BATTLE OF PALO ALTO - May 8, 1846


Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot after Carl Nebel.  Toned lithograph.  D. Appleton & Co., NY.   1851.

The American army, in the foreground, faces the Mexican army in the distance blocking the road from Point Isabel (behind the viewer) to Fort Texas opposite Matamoros.  In the foreground, two teams of oxen with ammunition caissons have unlimbered two 18-pounders seen firing in the center of the print.  In the right foreground, surrounded by staff, is an American officer, probably intended to be Gen. Taylor, riding a white horse, known as "Old Whitey".  Just beyond him is the 3rd Infantry and beyond them the 2nd Dragoons.  To the right the 5th Infantry is formed in a square to repel Mexican lancers seen attacking from the distance on the right.  Directly beyond the dragoons is Maj. Ringgold's battery of the Flying Artillery assisting the 5th Infantry.  To the left of the 18-pounders are several lines of American infantry, representing the 4th and 8th Infantry, and a battalion of artillery acting as infantry.  Beyond them, left, are another squadron of the 2nd Dragoons and Capt. Duncan's battery of light artillery.  Along the Mexican line in the distance, long lines of infantry alternate with batteries of artillery.