Though the Mexicans were finally driven out, they inflicted frightful loss on the Americans.
Nearly every man who was in the front column, where Carson was riding when his horse threw him, was killed by the deadly bullets of the enemy.
The Mexicans soon rallied and attacked the Americans with such fierceness that the advance guard was driven back and forced to act on the defensive.

No soldiers could have fought with greater gallantry than did the assailants.

Before the two mountain howitzers could be unlimbered, almost every man around them was shot down.

Then the Mexicans charged forward, lassoed the horses, captured one of the guns and turned it on the Americans.

From some cause or other it could not be discharged.