Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/64

60 and repulsed them. They broke in two columns, one escaped by the ranch, and received a destructive fire from the fugitive forces of a part of Major Trail's and Gorman's command, whom Major Munroe had reorganized. The other column of the enemy gained the mountain, but received a terrible fire from the pieces under, Lieutenant lieynolds.

Colonel Yell was killed, in the charge, at Buena Vista, at the head of his regiment. Adjutant Vaughn, also, of the Kentucky cavalry fell in that engagement.

A part of the Arkansas and Indiana troops, and Col. May, with his command, kept in check the enemy's right. They were crowded in vast numbers in ravines, and our guns made horrid work with them. Those who had gained our rear were now in the greatest danger. Santa Anna perceived it and in his deceptive and cowardly manner, sent a white flag into our camp, and asked General Taylor "what he wanted." Taylor immediately ordered the firing to cease, and sent General Wool, with a white flag, to answer the message. No consultation could be had, as the Mexicans kept on firing. Santa Anna had gained time for his forces to reach their hues and he cared no more for the truce. This was barbarous enough in the Mexican General. While the enemy were retreating, they were severely handled by our artillery.

The cavalry under General Minon, were in the road between the battleground and Saltillo, and it was feared that they would fall upon the city. Capt-Webster fired upon them from the redoubt, and they moved towards Buena Vista. Capt. Shover, with some volunteers and a piece of artillery, accompanied by a piece of Webster's battery, under Lieut. Donaldson, aided by Capt. Wheeler, with his Illinois volunteers, drove the enemy into the ravines, leading to the lower valley. The enemy endeavored to charge