shell was thrown by the enemy into this
part of our line, but without effect. The skirmishing of the
light troops was kept up with trifling loss on our part until
dark, when I became convinced that no serious attack would be
made before the morning, and returned, with the Mississippi
regiment and squadron of 2d Dragoons, to Saltillo. The troops
bivouacked without fires, and laid upon their arms. A body of
cavalry, some 1500 strong, had been visible all day in rear of
the town, having entered the valley through a narrow pass east of
the city. This cavalry, commanded by General Minon, had evidently
been thrown in our rear to break up and harass our retreat, and
perhaps make some attempt against the town if practicable. The
city was occupied by four excellent companies of Illinois
volunteers, under Major Warren of the 1st regiment. A field-work,
which commanded most of the approaches, was garrisoned by Captain
Webster's company, 1st Artillery, and armed with two
twenty-four-pound howitzers, while the train and headquarter camp
was guarded by two companies of Mississippi riflemen, under
Captain Rogers, and a field-piece commanded by Captain Shover, 3d
Artillery. Having made these dispositions for the protection of
the rear, I proceeded on the morning of the 23d to Buena Vista,
ordering forward all the other available troops. The action had
commenced before my arrival on the field.

During the evening and night of the 22d, the enemy had thrown a
body of light troops on the mountain side, with the purpose of
outflanking our left; and it was here that the action of the 23d
commenced at an early hour. Our riflemen, under Colonel Marshall,
who had been re-enforced by three companies, under Major Trail,
2d Illinois Volunteers, maintained their ground handsomely
against a greatly superior force, holding themselves under (p. 340)
cover, and using their weapons with deadly effect. About
eight o'clock a strong demonstration was made against the centre
of our position, a heavy column moving along the road. This force
was soon dispersed by a few rapid and well-directed shots from
Captain Washington's battery. In the mean time the enemy was
concentrating a large force of infantry and cavalry under cover
of the ridges, with the obvious intention of forcing