The Lancaster Gazette

An impromptu dinner was given to Capt. Bragg last week, by a few gentlemen at the Astor House. In reply to a complimentary toast, the gallant Captain thus alludes to the battle of Buena Vista, in which he bore so conspicuous a part:

The 22d February, with 4,500 men, mostly raw troops, opposed to 20,000 of the enemy, was certainly not a very encouraging day. We did not feed quite so well as over this bountiful table to night. We thought of home and of families and of friends, and our chance of death was much better, we thought, than of seeing them again For several days previous Gen. Taylor was constantly engaged in making his arrangements, and in writing home. It is said, also, that he made his will. "But he never shrank from his duty. "I may perish," was his thought, "but I will perish maintaining the honor of my country! I have to run a terrible responsibility of making this onward march, but it is the only course that will save my army. To stay in Monterey was to be sacrificed by the overwhelming force of the enemy. To save all, I must here risk all!"

The battle was fought, you know the result, but you can never know the influence that Gen Taylor had upon the army. He alone; so it seemed to me, could have inspired, by his presence, every soldier in the army, as the Volunteers were inspired. The confidence in him was complete He had never surrendered. He has never been whipped; and the idea got abroad that he never could be.

When maneuvering my pieces athwart the gullies, I cite this as an example of that confidence, I saw clouds of dust about two miles from me. I was painfully anxious. I thought that Gen. Minon had fallen upon our rear and attacked our depots, and to meet him was my first thought. A man came galloping up through the dust into sight, screaming. "Old Zack is coming"

Every soldier gave involuntarily utterance to his feelings. Old Zack came, and in fifteen minutes the tide of battle turned. Four thousand five hundred men repulsed twenty thousand and to the influence of that presence, under God. I think I am alive here to dine with you this day.

A Gentleman.-How often did you discharge your pieces that day?
Col. Bragg.-250 rounds to each gun.
Another Gentleman.-How near was the enemy to your pieces at any one time?
Col. Bragg.—Within fifty yards at one time, when we mowed them down.
Another.-Where was Gen. Taylor?
Col. Bragg Within forty yards.

Col. Bragg closed his remarks with saying:—“Understand me gentlemen, I am a soldier, and no politician. I know Gen. Taylor only as a soldier and a man. I speak of him only as the Commander in-Chief of our army in Mexico."