Zenas Matthews' 1846 U.S.-Mexico War Diary and Service Papers

An order was received by Maj Chevallie from Col Hays for the remainder of the Regt to join him with out delay. We left a few men to takecare of the camp and started for the Regt. We had to pass within range of two their Batteries for 1 mile. They firing upon us all the time but doing no damage their shot falling short or going over our heads.

Nothing could be done towards attacking the city without taking the two heights and the Bishops Palace. The first heights having two Batteries upon it. We moved back out of range of their shot. We halted and got something to eat Five Companies of our Regiment was dismounted with as many regulars and marched to bring on the attack which they done. The Mexicans advanced down the hill and commenced firing upon them at the distance of

six hundred yards. Our men advanced within rifle shot when the Mexicans gave way. The 2nd Battalion was then marched to reinforce with several compy's of Infantry. The Mexicans having abandoned the first battery and retreated to the 2nd and we joined the 1st Battalion and made a charge upon the 2nd Battery they pouring the grape and round shot at us without much damage to us. When we got near their breast works they retreated down the hill in confusion. We then gave them a parting salute by pouring it into their backs. As soon as the Mexicans had got into the valley they let loose their artillery from the Bishops palace on us. We returned their fire with their own guns and amunition having taken 3 fine pieces and plenty of amunation neither doing any damage. We returned to our horses and encamped at a ranch. We being very tired hungry and tired and wet from wading the river and ditches. We turn ed in with a good will. We cooked plenty of roasting ears of corn

and had a fine feast of them.

We had several killed and wounded today one capt of artillery was Killed with a 12 pound shot at the distance of a mile.

Tuesday Sept 22nd 1846

At 3 oclock this morning we went to marched for the 2nd height. The object of starting so early was to avoid the raking of the artillery from the Bishops Palace and the height. We arrived at the foot of the height just at day light when we commenced the ascent climbing up We got within about 50 Yds before the Mexicans opened their fire upon us. When we raised the Yell and made a charge They poured their fire into us for ten minutes when they gave way and retreated into the Bishops palace about 400 Yds down the hill. They then opened