the rear, and would have been cut off but for a ruse of Santa Anna. General Taylor received a flag of truce from the Mexican commander, desiring to know what he wanted. The delay attendant upon answering this enabled the detached cavalry to join the main body. At the conclusion of the truce, the cavalry of General Minon, which had been hovering near Saltillo, all day, were so roughly handled by the American artillery, that they did not reappear.

Now came the tug which decided the day. The Mexican general seemed to confine his efforts to the protection of his artillery. The Illinois and second Kentucky regiments were overwhelmed by the masses that were poured upon them. The artillery was also driven back. Captain O'Brien, with two pieces had sustained the charge until every man and horse was killed or wounded, and had left his guns upon the field. General Taylor ordered Captain Bragg into battery, and without any infantry support, he came rapidly into action when the Mexicans were within a few yards of his pieces. After three discharges, the enemy were in a confused flight. The second Kentucky regiment rushed forward so far, that the pursued cavalry suddenly wheeled and drove them back. In this disastrous charge, Colonels Hardin and M'Kee, and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay were killed.

But for the assistance of Washington's battery, the regiment would have been cut to pieces.

T

This was the last effort of the Mexicans, and as they were driven back, the exhausted little band of Americans sank to rest upon the battle-field, among the dead and dying, without fires. The officers removed the wounded to Saltillo, and made everything ready for an attack the next morning. But when the next morning came, the enemy had disappeared. HE victory in this battle was claimed by both commanders, although the advantages of a victory were all upon the side of General Taylor. Santa Anna alleged that his subsequent retreat was necessary on account of the starving condition of his troops. But, however that may be, the victory must be conceded to General Taylor. He had maintained his position, with only about 4500 men, against 21,000 disciplined troops, under the best general in the Mexican army. It is evident from the account of the battle, that the victory was almost entirely owing to the skilful management of the artillery. Thrice during the conflict, when all seemed lost, did this artillery,

under the command of Captains Bragg, O'Brien, Thomas, Sherman and Washington, restore the confidence of the soldiery by driving back the masses of the enemy, and sweeping whole ranks to the earth. The fearless spirit of emulation which existed among the different regiments of volunteers, and their hearty co-operation in sustaining the attack, was another cause of the result of the battle. The officers were always in advance of their troops, and their terrible loss proves how well they were fitted to command. Sixty-five commissioned officers, or one-fourth of the number on the field, were either killed or wounded. This is a proportion almost unparalleled. But the principal cause of the victory, whatever may have been the conduct of officers or men, must be found in the skill and bravery of the commanding general. The qualities displayed by General Taylor on that field rank him among the first commanders of his time. The choice of a position was the first instance of his skill. The arrangement of the line of battle was the next. Coolness and a spirit determined to conquer marked his conduct during the battle. When he came upon the

field, triumph was upon the side of the Mexicans, in spite of the efforts and conduct of General Wool. Having the full confidence of his officers and men, his presence gave them new spirit. It is only truth to assert, that the generals who could have triumphed under such circumstances as General Taylor did, are, in history, "few and far between."

The whole loss of the American army, in the battle of Buena Vista, was 267 killed, 456 wounded, and 23 missing-746, in all. The loss of the Mexican army could not be ascertained. Santa Anna states it to have been more than 1500 men. About 500 of their killed were left upon the field.

After the retreat of Santa Anna, no important event occurred until the 2d of March, when about 200 Americans, commanded by Major Giddings, accompanied by 150 wagons, were attacked by General Urrea, with 1500 Mexicans. The first onset was repulsed; but the cavalry, attacking the wagon train, drove the teamsters from their horses, and separated the whole into two bodies. A summons to surrender was sent to the smaller division, but the Americans refused, and soon after, cutting their way through the enemy, the two parties united and forced them to retire. The Americans lost fifteen teamsters and two soldiers. The Mexicans left more than 40 men on the field. Soon after this, General Taylor started in pursuit of Urrea, with about 1500 infantry, cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. On reaching Caidereta, it was ascertained that Urrea had escaped beyond the mountains. General Taylor fell back upon Monterey, and then fixed his head-quarters at Walnut Springs. General Wool was encamped at Buena Vista, with about 5000 troops. This was the close of active operations in this quarter.

THE MARCH OF GENERAL KEARNY AND CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA.

IN

order to carry out an important part of

the plan of operations resolved upon by the government of the United States, the President ordered General Kearny, an officer of tried ability and energy, to raise a sufficient number of volunteers, not to exceed 3000, which, being united with the regulars at Fort Leavenworth, on the Missouri River, were to be called. the "Army of the West." With this force, he was to cross the prairies and take possession of New Mexico. General Kearny was also authorized to proceed to California, after securing possession of New Mexico.

Carrying out these orders, the Governor of Missouri was called upon for 1000 volunteers-one battalion to serve as light artillery and the rest. as mounted riflemen. No difficulty was experienced in procuring volun