Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/55

Rh surrendered unconditionally, without opposition. Nov. 20th Lieutenant Parker with Midshipman Rodgers, and Hynson at night with a small boat, and crew of six men, rowed in under the guns of San Juan d'Ullao, and burned the bark Creole, anchored there. This was very daring and brave. Midshipman Rodgers, Doct. J, W. Wright, and J. G. Fox, went ashore to reconnoitre one of the enemies magazines, in order to destroy it. After they had gone a little distance from the boat they were surrounded by seven Mexicans. Dr. Wright escaped, but the other two were taken prisoners.

The last of August 1846, by order of the President, Brigadier General J. E. Wool concentrated an army (called the "Central Division Army of Mexico") in Texas, for the purpose of moving against Chihuahua, the capital of the state of the same name. The command was composed of the 1st Illinois, Colonel Hardin, 2nd Illinois, Col. Bissell; six companies of Arkansas mounnted men, Col. Yell, a company of Kentucky volunteers under Capt. Williams; two companies of 1st dragoons, Capt. Steen; two companies 2d dragoons, Major Beall; three companies of 6th Infantry, Major Bonneville, and Capt. Washington's company of horse artillery, in all 2,829. The first column moved from San Antonio Sept. 26th, commanded by Colonel Harney, and the second column marched Oct. 14th, under Col. Churchill.

Oct. 29th, the command arrived at Monclora, and took possession without resistance. Here General Wool decided to go no farther towards Chihuahua.

The command from Monterey moved on towards San Luis Potosi. It was reported that Santa Anna was advancing upon Saltillo and a part of our forces returned, Dec. 18th. to Monterey and found that the alarm was false.

At this time Salas Was president of the Mexican Congress