inging information and in conveying my
orders to distant points. Lieutenant Kingsbury, in addition to
his proper duties as ordnance officer, Captain Chilton, assistant
quartermaster, and Majors Dix and Coffee, served also as extra
aids-de-camp, and were actively employed in the transmission of
orders. Mr. Thomas L. Crittenden, of Kentucky, though not in
service, volunteered as my aid-de-camp on this occasion, and
served with credit in that capacity. Major Craig, chief of
ordnance, and Surgeon Craig, medical director, had been detached
on duty from head-quarters, and did not reach the ground until
the morning of the 24th, too late to participate in the action,
but in time to render useful services in their respective
departments of the staff.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Major-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.

_____

_General Order Congratulating the Army._

Headquarters, Army of Occupation,
February 26, 1847.

1. The commanding general has the grateful task of congratulating
the troops upon the brilliant success which attended their arms
in the conflicts of the 22d and the 23d. Confident in the immense
superiority of numbers, and stimulated by the presence of a
distinguished leader, the Mexican troops were yet repulsed in
efforts to force our lines, and finally withdrew with immense
loss from the field.

2. The general would express his obligations to the officers (p. 347)
and men engaged, for the cordial support which they rendered
throughout the action. It will be his highest pride to bring to
the notice of the government the conspicuous gallantry of
different officers and corps, whose unwavering steadiness more
than once saved the fortunes of the day. He would also express
his high satisfaction with the conduct of the small command left
to hold Saltillo. Though not so seriously engaged as their
comrades, their services were very important and efficiently
rendered. While bestowing this just tribute to the good conduct
of the troops, the general deeply regrets to say that there were
not a few exceptions. He trusts that those who fled ingloriously