Buena Vista, the pinch point of La Angostura

[Mexican War]

February 23, 1847

 

The successful assault that opened the battle on the Mexican right was followed by an advance up the main road on the Mexican left.  A brigade commanded by General Anastasio Parrodi, was arranged in a stacked formation to approach the feature called, La Angostura (the narrows).  At this pinch point on the road to Saltillo, five 6-pounders directed by Major John Washington, 4th Artillery, were organized in a hub-to-hub formation. At nine o'clock, when the Mexican column closed the distance to a quarter of a mile, the artillery opened fire. 

 

"The situation on the highway, supporting the enemy's right flank smashed the column under my command, which was charging with muskets in hand."  General Santiago Blanco, Engineer Regiment

 

The Mexican organizations were; the Regiment of Engineers, the 12th Line Regiment, referred to as 'Fijo de Mexico', the Battalion de Puebla and the Guarda Costa de Tampico.  

 

 

Lieut. James H. Carleton, Battle of Buena Vista p 54     

Gen. Santiago Blanco's report, E. Castillo Negrete, Invasion de los norte-americanos  p 518

Maj. John Washington's report, 30th Congress, 1st Session Senate, Ex. Doc. No. 1 p 159

 

On Washington's left was the end of a steep ridge. To the right a feature known as Los Arroyos prevented maneuvers. This wild labyrinth, formed by erosion, is a curse on the landscape.  The railroad in the photo provided was constructed long after the battle.  Also attached are a portrait of John Washington and a 6-pounder at the Memorial Park of Wellsville, N.Y. 

[ScottG]

Very interesting info. Where is the gun in the photos located? Thanks for sharing.  Scott

[mikie]

I’m out of Likes so hope this will do… 👍. 
Please post more on this war if you care to. It’s not well documented here. 

mikie

[AxolotlHelmet]

Great post!

[Mexican War]

The 6-pound gun at Wellsville, N.Y. is protected from the elements by a roof.  Provided, via attachments, are close up photos of the trunnions. 

[ibrown1776]

I’m very happy to see someone so knowledgable in the Mexican War. I read K Jack Bauers book a couple years ago and it kicked off my interest in this conflict. If you recommend any other books on the general conflict, I would be interested! I believe in the prologue Bauer mentions a comprehensive history written in the 1920s that he himself recommends. I have a fairly distant relative who was in the 2nd Kentucky, Henry Clay Jrs regiment, and was wounded at Buena Vista. Wellsville, NY is also not far from my hometown, I had a teacher who was from there. When did you visit the battlefield? I hope to one day make a trip that follows Taylors campaign as well, or perhaps the army of the west, Doniphans campaign in Chihuahua or Kearnys march to California. My wifes 4x great grandfather was in the Mormon battalion.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

[Mexican War]

Dear fellow researcher, 

 

I recommend Chronicles of the Gringos, Smith, George Winston Un. New Mexico Press  - also -  Smith, Justin H. The War with Mexico, 2 volumes MacMillian Co.1919

 

The first title mentioned is largely a collection of scattered anecdotal material, worth reading.  The second title is a very intense study by an author who had reasonable access to primary Mexican Military archival holdings. 

 

For an up close view, from a regular army infantryman, try to get a hold of 'Adventures and Achievements of Americans; A Series of Narratives... Cincinnati, Henry Howe, 1860

Within you will find 'Five Years an American Soldier' by C.M. Reeves.  His enlisted name is Julius Reeves, 4th U.S. Infantry Co. B, a blacksmith by trade. Reeves has a good writing style and has a clear perception of events.  It may be necessary to pursue a request via your local library and connect through the Interlibrary Loan System. Ask at the desk! This might take some time to locate a copy. 

[Illinigander]

Thanks for that information.  Did you get the tube's gun number?

Illinigander

[Mexican War]

Illinigander,

 

When I return to Wellsville, N. Y. I will look for the number on the six pounder.  I should be in Wellsville sometime in April. 

[Illinigander]

Thank you.

Illinigander