Doniphan's expedition

Front matter

Class Book

DONIPHAN'S

EXPEDITION;

Preface

The author is well apprised that any new publication, at this time, must either possess a high degree of literary merit, or treat of events in which all feel a lively interest, to recommend it to the favorable consideration of the reading public. For the success of this work he relies chiefly on the atter circumstance.

Mexico has recently been the theatre of many thrilling events. The presses of the country are teeming with books, written on Mexico, the Mexican war, and Mexican manners and customs. Descriptions of camps, marches, battles, capitulations, and victories, have almost sated the public mind. But these have all, or nearly all, had reference to the central or southern wings of our army. Little has been said, or written, in regard to the "Army of the West." The object of the following pages is to supply this deficiency, and to do justice

to the men, whose courage and conduct have ac-

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PREFACE.

complished the most wonderful military achievement of modern times. For, what can be more wonderful than the march, of a single regiment of undisciplined troops, through five populous States of the Mexican Republic — almost annihilating a powerful army — and finally returning home, after a march of near six thousand miles, graced with the trophies of victory ?

To the kindness and courtesy of Cols. Doniphan and Price, Lieutenant-colonel Jackson and Major Gilpin, Captains Waldo and Reid, Montgomery Leintz, and Dudley H. Cooper, the author is indebted for much valuable information. He also desires to express the obligations under which he feels himself, to the late lamented Captain Johnston, aid-de-camp to Gen. Kearney, whose Notes were recently published, and to the Hon. Willard P. Hall, of Missouri, for an account of the march of Lieutenant-colonel Cooke to California, and of the subsequent operations of General Kearney in that country.

His acknowledgments are also due to his valued and esteemed friend, L. A. Maclean, of the Missouri Horse Guards, who generously and gratuitously furnished most of the designs which embellish this work. These sketches were engraved by H. C. Grosvenor, of Cincinnati. The steel engravings were executed, from Daguerreotype likenesses,

PREFACE. V

of Colonels Doniphan and Price, by C. A. Jewett, also of Cincinnati. The Map, illustrating the different Routes and Marches of the several subdivisions of the Western Army, was principally constructed from personal observation.

Except for the long-established custom of prefacing books, the reader would scarcely demand of the author an explanation of his motives, in attempting to publish to the world a full and faithful account of the Western Expedition : embracing the Conquest of New Mexico ; the Treaty with the Navajo Indians ; General Kearney's overland march to California ; Colonel Doniphan's invasion and capture of Chihuahua ; his triumphant march through the States of Durango and Coahuila ; his junction with Generals Wool and Taylor ; his return to New Orleans, by way of the Mexican Gulf, and his subsequent cordial reception, by the citizens of St. Louis, and Missouri generally ; — together with the brilliant achievements of the army under Colonel Price, at Santa Fe. These are subjects of great historical interest to every American citizen.

The author was an eye-witness of, and an actor in, many of the scenes which he essays to describe ; having been present at the capture of Santa Fe, and in the battles of Brazito, Sacramento, and El Poso. The narrative has been prepared with a

Vi PREFACE.

conscientious regard for truth — the beauty of all history. He, therefore, trusts that his labors may meet with a favorable reception, by an enlightened and generous public.

THE AUTHOR.

Liberty , Missouri, September 25, 1847.

Contents

Memoir of Col. A. W. Doniphan 13

Chapter I

Origin of the War with Mexico — Hostilities begun — Act of Congress to raise Troops — Plan of Invasion — Causes which justify the War — Army of the West — Gov. Edwards' requisition — Troops rendezvous at Fort Leavenworth — Drill exercises — Election of Field Officers — Strength of the Expedition — Ladies visit the Fort — Presentation of flags — Two squadrons dispatched in pursuit of Speyres and Armijo — Departure of the Expedition — March conducted by detachments — Scene at the Stranger — The Kansas — Shawnees — Bewilderment — Bluff hill — Santa Fe Trail — Fiery steeds — Description of Troops composing the Army of the West 21

Chapter II

View of the Army on the Prairies — Singular phenomenon — Attention to Horses — Fourth of July — Council Grove — Its locale — Diamond Springs — Government trains — Interesting inquiry — Prairie fuel — Musquitoes and the black gnat — Express from Col. Doniphan — Altercation between Officers — Chavez — His tragical end — The mirage — Sand-hills — The Big Arkansas — — Buffalo — Pawnee Rock — Forces reunited at the Pawnee river — Difficult passage — The Infantry — Major Howard — Charge upon the Buffalo — Reptiles and insects — Flowers- Prairie dog villages — Death of Lesley — Attachment of men to their horses — Appearance of the Army — Fitzpatrick, the mountaineer — The report — Mexican spies taken — Army encamped in the Mexican territory 37

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CONTENTS.

Chapter III

The Estampeda — Fort Bent — Lieutenant De Courcy — Arapaho chief — March resumed — The Army passes the Desert — An adventure — Spanish peaks — Half rations — Return of De Courcy — Doniphan's speech — Arrival of Las Bagas — Priest of San Miguel — Mexican Prisoners — The Pecos ruins — Traditions and Legends — Anticipated Battle of the Canon — Capture of Santa Fe — Gen. Kearney's speech — Camp rumors, &c 58

Chapter IV

Grazing Detachment— American residents at Santa Fe — Herkins — Gen. Kearney's Proclamation — New Mexico — Santa Fe — New Mexican Women — The Fandango — Lieut, Oldham — Deserters — The Express — A Pueblo Chief — Stamp paper .84

Chapter V

Excursion to San Tome — Supposed Rebellion — Departure for Alburquerque — Arrival at Del Gardo — Gen. Kearney and Capt. Reid — Rights of Volunteers — Error common to regular officers — Sham battle — The Rio del Norte — Irrigating canals — Algodones — Bernalillo — Alburquerque — Peralta — Reception of the troops at San Tome— -Lieutenant-colonel RufF — Grand celebration — Return to the capital 99

Chapter VI

Territorial Laws — Mexican Printing Press— Appointments to office — Disease — Fort Marcy — Battle of Los Llanos — Election — Detachments ordered to Abiquiu and Cebolleta — Gilpin's Return — Colonel Doniphan and Hall — General Kearney and the Apache Chief — General Kearney's departure for California — Conduct of the Soldiers 120

Chapter VII

Reinforcements — Organization of the Force — The march begun — Mormon Battalion — Death of Captain Allen — Another Estampeda — Col. Price's arrival at Santa Fe — Col. Daugherty's regiment — Disposition of the forces in New Mexico — Ex-

CONTENTS. IX

press from California — Preparations for the Chihuahua Expedition 132

Chapter VIII

Doniphan ordered against the Navajos — Plan of the March- Condition of the Troops — They take with them neither Baggage, Provision Wagons, nor Tents — Arrival at Alburquerque — A Squadron sent to Valverde — Death of Adjutant Butler — War Dance at Isleta — Express from the Merchants — Valverde 143

Chapter IX

Colonel Jackson's Detachment — Don Chavez — Another War Dance — Cebolleta — Jackson's Mission — Capt. Reid's Expedition — Navajo Dance — Narbona — Capt. Reid's Letter — Return of the Party — Habits of the Navajos — Their Wealth — Horses stolen by the Navajos — Their recovery 160

Chapter X

Major Gilpin and the Yutas — His march against the Navajos — His passage over the Cordilleras — Express to Col. Doniphan — The San Juan — Passage over the Tunicha mountains — Deep Snows — Major Gilpin departs for the Ojo Oso — Col. Doniphan passes the Sierra Madre — Immense Snow Storm — Arrival at the Bear Spring — Doniphan's Speech to the Navajos — Their Chief's reply — Treaty concluded 175

Chapter XI

Return of the troops to the Del Norte — Doniphan visits Zuni — Treaty between the Zunis and the Navajos — Description of Zuni and the Zunians — The Moquis — Ancient ruin — Remarks on the Navajo campaign — The Navajos — Their state and condition .....191

Chapter XII

General Kearney's march to California — Passes the Del Norte at Alburquerque — Arrival at Soccorro — The Alcalde — Kit Carson — The Express — Capt. Burgwin sent back — Lieut, Ingalls

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CONTENTS.

— Apaches — The Copper mines — Red-Sleeve — Sierra del Bust? — Difficulties — The Gilans — Lieut. Davidson — Hall of Montezuma — The Pimo villages 204

Chapter XIII

Barrebutt — Fable of the Pimos — Arrival at the Colorado — Mexican papers intercepted — The Jornada of ninety miles — Horse-flesh — The Mulada — Captain Gillespie — Battle of San Pascual—Gen. Kearney's official report 222

Chapter XIV

Col. Stevenson — Com. Sloat and Lieutenant-colonel Fremont — Gen. Castro — Com. Stockton — The Revolution in California — Mr. Talbot— -The insurgents under Flores and Pico — Gen. Kearney marches upon Angeles — Battles of San Gabriel and the Mesa-— Capital recovered — The Capitulation 231

Chapter XV

Gen. Kearney and W. P. Hall — Lieutenant-colonel Cooke — The Mormon Battalion — Lieutenant Abert — San Bernadino destroyed by Apaches-— The glazed plain — Arrival in Teuson —The honest Pimo chief — Arrival at San Diego — Commodore Shubrick — General Kearney proceeds to Monterey — Governor Fremont— General Kearney and Governor Fremont — California — Its present state— General Kearney's return to the United States » 243

Chapter XVI

Concentration of the forces at Valverde — Mitchell's Escort — Passage of the great " Jornada del Muerto" — Arrival at Donanna — Frank Smith and the Mexicans — Battle of Brazito — The Piratical Flag — Doniphan's Order — Burial of the Dead —False Alarm — Surrender of El Paso — Release of American Prisoners 255

Chapter XVII

The Commissioners — Assessment of property— Search for arms — Proclamation of Governor Trias — The American merchants

CONTENTS.

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— Strength of the Pass — Captain Kirker — Kind treatment of the Pasenos — Resources of the valley of El Paso — Wolves — The Rebellion — Ramond Ortiz — The Apache Indians 271

Chapter XVIII

Departure from El Paso — Doniphan's position — Ramond Ortiz — Two deserters — Battalion of merchants — Passage of the desert — The Ojo Caliente — Marksmanship — Lake of Encenillas — Dreadful conflagration— Capt. Reid's adventure — The reconnoissance — Plan of the march — Battle of Sacramento — Surrender of Chihuahua 286

Chapter XIX

Doniphan's proclamation — The American residents — The keys to the Mint — Mexican morals — Chihuahua — Its attractions — Express to Gen. Wool — The fourteen — Arrival at Saltillo — Visit to the battle field of Buena Vista — Return of the Express 325

Chapter XX

Departure of the Army for Saltillo — Mexican girls — The Merchants — Arrival at Santa Rosalia — Mitchell's Advance — Guajuquilla — The Jornada — Palayo and Mapimi — Death of Lieutenant Jackson — San Sebastian and San Lorenzo — Mrs. McGoffin — Battle of El Poso — Don Manuel Ybarro — Parras — Review of the Army by Gen. Wool — Reception by Gen. Taylor 349

Chapter XXI

Departure for New Orleans — Execution of a Guerrilla Chief — Mier and Camargo — Death of Sergeant Swain — Arrival at Reynosa — Water Transportation — The Mouth — Brazos Santiago — The Troops sail for New Orleans — The Balize — Chivalry of the South — Reception in the Crescent City 372

CHAPTER XXII. Discharge of the troops — Their return to Missouri — Reception xii

CONTENTS.

at St. Louis — Banquets and honors — Doniphan crowned with a laurel wreath — Conclusion 379

Chapter XXIII

Col. Price — Disposition of the troops — The Conspiracy detected — Second Conspiracy — Massacre of Gov. Bent and retinue- Battles of Canada, Embudo, Pueblo de Taos, and the Mora — Death of Capts. Burg win and Hendley — Restoration of tranquillity 387

Chapter XXIV

Increased vigilance of the troops — Suspicion — Battle of the Red river Canon — Murder of Lieut. Brown — Battle of Las Bagas — Six Prisoners executed — Attack on the Cienega — Indian outrages — Robberies — Lieut. Love — Capt. Mann— The new levies , 399

LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS.

Map of Mexico Fronting Title.

Portrait of Col. Doniphan " «

Portrait of General Price " "

" Cut the rope," or " pull up the picket" Page 57

Fort Bent * 83

Plan of Santa Fe . . " 89

Mexican Group " 92

The Volunteer « 199

Black-tailed Deer " 203

Mexican Cart " 207

Plan of Battle of Brazito " 263

Plan of Battle of Sacramento " 303

Captain Reid's Charge " 309

Mexican Woodman " 333

f« D-m-n a Mule anyhow" " 357

Wayside Cross " 368

MEMOIR

OF

COLONEL A. W. DONIPHAN.

Alexander William Doniphan, whose history is so thoroughly identified with that of Missouri, and who has acted so conspicuous a part in the recent war with Mexico^ as the leader of the unexampled Expedition against Chihuahua, was born, of respectable parentage, on the 9th of July, 1808, in Mason county, Kentucky. He first breathed the air of that chivalrous State. There his tender years were spent, and his youthful mind received its first impressions. Amidst Kentucky's wild, romantic mountain scenery, his young faculties were first begun to be developed, unfolded, expanded. Here, also, from maternal lips, — the lips of a kind, patient, persevering, and intelligent mother, — he first learned sentiments of honor, honesty, and patriotism. His mind, from the very earliest age, was fired with an admiration of the ancient orators and sages. He no less admired the patriots of the revolution; ever regarding them as bright examples, and worthy of imitation. Possessed of a brilliant mind, he formed his life from the best models. — Such is the influence which an affectionate and intelligent mother is capable of exerting over the destiny of her offspring.

MEMOIR OF

His father, Joseph Doniphan, emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky amongst the earliest pioneers, having accompanied Daniel Boone, the great adventurer, towards the far distant west, on one of his early visits to the " Dark and bloody Ground," then covered by unbroken forests and impervious canebrakes. Pleased with the country, he returned to Virginia, married, removed, and settled in Mason county. Here he established his fortunes; and, for mauy years, enjoyed uninterrupted peace and prosperity, except occasional disturbances with the Indians. At length, being seized by an indisposition, he died, devolving thereby the care of providing and educating his children upon his widow. The responsible duty was faithfully and cheerfully discharged.

Alexander's father dying when he was only six years of age, left him in charge of his mother. He was the object of her first and most especial regard. His education was, to her, a matter of the highest importance. Alexander being the youngest child, his mother discontinued the management of her farm, when he had attained an age to be sent to a better school than the vicinity in which they lived then afforded; having herself gone to live with a married daughter. Having attained his ninth year, he was placed under the guardianship of his elder brother, George Doniphan, of Augusta, Kentucky ; to whose care and kind attention, Colonel Doniphan acknowledges himself indebted for all his attainments, and whatever distinction he may have acquired in the world. The elder brother, therefore, enjoys the enviable satisfaction of knowing his efforts contributed to rear and give destiny to one of the great minds of the age. Indeed, Colonel Doniphan's name and fame are familiar to every American citizen. Not only so, — the world regards him with admiration, and justly; for he towers amongst men as the stately oak amongst his compeers of the forest.

Five years after Alexander was removed to Augusta, the

COL. A. W. DONIPHAN.

Conferences of Ohio and Kentucky determined to locate a college, at some point on the Ohio river convenient to the citizens of each State, to be under the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was located at Augusta. At this institution Alexander graduated, with high honors, in 1827, in the 19th year of his age. He then read history, with great advantage, for six months, and in the spring of 1828 commenced the study of the law, under the supervision of that learned, profound, and able lawyer, Martin Marshall, of Augusta. He obtained a license to practise as an attorney, before the courts, in the fall of 1829 ; and, having spent the winter of that year in traveling over the southwestern and western States, determined to locate himself at Lexington, Missouri. Here he remained, and enjoyed a lucrative practice for three years, during which he obtained considerable celebrity as an able and eloquent lawyer, and established his reputation as an intelligent and useful citizen. In 1833 he removed to Liberty, in Upper Missouri, more from its healthful situation and its salubrity, than from any other cause. He still resides in this romantic and pleasant village.*

* When any one inquires of Colonel Doniphan, why be does not choose to live in a more considerable town than Liberty, he gives them Plutarch's reply : " If I should remove hence, the place would be of still less note than it now is."

Like Epaminondas, the great Boeotian, Colonel Doniphan has mostly lived in a house neither splendidly furnished, nor painted, nor whitewashed, but plain as the rest of his neighbors.

While commanding the army, Colonel Doniphan rarely wore any military dress ; so he could not be distinguished, by a stranger, from one of the men whom he commanded. He fared as the soldiers, and often prepared his own meals. Any private man in his camp might approach him with the greatest freedom, and converse on whatever topics it pleased him ; for he was always rejoiced to gain information from any one, though a common soldier. Whoever had business, might approach his tent and wake him, when asleep ; for he neither had a body-guard, nor persons to transact his business for him.

MEMOIR OF

From this period of his history, his success at the bar has been almost unexampled, in Missouri. Immediately upon his locating in Liberty, a heavy business flowed into his hands. The fame which he had previously acquired, as an able advocate and a sound lawyer, gave him advantages that but few can enjoy. Never did Pericles gain a more complete ascendant, over the minds of the Athenians, than Colonel Doniphan, by his courteous conduct as a citizen, his capacity as a lawyer, his talent as a legislator, and his powers as an orator, has attained over the people of Upper Missouri. Although a majority of the people of Missouri are politically opposed to him, no one man enjoys more of their confidence and esteem, as a patriot and a citizen.

About this period of his life, he was united in marriage to the amiable and intelligent daughter of Colonel John Thornton, of Clay county. He has two little cherub boys, whose correct training, and proper education, appear to be matter of the highest concern and of first-rate importance with him. Therefore, instead of grasping after political preferment, for the purpose of satisfying a selfish and sordid ambition, we see him endeavoring to accomplish the noblest of earthly objects — the proper training and instruction of his children. To this end he is often seen in the district schools, as well as in the high school of the town, encouraging, by his presence, the young developing minds, and pointing them to the high rewards of industry and perseverance. The hero of Sacramento is now a trustee of the school in his own village !

He has long and honorably held the office of brigadier-general, in the militia of Missouri. In 1838, Gov. Boggs ordered a strong military force to proceed to Far West, the headquarters of the Mormon sect, and quell the disturbances and insurrectionary movements which had been excited by their Great Prophet, Jo Smith. This fanaticism and in*

COL. A. W. DONIPHAN.

subordination threatened to embroil the whole country. In a short time, troops were in motion from all parts of the State. Military preparations were being actively pushed forward by the Prophet, to meet the emergency. A sanguinary slaughter was expected to ensue. Gen. Doniphan, with his brigade (belonging to the division of Major Gen* Lucas), rendered important service in overawing the insurgent forces, and quelling the disturbances without bloodshed. — This was General Doniphan's first campaign.

In all the relations of social and private life, where a man's true character is best known, and where, lamentable to tell ! most of our ostensibly great men are most sadly deficient, Colonel Doniphan's conduct is most exemplary. Here his virtues shine brightest. As a husband, he is affectionate ; as a father, he rules his household with reason and decision. A just and wise economy marks the administration of his family affairs. As a neighbor, he is sociable and pleasant; as a citizen, benevolent and extensively useful. In all his dealings with mankind, he is just and honorable. He is interesting and fluent in conversation. His manner and whole deportment are prepossessing ; and one rarely makes his acquaintance, without forming a lasting attachment for him. As an orator, he possesses great and shining powers. His address is of the most agreeable nature ; his air commanding ; his language full and flowing ; his gestures graceful; his enunciation distinct; his voice shrill and sonorous ; his arguments convincing ; his mind comprehensive and clear; his figures and illustrations happy and natural ; his fancy not only brilliant, but dazzlingly vivid ; — finally, when excited, the tide of his eloquence is almost irresistible. He is the very fullness of physical and intellectual vigor, and possesses, in an eminent degree, the original elements of greatness. His best speeches have always been delivered extemporaneously — much of the fire and pathos being lost, in the attempt to commit them to paper. 2

MEMOIR OF

He is not a member of any church, society, or fraternity ; but, in his views, is tolerant of all, and is the devoted friend of universal education. In stature, Colonel Doniphan is upwards of six feet tall, well proportioned, altogether dignified in his appearance, and gentlemanly in his manners. His features are bold, his bright hazel eye dazzlingly keen and expressive, and his massive forehead is of the finest and most classic mould.

Unambitious of political advancement, he has never sought that unsubstantial, popular applause, which sometimes elevates men to stations far above their abilities and merits, and as often consigns them to useless obscurity, ever regarding fame as valuable and lasting only when based on virtue and substantial worth. For many years, having assiduously devoted his time and talent to his profession as a lawyer, he has acquired not only an enviable distinction amongst men, but has raised himself to ease and affluence. He commenced the world without fortune, and without the aid of powerful friends, to relieve him from those embarrassments which every man is destined to encounter who relies upon his own energy for success. But, by dint of perseverance, and a clear and well balanced judgment, he has arrived at both fame and fortune.

Never having been desirous of engaging permanently in political life, he has constantly refused to become a candidate for office, except on two occasions, notwithstanding he considers the public service to be the most honorable and exalted, and worthy to command the very best talent the country can afford. In 1836 he represented his county by an almost unanimous vote, although there was then a small majority in the county politically opposed to him. His success, in this election, was owing to his personal popularity and his great weight of character. In 1840, during that exciting political contest between Gen. Harrison and Mr. Van Buren, his political friends, in view of his great

COL. A. W. DONIPHAN.

abilities as a stump-orator, almost forced him to take the field as a candidate once more — it being looked to as a testrace, to decide the political complexion of the county. He was again elected by a large majority. While in the Legislature, he distinguished himself for his boldness, independence, liberality of sentiment, and faithfulness as a representative. From this period he has pertinaciously refused to become a candidate for any office whatever, frequently declaring, in his public addresses, that he neither expects nor desires ever to be a candidate again.* He has made these declarations, not that he feels a contempt for the public service (for no one better comprehends the value of liberty, or regards the prosperity of the country with more interest than Colonel Doniphan), but through a modest willingness to see the high functions of the government discharged by others, who have made these things the study of their whole lives.

In 1846, when hostilities were declared to exist between the United States and Mexico, and the Executive proposed to send an invading army across the plains to the province of New Mexico, Gen. Doniphan actively interested himself in raising the requisite number of men to accompany the expedition. This expedition was to be under command of Colonel Kearney. To hasten the preparations for the departure of the expedition, General Doniphan visited many of the counties in Upper Missouri, harangued the people, and, in a very short space of time, the complement of men was raised. They assembled at Fort Leavenworth, and were there mustered into service. General Doniphan had volunteered as a private, in the company from his own county, commanded by his brother-in-law, Captain O. P. Moss. On the 18th of June, 1846, he was elected Colonel

* In his speech at Independence, on the 29th of July, 1847, he declared he had not been a candidate for office for " seven tears," and did not expect to be for the next " seventy-seven," to come.

MEMOIR OF, ETC.

of the 1st Regiment of Missouri Cavalry, over his opponent, General J. W. Price, by a respectable majority. No fitter man could have been chosen ; for his sagacity planned, his judgment conducted, and his energy, together with that of his officers and men. accomplished the most wonderful campaign of any age or country. This was done without an outfit, without money, and almost without ammunition, by the citizen-commander of citizen-soldiers. The history of this expedition will be Colonel Doniphan's most lasting monument. — His deeds will ever live to praise him.

DONIPHAN'S EXPEDITION.

Chapter I

Origin of the War with Mexico— Hostilities begun — Act of Congress to raise troops — Plan of invasion — Causes which justify the war — Army of the west — Gov. Edwards' requisition — Troops rendezvous at Fort Leavenworth — Drill exercises—Election of field officers — Strength of the expedition — • Ladies visit the fort — Presentation of flags — Two squadrons dispatched in pursuit of Seyres and Armijo— Departure of the expedition — March conducted by detachments — Scene at the Stranger — The Kansas — Shawnees — Bewilderment — Bluff hill — Santa Fe trail — Fiery steeds — Description of troops composing the Army of the West.

The passage, by the American Congress, of the Resolutions of Annexation, by which the Republic of Texas was incorporated into the Union as one of the States, having merged her sovereignty into that of our own government, was the prime cause which led to the recent war with Mexico. However, the more immediate cause of the war may be traced to the occupation, by the American army, of the strip of disputed territory lying between the Nueces and the Rio Grande. Bigoted and insulting Mexico, always prompt to manifest her hostility towards this government, sought the earliest plausible pretext for declaring war against the United States. This declaration of doniphan's expedition.

war by the Mexican government (which bore date in April 1846), was quickly and spiritedly followed by a manifesto from our Congress at Washington, announcing that " a state of war exists between Mexico and the United States." Soon after this counterdeclaration, the Mexicans crossed the Rio Grande, in strong force, headed by the famous generals, Arista and Ampudia. This force, as is well known, was defeated at Palo Alto on the 8th, and at Resaca de la Palma on the 9th of May, 1846, by the troops under command of Major-general Taylor, and repulsed with great slaughter. The whole Union was soon in a state of intense excitement. General Taylor's recent and glorious victories were the constant theme of universal admiration. The war had actually begun, and that, too, in a manner which demanded immediate and decisive action. The United States' Congress passed an act, about the middle of May, 1846, authorizing the President to call into the field 50,000 volunteer troops, designed to operate against Mexico at three distinct points, namely, the southern wing or the "Army of Occupation," commanded by Major-general Taylor, to penetrate directly into the heart of the country, the column under Brigadier-general Wool, or the " Army of the Centre," to operate against the city of Chihuahua, and the expedition under the command of Colonel, now Brigadier-general Kearney, known as the " Army of the West," to direct its march upon the city of Santa Fe. This was the original plan of operation against Mexico. But subsequently the plan was changed; Maj. Gen. Scott, with a well appointed army, was sent to Vera Cruz ; Gen. Wool effected a junction with Gen. Taylor at Saltillo, and