Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/197

Rh While we were moving our position, we saw the Mexican cavalry, which was not visible before, occupying a hill to our left, following us all the way, but took good care to keep up on the hill. We were now ordered to halt, and were placed across a large hill some twenty feet apart to skirmish. However, we were not out long skirmishing, before we saw Capt. Walker's men riding as fast as their horses could go, toward Las Vegas. At this time the bugle sounded the signal, which was to get together. Col. Wynkoop now ordered us to fall into line quickly; after which, we hastened back to Las Vegas, (or near,) where we were in the morning, to support Capt, Walker's mounted riflemen.

We marched on till we reached La Hoya Pass. Seeing no enemy, we stopped and rested for a while, for we were much exhausted from the want of something to eat and rest; in fact, we are out-done, being on our feet for twenty-four hours. Hearing no firing, or seeing nothing of the enemy anywhere, we thought that we could rest ourselves and take a little snooze, when all of a sudden, the report of musketry was heard ahead. We instantly jumped to our feet, and formed in double-quick time, and started toward the firing. We had not gone far, when we heard the report of artillery in our advance. The cry was, the battle was now begun, work must now be done. We marched on and soon found Capt. Walker and his men closely engaged with the enemy, in superior numbers. We now fell to the left side of the road, and soon became desperately engaged with the Mexicans, but we crowded on them too strong, and they fell back across the road to the right on a field. Seeing that the enemy were giving away, Capt. Walker with his company charged on the Mexicans. We followed, shouting and cheering loud enough to scare five thousand Mexicans. Volley after volley were fired upon them, and of course the Mexicans returned it. They still kept retreating. Capt. Walker fearing they would work their way off too fast, ordered a charge again on the Mexicans, following them, and did not stop until he had put