The battle of Resaca de la Palma

On May 9th, 1846, About 1,700 American forces under General Zachary Taylor engaged nearly 4,000
Mexican forces under General Mariano Arista near Resaca de la Palma, Texas (a few miles north of
Matamoras Mexico). Light companies of the First brigade and the Second artillery, under the command
of Captain George McCall of the Fourth US and Captain C. T. Smith of the Second artillery, were sent
forward to determine the enemy position. At about 4 p.m. Captain McCall reported heavy enemy forces
to his front, occupying a ravine intersecting the main road. Advance forces under Captain McCall were
sent forward on the road and into the chaparral on either side. A small party under Captain Buchanan
and Lieutenants Woods and Hays of the Fourth Infantry drove the enemy from a breastwork and captured
a piece of artillery. American Dragoons were able to flank the Mexican troops forcing them out of the dry
river bed.

After two counter attacks failed the Mexicans fled leaving behind over 400 muskets, 8 artillery pieces,
and the colors of the Tampico Battalion. The Fourth Infantry took possession of General Arista’s
headquarters capturing all of his official correspondence - and his silver set.