BATTLE OF BRACITO.
We have already given a slight outline of the famous expedition of Colonel Doniphan. We will now notice some of the exploits of his little army.
The battle of Bracito was the first engagement fought by the mounted troops, under the command of Colonel Doniphan. It occurred on Christmas day, 1847. Colonel Doniphan’s men had marched to within a short distance of the town of El Paso, and had encamped near a bend in the Bracito river. The Mexicans, in great force, came upon them, while they were in search of wood and water. A quick rally was made, and the Americans drew up on foot to receive the charge of the enemy’s cavalry. The Mexicans displayed a black flag, with skull and cross-bones worked upon it, and said they would give no quarter nor ask it. A heavy shower of balls from the rifles of the Americans caused the cavalry to wheel and retreat in confusion. A small party of the Americans then rushed up to the enemy’s line, and captured their cannon, dragging it into the American line. This daring and desperate act completely astonished the Mexicans, and they soon after made a hurried retreat, having lost about two hundred men. Colonel Doniphan lost very few men.
BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO.