Battle of Huamantla

The Battle of Huamantla was a U.S. victory in the late stages of the Mexican–American War, which forced the Mexican Army to lift the siege of Puebla.^[1]: 331

Battle of Huamantla
Part of the Mexican–American War
The death of Capt. Walker
Date October 9, 1847 Location Huamantla, Tlaxcala Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Joseph Lane	Antonio López de Santa Anna
Strength
2,700[1]: 330	2,000[1]: 331
Casualties and losses
13 killed 22 wounded[1]: 331  10 missing.	?

Background

Santa Anna left Puebla at the end of September to intercept Joseph Lane's relief column, planning an ambush at Paso del Pintal.^[1]: 331 Upon learning of Santa Anna's at Huamantla, Lane left his supply train under guard and marched toward that city, with Captain Samuel H. Walker's four cavalry companies leading the advance.^[1]: 331

Battle

Walker charged, upon seeing Santa Anna's lancers, driving the Mexicans from the town.^[1]: 331 Santa Anna led a counterattack, Walker was shot by a civilian in a nearby house, and his men retreated into a church.^[1]: 331 The Mexicans then retreated to Querétaro.^[1]: 331

Lane allowed his troops to engage in a drunken sack of the town.^[1]: 331 They reached Puebla on 12 October, lifting the siege.^[1]: 331

Order of battle

United States

Brigade	Regiments and Other
Lane's Brigade[2][3]    BG Joseph Lane	4th Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Colonel Willis A. Gorman 1st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry battalion: Colonel Francis Murray Wynkoop 9th U.S. Infantry, four companies: Major Folliot T. Lally 2nd U.S. Infantry, detachment of six companies: Captain Samuel P. Heintzelman Mounted detachment: Captain Samuel H. Walker Texas Mounted Infantry: Captain Samuel H. Walker Louisiana Cavalry: Captain Besacon Louisiana Cavalry: Captain Lewis Georgia Cavalry: Captain Loyal 3rd Artillery Battalion: Captain George Taylor Field’s Battery: Lt Field
Guarding Supply Train	4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Colonel Charles H. Brough 7th U.S. Infantry, detachment: Captain Simmons Pratt's Battery, 2nd U.S. Artillery: Lt Pratt

Mexico

Mexican Army: General Antonio López de Santa Anna

See also

• Battles of the Mexican–American War