EXCITEMENT AT FORT BROWN. 221 reported that General Taylor had had an engagement with Arista, at Palo Alto. All night the soldiers were in a state of restless excitement; so that when the cannonade from Matamoras was renewed on the 9th, it received little attention. Late in the afternoon of that day, the general's cannon were again heard, and before sunset, masses of fugitives broke through the adjacent chaparral, and dashed madly toward the river. Then the last sound of cannon died within the city, and following it, arose one wild shout of victory from the littl garrison. The long guns of the fort were turned upon the crowd of fugitives, but with little effect. The defence of Fort Brown is one of the most glorious achievements performed during the Mexican war. It should be remembered that at that time the courage of the enemy had not been tested, and an American would advance to engage a superior foe, with much less grounds of confidence than after he had, by a number of battles, proved himself invincible. Major Brown had but one infantry company, and was deficient in provisions, ammunition, tents, and conve niences. Yet this little handful toiled bravely on, night and day, for more than a week against entire armies, and even after the loss of their commander; and from them Mexico was taught that she had to deal with such a foe as she had never encountered before. citement, each one eager to march to the relief of his comrades. About the same time, Captain Walker, who had been on a scout the TAYLOR'S ORDER. 223 preceding evening, returned and reported the enemy encamped in the country in great force, and evidently awaiting the return of the Americans. He had fallen in with their picket guard and fired upon it. On receiving this news, General Taylor determined to march to the relief of the fort, and issued orders for the troops to march at one o'clock; but he subsequently changed his mind and decided on communicating with the garrison. Captain Walker was selected for this dangerous service. Captain May, with about one hundred dragoons including ten rangers, formed an escort. The latter were to proceed towards the river fort, and on reaching the chaparral near it, to conceal themselves, until Walker could visit the fort and return. They started late in the afternoon, and at nine o'clock came in sight of the enemy's camp-fires at Palo Alto. May eluded observation, passed round the entire circuit of the Mexican camp, and arrived within seven miles of the river fort. Here he concealed his men, while Captain Walker, with the ten rangers, rode towards the fort. As has already been stated, the latter officer was unable to return until the following night; so that May, supposing he had been captured, set out at daylight on a full gallop for Point Isabel. When within twelve miles of it, he met and charged one hundred and fifty lancers, pursuing them three miles. He reached the point at nine o'clock. The supposed fate of young Walker excited considerable sensation among the soldiers, he being a universal favourite. But, to the great joy of all, he returned on the 5th, bringing with him the gratifying intelligence that all was well at the fort. He had passed through numerous dangers in returning, as the enemy were aware of his movements, and had sent out numerous parties to intercept him. Nothing but his intimate knowledge of the road, and admirable presence of mind, could have enabled him to escape them. General Taylor now resolved to march to the assistance of the fort, and during the whole of the 6th, the soldiers were preparing for the movement. On the 7th, the commander issued the following characteristic order: "The army will march to-day, at three o'clock, in the direction of Matamoras. It is known the enemy has recently occupied the route in force. If still in possession, the general will give him battle. The commanding general has every confidence in his officers and If his orders and instructions are carried out, he has no doubt of the result, let the enemy meet him in what numbers they may He wishes to enjoin upon the battalions of infantry, that their main dependence must be in the bayonet." men. At three o'clock, P. M., the army commenced its march, accompanied by a large train, rich both in provisions and munitions of war. In the wagons were six twelve-pounders, and an additional battery of two eighteen-pounders was placed under the command of Lieutenan Churchill, of the artillery. The march across the lonely prairie presented a singular and noble appearance. Long files of troops, in exact order, the flying artillery, heavy trains, wagons slowly moving by sluggish oxen, contrasting with the pomp and glitter of military array, all formed a picture never before witnessed by the wilds of Texas. After proceeding five miles, the army halted and encamped for the night. On the morning of the 8th, at an early hour, Captain Walker and his scouts reported the camp of the enemy deserted. The general supposed that they were retreating in order to avoid battle; but this opinion proved incorrect. The march being resumed soon after sunrise, the troops reached some thick mesquite and chaparral thickets, in emerging from which, the Mexican army broke upon their view, drawn up in battle array, and presenting a front of nearly a mile and a half. The sight filled each soldier with enthusiasm. Instead, however, of leading them directly to the attack, the general deliberately FEAT OF LIEUTENANT BLAKE. 225 formed them into columns, and then, grounding arms, permitted them to go, half at a time, to some neighbouring pools, to refresh themselves, and fill their canteens. During this interval, a daring feat was performed by an American officer. Lieutenant Blake. The account we give, with some little alteration, from one who shared the adventure. "After the line of battle had been formed, General Taylor rode along it to survey the command. Every man was perfectly cool. At this time the general did not know whether the enemy had any artil.ery or not, as the long grass prairie prevented him from distinguishing it, when masked by men in front of the pieces. To obtain this knowledge was an all-important point, and Captain May was ordered to go forward with his squadron, reconnoiter the enemy, and, if possible, draw a fire from their artillery. He accordingly advanced; but the enemy appeared to take no notice of him. Lieutenant Blake then proposed to go forward alone, and reconnoiter. I was close to him," says our authority, "and volunteered to accompany him. He consented, and we dashed forward to within eighty yards of their line, the whole army looking on us with astonishment. Here we had a full view. The lieutenant alighted from his horse, and, with his glass, surveyed the whole line, and handed it to me. After making a similar observation, I returned the glass. Just then two officers rode out toward us. I mentioned it to Blake, and requested him to mount. He quietly told me to draw a pistol on them. I did so, and they halted. Had they thought proper, they could have fired a volley from their main line, and riddled us both. We then galloped along the line to its other end, there examined them again, and returned." The lieutenant reported accurately the entire artillery force of the enemy. Before this reconnoissance was completed, the army had ccmmenced its march in the following order: On the extreme right, the 5th infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel McIntosh; Major Ringgold's artillery; 3d infantry, commanded by Captain L. M. Morris; two eighteen-pounders, under Lieutenant Churchill, 3d artillery; 4th infantry, commanded by Major G. W. Allen; the 3d and 4th regiments composed the 3d brigade, under command of LieutenantColonel Garland, and all the above corps, together with two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May, composed the right wing, under the orders of Colonel Twiggs. The left was formed by the battalion of artillery commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, Captain Duncan's light battery, and the 8th infantry, under Captain Montgomery, all forming the 1st brigade, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. The train was parked near the water, |