In this last move there was a brisk fire upon our troops, and some execution was done.

One cannon-ball passed through our ranks, not far from me.

It took off the head of an enlisted man, and the under jaw of Captain Page of my regiment, while the splinters from the musket of the killed soldier, and his brains and bones, knocked down two or three others, including one officer, Lieutenant Wallen, -- hurting them more or less.

Our casualties for the day were nine killed and forty-seven wounded.
At the break of day on the 9th, the army under Taylor was ready to renew the battle; but an advance showed that the enemy had entirely left our front during the night.

The chaparral before us was impenetrable except where there were roads or trails, with occasionally clear or bare spots of small dimensions.