Complete history of the late Mexican war/Battle of Huamantla
BATTLE OF HUAMANTLA
After the brilliant achievements of the American forces in and around the city of Mexico, there was little to do excepting to clear the great thoroughfares of the multitudes of guerillas that infested them. Some sharp engagements occurred between Mexico and Vera Cruz before these bodies of robbers could be dispersed. One of these battles took place at the town of Huamantla.
Gen. Lane having arrived at Perote, early in October, was there joined by Capt. Walker and his command; both advanced together on the Puebla road till they reached the town of Dreyes, at which place Capt. Walker, by order of the commanding General, took up his line of march to Huamantla, by way of the town of San Francisco and Guapastla. On his arrival at Huamantla, a sanguinary engagement took place in the streets, between the force of Capt. Walker, consisting of 250 men, and that of the Mexicans numbering 1,600.
The result of this contest was the total expulsion of the enemy from the town, and its occupation by our valiant little army, which lost in the battle only six men. But the gallant Walker, after performing prodigies of valor, and feats of the most daring character, fell in single combat, pierced by the spear of an enraged father who was goaded to actual frenzy by the death of his son, whose fall by the arm of Captain Walker he had just witnessed. The father rushed forward, heedless of all danger, to revenge his child's death, and attacking the Captain with almost irresistible violence, plunged his spear into his body and slew him almost instantly. In this engagement the Mexicans lost 200 men and three pieces of artillery. The latter were thrown into a gully adjoining the town, by the victors. At the battle of Huamantla an interesting struggle occurred between the Indiana Volunteers and a detachment of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, as to who should first reach town and plant the American Flag on the walls. Lieutenant Beany and Private Stebbes, of Pennsylvania, were successful.
After the achievement of their object, which was the dispersion of the enemy, for which they were despatched to Huamantla, the Americans evacuated the place and directed their course to Pinal, on the Puebla road, which they reached without any opposition. There meeting with Gen. Lane, the combined American force continued its march upon Puebla.
They found this city in a state of insurrection, and accordingly entered it in platoons—delivering at every step a constant and well-directed fire of musketry, which ceased not till the enemy retired, and order had been restored in every quarter.
Gen. Rea, of whom we heard so much, lately, fled with 400 guerillas towards Atlixco.
General Santa Anna was at Tehuacan de las Grenadas, having been deserted by all his followers, with the exception of 200.