Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/172

144 He returned at two o'clock in the morning of the 6th of December, and reported that he had discovered the enemy, who had seen but did not pursue him. At break of day the whole force was in motion. Captain Johnston led the advance guard of twelve dragoons mounted on the best horses; then followed fifty dragoons under Captain Moore, most of whom were mounted on the mules which they had ridden from Santa Fé, Captain Gillespie's volunteers, two mountain howitzers managed by dragoons, and commanded by Lieutenant Davidson; the rest of the troops, including the men from the squadron under Lieutenant Beall and Passed Midshipman Duncan, remained in the rear with the baggage, under the direction 'of Major Swords.

At the dawn of day they approached the enemy, who were already in the saddle. They proved to be a body of men, about 160 strong, under André Pico, brother of the late governor. Captain Johnston charged furiously upon them with the advance, followed by the remainder of the dragoons. They could not meet the shock, and gave way in a few moments; General Kearny, with Captain Moore and the mounted men, were soon in hot pursuit. The Californians were well mounted, and discovering that a part of the Americans had become separated from their companions, turned like lightning upon them. For five minutes the ground was fiercely contested, the enemy inflicting terrible wounds with their long lances, and displaying no little dexterity and promptness in their manoeuvres. 0n the approach of the remainder of General Kearny's force, they abandoned the field, carrying away most of their dead and wounded, — only six being left behind them.