Secondary Combats of the Mexican War [pp. 92-130]

1853.] Secondary Combats of the Mexzican War.
demonstration was made," but it was soon checked. On the
10th, there were only scattering shots, which continued until
the 12th, on the arrival of Gen. Lane's command, whose
progress will be traced hereafter, at which time* the enemy
retired from his positions. Herron's severe affair of that
day was-the last of the siege; but whatever Childs might
have suffered, the casualties of the Mexicans must have
been infinitely greater. Our loss was, 18 killed at San Jose,
33 wounded, 2 missing —total 53; at other points, 1 killed
and 18 wounded. That of the enemy is no where stated.
Comments are scarcely necessary upon the conduct of
Childs and his subordinates. His defence was unexception ably, and to the last degree, admirable. Every thing was
done that brave, intelligent and skilful leaders could possi bly accomplish For nearly a month, both captains and
privates were on the qui vive; every opportunity of ha rassing and destroying the enemy was improved; every at tack from the opposite side was promptly met and repulsed;
not a sentinel of Childs's was ever driven from his post;
enthusiasm pervaded the ranks of our little party, and no
murmuring of severe duty, or exposure, was ever heard;
no faltering, from beginning to end, was ever observed;
all were harmonious, brave, and gallantly emulous of distinction, against the foe; the "city of 80,000" people was
"taken by the collar," and held to their place; an additional force, of 8,000 military, was defied and beaten; the
great Mexican leader was again discomfited, by a handful of determined men; and the stars and stripes continued
to float upon the breeze, in proud supremacy! Childs and
his regulars were brevetted for their services; the volunteers were honoured at home, and their deeds are recorded
in the archives of the nation.
A good many volunteers, and other new troops, having arrived at Vera Cruz, by the 20th of September,t i847, Briga.
* Gen. Lane (vide his report; Doe. No. 1, p. 477,) arrived at Puebla about qo
o'clock of the 12th, and after the termination of Herron's affair. Somne of the
enemy were killed by his troops in the streets. His presence, in force, put an end
to the conflict, and order was restored in every quarter of the city.
t These facts are from Ripley. Lane does not say, in his report, at what time
he left Vera Cruz.
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