Shortly after the Mexican War, Battery I, 1st US Artillery is dismounted and ceases for a time to be “light artillery”. On the trip home, Yellow Fever takes its toll and the battery looses 10 men in transit. They stay on post in Mexico City following the armistice and in May of 1848 they embark for Vera Cruz and on their way to Governors Island, New York. He would later pick up the nickname “Stonewall” ….but that is another story.
Captain Magruder, afterwards a Confederate general, thus mentioned him in orders: “If devotion, industry, talent, and gallantry are the highest qualities of a soldier, then is he entitled to the distinction which their possession confers.” Jackson was one of the volunteers in the storming of Chapultepec, and for his daring there was brevetted major, which was his rank at the close of the Mexican war. Jackson was often commended for his soldierly conduct and soon received successive promotions for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco. Joining the 1st Artillery in Mexico at Vera Cruz, 2nd Lt. Worth for gallantly continuing the fight and holding his important position on the field while loosing almost all his horses and a good portion of his men (Chapultepec). by the name of Thomas Jackson commands one of its sections and receives praise from Gen. Under the command of Captain “Prince” John Magruder it distinguishes itself and leaves no doubt that it is one of the best light artillery batteries in the Old 1st Regiment. The battery plays a pivotal role and takes heavy casualties. (March 1847)īattery I, under the divisional command of General Pillow (Captain Magruder commanding the Battery) moves on the defenses of Mexico City and the city itself. In May of 1847, Battery I is tranformed into a “Light Battery” by the addition of 2 – 12 pounder guns and a Mountain Howitzer along with horses, harness and equipments and becomes the 2nd Light Battery in the Regiment by act of Congress. He is commended by Col. Harney following the battle. The battle of Cerro Gordo is marked by the conspicuous gallantry of Captain Magruder, who taking command of the artillery with Battery I, directs a devastating fire upon the defending forces and helps secure victory.
Battery I remains at this post until its surrender on March 27th, 1847, directing accurate and effective fire. Battery I is involved in skirmishing and then into Fort #4, where it mans 3- 24 pounder siege guns under the command of Capt. Here they make a beach landing with no opposition. From this location they travel to the Isle of Lobos and from there to the harbor of Sacrificios, just south of Vera Cruz.
The US Navy captures the port city of Tampico and upon that capture, Battery I and other forces under the command of Major Whiting, arrive at Tampico, Mexico in January 1847. Mexican War (Operations in Central Mexico)īattery I, is stationed in and around Tampa, Florida and remains there as the force under the command of General Scott starts to move into Texas in August of 1846. Florida was a severe test for the men as the conditions of service, heat, mosquitoes and disease took their toll. The Battery is eventually transferred back to Tampa, Florida where it stays for some time. Battery I looses a large number of its men to cholera that is picked up while on transport via ship. Abbreviated History from Seminole to Present Day:ĭuring the Seminole War and combat operations in Florida, Battery I spends most of its time in the Tampa area and is involved in only a limited way and mostly as infantry, detached from their guns.
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