of the 26th, a close reconnoissance was made of
the enemy's position, which was found to be occupied only by a
small body of cavalry, the infantry and artillery having
retreated in the direction of San Luis Potosi. On the 27th, our
troops resumed their former camp at Agua Nueva, the enemy's rear
guard evacuating the place as we approached, leaving a
considerable number of wounded. It was my purpose to beat up his
quarters at Encarnacion early the next morning, but upon
examination, the weak condition of the cavalry horses rendered it
unadvisable to attempt so long a march without water. A command
was finally dispatched to Encarnacion, on the 1st of March, under
Colonel Belknap. Some two hundred wounded, and about sixty
Mexican soldiers were found there, the army having passed on in
the direction of Matehuala, with greatly reduced numbers, and
suffering much from hunger. The dead and dying were strewed upon
the road and crowded the buildings of the hacienda.

The American force engaged in the action of Buena Vista was 344
officers and 4,425 men, exclusive of the small command left in
and near Saltillo. Of this number, two squadrons of cavalry and
three batteries of light artillery, making not more than 453 men,
composed the only force of regular troops. The strength of the
Mexican army is stated by General Santa Anna, in his summons, to
be 20,000; and that estimate is confirmed by all the information
since obtained. Our loss is 267 killed, 456 wounded, and 23
missing. Of the numerous wounded, many did not require removal to
the hospital, and it is hoped that a comparatively small number
will be permanently disabled. The Mexican loss in killed and
wounded may be fairly estimated at 1,500, and will probably reach
2,000. At least 500 of their killed were left upon the field of
battle. We have no means of ascertaining the number of deserters
and dispersed men from their ranks, but it is known to be very
great.

Our loss has been especially severe in officers, twenty-eight
having been killed upon the field. We have to lament the death of
Captain George Lincoln, Assistant Adjutant-General, serving in
the staff of General Wool, a young officer of high bearing and
approved gallantry, who fell early in the action. No loss falls
more heavily upon