BATTLE OF BRACITO.
25th.—In the union of our forces we are one thousand strong. Moved as early as usual from the position we have occupied the last three days, and after marching 12 miles, we came to Bracito, and encamped at 10 o’clock. We stripped our horses as usual, and picketed them out; went out to hunt wood to cook our dinners. Some of the men had gone at least a mile from camp when the alarm was given, “to arms! to arms!” Looking in the direction pointed out we saw a cloud of dust, as if the whole of Mexico was coming down upon us. Unwilling to throw away our wood, we ran with our turns on our shoulders, when we heard an officer hallooing—“Throw away your wood and bring your horses into camp.” We obeyed the order as quickly as possible. We found our Orderly at his post, directing the men to load their guns and get into line. Every man was at his proper place in a few minutes. By this time the Mexican army was in sight, and had formed in battle array at a distance of a mile from us. Presently an officer came out of their ranks, handsomely mounted and bearing a black flag. Col. Mitchell, accompanied with the interpreter, rode up to meet him on half way ground to inquire his business. He told them he had come to demand the surrender of our entire force, by submitting, he said, our lives would be spared—if we did not, every man would be put to death. Our interpreter cut short his harangue by telling him to “go to h— and bring on his forces.” In the meantime our company (the Chihuahua Rangers) received orders from head quarters to right about face, and march from the right, where we were somewhat protected by brush, weeds and gopher hills, to the extreme left, in open ground to withstand the charge of the Mexican cavalry; so off we marched in double quick time to our position on the left. Our Captain here told us to reserve our fire till the enemy was in fair rifle distance, and added that he hoped no man in his command would act the coward, but all would do their duty as volunteers and American soldiers. He had scarcely done speaking, when the enemy commenced firing at us, from three to four hundred yards distant. They advanced closer, and continued to advance, pouring in volley after volley, till the sound of bullets over our heads reminded me of a hail storm.—We waited impatiently for the word of command. It was at length given, “fire.” One loud peal of thunder was heard from our Missouri rifles. Consternation and dismay was the result, for, thrown into confusion, the Mexicans commenced obliquing to our left. Another volley, well aimed, caused them to retreat towards our wagons. Here they were met by a round from the wagon company. In the meantime Capt. Reid, at the head of eighteen men, well mounted, pushed after them, chasing them to the mountains. All their provisions, guns, sabres, camp furniture, &c., besides one 10 pound howitzer, fell into our hands. The Mexican loss was estimated at thirty or forty killed and wounded, while we had but two slightly wounded. The Mexicans left their dead on the field.
26th.—With fifteen prisoners and a few wounded Mexicans, we resumed our march, the main army being flanked on both sides, and came on 16 miles and encamped in a desolate place filled with thorn bushes. Here we prepared our supper, and were about to sit down, when the report of a gun from the picket guard, caused us to extinguish the fires, and form in line as quickly as possible. Presently our Lieutenant rode up and said it was a false alarm. We were ordered to break ranks and get our supper. Again we commenced that unfortunate meal, when the report of a second gun, so loud as to be heard by every one, again made us put the fires down. There was a tremendous clattering of arms, for all formed in line in a few seconds. At this moment Lieut. Cribbons rode up and said that in visiting one of the outer pickets, he was requested to give the countersign by the guard, whose gun was cocked, and he accidentally let the hammer down too heavily, causing it to explode, the load passing close to the Lieutenant’s face. After hearing this statement, we again broke ranks to resume our supper. I stood sentinel, to guard the wagons and piece of artillery taken from the enemy, till 12 o’clock, then went to bed—was awakened again at 3, and stood till 6 o’clock.
Sunday, 27th.—Col. Doniphan wishing an early start, the roll was called at light and we moved on in the same order as yesterday, with front and rear guard. We had scarcely travelled six miles, when at a distance over the river was seen a dust, as if a body of horsemen were meeting us. We were told to keep cool and obey orders. Continuing our course we met several Mexicans bearing a white flag. Their commander coming up, presented Colonels Doniphan and Mitchell his sabre. They then drank wine and other liquors together, and we resumed our march, crossed the Rio Grande, and encamped in the town of El Paso del Norte about night-fall. This is the noted pass between Old and New Mexico. The town contains about seven or eight thousand inhabitants, and is built along the margin of the river, several miles in length. The environs are cultivated to some extent, and the usual varieties of fruit grow here in abundance. The river is compressed in many places to a very small compass, by the high and precipitous mountains, through which it winds its way.
28th.—Established our quarters a mile from the city, where there is a large coral or enclosure, in which to keep our horses. Throughout the day a variety of fruit was brought to camp by the natives, and readily bought up by the soldiers. The wind was high, and we were nearly blinded by clouds of dust, which being mixed with isinglass is very hurtful to the eyes.
29th.—To-day Col. Doniphan, while searching the town, found two pieces of cannon, and after breaking several locks, a good deal of ammunition was discovered. We all paraded and were carried through the regular drill.
January 1st, 1847.—The last two days being quite cold, with high winds, we kept in camp. After the usual parade to-day, Lieutenant Todd went to town about 10 o’clock in company with several of our men, but they returned in a short time at full speed, hallooing with all their might for us to get our horses quickly, and saddle up, for the Mexicans were coming on us. In a little while we were ready and marched over the river to join the other regiment, and prepared for battle. When we arrived at the ground, we were formed by Col. Doniphan, who despatched Col. Mitchell with twelve men to reconnoitre the enemy, who were reported to be in sight. In the course of an hour, they returned and said it was a false alarm. We then marched to the public square, and informed by our Captain that arrangements were made to keep us in town, and that our camp equipage must be sent for. One out of each mess was directed to go with the wagons for that purpose. We were well supplied with fuel at night, and our quarters were quite comfortable.
2nd.—Nothing of importance transpired to-day. The roll was called, and we paraded twice, morning and evening.
Sunday, 3rd.—The usual duties being over, and a high wind prevailing, we did not go to church. Hearing that a sick horse was in the coral I went over to see, and found it was my mare. I brought her out to have her bled and physicked. I went to get assistance, and when I returned with a friend I found she had escaped; searched the town three hours without finding her.
4th.—Renewed my efforts to recover my lost horse; walked till three o’clock, when I found her in the centre of a lot about two miles from town—dead. I hastened to Col. Mitchell and told him I was on foot, as my mare had lost breath and was laid up to dry. He advised me to look about and ascertain if I could suit myself. If I succeeded I was to call on him again in the morning.