The Mexicans, though beaten so often, did not lose their spirits. Their
great general, Santa Anna, soon collected an army of more than twenty
thousand men, and advanced towards Monterey. Now General Taylor’s
army was much reduced in numbers, and the most of his troops were
volunteers, who had never been in battle. But he resolved to await the
attack of the great Mexican army at a place called Buena Vista. On
the 22d of February, Santa Anna appeared and attacked the Americans;
but was repulsed. The great battle was fought on the next day.
It commenced early in the morning, and continued until night put an
end to the work of death. The Mexicans almost overwhelmed the little
army under General Taylor; but each man fought like a hero, and every
attack of the enemy was repulsed. Captain Bragg gave them plenty of
grape-shot. Three times during the day, was the American army saved by
the skill and effect with which the artillery was managed. At length
night came, and the exhausted troops sank down on the field. The next
morning, the Mexican army had retreated and could not be found. General
Taylor had therefore gained a victory over an army more than four times
as large as his own.
[Illustration: BRAGG, ASKING SUCCOR.]
[Illustration: DONIPHAN CROSSING THE DESERT OF DEATH.]