Into the Mexican Camp

U.S. soldiers, plunging half-blind through thorn-laden thickets, found narrow cattle trails that crossed the resaca and with surprising speed fought their way into the Mexican headquarters near the modern road intersection ahead. The advance was so swift that Mexican forces had time to fire only two rounds from their batteries before the attacking troops charged among them with yells and shouts. In the fighting, U.S. forces captured nine pieces of artillery, 400 mules, large numbers of pack saddles, baggage, stores, ammunition, military funds, and many prisoners, including General de la Vega and other officers, and camped that night on the Rio Grande. General-in-Chief Arista then led the cavalry in a final charge toward the victors, but with the brush on either side of the road already in enemy hands, a terrible fire cut down the lancers and forced a retreat.

Brownsville, Texas · United States