Mexican-American War and the Media

Martinsburg Gazette
July-December 1846

January-June 1845	July-December 1845	January-June 1846	July-December 1846
January-June 1847	July-December 1847	January-June 1848	July-December 1848

Index

July 2, 1846, MGv47n18p3c2 Words: 637
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES FROM THE ARMY.
General Taylor captured a communiqué from General Arista which encouraged American soldiers to desert. Newspapers were allowed to print the letter to show the dishonorable nature of Mexico.

July 2, 1846, MGv47n18p3c3 Words: 1090
LATEST NEWS.
FROM MEXICO AND YUCATAN.
A series of articles from various papers describing the capture of Reynosa, and the desire of the Yucatan to leave Mexico.

July 2, 1846, MGv47n18p3c3 and 4 Words: 175
4 DAYS LATER FROM YUCATAN.
YUCATAN DECLARED INDEPENDENT.
A letter that describes the Yucatan’s secession and possible absorption by the United States.

July 2, 1846, MGv47n18p3c4 Words: 1002
LATER FROM MEXICO.
ARISTA RELIEVED FROM COMMAND—GEN. MEJIA APPOINTED TO SUCCEED HIM IN THE COMMAND OF THE ARMY OF THE NORTH.
A change in the Mexican government led to General Arista being replaced.

July 9, 1846, MGv47n19p1c6 Words: 674
FRIENDS OF GEN. SCOTT
An account of a political rally to support General Scott against unnamed political assailants that tried to defame General Scott’’s character.

July 9, 1846, MGv47n19p1c6 and 7 Words: 914
ARISTA AND TAYLOR.
An account attempting to compare and contrast the American and Mexican generals. Both officers are presented as great men, although Taylor is the better officer and gentleman.

July 9, 1846, MGv47n19p3c2 Words: 927
LATE FROM THE ARMY.
FROM TAMPICO.
A letter from a naval officer describing the destruction of a Mexican fort under construction on an unnamed river.

July 16, 1846, MGv47n20p2c3 Words: 83
MEXICAN NEWS.
Rumors concerning the position of the Mexican army at Monterrey.

July 23, 1846, MGv47n21p2c2 and 3 Words: 896
THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION.
This article recounts General Taylor’s many complaints about how the American government is prosecuting the war against Mexico.

July 30, 1846, MGv47n22p1c5 and 6. Words:1993
FROM THE RIO GRANDE.
A letter from a volunteer criticizing how the War Department wages the war against Mexico. According to the article, the War Department was not providing the army with the supplies needed to fight the war.

July 30, 1846, MGv47n22p2c6 Words: 1303
FROM MEXICO.
Rumors learned from various sources concerning the movements of volunteer reinforcements for General Taylor’s army in Northern Mexico.

July 30, 1846, MGv47n22p2c6 and 7 Words: 371
ONE DAY LATER FROM THE ARMY.
A steamship arrived with several wounded and sick officers.

July 30, 1846, MGv47n22p2c7 Words: 951
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE GENERAL COMMANDING THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A letter from General Taylor to the Mexican people encouraging Mexicans to rebel.

August 1846

August 6, 1846 MGv47i23p2c1 Two Days Later from Mexico
Information on events occurring on the front lines.

August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p1c4 Dentists
Information on medical attention to U.S. soldiers in Mexico

August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p1c7 Expenses of the Mexican War
Article pertaining to the costs incurred by the United States

August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p2c4 From Mexico
Latest news from Mexico

August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p2c6 Capt. Mays own description of his charge
Article paraphrasing Captain Mays and his charge of Mexican forces

August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p4c1 Latest News
Information on the current political conversations on Oregon

August 20, 1846 MGv47i25p2c3 From Mexico
Article pertaining to new events being reported from the Mexican front

August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p1c6 The Two Million Bill
Article explaining the cost of the Mexican war

August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c4 From Mexico
News of military and political developments in Mexico

August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c4 Important from Vera Cruz, via Havana
Latest news out of Vera Cruz and Taylor’s campaign

August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c5 Later Still
More information from Mexico

September 1846

MGv47i27p1c5 September 3 1846: Gen. Gaines
The president has approved the decision of the Court of Inquiry to look into Gen. Gaines conduct

MGv47i27p1c5, September 3, 1846: Gen. Gaines' Defence
Gen. Gaines' defence to the Military Court of Inquiry for his actions has been made known to the public; quote from his defence

MGv47i27p1c5, September 3, 1846: The California Soldiers
Soldiers have deserted after they have found out how things are going on Governor's Island; Isaac Primorse has been sentenced to be confined in irons; Moretons should also be confined to the irons

MGv47i27p1c7, September 3, 1846: The Wife of Paredes
Comments about the wife of Paredes, the Mexican president-she is good in danger, and is devoted to Paredes, she accompanies the army and dresses her husband's wounds.

MGv47i27p2c4, September 3, 1846: Mr. Haywoods Manifesto
Haywood cites the Mexican war as a reason for the tariff of 1846

MGv47i27p2c5, September 3, 1846: Peace
The peace society has addressed a circular to the president urging him to accept England's mediation in the conflict with Mexico.

MGv47i27p2c6, September 3, 1846: From Mexico
Arrival of the British man of war; overthrow and imprisonment of Paredes; the country in favor of Santa Anna; Santa Anna arrives at Vera Cruz; annexation of California to the US

MGv47i27p2c6, September 3, 1846: From the Army
Arrival of the McKim; capture of China by Capt. McCulloh; arrival of Gen. Taylor at Camargo; advance of Capt. Duncan

MGv47i28p2c6, September 10, 1846: Late from Mexico
Capt. Windle reports that Gen.Worth has left Camargo and headed to Monterey; Mexicans intend to make a bold stand at Monterey; Capt. Duncan returned from reconnaissance of the country on the other side of the San Juan; comments on the number of troops at Monterey

MGv47i28p2c6, September 10, 1846: Important if Authentic
Rumored of an advance of 15,000 Mexicans upon Gen. Taylor

MGv47i28p2c6, September 10, 1846: Highly Important from the Pacific
Com. Sloat taken possession of California; extension of the revenue law of the US over California

MGv47i28p2c7, September 10, 1846: Very Late from Santa Fe
Mr. N Coleburn left Santa Fe; soldiers waiting in Santa Fe to hear from Kearney; met up with Capt. Worcester, T. Caldwell and Chris Bent and sent by them to Kearney all the news he had; Indians in Santa Fe offering their services to Gen. Armijo if he allowed them to take spoils of war

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: "Old Rough & Ready"
Song lyrics about Taylor sung to the tune of Old Dan Tucker

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: The Army
Comments about how Taylor demanded that there be no liquor and all the shops and coffee houses complied; Co. Hay's Regiment is said to have marched into San Fernando to the tune of Yankee Doodle

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: Old Rough and Ready
Anecdote about Gen. Taylor's character; comments about how he did not allow the establishment of drinking and gambling in Camargo

MGv47i29p1c5, September 17, 1846: Letter from Gen. Taylor
Taylor thanking Geo. Folsom for a the passing of a resolution that add more men to the Army

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: From Mexico
Kearney left Fort Bent for Santa Fe on the 3^rd; comments about the condition of his men; the men were troubled by Indians on their march

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846; Movements of Gen. Taylor
Comments on what Taylor has sent to Monterey; troops advancing but have not met the enemy; main army is at Camargo; Taylor still at Camargo but suppose to be leaving in a few days; Gen. Worth continues his march to Monterey

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: Reported Capture of Monterey
Letter from Monterey asserts that a body of American who came down from New Mexico, combined with some forces from Texas, have entered Monterey without any opposition; Col. Harney at the head of the movement

MGv47i29p1c6, September 17, 1846: Riot among the Volunteers
Riot has occurred among the Georgia volunteers at Burita on the Rio Grande - a feud had existed between some of the companies that were there, which caused the riot

MGv47i29p1c7, September 17, 1846: From Vera Cruz and the Gulf Squadron
Loss of he US brig of war Truxton; Truxton crew taken prisoners; arrival of Santa Anna in Vera Cruz; possession of California by US navy

MGv47i30p1c5, September 24, 1846: Gen. Taylor in Europe
Letter about the reporting of Gen. Taylor in Europe; more popular there than at home

MGv47i30p2c2, September 24,1846
Washington Union stated that if an offer of peace has been made by the US to Mexico then Mexico has rejected it

MGv47i30p2c1, September 24, 1846: U. States and Mexico-Mediation of England
Comments about the war between Mexico and the US and prospects for peace; Great Britain has offered her mediation skills to the conflict

MGv47i30p2c4, September 24, 1846: From Mexico, proclamation of Santa Anna
Full speech made by Santa Anna about the war; internal Mexican politics; no compromise

MGv47i30p2c6, September 24, 1846: Later from the Army
Prospects of another battle, movement of the army towards Monterey; latest from the central division of the army; great Mexican victory; conduct of the Mexicans; Col. Harney's whereabouts

MGv47i30p2c7, September 24, 1846: Important from the Gulf Squadron
Arrival of the steamer Princeton; Mexico declined proposals for peace; important despatches to government; tidings from the crew of the Truxton

October

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p1 Matamoras, Fort Brown attack

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p2 The Two Million Bill, Baltimore American

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p2 Negotiations with Mexico

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p2 Latest Army news, Advance of General Taylor, etc.

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p3 Reported Capture of Santa Fe

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p3 First Battalion, Second Infantry, Riley, en route for Point Isabel

1 Oct 1846 MGv47n31p3 A heroic act in battle, Third Infantry

8 Oct 1846 MGv47n32p1 The burning of the Truxton

8 Oct 1846 MGv47n32p1 Battle anecdote, New Orleans Picayune

8 Oct 1846 MGv47n32p2 Commodore Sloat taking California, New Orleans Times

8 Oct 1846 MGv47n32p2 General Kearney takes Santa Fe, proclamation

15 Oct 1846 MGv47n33p1 Critical of the war, Richmond Compiler

15 Oct 1846 MGv47n33p2 Battle of Monterey Despatches of General Taylor

15 Oct 1846 MGv47n33p2 Monterey Terms of Capitulation

15 Oct 1846 MGv47n33p2 Bravery of General Worth, Baltimore Sun

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p1 Poetical, Love and war poem

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p2 Wilmot reelected to Congress

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p2 Battle of Monterey, National Intelligencer

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p2 Prosecution of the War, National Intellingencer

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p2 Prosecution of the War, Baltimore American

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p2 Colonel Watson’s Death, New Orleans Delta

22 Oct 1846 MGv47n34p3 Monterey and Santa Fe, Baltimore Sun

29 Oct 1846 MGv47n35p1 Military technology advances, New York Sun

29 Oct 1846 MGv47n35p2 Santa Anna leaves Mexico City for seat of war

November

MG46v47n36p1c3 Thursday, November 5, 1846, News, Politics, &c., from the Baltimore American, The Monterey Capitulation

MG46v47n36p1c3 November 5, 1846, The United States Loan – the Treasury Notes Made a Currency

MG46v47n36p2c1 November 5, 1846, The Last Words of Colonel Watson

MG46v47n36p3c4 November 5, 1846, The Mexican War – Santa Anna

MG46v47n36p4c4 November 5, 1846, From Mexico, Latest from the Rio Grande, Arrival of the Streamer Galveston

MG46v47n36p3c5 November 5, 1846, Accounts from the Army of General Butler

MG46v47n36p5c1 November 5, 1846, Santa Anna’s Passport – Alex. Gax.

MGi46v47n36p5c1 November 5, 1846, To the Editor

MG46v47n37p1 12 Nov 1846 A novel plan to take Vera Cruz castle, an airship

MG46v47n37p1 12 Nov 1846 California Blockade, New York Journal of Commerce

MG46v47n37p1 12 Nov 1846 Distance from Monterey to Mexico City

MG46v47n37p2c6 12 Nov 1846 From Mexico, 5 Days Later from Monterey, From the Baltimore Sun, Nov. 9

MGv47n37p2-3 12 Nov 1846 Monterey, General Ampudia, Santa Anna leaving Mexico City, Baltimore Sun

MG46v47n37p3c41212 Nov 1846 Nov 1846 Letter to the Editor

MG46v47n37p4c1, 12 November 1846, Letter to the Editor, Vera Cruz, October 1, 1846

MG46v47n37p4c2, 12 November 1846, Letter to the Editor, Washington, Nov. 4, 1846

MG46v47n38p1c2 , 19 November 1846, Description of Monterey, Correspondence of the Cincinnati Advertiser, Monterey, September 29, 1846.

MG46v47n38p1c3, 19 November 1846, Tennessee Volunteers – The Killed and Wounded

MG46v47n38p1c3, 19 November 1846, Santa Anna’s Leg

MG46v47n38p1c6, 19 November 1846, Jack Hays and His Men

MG46v47n38p1c7, 19 November 1846, Dress of Mexican Women

MG46v47n38p1c7, 19 November 1846, Mr. Polk’s Faux Pas

MG46v47n38p2c2, 19 November 1846, A Call for Troops

MG46v47n38p2c3, 19 November 1846, From Mexico, Very Late and Important from Mexico

MG46v47n38p2c6, 19 November 1846, From the Gulf Squadron, Second Abortive Attack on Alvarando---Vessels Grounded on the Bar—Expedition against Tobasco—Capture of Several Prizes

MG46v47n38p2c7, 19 November 1846, Further Particulars, Coolness of Con.-Conner- Effects of the Mississippi’s shells – Expedition against Tobasco

MG46v47n38p3c1, 19 November 1846, From the St. Louis Republican, Important and Very Late from Santa Fe

MG46v47n38p3c1, 19 November 1846, Pronunciation of Mexican Names

MG46v47n38p3c1, 19 November 1846, Report - Truxton crew to be exchanged

MG46v47n39p1c3, 26 November 1846, Letter to the Editor, Camp near Monterey

MG46v47n39p1c3, 26 November 1846, Sword for Gen. Taylor

MG46v47n39p1c6, 26 November 1846, From the Camp at Monterey

MG46v47n39p2c5, 26 November 1846, The Proclamation of the Governor

MGv47n39p2, 26 November 1846, Critical of Polk, Louisville Journal

MG46v47n39p3c2, 26 November 1846, Official Dispatches

MG46v47n39p3c3, 26 November 1846, The Surprise Administration

MG46v47n39p3c6, 26 November 1846, A Plum for the Official Organ

MG46v47n39p4c6, 26 November 1846, From Mexico, Latest from Monterey

MG46v47n39p4c7, 26 November 1846, Postscript! Latest from Mexico! Bombardment of Tobasco! Lieut. Morris Killed! Mexican Letters of Marque!

MG46v47n39p4c2, 26 November 1846, Army in the West

MG46v47n39p4c5, 26 November 1846,Volunteers for Mexico

December

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p1-2 Capture of Tobasco, battle reports

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 Correspondence between American and Mexican Governments, National Intelligencer

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 Trophies from Monterey

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 Editorial calling for support for the War

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 Call for volunteers, Virginia regiment, Berkley company

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 General Scott, appointment to Chief Command

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2 Praise for Commodore Perry, the Union

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p2-3 Capture of Tampico

3 Dec 1846 MGv47n40p3 Troop movements

10 Dec 1846 MGv47n41p1 Death of Captain Ridgley, New Orleans Bulletin, creation of a posthumous hero

10 Dec 1846 MGv47n41p1 Reception in Washington for Captain Walker, the Union

10 Dec 1846 MGv47n41p1 Death of Major Lear

10 Dec 1846 MGv47n41p2 The Virginia regiment, volunteers

10 Dec 1846 MGv47n41p2, Presidential message to Congress

17 Dec 1846 MGv47n42p2 Virginia Governor's Address

17 Dec 1846 MGv47n42p3 Army news update, not much new

17 Dec 1846 MGv47n42p3 Volunteers needed

24 Dec 1846 MGv47n43p1 Poetical: Address to the Volunteers of Virginia

24 Dec 1846 MGv47n43p2 Volunteers still needed

24 Dec 1846 MGv47n43p2 Mexican politics, Taylor's dispatches, New Orleans Picayune

24 Dec 1846 MGv47n43p2 News from the Gulf Squadron

24 Dec 1846 MGv47n43p3 Congress report, debate over War, Summers

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p1 Secretary of War report, New York Tribune

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p1 Secretary of Navy report, New York Tribune

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p1 Account of battle of Monterey, New Orleans Picayune

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p2 Departure of Berkley volunteers

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p2 Miscellaneous, Alexandria company, Richmond Republican

31 Dec 1846 MGv47n44p2 Rumored Mexican atrocities, correspondence of True Sun

Thursday, July 2, 1846, Volume 47, Number 18, Page 3, Column 2 Words: 637

From the Washington Union.

OFFICIAL DESPATCHES FROM THE ARMY.

We have been permitted to lay before our readers the following extracts from the last official despatches of General Taylor, which have been received at the War Department:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,

Matamoras, May 30, 1846.

[Extract.]

I enclose an original draught, found in Gen. Arista’s papers, of an invitation to our solders to desert. A similar call was previously made by Ampudia, and has already found its way into the public prints. The department may seem from these documents what arms were used against us.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Z. TAYLOR.
Lt. Brig’r. Gen’l. U. S. A., Com’g.

The ADJ’T. GEN’L. of the army,
Washington, D. C.

The following is the extraordinary and insidious address of General Arista, referred to in the preceding extract: [What irresistible inducements does he offer for desertion—to exchange the honorable and proud character of American citizens for the miserable and degraded lot of “peaceful Mexican citizens!.”]

General Arista’s advice to the soldiers of the United States army.

HEADQUARTERS AT MATAMORAS,

April 20, 1846.

Soldiers! You have enlisted in time of peace to serve in that army for a specific term; but your obligation never implied that you were bound to violate the laws of God, and the most sacred rights of friends! The United States government, contrary to the wishes of a majority of all honest and honorable Americans, has ordered you to take forcible possession of the territory of a friendly neighbor, who has never given her consent to such occupation. In other words, while the treaty of peace and commerce between Mexico and the United States is in full force, the United States, presuming on her strength and prosperity, and on our sopposed imbecility and cowardice, attempts to make you the blind instruments of her unholy and mad ambition, and forces you to appear as the hateful robbers of our dear homes, and the unprovoked violators of our dearest feelings as men and patriots. Such villainy and outrage, I know, is perfectly repugnant to the noble sentiments of any gentleman, and it is base and foul to rush you on to certain death, in order to aggrandize a few lawless individuals, in defiance of the laws of God and man! It is to no purpose if they tell you that the law for the annexation of Texas justifies your occupation of the Rio Bravo del Norte; for by this act they rob us of a great part of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Chihuahua, and New Mexico; and it is barbarous to send a handful of men on such an errand against a powerful and warlike nation. Besides, the most of you are Europeans, and we are the declared friends of a majority of the nations of Europe . The North Americans are ambitious, overbearing and insolent as a nation, and they will only make use of you as vile tools to carry out their abominable plans of pillage and rapine.

I warn you in the name of justice, honor, and your own interests and self-respect, to abandon their desperate and unholy cause, and become peaceful Mexican citizens. I guarantee you, in such case, a half section of land, or 320 acres, to settle upon, gratis. Be wise, then, and just, and honorable, and take no part in murdering us who have no unkind feelings for you. Lands shall be given to officers, sergeants, and corporals according to rank, privates receiving 320 acres, as stated.

If in time of action you wish to espouse our cause, throw away your arms and run to us, and we will embrace you as true friends and Christians. It is not decent nor prudent to say more. But should any of you render any important service to Mexico you shall be accordingly considered and preferred.

M. ARISTA,
Commander-in-chief of the Mexican army.

[HCH]

Thursday, July 2, 1846, Volume 47, Number 18, Page 3, Column 3 Words: 1090

LATEST NEWS.

FROM MEXICO AND YUCATAN.

For the following extracts of news, we are indebted to the Baltimore American of the 29^th ult.

The annexed articles from the N. Orleans Picayune reached us through the Charleston News of Thursday and the Washington Union of Saturday evening:

From the New Orleans Picayune, June 20.

REYNOSA TAKEN!—RETURN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATURE, &c. &c.

We had the pleasure of meeting one of the gentlemen forming the Committee of the Legislature who repaired to the Army of Occupation under instructions of the House of Representatives to convey to Gen. TAYLOR the resolutions passed by the Legislature expressive of the thanks of the people of Louisiana for the gallantry of himself, and the army under his command, in achieving the splendid victories of the 8^th and 9^th of May, and defending Fort Brown during a bombardment of a week’s duration.

The committee were received by the brave old soldier with every mark of courtesy and kindness, and the officers in hospitalities to a delegation of a Legislature which had met a crisis of peril with swift and efficient measures, and had borne prompt testimony to the chivalry that won two successive fields against great and alarming odds.

The army was in good spirits, and the committee heard nothing of the complaints of the officers which find their way to the press of the States. Gen. TAYLOR was encamped on the west side of the Rio Grande. The Washington Regiments and the Fifth Regulars, with others, occupied the American camp opposite Matamoras. The American flag was displayed in Fort Paredes, and the army appeared as well contented as could be expected, considering the pause of active hostilities.

Just before the committee left Matamoras, Major OGDEN arrived from above, with the information that the detachment of regulars and volunteers under Col. WILSON had taken the town of Reynosa without meeting any opposition. It was thought that the navigation of the Rio Grande was practicable to Camargo—if so, that town would be the next in the order of conquest. From this point, Camargo, preparations would be made for penetrating the interior.

Before the committee left the Rio Grande, intelligence of the death of Gen. TORREJON reached Matamoras. It is said he died of a fever. After the battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May, it was thought he was killed in one or the other of those actions. He was the commander of the Mexican division that captured Capt. THORNTON’s command.

There was no certain knowledge in the American camp as to the position of the Mexican army, but it was generally supposed to be at Monterey. It was also confidently asserted that Generals ARISTA and AMPUDIA had both left the army for the capital, the latter charging ARISTA with having betrayed the army, and ARISTA charging AMPUDIA with cowardice.

The U. S. sloop of war John Adams, brig Lawrence and cutter Woodbury were blockading the mouth of the Rio Grande.

FURTHER.—Since writing the above, the bark WILLIAM IVY, Capt. HOFFMAN, has arrived from Brazos Santiago, having sailed thence upon the 12^th inst.

Capt. KER, of the 5d Dragoons, and Lieut. SCOTT, of the 7^th Infantry, came passengers in the barque.

Capt. HOFFMAN reports that the brig Archelaus arrived at Brazos Santiago on the 12^th inst., from Tampico, with Mr. SCHATZELL, the former American Consul at Matamoras, and several other Americans on board. They had previously been ordered from Matamoras by Gen. AMPUDIA.

A passenger reports that an express arrived at Matamoras on the 6^th instant, with intelligence that a re-inforcement of 5000 Mexicans had arrived at Monterey, as he says, under ARISTA. We give the rumor as we hear it.

Correspondence of the Picayune.

FORT POLK, POINT ISABEL,

2 o’clock, p. m., June 18, 1846.

EDITORS OF THE PICAYUNE: GENTELMEN: News reached here a few moments since, or rather I should say a rumor, though it came through a channel that is deserving of confidence—viz: Matamoras, that ALVAREZ had declared in favor of HERRERA; that Gen. GARCIA died a short time since of wounds, received I know not when, and that Gen. TORREJON (who commanded the two thousand crack troops, who took Capts. THORNTON and HARDY, with sixty-three men) is in a condition which allows no hope of his recovery. He was wounded in some of the engagements with our troops in this vicinity.

ARISTA’s army is in a sad condition, a severe fever prevailing among his men, which is rapidly reducing their numbers. Gov. HENDERSON, commander of the Texan volunteers, has this moment arrived at this post, and is now receiving a salute of cannon. The Governor, a tall, soldier-like gentleman, of middle age, appears to be in fine spirits. He is accompanied by a small body of fine-looking Texan rangers. A detachment of his troops are now encamped about six miles from this post, on the road to Matamoras. It is understood that they will immediately march some distance on the road to Monterey, and Mr. KENDALL, of your “family,” will accompany them. I go to Matamoras to night, from which place I shall be able to tell you more about the movements of the light corps of the army.

In hast,

We learn that Gen. FEATHERSTON’s regiment arrived at Brazos Santiago in good season. There are seventy men out of the regiment sick, although not dangerously. Col. BAILIE PEYTON, we regret to learn, is sick at Barita, but not seriously.

FROM YUCATAN.

The Prus. Brig Delfido arrived at New Orleans on the 19^th inst. from Campeachy, whence she sailed on the 6^th inst. A letter written at the latter place to a commercial house in New Orleans, dated on the day of the Delfino’s sailing, states that the Yucatan Congress was still in session, but expected to adjourn on the 20^th inst.

They were discussing the propriety of a separation from Mexico with the greatest earnestness, and the general impression was that before they adjourned, Yucatan would be declared independent.

The Delfino reported that the U. S. brig Somers arrived on the 4^th inst. All well on board.

The Picayune remarks:--

The object of the visit of the Somers to that coast, it will be recollected, was to ascertain the feeling of Yucatan with reference to the war; and there can be no doubt that, if the Congress before hesitated about accepting the terms of Mexico, the knowledge that they may receive assistance will at once determine them to throw off the yoke, and seek the friendship of the United States.

[HCH]

Thursday, July 2, 1846, Volume 47, Number 18, Page 3, Columns 3 and 4 Words: 175

4 DAYS LATER FROM YUCATAN.

YUCATAN DECLARED INDEPENDENT.

The Yucatan schr. Jonquina, Capt. MARTINEZ, arrived at New Orleans on the 20^th inst. The Delta of the 21^st says—

We learn through letter received b y a commercial house in this city, that the legislature at Merida had declared the independence of Yucatan and its disseverance from the Mexican Republic. It is intended now to appoint SENOR BARBACHANO, the acting governor of Yucatan, President of the “three stars.”—Some of the most influential citizens of Yucatan have not hesited to express the hope that in two or three years from the present time, if not before, they would see those three stars added to the fast increasing number that are now crowding the banner of the stars and striped.

The Jonquina left Campeachy on the 12^th inst. The U. S. brig Somers was the only vessel of war off the port. Every thing was quiet. There are several Yucatan vessels at Campeachy up for this port, and some two or three on their way hither. The Jonquina came into port under the Yucatan flag.
[HCH]

Thursday, July 2, 1846, Volume 47, Number 18, Page 3, Column 4 Words: 1002

LATER FROM MEXICO.

ARISTA RELIEVED FROM COMMAND—GEN. MEJIA APPOINTED TO SUCCEED HIM IN THE COMMAND OF THE ARMY OF THE NORTH.

The French brig Princess Maria arrived at New Orleans on the 21^st inst. from Tampico, bringing dates from that place to the 6^th inst. From the New Orleans correspondent of the Charleston Evening News we take the following items:

We learn from one of the passengers, that the authorities at Tampico were divided into two parties. One of the parties with the military , has Gen. ANASTISIO at its head, was in the favor of Federation and SANTA ANNA. The other party was for arming the people in favor of Federation without SANTA ANNA. A third party was about rising up, when our informant left; but none of the parties had come to an understanding yet. There were at Tampico 11 vessels of different nations at the time of the blockade, three British, three French, two Spanish, two American, and one Bremen.

The authorities were about prohibiting the American vessels from taking in their cargoes; but at last Capt. SAUNDERS, of the sloop of war St. Mary, hearing of this, sent a dispatch to the authorities, that if there were any detention of American property no property at all should leave the place. This caused the withdrawal of the order.

The fort at Tampico (a mud affair) had been washed away by a freshet a few days previous to the 6^th.

The three gun boats lately built at New York for the Mexican service were lying in the river above Tampico.

Official despatches had arrived at Tampico that Gen. ARISTA had been removed from the command of the Northern Division of the Army and Gen. MEJIA had superceded him.

There were 300 troops only at Tampico on the 6^th. Seventy nine of these were runaway Negroes and mulattoes from New Orleans and Havana. These constitute the whole amount of the Mexican force from Tampico to the Rio Grande.

STILL LATER FROM MEXICO.

ARRIVAL AT HAVANA OF THE BRITISH MAIL STEAMER FROM VERA CRUZ.

We make up the annexed summary of Mexican news from the Picayune of the 21^st inst.

The correspondence of Diaro de la Marina, of Havana writes from the city of Mexico on the 29^th that not a sufficient number of members of Congress assembled to form a quorum; nevertheless a preparatory session was held, and the writer adds that Sr. BESTAMENTE, the ex-President, may be considered as the President of Congress and that there is every probability that Sr. PAREDES will be elected President of the Republic, the Congress, appearing to be devoted to him. It is added that should PAREDES take the field in the present campaign, Gen. BRAVO, now in command of the troops at Vera Cruz, will be elected Vice President.

It is believed very generally that Congress, such as it is, will at once invest PAREDES with dictatorial powers for a limited period, and then suspend its sessions. Many deputies had openly declared in favor of this course, and the country appeared to have reached such a crisis, that the concentration of all power in a single hand appeared to be called for.

There had been another dissolution of the Ministry. The Secretaries of War and the Treasury—TORNEL and ITURBE—are known to have resigned. The former, it was though, would be succeeded by Gen. D. IGNACTO DE MORA Y VALLAMIL, and the latter by D. ANTONIA, GARAY, a merchant.

The great topic of conversation at the capital was the proposed departure of PAREDES to take command of the Army of the North. He himself was bent upon doing so, although dissuaded by many considerations of policy and by the advice of his friends. Should he take the field, it is said he would have under his command an army of sixteen thousand men, including in these the army of reserve and the troops of ARISTA.

Reports were in circulation in the city that Gen. ARISTA was to be called to the capital to answer charges preferred against him, but the correspondent of the Diario thinks this not at all probable.

The writer whose views we have been giving thinks, as do the Mexican papers we find quoted, that the danger to the country is not from a foreign foe, but their internal divisions. They indulge the hope, however, that the fact that their country has been invaded by the enemy, citizens will forget their dissentions, and thus the Government actually derive strength from the magnitude of the danger which threatens from abroad.

The Monitor Repblicano of the 21^st ult., announces that 46 of the 100 Deputies to the Congress had then reached the capital, and that the Government was urging the attendance of others in order to form a quorum.

P. S.—Since the above was written; the brig Empressario, Capt. COLLINS, has arrived from Havana, bringing us dates one day later. We see little to add to what we have given above in regard to Mexican news. The Mexicans set down their loss in the two battles at 262 killed, 355 wounded and 135 prisoners.

The Spanish frigate Cristina arrived at Vera Cruz on the 22d ult. and supplied the Spanish vessel-of-war lying at Sacrificios with three months’ provisions, and left orders that she should remain there.

ARISTA assigns as h is reason for withdrawing from Matamoras its destitution of provisions, and the want of means to defend it if vigorously attacked.

El Indicador of Vera Cruz of the 30^th ult. Says positively, that PAREDES will march to the frontier with the army of Reserve, so that there are laurels ye to be won by our army and the brave volunteers.

Two Mexican Generals, names not given are reported to have died of the wounds received in the actions of the 8^th and 9^th.

The port of Acapulco had been declared closed to foreign commerce while it remains in possession of Gen. ALVAREZ.

The blockade of Tampico was commenced by the sloop-of-war St. Mary’s on the 20^th ult., with the same notice to foreign Consuls, &c., as were given at Vera Cruz.
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Thursday, July 9, 1846, Volume 47, Number 19, Page 1, Column 6 Words: 674

FRIENDS OF GEN. SCOTT.—A large and respectable meeting of citizens of Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) and vicinity, convened in the court house, on Thursday evening, the 18^th instant, for the purpose of expressing their views upon the unworthy efforts now being made by unscrupulous partisans to tarnish the fair fame of one of America’s best and ablest soldier, Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT. The meeting was organized by appointing Major Gen. DAVID MIDDLECOFF, President.

The object had, in view by the call for the meeting was feelingly and eloquently stated by D. M. SMYSER, Esq., who moved the appointment of a committee of THIRTY-ONE to draught and report resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The resolutions were very spirited. Among them were the following:

Resolved, That we recognise in this conspiracy to destroy Gen. SCOTT in the estimation of the people, the working on the same spirit which poured out calumnies upon HENRY CLAY, and propagated charges of imbecility and cowardice against the lamented HARRISON.

Resolved, That it is not at all surprising that the vile pandors to party should have as little relish for Gen. SCOTT’s “soup” as the British had for Gen. JACKSON’s hot “coffee.”

Resolved, That, instead of cowering before the false and anti-American charges which a base jealously of his glory has prompted, it is the duty of the friends of Gen. SCOTT to guard his fame as that of their country, to rally around him, and to vindicate his claims to the highest meed of his country’s favor.

GEN. TAYLOR.—The question as to which County in Virginia has the honor of giving birth to Gen. TAYLOR, is settled in favor of Orange. He was born on the red lands, so fruitful in Presidents. His father was an officer in the Continental Army, removed at an early day to Kentucky, and died about 10 years ago. He was elector in that district for JEFFERSON, MADISON, MONROE, and CLAY, the first time he was a candidate. The General has a daughter now in Washington, the wife of Mr. DAVIS, member of Congress, from Mississippi. He has a brother, attached to the army in a civil capacity, now on his way to Matamoras. Gen. TAYLOR is in easy circumstances, and has a noble farm nearly opposite Cincinnati. He has been in the field, almost constantly for the last seven years. He will be 62 on the 24^th of November next.

A letter from a Naval officer in the Gulf Squadron to a member of Congress thus describes “Old Rough and Ready:”

“Gen. TAYLOR is an extraordinary man, and has less of the military in his appearance than any man I have ever seen who wore a sword. He came into our camp on the 11^th dressed and looking like a very plain good-natured, honest, well-to-do-in-the-world farmer, in search of a market for his crop, with not so much as a single uniform button to be seen about him. We received him with three hearty cheers. But our sailors, who like such fun, would not stop until they had given him nine. Notwithstanding his farmer like appearance, the field of battle is said to be his very element. There he is cool and perfectly self possessed; his only fault as a general is, that he is too apt to be found in that part of the field where the balls fly thickest.”

A similar description of the Hero of the Rio Grande is given by a N. Orleans correspondent of a Philadelphia paper, who adds: “The South and West are on fire for TAYLOR as a candidate for the Presidency, though those who know him doubt whether he would accept it. The 50,000 volunteers, on their return from Mexico, will spread their own enthusiasm throughout the whole land. The Kentucky troops, (a splendid set of men, by the way,) have already raised the cry, and are singing Taylor Songs. ” We fear the Locos will be disgusted with the music. The have a great abhorrence of political song-books, particularly if they have “yaler kivers.”
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Thursday, July 9, 1846, Volume 47, Number 19, Page 1, Columns 6 and 7 Words: 914

ARISTA AND TAYLOR.

One of the editors of New Orleans Tropic, who has just returned from a visit to the Rio Grande, presents the following graphic pictures of the Mexican and American Commanding Generals as they were successively seen in camp at Matamoras. The sketches are true to the life, and the contrast which they present both is strong and striking:

The contrast of the two commanding Generals, TAYLOR and ARISTA, in the pomp and circumstances of war was characteristic of the different institution under which they lived. There was a semi-barbaric splendor associated with ARISTA’s according with the despotism of the Mexican government. A simplicity about that of TAYLOR’s equally significant of pure Republican institutions.

The marquee of the commanding General of the Mexican forces was bell-shaped, and of no great size. The material of which it was composed, was ornamented by parti colored stripes giving it a holyday appearance.—Around it were stationed gaily dressed officers who glistened in the sun, and were ready to pay the most abject respect to their chief. Led horses richly caparisoned slowly paced in sight. Protecting its rear, like continued labyrinthian walls, were arranged the equipage of the camp. Pack saddles for five hundred mules were tastefully placed for display, and their loads hear by, heaped up on prodigal confusion. To the poor Mexican soldier bivouacked in the open air, this wealth seemed a vision of a fairy land, and its conventional possessor, rich beyond their imagination, and powerful beyond comparison.

Bands of rude music almost constantly rent the air with their noisy labor. The furniture of the marquee was rich; the costly figured chests of the camp were the ornamental furniture; upon their tops reposed in ostentation, the heavy silver service of the table, or the elegantly finished “maps of the campaign.” In this array sat the commanding General, surrounded by his numerous staff—his clothes of gray colors and laced to vulgar profusion.—Visits of ceremony or business were conducted with pomp and needless delays; long times officials stared and leered, and were impudent or cringing, as suited their purposes best. Music rolled, sabres and muskets rattled, and the buzz of inflated greatness and hollow pretence, was triumphant.

About a mile above the city of Matamoras, a little distance from the banks of the Rio Grande, is to be seen (June 1^st.) some stunted and ill-shaped trees, which bend their gnarled and almost leafless limbs over a group of three or four small tents, only different from those of the common soldier in the rear, in this, that they are heterogenously disposed of for shade, instead of being in a line, regardless of all else than military precision . The plain about is dotted over with thousand of tents, before many of which were artillery, and groups of men and soldiers; and over some waved in triumphant folds our national flag, giving promise of more importance and pomp, than the little knot to which we have particularly attended.—We wended our way on towards the dwarfish trees that were distinguished, from being a few feet higher than the surrounding brush, and for the little group of tents that rested beneath them, for they were pointed out as making the head-quarters, of the commanding General of a triumphant American army.

Not the slightest token was visible, to mark one tent in the group from another; there were no sentinels or any military parade present; a chubby sunburnt child, “belonging to the camp,” was playing near by in the grass, temporarily arrested in its wandering by some insect of unusual size that was delving in the dust.

We presented ourself at the opening of one the tents, before which was standing a dragoon’s horse, much used by hard service. Upon a camp stool at our left, sat General -----, in busy conversation with a hearty looking old gentleman, sitting on a box, cushioned with an Arkansas blanket, dressed in Attakapas pantaloons and a linen roundabout, remarkable for a bright flashing eye, a high forehead, a farmer look, and “rough and ready” appearance. It is hardly necessary for us to say that this personage was Gen. TAYLOR, the commanding hero of two of the most remarkable battle on record, and the man who, by his firmness and decision of character, has shed lustre upon the American arms.

There was no pomp about his tent; a couple of rough blue chests served for his table, on which were strown in masterly confusion a variety of official-looking documents; a quiet-looking citizen-dressed personage made his appearance upon hearing the significant call of “Ben,” bearing on a tin salver, a couple of black bottles and shining tumblers, arranged around an earthern pitcher of Rio Grande water. These refreshments were deposited upon a stool, and “we helped ourselves,” by invitation. We bore to the General a complimentary gift from some of his fellow-citizens of New Orleans, which he declined receiving for the present, giving at the same time a short but “hard sense” lecture on the impropriety of naming children and places after men before they were dead, or of his receiving a present for his services “before the campaign, so far as he was concerned, was finished.”

With the highest possible admiration of the republican simplicity of the manners and character of Gen. TAYLOR, we bade him good day with a high appreciation of our native land, for possessing such a man as a citizen, and of its institutions for moulding such a character.
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Thursday, July 9, 1846, Volume 47, Number 19, Page 3, Column 2 Words: 927

LATE FROM THE ARMY.

FROM TAMPICO.

The following letter from the Norfolk Herald of Thursday, was received by a gentleman in that city via New Orleans, we presume, as a letter bag from St. Mary’s was received there on the 23d ult:

U. S. SHIP ST. MARY’S, }

OFF TAMPICO, June 13, 1846.

The war grows apace. On the 8^th inst., we discovered the enemy erecting another fort on the North side of the entrance to the river, and at one o’clock, P. M., we got the ship under weigh under topsails, stood in, and when within a mile of the forts and gunboats, the latter, three in number, and tonning about one hundred, opened a fire upon us. Being on a lee shore and in shoal water, we were not able to fire more than eight shots, before it became necessary to claw off, which we did; but at three o’clock returned and continued the firing until we had fired 70 shells, and 29 round solid shot. In the last recontre, the enemy returned our fire, with about ten shots from 18 pound guns, four of which passed near us, two fell directly under our “fore foot,” one passed between the fore and main-top-mast, and one over the foot; the others fell at a distance.

The first shell which burst over the fort ejected every soldier from the neighbourhood, the whole of them taking immediately to the woods. One of our shells passed between one of the schooner’s masts, and exploded beyond her, a fragment having struck the bowsbrit and bulwarks, tearing both considerably, as we have learned since the fight. One corner of the custom house was knocked down. A house on the north side of the river was fired by the explosion of a shell; and a soldier at the Fort on guard, by the bursting of another shell, exchanged his musket for vacancy , it having been shattered, without, I believe, injuring his valuable person. Having driven the party, from the embryo fort, we returned to our anchorage at half past three.

We were not satisfied, however, with this engagement, for yesterday we projected a plan for cutting out the gunboats, and accordingly at dusk hoisted out all boats, arrived there, the launch bearing a nine pounder in the bows, and at 10 o’clock P. M. got underweigh and brought the ship nearer the shore, about one and a half miles off—It takes a longer time to describe the minutia of this affair than I can devote to it now. We had desired to make the attack before the moon rose, but could not. At 11 o’clock she was lifting her head above the horizon when our five boats left the ship, every thing having been previously arranged by our gallant Captain. Mind you, we not only had the difficulty of capturing three heavy gunboats with 30 or more men in each, and to quell a Fort, of which we had to pass within fifty yards, but there was a bar to be crossed, but first to be found.

We pulled into the shore with muffled oars, actually feeling our way, for at one time we would be quite in the breakers, and then too far seaward, with a strong tide beneath and a bright moon above us, every thing seeming to conspire against our daring expedition. In seeking our way to the mouth of the river we were obliged to pass near the shore for a distance of 200 yards, and the noise consequent upon the difficulty of finding our way through a passage of which we knew nothing, betrayed us to the sentinels along the shore, who rapidly communicated with the encampment, and it conveyed intelligence to the gunboats, so that unknown to us, our foe was watching our every movement. However, at about 1 A. M. we had discovered the narrow entrance to the mouth of the river, and were pulling in, when, within two hundred yards of the Fort, near which we had to pass, much to our surprise, as you can imagine, bang! went dozen muskets, and the balls whizzed about our ears. We laid on our oars, and in five minutes after the firing of muskets commenced, the gun in the launch was trained and “let drive.” A gun rather heavier from one of the gun boats succeeded to this; the shot passed clear of us, and the gun in the launch was loaded and fired again, when the firing ashore ceased.—There were also fired from the launch a few carbines.

At this time we had not passed the point, and after getting inside we should have been obliged to pull at least 300 yards before reaching the object of the expedition. The enemy being already on the alert and with superior force, it would have been almost madness to proceed, and the object would not have compensated for the sacrifice we should have made. Besides, the passage through which we had to pass was not wide enough to admit the boats except in single file, so that the gunboats would have raked us fore and aft before we could have come along side of them. If we had passed the Fort I believe we should have carried the boats to a certainty. We had with us 85 men and marines; the 1^st and 2d Lieutenants, Master, and all the Mids, except two. We returned to the ship at 2 A. M., much fatigued and disappointed. I will write-------by this conveyance, and tell him of the next day’s fight.

Yours &c.

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Thursday, July 16, 1846, Volume 47, Number 20, Page 2, Column 3 Words: 83

MEXICAN NEWS.

The latest dates from the RIO GRANDE report that the Mexican forces are supposed to be concentrated at Monterey, under command of Gen. PAREDES—the Mexican President. Gen. TAYLOR was about to take up his march to that point.

The New York Tribune, of the 11^th inst., states that confidential advices from Havanna, report that SANTA ANA and ALMONTE have left Havanna for Mexico, where the former will “resume the sway of which he has been temporarily deprived by the revolution of PAREDES.”
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Thursday, July 23, 1846, Volume 47, Number 21, Page 2, Columns 2 and 3 Words: 896

THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION.

Great complaints have been issuing from General TAYLOR and his Army, against the miserable preparations made by Government, for carrying the MEXICAN WAR. It will be remembered, that General TAYLOR reminded the War Department just after the victories of the 8^th and 9^th of May, that if he had had the means furnished him for crossing the river, which he had long before suggested, as necessary, “he would have annihilated the army of Gen. ARISTA.” He had long before his march to POINT ISABEL—indeed a short time after his arrival at CORPUS CHRISTI, asked of the Government at Washington, the necessary Mortars to be used, in case of a bombardment of Matamoras, which did not reach him, till after the battles of PALO ALTO, RESACA DE LA PALMA, and the severe bombardment of FORT BROWN, which lasted, as all remember, for seven days and nights. Since these battles, Volunteers have been pouring in from all quarters, and the Army, instead of being on the march, have been obliged to remain stationary, in an unhealthy climate, at an enormous expense—with the most miserable accommodations, and at last accounts were sticking in the mud—with insufficient means of transporting the troops, &c. &c., and not any prospect of being relieved. Something must be wrong, and as much as General SCOTT has been abused and scoffed at by his enemies, about that “hasty plate of soup,” we think the country will see, that he was near right in his calculations and views—and that the Army will in point of fact, not be able at all to do any efficient service before the month of September.—But we will see—we have every desire to see the Mexican War brought to a speedy and honorable close; Mexico deserves in our humble judgment, punishment at the hands of the United States, and as far as the determination of our Government extends, to do the work effectually now that it is begun, we give it our most hearty support—it is supported by the Nation. But let them have a care that all things are done in order—and with as little expense as possible. Let them take care that every comfort is provided, necessary for the preservation, health and efficiency of the Army in all of its operations. Let them, for the honor of the Nation, watch carefully the expenses of this war; from some statements which we have seen, we fear, that as experienced and business like men are not employed in making the Government contracts, as should be, and that upon a summing up of accounts, we shall be called to witness the Government plundered, cheated, and robbed by contractors of thousands of dollar—as it was in the Florida war. The people will ask for, and demand a strict accountability for every thing. But we forbear further comments, until we can see “the facts and figures in detail.”

After the above was in type, we receive d the “Union,” which contains the following statement, which we annex without comment.—The public can judge of it for themselves:--

TRANSPORTATION OF TROOPS.—Some complaints have been made about the tardiness of our military arrangements. We undertake to say, that there is no just foundation for them. On the contrary, the utmost energy has been displayed in making the necessary preparations. No appropriations were made by Congress for carrying on the war until about the middle of May—and then it was impossible for the War Department to foresee the whole extent and character of the arrangements, which might be necessary for “carrying the war into Africa.” As soon, however, as the great events on the Rio Grande began to develop the plan of operations, the quartermaster’s department devoted all its energies to the procuring of transportation for the troops.

We have called the quartermaster’s office to-day to obtain information, and Gen. JESUP was polite enough to lay open his arrangements before us. We are satisfied from his specifications that he has spared no pains in obtaining the necessary boats from all directions. We shall not enumerate all the various sources of supply to which he has addressed himself. We will confine ourselves to the following details:

Among the letters which he has received is one from Col. THOMAS E. HUNT, from New Orleans, July 4. He “reports that he had purchased Steamers Undine, for $13,000; Troy, $6,000; J. E. Roberts, $9,000, the 13^th June; the Brownville, for $9,000, the 15^th June; steam schooner James Cage, for $18,000, on the 19^th; Hatchee Eagle, the 1^st July, for $5,000. All have been despatched to the Rio Grande except that last—she detained for repairs deemed necessary. Undine and James Cage have been coppered, and otherwise repaired. The Cage is a good seaboat, and suited for lightering vessels at sea, &c. The Undine sent temporarily to La Buca. Has character steamers Big Hatchee, the Warren, the Exchange, and the W. A. Mercer, which have also departed for Brazos Santiago.”

Extract of a letter from Capt. John Saunders, the officer appointed by General Taylor to purchase or charter boats, dated July 2, 1846, at Pittsburg :

“Advises he had purchased five light draught steamers for the Rio Grande, as follows: Whiteville, the Corvette, Rough-and-Ready, Colonel cross, and the Major Brown—total cost of $60,000. These are all splendid boats of their class.”
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Thursday, July 30, 1846, Volume 47, Number 22, Page 1, Columns 5 and 6. Words:1993

Miscellany.

FROM THE RIO GRANDE.

We give below, from the National Intelligencer, the principal portions of a letter received by a member of Congress from the Seat of War. It contains much that is interesting in the present state of affairs.

POINT ISABEL, June 29, 1846.

SIR: Being here among that (too many) unfortunate class called Volunteers, and having not much else to do but to protect myself from the effects of a hot sun and almost daily rains for the last two weeks, I have concluded to make a few notes for the information of those who keep an eye on the acts and management of the persons charged with the prosecution of the war with Mexico. My position enables me to see and hear much of what is going on; but I do not, like some others pretend to know every thing; therefore you must not discredit what I state because I do not tell all you may wish to know or all that occurs.

The President, in his message of the 11^th of May, says “American blood has been shed on American soil,” alluding to the affair that took place on the 24^th April between the dragoons, under the command of Capts. THORNTON and HARDEE, in which some were killed at the others taken prisoners by the Mexicans.—There is much to be said upon the question whether it is rightfully American soil where this affair took place; but certain is it that as soon as Capt THORNTON was given up by the Mexicans, on the 10^th or 11^th of May, he was put under arrest by Gen. TAYLOR for disobeying his orders whilst on that expedition, and bringing on that fight contrary to his wishes. He is now here under arrest—a circumstance I have not seen mentioned in a public manner. I may at some future time send you a statement of some facts bearing on the assertions of the President and the circumstances relied on to prove that the bank of the Rio Grande was American soil. It may be so considered now.

As soon as the alarm of war was run thro’ the country, Volunteers hastened here from various quarters, until there is now on this frontier some eight or ten thousand, and many more on the way. Many of these men have left comfortable homes, and have come expecting to see active service. Instead of that, they are scattered over the country, in different encampments, exposed to the heat of the sun in latitude twenty-six, and the soaking rains of the Summer solstice, inactive, and many indulging in dissipation to kill time and chase away ennul. I will explain why this is so.—The great object seems to have been to hasten men on here, without any particular object.—If it be for purposes of defence, Gen. TAYLOR has proved he did not want many to assist him—certainly no more than he called for.—If the object be invasion, the men come poorly provided. They come with arms in their hands, and there are provisions enough, easily obtained, but there is not a sufficiency of transportation for an army of five thousand men.—If some attention had been paid to the necessary means of transporting supplies for an army, it would have been much better than sending masses of men to suffer in this climate. An army cannot move without provisions, and if we penetrate far into the country it will require a great number of wagons. There are about three hundred wagons and teams here, but not drivers enough for htem; when I say here, understand with the army. We are told the Government has three hundred wagons in or about Philadelphia; when they will be here no one can tell; mules have to be purchased, and no chance of getting them, except from the Mexicans; they are perfectly wild, and must be tamed and taught to work; this will take a long time after the wagons arrive. The Mexican officers are having the mules driven off as fast as they can into the interior, and forbid any sales to us; still a good many are brought to Matamoras and are purchased. A month ago an officer was sent to New Orleans to purchase several steamboats suitable to navigate the Rio Grande. None of them are here yet, and, from what we have been informed, when they do arrive, it is not probable they will answer the purpose. In the meantime the mouth of the river has been closed by a bar; the steamers Sea and Cincinnati, chartered at high rates, were caught inside, and are of little or no use to us, drawing too much water.—The Col. Harney steamer, belonging to the Government, was during last week, in open daylight, run on the bar, off this harbor, and has gone to pieces—a great piece of negligence. The utter neglect to supply the Army with sufficient transportation for ammunition and supplies now paralizes everything and prevents the army moving on. If we had had one month ago three hundred additional wagons and two or three small steamers in the Rio Grande, we should be now far on our way to Monterey, in a high, healthy country, the men contented and well, and no time given the enemy to recruit their forces or recover from the consequences of their defeat. Instead of this, I do not believe the Army will leave the banks of the Rio Grande before the middle of August or the commencement of September. Until then the men must be paid and supported—at what cost you will see when you can get hold of the accounts.

The staff department of the Army, particularly the Quartermaster’s branch, is most inefficient and extravagant. The only persons qualified for the station of quartermaster are real business men—men of system and order, well acquainted with accounts. These officers require no military skill or education, but thorough mercantile habits and capacity. The consequence of the quartermasters not being such men, will be developed when the accounts are exhibited and the expenses come to be added up. Their acquaintance with business, the state of the markets, &c. subjects them to the grossest impositions in making contracts and purchases; and there are those who say favoritism goes a long way; but of that I know nothing.

When the expenses of this war are paid and the accounts exhibited, the Florida expenditures will appear small. The most enormous rats are paid for many things, particularly the use of ships and other vessels engaged in transporting troops and stores; from twenty-five to fifty per cent. more than a commercial man would pay for similar vessels for his own use. Let me give you a few instances. The steamship Alabama is chartered at the rate of $16,500 per month. She was here about the end of May with volunteers, and returned to New Orleans on the 1^st inst. She reached the bar at this port several days ago, and was soon after blown off without landing the men on her, and has not yet got back. The steamers Augusta and Cincinnati have long been in service under high charters. The former has been fast aground since the 29^th May, until two days ago. The latter is cooped up in the Rio Grande, and is of but little service.—An old French bark called the Blayaise was condemned at Galveston on the last of April, or early in May, as being unseaworthy, and sold the latter month at auction. The hull, lower masts, and some of the ground-tackle, &c., were purchased for about $1,100 or $1,200. An expense of $300 perhaps was incurred in partially rigging her; when a Lieut. KINGSBURY chartered her to bring two companies of Texan Volunteers to this place, being $950 for the trip. Soon after her arrival she was dismantled, the rigging sold or otherwise disposed of, the hull alone hired by the quartermaster at $30 per day, $10,950 per annum: a good interest on $1,500. Other cases as remarkable could be mentioned. A new Quartermaster General is on his way here, it is said, and things may be better managed perhaps. At some proper time it might be well to have an exhibit of the amount paid to each steamer and sailing vessel engaged in transporting troops and supplies for this place for the army, their tonnage, value &c. and the obtaining from practical businessmen what such vessels could have been employed for by individuals for their own use. The most enormous rates were also paid last year for transporting to Corpus Christi and St. Joseph’s Island. Sometimes as much was paid for a vessel from New Orleans as she could have made on a voyage to Liverpool, and the rates have not abated. At an early period it will be well to look into these exbenditures, and know who has made them or sanctioned them.

No one can tell when the army will make a forward movement. My belief is it will be a considerable time, and soley for the want of transportation. In the mean time the volunteers are much exposed. For two weeks or more it has rained almost every day, and the appearances are strongly in favor of a continuance of it. When it does not rain the sun is hot enough. The tents furnished are of an indifferent kind, and there are a number of companies, particularly among the Texans, that have none at all. Yet the men so far continue tolerably healthy. How long it will last no one can tell.

Whether the Mexicans will risk another battle of a general kind is a question that cannot be decided now. If they could have been pursued soon after the battles in May, their force must have been dispersed, killed, or captured. As it is, they have ample time to raise reinforcements and recruit their spirits, and may make another stand in the hilly country. If they do, I have no doubt they will be defeated, and the war may be terminated soon; but if they do not conclude to make another general fight, the war will be of a partisan character, and no one can tell when it will terminate. We may overrun the country, but will not subdue it. As long as private property is restricted, and the lives and rights of those not found in arms secured, the Mexicans do not care about our traveling through their country and paying the highest price for what they have to sell. It is a species of warfare better for many of them than the state of peace they have heretofore enjoyed. The men are frequently employed here by the Quartermaster, and are much better paid that they ever were before. Yet these people, as a mass, have the bitterest feelings against us. Their priests and demagogues have, for their own purposes, fostered their prejudices and animosities, and the idea of “extending the area of freedom” so as to include them seems to me ridiculous and absurd.

The rumor is (and I think it worthy of credit) that the Mexicans are fortifying the town of Monterey. It is a place of considerable importance in a civil and military point of view, and it is possible the enemy may fight for it.—If they do not, they will make no general fight, that is certain, and the war will then be of the guerilla kind, and be waged in a most sanguinary spirit. Our people, particularly the Texans, feel very hostile and much exasperated against the Mexicans, and if ever the army is broken up into detachments and small parties they will not be spared by them. As long as we are embodied, under the control of high officers, a proper restraint will be exercised; but as soon as the small chiefs have sway then will bloodshed and rapine spread over the country.
[HCH]

Thursday, July 30, 1846, Volume 47, Number 22, Page 2, Column 6 Words: 1303

FROM MEXICO.

From the Baltimore American, July 27.

LATE FROM THE ARMY.

The steamship James L. Day, Capt. GRIFFIN, arrived at New Orleans on the evening of the 18^th inst., from Brazos Santiago, having sailed thence on Wednesday the 15^th instant. The news is four days later, and of some interest; especially so is the announcement that a deputation from the British Navy arrived at Fort Polk, upon business with Gen. TAYLOR, calculated to excite curiosity and speculation.

“The troops were being sent forward as fast as the means of transportation and the high waters would allow. The Louisiana Volunteers were being concentrated above Matamoras. The Washington and Col DAKIN’s Regiments were a short distance above that place. The Andrew Jackson Regiment left for Reynosa on the 9^th, and Col. DAVIS moved up the river on the 10^th instant. The Tenessee Regiment relieved DAVIS’ command at Burita.

“Majors DIMMICK and MORRIS, Captain BURKE, and Lieuts. FREMONT and MAGRUDER, of the U. S. Army, came passengers in the Day.

“An article in the American Flag, of the 10^th instant, informs us that broils occasionally break out amongst the Volunteers and Mexicans, resulting in death. That paper states that Gen. TAYLOR uses every exertion to prevent persons attached to the army from disturbing the citizens of Matamoras. The Mexican authorities are urged more attention in keeping their citizens in order and dispersing them when engaged in riotous proceedings.—Some of CANALES’ men are supposed to be lurking about Matamoras for purposes of rapine and murder.

“Considering the leniency shown by Gen. TAYLOR towards the captive city, in permitting the people to pursue their wonted avocations, and the courts of law to administer justice, it behooves the civil police to be diligent in suppressing disorders and sending away dangerous persons. A young American soldier was found near the office of the American Flag, on the 6^th inst., with his throat dreadfully cut and his heart pierced with several dagger wounds. The murderer has not been discovered.

“The Rio Grande was yet rising on the 10^th. In several places about Matamoras it had overflowed its banks.

A correspondent of the Picayune writing from Fort Polk, under date of July 14, says:--

“No news or material changes since my last. The rain, if any thing, has risen, completely cutting off transportation by land between this and Matamoras—particularly at the several ravines the other side of Palo Alto, which appears to be the old bed of the river, and through which the water flows with quite a rapid current and of considerable depth.

“The high water has been of incredible injury to the crops on the Rio Grande, some asserting that even three-fourths of the cotton and corn in the bottoms have been destroyed. It will not only go hard with these ‘from hand to mouth’ people, whose only thought is of the day, but I am fearful that it may occasion difficulty in giving Gen. TAYLOR the means of subsisting his troops to the extent he anticipated from the appearance of the corps a short while since. Three weeks ago, when I went down on the Aid to Matamoras, there never was as good a promise of an abundant harvest, and all were cheerful; now the poor Mexicans are stalking about waist deep in the corn fields, the families have been driven off to the high ground, and every face shrouded in gloom. The war has been of service, real service to the inhabitants on the Rio Grande, but the freshet has ruined them.

“The last report is that the water is at a stand, perhaps falling, having caused the removal of all camps save one.

“Troops continue to arrive almost daily, and soon afterwards move up and take position upon the river near Burita. The 7^th Regiment of Infantry has gone to Reynosa or Camargo.

“The weather, together with the inactivity of the troops, has caused considerable sickness among them. I learn there are several hundred in hospital at Matamoras, and the measles has broken out in one of the camps.

“Curiosity runs high to know the object of a visit of two British naval officers to Gen. TAYLOR, who arrived here in a vessel of war from Tampico. Communication being cut off, they sent their despatches by mail to their Consul at Matamoras, to be laid by him before the Consul General. Nous verrons.

“Appearances indicate a move of the army into the interior as soon as the waters subside.

“Report says Gen. PAREDES has sent a proclamation to the people of Matamoras, calling upon the to treat our regulars with every kindness and consideration, because of the unparalleled kindness and attention to his wounded, as well as prisoners and citizens. He takes occasion to score the Texans, &c. If this be true, it argues more favorably than otherwise.”

The New Orleans papers of the 19^th contain advices from Mexico, received via Havanna, of the same date as those already received by an arrival at New York. Some additional items of interest are given, which we subjoin. We take them from the Picayune:

“Shortly after the meeting of the Mexican Congress, that body proceeded to organize the Executive power, by a decree that it should be deposited provisionnally in a magistrate elected by a plurality of the votes of Congress, and that a Vice President should be elected at the same time to act in the absence of the President. This decree was passed on the 10^th of June, and on the 12^th the election was held. Gen. PAREDES was elected President, receiving 58 out of 83 votes. Gen. BRAVO received 13 votes, and Gen. HERRERA 7 votes. Gen. BRAVO was then elected Vice President, receiving 48 out of 82 votes. The highest opposing candidate was D. LUIS G. CUEVAS, who received 17 votes.

“Gen. PAREDES took the oaths of office on the 13^th as Provisional President, and at the same time pronounced another discourse, in the most noble passage of which he expresses his confidence that Congress will grant all the supplies and make every effort necessary to defend the national cause. He reviews at length the wrongs which Mexico has endured at the hands of the United States, and concludes with desiring permission to assume the command of the army in the field. In the absence of Senor BUSTAMENTE, who was ill, Dr. D. LOUIS GONZAGA presided over Congress. He replied to the President in substance, that every question of domestic policy shrunk into insignificance compared with the invasion of the country on the Rio Bravo; that the Mexican who should think of aught else than the injustice and treachery with which their soil was trampled, and the necessity of avenging their outraged honor, had no right to claim a share in their patriotic devotion.

“On the 18^th permission was granted to PAREDES to place himself at the head of troops and proceed to join the army of the North.—GONZALEZ AREVALO was to leave the capital on the 19^th, in command of the advance of the forces of PAREDES. Gen. MEJIA was in the actual command of the army of the North, ARISTA having been ordered to Mexico, and AMPUDIA to remain at San Luis Potosi. [A paper of the 27^th ult. says that Gen. AREVALO, instead of proceeding to the frontier, had marched for Guadalajara to put down the insurrection.]

“Gen. BRAVO left Vera Cruz for the city of Mexico on the 24^th, to discharge the functions of President in the absence of PAREDES.

“The committees of Congress upon Foreign Relations and upon War made a joint report the 16^th upon that part of the message of PAREDES relating to the United States. The report recommends the passage of a bill declaring Mexico to be in a war with the U. States. We do not find that the bill had actually been passed.
[HCH]

Thursday, July 30, 1846, Volume 47, Number 22, Page 2, Columns 6 and 7 Words: 371

ONE DAY LATER FROM THE ARMY.

From the New Orleans Times, July 20.

STEAMSHIP ALABAMA.—This vessel arrived here yesterday evening from Brazos Santiago, with advices one day later than those brought by the James L. Day. We learn that the court martial on Capt. THORNTON terminated on the 15^th ult.; and the general impression is, that he had been acquitted. The proceedings, however, will not be made public until they have been approved and confirmed by the President at Washington. One passage of his reported defence has been commented on with admiration by all in the camp at Matamoras. He said, that, in performance of the act for which he was tried—rashness or precipitency, we believe—he “did not see the numbers of the enemy; all he saw was the MEXICAN FLAG WAVING OVER AMERICAN SOIL, and he was willing to risk his own life in an attempt to cut it down!”

Dr. DANIEL MCPHAIL, Surgeon of the Tennessee Regiment, a native of Franklin, Tennessee, died on the evening of the 13^th inst., and was buried with military honors the next day. He had been for some time in ill health.

It is said that there are some emissaries about Matamoras, endeavoring to induce such of the Mexican soldiers, who were wounded on the 8^th and 9^th May, and are recovered, to rejoin their regiments at Monterey.

The troops are in fine health, and eager for the campaign now opening. The river is falling rapidly from Reynosa downward. The 7^th Infantry were supposed to be at Camargo on the 15^th inst., and no doubt is expressed at the Col. HAY’s command from San Antionio, had joined them there.

There have been no accounts from MCCULLOUGH’s Rangers since they passed Reynosa (the 7^th instant.) It is imagined, from the well known daring character of that officer, that he has penetrated as far as Monterey; either reconnoitering, or acting on the offensive, if he find the occasion tempting, or the disparity not too great in the force to which he may find himself opposed.

We are glad to hear of the rapid subsidence of the river; our army will now move with celerity.

The Alabama brought with her some soldiers in ill health, sent hither for a change of air, to accelerate their recovery.
[HCH]

Thursday, July 30, 1846, Volume 47, Number 22, Page 2, Column 7 Words: 951

The following Proclamation has been issued by Gen. TAYLOR, and is published in both the English and Spanish languages, in the Matamoras papers:

APROCLAMATION

BY THE GENERAL COMMANDING THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

To the People of Mexico—After many years of patient endurance, the United States are at length constrained to acknowledge that a war exists between our Government and the Government of Mexico. For many years our citizens have been subjected to repeated insults and injuries, our vessels and cargoes have been seized and confiscated, our merchants have been plundered, maimed, imprisoned, without cause, and without reparation.

At length your Government acknowledged the justice of our claims, and agreed by treaty to make satisfaction, by payment of several millions of dollars; but this treaty has been violated by your rulers, and the stipulated payments have been withheld. Our late effort to terminate all difficulties by peaceful negotiation, has been rejected by the Dictator PAREDES, and our Minister of peace, whom your rulers have agreed to receive, has been refused a hearing. He has been treated with indignity and insult, and PAREDES has announced that war exists between us. This war, thus first proclaimed by him, has been acknowledged, as an existing fact by our President and congress, with perfect unanimity, and will be prosecuted with vigor and energy against your army and rulers; but those of the Mexican people who remain neutral will not be molested.

Your government is in the hands of tyrants and usurpers. They have abolished your State Governments, they have overthrown your federal constitution, they have deprived you of the right of suffrage, destroyed the liberty of the press, despoiled you of your arms, and reduced you to a state of absolute dependence upon the power of a military Dictator. Your army and rulers extort from the people by grievous taxation, by forced loans, and military seizures, the very money which sustains the usurpers in power. Being disarmed, you were left defenceless an easy prey to the savage Camanches, who not only destroy your lives and property, but drive you into captivity, more horrible than death itself, your wives and children.

It is your military rulers who have reduced you to this deplorable condition. It is the tyrants, and their corrupt and cruel satellites, gorged with the peoples treasure, by which you are thus oppressed and impoverished, some of whom have boldly advocated a monarchical government, and would place a European Prince upon the throne of Mexico.—We come to obtain reparation for repeated wrongs and injuries; we come to obtain indemnity for the past, and security for the future, we come to overthrow the tyrants who have destroyed your liberties, but we come to make no war upon the people of Mexico, nor upon any form of free government they may choose to select for themselves. It is our wish to see you liberated from despots, to drive back the savage Camanches, to prevent the renewal of their assaults, and to compel them to restore you from captivity, your long lost wives and children.

Your religion, your altars and churches, the property of your churches and citizens, the emblems of your faith and its ministers shall be protected, and remain inviolate. Hundreds of our army, and hundreds of thousands of our people, are members of the Catholic Church. In every State, and in nearly every city and village of our Union, Catholic Churches exist, and the Priests perform their holy functions, in peace and security, under the sacred guarantee of our Constitution. We come among the people as friends and republican breathern, and all who receive us as such, shall be protected, whilst all who are seduced into the army of your Dictator, shall be treated as enemies. We shall want form you nothing but food for our army, and for this you shall always be paid in cash the full value.

It is the settled policy of your tyrants to deceive you in regard to the policy and character of our Government and people. These tyrants fear the example of our free institutions, and constantly endeavor to misrepresent our purposes, and inspire you with hatred for your republican brethren of the American Union. Give us but the opportunity to undeceive you, and you will soon learn that all the representations of PAREDES were false, and were only made to induce you to consent ot the establishment of a despotic Government.

In your struggle for liberty, with the Spanish Monarchy, thousands of our countrymen risked their lives and shed their blood in your defence. Our own Commodore, the gallant PORTER, maintained in triumph your flag upon the ocean, and our Government was the first to acknowledge your independence. With pride and pleasure we enrolled your name on the list of independent Republics, and sincerely desired that you might in peace and prosperity enjoy all the blessings of free government.

Success on the part of your tyrants against the army of the Union is impossible, but if they could succeed, it would only be to enable them to fill your towns with their soldiers, eating out your substance, and harassing you with still more grievous taxation. Already they have abolished the liberty of the Press, as the first step towards the introduction of that Monarchy, which it is their real purpose to proclaim and establish.

Mexicans, we must treat as enemies and overthrow the tyrants, who whilst they have wronged and insulted us, have deprived you of your liberty, but the Mexican people who remain neutral during the contest shall be protected against the military despots by the Republican Army of the Union.

Z. TAYLOR.
Brevet Maj. Gen. U. S. A. Comd’g.

[HCH]

August

August 6, 1846 MGv47i23p2c1 Two Days Later from Mexico

Correspondence of the Mobile Tribune. Pensacola, July 25, 1846. The U.S. Frigate Raritan, Com. Gregory, arrived here yesterday from Vera Cruz, which place she left on the 17th inst, bringing two days later dates than received by the Princeton. The Vera Cruz papers of the 15^th and 16^th, publish the news of the Oregon Treaty under the head of “Very Important News.” The papers state that in consequence of the Treaty, the Mexican people are called on to make increased efforts to save the country from the rapacity of the robbers on the “del Norte.” They remind the Mexicans of the manner in which the French were driven out of Spain, after Madrid and the cities of the country were in possession of the enemy. This was done by a guerrilla warfare, in which small parties of the enemy were murdered wherever they were found. Paredes has not left the city of Mexico. It was found impossible to raise a body of even 5000 to follow him. It is the opinion of all well informed persons that there is nothing to prevent Gen. Taylor’s marching directly to the city of Mexico. There are no troops to oppose him. Gen. Scott’s ideas of the rainy season have caused much mirth among those reading in the neighborhood of the city of Mexico and Vera Cruz. There is no finer climate in the world than that of the highlands of Mexico which are reached near Monterey. Gen. Mora, the new commander of the Castle and city of Vera Cruz, who has succeeded the Vice President Bravo, has entered upon his duties. He has a body of several hundred men at work every morning. On the low sand beach, adjourning the castle, where he threw up additional breast works. About all the soldiers are expected at target firing. The guns are mostly of large caliber, and the shot to a great distance. The American squadron is anchored under Green Island. The pinion daily game that the Castle can only be taken by escalade or boarding as Jack calls it. This the sailors of the squadron are eager to undertake. The British steamer arrived Vera Cruz on the 11^th, without Santa Ana, and the best informed now say there in no probability of his coming there at all. The yellow fever is making great havoc among the troops both in the Castle and in the city. The soldiers bring mostly from the interior are not accustomed to the climate of the city, and suffer in health. Vera Cruz could easily be taken with two or three thousand men, who could land either north or south of it. At present the city nearly deserted. Excellent health prevails throughout the squadron, the Raritan excepted, on board who is the scurvy prevails to a great extent. This is caused by the great length of time which this vessel has been at sea. She has been two years and six months on commission, and all that time has been passed between the tropic and under a vertical sun.
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August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p1c4 Dentists

A letter written from Matamoras suggest that Dentists visit the fields of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, for the very fine teeth of the Mexican dead. Who but a Yankee would have ever thought of such a speculation?
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August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p1c7 Expenses of the Mexican War

When the present war with Mexico commenced, we believe that there were in reality but comparatively few people, who “counted cost.” It was all “glory,” and very little attention paid to any thing also. The result will prove a useful lesson. A letter from New Orleans published in the National Intelligencer says, that “the expense with which this war is carried on is truly enormous. Before the summer is over, there will probably have been from one or two millions of dollars paid for the purchase to employment of services. A customary charter for a steamboat to run down from N. Orleans with troops and more is seven to eight thousand dollars, and they have recently been paying the same for sailing ships as transports, each taking from two hundred to three hundred and fifty men. Gen. Taylor, I learn, has made a requisition for twenty four steamboats, of which twelve or fifteen are already purchased. The expense of the War Department for the year 1840, with an aggregate force in service not exceeding thirty thousand men, including regulars and volunteers, and will be equal to the expenses of the British War Department of a regular army, scattered all over the world, of one hundred and ten thousand men ad three hundred general officers!!” The writer adds, that however startling this statement may appear, if is a fact, nevertheless. To show the difficulties that are in the way of the commanding General, and that some of these heavy expenditures are incident to the nature of the service, and necessarily consequent upon the war in the section of country where it is carried on, we may quote here a paragraph which we find in the New Orleans Courier, and which says, that “a gentlemen from Point Isabel informs that the officers of the army are of the opinion that the Government would save immense sums of money by constructing a railroad between Resaca Santiago and the mouth of the river. The distance is only nine miles, and the work would probably cost not more than $25,000. The quantity of arms, stores and provisions daily carried over this road is beyond belief=and the transportation in wagons costs as much in the course of a month as the construction of a railroad would come to. The bar at the entrance is not navigable for vessels of any size, and thus the goods have to be transported by land to the bank of the river, whence they are carried up the stream, in steamboats. Our informant says, in the present state of the roads, all the wagons in the Union could not supply the army on the Rio Grande.
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August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p2c4 From Mexico

Latest from the Army. The steamship New York, Captain Phillips, arrived at New Orleans on the 1^st inst., from Brazos Santiago and Galveston, having left the former place on the on the 29^th and the latter on the 30^th ultimo. We learn that Mr. Lumedra and his party reached Point Isabel on the 24^th ult. and the next day proceeded to Matamoras. The American Flag of the 24^th, has the following paragraphs; A gentleman arrived in town yesterday, from Monclova, direct, and in a remarkably short time, passing through Candala, Tiascala, Wills Altama, Sabinas, Mier, Camargo and Reynosa, and states that ever thing was perfectly quiet on the route, and that the people are expecting the approach of our army. He learned on the road that there had been no further arrival of troops at Monterey. At Monclova letters had been received stating the Paredes had arrived San Luis Potosi, at the head of 9000 men, but having received despaches, by express, countermarched his command, and proceeded to retrace his steps to the city of Mexico. The reason of this sudden about face is only to be attributed some pronunciamento at the capital. The brig Empressario arrived at the New Orleans Barracks on the 1^st inst., seven days from Brazos Santiago, with Capt. (Gen.) Dosha’s company of Alabama volunteers, who have been ordered to New Orleans to be mustered out of the service according to instructions from the War Department. Six other companies from Alabama, all the Louisiana Volunteers and the St. Louis Legion, six months men, are to be mustered out of service by the same authority. Cols. Peyton’s and Featherston’s Regiments are not recognized by the Department as being in the service at all. When the Empressario left, most of the regular troops had gone to Camargo, where it is probably all are by this time. Unless General Taylor has been detained, on account of the withdrawal of so many volunteers from the army, to make new arrangements regarding the disposition of the remaining ones, he has joined the regular army ere this at Camargo. The Texan troops were about taking up their march for Mier. Sever fine artillery companies had arrived from the seaboard before the Empressario left. The following paragraphs are from the N.O. Courier of 2d inst. Governor Henderson was lying dangerously ill at Matamoras at the latest dates very little hope was, if any, entertained of his recover. We are indebted to a gentleman direct from Camargo for the following information. He informs us that the Rancheros are all back or getting to their homes, as fast as possible, and going to work on their ranches again, having abandoned the idea of conquering the U. States, and subjecting it to their own will. If such is the case Canales and Cerrabajal must have but few troops under their command--report says they have none, as their forces were made up entirely of rancheros. Rumor says there are not at this time at Monterey more than one thousand or fifteen hundred men, but that they are fortifying it as fast as possible. It is understood that it is the intention of the Commanding General to remove his quarter, together with 3d and 4^th regiments to Camargo, by the first opportunity. We understand that the command of Matamoras, after the departure of the troops will be committed to the charge of Major Clark; his command as Military Governor will be sustained by four companies of artillery, with a sufficiency of volunteers to maintain his position.
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August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p2c6 Capt. Mays own description of his charge

Having had the pleasure of a long conversation with Capt. May, we finally asked him to give us a description of his charge, that the might get at the exact particulars. The gallant Captain, twisted about his long beard, evidently somewhat confused, and after considerable hesitation said: “Why you see the fact is, any of the boys, would have given their lives to have had the chance to have charged the batteries, only I was the lucky one in getting the order. After the old man gave the order, I rode down the road, my men following of course, where we met Ridgely, he blazed away, and let me pass, and we just rode over the guns, and that is all about it.” N.O. Tropic.
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August 13, 1846 MGv47i24p4c1 Latest News

Amicable Adjustment of the Oregon Question. The subscriber appears before the public, his friends and customer, not to dispute the “right of tile to the whole of Oregon,” but show his entire willingness to arbitrate and amicably adjust the great question. Having perfect confidence in the good judgment of the Public, he, for one, is anxious that they come forward and make such disposition of this all absorbing matter as they think best, whether it be on the parallel of 49, or 54 degrees 49 minutes.
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August 20, 1846 MGv47i25p2c3 From Mexico

The Southern mail has brought New Orleans papers to the 6ht and 7^th instant, (says the Baltimore Patriot of the 10^th inst.) which contains later accounts from the army, by the steamer Alabama from the Brazos, whence she sailed on the 2d. The following extracts of letter are published in the Washington Union of last night:

“Camargo, (Mexico) July 23.

“We are furnishing transportation for army and securing supplies of forage on the route to Monterey. We have contracted for 1,000 to 2,000 miles,” (another letter fixes it positively at 1,500) “with the parking equipments complete; and these, with the 500 wagons expected here, will be ample for the marching columns. A large portion of the 19,000 men of the corps d’armee will be left at the different depots and entrepots, from Brazos Santiago to Chias, about 60 miles from this place on the route to Monterey.

“The troops are now fast arriving here in our steamboats; and the General will, in all probability, move forward from here about the middle of next month, (August). Now comes the commencement of those operations which will require all the capacity, skill, and energy of our General to accomplish. The great difficulties of invading Mexico begin here. So far, every thing has favored Gen. Taylor, and he has not only a most enviable reputation, but his good fortune has become a proverb. I hope, of course, for his further success; but, in order to secure it, the most careful combinations of every kind, preparatory to the march, are absolutely necessary. Too much haste may prove as great an evil as a faulty tardiness. It takes time for the requisite arrangements for the transportation required for so many men, suddenly collected here. Meanwhile the General is impatient of the least delay, and the , and the officers of our department are incessantly occupied in preparations.

“Our news from the interior leave us in doubt whether Paredes, at the head of the army, will succeed or not in assembling a force sufficient to oppose us. He is said to have called out the male population en masse and has strong positions to defend; but it is doubtful whether we shall have another battle in Mexico.”
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August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p1c6 The Two Million Bill

The application of the President to Congress for two millions of dollars to be used in negotiations with Mexico was made under circumstances too remarkable to escape expected comment. It is not stated that any proposal to negotiate has come from Mexico, it does not appear that Mexico is at all disposed to sue for peace; we are not told that any event has happened recently to change the aspect of our relations with Mexico. The president, however, introduces his Message by inviting the attention of Congress to the propriety of making an appropriation to provide for any expenditure which it may be necessary to make in advance for the purpose of settling all our differences with the Mexican Republic.” I has generally been supposed that the appropriations already made to thee amount of twenty millions of more for the prosecution of the war beyond the Ro Grand, the levying of twenty or thirty thousand men armaments and munitions of war sent to the South West, the marching of our troops towards Monterey, and the presence of our squadrons in the Gulf and Pacific were all intended for no other purpose than that of “settling all our difficulties with the Mexican Republic.” But the two millions specially asked for were to be used in connection with another system of operations. The appropriation is not required as an addition item for carrying on the military movements of our forces. The President wants it for purposes of a negotiation which he himself is to open, since Mexico will not; he looks to a prospective treaty which is to secure to its certain portions of territory. “It might be inconvenient,” says the Message, “for the Mexican Government to wait for the whole sum, the payment of which may be stipulated by this treaty, until it can be ratified by our Senate, or an application to carry it in to effect made by Congress. Indeed, the necessity for this delay might defeat the object altogether.” The sum of the whole matter seems to be that if we cannot “conquer a peace” with Mexico we are to but one. In the event that this shall fail to accomplish a successful war, gold is to be tried. The Message indeed says that this money is not be used as secret service money, but to be accounted for like other expenditures; yet if that were really so, what need of cash? A stipulation on behalf of the Government to pay any sum agreed upon would surely be sufficiently to satisfy the Mexican Government, if that Government was disposed to treat at all in the manner indicated by the Message. The Union is not yet bankrupt; its credit is not wholly gone, nor in so critical a condition that Mexico need distrust it. Why would it be “inconvenient for the Mexican Government to wait for the whole sum” which might be agreed to be paid by any treaty likely to be negotiated between the parties? Congress, will be in session again in less than four months. A strange notion indeed! The President assumes that we are to pay money to Mexico on the conclusion of treaty with her, and that she cannot wait until the next meeting of Congress for the whole of it. He therefore wants some ready money in hand as earnest of the balance--a sort of pledge or security in advance that we are able to pay and may be trusted. This money is asked for while open war is raging between the two countries. Our fleets are blockading the ports of Mexico, our armies are marching towards her capital. The Mexicans are preparing for defence, and have not initiated the slightest disposition to yield to our demands or to solicit peace. All these facts and circumstances mark the Message as an extraordinary one. The appropriation was not granted. The modest assurance with which the President asked the confidence of the two Houses was not warranted by his previous course. We are inclined to the belief that he does not possess the confidence of a majority in either House.-Balt. Amer.
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August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c4 From Mexico

From the N. Orleans papers of the 24^th, inst. The steamers New York, Of New Orleans, left Boston on the 31^st inst. Gen. Taylor, quietly left Matamoras for Camargo early on the morning of the 5^th, in the steamer Whiteville, accompanied by about one half of the Texan Regiment of Infantry, and a few regulars. An order had been issued from Headquarters, prohibiting the further introduction of spirituous liquors into Matamoras, and specifying that the vending of the same should cease on the 15^th inst. A skirmish had taken place near Camargo between a party of about 600 Indians and some 75 or 80 Rangers, on account of depredations committed by the former, in which the Indians lost some twenty men, and the Rangers two, the latter party re-capturing 150 horses. According to recent private advices from Mexican citizens living at Monterey, to their friends in Matamoras, there are in that vicinity about 4,000 soldiers, who can be concentrated on very short notice at Monterey. This comprises all the Mexican forces this side of the Sierra Madre. Gen. Taylor’s advices, which are not, however, of quite so recent a date, state that there are only about 200 workers working on the fortifications at the city in question. Editorial Correspondence of the Picayune. Matamoras, August 4^th, 1846. Gen. Taylor and staff leave here to day for Camargo, and all the troops are to leave by about the 10^th inst. Gen. Twiggs is left to superintend the movement of the troops now here, and those that are to arrive, for a while at least. He is in excellent health, and was never looking better. Col. Clarke, of the 8^th Infantry will be left at this place in command, after all the troops have been forwarded, and will have two companies of artillery and one regiment of volunteers under him. Gen. Twiggs, with Capt. May’s four companies of dragoons, and Capt. Ridgely’s battery of artillery, will bring up the rear as the army moves forward. Col. Hay’s regiment of mounted volunteers and Col. Johnson’s regiment of foot--Texans--are to march tomorrow. The “Gaines Rangers” have joined Col. Hay’s regiment, and will leave with it. All the regular troops now remaining here, except Capt. May’s and Ridgely’s commands, are also ordered to march tomorrow. It is expected that the army will not move from Camargo before the 25^th inst. The brig Orleans, of and for New Orleans, struck on the bar in coming out, with a pilot on board, unshipped her rudder and went ashore on the north breaker. She had on board sixty Louisiana volunteers, who were all saved. The vessel went to pieces the next night. The bark Condor, hence, arrived on the 6^th and sailed on the 7^th from New York with 201 recruits, infantry and dragoons. Ship Sophia Walker arrived on the 7^th; bark L. Welch, hence, arrived same day; both had Illinois volunteers. Brigs Tasso, Apalachicola, schrs. M.L. McCrendy and Heroine, sailed on the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th for this port, with volunteers on board.
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August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c4 Important from Vera Cruz, via Havana

A letter from Mier (Mexico) to the N.O. Picayune, dated July 31^st, 1846, states that Capt. Vinton’s command entered that place without the least show of opposition from the Mexicans. The town contains a population of about 6,000--Capt. V. had but 93 men. The Washington Union publishes dispatches from Com. Conner of as late a date as July 30. The crews of the different ships of the Squadron continue well. He speaks of the internal revolution in Mexico, and mentions several Departments in the Country who have declared against Paredes and in favor of Santa Anna. He thinks a change of rulers will be favorable to a restoration of peace between Mexico and this Country, and that proposals of that character will be offered. Many of the most influential men in Mexico are in favor of it. Gen. Bravo on his arrival at Mexico declined acting as President, but Congress returned his resignation and he has accepted the appointment.
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August 27, 1846 MGv47i26p2c5 Later Still

The ship Alclaide, Adams, sailed from Havana on the 9^th August, and arrived at New York on Thursday. A special messenger from Vera Cruz cam passenger in the steam packet to Havana, with letters to Santa Ana, informing him that the citizens and military of Vera Cruz had declared for him. Santa Ana, Almonte and Rejon, immediately took passage in the British steamer Arab, and proceeded.

September

October

November

Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46i47n36p1c3 513 words

News, Politics, &c., from the Baltimore American, The Monterey Capitulation

The extracts which we publish in this morning’s American from a letter of an Artillery Officer of our Army in Mexico to a gentlemen in this city, state distinctly that when Gen. TAYLOR entered into the eight week’s armistice with AUMPUDIA he had the positive assurance of the latter, not only that Santa Fe was captured and California possessed by the Americans, but also that Commissioners of the United States were then in Mexico to arrange the terms of a treaty. Mexican insincerity and craft will be better understood by and by. Reliance hereafter on SANTA ANNA’s protestations will hardly dupe even Mr. POLK again; nor will the representations of Mexican commanders be henceforth taken by our Generals without many gains of allowance.

Nevertheless the justification of the Monterey capitulation does not rest upon the belief which Gen. TAYLOR may have entertained of AMPUDIA’s declaration; it is complete without supposing such belief. With six thousand men at the commencement of the attack on Monterey, Gen. Taylor found himself at the end of the third day weakened by a loss of one tenth of his number – possibly more. If he had determined to continue the battle no doubt he would have taken the town, of which one half was already in his possession. But it would have been by a succession of street fights obstinate and bloody, the Mexicans defending house after house, street after street. – Gen. TAYLOR could not afford to lose any more men. With his force diminished by such loss as the renewal of the fight at Monterey would involve; with the necessity of leaving behind him a strong garrison in that place; it would have been impossible for him to advance upon Saltillo. He could not advance in any event without reinforcements. The capitulation gave him time to wait for reinforcements from the Rio Grande and by the junction of Gen. WOOL’s division. If negotiations were really going on for peace between our Government and that of Mexico, consequent upon the restoration of Santa Anna, - a thing which he might reasonably infer not only from […] given by his own Government, - the armistice concluded with the Mexicans would be favorable to such negotiations.

Some of the details of the letter in our columns, already referred to, present another point worthy of attention. RIDGELY’s pieces of Flying Artillery were too light to make any impression upon the fortified works at Monterey. The way in which that officer is in the habit of serving his pieces gives a certain assurance that if they could have been made effective against the Mexican works he would have made them so. But every body knows that light artillery of that sort is not intended for attacks upon fortifications. The attempt was made at Monterey mainly to see whether the enemy’s works were really as strong as they appeared to be. The fact that the attempt was made at all, proves the more serious fact, that Gen. TAYLOR has not been furnished with artillery adapted to the attack of such fortified places as Monterey.
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46i47n36p1c3 514 words

The United States Loan – the Treasury Notes Made a Currency

The Secretary of the Treasury has concocted another scheme to raise money, and that is by opening shops for the sale of Treasury Notes, in sums to suit customers who have more than a thousand dollars. Mr. Walker thus announces in the last Washington Union, the opening of the treasury mote shops, and the manner in which he intends to conduct the sales:

“TREASURY DEPARTMENT, OCT. 22, 1845.

“This department will issue treasury notes to the amount of three millions of dollars, bearing an interest of 52.5 per cent. Per annum, payable to the order of persons or corporations making deposits therefore in specie in sums of not less than one thousand dollars, with either the treasurer of the United States, assistant treasurer at Boston, New York, Charleston, or St. Louis, or treasurers of the mint at Philadelphia or New Orleans. [sic]

“The Notes will bear even date with the date of deposite [sic].

“R. J. WALKER, [sic]
“Secretary of the Treasury. ”

And the Union officially explains that the New York banks have declined to buy the treasury notes at less than six per cent., but that several propositions for loans on terms less than six and approaching nearer to five and two-fifths per cent., have been made by individuals, and declined by the Secretary, it is now, we presume, seeing he could do no better, determined upon retailing the notes, and to fix the interest on them at 52.5 per cent. As an inducement for purchasers, it is announced that the notes, both in the land office and custom-house, as well before as after maturity, and must be regarded in the light, for many uses, of specie bearing an interest; and at the rate now proposed, we cannot doubt, (adds the Union,) that there will be a large demand for these notes. ”

Here we have it at last – a government paper currency, irredeemable in specie, but receivable in paying debts to the government. The notes are to pass from hand to hand – all the restrictions which the Secretary heretofore put upon their transfer, and their payment are abolished – the endorsement of the party buying them being all that is required to change their ownership.

We cannot say whether the sale of these notes will be as large as Mr. Walker expects; but we rather suspect that the peddling them out in the manner he proposes, will not give them a character in the market much above that of other irredeemable shinplasters, and that the sales will not be quite as active, as that of “wet goods” saved from some wreck, and announced to “be sold at ruinous prices. ”

And this is the work of the Sub. Treasury, hard-money, paper hating administration! – When Mr. Polk came into office we were promised that we should have nothing but specie. We get nothing but rags – not banks rags – redeemable in coin – but shinplasters, intended for circulation, and of a character similar o those issued by individuals in the times of the Van Buren experiments on the currency, which where “receivable in the undersigned. ” – Balt. Pat (Baltimore Patriot)
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46i47n36p2c1 238 words

The Last Words of Colonel Watson

A member of the Baltimore Battalion, writing from Monterey to his parents in Baltimore in speaking of the death of the gallant Watson, says: -

In a desperate charge against one of the Mexican Forts he fell mortally wounded. He handed his sword to Lieut. Bowie, and died with a smile on his face, that indicted more than a tongue can tell. He died a brave man and a gallant soldier. The last words which he uttered were: - “MEN YOUR GENERAL LEADS YOU – WHO WOULD NOT FOLLOW?” These were uttered, seeing an officer pass who, it is presumed, he, in the agonies of death, took for Gen’l Taylor.

I deeply regret that Col. Watson was not spared to enjoy the victory with us. Poor fellow, he is gone, and I hope his country will take care of his wife and children. It will be a great loss to them. So hot was the battle, that we were unable to take the body of our lamented Colonel from the street, until nearly 48 hours had elapsed. We buried him in a brick house within 400 yards of where he first made a charge with the Battalion. A very singular circumstance occurred while the man was in the act of preparing the grave: a ball came and took his head off; and instead of burying one, we had to have another dirge for the poor soldier. Such is war.
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46i47n36p3c4 1,038 words

The Mexican War – Santa Anna

The public anxiety at this time is intense throughout the country, respecting the future operations and fate of our gallant army in Mexico. The most implicit confidence is everywhere felt in the gallantry, prudence, and eminent generalship of Gen. TAYLOR, but at the same time all know that he cannot overcome impossibilities. The accounts which we have from Monterey, show the most unbounded confidence in Gen. TAYLOR, by the army under his command; indeed the feeling of attachment amounts almost to idolatry – But these accounts do not present the same confidence of our soldiers in their Government – they are on the contrary, bitterly denunciatory of it, and charge the Administration at Washington with an utter disregard of their comfort in every respect. It is by no means an agreeable task for us to record these statements, but an act of justice to the gallant and patriotic army periling so much in the cause of their Country, demands that the people of their own Country should know their condition. We do not know what orders the Government has sent on to Gen. TAYLOR respecting the Armistice, or whether he has orders to take up immediately his line of march against Saltillo, before he is strongly reinforced or not. We have reports that SANTA ANNA has arrived at Saltillo with a strong force, where he is joined with the force of , and that they are fortifying the town with great industry. If this statement be true, Gen. TAYLOR will have a most formidable for to encounter, us the city and neighborhood is thickly inhabited, and which of course will take up arms with the regular forces. We most devoutly trust that if Gen. TAYLOR should meet the foe, that his arm will be so strengthened, that the blow which he gives shall tell, and be it possible, a termination to the war. It is useless now to be trifling with this war – our Government should act vigorously, instead of talking so much. The cost of this war will be tremendous, if continued much longer – at the rate it has been progressing, it will take in all probability two hundred and fifty or three hundred millions of dollars to conclude it. – But now is not the time to pause and count dollars and cents – the war must be ended, and the Government should bring into the Mexican field all of their disposable regular force, and the whole of the volunteer force authorized by the Act of Congress. This is the only way in which the war can now be concluded. It seems to us evident, that Mexico will not come to terms until she is whipped into them. Her own internal condition clearly indicates this state of things – there are some three or four different factions struggling for power, all of which must favor the war, or at once surrender their pretensions.

It is well known that Gen. SANTA ANNA is shrewd, calculating, cunning man, and that the state of political parties in his Country, is the main reason why he is now at the head of the Army. His last […] declining the proffered dictatorship, and declaring that he aspired to no higher honor, than to lead the Armies of the Republic against “the daring and perfidious foe,” and drive him from the soil of his Country, is all talk and a hollow show of affection and patriotism. His whole soul is bent upon a restoration to power, and a triumph over those who drove him from the head of Government, sent him into exile in a foreign Country, from which he was enabled to return through the machinations of our Government, under the guise of a friend to the restoration of peace. SANTA ANNA is now at the head of the Army, and his great rival and deadly foe, Gen. PAREDES, an escaped refugee in a foreign country. He calculates now that successful or defeated, it will be the means of once more placing him at the helm of the Government.

The question has been frequently asked, but those who ought and do know all about it have not seen proper to enlighten the country upon the subject: - By whose permission .icus Santa Anna allowed to pass into Mexico, spite of the blockading Squadron? The fact is known that the Steamer carrying him in was boarded by an officer of our Navy, who saw and conversed privately with him, and satisfactorily of course, as the Steamer was permitted to pass on her way, and now we find the Mexican Army furnished with a powerful and popular leader, who at the head of thirty thousand men, is marching against Gen. TAYLOR. Our Government most undoubtedly, from all the circumstances, have had some negotiations going on with SANTA ANNA, in which the Mexican Chief must have promised his influence to put an end to the war spirit in Mexico, provided our government would facilitate his safe return home. He was also to have had two millions of dollars, which it will be remembered Mr. Polk asked for near the close of Congress, which he in all probability would have got, had not “Honest John Davis” of Massachusetts spoken the Bill to death. The “Union” and the Democratic papers generally throughout the country at the time, most unmercifully belabored Mr. D., charging him with a want of patriotism, &c. &c. But now we hear not a word from them upon that point; in fact but for “Honest John’s” speech. “SANTA ANNA” would have had our two millions of money, to have sustained in part the Army which he is now leading against us. It is said that this step was taken by Mr. Polk through the advice of Gen. HOUSTON of Texas, which seems odd enough (if true) after his experience in the treachery of SANTA ANNA in all his dealings with Texas. But Congress will meet in a few weeks and, doubtless, their first inquires will be, How came SANTA ANNA at the head of the Mexican forces, when the coast was blockaded by an American Squadron in which he was, was boarded by […] Other from that Squadron? The Administration may have trouble with this matter. – New Verrons
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46i47n36p4c4 4,345 words

From Mexico, Latest from the Rio Grande, Arrival of the Streamer Galveston

We cut the following interesting particulars from the New Orleans Commerical [sic] Times, the Delta and the Bee of the 21^st ult:

The steamship Galveston, Capt. Wright, arrived here yesterday, from Brasos Santiago the 14^th, and Galveston on the 18^th ult. By her we have received abundance of details in our own correspondence, the Matamoras Flag, and the Galveston papers, of the movements of our troops under Gen. Taylor, their condition, casualties, etc., etc., since the capitulation of Monterey, which we proceed to lay before our readers. The following is the order of the day issued by Gen. Taylor, after the capitulation of Monterey:

Head Quarters, army of Occupation,
Camp near Monterey, Sept. 27, 1846.

The commanding general has the satisfaction to congratulate the army under his command upon another signal triumph over the Mexican forces. Superior to us in numbers, strongly fortified, and with an immense preponderance of artillery, they have yet been driven from point to point until forced to sue for terms of capitulation. Such terms have been granted as were considered due to the gallaut [sic] defence of the town and to the liberal policy of our government.

The General begs to return his thanks of his commanders, and to all his officers and men, both of the regular and volunteer forces, for the skill, the courage and perseverance with which they have overcome manifold difficulties, and finally achieved a victory shedding luster upon the American arms.

A great result has been obtained, but not without the loss of many gallant and accomplished officers and brave men. – The army and the country will deeply sympathise [sic] with the families and friends of those who have thus sealed their devotion with their lives. By order of Major Gen. TAYLOR.

[Signed] W. W. S. Bliss, As’t. Adj. General,

Official – Geo. A. McCall., As’t. Adj. General.

The Capitulation, &c. – It is said it was the destructive effects of the mortar that first determined Ampudia to capitulate. – It was towards evening on the 23^rd, when the mortar, with much labor, had been planted in the cemetery, near the cathedral, and within reach of the Plaza. The first shell, which was discharged about 7 P. M., fell close to the entrance of the cathedral, where the priest was performing mass, and its explosion spread such destruction around, that Ampudia, being entreated by the priest and others, immediately wrote a letter to Gen. Taylor, asking terms. This letter was dated 9 o’clock, P. M., on the 23^rd, but Col. Moiano, the bearer, did not reach Gen. Taylor, till the next morning near 9 o’clock. He soon returned with Gen. Taylor’s demand for an unconditional surrender before 12 o’clock; to which, it seems, Ampudia would have assented; but being dissuaded by his officers, he requested a conference, which was granted. It is stated that Gen. Worth privately expressed his opinion to Gen. T., that the terms demanded were too severe and humiliating, and thought that Gen. T. could afford to be more liberal. At the conference, however, Gen. Taylor still insisted upon his terms with some pertinacity, but finally agreed to leave everything with three commissioners on either side.

The Relative Forces, Losses, &c. – We are assured that Ampudia had from 14000 to 16000 troops – the former is the lowest number given by any one. They had about 50 pieces of artillery worked with a degree of skill and precision unsurpassed by any nation. They were also in a strongly fortified town. The streets leading into the town, to the Plaza, were all either closed up with heavy and strong walls of solid masonry, requiring great labor, and executed in the most workman-like manner, or these streets were protected with batteries of heavy ordinance, planted so as to effectually cover their entrance.

The American army did not exceed 5000, and 700 of these were reserved as a camp guard, to protect the camp from forces of Mexican cavalry, so that we had but 4300 men in the engagement. Nearly all our most effective ordinance had been left behind. There was only the Flying Artillery, which in order to do much execution, had to be exposed to a most destructive fire from the enemy’s heavy batteries. Add two 24 pound howitzers and our whole force is given. This shows a disparity of more than three to one, and vast advantages against our army in position, fully equal to the inequality in numbers.

The loss of our army is 561 in killed and wounded, 41 of whom were officers. – Major Lear, 3d Infantry, who was reported severely wounded, is fast recovering.

Killed and Wounded. – The Picayune says:

“Capt. Owen (formerly Lieutenant) of the Baltimore Battalion, left Monterey on the 6^th instant and we are indebted to him for many interesting details. He informs us that the American loss in the three actions is set down at 561, killed and wounded. Our correspondent, writing on the 20^th ult., makes the loss a little less, but it had not been ascertained with precission [sic]. The Mexican loss has not been, and probably never will be ascertained with certainty. It is believed to exceed 1000. ”

The following is an extract from an interesting letter of Mr. Kendall, dated Monterey, Sept. 29.

Speaking of wounded comrades reminds me of poor Thomas. He was one of the most daring spirits in McCullock’s company, and had his horse wounded in the charge the enemy’s lancers made upon us on the morning of the 21^st. On the following morning, while storming the battery on the height overlooking the Bishop’s Palace, he was mortally wounded, and after suffering incredibly died on the morning of the 24^th. A musket ball shattered his hip joint, at the same time that the brave Capt. Gillispie was shot through, and the two are now quietly resting side by side on the height where they received their death wounds – Mount Gillispie as it has been appropriately named by Gen. Worth.

Of the thousands of Mexican soldiers that occupied this Gibraltar of a town a few days since, not as many hundreds now remain. At one time so confident were Ampudia and his generals of success, they sent Romana with fifteen hundred or two thousand cavalry in rear of General Taylor, to cut off his retreat. The ‘redeeming’ game of the Texans and regulars on the afternoon of the 23^rd – digging through and under houses, taking inch by inch, but never giving one – and then the close proximity of the 24-pound mortar so successfully worked by Major Monroe and Lieut. Lovell – all combined to intimidate the Mexicans to a degree that induced them to sue for terms. Shells from the mortar fell and exploded all around the great Cathedral; bad one entered that establishment, filled as it was with ammunition, every house on the main Plaza would have been riven to fragments, and the loss of life would have been fearful. T6 spare the shedding of so much blood, and so terrible an injury of property, were some of the main causes that induced Gen. Taylor to offer the Mexican commander the terms he did.

I saw Ampudia as he left town for Saltillo on the morning of the 26^th – rode along in his escort for a mile or two. The base and lying wretch – for every page in his black history proves him such – looked crest-fallen, nervous, and timid to a degree. He was fearful lest some of the Texan rangers, many of whom had deep wrongs still to avenge, might shoot him from the way side; and as he rode through the encampment, situated directly on his route, he could not conceal his fears. – They allowed him to pass, however, without even a cry or shout of exultation.

Opinions are various in camp as to whether the Mexicans will now offer peace, or make a stout resistance at Saltillo, a larger portion. I believe in clinging to the latter opinion. A Mexican who arrived from that place yesterday reports that they have already commenced fortifying it on an extensive scale; but this should be taken merely as a rumor or story of a Mexican – the most unreliable information conceivable. Again, a great many are discontented at the terms given the Mexicans, and think they will certainly fight again after being let off so easily. Had the battle continued on the 24^th three hours longer the Mexicans would undoubtedly have been on their knees crying and begging for their lives. A terrible carnage would have ensued had not Ampudia sent in proposals for a surrender of the town, for his forces were huddled, if I can use such a term; and all this General Taylor well knew. To carry out the known conciliatory policy of our Government, however, appears to have been accordance with his instructions, his object – and this should relieve him from all censure in the matter. For myself, having some knowledge of Mexican character, I believe the whole policy of our Government is, and had been wrong for years. – Shower any quantity of magnanimity upon this people and it is entirely thrown away – they neither feel nor appreciate it. An inherent pride, which grows upon them every step in a downward and disgraceful career, causes them to look with a pretended scorn upon every offer of generous forbearance in their adversity, and as well might Van Amburg attempt to conciliate his tigers and hyenas by choice bits of meat and love pats on the head as these people by acts of kindness. The policy has been tried all summer, and the effects of its working has been shown by rascally extortions on the part of those of whom our Government has attempted to purchase provisions, and by every exertion on the part of the military to cut our Army in pieces when it beleaguered this place about. But enough of this for the present – a word to two of news, such a I have to offer.

The two Texas regiments, under Cols. Hays and Woods, will probably return home in the course of a week, and should hostilities recommence fresh regiments, mounted on the best horses that can be procured, will at once be raised.

An express has come in, stating, that, Gen. Wool, with 3500 men, was to leave San Antonio yesterday for Chihuahua. – What in the name of all that is reasonable so large a force is going that direction for, is more than I can make out. That whole section is now in the hands of the Camanches [sic], as it were, and the difficulty of moving so large a number of men, when one quarter of the force is more than is necessary to subjugate any army now there or that can be sent, looks to me as almost insurmounrable [sic]. With not double the number, Gen. Taylor has marched upon one of the strong holes of the country and driven off an army complete in all it appointments – If Gen. Wool goes to Chihuahua with the number stated, it seems to me that he will have no other enemies to contend with than the worst of all – hunger and suffering. I hope that he will march this way, where his services may really be needed.

Gen. Taylor is still encamped at the old ground, three miles from here – Gens. Worth and Smith are in town. The main part of the wounded officers are doing well. Gen. Butler is recovering, while Cols. McClung and Mitchell are also in a fair way.

G. W. K.

Monterey Sept. 29, 5 o’clock, P. M.

An express rider has this moment arrived from Salinas, which place he left this morning. It is only a days ride this side of Saltillo, and he states on the authority of a Mexican, that Santa Anna arrived at that city yesterday morning or the evening previous, and at once commenced fortifying the place with vigor. He had no less than 13,000 men with him, which, added to those which left here under Ampudia, will swell his army to over 20,000 men. Report further has it, that he is to erect works and batteries close by the Riconada – the limits of our lines by the sixty day’s truce. If all this should prove true, the army may have bloodier work to do than ever. One thing is certain – Santa Anna was hourly expected here when Gen. Taylor arrived, and many think that Ampudia’s reason for wishing to retire was the fact that he found himself to a degree surrounded after the success of the second division, and was anxious to form a junction with his master on the best terms he could make.

G. W. K.

Monterey, Sept. 25, 1846.

My Dear Sir – After a most obstinate and sanguinary conflict, which was continued from day to day for five days, Gen. Ampudia capitulated this city on the 24^th inst. Our loss in killed and wounded, has been extremely severe, not less than 500, amongst whom are some of the most valuable officers of the regular army, as well as volunteers.

The 1^st Regiment of Tennessee volunteers, commanded by Col. Campbell, suffered more severely, perhaps, than any other which was engaged during the siege, having had twenty-seven killed on the field, and seventy-seven wounded, some of them mortally, and many of them seriously, and this out of a force of only 378 men. Notwithstanding this tremendous loss, the regiment charged under the lead of its gallant colonel and other officers, and was the first regiment which stormed the fort, around the breastworks, and unfurled the stars and stripes upon its walls, amidst a perfect hail storm of balls which was pouring upon it.

These Mexican towns and fortresses are incredibly strong, and few men fight better from house tops, and behind stone walls or are more adroit in the use of stationary artillery than the Mexicans. In these actions Gen. Taylor had, all told, about 5000 men, while Gen. Ampudia’s force consisted of 10,500 infantry and cavalry, besides militia, rancheros, &c. Gen. Taylor had eighteen pieces, while Gen. Ampudia had forty-four pieces, thirty eight of which, with two standards of colors, are now in our possession.

Our Army arrived before Monterey the morning Saturday, the 19^th inst. And about half at 8 o’clock, while reconnoitering the out works of the city, a ball discharged from a 12-punder struck Gen. Taylor and staff, and bounded with terrible velocity over his head, at which the old hero did not change a muscle or even bat his eye. This day, the 19^th, was spent in making reconnoisances of the place and its various outposts, amidst a good deal of firing on the part of the Mexicans, from cannon and a short gun called an escopette, which carries a large ball to the distance of 500 or 600 yards.

On Sunday, the 20^th, Gen. Worth was detached by Gen. Taylor, in command of the 2d division of the regular army (about 1500 strong) and Col. Hay’s regiment of Texas Rangers, (consisting of 400 men,) with a view of turning the city and occupying the Saltillo road, for the purpose of cutting off the enemy’s supplies and reinforcements, which were daily expected under Gen. Santa Anna. The division performed the march – making a road, filing ditches, &c. – a distance of about six or seven miles, and reached the vicinity of the enemy in the evening, about 5 o’clock, when the General, with an escort from Col, Hay’s rangers, was fired on by the batteries placed on the heights, and also by a corps of the enemy’s light troops, who were sent through a corn field to cut off his party.

From this time until the appearance of the white flag, on the evening of the 24^th, the division of the Army commanded by Gen. Worth was incessantly engaged, and was ever successful – never for the moment hesitating or faltering – putting to rout the enemy’s cavalry on the plains, driving his infantry through the chaparral and from the housetops, scaling immense heights, capturing guns, and storming fortresses, which were not only deemed impregnable but which seemed to be almost inaccessible. And, best of all, these brilliant exploits were performed with the loss of fourteen killed and fifty-six wounded; and during the four days’ contest there occurred not the slightest error or mistake on the part of the commanding General, nor was there at any time the least faltering or hesitancy on the past of the officers and men – regulars and volunteers – in executing his orders. Indeed, it is difficult to determine which is most worthy of admiration, the wisdom and energy displayed by the able and accomplished commander or the gallantry and ardor with which he was sustained by those under his command.

When the difficulties and apparently insuperable obstacles are considered, I venture the assertion that the series of successes obtained by the division under Gen. Worth’s command, in the recent operations against Monterey, will bear a favorable comparison with the proudest achievements of the American arms. He was opposed by a greatly superior force, which was well served with artillery and posted upon the highest peaks of the Sierra Madre. He stormed heights, took three pieces of artillery, turned them on the enemy, and with these and the aid of one of his own pieces – which he contrived to place upon the summit which commands the famous Bishop’s Palace eight hundred feet above the base of the mountain – united with the inestimable services rendered by the dauntless and invincible spirits who stormed these heights, he reduced the strong hold of the enemy and drove him into the city, upon which he turned the guns he had captured. He bivouacked his force for the night on the bleak mountain, and the next day, after bombarding the town, he conducted his forces into the streets amidst a shower of balls discharged at his person. He was seen everywhere, directing everything, driving the enemy from his batteries, forcing him from the street to street and house to house, until night ended the conflict. He maintained his position in the city, placed a ten-inch mortar in one of the strongly fortified squares, to direct which he placed that gallant and skillful officer, Maj. Monroe, with instructions to fire a shell (weighing ninety pounds) every half hour during the night. This duty was performed with terrible effect, almost every shell falling in the plaza, where the enemies’ forces were collected to the number of 7000 or 8000 men. He had made every necessary preparation for pursuing his advantages the next day, even to placing some of his artillery on the tops of high buildings, which would command and sweep the house tops from which the enemy fought.

Such was the state of preparation when Gen. Ampudia capitulated the city, reflecting equal honor upon the military skill of the head which conceived, and the indomitable energy of the gallant spirits who executed the plan of operations.

Our most serious loss occurred on the 21^st, when Gen. Taylor only intended to make a diversion in favor of Gen. Worth, who was engaged in the attack on the other side of the town, but owing to the ardor and impetuosity of the troops, they very soon became involved in a general engagement, which Gen. Taylor felt bound to sustain. This excess of courage involved melancholy consequences, but it is surely a most excusable weakness, if it be a weakness, to display an excess of ardor in the field of battle.

The volunteers from the different States behaved in the most handsome manner. They have won for the citizen soldier the admiration and applause of the officers and soldiers of the regular Army, who speak of their conduct in the highest terms of approbation and eulogy. Amongst the volunteers none have shown more conspicuously than the 1^st Regiment of Texas mounted riflemen, commanded by that Chevalier Bavard, Col. J. C. Hays, better known as Jack Hays. This corps, from the Colonel to the private has fully sustained its former reputation. In the first affairs in which Gen. Worth’s division was engaged on the morning of the 21^st, Col. Hays, with several companies of his mounted riflemen, were thrown forward to open the ball, which he did most beautifully, encountering and shooting in the presence of the General the Colonel of dragoons who commanded the enemy’s forces. In sealing heights, storming batteries, and clambering over walls and house-tops, the voice of the gallant Colonel and the reports of the unerring rifle of the Ranger, were ever heard in the van. The courage and constancy, and subordination of this corps, is the theme of admiration in the Army.

But my object is narrative and not eulogy. It is not necessary for me to go into detail in relation to the terms accorded to the Mexican Army in the capitulation, as you will have seen the articles or the substance thereof, published in the newspapers ere this reaches you. If any one not acquainted with the facts of the case should object that our commanding General had granted terms too favorable to the retiring Army, let it be remembered that our invincible little Army had already suffered severely in bearing the bosoms of our best citizens, and bravest officers, and soldiers, to the batteries of an unseen foe; that the city was still immensely strong in its defenses; that the Mexican Army was double that of our own; this Army was in possession of the strongest part of the city, each house of which is a fortress within itself; that each remaining street was barricaded and most of them defended by cannon; and that when driven from the city the Mexican Army possessed a fortress called the Citadel, of immense capacity, and great strength, to which the whole Army could have retired.

To have taken this work without a siege train, as we were, by assault, would have cost us very dearly. Independently of these considerations, our provisions were growing short and our ammunitions were quite limited. We were far removed from our supplies and reinforcements, while the enemy might have been reinforced at any moment. And lastly, the policy avowed by our Government does not inculate [sic] the idea that this is to be a vindictive or exterminating was against the people of Mexico, but on the contrary to conquer a peace, or in other words to whip Mexico to her own satisfaction, obtain our just rights, and conclude a pence upon terms such as would be becoming in a great and magnanimous nation towards a weak and distracted Government. All this has in my opinion been accomplished, in as full, complete and ample a manner by the course pursued in the capitulation, as if we had stormed the citadel and put the whole army to the sword. This is, in my judgment, the last battle which will be fought in the Mexican war. Gen. Ampudia, in urging as pacific course on Gen. Taylor, stated repeatedly that he knew that Gen. Taylor, stated repeatedly that he knew that Gen. Santa Anna was disposed to peace; that he was well assured that the course adopted would lead to peace between the two countries; that his object was to save the effusion of blood and the honor of his Government.

But if the war is to be prosecuted, we are in the possession of one of the strongest, most healthy and beautiful places in Mexico; from which, when our reinforcements and supplies arrive, our Army cannot be expelled by any force which Mexico will be able to send against it. We have taken arms and ammunition with which we can act offensively or defensively, according to the course of events and the policy of the Government. If it be the policy of our Government to extend our boundary beyond the Rio Grande, then the line of the Rinconada, agreed upon as that beyond which the Mexican troops are to retire, is the most eligible which can be indicated by the geographical features of the country.

Gen. Ampudia and his army left this morning for Saltillo. He was treated with courtesy and respect, by Gen. Worth, whose quarters are in the city, and who accompanied him to the limits of the town. In fact, all of our troops displayed that forbearance which always marks the conduct of brave and magnanimous men towards those whom the torture of war has placed in their power. You will observe that in my narration of the events of the battles. I have confined myself to the operations of that division of the army which was commanded by Gen. Worth. I have done so because I was with this command, near his person, saw what occurred, and know that which I have stated to be substantially correct. You are not infer that I mean to intimate that the main army, under the command of Gen. Taylor, did not perform feats equally worthy of the applause and admiration of the country. Others well informed as to facts, and much better qualified for the duty, will no doubt give a detailed account of the operations of this portion of the army. Take the army altogether, I doubt whether a superior body of men ever rallied under the flag of our country.

Very truly, yours, &c.,
BALIE PEYTON.

J. Ad. ROZIER, Esq.

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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46v47n36p3c5 879 words

Accounts from the Army of General Butler

The papers from the South and Eastern cities are filled with letters from Monterey, giving more minute and detailed accounts of the splendid victory of our troops. It is impossible for us to think of spreading the one-tenth part of these letters before our readers, in our columns, circumscribed as they are. Indeed if our columns were large and ample enough for them all, we should not publish many of them, as they are in many instances disgusting, and bearing upon their face unblushing falsehoods, and enough of self laudation and glorification to nauseate the stomach of the most gullible of mankind. But as public journalists, we are compelled to read them all, as great an infliction of punishment as the task may be, in order to find out what should be laid before our readers. We take great pleasure, however, in directing the attention of the reader to the letter of Col. Bailie Peyton, dated Sept. 25^th 1846 – this letter will be read with great interest.

We have been exceedingly pained to observe the papers generally of the country teeming with accounts from the Army, derogatory to the military character, skill and bravery of Maj. Genl. BUTLER. We have never for a single moment believed that there was one word of truth in any of them, and as to angry words, &C., passing between him and Gen. TAYLOR, we are almost positively certain that no such occurrence ever took place. It is true the division under Gen. BUTLER suffered very severely, but it was from no fault of his that we can see – his position was a trying one, and the very fact that he led his men to the charge amid so much danger and amid so merciless, constant and destructive a fire as he did – at once places the lie upon the charge made against him of a want of courage. The he lacked prudence, might perhaps have been the case, but where is the evidence of it? Does Gen. TAYLO say so in his dispatches to Government? No – on the contrary he returns his thanks especially to Maj. Genls. BUTLER, HENDERSON, and Brig. Gen. WORTH for the gallant and efficient services rendered to him. Do any of the leading Officers in their accounts of the battle, make any charges against him? None – none that we can see. Let the country then beware what confidence they place in the newspaper correspondence which they see from Monterey, or any other point of the Army. In justice, let us remember, our gallant Officers and men who are now petilling [sic] their lives and their all in the field of battle, and surround them with the good wishes and prayers of our whole hearts. Let no man be condemned upon rumors. In our comments upon the conduct of the Army, let us wait for Official Despatches [sic]. We care not what may be the political complexion of the Officers and men of our Army – it is not our business to inquire now – they are our countrymen, that is enough for us. We know that Maj. Gen. BUTLER is a prominent Democrat, and very strenuous in his opinions and course – but what of that? – is he not our countryman? – and engaged now in the defense of our common Country? Surely, most surely, then is he entitled to the regard and affection of his countrymen, until he does something to forfeit that regard. Were Gen. B. now a candidate for political office or preferment in this country, we should vote against him, because we know the doctrines of his political creed, and we do not believe in their truth or adaptation to the glory and prosperity of our Country. But as a man, we like him – as a soldier, we honor him; amid the page of history bears honorable testimony to his gallantry in the last War, and now at Monterey he has again sealed his bravery and his devotion to his Country with his blood. We are glad to learn that the gallant old soldier is recovering from his wounds, and hope he may live to do signal service to his Country, and brand the lie upon his revilers. We annex to the following slip from the Baltimore Patriot of Saturday last which doubtless is to be fully relied on: -

Gen. TAYLOR and Gen. BUTLER – A writer in the Washington

Union in some remarks upon the report about Gen. BUTLER says: -

A gallant regular officer who has just returned from Monterey, in the capture of which he bore his part, in relation to the charges against Gen. BUTLER, says explicitly, “that if there was any complaint against Gen. BUTLER, on any account, in the army, he had never heard of no angry words or difficulty of any kind between Gen. TAYLOR and BUTLER; nor did he believe that there had been any. The officers of the regular army had the greatest respect for Gen. BUTLER as well as for Gen. TAYLOR, and had all been to visit the former after he had received his wound. ” He also says that “the kindest feelings exist in the army between the regulars and volunteers, and that the former considered the latter as having shown extraordinary steadiness and efficiency for raw troops. ”
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MG46v47n36p5c1 53 words

Santa Anna’s Passport – Alex. Gaz.

The Havana correspondent of the New Orleans Picayune, writing on the 1^st of Oct., says that he has been informed that General Santa Anna did not have a passport from the Government of the United States, but a letter of recommendation from President POLK to the Commodore of the blockading squadron. Alex. Gaz.
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Thursday, November 5, 1846 MGi46v47n36p5c1 102 words

To the Editor

On the importance of Monterey as an acquisition to us there is a great difference of opinion. That it must prove a very serious loss to the Mexicans, may be inferred from the fact that it was the place where the foundries for the casting of copper balls – cannon and musket – are erected. In its vicinity are the copper mines which excel any other in productiveness, and from these the foundries are supplied with metal for their castings. The City of Mexico contains the powder mills; nut the loss of the manufactories of shot and ball must be severely felt. Balt. Pat.
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Thursday, November 12, 1846 MG46v47n37p2c6 1,231 words

From Mexico, 5 Days Later from Monterey, From the Baltimore Sun, Nov. 9

Present Position of Gen. Taylor – Santa Anna and Ampudia – Array between Texan Rangers and Citizens of Monterey – Ampudia’s Excuse for the Surrender – The Killed and Wounded, &c.

The steamship Palmetto, Lewis, arrived at New Orleans on the 29^th ultimo, in 36 hours from Galveston. Among the passengers, were Dr. Conrad and Lieut. Nichols, U.S.A. ; Lieut. Dorfendorf, Price, (reported dead,) Smith and Smeds, of the Mississippi volunteers, and Lieut. Read, of the Texas Rangers, with 41 volunteers. Among the vessels left at Galveston were the steamship McKim, and steam schooner Florida, both for N. Orleans. The McKim, was from Brazos Santiago, and was to leave Galveston from New Orleans on the 28^th. The steamschooner [sic] Florida was eleven days from Brazos Santiago, with 300 discharged volunteers. She put into Galveston on the 25^th, short for provisions and water, and was to leave again for this port on the 28^th inst.

[Correspondence of the Baltimore Sun. ]

Monterey, Mexico, Oct. 10, 1846.

Gentlemen: - I find I have to correct my last letter to you. In it I stated that the killed of the Baltimore battalion was eight, I am happy now to say that there were but five slain; the other three missing, were made prisoners, but escaped, and day before yesterday returned safe and sound. They report that Wm. ALEXANDER, private of Capt. STEWART’S company, died in the Mexican camp after the amputation of his limb by a Mexican surgeon. He was buried with the honors of war by the Mexicans.

I forgot to say in the list I gave you of our killed, that Sergeant TRUSCOTT, of Washington, was in that number. The entire part of his head above his mouth was shot off. Of the rest of the wounded, privates FILES and CAPLES (both of STEWART’s company,) will die. They were both shot through the body. – LEE’s case is very doubtful; I fear he will die.

Color bearer HART lost his right arm while defending the Banner which was presented to us by the ladies of Baltimore. He fell, and Capt. STEWART rushed up his aid, saved him and the flag, redeeming the pledge he made when he received it, that he “would defend it or die. ”

If you added these to those I mentioned in my letter per Lieut. WORTHINGTON, you will find the total of the killed and wounded in our battalion.

We will have another “tall fight” at Saltillo, and our situation is now becoming perilous. – The Mexicans are said to number 23,000 men here, and their fortifications are said to be better than at Monterey. Gen. TAYLOR has only 6,950 men to oppose these. The Government ought to send us at least 10,000 more men.

Lee is still living, but very low – he will die.

Yours, &c.,

J.M.

From the New Orleans Tropic we make the following extracts: -

Lieut. PRICE, whose death has been announced in Mississippi papers and our own, is, thank God, alive, and now at the St. Charles Hotel, in this city. From some of the officers of the U.S. Army, who came passengers on the Palmetto, and who left Monterey on the 11^th ult., we learn that the first Government Express, ordering Gen. TAYLOR to carry on the war with renewed energy, in consequence of the refusal of Mexico to negotiate, was within a few miles of Monterey, and would reach that point the next day.

The health of the troops at Monterey was much better than it had been on the Rio Grande.

The fortifications in the city were garrisoned by the regular troops.

Gen. TAYLOR’s camp was about three miles this side of Monterey.

The last accounts from Gen. Ampudia and his army left them beyond Saltillo, on their march toward San Luis Potosi, at which point it was rumored that Santa Anna had arrived at the head of thirteen thousand, and daily expecting reinforcements.

The Georgia Regiments was the only reinforcement which had reached Monterey at the time our informants left. Orders had been received, it was understood, by the other Regiments stationed on the Rio Grande, to move towards Headquarters. The Kentucky and Tennessee mounted Regiments had not yet reached Matamoras.

The people of Monterey who had left about the time of the siege, were gradually returning. They had begun to exhibit friendly feelings towards the Americans, interchanges of visits not being rare among both parties.

There had been affrays between the citizens of Monterey and the Texan Rangers, which resulted, first, in the assassination of a Texan Volunteer, and then, by way of revenge, in the killing of eleven Mexicans by the comrades of the slain. General TAYLOR, to prevent similar recurrences, had ordered an efficient guard to be distributed through the city.

Lieut. Col. McClung was rapidly recovering from the effects of his wounds. One of the officers of his Regiment informs us that the gallant Colonel was the first man that showed himself on the first fort stormed by General TAYLOR’s Division, and that he received his wounds whilst waving his sword aloft and cheering on his men, shouting “Victory!” – The musket ball struck him on his left hand whilst holding his scabbard to his ship, and cut off two of his fingers, glancing from the scabbard and entering his abdomen, fracturing in its course, the bone above the hip joint.

We feel bound to state further, from the evidence furnished us, that Gen. TAYLOR’s coolness and sound judgment throughout the terrible three days was remarked by every one engaged, and that his intrepidity was such, he being in the thickness of the fight, and always where the balls fell fastest, that his escape was deemed miraculous. He still preserves the same noble feelings, and stands ready to go where his government may order him, or the services of his country may call him, whether at the head of five, or twenty thousand men.

We are gratified to be able to state that the duels, which were on the tapis at Camargo, between Col. Balie PEYTON and Gen. MARSHALL, and also between Capt. MUSON, of this city, and Capt. CHEIVES, of the Texas Volunteers, have all been amicably arranged.

Col. Balie PEYTON, Gen. A. S. JOHNSON, and Mr. KENDALL, of the Picayune, were at Galveston on the 28^th; intending to leave in the McKim for this city.

Col. Wm. S. FISHER, Commander of the “ill-fated Mier expedition,” and Capt. Frank S. EARLY, of the Washington Texas Volunteers and a hero of Monterey, died in Galveston on the 26^th instant.

Gen. has issued another proclamation since his retreat from Monterey, calling upon the Mexicans to flock to his standard to repel the invaders of their soil. His excuse, in the proclamation for defeat at Monterey, and the surrender of that city to our troops is a want of ammunition!! The utter falsity of this statement was well known, for a quantity of ammunition was found at Monterey after the capitulation.

The New Orleans Delta of the 29^th ult. says: -

There are various reports floating about the camp at Monterey respecting the movements of the Mexican army, but nothing authentic or definite.

The following is the disposition of the army at Monterey: Gen. WORTH’s division, with which is Blanchard’s company of Louisiana Volunteers, attached to the 7^th Regiment, garrisons the city. The 1^st, 3d and 4^th Regiments, and the brigade of Artillery, with Gen. TAYLOR’s staff, are encamped about four miles north of the city. The Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia Volunteers are encamped a mile still further north of the city.
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Thursday, November 12, 1846 MG46v47n37p3c4 354 words

Letter to the Editor

The New York Express thus speaks upon the result of the election in the Empire State:

The Whig Tornado. – We are as yet too much exhausted by the labors of arranging and collecting Election Returns, and by the want of sleep, to have much time to spare to call attention to the storm that has swept over Locofocoism in this State. We have beaten Pennsylvania, we think, in the tornado we have got up here, - and if, in this, part of the State, there had been the union that was desirable, three more pure Whig Members of Congress would have graced our victory, in the persons of PHOENIX, MONROE, and VAN WAGENEN. – all lost by feuds and spirits among men substantially of the same opinion on National Politics. Independent of the unsought for aid we have from the Anti-Rent agitation, the returns are showing, particularly on the Members of Congress, that the purely Whig strength is decidedly uppermost in the State.

The great causes of these changes of public opinion are, no doubt, the change of the Tariff, and the enactment of the Sub Treasury by the present Congress, - with the fraud that was practiced upon us in getting up a war with Mexico, after the President had promised us the annexation of Texas should be a “bloodless achievement. ” The Whigs discriminate admirably between the duties thy owe to their country and their countrymen, - between the pride they feel in our glorious military successes, and the censure due to the administration for the blood that is spilt, and the money that is wasted. As for the Tariff of 1846, Free Traders may say what they please. It is odious in the interior of the State, - while the Sub Treasury here is ridiculed indiscriminately by friend and by foe of the administration. It is an abortion, disgracing the conceivers, and as impracticable as it is absurd.

Now that the CENTRE OF THE UNION, in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, is Whig, - we hope to see the Whig fires kindled up anew every where. POLK’s is a doomed Administration.
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Thursday, November 12, 1846 MG46v47n37p4c1 178 words

Letter to the Editor, Vera Cruz, October 1, 1846

Dear Sirs: There is very little news worth reporting. The present Government is trying to render itself popular by a series of rather liberal measures, and appears willing to recommence the campaign more rigorously. Gen. Santa Anna is about to leave Mexico in order to assume the generalship in chief of the troops concentrated in San Luis Potosi; but we confess to have the very worst opinion of the Mexican Army, and do not believe they will make any vigorous resistance to the American troops. The main difficulty will be, moreover, the entire want of money, as in the coffers of the treasury there is not even enough wherewith to pay the most necessary and urgent exigencies, and the credit of the Government is very much shaken indeed. It is true that the clergy will guarantie [sic] a loan of some millions of dollars, but we do not believe that this amount will be procured, and even if it were, undoubtedly the largest part will consist in Government paper, which is very difficult to realize in this moment.
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Thursday, November 12, 1846 MG46v47n37p4c2 92 words

Letter to the Editor, Washington, Nov. 4, 1846

There is, from some cause or other, a prevalent opinion here that we shall have peace with Mexico by the 1^st of February, and that there is no necessity for any more expenditure of blood and treasure.

There is an equally prevalent opinion that our Government will not demand California, nor even the boundary of the Sierra Madre, but be content to take the Rio Grande for a boundary and release Mexico from the obligations of her treaties, and assume to pay the indemnities due to our citizens. – Cor. Of Jour. Com.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p1c2 796 words

Description of Monterey, Correspondence of the Cincinnati Advertiser, Monterey, September 29, 1846.

The army is now quietly quartered in and about the grounds so recently strewn with the dead and dying. The blood strained pavements at this moment mark the spot of desperate conflict. While on the march from camp upon the first day’s battle, I heard Gen. BUTLER remark to Col. JOHNSON, of Texas, then acting as his aid, “that the post of danger was the post of honor. ” That is no doubt true, and, if so, then the wreath of honor should not be withheld from the graves of the dead and the brows of the living of those who participated in the storming of Monterey. After a careful examination of the ground occupied by the enemy at the point of attack, their means of defense, and the number of troops, one is astonished, not that so many were killed, but that any should be left to tell the story of the action.

Strange and lamentable that the homage of mankind should be profoundly bestowed on those only who conduct the carnage of the battlefield! A homage purchased by the living, at the expense of blood of those who die. These things, however, have been, are, and will be so.

The town is situated at the mountain pass which separate the plain extending to the Gulf of Mexico from the mountainous region, which continues until you have ascended the tableland upon which the capital is situated. – These mountains arise with great abruptness from the plain, unlike the Alleghanies, which are approached only through a country rough and broken, long before you are at the base. – Their aspect is bleak and dreary in the extreme. The ascent presents an angle apparently of sixty or seventy degrees, and their crest exhibits a sharp ridge – of nearly uniform height, except where broken through, as though pieces had broken through, as though pieces had broken out, leaving apertures of seven hundred feet with perpendicular sides, through which no other range is discernible. Detached hills seem to rise occasionally, like an excrescence from the plain, and many of them of great height. On one of these stands the Bishop’s Castle, commanding the town and plain for miles. It is accessible, it is true, from the east, with gentle ascent, but as you look west from the heights immediately beyond it, the head grows dizzy; and one accustomed to high places as I am shrinks involuntary back from the precipice, and instinctively seeks a surer footing and a firmer grasp upon the thorny chaparral surrounding him. This castle, you know, was taken by Gen. WORTH. How it was done I cannot comprehend, although the modius perandi has been explained to me half a dozen times by those who participated in the battle. One would think it an effectual resistance, properly measured against one body as well as another, totally regardless of numbers or courage. In fact, no one doubts that the troops who have taken the town could defend it against a myriad of men. Gen. TAYLOR, in conversation with me, said he had no hesitation in pronouncing it the strongest position on the continent, except Quebec. By the by, a word about the capitulation. The bearer of the flag of truce proposed a surrender of the town, allowing them to remove all the public property: Gen: TAYLOR asked an unconditional surrender of every thing: quite a difference. They had from 8 to 12 o’clock to answer. At 12 they sent for Gen. TAYLOR. After exhausting his patience with diplomacy, and Gen. had declared he was no way straitened to submission, Gen. TAYLOR said […] “Sir, I hold your town, yourself, and your army in the hollow of my hand, and you know it; the conference is closed. In thirty minutes you shall hear from my batteries. ” – He took his hat to leave the room; called him back and submitted. This was told me in person by Gen. Taylor, and is strictly true, of course.

Much has been deservedly said of Gen. TAYLOR’s personal bravery; it is the theme of admiration and adulation of those at home, but it is no peculiarity of his. He is surrounded by men equally so - by young men, who, in subordinate positions are capitals of any thing and every thing brave and great; and although obscured from the eye of the country, are in fact its pride and ornament. I will take occasion hereafter of napping some of those whom we regard as dandies of West Point, and show you how they live and what they undergo in the service; how, their spirit du corps prompts them to duty, their devotion, &c. Certainly the testimony of volunteers will hereafter disabuse the public mind to its appreciation of the young officers of the army.
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Thursday, 19 November 1846 MG46i47n38p1c3 223 words

Tennessee Volunteers – The Killed and Wounded

The Nashville Whig of the 24^th ultimo publishes a letter from Col. Wm. B. Campbell, giving an account of the battle of Monterey, and containing a list of the killed, wounded, and missing in his regiment. The list occupies near a column of the Nashville Whig. It is the most melancholy column we ever saw in a newspaper. Similar records must appear in the Journals of other States. What tears will fall, what hearts will break over the gloomy developments of the results of war – of these victims, who lie crushed beneath the chariot of victory, their eyes blind to the incense with which the world’s applause tempers the red glare of the battle-field; their pulseless hearts no longer sensible to the patriot’s pride, the heroes impulses, and the soldier’s duty!

The letter of Col. CAMPBELL, announcing the details of the battle, while it breathes a natural spirit of exultation, over the remarkable success of the American arms, seems to us pervaded by a tome of subdued sadness such as these deplorable results might well call forth. It is like the blended strains of a chant of triumph and a dirge of wo. There is no unseemly boasting, but it is the language of one who feels that the laurels of conquest are steeped in the blood of kinsmen and friends. – Richmond Republican.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p1c3 69 words

Santa Anna’s Leg

Santa Anna’s leg, the leg which he lost by the French, which was buried with honors, but subsequently was exhumed and kicked about in dension, it appears by a letter in the New York Commerical, has been recovered from a young man, who had obtained possession of it, in the hope that some day he might make good speculations of it, and was respectfully buried by the new authorities.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p1c6 1,577 words

“Jack Hays and His Men. ”

Since the opening of the campaign, the regiment of Texas Rangers, under the command of Col. J. C. HAYS, of San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, have been gradually earning a high place not only in the estimation of Gen. TAYLOR’s army, as appears from numerous letters from the camp, but in the hearts of the people of the United States, until their exploits at the battle of Monterey have created a perfect enthusiasm in the popular mind to know who and what this famous “Jack Hays and his men” really are. In reply to our inquires, a friend from Western Texas presents us with the following sketch. – Union.

John C. Hays, a native of Middle Tennessee, came to Texas early in the year 1839, I believe, and, settling at San Antonio, commenced business as a land locator and surveyor. – This calling was then exceedingly dangerous, for it was rare indeed that a surveying party went beyond the settlements without a rencontre [sic] with either Mexicans, Camanches [sic], Beodies, Wacoes, Towackanies, Keechies, or straggling bands of some other hostile tribe infesting the western frontier of Texas. In these encounters, HAYS, though hardly a man in age, soon obtained a reputation for coolness, judgment, courage, energy, and a knowledge of frontier life, and Indian and Mexican character, which induced the Government of Texas to tender to him the command of its first company of rangers, which was organized in the winter of 1840 and ’41. Some time afterwards, when it was found necessary to raise two more ranging companies, Capt. HAYS was invested with the command of the battalion, with the rank of Major, and he and “his men” continued to serve as rangers until the annexation. – He is not more that thirty years of age, (if so old,) and weighs from 130 to 140 pounds. I need say nothing to you concerning his remarkable soldierly qualities, for the pens and voices of such men as BALIE PEYTON and GEN. WORTH have already told the world that it holds few such warriors as JACK HAYS.

In western Texas, where from habit all men are good Indian and Mexican fighters modestly is his most remarkable trait; for it is no uncommon thing to hear an over-modest man characterized as being almost as bashful as JACK HAYS. Indeed, I question whether there is a man in TAYLOR’s army who has as poor an opinion of his merits and services of H. as he himself. He thinks much and speaks little, and that little always to the purpose. – There never lived a commander more idolized by his men, his word is their law. Now, as they are regular frontier men, and, of course, notoriously restless under any other restraint, his perfect control of them attracted much curiosity and many inquiries in Texas before its annexation. Their experience with him as a soldier has given him their confidence; but his rigid and exact justice to them, his habits of living and faring as roughly as any private in the regiment when on duty, and of treating each comrade in arms as in all respects his equal comrade in arms as in all respects his equal when not on duty, are probably the reason why the boys, one and all, are so willing, without a murmur, to live on parched corn, ride seventy or eighty miles without dismounting for five minutes at a time, or to fight Mexicans with pick-axes, when HAYS deems either necessary.

His men, who, in the estimation of Gen. WORTH, are the best light troops in the world, are just the men to be led by such an officer. Out of the four hundred and fifty are farmers and stock raisers in a small way on the Colorado, Navidad, Lavaca, Gaudaloupe, and San Antonia rivers in western Texas.

From the time of the battle of San Jacinto up to forty-one, when formed into regular ranging companies, they defended the frontier on their own hook, without pay, emolument, provision, or even ammunition at the expense of the Government. Whenever Indians of Mexicans approached the settlements, runners were dispatched up and down the rivers I have before named to sound the alarm, and on such notice those now composing HAYS’s “first regiment of Texas Rangers” rarely required more than six hours to prepare for a campaign of three months; for, after all, catching their horses, running fifty bullets, and parching a halt bushel of corn for cold flour, or panoli, as the Mexicans term it, were the only preparations necessary. Hot or Cold, wet or dry, they carried no tents, and required no other provisions than fresh beef, which was usually driven with them. Once in a while a green horn, on his first campaign, would pack a little sugar, coffee, and salt; but he would soon learn that boys who had to fight for nothing and find their own horse flesh and ammunition, could do it about as “carni” solus. In fact, after a little experience with such a life, few at least of those men would be troubled with the care of any other provision than beef, or any other equipment than shooting irons, bowie knife, a pair of blankets, a Mexican saddle-tree, and a good horse; which, with leather breeches, indomitable perseverance, an extra shirt, a light heart, great capacity for endurance, and sworn hatred to Mexicans and Indians, make up the Texan ranger.

When the Government of Texas organized these men into regular companies, they first began to receive pay, and perhaps half of those now with HAYS gave up their farms and took to soldiering for a livelihood.

Capt. Ben. McCulloch, who commands the first company of this regiment, (to which KENDALL, of Picayune, is attached;) G. T. HOWARD, who was lately dispatched to Santa Fe by the President, and has since joined WOOL’s force, to which he will soon be what McCulloch is to the main army; poor GILLESPIE, who was killed in the late battle, and HANCOCK CHEVALLIE, originally of Richmond, Virginia, were HAYS’s right hand men in the frontier campaigns of Texas. McCULLOCH is a native of Tennessee, near the Alabama line, and came to Texas from the latter State, settling in Gonzales County as a surveyor. He served one of the two field pieces in the battle of San Jacinto, “the twin sisters,” as the Texans dubbed them, and there, for the first time, distinguished himself. He is the hero of what is known as the Plum creek fight with the Indians who burnt Linnville [sic]. HOWARD is a native of this city, and commanded in the famous court-house fight in the town of San Antonio, when he found it necessary to close the door, and, with nineteen men, to fight thirty-seven Camanches [sic], both parties being completely armed. In this melee, he himself received four wounds, and lost nine men killed, all the rest of the command being more or less wounded. But seven of the Indians got out of the room alive; and of these, six were subsequently killed in the street. GILLESPIE is either a native of Virginia or Tennessee; and being lieutenant of the first company of rangers, was chosen its captain when HAYS was promoted to the command of the original battalion. Indeed, all these gentlemen are distinguished frontier officers, having long since won their way to fame in Texas, in, I may almost write, a hundred well-fought battles. S. H. WALKER, the Captain WALKER of the beginning of this campaign, who, by-the-by, is from this city also, is now the lieutenant colonel of the events of the month prior to the battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May last. Ever since the organization of the ranging corps he has been one of their number; though, heretofore, I do not know what he was distinguished beyond his comrades generally. Before the annexation of Texas an election for a lieutenant of the 1^st company (GILLESPIE’s) took place, and EDWARD RATCLIFF, a bother of DANIEL RATCLIFF, Esq. of this city chosen, WALKER being his competitor. RATCLIFF, poor fellow, was killed in the little fight between nine men under WALKER, and a party of Mexicans, which took place a few days prior to the battle of the 8^th of May.

But when I think of these men facts crowd so fast on my memory that I might write you about them until day break. A personal knowledge of at least three-fourths of the men of the regiment teachers me that Col. BALIE PEYTON has not praised them beyond their true deserts in saying that “amongst the volunteers none have shone more conspicuously than the 1^st Regiment of Texas mounted riflemen, commanded that Chevalier Bayard, Col. J. C. HAYS, better known as JACK HAYS. This corps, from the Colonel to the private, has fully sustained its former reputation. In the first affair in which Gen. WORTH’s division was engaged on the morning of the 21^st, Col. HAYS, with several companies of his mounted riflemen, were thrown forward to open the balt [sic], which he did most beautifully, encountering and shooting in the presence of the General the Colonel of dragoons who commanded the enemy’s forces. In sealing heights, storming batteries, and clambering over walls and house tops, the voice of the gallant Colonel and the reports of the unerring rifle of the Ranger were ever heard in the van. The courage and constancy and subordination of this corps is the theme of admiration in the army. ”
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p1c7 72 words

Dress of Mexican Women

Gowns are not known. A chemise with short sleeves and a short petticoat, with the Ribose for the head and sometimes folded over the bosom, is the entire outfit. It startles one frequently to the hear the noble Castillian rolling from lips whence appearance would teach you to expect nothing but the harsh gutturals of the aboriginates [sic]. Many of them are darker than our Indians, and the African blood is plainly marked.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p1c7 495 words

Mr. Polk’s Faux Pas

The extraordinary blunder of President Polk, says the Richmond Times, in permitting SANTA ANNA and ALMONTE to return from Havana to Mexico, is becoming the subject of general and very severe animadversion. A more unfortunate and ridiculous mistake was never committed by any government. In consequence of it, we are at this moment farther from a termination of the war than we were on the ninth of May. For, had not unanimity of purpose been attained in Mexico, by the arrival and accession of SANTA ANNA, AMPUDIA would never have been able to rally a force of 10,000 men at Monterey, or, at least the capitulation of that town would have been the end of the war.

The Alexandria Gazette, in the following article, sows what is thought in Europe of the unexampled policy of our Cabinet:

OPINION ABROAD – We learned, a day or two since, in conversation with a gentlemen recently returned from Europe, that the greatest surprise was manifested in private circles in England, by the most intelligent and well informed people, at the very extraordinary movement of our government in countenancing and permitting the return of SANTA ANNA and his officers to Mexico, “You Americans” was the common remark, “are certainly the strangest people on the face of the earth. You certainly display the most indomitable heroism and perseverance – you overcome obstacles that would seem almost insurmountable – and yet you display the utmost lack of wisdom, may, even of common sense, in the conduct of your was with Mexico. You permit SANTA ANNA, a skillful general, a man of notoriously bad faith, without one single honorable trait in his character, crafty, cunning, deceitful, and your bitter enemy, to regain his country; unite a divided people, and lead an army, devoted to his interests, against you. This movement which no other nation upon earth would have thought of, for a single moment. You permit ALMONTE, too, who from his long residence in your country, is probably the best informed of all his countrymen, of your condition and resources, as well as the disposition of your people, to return with SANTA ANNA, and, in all probability, assume the direction of the war department. Besides all this, you offer encouragement to your enemies to prolong the war, by paying them, and paying them liberally too, for all the supplies you take from them for the sustenance of your troops. This may and doubtless does spring from honorable motives, but it is against the universal practice of nations engaged in war, and is certainly the worst policy that you could have adopted. Respect private property as far as is consistent, repress indiscriminate pillage, but above all, make your enemies feed your army!”

These opinions of our atlantic [sic] friends, are such as we have frequently expressed, and just such as we should suppose every man of common sense would entertain. The course pursued by the Administration is as inexplicable to us as it is to them.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p2c2 158 words

A Call for Troops

We observe in the last “Union,” that requisitions have been sent out from the War Department, calling into the service of United States, nine additional Regiments of Volunteers, to serve during the War with Mexico, unless, to serve during the War with Mexico, unless sooner discharged. They are asked for from the following States: -

One regiment of infantry from Massachusetts;
One regiment of infantry from the State of New York;
One regiment of infantry from Pennsylvania;
One regiment of infantry from Virginia;
One regiment of infantry from North Carolina;
One regiment of infantry from South Carolina;
One regiment of infantry from Louisiana;
One regiment of infantry from Mississippi; and
One regiment of mounted men from Texas.

The Berkeley boys, whose souls beat so high with military ardor last Spring, after the battles of Palo Alto and Resaen de la Palma, will now have a chance to do service in the cause of their country. What say they?
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p2c3 396 words

From Mexico, Very Late and Important from Mexico

The New Orleans Picayune of the 8^th inst. Contains advices from Vera Cruz as late as 22^nd October, received through the same channel by which they received the accounts of the unsuccessful attack by our Squadron on Alvarado. The intelligence is interesting and important. From an extended account in the Picayune we make up the following summary of news:

In the first place we may say in general terms that in no paper which we have opened do we find any token of submission on the part of the Mexicans in their conflict with this country. Every paragraph breathes threats of vengeance. Their losses are enumerated in detail, to found thereupon more urgent appeals to the patriotism of their citizens to give up every thing for the support of the war. It is not too much to say that there is the warmest enthusiasm apparent in all that we read – whether in editorial remarks or the military addresses with which the papers are crowded. The spirit of all is, “War to the knife. ”

But this shows the surface of affairs only. We shall have occasion to note incidents, says the Baltimore American, which lead us to suspect the country is by no means so united as the crisis in her affairs would seem to demand.

The news of SANTA ANNA’s arrival at San Luis Potosi, which we gave the other day, was at least premature. He did not reach there till the 8^th of October. As every thing in regard to his movement is sought after, we annex his letter announcing his arrival:

LIBERATING ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,
Headquarters, San Luis, Oct. 10, 1846.

Most Excellent Sirs: - On the evening of the 8^th inst. I arrived at this capital, accompanied by my staff, and established therein the Headquarters of the Army of Opperations [sic], destined to repel the unjust invasion made upon the Republic by the Army of the United States of the North.

I have the pleasure of saying to your Excellency that the congratulations of a magnanimous people who have not ceased to bestow upon me profused [sic] marks of consideration, and the same mark will apply to the authorities and public functionaries of all classes.

Oblige me by communicating these facts to his Excellency, the General charged with the supreme executive power, and accept assurances of my consideration and esteem. God and Liberty.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p2c6 778 words

From the Gulf Squadron, Second Abortive Attack on Alvarando---Vessels Grounded on the Bar—Expedition against Tobasco—Capture of Several Prizes

The New Orleans Picayune (extra) of the 7^th inst. Contains the following important letters from their correspondent in the Gulf Squadron: -

By the arrival of the pilot boat at the Balize [sic], we are in the possession of late advices from the squadron. We have only time to give the annexed letters and save the mail. If the Commodore had failed in his attempt upon Alvarado, it it [sic] is owing to no want of gallantry or skill n his part or that of his officers. The difficulties he has had to surmount have been insuperable so far; but he will yet prevail. He will, in a few weeks, renew his attempt at all hazards: -

Off Anton Lizardo, Oct. 13, 1846.

Gentlemen: We are one the eve of another attack on Alvarado. At 5 o’clock this afternoon, Com. CONNER issued orders for the sailing of the squadron, frigates Cumberland and Raritan excepted, for the mouth of the Alvarado river.

The Com. Takes command of the expedition in person, making use of the steamer Vixen as his flag ship for the occasion. One o’clock tomorrow morning is the hour fixed, and already the streamers Mississippi, Vixen and McLaine, are firing up. Besides these vessels the force consists of the Revenue Cutter Forward, schooners Monata. This latter vessel was recently captured from the Mexicans, and was formerly the American schooner Belle, out of your port. She now mounts four forty-two pound cannonades.

For the last month we have been drilling our men as Infantry, upon a small island, and Jack is so anxious for a fight, that he marks time with a good grace, and every one appears pleased that at least we are to have a chance at the enemy.

At the month of the river the Mexicans have a ten gun battery, we know of a brig of war and two gun boats being merchantmen have taken refuge in the harbour, and there must be a small sprinkling of prize money in store for us.

Oct. 16^th. – Our sailing orders for the morning of the 14^th were countermanded in consequence of its blowing too fresh for operation occasioning a delay of the expedition for 24 hours. We sailed, however, at 1 A. M., yesterday, but I regret to state that we are all at anchor again to-day, and Alvarado yet in possession of the Mexicans.

You were pleased to call the former attack on Alvarado an abortion, and I suppose you will not be sparing of hard names for the present failure, but I trust when you examine the facts of the case you will understand that it is owing to the inefficiency of the means at the disposal of Com. CONNER, and to the natural defences [sic] of the place itself, that we have not been successful, rather than to any want of skill or courage on his part, or lack of spirit and support by the officers and men under his command. We were within ten miles of the mouth of the river at daylight, and stool slowly into shore, it being dead calm, the Vixen and McLane towing the schooners.

The Mississippi anchored at long shot distance and commenced her fire. Up to this time every thing appeared highly favorable for the success of the expedition. There being a heavy swell on the bar, the pilots declined taking the vessels over. The Commodore leading in the Vixen with the rest of the force following, passed by the front, each vessel firing her broadside as she ranged ahead, with but little effect, however, owing to the distance. A long 18 in the Forward sent a shot directly into the Fort.

This movement was repeated with better success; the distance being lessened. The Forward made a most beautiful shot. In the meanwhile, the Mississippi had closed and exploded her Paixhan about the heads of the Mexicans, in the way that must have made some of them see more stars than the Lord ever made. One shot from her dismounted a heavy gun of theirs from a stockade. This they soon remedied, but thus far their shot had fallen short.

During the morning several of our boats sounded with half a mile of the Fort, receiving the fire of the enemy with as much impunity as indifference. The swell over the bar having somewhat subsided at 1 P. M., the line was formed as follows: - Steamer Vixen, flag ship towing gun-boats Reefer and Bonita; steamer MacLane towing the Bonita, cutter Forward, and gun-boat Petrel; then 2 launches, 3 cutters, and a barge containing a force destined for boarding. The vessels of war brought up the rear.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p2c7 800 words

Further Particulars, Coolness of Con. -Conner- Effects of the Mississippi’s shells – Expedition against Tobasco

The Picayune has also the following additional information from the Gulf, from private letters: -

The gallant old Commodore was the most chargrined [sic] of all. He took command of the expedition in person, upon the steamer Vixen. His vessel succeeded in getting across the bar and reaching the desired position, where she stood the brunt of the fire of the Mexican battery of twelve guns, till the McLane got around, and it would have been foolhardiness to persist in the enterprise. Com. CONNER stood all the while upon the wheel-house of the Vixen, calm and unruffled, whilst the shot flew around him. One ball striking short of the schooner, dashed the water over his person filling his face and eyes. Unmoved, he wiped the water from his face, and, solicitous, […] for others, inquired if any one was hurt. His bearing is described to us as everything that we could have wished. Perfectly unruffled, he would not expose to useless hazard his command, after it became evident that from accident the enterprise must fail. His officers and men, however, were rendered half frantic by the order to withdraw. There was nothing so rash and desperate that they would not have performed it, rather than have obeyed the summons to desist.

Don THOS. MARIN, one of the most accomplished officers in the Mexican Navy, commanded the fortifications of Alvarado. The papers containing his report of the attack has been accidentally mislaid or we would give the whole of it; but it is in the usual style of Mexican reports. He declares that he is ready for us again at any moment, and this probably is true. The Commodore, from his position is advance on the Vixen, discovered another Mexican work half a mile further up the river, or lagoon, as it may more properly be called, where three guns were mounted in battery, and supported by a gun-brio and two gunboats, serving as water-batteries. Perhaps it was the discovery of these additional means of defence [sic] which influenced the Commodore not to persist in his attack without the support of more of his forces. In the report of Senor MARIN the loss of the Mexicans is not mentioned, but he speaks of the loss of one Mexican officer who was not on duty, but in the streets of the town, half a mile back of the fort. He was captain in the army, and was struck by a shell from the Mississippi, and, we need not say, was almost annihilated. Another shell from the Mississippi set the Mexican colors on fire in the fort, but they were speedily replaced.

In this attack the same pilot who was on board the Truxton when she got ashore piloted the McLane. His name is JOHN McNEIL and he is a Scotchmen. He discharged his duty under the impressive belief that upon the first accident he would be shot. We believe it is not pretended that he played us false. The pilot gave warning of the danger in person, and he vessel went ashore in going about.

The attack was subject of remark among the officers of the foreign vessels on that station. So far as is known, they look upon the issue as unfortunate, but as in no way disgraceful to our arms. They fully appreciated the difficulties which we had to encounter and were not surprised at the result.

We have reason to presume that Com. CONNER would at once have proceeded to organize the plan of another attack upon Alverado had not he deemed it proper to despatch [sic] the expedition against Tobasco on the day after his repulse, by which movement he has given another opportunity to his officers, chaffled and mortified, to wipe out the remembrance of their recent misfortune, at the same time being generous enough to allow his second in command (Com. PERRY) to achieve something upon a field where it was not a point of honor with himself to take command in person. Upon the Tabasco expedition, Com. PERRY has taken with him about 400 officers and men from the Cumberland and Raritan as auxiliaries. With this expedition have gone, too, almost all the marinates in he squadron. The commodore has done every thing to insure its success.

We are sorry for our friend HOWARD, of the McLane. His vessel is quite too slow for him, and is not worth the powder it would take to blow her to pieces. In going down to Tobasco, the Mississippi, with three schooners in tow, had to lay to enable the McLane to come up, and finally the Mississippi took the McLane herself in tow. But despite his slow boat Capt. HOWARDhad opportunity to show his stomach for a fight, and retired with unspeakable reluctance agreeable to orders.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p3c1 798 words

From the St. Louis Republican, Nov. 7, Important and Very Late from Santa Fe

By the arrival at Fort Leavenworth, on the 30^th October, of Lieut. Col. RUFF, of the Missouri Volunteers, we learn that Gen. KEARNEY left for California on the 25^th of September, taking with him companies B, C, G, K and !, 1^st United States Dragoons – in all about 400 men, mounted on mules. The route of this small command was considered by many of the ablest and most experienced mountaineers […] as one of the greatest hardships and suffering, if not absolutely impracticable – being down the Rio Grande to Socorro, (an old Spanish town, formerly of much importance from the large garrison stationed there;) about 200 miles South of Santa Fe; thence West to the “Gila,” (pronounced Heela;) thence down the Gila to within 150 or 200 miles of the head of the Gulf of California, into which the Gila empties itself; thence Northwest to Monterey, on the Pacific. This route is called and known as the Copper Mine route.

This command is accompanied by the following officers: Gen. KEARNY, commanding; Capt. TURNER, 1^st Dragoons, aid-de-camp; Capt. JOHNSON, 1^st Dragoons, Adjutant General of the “Army of the West;” Major THOMAS SWORDS, Quarter Master U.S.A. ; Assistant Surgeons John S. GRIFFIN and R. SIMPSON, of the medical staff of the army; Maj. SUMMER, commanding Dragoons; Capts. COOK, MOORE, BURGWIN and GRIER, 1^st U.S. Dragoons, and Lieuts. LOVE, HAMMOND, NOBLE, DAVIDSON and M’ILVAINE, of the same regiment.

The scientific part of the expedition if under the command of that meritorious officer. 1^st Lieut. W. H. EMORY, of the corps of Topographical Engineers, so well and favorably known for his laborious an accurate surveys on the North-Eastern Boundary; and consists of 1^st Lieut. WARNER, of the Engineer Corps; Mr. Bester, of the District of Columbia, and Mr. STANLEY, employed at Santa Fe as the artist of the expedition. The command is also accompanied by Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. ROBIDOUX, and a guide from Taos, who takes with him for his own riding five mules, so difficult is the route in his estimation and experience.

The General started with wagons, and with one wagon load of pack saddles for mules, intended to pack when the wagons break down. Permission had been granted (on his application) to Capt. THOS. R. HUDSON, of St. Louis Volunteers, to organize a company of volunteers then present, to go with the Mormon battalion, as a mounted company, to California. Capt. HUDSON had beat up for volunteers and succeeded in raising his company in one day, more than double the requisite or proper number having presented themselves as volunteers.

The Colonel reports that everything was tranquil at Santa Fe when he left (September 27^th. ) though a very current rumor existed that the Armijo family would endeavor to incite the population to open resistance as soon as Gen. KEARNEY and the regular troops of the United States had left that part of the country. This report was not believed, however, or, if true, would have caused no uneasiness.

Gen. KEARNEY, by printed proclamation dated September 22, 1846, announces that, being duly authorized by the President of the United States, he appoints the following named persons the executive and administrative officers of the law and government of the territory of New Mexico:

Governor – CHARLES BENT.

Secretary of the territory – DON ADUCIANO VIGH.

Marshall – RICHARD DALLAM.

U.S. District Attorney – FRANCIS P. BLAIR.

Treasurer – CHARLES BLUMMER.

Auditor Public Accounts – EUGENE LEITENS-DORFER.

And JOAB HOUGHTON, ANTONIO JOSE OTERO, and CHAS.

BAUBIE, Judges of the Supreme Court. “These appointments were regarded as the best that could be made out of the material present in Santa Fe. The appointment of Gov. BENT appears to give general satisfaction. The troops left in Santa Fe and vicinity are Maj. M. LEWIS CLARK’s battalion of horse artillery and a part of Col. Price’s regiment, together with Capt. AUGNEY’s company, (from Cole) and Capt. MURPHY’s (of Platte) company of infantry.

Col. DONIPHAN’s regiment had obtained permission of Gen. KEARNEY to march to Chihuahua and effect there a junction with Gen. WOOL, U.S. Army. Indeed such a movement was necessary, as, owing to some mismanagement, provisions were very scarce, the Army being obliged to subsist from Bent’s Fort (some time in July) up the last of September, without sugar or coffee, and one half ration of flour (ground wheat. )

It is the universal belief at Santa Fe that Gen. WOOL would meet with no resistance at Chihuahua. Constant communication was had between the traders at Chihuahua and the traders at Santa Fe, and the trains of CONNELY & GLASGOW, OWENS & AULU, DOANE & CO., HOFFMANS & MAGOFFINS, left for Chihuahua about the 20^th of September, expecting to find Gen. WOOL in possession of the city. In this they will be very much mistaken, however, as he had not then left San Antonio.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46i47n38p3c1 52 words

Pronunciation of Mexican Names

Chihuahua is pronounced Che-waw-waw, equal accent on the last two syllables. Monterey, Mont-te-ray, accent on the last syllable. Saltillo, Saul-teel-yo, accent on the second syllable. San Luis Potosi, Saun Luis Po-to-see, accent on the second syllable of Potosi. Guanaxuato, Gwan-a-wat-o, half accent on the first, and full accent on the third syllable.
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Thursday, November 19, 1846 MG46I47n38p3c1 53 words

Report

The report that the Mexican Government had agreed to exchange Capt. CARPENDER and the crew of the Truxton for Gen. LA VEGA and his fellow prisoners, is confined by information received at the War Department – Orders have been issued by Major Gen. SCOTT for the release of Gen. LA VEGA and his officers.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p1c3 330 words

Letter to the Editor, Camp near Monterey, (Mexico) October 1, 1846

The excitement occasioned by the three days’ bloody struggle has, in some measure, passed off, but the mind of the soldier recurs now to the contemplation of bygone days, and inquiries for the friend with whom so much pleasure was enjoyed but a few days before. The inquiry brings to it the sad and melancholy fact that they are gone to their long homes. This at first acts like a dream to the mind, and we are at a loss how to believe it. Has any one seen the interment? No response is made, but one rises in the midst of the ruinous fort where we were, assembled, in full view of the enemies ramparts, buckles on his sword, and with an eye like an eagle and the boldness of a lion, asks who will go in pursuit of the body of our gallant Col. Wm. H. WATSON? Three men offer their services, THOS. SIMPSON and WILLIAM S. HYDE and the other a stranger. The young Lieut. Proceeds with a firm step secures the remains of the brae and beloved WATSON under the heavy fire of the enemy, conveys it back to the fort, and whilst in the solemn act of burying the dead the head of one of the brave men was taken off by a cannon ball. The young Lieutenant stands unshaken, and commands the interment of the soldier at the foot of Col. WATSON, whose remains lie deposited in the lower Fort on the bank of the St. John’s River, about half a mile below the city of Monterey, Mexico. Lieut. MARCELLUS K. TAYLOR, of company B, commanded by Captain PIPER, of Baltimore, is the young man, referred to, and he has now in his possession a lock of hair taken from the lamented WATSON and will if spared, convey it to his bereaved and sorrowful wife and children. May Heaven bless them and him.

ROB’T BRONAUGH.
Captain Com’g Company C. Baltimore, Md. and Washington, D.C., Volunteers.

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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p1c3 200 words

Sword for Gen. Taylor

The State of Louisiana after the great battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May, voted to present a sword to General TAYLOR. It has been made in New York, and the description of it is given in the New York Tribune:

The scabbard is made of the finest metal, with richly engraved and wrought ornaments. On two divisions of the front side are scenes of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaea de la Palma. The shield presents the following inscription:

“Presented by the State of Louisiana to Gen. Z. TAYLOR, in testimony of the high opinion held by the people of this State of the skill, conduct and judgment shown by him during his military life, but particularly during the battles of Palo Alto on the 8^th and Ravina de la Palma on the 9^th of May, 1846. ”

Surmounting the battle scenes appears the coat of arms of Louisiana, and in the centre of the scabbard the American eagle richly regraved [sic]. The grasp is compassed of alternate mother of pearl and gold facets, richly engraved and studded, and protected by a massive gold chain. The head represents a revolutionary cap and plume, surmounted by a precious miringhorm stone.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p1c6 581 words

From the Camp at Monterey

Last evening the War Department received dispatches from General TAYLOR. They were written on the 6^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th October. But the detailed official letters on the operations before Monterey did not accompany them – much delay having occurred in making out complete returns from the various subordinate commanders of the army. The despatches [sic] which were received last evening are brief and combatively unimportant in their character.

In his letter of the 6^th of October, Gen. TAYLORstates that had mustered out of service the entire force of mounted Texas volunteers, which has rendered excellent service in the campaign, was then, on its march to Camargo, there to be mustered out of service.

The General states, that a small force is to be stationed at Laredo on the east bank of the Rio Grande, for the purpose of protecting that frontier of country from Indian depredations, and enabling the government of Texas to extend its jurisdiction with more facility to the river. – With the advice of Gov. HENDERSON, he has authorized General LAMAR, ex-President of Texas, to raise a mounted company of eighty men for this service, for twelve months. – As a very small force is now in service from the state of Texas, he trusts that this step will be approved of by the department.

The 2d infantry with some of the artillery companies left in the rear, and an additional volunteer force, had been ordered forward to Monterey, together with a heavy battery train.

No credible intelligence had been received from the interior at the date of his letter. Gen. AMPUDIA, at the last advices, was at Saltillo, probably with the whole or greater part of his army. [But subsequent accounts, in private letters, report that AMPUDIA had retreated from Saltillo, and would make San Luis de Potosi his rallying point. He was expected to make a stand there, and perhaps to be joined by SANTA ANNA, in case Gen. TAYLOR should extend his advance in that direction. ]

The General states, that he had been unable as yet to prepare his detailed official report of the operations before Monterey – the last report from his subordinate commanders having been at that moment received. Our loss in killed, wounded and missing, will vary very little from 500 – 400 of which was sustained in the attack on the lower part of the city on the 21^st.

Lieut. DILWORTH, 1^st infantry, had died of the wounds received on the 27^th ult.

In his letter of the 13^th October, Gen. T. encloses a statement of a recent atrocious murder, which had been perpetrated on the 5^th, in the streets of Monterey, upon a Mexican lancer, by one EITZSIMONS. Captain HAYS of the Texan rangers was present, soon after at the scene, and had doubt of the guilt of the man. He is now in confinement. Some difficulty had occurred as to the proper disposition of the accused, as there seems to be no American tribunal competent to meet the case. – The Mexican governor had complained of the act and desired that the man might be brought to merited punishment. The General replied that the case should be submitted to his government before any action would be taken there.

In his last letter, General TAYLOR deeply regrets the necessity of reporting the death of the brave ROBERT H. GRAHAM, 1^st lieut. of 4^th infantry, who died on the previous night of the wound which he had received in the engagement of the 21^st September.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p2c5 556 words

The Proclamation of the Governor, &c.

We call the attention of the people of Berkeley County to the Proclamation of Governor Smith, for the organization of a Regiment of Infantry” for immediate service, and to be continued therein during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged. ” The details of the organization of companies and the Regiment will be found under the Adjutant General’s Orders. The place of rendezvous for the Virginia Regiment, is GUYANDOTTE on the Ohio River.

We have no doubt that this call upon the gallantry and patriotism of Virginia will be promptly answered, and already we see offers going up to the Governor from the different sections of the State. We rejoice that Berkeley is making an effort to join the gallant band, and we will not suffer ourselves to doubt for a single moment, that enough of her brave and hardy sons will be found at once to fill up a company and report themselves ready. As soon as the requisition upon Virginia was known, our cotemporary, the Editor of the Republican, Capt. EPHRAIM G. ALBURTIS, made application to the Governor for the acceptance of the services of his Company, the “Independent Blues. ” We have seen the reply of the Governor to Capt. A. and he has ordered the Blues to fill up their ranks and report themselves to the Government. Several gallant young men have already volunteered, and we hear of several more who intend doing so. But in case a sufficient number cannot be obtained in Berkley to form a Company, other Counties no doubt will join her. What says gallant little Morgan – are there not many there who will join with their neighbors of Berkeley, and go heart and soul to the field of battle in the prosecution of the existing war between their own Country and a foreign foe? There will be no delay in this movement; as soon as the Regiment is formed it will be concentrated at the rendezvous at Guyandotte – and as soon as possible, thereafter, moved on to join the standard of the gallant TAYLOR, whose honored name and heroic deeds are now the themes of every tongue throughout the length and breadth of the land. We know that there is no section of Virginia more famed for the valor and patriotism of her sons, than the Valley – history of the Revolution and of the last was bear ample testimony to their patriotic devotion – let it not be said now, that she is found wanting when our Eastern and Trans-Allegany friends are rushing to the standard of their Country. Let it not be said that the Tenth Congressional District is without a company. We shall not attempt to set forth the many advantages which the Volunteer may gain by going to Mexico; it is enough that the emergency of our common Country demands the services of her sons, and hose who can conveniently leave home, will not, we are sure, need a more powerful and potent reason, than patriotic devotion to their Country.

We direct attention to the call for a Meeting of the People of Berkeley, at the Court-House, on Friday evening next, the 27^th inst. Let the Meeting be fully attended, and especially let all who feel disposed to respond to the call come forward at once, and without delay, as there is no time to be lost.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p3c2 385 words

Official Dispatches

The “Union” of Saturday evening last contains the Official Despatches [sic] of Gen. TAYLOR and his Officers, giving detailed accounts of the battle of Monterey. We cannot find room for them in our columns this week, but will endeavor to publish them at another time, more as a matter of of [sic] historical record than anything else, as they in reality do not contain any material facts which are not already in the hands of the public. These dispatches, however, contain a full and noble vindication of the conduct of the gallant BUTLER, and ought at once to silence the tongue of slander, and put to shame the vile fabricators of falsehood who have attempted to rob the character and fame of as gallant, true and patriotic a soldier as ever went to battle under the glorious “stars and stripes” of our Country. We have only room for one extract – it is enough for our present purposes. Gen TAYLOR says: -

Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed; thirty- one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed considerably to exceed out own.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and privation. To the general officers commanding divisions – Maj. Gens. BUTLER and HENDERSON, and Brigadier Generals TWIGGS and WORTH – I must express my obligations for the efficient aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was unfortunately deprived, early on the 21^st, of the valuable services of Maj. Gen. BUTLER, who was disabled by a wound received in the attack on the city. Maj. Gen. HENDERSON, commanding the Texas volunteers has given me important aid in the organization of his command, and its subsequent operations. – Brigadier Gen. TWIGGS rendered important service with his division, and, as the second in command after Maj. Gen. BUTLER was disabled. Brigadier Gen. WORTH was intrusted [sic] with an important detachment, which rendered his operations independent of my own. – Those operations were conducted with ability and crowned with complete success.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p3c3 555 words

The Surprise Administration

The nomination of JAMES K. POLK to the Presidency was a perfect surprise to the Country. This unexpected event seems to have put the Democratic Administration (11) wonderfully in love with the surprise idea, as every thing they do seems to take the Country a little “unncars. ” The Organ is always grinding away; but before the tune is through, it is sure to strike up “Jump Jim Crow. ” And away goes the whole Democratic family in a new dance. For instance, the River and Harbor Bill was passed, and the whole Democratic delegation in Congress from the West wrote home in ecstasy – but the Tariff of ’42 was not yet knocked in the head – the Western vote was wanted and obtained – and then to their great surprise came a veto upon their bill. Fifty four forty or fight was also flames forth and then to the surprise of ACHILLES & Co., a back-out soon followed. Then came the Mexican War – and the Country was resounding with the glories of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and to the surprise of the whole Nation and the enlightened world, the President is found furnishing the enemy with the most skillful and experienced leader belonging to his nation – then another battle takes place and an armistice is agreed upon – the County is informed that the General in command is ordered to terminate it at once and push on; and then we are surprised to find him standing still with leave to do as he pleases – the difficulties of the campaign thicken and the Secretary of War informs the country that no more Volunteers are wanted, and that the General has enough and more than enough men for his purposes; and then in a few days afterwards the whole Country is surprised by a call for Nine Regiments of Volunteers for immediate service in the War against Mexico. Well we suppose there may be some truth in the charge that this surprisingly incompetent Administration for the conduct of a War, were hard up had kept dark until they got the loan of the five millions, and then […] out for more troops. The 16^th of November was the very day upon which the loan was secured, and that is the very date of the call for the Volunteers. Another account is that the call was induced from information received through a letter from Col. BALIE PEYTON, lately arrived at New Orleans from Monterey, and addresses to the Hon. JOHN Y. MASON, Secretary of the Navy. Col. P., it will be remembered, was with General WORTH’s Division at Monterey, and was upon most intimate terms with him and General TAYLOR. It is said he deems a very strong reinforcement of Gen. TAYLOR absolutely necessary to meet the enemy under SANTA ANNA. What will be the next surprise, no one can – tell – we hope it will be an agreeable surprise. The way to do the work is to get men and money enough if they are to be had, and prosecute the War to a speedy termination. We are in for it now – and let us come out of it, as soon as possible. The people we are sure do not want this War hanging like an incubus upon, the prosperity of the Country for five years yet to come.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p3c6 199 words

A Plum for the Official Organ

There is a paper in Indiana, calling itself the Indiana Democrat, which aspires, and we admit with success, to place itself at the very head of the purely Polk Press. In a recent number the following pragragh [sic] appears:

“The President planned the brilliant battles of Palo Alto and Resaco de la Palma and Monterey, and is entitled to as much or more credit for the successful result of them then General TAYLOR is. The wisdom, efficiency, and promptness of the present Administration are seen and appreciated by all sensible men, who are not willfully blinded, and time will only make it more apparent. ”

We must have this in the official organ. – It will not do to let the court journal be outdone as a courtier. How gratified Mr. POLK will be hear that he did so much, nay more than Gen. TAYLOR, at the brilliant battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May on the Rio Grande! It is true that Mr. POLK did not know the battles were to be fought till they were over, and he heard of them and the success of the American arms at the same time. But what of that? – Baltimore Patriot.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p4c6 677 words

From Mexico, Latest from Monterey

Confirmation of the Death of Capt. Ridgely -- Santa Anna with 12,000 Men and 37 Generals

From the Baltimore Sun, Nov. 23.

The steamship Virginia, Capt. TUCKER, arrived at New Orleans on the 13th inst. from Brazos Santiago, bringing later dates from the Army. We regret to say that the report touching an accident to Capt. RANDOLPH RIDGELY was well founded. That gallant officer is no more. A whole nation will lament his loss. - Mr. HAILE, the special correspondent of the Picayune writes as follows: -

"Maj. DESHIELDS, U. S. Paymaster, who left Monterey two days after us, and overtook us at Camargo, brought intelligence that has cast a gloom over every heart. He states that on the 25th ult., the day after we left, as Capt. RIDGELY was riding into town to dine with Lt. MACKALL, his horse slipped on the smooth pavement, and he was thrown with such violence against a rock as to cause severe fracture of the skull! He lay senseless when Maj. DESHIELDleft, on the following day, and no hope of his recovery was entertained by the surgeons. In parting with this splendid young officer, I little thought that before I reached home it would become my duty to chronicle so painful an event concerning him.

"The world never produced a braver man or better soldier then RANDOLPH RIDGELY. A nobler spirit was never encased in the human form -- a kinder heart never beat. I cannot bring myself to feel that the gallant RIDGELY has died thus; the thought is too cruel to be entertained. I can well imagine the heart-rending emotions of the comrades who surrounded him. They have seen him emerge unscathed from several battles, where he behaved with almost unparalleled heroism. They all loved him, for he was kind, frank and generous to every one.

'Hold on Charley, and let me draw theft fire!'

"Poor RIDGELY! - how many a brave comrade would have drawn upon himself the shaft of death to have averted it from thee."

With regard to the death of Capt. RIDGELY, a letter to the Picayune, dated Monterey, Oct. 30, announces his death and burial on the 29th, lamented by the whole army. A gentlemen who arrived in the Virginia, states that Gen. TAYLOR was greatly afflicted by this sad casualty, and expressed himself in relation to it in the most feeling matter. He declared in the presence of several, that Capt. R. was an invaluable officer, and that his place could not be filled.

A letter to the Picayune, dated Oct. 29, says: Poor RIDGELY is dead! He was buried yesterday, and is mourned by the entire army. Major Lear will not live twenty-four hours longer. We have late news from San Luis de Potosi, to the effect that SANTA ANNA was there with 12,000 men and no less than thirty-seven Generals. He was recruiting daily, but his intentions were not known. It is rumored that BUSTAMENTE has gone north, in the direction of Chihuahua, to meet Gen. WOOL; and farther, it is positively asserted that the Indians are killing and laying waste all before them in the latter state.

The New Orleans Delta, of the 14th instant, has intelligence from Monterey, through one of the officers of the army, of which it gives the following summary:

Major EATON, the bearer of despatches [sic] to Gen. TAYLOR, who had left Washington before the government has been informed of the battle of Monterey and its results, had reached camp some days previously to the departure of Mr. SALOMON. The purport of these despatches [sic] were believed, or known to be, instructions or advice from the War Department to march on to Tampico, if, after a full survey of his position, he felt himself justified in doing so. The battle of Monterey, of course, in a great measure, rendered these orders null and the General's movements will, necessarily, be guided by the despatches [sic] of which Major GRAHAM was the bearer, for they were written with a full knowledge of what has transpired.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p4c7 476 words

Postscript! Latest from Mexico! Bombardment of Tobasco! Lieut. Morris Killed! Mexican Letters of Marque!

We stop our press to give a short synopsis of the news by the Mail of yesterday evening from Mexico. Com. PERRY, with a detachment of vessels under his command, undertook an expedition against the City of Tobasco, which was successfully bombarded and made to surrender. The people were in favor of yielding at once, but the Governor and Army opposed it. Thereupon the women and children were ordered to get out of harm’s way, but the Governor would not permit them, so that it is feared that most of those killed during the bombardment were not soldiers.

Lieut. C. M. MORRIS was wounded in the neck by a musket ball while attempting to carry orders to Lieut. PARKER, who was engaged on shore in a spirited fight with the Mexican soldiers. Lieut. M. stood up in his boat and cheered the men most gallantly until he fell in the arms of Midshipman CHEEVER, who was with him. The inhabitants sought refuge in the cellars during the cannonading, and thus escaped destruction. Com. PERRY has abandoned Tobasco – his force not being sufficient to keep possession of it. There is a Mexican force of six to eight thousand at Alvarado. They have placed across the mouth of the river three strong chain cables, and sunk vessels on the bar. It will be useless almost to undertake the place again by a Naval force. – Letters of Marque and Naturalization papers have been issued by the Mexican Government, conferring the rights and privileges of Mexican citizens upon all who would sail under them.

We have also some more news from SANTA ANNA; he is at San Luis Potosi with 20,000 men, and is daily being reinforced. He writes to the Government that as soon as his plans were finished, he intended to march at the head of his army to meet Gen. TAYLOR, whom he expects to crush. He wants to concentrate his whole force at one point, so that he can direct a large force in any direction that they may be needed.

All of the Volunteers and Malitia [sic] are ordered to rendezvous at Potosi. Gen. VALENCIA has been appointed by SANTA ANNA second in command. A ditch to surround the whole city has been commenced. At Vera Cruz an attack was expected on the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. The garrison of the city consisted of about 1500 men, and about 2000 more were expected from the surrounding country.

The Republicano of the 22^nd ult., states that the English have offered to mediate between us and Mexico, and the British fleet at Lisbon had been ordered to proceed to Vera Cruz. Gen. WOOL finding the route to Chihuahua impracticable, had abandoned it, and was on his road to join Gen. TAYLOR. The gallant Maj. LEAR who was wounded at the battle of Monterey, has since died.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p4c2 24 words

Army in the West

The latest intelligence from the West show that Lient. Col. FREMONT was acting governor of California. There is nothing very interesting from Santa Fe.
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Thursday, November 26, 1846 MG46i47n39p4c5 124 words

Volunteers for Mexico

A meeting of all persons disposed to respond to the Proclamation of the Governor of Virginia, is requested at the Court House on Friday evening next, 27^th inst. at 7 o’clock.

Men of Virginia! Citizens of Berkeley County! Let it not be said that you have exhibited backwardness when the voice of your Country is ringing in your cars, demanding your aid in the prosecution of a just and righteous war. The Federal Government has called upon Virginia for one Regiment. The Chief Magistrate of the State has issued his Proclamation calling upon the noble spirits of the Commonwealth to enroll themselves in that Regiment. Can it be that Berkeley will prove recreant to such a call?

Several Speeches may be expected.

Nov. 25.

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December

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The Mexican-American War and the Media, 1845-1848

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©2005 Linda Arnold