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HIS ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA
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TAYLOR, ZACHARY. Autograph Letter Signed, “Z. Taylor,” to General Edward
G.W. Butler, thanking him for his praise of the officers and soldiers who fought at the
Battle of Monterrey, dismissing the suggestion that General [William O.] Butler be made
candidate for president, remarking that he himself had been suggested for the same office
but without his knowledge, describing in some detail events leading up to and including
the Battle of Buena Vista, giving a summary of the Battle’s dead and wounded, anticipating
a march upon Mexico City, and expressing hope that recent events would bring peace. 8
pages, 4to, written on two folded sheets; few short closed tears at folds. With the original
envelope, addressed in his hand. (AKF)
“Head Qs Camp at Agua Nueva,” 4 March 1847
[10,000/15,000]
“
. . . I was aware of the report . . . that it was intended by certain individuals to bring General
Butler forward as the successor to Mr. Polk, which gave me no concern, . . . which I did not
credit, and which had been forgotten. . . .
“
. . . I have been also named as a candidate for that high office . . . which has been done without
my knowledge, wishes or consent. . . . I had no aspirations for that or any other civil office . . . .
“
. . . I determined at once to fall back . . . and occupy a strong position between two spurs of a
mountain with a narrow valley between them. . . . Said position had been closely examined by
the topographical engineers, under the eye of General Wool, before my arrival, who deemed it
admirably adapted to resist a large army with the small force which composed our strength.
“
The next day the enemy made his appearance . . . I received . . . a communication from
General Santa Anna, requiring me to surrender at discretion . . . . In reply, I stated I could not
comply . . . .
“
. . . [T]he conflict was much the severest I have ever witnessed, . . . when he (Santa Anna)
brought up his reserve, and in spite of every effort on our part, drove us by an immense superi-
ority of numbers for some distance. He had at least five to one at that point against us. . . .
“
For several hours the fate of the day was extremely doubtful; so much so that I was urged by
some of the most experienced officers to fall back and take a new position. This I knew it
would never do to attempt with volunteers, and at once declined it. . . .
“
We lay on our arms all night . . . without fires, there being no wood to be had, and the mer-
cury below the freezing point, ready and expecting to renew the contest the next morning; but
we found at daylight the enemy had retreated . . . .
“
The loss on both sides was very great . . . —-enough so on ours to cover the whole country
with mourning, for some of the noblest and purest of the land have fallen.
“
I hope the greater portion of the good people of the country will be satisfied with what we
have done on this occasion. I flatter myself that our compelling a Mexican army of more than
twenty thousand men, completely organized and led by their chief magistrate, to retreat, with
less than five hundred regulars and about four thousand volunteers, will meet with their
approval. . . .”
Published in the April 14, 1847 issue of the New Orleans
Picayune
and widely circulated.