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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
The action of the Two forces upon this occasion the regulars and Volunteers was marked with a generous emulation and perfect confidence in each other. Here we rested under cover receiving a brisk fire from the Castle but keeping the Enemy in check by our advance skirmishers, untill a Howitzer was brought up, the effective fire of which rendered the Castle so uncomfortable the Enemy attempted to regain the height by a prompt sortie and charge of Cavalry and In- fantry in which he was repulsed and so vigorously pursued by our men that he was unable to regain the Castle and continued this retreat to the Town leaving us in possession of the works with four pieces of Artillery and a large quantity of Ammunition. My loss upon this occasion was two killed and six wounded, that of the Enemy not known but very considerable. On this occasion while ascending the height Capt. R. A. Gillespie received a mortal wound. In the various conflicts which had taken place Capt. Gillespie had been ever conspicuous. He was the first man who mounted the summit in storming Independence Hill and among the first when he fell. In his death I have to deplore the loss of a long cherished friend and the Country that of a gallant Soldier for years identified with the defence of the Texan Frontier. · On the afternoon of the 23d when Genl Worth led his Divi- sion from the Bishops Palace into the City I proceeded under his orders with my entire command (save about Sixty men who were en- gaged in scouting and other special duties) consisting of about 400 men to the Church where he had established his Batteries and there divided my Command Lt Col Wa.lker, commanding the left wing, proceeded towards the Enemys Batteries by Iturbide Street making our way through walls and over House tops, the Enemy receding before us under a sharp fire from the Rifles of our men untill they reached their Barricades behind which was placed their Artillery.- Lieut. Col. Walker with his command displayed the utmost gal- lantry and energy efficiently aided untill dark by Capt Sanders with his pioneers in opening the walls and having gained an advantageous position in the immediate vicinity of the Enemys works maintained the same during the Night while my Division withdrawn by Genl Worth's Orders resumed its position on the morning of the 24th. when both were advancing when there was a cessation of hostilities In the various conflicts in which my Regiment has been en~aged the officers and men under my Command has been [sic] so gallant and so completely satisfactory to me, and I hope to the satisfaction of the Commanding General that to undertake to designate the conduct of individuals might 'have the appearance of calling the roll of my com- mand and pronouncing an eulogy upon each. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obt. Sevt. (Signed) John C. Hays Col Commanding 1st. Regt Texas Mounted Volunteers. N. B. The above is a correct copy of the report handed to Genl Worth [Endorsed] Col. Hays Report of the Bat]e of Monterey
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