second and third drove him back in disorder, and
saved the day. The 2d Kentucky regiment, which had advanced
beyond supporting distance in this affair, was driven back and
closely pressed by the enemy's cavalry. Taking a ravine which led
in the direction of Captain Washington's battery, their pursuers
became exposed to his fire, which soon checked and drove them
back with loss. In the mean time, the rest of our artillery had
taken position on the plateau, covered by the Mississippi and 3d
Indiana regiments, the former of which had reached the ground in
time to pour a fire into the right flank of the enemy, and thus
contribute to his repulse. In this last conflict we had the
misfortune to sustain a very heavy loss. Colonel Hardin, 1st
Illinois, and Colonel McKee and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay, 2d
Kentucky regiment, fell at this time while gallantly leading
their commands.

No further attempt was made by the enemy to force our position,
and the approach of night gave an opportunity to pay proper
attention to the wounded, and also to refresh the soldiers, who
had been exhausted by incessant watchfulness and combat. Though
the night was severely cold, the troops were compelled for the
most to bivouack without fires, expecting that morning would
renew the conflict. During the night the wounded were removed to
Saltillo, and every preparation made to receive the enemy, (p. 343)
should he again attack our position. Seven fresh companies
were drawn from the town, and Brigadier-General Marshall, with a
re-enforcement of Kentucky cavalry and four heavy guns, under
Captain Prentiss, 1st Artillery, was near at hand, when it was
discovered that the enemy had abandoned his position during the
night. Our scouts soon ascertained that he had fallen back upon
Agua Nueva. The great disparity of numbers, and the exhaustion of
our troops, rendered it inexpedient and hazardous to attempt
pursuit. A staff officer was dispatched to General Santa Anna to
negotiate an exchange of prisoners, which was satisfactorily
completed on the following day. Our own dead were collected and
buried, and the Mexican wounded, of which a large number had been
left upon the field, were removed to Saltillo, and rendered as
comfortable as circumstances would permit.

On the evening