and surrounded by large timber. The water is cold and delicious, and the springs afford water enough for 50,000 men, if they could all get to it. The body of water running out of one spring alone is at least a half barrel.
Sunday, Sept. 20th.
-Our division, under the command of Gen. Worth, and composed of the 5th and 7th infantry, eleven companies of artillery with muskets, the 8th infantry, the Louisiana volunteers and 150 rangers, and two batteries of four guns each, was ordered to march at 12 o’clock and take up a position in the rear of the city and co-operate with the army that made the attack in front.We opened our way around the town at a distance, through fields of corn, sugar cane, and pea fields, without being disturbed until sun down, when a few shots were exchanged at a distance between advance of the enemy and our own, but no harm was done. At dark we bivouacked for the night, which was quite cold, and no blankets or tents to cover us from the occasional showers of rain; at the point of rain we started again, but had not gone more than two miles before we found ourselves directly under a Mexican battery so high that it was out of reach of our cannon. They opened lively upon us with shell, the first fire of which appeared to be directed at our company, although they burst without doing the least harm. But the grand fandango soon commended in front, the lancers and Texas Rangers aided by three regular companies, came to loggerheads, and had a pretty sharp skirmish, killing fifteen Mexicans and wounding several more. We had two wounded on our side, and the lancers too French leave. We soon saw that there were two more batteries in front beside the castle of Monterey, off to the left- indeed, it seemed as if the place could never be taken. We had not gone far before opened us with a 9 pounder, killing one captain and one private of the 8th infantry. We waited, under their fire, until our train had passed around the hill and up the valley out of reach of their fire, and we all soon followed them to make preparations for the attack. In the meantime, company was ordered to defend a pass in the mountains I our rear in case the enemy should advance in that direction.
About 12 o’clock, the enemy commenced firing down the second hill with muskets, and occasionally a load of grape and canister. From where I was I had a most splendid view of the fight as it proved to be, but thus far a one sided one, for not a single shot had been sent forth from below for nearly an hour after the first attack. Ah! There goes the volley of muskets; I can occasionally get a peep at our boys, who are climbing the mountain as fast as they can, keeping as much as possible under every nook, bush and rock. Volley after volley are exchanged on both sides, our boys gain the top and the Mexicans run off on the other side. The stars and stripes are raised with cheers, which are responded to in the valley below. It is now our turn. Another battery still further on, built of stone and on a very steep and high hill, is next to be stormed. “On the right fire, close intervals!” When we all ran in the double quicktime. The 5th infantry comprising about 200 men and Louisiana for the next. It was with good cheer that we marched onto the attack, our company so stationed as to be in advance. We had hardly reached the roof oh the hill when down came a shower of grape and canister in our midst, but it appeared as if Mexican iron and copper was not made to kill Yankees. On we went through the showers of musket balls, and soon had climbed the mountain high enough to reach them with our musket balls. On we went, loading and forming as we advanced, until within fifty yards, when we rushed up as fast as our legs would carry us, driving the Mexican down the other side and taking a 9-pounder brass cannon, ready loaded with grape, but the load intended for us was turned lose on them.
The first hill taken was directly opposite the hill that opened on us in the morning with shell, and the hill taken by us directly in front of the castle, an ugly customer well fixed to kill Yankees, mounting four 9-pounders and two mortars. They soon opened on us with shell, which burst all around us without doing any harm. Dark soon put an end to all cannonading, and we lay down to rest anticipating hot work in the morning. Occasional showers of rain, and no blankets with us, kept up awake during most of the night. About one hour before the day we heard muskets on the opposite hill, and soon we knew that the 8th infantry, which had not yet had a turn at the enemy, had climbed to the fort and made an attack. By sunrise they drove the Mexicans out, but they were smart enough to take the canon with them this time and broke for the castle, we cannot climb its walls, nor can we batter it down. We may drive them out with shells, and kill all those who expose themselves, with out muskets. Perhaps we can coax them into a bit of a fight outside. But take it we must. At 7 o’clock, A.M. we were ordered across to the last place taken. In the course of an hour we found ourselves at the top of our last prize. We seated ourselves on the rocks to rest, while I took a glorious nap on an hour. I heard the alarm, that the enemy were advancing on us around the side of the mountain. Our company, the immortal “phoenix.” Was ordered out alone to hold them in check; but it was only a small body who were trying to coax us out under the guns of the first, and within reach of about 500 lancers who were at a halt about a half mile off.
Balls began to fly thick as we advance; every bush has a Mexican in it; they upon us from the castle; the lancers move off. We get under cover of nooks, bushes, and low places, and whenever we get a good shot at a fellow in or near the castle, cut loose. Volley after volley is fired at us, but we lay low and they shoot high. They are coming out of the castle, about 500 strong, to make an attack on us. One of out 12-pound howitzers has been hoisted on the hill in the rear, and the shells commence whizzing over our heads. Everyone tells, bursting on and in the castle. They advance on us; we are ordered to close at the right on the top of the hill, and fall back into a ravine one hundred yards distant. We did so in great order, firing several times as we retreated. The Mexicans came at us with a yell; the battle grew hot. The word charge was given when the regulars in reserve came to our aid, and on we rushed, sweeping them and the castle at the same time; and, as usual when we entered the door of the castle, which we had stove, they ran out at the other; but we chased them to the edge of the town, pouring in a deadly fire upon them. We do not know the number of dead on the Mexican side, but counted 21 in lot. We lost one noble fellow, as good and brave a spirit that ever moved in the army. We also had three wounded in this mornings fight. The day before our company lost one and had four others slightly wounded. Some have caps, some jackets, and others guns marked with balls. Of the Wednesdays fight and capture of the town, I will tell you when I see you again. This latter was a battle on the house tops.
Over 9000 Mexican regulars have already left town, and God only knows how many are in line to leave tomorrow. Including citizens who turned out to fight, they must have had two men to our one, and perhaps more.
I saw Haile several times during the fight, riding about quite indifferent to the balls which fell around him. Although he did not run into danger, he did not appear to try to avoid it when it visited him.
We are in a splendid house near the plaza, and have a plenty to eat; thousands of oranges, apples, and other fine fruit. I forgot to tell you that our brigade marched up to receive the big Mexican fort, with six guns, and raised the big American flag on it, fired salutes, marched out about 2,000 yellow skins, and gave cheers for the star spangled banner. Had 2,000 Americans been in this fort, half of Mexico could not have wiped us out of it. We took a mortar in town the next day after taking the castle, and fired one of our shells into the square from it, killing and wounding over thirty Mexicans. Most of the Mexican soldiers or half of them nearly are married men and have their wives with them. Between 800 and 1,000 went out with a division of 1800 soldiers yesterday. It looks bad to see the Mexican army marching off in this way, ready to give us a fight another time, but I believe Gen. T. acted wisely, and has saved a thousand lives which would have sacrificed in the taking of the rest of the fortifications and town. [MJK]
NNR 71.154-71.157 November 7, 1846 letters from Lt. Henry Little and other officers at Monterey
The following is an extract of a letter from Lieutenant Henry Little, of the U.S. Infantry, (son of the late Col. Peter Little, who so long represented the District in Congress.) The letter of Lieut. L. was written to his family in this city, of course not for publication, but as everything in relation to the brilliant affair at Monterey is of grossing interest, the letter has, at our request, been furnished to us, and from it we make the following extracts:
Monterey, (Mexico,) September 29th, 1846.
I wrote you a letter from our camp at Seralvo, and I believe I mentioned that it was pretty generally thought there would be no fighting here. After leaving Seralvo we took upon our line of march through the mountain passes, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. On encamping the second night, the mail reached us and brought me -----‘s letter, dated I think in August, (for I destroyed it going into battle.) The next day we reached a town called Marin, which was deserted by a body of the enemy’s troops on the advance of ours. We remained there all day for the whole army to concentrate.—
From the belfry of the church we could see Monterey, about 22 miles distant. The rising and setting of the sun in the mountains exceeded anything I have ever seen, and by lovers of the beauties of nature, was indeed hailed with delight. One will no doubt read descriptions of our march in the papers from abler pens than mine, as several contributors to different newspapers accompany the march. On the second days march from Marin, and about 6 or 8 miles from here, our ears were saluted by the firing of artillery. It afterwards proved to be the town firing upon General Taylor with the advance guard, who were reconnoitering the place. This of course settled all doubts with regard to a fight. The town was evidently fortified, and strongly too. As proved on closer observation. The strength of the enemy’ forces could not of course be known, but supposed to be large or they would not make a stand. The army encamped that night about three mile from the town, on a little stream called the Walnut springs. The army had been previously divided into three divisions, the 1st under General Twiggs, the 2d under Gen. Worth, the 3rd under Gen. Butler. On Sunday the 20th inst. the 2d division consisting of the artillery battalion, 8th infantry, 5th and 7th infantry, one company of Louisiana volunteers, two battalions of light artillery, and some Texas Rangers marched out of camp to take position in the rear of the town, preparatory to storming the fortified hills and Bishop’s palace the next morning. We marched until near night when very heavy rain commenced and drenched us all to the skin; soon after we halted for the night, and lay on the ground shivering with cold. I was fortunate enough to get my cloak, a brother officer and myself contrived to cover ourselves with it, and with a stone for a pillow, and the broad canopy of heaven over us, endeavored to get some rest. At daylight we again commenced our march and soon being in range of the enemy’s guns, they commenced throwing round shot and shells at us, but for some time did no damage.—Soon the head of our column came up with a body of Mexican troops, consisting of lancers and infantry. After a slight resistance and some loss, they fled, and with some delay we still continued our march. The road was directly under fire, and they took pretty good advantage of it; their shot fell around us, and one officer (Captain McKeavet, 8th infantry) was killed and several men wounded. We were then moved out of reach of their fire and soon after two hills from which they had been firing at us were stormed and taken-thus ended the operations on our side of the town the first day. Our loss was very trifling indeed. On the other side of the town our loss was very great-some nine or ten officers of the regular army wre killed and I do not know how many volunteers. A great number of wounded also.-The loss among the men was also very great; I have not heard the exact number.
That night I was on guard on the road leading into the town. It was as dark as a pitch, rained nearly all night; I was cold, hungry, fatigued, and wet through, not allowed to have a fire, and I thought I never spent so miserable a night in my life – not even my coat to cover me. The next day another hill and the Bishop’s palace were taken, and the next day (Wednesday) the town was attacked; the streets were barricaded and fortified, the tops of the houses leading to the main plaza covered by their soldiers. The roofs of the houses are flat, with a wall of masonry around them, which makes a capital breast work.—And here we fought them, driving them from street to street and house to house- the cannon on both sides were raking the streets with grape shot. We had nearly driven them into the main plaza when night came on. The next morning early the firing recommenced, but lasted a very short time, when the enemy sent in a white flag offering to surrender on certain conditions, After much consultation, lasting nearly all day, the terms of surrender were settled.
-------- I have ever been very brief in my account of the foregoing actions, as I know you will see a full account of them in the papers. It has been another glorious achievement of our arms, of which every American will feel proud. The Mexican soldiers have all gone, and my regiment is encamped in the grand plaza. We have pretty comfortable rooms assigned to us, and after so long living in the streets, I assure you I feel quite comfortable with a table, chair, and bed. I am told the Mexican forces amounted to about 8000 regular and 3000 irregular troops, with about 40 pieces of cannon of different sizes. This is indeed a most beautiful place, and some of the gardens almost come up to my idea of Eastern magnificence. They abound in delicious fruits, and we revel in oranges, pomegranates, grapes, &c. The view from on of the hills is one of the finest things I ever saw. The valley in which this town is built extends for nearly thirty of forty miles, and looks like a beautiful garden.
SIEGE OF MONTEREY.
The Baltimore Battalion
Extracts of letters of officers belonging to the battalion to our friends.
The following we take from the Patriot.
Camp near Monterey, September 25, 1846.
We arrived here on the 20th inst. and when within three miles of the city we were saluted by a brisk cannonading from the enemies batteries-they fired upon our advance guard and general staff. We of course countermarched, and encamped within sight of the city. On Sunday we went out, and returned with out doing anything, the enemy fired upon us—not a shot returned. Early on Monday the troops were assembled in battle array. I cannot picture the horrors of the day to your mind, and am thankful that al All –wise Providenee has spared me the fate that many a noble has met with. Four officers belonging to the army fell near to me, among them Col. Watson, for whom a nation might mourn. He is no more.
In a desperate charge against one of the Mexican forts he fell mortally wounded. He handed his sword to lieut. Bowie, and died with a smile on his face, that indicated more than the tongue could tell. He died a brave and gallant soldier. The last words which he uttered were: “Men, your general leads you- who would not follow?” These were uttered seeing an officer pass who, it is presumed, he, in the expiring agony of death, took for gen. Taylor.
I deeply regret that Col. Watson was not spared to enjoy the victory with us. Poor fellow he is gone, and I hope his country will take care of his wife and children. It will be great loss to them. So hot was the battle, that we were unable to take the body of our lamented colonel from the street, till nearly 48 hours had elapsed. We buried whim in a brick house within about 400 yards from where he made a charge with the battalion. A very singular circumstance occurred while the act was in the act of preparing the grave: a ball came and took his head off; and instead of burying one, we had to have another dirge for the poor soldier. Such is war.
We have lost a number of men, but nothing appears so horrible to me as those men who have their arms and legs taken off. I never before imagined what a battlefield was-never thought it like this.—We have some noble fellows in our battalion- instead of being privates they should be generals.-They charged three forts and succeeded in taking them, but many who were foremost are now numbered with the dead. We passed the forts on Monday and got into the city. I left my tent determined to surmount every obstacle. I knew we had eyes looking upon us that had jealousy in them, and we determined to lead the leaders.
You would not suppose that any one could live in this lane or street which we were fighting. Three batteries were constantly playing upon us. Muskets, rifles, and every weapon that could be brought to play was bearing upon us. The lanes became so dense with dead men and horses, that we had to tread upon them in passing. The Mexican lancers, not satisfied by seeing the poor fellows wounded upon the ground, must revenge themselves by thrusting their lances into their bodies. Many of the lancers, however, in turn were made to bite dust.
Every one thought I was killed. My horse was found with blood upon him and brought to camp, and finally they sent out to find me, when I discovered sergeant major Day holding my charger near the fort. I called out and told him to tie the horse to a bush and take care of himself, three forts all the time throwing grape shots at us. I finally managed to get charge of twenty three prisoners, which our men found had retreated from the fort to the tan yard.- Among them were three officers. You may be sure we had to run for it, regardless of the lives of the prisoners. All the forts opened upon us, and such a dodging of balls you’ve never heard of. I had often heard of getting out of the way of balls, but never believed it before. Every time while we were running to the camp with our prisoners, as we saw the flash of the old twelve-pounder, down all would go upon the road, get up again and run forward. At every flash the Mexicans would fall as flat as flounders.
It is thought that our enemy had some French artillerists among them, as they fired with great skill. Yesterday they fired at a single Texas Ranger, struck his horse and broke the poor man’s leg, so that it had to be taken off this morning.
On Tuesday gen. Wool, I understand, wished a suspension of hostilities until he could bury the dead, which was actually refused by the Mexicans, although the truce asked for was only for two hours. It soon came our time to refuse. They wanted, as they said, to remove the women and children out of the city. This was refused. They were told, if they continued hostilities we would remove the men.—They, however, came to terms last night.
The slightest wound here, I might say is worse than a mortal one, for the wound is soon filled with worms, and in spite of all physicians can do, the wound cannot be kept clean of them. They abound in great abundance and of almost every imaginable species.
I am heartily tired of Mexico, and but for the duty I owe to my country, would be the bearer of this letter. You can get nothing without great difficulty.
Our fare has been exceedingly bad. The provisions which the government allows to soldiers are anything but good. Contracts are given to political men, and they put such trash upon our troops as Negroes would not eat it in the south- the pork is fat that lean is considered a great rarity;-flour and crackers without worms, are so scarce. In fact the only thing relishable I am able to get is corn, occasionally. On the march through this country, I sometimes get a hold of an old hen, and it seemed old enough to be mother to the chickens that crowed in the days of Hamlet’s father. I have just been informed that on of the Ohio men who received a wound in the arm, and which I bound up with my handkerchief during the battle, was stabbed by one of the infernal lancers while resting himself on the chaparral, whither he had gone to get out of the way of the shot.
The Mexicans have fought hard-very hard. No city could have been better forfeited than Monterey, and none but Americans have fought as we have. Nothing but the principle of “never give up” and our go-ahead business that makes us a people defying nations in quiet arms. From what I have seen from observation to day, there is no place so well calculated, in regard to power of defiance as this. In natural advantages I am confident, it has no equal.—Here the Spanish and French forces were separately defeated, and once the combined forces of the two nations.
You can tell Mr. Rodgers that Seth is well. We left William Hickman at Camargo with Dr. Miles and about thirty of our men. Hickman was not in the battle owing to his sickness. Tell Mr. Boyd that his son is well and makes a first rate soldier.
A lancer got after Henry Norris- he ran until he came to a fence, and then leveled his musket and dropped the gentleman from his horse. He was struck so hard that he never knew what hurt him. Mr. N. is a great boy. He says he was never more frightened and that he thought he was a “goner.”
Please say to John Glenn, esp. that capt. Kenly is well and one of the foremost in the battle-that he was far ahead of his company in the charge.
A poor old soldier named Kelley, who says he is acquainted in Baltimore, has had his ankle broken by a cannon ball, and will probably lose the leg. Remember me to all your friends and believe me,
Yours.
A Baltimorean
Monterey 26th Sep., 1846
My dear sir: The American arms are once more victorious after one of the most glorious contests on record. The enemy fought us five days and surrendered yesterday The city of Monterey, with all its public buildings and records; its cathedral, armed to the dome; its plaza, a complete net work of masonry, in some places eight feet thick; its distilleries and tan yards, all turned into forts, and in our hands, impregnable; besides five regularly built forts of the strongest kind-all are ours- 42 pieces cannon, mortars, howitzers and 18-pounders; small arms and ammunition innumerable, together with a large number of prisoners are also ours. Monterey, the place where has heretofore been invulnerable- the spot where she once defeated the combined forces of Old Spain and France, 17,000 strong, has fallen into our hands. The regular and volunteer infantry fought like lions charging in several instances right up to the fort walls, six foot thick; jumping and wading the dykes and ditches; climbing the walls and shooting the cannonries at their guns, without any support from artillery whatsoever. Such a thing was never heard of before. Our battalion charged upon the city with three forts pouring a continuous cross fire on us, while every roof, window, and door sent forth one uninterrupted stream of musket and rifle balls; bomb shell, 18, 24-pounders, grape, canister, and round shot of all sizes fell around us and passed over us in millions and many a gallant heart that beat high on the glorious 21 September [?] around and within the city of Monterey. Honored be their memory. The brave and chivalrous Col. Watson, after making two different charges on the city, after the 3d infantry regiment of regulars and flying artillery had retreated as ordered, on his return to the eastern section of the city, and while again charging on a fort, tannery, and distillery, fell mortally wounded with a musket ball through his neck and separating the jugular vein. He never spoke, but died in three minutes and lies buried in a grave with officers of the army, 40 feet from the upper fort. It was reported that our gallant captain, now Colonel Stewart had fallen early in the action, but I found him twice downtown in the thickest of the fight, while death was claiming many around him, ultimately leading and urging is own men and others (for we were all huddled together) to another charge, or directing and pointing out the best shelter a mud hole, hedge, fence, or sapling would afford. He made a gallant stand after we were ordered to retreat, killing with his own hand an officer and driving back, with a few more, a larger body of lancers who were charging among the volunteers.—
He succeeds to the command of the battalion by seniority, and with, I may say, the universal approval of the officers and men, and Gov. Pratt would do great injustice to the son of an old defender, to a brave and cool officer and warm hearted gentleman, were he to entertain for moment the idea of commissioning any other person as colonel. Captain Boyd of the Chesapeakes was also reported to have fallen early in action, but I saw him soon afterwards bravely leading his men up the cannon’s mouth, followed by volunteers from others regiments. Capt. Kenly, bore himself gallantly in the fight, also pressing into the very thickest of the fray; and capts. Pipers and Waters both behaved well. Capt. Bronaugh’s were on the guard and not in action. The 1st sergeant in Capt. Waters’ company, (Orderly Trescott, a man about 42 years of age,) and whose place is at my elbow in line, had his head blown about 40 feet in the air by a 12 pound shot. There are eight men in my mess. William P. Alexander, one of them, has not been recognized since the action of the 21st. The lancers killed all the wounded and I fear he had been buried without being recognized.—Robert Caples, another, was mortally wounded, I fear in the groin- the ball was taken out of the back.
Malcolm Wilson, another, was wounded in the arm by musket ball. Three out of eight killed or wounded; besides, W. G. H.