Colonel Doniphan’s force was increased to a thousand men, with four
pieces of artillery, soon after his arrival at El Paso. Continuing his
march towards Chihuahua, he reached the valley of the Sacramento. The
Mexicans had taken a strong position on the banks of the Sacramento,
and it was well fortified. Colonel Doniphan saw that the only chance
of fighting them at all upon even ground was to get possession of the
high tableland between the Seco and Sacramento rivers. Accordingly a
small force was directed to advance for that purpose. This gallant
band stormed the intrenchments and gained the tableland, where the
whole American army was drawn up for battle. The Mexicans opened a
heavy fire, and it was returned with more effect by Captain Weightman’s
artillery. Then the troops were ordered to storm the works. A gallant
charge was made, amid a tremendous fire, and, after a three hour’s
fight, the enemy were completely defeated. The Mexicans lost about
three hundred men, ten pieces of artillery, and a large quantity of
ammunition. This battle was justly considered one of the most brilliant
that was fought during the war. It raised the fame of Colonel Doniphan
and his brave band of warriors to a very high point in public esteem.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF PASQUAL.]