Army of their approach. I galloped down to Saltillo to inform Gen. Taylor of this. He mounted immediately and rode rapid for the Army, being followed in a short time by the 2nd Dragoon Braggs battery and the Mississippi Rifles. Little else was done by our company during the day, the 21st. When night came on those of us who were not out as pickets, slept upon our arms, about 8 next morning the long role was beat in both camps at the same time and we marshaled ourselves for the coming struggle.

I rode over the ground with Gen. Wood while he was passing our troops, "he was as calm as a man in chase". I rode with Capt. Stein of the 1st Dragoons towards the enemy's lines. It looked more like a great wounded serpent dragging its unwieldy length along than anything else I can liken it to. It was moving by its right flank up a ravine, so as to front the whole of the place we occupied. The sight was grand. I could see both armies at the same time. A few shots sent us back to report to Gen. Wood. I asked him what disposition he would make of our little squad, he replied those well mounted go with the Dragoons. Col. May not having arrived, we formed on a line with the other troops, and soon the Mexican host poured upon the plains. In a few moments the action was "hot and general". I was a good deal amused at one of our boys, a lad about 14 years old. He was struck by a ball on the hand, his horse wounded, a moment after a ball passed through his hat just grazing his head. "I observed" Japp they seem to be after you, and you too Cap., he answered as my horse bounced round with a ball in his breast.

About this time Col. May arrived and we joined him, taking post so as to protect our horses from the flying shots of the enemy, and threw our feeble weight into the scale when called or, opportunity offered, long ere that happened. Our left wing was broken and the enemy a mile in our rear, but here was a chance at last. Their