(7d) 108 
neying; what we-did see, however, did not impress us favorably as 
to its fertility. . ; 
' Although this Was the rainy season, no flowing streams were 
crossed after leaving the San Isabel, and the ground was destitute 
of grass. Our camp was in a valley, overgrown with large oak 
trees and other shrubbery; but it was too dark to distinguish their 
character. 
A pert youndge Lieut. Pypmomagt* sent to reconnoitre the ene- 
my, Teported to be near at hand. By some accident the party was 
iscovered, and the enemy placed om the qui vive. We were now 
: the main road to San Diego, all the ‘by-ways” being in our 
rear, and it was therefore deemed necessary to attack the enemy, 
_ and force a passage. “About 2 o’clock, a. m., the call to horse was 
papomided. . i 
‘ December 6.—We marched nine miles before day-break over a 
-" hilly country, leaving our packs to come on if the rear. The ge- 
neral invited Mrs Warner and myself to ride with him, and takin 
four of my party, I left Messrs. Bestor and Stanly with the rest, 
ix in number, to take ere of the baggage, and look after the in- 
nents and notes. » 
en within a mile of the enemy, whose force was not known to 
i) 
‘vance, preceded only by the advanced guard of twelve men under 
: Captain Johnston. He ordered a trot, then a charge, and soon we 
ae 
ail 
wm 
+ 
5 
uperior force. .* 
«for an account of this engagement, reference may be-made to 
the official report of the general, which has been published. The 
_ subjoined topographical sketch will show the first and second posi- 
_ tion of the enemy, and his final rout. As day dawned, the smoke 
feared away, and we commenced collecting our dead and wounded. 
W of our officers and men were killed onthe field, and 
aires shone brightly. The general and his party were in ad-. 
) found ourselves engaged in a hand to hand conflict with a largely 
s s ; - : , : : 
d. 
__ Amongst the killed were Captains Moore and Johnston, and 
ant Hammond of the lst dragoons. — 
y my eireguions 
men took charge of the body and carriéd 
Johnston and one dragoon were the only 
