Battle of Buena Vista

The Battle of Buena Vista was a land battle of the Mexican-American War fought on 23 February 1847 in Buena Vista, Coahuila, seven miles (12 km) south of Saltillo, in northern Mexico. The numerically disadvantaged invading U.S. army, using heavy artillery, successfully repulsed the Mexican attack on their position.

The Battle

Taylor learned that Santa Anna was marching north and so he moved about seven miles (12 km) south of Saltillo to Agua Nueva. Taylor sent out Major Ben McCulloch, of the Texas Rangers, to scout out the Mexican Army. McCulloch found Santa Anna 60 miles to the south. Returning to Agua Nueva, McCulloch reported what he learned to Taylor on February 21. Taylor withdrew to a mountain pass at Buena Vista half way between Agua Nueva and Saltillo. General Wool was charged with laying out the defenses. Later that day Santa Anna arrived at Agua Nueva with 20,000 men, his force diminished due to desertion and exhaustion during the long trek from Mexico City. Santa Anna perceived the U.S. withdrawal to Buena Vista as a retreat and demanded a surrender. Taylor's aide, William Bliss eloquently replied that the U.S forces declined the surrender. Taylor, worried about the safety of his supplies, rode to Saltillo that night to ensure the protection of his rear.

Related Topics:
Agua Nueva - Ben McCulloch - Texas Rangers - February 21 - Buena Vista - Wool - William Bliss

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On the morning of February 23rd General Pedro de Ampudia attacked the U.S. left flank guarded by the 2nd Indiana from Joseph Lane's Indiana Brigade. The volunteers were supported by a battery of artillery but were steadily driven back along with a second line of Illinois volunteers. Wool sent a messenger to General Lane to hold the line at all costs. The Illini managed to conduct a fighting withdrawal under the pressure of the Mexican attack. At this crucial moment General Taylor returned to the field and made his presence known to his men; he was escorted by the Mississippi Rifles under Col. Jefferson Davis. The Mississippians hit the flank of Ampudia's attacking column and Davis was wounded in the foot. Meanwhile Wool rallied the broken regiments using the walls of the hacienda at Buena Vista as a defensive position supported by a battery under Thomas W. Sherman and two regiments of dragoons. The 3rd Indiana was brought to the support of Davis and the two regiments formed an inverted V. The Mexicans attacked this new line. The Hoosiers and Mississippians held their fire so long that the confused attackers paused briefly and were then hit by a wave of gunfire. About 2,000 Mexicans were now pinned down. A young Mexican lieutenant attempted to trick the U.S. into a cease fire by saying that Santa Anna wished to meet with the U.S. commander. Taylor and Wool saw through the ploy but it did buy the trapped Mexicans enough time to escape.

Related Topics:
February 23 - Pedro de Ampudia - Joseph Lane - Jefferson Davis - Buena Vista - Thomas W. Sherman - Dragoons

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Santa Anna renewed an attack on the main U.S. position led by General Francisco Pérez with artillery support. An artillery battery under Braxton Bragg unlimbered with orders to maintain his position at all costs. Taylor rode over to Captain Bragg and after a brief conversation in which Bragg replied he was using single shot, Taylor ordered "double-shot your guns and give them hell, Bragg". Later this order, although misquoted as "give them a little more grape Captain Bragg", would be used as a campaign slogan which carried Taylor into the White House. The Pérez's attack was repulsed as heavy rain fell over the field. During the night Santa Anna withdrew to Agua Nueva.

Related Topics:
Francisco Pérez - Braxton Bragg

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