Thomas Frost.
Blake brought back with him an accurate description of the disposition of the Mexican forces, and Taylor resolved to attack, despite the odds against him. His artillery did great execution, and gradually advanced, as the Mexicans were forced back. Charge after charge was repulsed, and the Mexicans finally withdrew to Resaca de la Palma. There Taylor attacked them next day, routed them, and marched on to relieve Fort Brown.
RIO BRAVO—A MEXICAN LAMENT
[May 8, 1846]
[Rio Bravo!] Rio Bravo!
Saw men ever such a sight?
Since the field of Roncesvalles
Sealed the fate of many a knight.
Dark is Palo Alto's story,
Sad Reseca Palma's rout,
On those fatal fields so gory,
Many a gallant life went out.
There our best and bravest lances
Shivered 'gainst the Northern steel,
Left the valiant hearts that couched them
'Neath the Northern charger's heel.
Rio Bravo! Rio Bravo!
Minstrel ne'er knew such a fight
Since the field of Roncesvalles
Sealed the fate of many a knight.
Rio Bravo, fatal river,
Saw ye not while red with gore,
Torrejon all headless quiver,
A ghastly trunk upon thy shore!
Heard you not the wounded coursers
Shrieking on your trampled banks,
As the Northern winged artillery
Thundered on our shattered ranks!