The Battle of Monterey
Samuel Reid, Texas Rangers

21 September 1846

As the day gradually dawned on the 21st of September, the soft gleams of light presented to our view the surrounding mountains, vales and hills clothed in samite green. The hallowed stillness of the hour seemed to proclaim eternal peace, and as we cast our eye towards Independence Hill, we half-doubted that only on the evening of the day before, we had heard from its summit the booming roar of its battery. The men were awakened from their slumbers, and without breakfast were ordered to renew the line of march. All wet as we were, we mounted into the saddle, McCulloch's company taking the advance, followed by the whole regiment of Rangers, while the remainder of the division came up in close order of battle. We had proceeded about a mile and a half, when at a turn in the road, near a hacienda, called San Jeronimo, we came in full view of the enemy's forces, cavalry and infantry, numbering about 1500, drawn up in battle array. The Saltillo road, and the corn-fields near it, seemed filled with infantry. The head of our column was immediately halted, and Col. Hays' regiment ordered to deploy by company to the right, and dismount; which we did, forming into a small gulley. The light companies of the First Brigade, under Capt. C. F. Smith and J. B. Scott, supported us with Duncan's light artillery, followed by the battalions and heads of columns. Thus drawn up in order of battle, the two forces stood eyeing each other, at the distance of two hundred yards, when they approached slowly and opened a fire from their scopets, the battery on Independence Hill at the same time opening on the column. The Rangers were now ordered to mount, advance upon the enemy, and take position by the fence, on the road-side, when they returned the enemy's fire with their rifles, and then dismounted under cover of the fence. McCulloch being on the extreme right did not get this order in time, and, seeing the lancers preparing for a charge, gallantly led up his men to meet them. On they came, at a full gallop, led by their brave Lieut. Col. Juan N. Nájera, in dashing style, with pennons of green and red fluttering in the wind. McCulloch received them with a leaden rain of rifles, pistols, and shot guns; while the Texians at the fence poured in upon them a deadly fire. The clash was great, and at the shock, the host moved to and fro, as the forest bends beneath the storm; but our horses were too powerful to be overcome, and many were made the empty saddles that had borne the enemy's bravest men. We saw their lieutenant colonel fall, while in the thickest of the fight, and exhorting his men to rally and stand firm. He was a tall, splendid-looking fellow, with a fierce moustache, and beautiful teeth, which were set hard, as he lay on the ground with his face partly turned up, his eyes yet glassy in the struggle of death, and his features depicting the most marked determination. McCulloch's men were now engaged hand to hand with the enemy's lancers, using their five-shooters, while some few beat back the enemy with their swords. We were at this time within three hundred yards of the Saltillo road, with a corn-field on our left, and a high hill on our right, [see Map, letter C.] The light companies, in the mean time, and Duncan's artillery, had opened their fire, and the enemy was borne back with great slaughter, carrying with them a portion of McCulloch's men, who had fought their way nearly to the enemy's centre, and seeing their peril, were fighting their way back. Then it was that the hardest struggle took place. Armstrong, one of our company, was unhorsed by a lancer, having received two wounds; yet on foot, with sword in hand, he defended himself against two of the enemy. He killed one, when an Irishman from the artillery battalion discovered his situation, and saying that he did not know whether he had buck or ball in, as he drew up his musket, but that he had better kill them both than to miss the Mexican, fired and saved the Ranger! Fielding Alston, and J. F. Minter, also of our company, while fighting gallantly, received two lance wounds. Young Musson of New Orleans, who had joined our corps, was engaged at the same time, with a captain of cavalry, hand to hand in a sword fight, and at one time became very nearly overpowered; when asked why he did not shoot his foe, replied, with true southern chivalry, that "the Mexican had no pistol, and it would have been taking an advantage over him!" As another of our men was being overcome by a Mexican, the gallant Capt. Cheshire, a private in the Rangers, dashed up to his rescue, and having no fire, seized a holster pistol, and with the butt end of it, felled the Mexican to the ground.

McCulloch had been twice borne back with the Mexicans, and making a desperate struggle to gain his company, he put his horse to his speed, running every thing down in his way, and regained his command without a scratch! The Mexicans had taken to the hills, and the regular skirmishers, or light companies under Capts. Smith and Scott, continued their fire over our heads, killing by accident one of the Rangers. About this time, Capt. Gutierrez, of the enemy's cavalry, who had received three wounds, was also killed; he died fighting to the last, one of the most courageous of his race. As the Mexicans gave way, the light companies rushed up the hills, firing over the ridge at the retreating enemy, who were routed and flying in every direction. Parties of our infantry, who had gained the corn-fields, were also picking off the Mexican infantry, who were rapidly retreating in the road leading to the city. While the Mexicans were flying over the hill, the Texians also, with their unerring rifles, poured on them a most destructive fire, and in several instances, both horse and rider were seen to bound some feet into the air, and then fall dead, tumbling down the hill. This most brilliant action lasted about fifteen minutes, during which time 150 of the enemy were killed and wounded; while on our part the loss was trifing. Several of McCulloch's men were severely wounded by the enemy's lancers, and our regiment lost only one killed. The squadron that had so bravely charged McCulloch, were nearly all cut to pieces. Lieut. Col. Walker, as well as many others, had their horses severely wounded. Amid the scene of carnage, lay stretched out some of their bravest men in gaudy uniforms, and many a broken lance lay here and there, while the road and hill-side were lined with their dead horses, beautifully caparisoned, the saddles ornamented with silver mountings, presenting a wild and ghastly scene. Thirty-two of their dead were buried in one pit.

We had now gained that part of the Saltillo road which led directly to the city, along the base of Independence Hill. Duncan's horse artillery, (one of the six-pounders being served by Lieut. Hays,) and Mackall's battery, were drawn up, and placed in position on the slope of the ridge, near a few jacales at the junction of the roads, and opened a fire upon the breastwork of sandbags on the hill of the Bishop's Palace. The artillery battalion, 5th, 7th and 8th Infantry, were formed on each side of the road, while the Texians, dismounted, having hitched their horses at the fence near the jacales, were ordered to deploy to the right, through the corn-fields, which extended towards the Rio San Juan de Monterey, to act in the advance as skirmishers; an attack being expected from a large body of infantry, which had retreated from the support of the cavalry, and cowardly left it to its fate, and now formed at the foot of the hill of the Bishop's Palace. We advanced through the corn-fields by single file, for about 300 yards, and formed along the fence on the road-side. At this time, a battery of two heavy guns from Loma de Federacion, or Federation Hill, (see Map, letter G.,) which we had not before discovered, opened upon us a galling fire of round-shot, the balls striking into the very midst of our troops; the nine-pounder from Independence Hill continuing to throw its shot at the same time, with great precision, at our batteries. With such skill did the Mexican gunners serve their pieces, that several shot fell directly in the midst of our artillery, but fortunately did no injury. It was at this time, while the shot of the enemy flew so thick, that one of our number was ordered by Col. Hays to ascend a large tree, in the corn-field, and reconnoitre the Mexican infantry. The Ranger reported, that the enemy kept their position, without any seeming intention of advancing; and receiving no order to descend, being within direct range of the enemy's battery, and the shot flying high, he asked the colonel if he should come down.

"No, sir," said Hays, "wait for orders."

Soon after, the Texians were directed to return, when they moved rapidly off, leaving the Ranger up the tree; and Hays' attention being called to the fact, he ran back, and cried out, "Holloa, there-where are the Mexicans?"

"Going back up the hill," replied the Ranger, without knowing who it was that addressed him.

"Well, hadn't you better come down from there," said Hays.

"I don't know," said the Ranger, "I am waiting for orders!"

"Well, then, I order you down," said Hays.

The Ranger, discovering it to be his colonel, without waiting for a second call, like Martin Scott's coon, forthwith descended from the tree.

The batteries of Duncan and Mackall, doing but little execution, and being so entirely exposed, as well as our troops, General Worth ordered the command to take position about 800 yards farther on the Saltillo road, near a sugar rancho, out of the range of the enemy's batteries: (see Map, letter D.) As the division was moving up, Capt. McKavett, of the 8th Infantry, received a round-shot in the hip, from Fort Independence, and was instantly killed, and a serjeant of the same regiment wounded. A horse in Capt. Duncan's light artillery was also killed. The rear of the division, as it passed in range, received a shower of shot and shell from the Mexican batteries. The wagon train, particularly, as it came rattling along at rapid speed, received marked attention; the Mexicans supposing that they were filled with our troops, judging us by their own low cunning tricks. As a team turned an angle in the road, a shot passed under one of the leader mules, the windage of which made the animal crouch to the earth; when the Irish teamster cracking his whip, was heard to exclaim, "Up out of that, ye divil ye, no time for squatting now, sure!"

Gen. Worth's note, written, as we have seen, the night previous, reached Gen. Taylor early the next morning. The general having already contemplated, before its reception, to make a strong diversion against the centre and left of the town, in order to cover the designs of Gen. Worth in gaining the Saltillo road, and in taking the heights, had planted a battery accordingly, the same night. The military skill of General Taylor is here evident, and shows his talent of perception; at the same time the calculation which he had made will appear more striking as the sequel of events will show.

As soon, then, as he judged that Gen. Worth had become engaged with the enemy, the fire of his mortar and howitzer battery was opened on the city and citadel, and the loud roar of American artillery was heard to respond to the Mexican batteries on the heights, and re-echo through the valley and hills. The First Division of regulars under Brig. Gen. Twiggs, and the Third, as we have designated the volunteers under Maj. Gen. Butler, were marched before the town, leaving only one company of each regiment to guard the camp. The 2d Dragoons under Lieut. Col. May, and Col. Wood's Texian Rangers, under Gen. Henderson, were ordered towards the northern approaches to make a demonstration upon the upper part of the city, as well as to support Gen. Worth, should it become necessary. We shall presently see, as Gen. Taylor expected, that the Mexicans misconstrued the feint or object of the movement made, and thought that Worth had been sent around to favour the operations of Taylor, and, therefore, when we had gained the Saltillo road, and engaged the enemy, not imagining that we would venture to assault the heights, they drew back the large forces which they had sent over on the night of the 20th, upon perceiving the strong manifestations of attack made by Gen. Taylor on the following morning.

The Second Division having taken up its position on the Saltillo road, along the base of a chain of hills, we now commanded a full view of the enemy's works and fortifications on the western and south-western sides; at the same time holding the avenues of retreat and supplies, and preventing a reinforcement in the direction of Saltillo. Having thus secured the gorges of that road, it became evident, before we could effect a lodgment in the city, or carry on any available operations against it, that it would be necessary to take by storm the batteries on the adjacent heights. It was now about 10 A.M., when a party of Rangers, who had been chasing some straggling lancers about three miles up the Saltillo road, near a stone mill at the narrow gorge of Santa Catarina, reported the advance of a body of the enemy's cavalry, from the south-east side of the town. Major Brown of the artillery battalion was immediately despatched with several of the light companies, a detachment of Mackall's battery, under Lieut. Irons, and a company of Texas Rangers, to take position and occupy the mill, on whose approach the enemy retired. At this time, the main body of the Texas Rangers was posted at the junction of the roads, near the sugar rancho, with the 5th and 7th Infantry.

The position Gen. Worth then occupied might have been considered as critical as it was dangerous. Separated from the main body of the army-his communication cut off, and no possible route less than eight miles to regain it-with but scanty supplies of provisions for only four days-surrounded by gorges and passes of the mountains, from whose summits belched forth the destructive shot, shell, and grape; he was liable at any moment to be attacked by an overwhelming force in the direction of Saltillo, which had been reported to be daily expected, and which would have placed his command in the very jaws of the enemy. For, although holding the passes and gorges of the Saltillo road, yet a superior force from the advance would certainly have forced him back to, and have turned upon him the very passes which he then held. It was feared, too, from his impetuous nature, that he would rush his command into unnecessary danger by some rash and desperate attempt. But it was not so. He was collected, calm, and cool, and bore himself with that proud, resolute, and commanding mien, giving his orders with promptness and decision, which inspired men and officers alike with confidence. He never appeared better than on that day; and all felt that with Worth they were sure of victory. He knew that Gen. Taylor had staked the issue of the battle on him, and he felt the great and weighty responsibility that rested on the course he should pursue. As he surveyed with his glass the enemy's works before him, he seemed to feel that not a moment was to be lost. He saw at once that it would be necessary to carry by storm the battery on Federation Hill, situated on the right bank of the San Juan de Monterey, as well as the fort on the ridge of the same height, called Soldada, about six hundred yards from the battery, on the crest of the hill, (see Map, G and H.) as these two batteries commanded the approaches from the Saltillo road, as well as the egress from the city. For this purpose, Capt. C. F. Smith, of the 2d Artillery, was ordered to proceed with his own, and three companies of the artillery battalion, commanded by Lieuts. Shackelford, Van Vliet, and Phelps-accompanied by Lieut. Edward Deas, of the quartermaster's staff, and Lieut. Gibson, together with six companies of the Texas Rangers, (dismounted,) under our brave and gallant Major Chevalier, commanded by Capts. Gillespie, Ballowe, McCulloch, Chandler, Green, and McGowan. The whole command numbering in all about three hundred men, more than half of whom were Rangers.

It was now about twelve o'clock, and the meridian sun poured down its hottest rays. Before us stood the steep and rugged hill, about three hundred and eighty feet high, whose slopes were covered with thick and thorny chaparral. With a glass could be seen the swarm of Mexicans that crowned the height, while its cannon, which looked down in defiance at us, seemed to threaten with annihilation all who dared to approach. The daring of the expedition was thought to be one of the last hope; and men looked forward to meet death calmly in the face, as they felt that it was only by great sacrifice that they could gain a victory. Gen. Worth rode up, as the command moved off, and pointing to the height, said: "Men, you are to take that hill-and I know you will do it." with one response they replied, "We will." And those who before had felt a doubt as to its practicability, now became reanimated, and felt themselves invincible. The words of Worth had nerved every arm, and hearts swelled with that proud feeling of enthusiasm which make men indomitable before the foe. The command took up its line of march along the Saltillo road, and then struck off to the right, through fields of corn and sugar, in single file, in order to conceal, as far as possible, the movement from the enemy. On we hurried, in double-quick time, brustling through the rows of cane and corn, towards the river bank. It was soon evident that we were discovered, and while yet in the fields, the batteries opened upon us a fierce and plunging fire, enveloping the crown of the hill with smoke, through which could be seen the blazing of the cannon which seemed to vie with the sunbeam's glare. On we pressed, towards their murderous artillery, until we gained the bank of the rapid stream which we had to cross. Unprotected and exposed to the very face of the enemy, a terrific storm of shot and grape was now poured into our ranks. Nothing daunted, the men rushed into the sweeping current, waist deep, while the enemy's shot, as it struck the water, sent forth a hissing sound, and made the river boil and foam with the whistling windage of their venomous copper balls. Bravely did our men stem the current, amid the shower of galling grape, and soon we reached the opposite bank, and clambered up the rocky steep, without the loss of a man!

We had now gained the cover of the thick chaparral, and the command was halted for the men to take breath, as well as to let the water drain from their shoes and clothes. Large reinforcements of the enemy were arriving, and their sharp-shooters were seen descending the slopes of the hill in masses, and occupying favorable positions in order to make the most determined resistance. This was at once perceived by Gen. Worth, who was anxiously watching the movements of the enemy, and immediately ordered the 7th Infantry, under Capt. D. S. Miles, which was composed of only seven companies, commanded by Capts. T. H. Holmes, R. C. Gatlin, R. H. Ross, G. R. Paul, D. P. Whiting, and Lieut. Humber, and the adjutant of the regiment, Lieut. Page, to our support. It was no longer necessary to attempt the concealment of our object, and therefore Capt. Miles marched directly for the foot of the height, and arrived under the fire of the enemy, before Capt. Smith's command had come up. Roar after roar of the enemy's musketry now rattled over the plain below. But Capt. Miles firmly kept his position, while Lieuts. Gantt, Gardner, and Little, of the 7th, were sent back with a small party to engage the attention of the enemy, until our force should arrive; and while thus engaged, several of their men fell wounded. Hearing the roar of musketry, Capt. Smith ordered his men forward, anticipating that the enemy was engaging our reinforcement. On we rushed for the base of the hill, while shower after shower of grape and musket balls rained down in torrents upon us. As we reached the hill-side, we became protected from the enemy's artillery, which they could not depress so as to bring us within range. Here we met the 7th Infantry; and as the men reached the base of the hill, a fire was immediately opened by the Texians, who commenced ascending the steep and rocky cliffs, pouring into the enemy the fire of their deadly rifles, which made them stagger and retreat towards the crest. The command steadily advanced, the regulars vieing with the Texians in gaining the height, and volley after volley was followed up by the wild cheers and shouts of the men, which, as we drove back the retreating foe, seemed to strike their hearts with terror. It was one incessant flash and peal of light arms. Inch by inch they disputed our ascent, until at last they gave way under our terrible fire. Bearing back the stricken foe, we carried the height with shouts of victory, which, echoing again and again through the mountain glens, until they reached the valley below, met the response of our companions, as they saw the flag of the victors proudly waving on the crest, and, swelling upon the air, re-echoed back their loud huzzas in approbation of our brilliant success. Here we captured a nine-pounder, the gun-carriage being overturned, with the evident purpose of throwing it down the hill. But so hotly were they pressed, that they had not the time to carry out their intention. In less than five minutes after the taking of this height, the cannon was remounted, under the dirction of Lieut. Edward Deas, and turned upon the retreating enemy.

In the mean time, Gen. Worth had ordered Brig. Gen. Smith to proceed and reinforce us with the 5th regiment, under Major Martin Scott, consisting of six companies, commanded by Capts. M. E. Merrill, Wm. Chapman, Lieuts. D. H. McPhail, N. B. Russell, J. A. Whitall, and Mortimer Rosecrants, with Lieut. George Deas, adjutant of the regiment, and Capt. Blanchard's company of Louisiana Volunteers. Col. Hays accompanied the detachment with a party of the Texas Rangers, which had been ordered up as a further support. This command had now joined the 7th Infantry, and was seen advancing at a hurried pace along the southern side of the hill towards Fort Soldada, about a quarter of a mile from the battery on the crest of the same hill, a regular fortification, to which the enemy had retreated, and made a stand. As Gen. Smith rode up, he shouted to Capt. Smith to take the other fort, but the command was hardly necessary, for already were the Texians in hot pursuit of the enemy, while the 5th and 7th were seen advancing in extended order up the hill. On rushed Chevalier, with his brave Texians, facing a storm of murderous grape, while the enemy's round-shot and musketry rattled like hail along the ridge of the hill. Without wavering, the command of Gen. Smith advanced to the onslaught. From the hillside, shout after shout went up, which told how close the 5th and 7th, under Gen. Smith, were approaching the top of the height, while the cheers from the Texians, and Capt. Smith's command, as we drove in the advance of the Mexicans to the fort, showed the eagerness of the well-contested race among the commands, to be the first to arrive at the fort. The brave Capt. R. A. Gillespie, of the Rangers, was the first to gain and mount the enemy's works; then followed the 5th Infantry, with Serjeant Updegrass, who bore the colours of that regiment into the fort, at the very heels of the enemy, and planted the standard on its breastworks. Almost at the same time, arose the colours of the gallant 7th, and the flag of our foe was hauled down mid the triumphant shouts and cheers of the victors, which vibrated through the very heart of the city. Lieut. Thos. G. Pitcher, of the 5th Infantry, was one of the gallant spirits who was first in at the fort, and turning around to some Texians as they approached a nine-pounder, which had been captured, said, "Well, boys, we liked to have beaten you," and pulling out a piece of chalk, wrote on the gun, "Texas Rangers, and 5th Infantry." This piece, which the enemy in their flight had left loaded and primed, with the gun captured at Fort Federacion was immediately turned upon the Bishop's Palace, situated on the southern slope of Loma Independencia, a valley of only 600 yards intervening. Several tents, mules, and a large quantity of ammunition were also captured. The storming of this height lasted about one hour and thirty minutes, and the force of the enemy was computed about 1500. Their loss was very severe; while on our part, but some eighteen were wounded, two of which proved mortal. When the advantageous positions which the enemy occupied, and the difficulties which had to be surmounted on our part, are taken into consideration, this small loss seems almost incredible.

While storming Fort Soldada, Serjeant-major Brand, of the 5th Infantry, received a severe wound in the jaw, by a canister-shot, and fell by the side of Adjutant Deas, who was also knocked down by the concussion; under a galling fire of grape and canister, he carried the wounded soldier to a place of security, and then, with the proud feelings of his noble daring, rushed on to the taking of the battery. The gallant little band of Louisianians, under Capt. A. G. Blanchard, fought side by side with the Texians, and were among the first that reached the forts. Lieuts. Tenbrinck, and the two Nicholls, brothers, of this company, greatly distinguished themselves in the affair. Among the wounded were Lieut. Russell, of the 5th, and Lieut. Potter, of the 7th Infantry; John P. Waters, C. E. DeWitt, Oliver Jenkins, and Thomas Law, privates of McCulloch's company, were also wounded, while bravely rushing on to the attack, the two former badly. On the commands all meeting, there was a general congratulation and shaking of hands among friends, while the safety of others were eagerly inquired after. It was indeed a mot animated scene. Men flushed with victory, and begrimed with powder, stood holding with a firm grasp the hands of their companions in arms, while relating some little incident or adventure of the fight, and then a loud peal of laughter would burst forth from the different groups, at some ludicrous description of the runaway Mexicans. During this scene, the guns from the Palace belched forth its fire of grape, which was but little heeded; and as the shot whizzed over our heads, it seemed only to add to our merriment, while the captured guns were made to answer, in return, the compliment.

It was indeed a wild scene, and to add to its wildness and novelty, the surrounding mountains loomed up on either side, with their rugged peaks piercing the very clouds-to the left were seen the battlements of the Bishop's Palace, with the banner of Mexico, half concealed by the smoke of its cannon; below coursed the murmuring and rapid San Juan, with green fields on either side; far to the east lay the city of Monterey, enveloped in smoke, with its towering steeples overlooking that once peaceful valley, but which was now made to quake with the thunder of artillery, which told of the bloody conflict that was progressing on that side of the town.

It was now about half-past 3 o'clock, P.M., and different parties were looking after the wounded which lay along the brow of the hill, and on the slopes. Many of the poor fellows were suffering greatly, and asking for water. It was a touching sight to see friends bending over the wounded, while they applied their canteens to parched and fevered lips. They were all brought down and safely conveyed to the hospitals in camp, where they received every attention from the surgeons of the army. Capt. Smith's command, with the 5th and 7th Infantry, was left to keep possession of the height, while the Texians were ordered down to attend to their horses. As we recrossed the river, and passed through the fields of sugar and corn, the ground was strewn here and there with blankets, muskets, pistols, &c., which the men had thrown away in their pursuit, finding them too great an incumbrance in crossing the river.

As soon as the height was carried, Gen. Worth sent off a courier with the news to Gen. Taylor, having previously despatched a messenger with the result of the engagement with the enemy, which took place in the morning. The generalship exhibited by Worth in the plan of attack upon the height, is deserving of the highest praise. It was felt by all to have been a most daring and perilous assault, and on it depended, in a measure, the future success of the division; for had we been repulsed with loss, without carrying the height, it would not only have damped the ardour of the men, but greatly periled our position. As the general stood watching with his glass the enemy, with all the excitement and intense feeling of anxiety for the command of Captain Smith, his cool judgment dictated the course to pursue; and he sent forward reinforcement after reinforcement to support the storming party, and to save their retreat, should they have been forced to fall back, while at the same time this prudent course enabled the whole force not only to sustain a decisive action, but to save the loss of life, as well as to gain the victory.

The day was fast fading, and dark clouds lowered threateningly upon the mountains and over the valley. As night spread her dark veil over the besieged city and the invading army, the storm burst with all its violence, and the rain fell in torrents. The din of battle between the two armies ceased, and the valley of Monterey sank once more to repose; and, save the occasional ightning's flash, and the roaring of the thunder of heaven, which, as it were, re-enacted the scene of the deadly conflict of the day, all became, hushed. The division had now been thirty-six hours without food, and although they had undergone the severest fatigue, the troops passed the night exposed to the storm, without shelter or cover. Those who were not on duty, lay down with their arms in their hands, and soon fell asleep, forgetting both fatigue and hunger. The troops on Federation Hill fared the same, only, if possible, their situation was more dreary. The Texians encamped in the yard of some jacales, on the Saltillo road leading to the city, near where the morning conflict took place. We had to walk some two or three hundred yards to a field, to procure corn for our horses, after grooming and feeding which, the men lay down as best they could, to catch an hour of sleep. In one of the jacales lived a Mexican, with his wife and two children. During the heavy rain some of the men sought shelter under the eaves of the house, when the Mexican woman came out and asked them in, at the same time offering to share with them the frugal supper which had been prepared for her little family. The invitation was readily accepted; and although it was but a mouthful of meat and bread that was offered them, yet it was received with the warmest gratitude and most sincere thanks. The Mexican woman gazed with feelings of emotion at the men as they swallowed the morsel; and then, in one of the most sweet and silvery tones we ever listened to-such as only a woman can utter-expressed her sorrow that she had not more to give. She was about twenty years of age, a little above the medium height, with a slender form, yet beautifully rounded, which her low, short-sleeve dress set off very prettily, and was the most intelligent woman that we had yet met with in Mexico. Her features were Grecian, with a clear olive complexion and transparent skin, through which mantled the crimson blood, giving her cheeks a rich and beautiful colour. She had soft, lustrous black eyes, which danced with animation when she spoke, lighting up her beautiful face, while her glossy black hair fell in ringlets down her neck; and when she smiled, she displayed a set of teeth unrivalled for whiteness and beauty. Her voice, too, as we have said, soft and lisping, made the language she spoke more captivating than we had ever heard it. There was a douceur of manner about her that gained the esteem of all the Texians; and whether it was that her generosity made us think her an angel, or not, one thing is certain, we shall never forget her kindness.

Although, with the closing of the day, two victories had crowned our arms, and we had gained a foothold in the enemy's rear, yet the main work was yet to be done, as the battery on Independence Hill and the Bishop's Palace commanded the main avenue to the city, the possession of which became of primary importance to our future success. Ere night had closed the scene, Gen. Worth had planned the attack, and orders were issued for the Texians to be in readiness to march by 3 o'clock the next morning. As the men lay down, they were conscious of the short time that was given for repose, and knew that yet another bloody fight and more difficult and hazardous enterprise awaited them on the early morrow.

Before we wake the slumbering soldiers of the Second Division, or before we realte the occurrences of the following day, we must ask those who have so kindly followed us thus far in our narrative, to accompany us back to the camp of Gen. Taylor, in order to give to our readers the proceedings of the First and Third Divisions on the memorable day of the 21st of September.

Samuel C. Reid, Jr. The Scouting Expeditions of McCulloch's Texas Rangers; or, the Summer and Fall Campaign of the Army of the United States in Mexico-1846; Including Skirmishes with the Mexicans, and an Accurate Detail of the Storming of Monterey; also, the Daring Scouts of Buena Vista Together with Anecdotes, Incidents, Descriptions of Country, and Sketches of the Lives of the Celebrated Partisan Chiefs, Hays, McCulloch, and Walker. (1847).