Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/62

58 and 2 Illinois regiments formed the extreme left of our line and the former supported O'Brien's three pieces of artillery The commander on the left was Brigadier-general Lane. O'Brien was ordered to advance towards the enemy with his guns. The fight was now very severe upon the enemy; but they poured upon our men volleys of grape and cannister. The action was so warm that the Indiana regiment broke, not being able to stand against such a fire, and left the artillery unprotected. Thus Capt. O'Brien was obliged to retire leaving one of his pieces, at which every man and horse was either killed or wounded. The cowardly Indiana regiment could not be rallied, though Major Dix, Paymaster U. S. Army, induced a few to return and join, together with their Colonel Bowles, the Mississippi regiment. They were very useful during the remainder of the day. Our left giving way, encouraged the enemy and large masses of them pressed forward and forced our light troops on the side of the mountain, to retire, and many of them could not be rallied until they reached the depot at Buena Vista. The 2nd Illinois regiment, to which a section of Sherman's battery was attached, were driven before the enemy.

The Mexican Infantry and cavalry poured in so rapidly that our rear was in danger. Thus far evidently, every move went against us. But General Taylor now arrived and took a commanding position on the elevated plateau. His presence was enough to animate our troops. The Missssippi regiment, under Davis, was ordered to the left, and came in contact, immediately with large portions of the enemy, who had turned our flank.

The struggle was severe, but in favor of our troops. Ihe 2nd Kentucky, under Col. M'Kee, with a section of artilery under Bragg, had been ordered to support our eft. These with a part of the 1st Illinois under Col. Hadin