Battle of San Gabriel by Anonymous
The work recounts an expedition during a war in which a small, largely seafaring American force moves to subdue local resistance. A relatively thin contingent of roughly six hundred men, led by military commanders, departs San Diego on December 29th with orders to relieve the opposition in the region’s principal city. Approximately one hundred and ten miles into their mission, they confront an equal-sized force of mounted adversaries equipped with four artillery pieces, positioned to control passage at a key river. After careful planning, the American troops make a stealthy river crossing on January 8th. They reserve their fire until reaching the opposite bank, at which point they successfully repel an enemy charge and launch a counterattack marked by gallantry. The ensuing engagement lasts for about an hour and a half, during which the adversary suffers severe losses and is ultimately driven from the field. The victorious force then encamps on the battlefield, having secured a critical crossing. The narrative emphasizes the unconventional composition of the American force—primarily seamen and marines—and lauds their resourcefulness and bravery in overcoming overwhelming obstacles. It situates the battle within the broader scope of the conflict, characterized by numerous instances of romantic heroism and daring military feats, and portrays this particular engagement as a standout example of exceptional tactical execution.
By Anonymous · First published 1851 · Genre: Historical War, Military History, War Fiction · 247 words
First lines
General Kearney with his small, and almost worn-out force, reached San Diego just in time to join Commodore Stockton in carrying out a plan for reducing the Californians to submission. On the 29th of December, the little army, consisting of about six hundred men -- the greater part of them being seamen, started from San Diego, to march toward Puebla de los Angelos, the capital and chief city of California. They had proceeded about one hundred and ten miles toward the Rio San Gabriel, when they found about six hundred mounted men, with four pieces of artillery, drawn up to dispute the passage of the river. On the 8th of January, 1847, the necessary arrangements having been made, the Americans waded across the river, reserved their fire until they reached the opposite bank, repelled a charge of the enemy, and then charged them in gallant style. After an action of an hour and a half, the enemy were driven from the field, on which the conquerors encamped for the night. The loss of the Californians was severe.
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Battle of San Gabriel is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Anonymous, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Anonymous
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical War, Military History, War Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 247 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for Battle of San Gabriel by Anonymous
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Genres
- Historical War — The narrative details a significant military engagement in a historical context with authentic strategic accounts.
- Military History — The account emphasizes tactics, movements, and the operational aspects of battle, reflecting documented historical events.
- War Fiction — Heroic and dramatic descriptions intertwine with factual military operations, creating a blend of fact and narrative embellishment.
- Adventure — The portrayal of daring maneuvers and valor in the midst of conflict adds an element of adventure to the story.
Tags
war · military · battle · conflict · strategy · historical · combat · courage · heroism · valor · sacrifice · leadership