Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/141

Rh Tennesseean, and Capt. Charles Naylor, of the Second Pennsylvania Volunteers. They charged upon the enemy's works without receiving any orders, either from Gens. Patterson or Pillow. Charged upon the batteries with about two hundred men with a yell, and no doubt, in full confidence in capturing these batteries, guarded and protected by over three thousand Mexicans, well drilled, equipped and disciplined. Charged on through chaparrals until they came to an open field, and within about seventy yards of the enemy's batteries, when a crashing fire of cannons, pouring grape, canister and musketry upon our men, killing eighteen or twenty of Col. Haskell's men, besides twice that many wounded. Hearing no signal or bugle charge. Col. Haskell was compelled to fall back to his old position. These were the only parties of volunteers that charged, and were defeated with the above losses. It was Col. Haskell's own fault; he having charged upon the enemy's batteries without orders, either from Gens. Patterson or Pillow, and Col. Haskell should be court-martialed for disobeying orders. He is responsible for the loss of the gallant young men who fell in front of the battery.

The following is a statement by an eye-witness, published in the American Star, at Jalapa, Mexico, April 29, 1847.


 * —In your published account of the late battle of Cerro Gordo, you have inadvertently fallen into an error, which, as it conveys a false impression, I desire to correct. Gen. Pillow's brigade consisted of four regiments; the First and Second Tennessee, and the First and Second Pennsylvania. The plan of attack was that the Second Tennessee, under Col. Haskell, and First Pennsylvania, under Col. Wynkoop, should form the storming force; to be supported by the other two regiments. Second Pennsylvania and First Tennessee. The First Pennsylvania moved in advance towards the point of attack. They were halted by Gen. Pillow (in person) about a half a mile from their position, and Col. Wynkoop was ordered to make a detour through the chaparrals, in order to reach the ground without observation. At that time Col. Haskell was almost in position, and, although, our regiment, the First Pennsylvania, was hurried on at a trot, they did not and could not attain their position until after the fire opened on Col. Haskell. Col. Wynkoop, before leading off his regiment, desired to