"Hay's Regiment Mounted Texas Volunteers, Mexican War" Don Troiani #37

Description: Anticipating the outbreak of hostilities between Mexico and the United States, on 26 April 1846 Major General Zachary Taylor requisitioned the governor of the newly-admitted state of Texas (1845) to furnish volunteers for military service for a period of three months, subject to another three months' service if still needed. Four regiments were to be raised, two of mounted volunteers and two of riflemen or foot troops (only one of the latter was fully organized). Command of the 1st Regiment of Texas Mounted Volunteers was given to Colonel John "Jack" C. Hays, formerly a Texas Ranger captain who had made a name for himself fighting Indians and Mexicans during the Texas Republic period. Two companies were detached from the regiment's headquarters as soon as they were organized and deployed under Taylor's immediate orders as "spy companies" or scouts and soon rendered invaluable service in reconnaissance parties and actions in this opening campaign against the Mexican advanced forces. Many of the men that composed these two companies were ex-rangers and soon, Hay's entire regiment was being called "Texas rangers" by the other troops in Taylor's small army of regulars and volunteers. However, it was during the three days of fierce fighting at Monterey, Mexico during 21-23 September 1847 that the "rangers" proved their true worth. In both mounted forays against Mexican lancers and in dismounted assaults on the Mexican-held heights, the Texans were invaluable and brave as lions" according to one regular officer, who noted that during the capture of Bishop's Palace on the 21st, they pursued the Mexican infantry "so hotly that they entered pell-mell with the enemy into the palace before they could close their doors on the position for defense." In the vicious street fighting of the next two days, the "Texan riflemen" told well upon the enemy. Following the armistice and resulting American occupation of the city that followed, the Texas volunteers were discharged from Federal service (Hay's regiment included) with grudging accolades from many regular officers, who had previously viewed the Texans noted for their independence and seeming lack of discipline-with more than a little skepticism and contempt.

Price: 100 USD

Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

End Time: 2024-12-25T19:49:38.000Z

Shipping Cost: 18 USD