History of the War between the United States and Mexico/Chapter 10

by John Stilwell Jenkins

 

CHAPTER X.

DONIPHAN'S MARCH.

The Missouri Volunteers — Expedition against the Navajos — Orders to join General Wool — La Jornada del Muerto — Skirmish at Bracito — EI Paso del Norte — Fortifications of the Enemy at the Pass of Sacramento- — The Battle — Flight of the Mexicans — Entrance into the City of Chihuahua — March to Monterey — Return Home.

While the more important military operations which have been narrated, were being carried on in other quarters of the country, there occurred, in northern Mexico, one of those extraordinary achievements which are rarely undertaken, and which, when accomplished, always challenge admiration. A mere handful of men, a volunteer force less than one thousand strong—commanded by a bold, fearless, and energetic officer, performed an arduous and fatiguing march of many thousand miles, through a hostile country, chastising or awing the savage tribes which infested their route into submission; encountering the enemy, in superior numbers, on two several occasions, and routing them with the utmost ease and facility. All this was done with comparatively little loss; and when the term of their enlistments expired, these soldiers returned to their distant homes, leaving behind them but very few of their comrades who had been overtaken by sickness, or fallen in battle, or

"tired on the marches
Of the war-path, long and drear!"

Among the pledges and assurances given by General Kearny to the inhabitants of New Mexico, in order to render them better satisfied with the new form of government which he established, prior to his departure for California in the fall of 1846, was a guarantee of protection against the Indians in their vicinity. The Apaches, as we have seen, were temporarily quieted; and while on his way to the Pacific coast, the general issued an order at La Joya, in October, requiring Colonel Doniphan, of the first Missouri mounted volunteers, then at Santa Fé, but previously instructed to report to General Wool at Chihuahua, to make a campaign with his regiment into the country inhabited by the Navajo Indians. This was one of the fiercest and most implacable tribes west of the Mississippi, occupying the greater part of the territory between the waters of the Rio Grande and those of the Rio Colorado of the West, and its warriors had long been "the terror and scourge" of the northern provinces of Mexico.

Colonel Doniphan left Santa Fé on the 26th of October, and having divided his command into separate detachments, invaded the Navajo country by three routes. This expedition was attempted late in the season, and was not brought to a close until the troops had suffered severely from the intense cold of winter. Their daily march was through drifts of snow which blocked up the valleys, and across mountains covered with ice. Every portion of the Indian territory was visited, and near three-fourths of the tribe, though almost entire strangers to the American name, were collected at the Ojo Oso, where a permanent treaty was made with them. The object of the expedition being attained, Colonel Doniphan returned to the Rio Grande, near Socorro, on the 12th of December. He then crossed over to Valvervede, and on the 14th instant, in obedience to the order directing him to report to General Wool, then supposed to be at Chihuahua, the advance, under Major Gilpin, took up the line Of march down the left bank of the river. Lieutenant Colonel Jackson followed on the 16th, with another detachment. While Colonel Doniphan was engaged in bringing the Navajos to terms, Colonel Price, of the 2nd Missouri regiment, the commanding officer at Santa Fé, dispatched Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell, with an escort of 95 men, selected from his regiment, and from the battalion of Missouri volunteer artillery, under Major Clark, to open a communication with General Wool. The detachment left Santa Fé on the 1st of December, and came up with Colonel Doniphan at Valvervede, on the 17th instant. On the following day they proceeded in company with him, and the remainder of the 1st Missouri, upon the route previously taken by the other portions of his command. Before leaving Valvervede, Colonel Doniphan was informed that the Mexicans were collecting a force at El Paso del Norte, to intercept his march, and an order was therefore sent to Major Clark, of the artillery battalion at Santa Fé, to join him at the earliest moment with 100 men, and a battery of four six-pounders, and two twelve-pounder howitzers.^[1]

A few miles south of Fra Christóbal, the road to Chihuahua, instead of following the windings of the river, pursues a direct course from one bend to another, over a dry plain between seventy and eighty miles in length, completely destitute of water, except immediately after a shower of rain, and frequently intersected by broad gulfy ravines. Few zephyrs love to sport among the tussocks of grass which cover this arid stretch of country; the dark close-set leaves of the grease-wood hang droopingly from their stems; the tufts of the wild sage seem parched with heat; occasionally a pile of stones surmounted by a cross, the rude memorial reared above the grave of the wayfarer who perished on his journey, meets the eye of the traveller; but all is still, solemn, voiceless as the tomb. Most appropriately has the Mexican termed the passage over this dreary waste, La Jornada del Muerto.^[2] In their progress to the south, the Americans often crossed similar tracts, though less extensive — they.were poorly provided with sustenance and raiment, but their hardships and privations were submitted to without murmuring or complaint.

The different detachments of Colonel Doniphan's command were concentrated at Doña Ana. sixty miles from El Paso, and they were now also joined by a number of traders with over 300 wagons, who had left Santa Fé in September, but had become too much alarmed to proceed on their route. Here intelligence was received that seven hundred Mexican troops and six pieces of artillery had arrived at El Paso. The column moved forward on the 23rd of December, presenting quite a picturesque appearance as they wound their way across valley and plain; the soldiers all mounted and well armed, and the white cotton tilts of the Conestogas, as the traders' wagons were styled, gleaming brightly in the sunlight.

About three o'clock in the afternoon of Christmas day, Colonel Doniphan had halted, with the advance of 500 men, at Temascalitos, on an arm of the river called Bracito, for the purpose of camping; the horses were unsaddled and sent some distance from the camp to graze, and the men were soon busily engaged in carrying wood and water. While thus employed, a heavy cloud of dust was suddenly discovered rolling up from the south, and in a moment after the advance guard descried the enemy approaching in force. Lieutenant Colonel Jackson was still several miles in the rear with the remainder of the troops. The rally was instantly sounded, and Colonel Doniphan formed his men in open order on foot as skirmishers, throwing the extreme points of the two wings towards the river, to protect his flanks and baggage. The Americans were somewhat taken by surprise, but a few moments sufficed to complete their dispositions. The enemy halted within half a mile, and formed in line of battle — the Vera Cruz lancers on the right, the Chihuahua battalion on the left, and the infantry and militia, with a two-pounder howitzer, in the centre. The Mexican cavalry were gayly decorated with bright scarlet coats and white belts, with shining brass helmets and dark waving plumes, and their polished sabres and escopetas, and their long lances, ornamented with pennons of red and green, glistened in the rays of the evening sun. Just as the Americans were forming, a Mexican officer, bearing a black flag, rode up to their line, and demanded that their commander should accompany him to confer with the officer in command of the enemy. Notwithstanding his declaration, that the penalty of a non-compliance with the demand would be a charge, without quarter, he received a peremptory refusal, and returned to those who sent him.^[3] Upon his return the enemy advanced to the charge, opening a simultaneous fire from their whole line. When within rifle-shot the Mexicans attempted to file to the right and left, and pass the flanks of the opposing force: Colonel Doniphan's men-had so far reserved their fire, but they now opened upon the enemy from right to left, with such spirit and effect, that they were immediately thrown into confusion. Captain Reid had succeeded in mounting about twenty men, and as the lancers were rallied to the charge on the American left, he fell furiously upon them with his small force, and after a desperate contest, which continued about twenty minutes, succeeded in putting them to flight. As the enemy's infantry gave way, Lieutenant Wright charged upon them with his company, and captured the howitzer. This completed the overthrow of the enemy, and they fled on all sides to the contiguous mountains.

The Mexican force in the affair at the Bracito, numbered 1,220. Of this number 537 were cavalry, and the remainder infantry. A portion of the latter consisted of militia from El Paso. The advance only of Colonel Doniphan's command were engaged, as Lieutenant Colonel Jackson did not arrive from the rear until after the action had terminated. The enemy lost forty-three killed and one hundred and fifty wounded. Colonel Doniphan had but seven men wounded, all of whom recovered, and none killed. Besides the howitzer, there were also captured a number of carbines, and a quantity of provisions.

The Americans anticipated having another encounter with the enemy before entering El Paso, and were accordingly on the alert. On the night of the 26th they encamped within a short distance of the city, and entered it on the ensuing day without opposition. This town is situated on the right bank of the Rio Grande, three hundred and ten miles below Santa Fé, and was founded by a body of Spanish refugees, driven from the latter place by the Indians in 1680, who crossed the river at this point in order to elude pursuit, from which circumstance the name is derived. El Paso contains about five thousand inhabitants, and there is a large population in the rich valley extending above and below the town. When Colonel Doniphan visited it with his troops, the vineyards were in "the sere and yellow leaf," yet they afforded the promise of an abundant harvest. Most of the Pasénians retired on the approach of the Americans, but they shortly after returned to their homes. Those who remained manifested feelings of friendship; and when the soldiers marched through the streets, baskets of most luscious fruit, the produce of the past season, were forced upon their acceptance.

On his arrival at El Paso, Colonel Doniphan learned from the prisoners taken, and from other sources, that General Wool had not advanced upon Chihuahua. In this condition of things, a forward movement was deemed extremely hazardous, but he resolved to undertake it as soon as he was joined by the artillery. Major Clark arrived at El Paso on the 5th of February, 1847, with about 120 men of his battalion, and the six pieces of artillery ordered from Santa Fé; and on the 8th instant, Colonel Doniphan proceeded on the road to Chihuahua, escorting the merchant train or caravan which had accompanied him from Doña Ana.^[4] A few miles below El Paso is the Presidio de San Elecario, originally a strong fortification, covering nearly eight acres of ground, and containing a neat church within its walls. This was not occupied by the enemy, and the only instrument of war found in it was a stone mortar, which the Americans took with them. They left San Elecario on the 11th of February, and after crossing several desolate and tedious jornadas, they arrived at the Laguna de Encenillas, a shallow brackish lake, two hundred and seven miles below El Paso, and seventy-four miles from Chihuahua, in the afternoon of the 25th instant. Rumors that the enemy were in force upon the road had previously reached them, and they were now informed by their spies that a body of troops were at Inseneas, the country-seat of Angel Trias, Governor of Chihuahua, about twenty-five miles in advance. They arrived there on the following day, when they found that the enemy had retired. On the 27th they reached Sauz, where they learned that the Mexicans had fortified the pass of Sacramento, twenty miles north of the city of Chihuahua.

The approach of the American troops had been for a long time anticipated by the authorities of Chihuahua, and preparations were made to obstruct their advance by Governor Trias, and General José Heredia, the commandant general of the district.^[5] At a meeting of the legislature of the department, the governor presiding, it was decided that when Doniphan's men should be taken, they were to be stripped of their money and arms, and sent on foot to the city of Mexico; and a quantity of cord was cut in suitable lengths for tying the prisoners, which was afterwards captured at the battle of Sacramento. General Heredia, with Generals Justiniani, Garcia Conde, and Ugarté and Governor Trias, who acted as a brigadier general, advanced to the pass of Sacramento about the middle of February, with near 4,000 troops, regulars and militia, ten pieces of field artillery, and six culverins, or rampart pieces.^[6] The position was skilfully and strongly fortified, under the direction of General Conde, who was afterwards detached with 800 cavalry to observe the Americans, and on the approach of Colonel Doniphan fell back to the main body.

The road from Sauz to the rancho of Sacramento, in front of which the enemy had fortified themselves, follows the course of an open level valley, bounded on either side by ranges of sterile Mountains. About sever: miles from the Rio Sacramento, a branch of the Rio Conjos, one of the tributaries of the Rio Grande, the country begins to slope gently down to that stream. The position occupied by the Mexicans was upon an elevated plain, in the centre of a peninsula formed by the Arroyo Secó and Arroyo Sacramento, the two principal branches of the Rio Sacramento, which have their rise in the mountains on the right of the valley, at this point nearly four miles wide, and cross it in an easterly direction nearly parallel to each other. The Arroyo Secó, on the north, inclines to the south when it reaches the eastern range of mountains, and, uniting with the Arroyo Sacramento, they together form the main river. The road to Chihuahua crosses this peninsula from north to south; on its left the plain rises abruptly in a bench, fifty feet high, sloping upwards from every side towards the north-east corner, where it culminates in a rocky knoll called the Cerro Frigolis, one hundred and fifty feet above the plain; but on the right it is smooth and unbroken, descending gradually from the hilly bench, along the base of which the road passes. On the southern bank of the Arroyo Sacramento there is a range of sierras, separated by deep gullies, and forming right angles with the course of the stream. The easternmost ridge is the Cerro Sacramento, which rises on the right of the road, just in rear of the rancho Sacramento. Below the Cerro Sacramento on the east is the valley of the Rio Sacramento, about one mile wide, through which winds the road to Chihuahua.

Upon the Cerro Frigolis, was a redoubt and battery, with a stone wall, and abattis in its rear, extending across the bed of the Arroyo Secó to the mountains on the opposite bank. Seven hundred yards west of the Cerro Frigolis there was another redoubt. There was a doubt also at the north-west corner, and one at the south-west corner of the bench on the left of the road, with three other redoubts at intervals between them. Near the ford of the Arroyo Sacramento was a stone câral, or inclosure, surrounding a spring. The câral and the redoubts were all connected. with the exception of short intervals, by breastworks of stone and trenches for the protection of infantry, thus forming an unbroken line of fortifications, overlooking and commanding the gorge of the Arroyo Secó, and the road across the peninsula throughout its whole extent. On the Cerro Sacramento there was a strong battery, which commanded the road as it approached the ford below it. About three miles west of the ford, on the Arroyo Sacramento, was the hacienda of Torreön, from which another road led through a cañon in the mountains to the main route to Chihuahua.

Colonel Doniphan left Sauz with his command at sunrise, on the 28th of February. The teamsters were armed, and placed under the orders of Major Owens, one of the traders, under whose direction the wagons were arranged in four parallel lines, with intervals of fifty feet. The artillery marched in the interval of the centre; and the remainder of the troops, except two hundred cavalry proper, who were in the advance, marched in the intervals on the right and left. By this means the strength of the force was concealed, and its position masked^[7] On arriving within three miles of the enemy's fortifications, a reconnaissance was made by Major Clark, who discovered that the Mexican infantry occupied the batteries and redoubts, and that the cavalry were drawn up in front. The column now continued its course along the road about a mile and a half, and the cavalry still further, when they suddenly diverged to the right, for the purpose of gaining the level portion of the plain fronting the position of the Mexicans on the west. The movement was soon perceived by the enemy, and General Condé advanced with a body of cavalry, masking four pieces of artillery, to prevent the Americans from gaining the elevation. The manœuvre was executed too rapidly to render that possible, and Colonel Doniphan formed his men, and the advance column of the wagons was câralléd before the enemy came within reach of his guns.

The Americans were all dismounted, except three companies, under Captains Reid, Parsons, and Hudson. Major Clark occupied the centre with his artillery; the first battalion on the right was commanded by Lieutenant Colonels Mitchell and Jackson, and the second battalion, on the left, by Major Gilpin. The action was commenced about three o'clock in the afternoon by a brisk fire from the American battery, which was returned by the enemy. At the third discharge the Mexican lancers gave way, and retired behind the redoubts with their artillery, having lost several men killed and a number wounded. Anxious to improve the advantage gained, Colonel Doniphan ordered a charge upon the enemy's line of intrenchments and batteries. At the word, his men sprang forward with cheers and shouts. Captain Weightman advanced with the howitzers at full speed,^[8] upon the redoubts at the west corner of the bench, supported by the cavalry under Captains Reid, Parsons, and Hudson; Major Clark followed the movement as fast as practicable a little further to the left; and the remainder of the troops dashed rapidly forward on foot. While they were advancing, the enemy's cavalry were twice rallied for a charge upon the left flank of the wagons following in the rear of the American line, but they were easily dispersed by the fire of Major Clark's guns. Captain Weightman unlimbered his pieces within fifty yards of the redoubts, and the cavalry and infantry rushing boldly up to the breastworks, drove the enemy before them with their sabres and rifles.

As the Americans entered the line of intrenchments east of the road, a warmer and more effective fire was opened from the battery on the height of Cerro Sacramento, which had been constantly playing upon them, and where a large body of Mexicans had now rallied. Major Clark promptly placed his pieces in position, in the redoubt at the south-west corner of the bench, twelve hundred yards distant, and in a short time silenced the enemy's guns. Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonels Mitchell and Jackson, with the first battalion remounted, and Captain Weightman's howitzers, had bravely charged up the hill, followed by Major Gilpin with the second battalion on foot. Before they reached the battery the enemy had abandoned it, and their entire force was scattered in flight. The cavalry and the howitzers immediately pushed forward in hot pursuit. The road was strewed with the arms and accoutrements which the Mexican soldiers had thrown down as they hurried towards Chihuahua. Governor Trias was among the first to reach the city, and the seat of government was instantly ordered to be removed to Parral. Night put an end to the carnage. The enemy lost all their artillery, ten wagons, and large quantities of provisions; they had three hundred killed, about the same number wounded, and there were forty taken prisoners. Several national and regimental standards were also captured, and among the colors was the black flag exhibited at the Bracito. Colonel Doniphan had but one man killed, and eight wounded, some of them mortally?^[9]

The way was now opened to Chihuahua, and on the lst of March Colonel Doniphan took formal possession of it in the name of his government. This city was the residence of the Captains-general of the internal provinces, under the vice-regal government of Spain, and is pleasantly situated on a branch of the Rio Conjos, in the centre of the rich mining district in northern Mexico. It contains about thirty thousand inhabitants, and is surrounded by a fertile country, disfigured but slightly by occasional piles of scoriæ and basaltes. On entering the town the American soldiers took up their quarters in the Plaza de Toros, in front of which was the Alameda. Here, in the enjoyment of the luxuries and hospitalities which almost caused them to forget the hardships they had endured, they remained for several weeks, without the occurrence of any incident of extraordinary moment.

On the 5th of April the artillery, and one battalion of the 1st Missouri, were ordered to proceed to Parral, where Governor Trias had established his government; but, on the third day out, the detachment learned that his excellency had again fled in alarm, and they therefore returned to head-quarters. Colonel Doniphan was not desirous of remaining any longer as a wagon guard for the traders, and he saw that his men would eventually be ruined by improper indulgences if they remained at Chihuahua. Most of his officers preferred staying in that city; but he determined to send a party of twelve men to General Taylor for orders.^[10] They returned, on the 24th instant, with instructions to join the latter forthwith, by the way of Parras, Buena Vista, and Saltillo.

Preceded by Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell with his escort, the Americans left Chihuahua on the 25th of April, 1847, still accompanied by the traders. Again traversing the weary jornadas on their route, and passing through the dismal muskeet forests of Mapimi, they arrived at the rancho of El Paso, four hundred and nine miles from Chihuahua, and two hundred and seven miles from Monterey, on the 13th of May. Near this place a most gallant exploit was performed by Captain Reid, and a party of officers and men, about twenty-five in number, belonging to Colonel Doniphan's command. At the request of the owner of the rancho, who furnished the party with horses, they attacked a band of sixty Lipan warriors, a branch of the Camanches, who had been prowling for several days in the, vicinity, killed a number of the savages, rescued eighteen Mexican captives, and recaptured considerable plundered property. This act did not go unrewarded, — the proprietor of El Paso presented each one of the party with the horse which he had rode, and the prefect of the department of Parras gave Captain Reid an official acknowledgment of the gratitude and thanks of his fellow citizens.

In the tattered uniforms which they had worn from St. Louis and Fort Leavenworth, Colonel Doniphan and his men presented themselves before General Taylor, in his encampment at Walnut Springs; on the 26th of May. They were very desirous of seeing a little more service under his immediate command, but he was unable to gratify their wishes.^[11] Leaving the artillery which they had brought from Santa Fé, and taking with them the captured guns, they marched to the Brazos, where they embarked for New Orleans. At this city they were mustered out of service, and returned to their homes in Missouri; having travelled, during their absence, more than five thousand miles; nearly two thousand miles more than the famous march of Xenophon and the Greeks in their retreat from Asia, the record of which, written by the same skilful hand which pointed out the route, has survived the ravages of so many centuries.

 

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1. Colonel Doniphan's force numbered 856 effective men, all armed with rifles; but, at this time, he had no artillery. The twelve-pounder howitzers ordered from Santa Fe were constructed expressly for field prairie service.
2. "This dry stretch of road is called La Jordana del Muerto, or, The (days') Journey of Death. Although the word Jornada only means a days' journey, yet, from this day forward, our men called every long dry extent of road, a Jornada. In passing through the country, if you ask a peasant how far it is from one place to another, he will tell you so many jornadas (pronounced hornarthars), meaning, that to encamp at water each night, it will take so many days to travel it. But, as they always estimate road by the time it takes a pack-mule to go over it, you must allow accordingly. This long piece of road, La Jornada del Muerto, obtained its name from the circumstance of a Mexican having attempted to cross it in a day, and from his not being provided with water or food, having perished on the road." — Edwards' Campaign in New Mexico.
3. "Before we had fully formed, they sent a lieutenant near our lines with a black flag, with a demand that the commander of our forces should go to their lines and confer with their commander; declaring, at the same time, unless it was complied with, they would charge and take him, and neither ask nor give quarters. The reply was more abrupt than decorous — to charge and be d—d." — Official report of Colonel Doniphan, dated March 4th, 1847.
4. The force under Colonel Doniphan now consisted of 924 men.
5. General Cuilte was posted at San Rosalia, in December 1846, to intercept General Wool; but the post was abandoned when it was ascertained that he had taken another route.
6. According to General Heredia's official report. dated March 2nd, 1847, he had but 1,575 men, and ten pieces of artillery. In this estimate he could not have included all the militia and rancheros who were present at the battle, and the Americans certainly captured more than that number of guns, including the culverins. Colonel Doniphan. in his report, dated March 4th, says that "the force of the enemy was 1,200 cavalry from Durango and Chihuahua, with the Vera Cruz dragoons, 1,200 infantry from Chihuahua, 300 artillerists, and 1,420 rancheros, badly armed with lassoes, lances, and machetoes, or corn knives."
7. Another object of this arrangement was, to have the wagons serve as a breastwork to the troops in case of an attack.
8. A statement has been extensively circulated by the public press, to the effect that the American artillery at the battle of Sacramento was drawn by oxen. This is entirely erroneous. Four of the carriages were drawn by American horses, and the remaining carriages and caissons by mules obtained in the country. — Official report of Major Clark, March 2nd, 1817.
9. Major Owens accompanied Captain Reid in the charge, and was killed in storming the enemy's redoubts.
10. "While we were in the city, [Chihuahua] a council of war was called. We had expected to have here met and joined General Wool; however, We had done our work without him; but what course were we now to take? for there was danger at all points! A few of the officers proposed staying in Chihuahua, others were for trying to join General Taylor, and some suggested a retrograde march to Santa Fé; most, however, were in favor of pressing home by way of Monterey. No ultimate decision was at that time had; but a short time afterwards, another council was held, and, at this time, most of the officers were for remaining in quarters. Doniphan heard them for some time, but with impatience, and at last, bringing his heavy fist down on the table, he gave the board to understand that, they might possibly have found fair reasons for staying; 'But, gentlemen,' added the Colonel, I'm for going home to Sarah and the children!' The reader may be assured that we caught up these words, and often afterwards spoke of going home to Sarah and the children." — Edwards' Campaign in New Mexico.
11. The sobriquet of 'Rough and Ready' has long been familiarly given to General Taylor. Colonel Doniphan's men thought they could make the alliteration more complete,by applying it, with a trifling addition, to themselves; for they might justly be considered, Rough, Ready, and Ragged!