Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/69

Rh friends of those who nobly fell, their illustrious example will remain for the benefit and admiration of the army.

It was found that the enemy were retiring towards San Luis Potosi.

Our forces returned to Agua Nueva on the 27th. The road was strewed with dead and wounded Mexicans, and their army seemed to be in a perfect state of disorganization

Had it not been for the astonishing bravery of our men, in this battle, (5000 against 21,000,) we must have been overwhelmed.

General Urea, with about 8000 cavalry, had cut off all communication between Camargo and Monterey, previous to the battle of Buena Vista. A train of waggons, escorted by thirty men, was attacked and captured Feb. 24th, at Ramos. The wagons were burned and the teamsters dreadfully mutilated and their bodies cast into the flames.

March 7th, Major Giddings, in charge of a train of one hundred and fifty waggons, was attacked near Ceralvo. After a severe struggle, the enemy was repulsed, but we lost fifteen teamsters, two privates of Ohio volunteers, and fifty wagons.

General Taylor returned to Monterey early in March and pursued Urea, for a while and drove him over the mountaints. In April six thousand volunteers were called out by government to re-enforce the array. General