Battle of the Sacramento River
Part of the Mexican–American War

Battle of the Sacramento, F. Bastin
DateFebruary 28, 1847
Location
Sacramento River, Chihuahua, Mexico
Result American victory
Belligerents
 United States  Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Doniphan
Samuel Owens
Richard H. Weightman		 Ángel Álvarez
José Heredia
Strength
1,300 2,000
Casualties and losses
N/D N/D
Disposition of forces along the Sacramento[1]

The Battle of the Sacramento River was a battle that took place on February 28, 1847, during the Mexican–American War. About fifteen miles (24 km) north of Chihuahua, Mexico, at the crossing of the Sacramento River, American forces numbering less than 1,000 defeated a superior Mexican army, which led to the occupation of Chihuahua.[2]: 153 

Background

On February 8, Colonel Alexander Doniphan's force of 924 soldiers and 300 civilians left El Paso del Norte for Chihuahua, despite learning that John E. Wool had abandoned his march there.[2]: 153  Major Samuel Owens had the civilians formed into a battalion along with the caravan of 312 wagons.[2]: 153  On 25 February, they reached the Laguna de Encenillas, where they learned of the Mexican defenses prepared for them.[2]: 153 

Governor Trias had built up a force under the command of General Jose A. Heredia, consisting of 1,200 cavalry (Gen. Garcia Conde: Vera Cruz Dragoons, Durango & Chihuahua Lancers), 1,500 infantry (Chihuahua Activos), 119 artillerymen (10 field guns & 6 culverins) and 1,000 rancheros.[2]: 154  They had constructed a redoubt near the Hacienda Sacramento where the El Paso road crosses the river, and at Hacienda el Torreon two miles (3.2 km) to the west.[2]: 154 

At sunrise on February 28, the Americans took up the line of march and formed the whole wagon train into four columns with the artillery and mounted men in the middle.[2]: 154  Three companies screened the front.[2]: 154  When the Americans arrived within sight of the Mexican defenses, Doniphan made a reconnaissance of the enemy positions.[2]: 154  Twenty-three separate works had been dug for twelve 4- to 9-pounders and nine lighter pieces.[2]: 154 

Battle

Doniphan used his cavalry to screen the movement of his force parallel to the Arroyo Seco and to the right and out of range of the Mexican artillery.[2]: 155  Doniphan formed the wagons into a fort after crossing the gully onto a plateau, and Major Meriwether Lewis Clark Sr.'s guns fired on General Garcia Conde's lancers, forcing them to flee.[2]: 155 

Doniphan's men approached the southernmost Mexican earthworks, held by Heredia's best troops.[2]: 155  Doniphan ordered Capt. Richard H. Weightman's twin howitzers to the front accompanied by Capt. Reid's force of mounted cavalry men.[2]: 156  Major Owens was killed in the charge, but Missourians took the fort.[2]: 155 

Trias attempted a counterattack but his lancers were halted by canister shot.[2]: 156  By 5 PM the fighting was over.[2]: 156 

Aftermath

Unable to defend Chihuahua, Trias fled to Parras.[2]: 156  Doniphan commented, "The fire of our battery was so effective as to completely silence theirs."[3] Doniphan's men marched into Chihuahua on March 2, and on April 23 he was ordered to bring his men to Saltillo, reaching Encantada on May 21.[2]: 157 

The Battle of the Sacramento River is mentioned in the 1985 Western novel Blood Meridian. While interned in a Chihuahua City prison, the main character of the book meets a veteran of the battle, who recounts its events.

See also

Sketch of the Battle of Sacramento Omnis Viae Private Collection

References

  1. ↑ Smith, J.H., 1919, The War with Mexico, New York:Macmillan
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Bauer, K.J., 1974, The Mexican War, 1846-1848, New York:Macmillan, ISBN 0803261071
  3. ↑ "Doniphan's report". Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2006.

Further reading

28°52′18″N 106°11′11″W / 28.87167°N 106.18639°W / 28.87167; -106.18639

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