We have already given a slight outline of the famous expedition of
Colonel Doniphan. We will now notice some of the exploits of his little
army.
The battle of Bracito was the first engagement fought by the mounted
troops, under the command of Colonel Doniphan. It occurred on Christmas
day, 1847. Colonel Doniphan’s men had marched to within a short
distance of the town of El Paso, and had encamped near a bend in the
Bracito river. The Mexicans, in great force, came upon them, while they
were in search of wood and water. A quick rally was made, and the
Americans drew up on foot to receive the charge of the enemy’s cavalry.
The Mexicans displayed a black flag, with skull and cross-bones worked
upon it, and said they would give no quarter nor ask it. A heavy shower
of balls from the rifles of the Americans caused the cavalry to wheel
and retreat in confusion. A small party of the Americans then rushed up
to the enemy’s line, and captured their cannon, dragging it into the
American line. This daring and desperate act completely astonished the
Mexicans, and they soon after made a hurried retreat, having lost about
two hundred men. Colonel Doniphan lost very few men.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO.]