t 
-EL PASO DEL NORTE. 395 
and the Pacific coast, and were, I believe, the only ones 
on this portion of the frontier. 
On our return we madea noon halt on the banks 
of the river, near the spot where the gallant Doniphan 
won his first laurels, the battle-field of Bracito. Al- 
though this place is laid down on the maps, there is no- 
town nor even a single habitation to mark the spot. 
The battle was fought on an open plain, the very last 
place one would expect the Mexicans to choose for 
meeting an invading army, unless confident, as it ap- 
pears they were, of overwhelming them at once. Had 
the Mexicans taken a stand in the mountain pass, they 
might have given some trouble; but even then they 
could only have retarded a little the progress of the con- 
querors, * 
* I quote from Colonel Doniphan’s despatch a brief account of this - 
affair: On the 23d of March, we commenced our march from Dofia 
Ana; and on the 25th, our advance of 500 men had halted for the pur- 
pose of camping, about three o’clock. Our men were engaged in getting 
wood and water, when our advanced guard informed us the enemy was 
rapidly advancing at a short distance. The rear, under Colonel Jackson, 
Was several miles behind; the rally was immediately sounded, and our 
forces formed in open order on foot as skirmishers. The enemy halted 
at half a mile, and formed in line of battle. Before we had fully formed, 
they Sent a lieutenant near our lines with a black flag, with a demand 
that the commander of our forces should go to their lines and confer with 
their commander; declaring, at the same time, unless it was complied 
With, they would charge and take him, and neither ask nor give quarter. 
The reply was more abrupt than decorous— To charge, and be d—d.’ 
At the return of the black flag, the enemy commenced his charge, and 
pened a fire on us from right to left, at about 400 yards. Our forces 
Were ordered to receive their fire without returning it, until it could 
Prove effective. Three rounds were fired by the whole line, before they had 
advanced within rifle shot. Ithen ordered their fire to be returned. i 
