Battle of San Pasqual

Eric Garcia

Professor Aguilar

History 141

11/10/12

San Pasqual Battlefield

On December 6, 1846 the Battle of San Pasqual took place between the United States and

the Californios. Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny led the United States and the Californios

were led by Major Andres Pico. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the U.S.-Mexican War

and ended in controversy.

In order to conquer California for the United States the Army of the West marched all the

way from Fort Leavenworth across the southern desert where they had to tackle such issues as

lack of water, lack of food, and poor conditions in June 1846.

That was around the time Brigadier General Kearny received word that California was

now in American hands and everything was secure over on the Pacific Coast. Due to this

misinformation, he sent two-thirds of his men back to Santa Fe and continued west with only

about 100 men. The eastward scout known as Kit Carson was put into service as a guide for the

army troops as they moved onward.

The journey across the desert took its toll on the men and their mounts. When they finally

camped at Santa Maria on December 5, 1846 they were extremely hungry and exhausted from

the down pour of the rain.

Nearby, the Californio force led by Major Andres Pico camped at the Native American

pueblo of San Pasqual. Hearing about the Californios presence in the area Brigadier General

Kearny sent a nighttime reconnaissance over to investigate the Californios camp. But, the plan

was foiled due to the amount of noises and the Californios prepared for battle.

At dawn on December 6th, the U.S. troops rode over the hills between Santa Maria and

San Pasqual to face the Californios in the valley below. The Californios lances proved to be an

advantage over the U.S. troops swords and rifles with wet gunpowder. Eighteen soldiers were

killed in battle, three died of wounds, and one went missing in action. Pico went on to report that

only...