Battle of Sacramento by Anonymous
The section describes a military campaign in which a force of approximately one thousand men, strengthened by four artillery pieces, advances from El Paso toward Chihuahua. Upon reaching the valley by a river, the advancing troops discover that their enemy has established a strong, fortified position along the riverbank. Recognizing the tactical disadvantage of engaging the enemy on level ground, the commander orders a smaller detachment to capture a plateau between two rivers, thereby securing a superior high ground. This maneuver is successful, allowing the main body of his army to take up positions on the elevated terrain. Once positioned, the enemy launches a heavy artillery and musket fire, which is effectively countered by the timely use of the commander’s own artillery. With both sides engaged, the American forces then execute an infantry charge against the enemy fortifications. The intense three-hour engagement results in a decisive defeat for the enemy, who suffer heavy casualties estimated at around three hundred men, lose ten pieces of their artillery, and forfeit a significant amount of ammunition. The victory is portrayed as not only a tactical masterstroke, but also as a key moment that elevates the reputation of the commander and his soldiers, marking it as one of the campaign’s most brilliant battles.
By Anonymous · First published 1851 · Genre: Military History, Historical Non-fiction, War · 238 words
First lines
Colonel Doniphan's force was increased to a thousand men, with four pieces of artillery, soon after his arrival at El Paso. Continuing his march towards Chihuahua, he reached the valley of the Sacramento. The Mexicans had taken a strong position on the banks of the Sacramento, and it was well fortified. Colonel Doniphan saw that the only chance of fighting them at all upon even ground was to get possession of the high tableland between the Seco and Sacramento rivers. Accordingly a small force was directed to advance for that purpose. This gallant band stormed the intrenchments and gained the tableland, where the whole American army was drawn up for battle. The Mexicans opened a heavy fire, and it was returned with more effect by Captain Weightman's artillery. Then the troops were ordered to storm the works. A gallant charge was made, amid a tremendous fire, and, after a three hour's fight, the enemy were completely defeated. The Mexicans lost about three hundred men, ten pieces of artillery, and a large quantity of ammunition. This battle was justly considered one of the most brilliant that was fought during the war. It raised the fame of Colonel Doniphan and his brave band of warriors to a very high point in public esteem.
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Battle of Sacramento is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Anonymous, dated 1851 CE.
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- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Anonymous
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Military History, Historical Non-fiction, War, Adventure, Biography
- Length: 238 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Battle of Sacramento by Anonymous
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Military History — The narrative delivers a detailed recounting of battle strategies, troop maneuvers, and historical military engagements.
- Historical Non-fiction — The work presents events and figures with a factual tone reflecting actual historical conflicts.
- War — The plot centers on intense combat, tactical decisions, and valor during battle.
- Adventure — The depiction of a daring charge and heroic exploits adds an adventurous element to the narrative.
Tags
military · war · historical · strategy · conflict · political intrigue · action · suspense · adventure · heroism · courage · resistance