First Battle of Mora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of Mora |
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| Part of the Taos Revolt Mexican–American War |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Mexico |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Capt. Israel R. Hendley † |
unknown militia leaders |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 80 | 150–200 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1 killed, 3 wounded |
25 killed, unknown wounded, 15–17 captured |
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The First Battle of Mora was a small fight during the Taos Revolt. This revolt was part of the bigger Mexican–American War. The battle happened between soldiers from the United States Army and a local group of fighters (called a militia) from New Mexico. These local fighters were Hispano people and Puebloan allies. They were acting as Mexican citizens. The fight took place on January 24, 1847, near the village of Mora, in northern New Mexico. The US Army lost this battle, and their leader, Captain Israel R. Hendley, was killed.
What Led to the Battle
The Taos Revolt began on January 19, 1847, in a place called Don Fernando de Taos. The governor, Charles Bent, was killed there. A local sheriff, judge, and lawyer were also killed. The next day, more people died near Taos and in Mora. Seven or eight American traders traveling through Mora were also killed.
On January 20, US Army Captain Israel R. Hendley heard about the uprising. He was in charge of a group of soldiers near the Pecos River. He took control of Las Vegas with 250 men. This was where the rebels were starting to gather.
On January 22, Captain Hendley learned that about 150 to 200 rebels had gathered in Mora. He decided to march there with 80 of his soldiers. The rest of his men stayed behind in Las Vegas.
The Battle of Mora
On January 24, Captain Hendley and his men arrived in Mora. They found a group of Mexican fighters ready to defend their town. The Mexican fighters attacked Hendley's men. They shot from inside their houses and through small openings.
As the American soldiers chased the rebels into an old fort, Captain Hendley was killed. Without their leader and without any large cannons (artillery), the American soldiers had to retreat. They took 17 prisoners with them. These prisoners were to be tried for treason because eastern New Mexico was under US control at the time. Several American soldiers were wounded. Reports said about 25 of the opposing militia were killed, and many more were injured.
Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, another US Army officer, later wrote about the battle. He mentioned that eight Americans were killed in Mora. He also noted that Captain Hendley attacked the town and fought from house to house. Hendley was killed when he entered part of the rebels' fort. After Hendley's death, the American soldiers pulled back to Las Vegas.
After the Battle
It is not known why Captain Hendley decided to attack with fewer soldiers and no cannons. The Americans felt that Hendley's death was unfair and needed to be answered.
The American forces returned to Mora a week later. This time, they were led by Captain Jesse I. Morin and brought cannons. On February 1, they completely destroyed the town in what became known as the Second Battle of Mora.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Mora para niños
