our left,
which was posted on an extensive plateau. The 2d Indiana and 2d
Illinois regiments formed this part of our line, the former
covering three pieces of light artillery, under the orders of
Captain O'Brien, Brigadier-General Lane being in the immediate
command. In order to bring his men within effective range,
General Lane ordered the artillery and 2d Indiana regiment
forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy
body of Mexican infantry, and was served against it with great
effect, but without being able to check its advance. The infantry
ordered to its support had fallen back in disorder, being
exposed, as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of
small arms from the front, but also to a murderous cross-fire of
grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Captain
O'Brien found it impossible to retain his position without
support, but was only able to withdraw two of his pieces, all the
horses and cannoneers of the third piece being killed or
disabled. The 2d Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as
stated, could not be rallied, and took no further part in the
action, except a handful of men, who, under its gallant colonel,
Bowles, joined the Mississippi regiment; and did good service,
and those fugitives who, at a later period in the day, assisted
in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista. This portion of
our line having given way, and the enemy appearing in
overwhelming force against our left flank, the light troops which
had rendered such good service on the mountain were compelled to
withdraw, which they did, for the most part, in good order. Many,
however, were not rallied until they reached the depot at Buena
Vista, to the defence of which they afterward contributed.

Colonel Bissell's regiment (2d Illinois) which had been joined by
a section of Captain Sherman's battery, had become completely
outflanked, and was compelled to fall back, being entirely
unsupported. The enemy was now pouring masses of infantry and
cavalry along the base of the mountain on our left, and was
gaining our rear in great force. At this moment I arrived upon
the field. The Mississippi regiment had been directed to the left
before reaching the position, and immediately came into action
against the Mexican inf