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.Bauer, K.J., 1974, The Mexican War, 1846–1848, New York: Macmillan,
Background Santa Anna left Puebla at the end of September to intercept Joseph Lane's relief column, planning an ambush at Paso del Pintal. 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.
Battle Walker charged, upon seeing Santa Anna's lancers, driving the Mexicans from the town. Santa Anna led a counterattack, Walker was shot by a civilian in a nearby house, and his men retreated into a church. The Mexicans then retreated to Querétaro. Among those taken prisoner was Major Iturbide, son of the former Emperor of Mexico.History of the War Between the United States and Mexico: From the Commencement of Hostilities to the Ratification of the Treaty of Peace By John Stilwell Jenkins
Lane allowed his troops to engage in a drunken sack of the town. They reached Puebla on 12 October, lifting the siege.
Order of battle
United States Brigade Regiments and Other Lane's BrigadeHistory of the Mexican War by Cadmus Marcellus WilcoxHistory of the War Between the United States and Mexico by John Stilwell Jenkins
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
References
Further reading Nevin, David; editor, The Mexican War (1978)
External links From the Baltimore Republican and Argus A Continent Divided: The U.S. - Mexico War, Center for Greater Southwestern Studies, the University of Texas at Arlington