Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/321

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this regiment was to retreat, and Captain Carrington states in his report that tin- reason so leu negroes were captured was that "they outran our cavalry horses," and as Branson shows by the above report that the 34th Indiana were fleeter of foot than the negp the Indianiaus must have run like deer. The above reports I copy and cite where found, but as Colonel Ford's and Captain Carring- ton's reports are too long, will only mention the main facts; but can furnish the full reports to the Veteran if desired. They say in sub- stance:

On the morning of the I3th a very small force was present in Brownsville.

There were not more than 300 men at and below that city of Con- federates. Colonel John S. Ford, assuming command, moved down the river to the San Martin ranch. Arriving at about 3 P. M., he found Captain William Robinson, of D. C. Gidding's Regiment, in a heavy skirmish with J. VV. Hancock's Company, of the 2d Texas. and a company of the 34th Indiana. A regiment of negro troops 62d United States were also moving forward, perhaps to sustain skirmishers. Ford immediately made his dispositions. His right wing was under command of Captain Robinson. Cocke's and Wil- son's Companies were ordered to attack the enemy's right flank; the artillery was directed to open fire at once, which was done with effect. Colonel Ford supported the movement in person, with two companies and two pieces of artillery.

The 62d United States Troops, Branson's Negro Regiment, was quickly demoralized, and fled in dismay. Captain Robinson led a charge and drove back the skirmish line of the 34th Indiana and Hancock's 2d Texas Company. The Indiana troops threw down their arms and surrendered; most of the Texans escaped, retreating through the dense chaparral. The entire Federal force were on the retreat, the fierce cavalry charges of the Confederates harassed them exceedingly, and the Confederate artillery moved at a gallop. Three times lines of skirmishers were thrown out to check the pursuit. These lines were roughly handled and many prisoners captured by the Confederates.

The Federals were driven for about eight miles into the Cobb ranch, which is about two miles from the fort at Boca Chica. The sun was about half an hour high. The enemy had commenced a double quick by the left flank across the slough, through which a levee had been thrown about 300 yards long. The slough was an