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

MG47v48n13p2c5, May 27, 1847. GUERRILLA WAR ON THE RIO GRANDE.
From the New Orleans Picayune, May 14.

MG47v48n13p2c5, May 27, 1847. FRONTIER BRIGADE OF CAVALRY, CAMP IN SAN AUGUSTIN, April 4, 1847.

MG47v48n13p2c6, May 27, 1847. An offer of a Swiss Regiment.

MG47v48n13p2c3, May 27, 1847. LATE FROM MEXICO
From the St. Louis Republican, May 17.
LATEST FROM SANTA FE AND CALIFORNIA.

MG47v48n13p2c7, May 27, 1847. From the city of Mexico. PROSPECT OF MORE FIGHTING.
Guerrilla Warfare Commenced. From the Baltimore Sun.
Position of Santa Anna –Guerilla Warfare Commenced –Preparation for a Vigorous Defence at the Capitol –Preparing for Gen. Taylor at San Luis –Arrest of a “yankee Negotiator” –Priest raising Guerilla Companies –No Prospect of Peace.

MG47v48n13p4c1 May 271847.  THE PRESS IN  MEXICO

MG47v48n14p1c1, June 3, 1847. From Prescott’s a “Conquest of Mexico”. THE ANCIENT MEXICANS, OR AZTECS  Humans Sacrifices and Cannibals.

V48n14p2c1, June 3, 1847. THE GAZETTE

MG47v48n14p2c2, June 3, 1847. AMERICAN PRISONERS IN MEXICO.

MG47v48n14p2c3, June 3, 1847. THE PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAR

MG47v48n14p2c4, June 3, 1847. From the Richmond Republican.

MG47v48n14p2c5, June 3, 1847. LATE FROM MEXICO.

MG47v48n14p2c4, June 3, 1847. LATE FROM THE BRAZOS.

MG47v48n14p2c6, June 3, 1847. LATEST FROM THE BRAZOS
From the New Orleans Picayune, May 23.

MG47v48n14p3c1, June 3, 1847. RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS.

MG47v48n14p3c2, June 3, 1847. Latest from Gen. Scott.

MG47v48n15p2c6, June 10, 1847. TAYLORING.

MG47v48n15p2c6, June 10, 1847. LATE FROM MEXICO. IMPORTANT FROM MEXICO.

MG47v48n15p2c7, June 10, 1847. FROM GEN. TAYLOR’S ARMY.

MG47v48n16p1c6, June 17, 1847. Correspondence of the Baltimore Patriot.

MG47v48n16p2c1, June 17, 1847. GENERAL TAYLOR

MG47v48n16p2c2, June 17, 1847. LETTER FROM SANTA ANNA.

MG47v48n16p2c3, June 17, 1847. THE GAZETTE  RETURN HOME

MG47v48n16p2c4, June 17, 1847. THE ORGAN AND ITS TUNE.

MG47v48n16p2c6, June 17, 1847. LATER FROM MEXICO.

MG47v48n16p2c7, June 17, 1847. POLITICAL CASUISTRY.

MG47v48n17p2c4, June 24, 1847. From the National Intelligencer.

MG47v48n17p2c4, June 24, 1847. From the City of Mexico

MG47v48n17p2c5, June 24, 1847. Gen. Taylor’s Acknowledgment.

MG47v48n17p2c6, June 24, 1847. From General Taylor’s Army.

MG47v48n17p2c6, June 24, 1847. Indiana Volunteers!

MG47v48n17p3c1, June 24, 1847. FROM SANTA FE.

January 7, 1847, MG47v47n45p1c3 Words: 992

LATE FROM THE RIO GRANDE.

Correspondence of the N. O. Picayune.

BRAZOS SANTIAGO, Dec. 6, 1846

Here I am once more in Texas. Now for what little army new I have been able to gather. It was my good fortune to meet this morning an old friend in a gentleman direct from Monterey, who gave me the data for what follows. My informant left Monterey on the 27^th of November. Gen. TAYLOR had returned from Saltillo, and expressed himself pleased with the appearance of the city, which was in quiet possession of the troops under Gen. WORTH. Saltillo is about sixty-five miles from Monterey, and has an elevation of some 2,000 feet above the latter place. The cold, in consequence, is frequently quite intense.—Gen. TAYLOR saw ice while he was there. The most delicious fruits are said to abound in Saltillo. No demonstration against Gen. WORTH had been made by the enemy, although only at the distance of twenty miles from him. His scouts had discovered about 3,000 Mexican cavalry, said to have been sent from San Luis Potosi for the purpose of grazing their horses.

Gen. WOOL had been ordered by Gen. TAYLOR to occupy forthwith the town of Parrus, a small but beautiful place seventy miles northeast of Saltillo. Gen. WOOL would have no opposition at Parras, as the inhabitants were prepared to receive him peaceable. His troops are represented to be in the finest health and discipline.

The ultimate plans of Gen. TAYLOR had not, of course, been fully developed, but sufficient was known to render it quite certain that something like the following outline was to be adhered to. He had received intelligence from the government of the call for additional troops. He would therefore occupy all the posts, towns, &c., either immediately or remotely, on the line of operations to Tampico. Liut. Col. RILEY now occupies Mount Morales with the 2d regiment of U. S. infantry. Gen. TAYLOR would himself take up his line of march for Victoria, where, rumor has it, SANTA ANNA has 10,000 choice troops. This city is indispensably necessary to Gen. TAYLOR, in order that he may secure his lines of communication in an attack upon San Luis Potosi. SANTA ANNA knows its importance, and will no doubt resist its possession by our troops. But I shall not speculate. Gen. TAYLOR intended to march as soon as provisions could be hastened up—which would probably be by the 10^th of December—with the 3d, 4th, and 7th infantry, the dragoons under Col. HARNEY, who had arrived at Monterey, BRAGG’s battery, and two regiments of volunteers, which latter had not been designated.—It would seem that Gen. TAYLOR himself attached some importance to the rumor of SANTA ANNA’s 10,000 troops, as he heads in person the expedition against Victoria. After taking this point which he most assuredly will do, it is thought he will make no further demonstration until desired reinforcements reach him from Tampico.

Should Gen. BUTUER’s health admit of it, he will be left at Monterey in command; otherwise Col SMITH, of the Riflers will be detained for that purpose. Gen. BUTLER’s wound was not improving; indeed it is said to be getting worse. The air of Monterey is considered unfavorable to wounded invalids, and the surgeons have advised that all such leave the country if practicable.

It is said, and on good authority, that SANTA ANNA, fearing the Congress about to assemble at Mexico would not carry out his measures, or fully sustain him, under the pretence of putting down another outbreak of the populace, being well aware that Gen. TAYLOR cannot attack him in his strongholds at San Luis for two months or more. SANTA ANNA, it is no news to say, is a most wily foe, and in respect to knowing the position of affairs, has the advantage, from natural causes, of Gen. TAYLOR, and is determined to resist. It is now conceded by the officers of our army generally that the Mexicans will fight. San Luis Potosi is in strong state of defense, and is daily being strengthened still more; and it may be that the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca, and those of Monterey, were but specimens of what may occur before San Luis. Officers believe that a harder fight than any one yet is before San Luis Potosi is one of the richest cities in all Mexico, being directly in the mining districts; and you may depend upon it the Mexicans will make the big stand there. One thing, however is certain: old “Rough and Ready” is not going to be caught again deficient in anything—either in men, munitions or besieging cannon. Nor will he be again caught by “white flags” or treacherous parleys. You may deceive him once, but twice, never!  But more of this hereafter. My letter is already too long, and I fear has but little to interest you.

In closing I will add that Maj. Gen. PATTERSON had left Camargo with the Alabama and Illinois regiments, and was conveying these troops down to the mouth of the Rio Grande, intending to go to Tampico by water. Having duly reported his intensions to the commanding general, an express was dispatched, and arrived in time, ordering Gen. PATTERSON to go to Tampico by land. Gen. P. and staff have arrived at Matamoras.

Dec. 10.—Gen.SHIELDS, who is ordered to take command at Tampico, is here, waiting an opportunity to embark. Some four hundred of the Alabama troops will leave here for TAmpico by water; the remainder of the regiment will go by land.

Gen. PILLOW goes back from this place to take command in Gen. PATTERSON’s column, which marches for Victoria. Gen. PILLOW was on his way home, as I informed you in a previous letter; but owing to letters received from above, developing something of the future operations of the Army, as well as letters from home rendering it unnecessary for his return, he goes back to his command. His health, too, is greatly improved.

Yours, &c.,
F. A. L.

[HCH]

January 7, 1847, MG47v47n45p1c3-4 Words: 1305

Later and important from Mexico.

By Steamer to Havana.

The packet-ship Norma, Capt. ELLIS, arrived at New York on Wednesday, with Mexican dates several days later than heretofore received, via: Vera Cruz Dec 2; Mexico Nov. 27; Tampico Nov. 25; and Chihuahua Oct. 20.

The following is furnished by the New York Sun:

The war engrosses public attention, and in recording the efforts making to strengthen SANTA ANNA’s army, the editors and newspaper correspondents generally agree that the last struggle is to be made at San Luis Potosi. No effort is apparent to prepare the public mind for negotiations, except such as casual allusions to the approaching session of Congress and the deliberations of that body upon the melancholy condition of the Republic. The new government works satisfactorily. Arrangements for restoring the State Governments to their former positions under the Constitution of 1824, have been completed in all the late Departments, with great satisfaction to the people.

The Legislature of Yucatan, hitherto the last to hold out against revolutions, met and promptly ratified the reannexation, and the restoration of the Constitution of 1824. next in importance to the meeting of Congress was the election of President. SANTA ANNA positively declines the office, although some of the States have petitioned Government in favor of giving him dictatorial powers. All he asks, or professes to ask, is the title “benefactor of his country .”

Another change has occurred in the Cabinet, owing to the conflicting views of the men in power: Don ANTONIO HARO Y TAMARIZ, Secretary of State, has been superseded by Don JUAN N. ALMONTE. The popular candidate for President is ALMONTE. He unites the masses in his favor. Gen. CANALLIZO is reported to have arrived at Vera Cruz in the steamer from England. Great enthusiasm is said to exist among the people in favor of the army and the war.

The Church has been pressed into the service of the country, government having exacted contributions upon the property of “the secular and regular clergy of both sexes, ” to the amount of two millions of dollars, for which drafts have been issued as follows: on the Archbishop $1,000,000; on the Bishop of Puebla $100,000; on the Bishop of Guadalaxara $200,000; on the Bishop of Michoaean $170,000; on the Bishop of Oajaca $100,000; on the Bishop of Durango $80,000. Popular opinion was in favor of this exaction, as the Church had recently shown itself too officious in the cause of the monarchists.

While these contributions are being levied throughout the country, large amounts of specie are being exported. The steamer Clyde alone took $1,000,000 in specie to England, on the 2d inst. from Vera Cruz. Dispatches from SANTA ANNA were received at the Capital on the 23d ult., dated at San Luis Potosi. He presses the government for more resources.

Accounts from San Luis praise the discipline and valor of the army. There were twenty-five thousand men, with fifty-two pieces of artillery. Five thousand additional troops were expected daily. The magazines of powder and the stores of balls and other missiles are said to exceed belief. Every piece of iron that can be found is converted into pikes or other deadly weapons. In one storehouse alone are two hundred mechanics working day and night, mounting guns and manufacturing munitions of war. There are five hundred in the fortifications, which are being strengthened in every possible manner. One thousand women, filled with enthusiasm in the national cause, had come down to the camp from San Diega and Tlascala, to aid in making articles for the soldiers.

Santa Anna had a grand review of the whole army on the 13^th of November. It is described as a magnificent pageant. So overwhelmed was he by the boundless enthusiasm which greeted him as he passed along the lines that his feelings overcame him, and the tears rolled down swarthy cheeks amid the prolonged huzzas of the various regiments,   and cries of “Victory or Death!” “God and Liberty” “ Long live Santa Anna!” “We will beat the Yankees this time!”&e., &e.

Provisions were pouring into camp in immense quantities. Language is said to fail in attempting a description of the formidable preparations making at San Luis. There, was to be the last great struggle. There, say the newspapers, will the fate of Mexico be decided, and further resistance, it is said,   will be useless. Fears were entertained, however, that even there the fortunes of war would be against them, and accordingly we find preparations going on to defend the road to the capital. Forts were being erected at various points and the passes were being strengthened; but these works do not seem to progress very rapidly.

Santa Anna’s evacuation of Tampico is defended on the ground of his inability to resist the vessels of war; and that port being one in which the yellow fever rages fiercely eight months in the year, the editors predict that it will become a grave for thousands of Americans, as it is every year for the invading Spaniards. The burning of the American steamer at Tampico, the wreck of so many United States vessels on the coast, and the loss of prizes taken at Tabasco, are matters which the Mexican editors record with joyous exclamations. The United States frigate Potomac was in a sinking condition at Anton Lizardo.

Four sailors were taken prisoners from an American vessel wrecked at Sotto Vento. Various accounts are given of the burning of the Mexican vessels of war Creole, under the walls of San Juan d’Ulloa. The battlement of the San Miguel saw the   United  States boat approach the fort, but mistook it for a boat from the British steamer, and made no alarm. Others allege that an alarm was given, but the officers of the fort would not fire for fear of killing their own people. Other versions are given of the affair. The fort begins to be an object of suspicion among the Vera Cruzanos, who seem to think it less formidable to the Americans than they did formerly.

Accounts from Chihuahua to the 20^th of October, confirm the arrest of the American traders, six in all, whose property was confiscated. James McGoffin, Henry Connelly and Mr. Francisco were the principal victims and loose large fortunes. Mr. Conolly had been an old resident. Several caravans of Mexicans traders came down about the same time from New Mexico, who reported Gen. Kearney’s departure for California, and Col. Doniphan’s movement upon Chihuabba. Five hundred men were equipped to resist the latter at El Passo del Norte where there is a fort, which they were to occupy.

Indian depredations continue in the central and northwestern department. The “Yankees” were charged with being in league with the savages. Gen. Armijo had been defeated by the Indians, loosing thirty men before he retreated. Porto Paz, in Lower California, was blockaded in October by an U.S. corvette, which made prizes of two Mexican schooners, the Romano and Julia. She then proceeded to Guaemas[Guayaymas?], and ordered the commander to deliver two gun boats which was refused, and on the 7^th October the U.S.commander bombed the city.

We find no farther accounts of the rumored insurrection at the City of Angels, in which 150 Americans were said to have been massacred. We have various rumors of Santa Anna’s movements, apparently intended to conceal his real designs. One announces his retreat to Querataro, another puts him on the road to Mexicao, a third sends him to Saltillo, &e &e. Two large forts are going up to defend the road to the capital, one at Tlascala and the other at Santiago.

Our advisers by this arrival lead to only one conclusion—a desperate battle is to fought at or near San Luis Potosi. Mexico will have thirty thousand of her best troops in that conflict, and the United States will probably have at least half that number.
[HCH]

January 7, 1847, MG47v47n45p2c2 Words: 693

Interesting News from the South

We compile from the Southern mail the following interesting items of news from Mexico, the Army, &e, not being able, to give, for want of room, the full details. The N.O. Picayune has dates to the 9^th  ult. from Campeachy, from which they infer that the outbreaks there indicate determination to sunder all ties with the Government of Mexico. A pronuneiamento has also been put forth by the garrison at Tabasco, complaining bitterly against the Government for its neglect of that city while it was contributing liberally to the Treasury. It farther determines that Tabasco will, thus neglected, provide for her own defense, and regulate her internal administration upon a basis more liberal and adequate to the existing War. A union between Yucatan and Tabasco,   to throw off allegiance to Mexico, is talked of. Tabasco has placed  Senor Tracosis at the head  of their movement,   “in consideration of his gallant defense of the place against the American squadron.”

Another correspondence has taken place between Santa Anna and Gen. Taylor, but the  only item of importance which we find in it, is the following  sentence from Santa Anna” letter—the italics in which are in the Mexican copy:

I believe that I do not deceive myself  in assuring you, that neither the Congress, nor any Mexican, will ever be able to listen to overtures of peace  unless the national territory be  first evacuated by the forces of the United States, and the hostile attitude of their vessels of war be withdrawn. This must be without doubt the preliminary of whatever negotiation may be opened; and it may be permitted to me to declare to you, that the nation, moved by a sentiment of patriotism, and determined to defend at every hazard and inch by inch its territory, will never cease to qualify as it deserves, and as the world has already qualified it, the conduct of the United States; and it will do whatever it can and ought honorably to deserve the title which it bears, of independent and free.

Tampico Attacked—Repulse of the Mexicans—The N.O. Mercury has news from Tampico to the 16^th ult. A body of Mexican Calvary, amounting to about 1,000, had appeared in the vicinity of that place, and coming within range of the artillery, were fired upon and driven off. The garrison at Tampico had been reinforced by the Alabama Volunteers. Gen. Patterson was marching that way with a considerable force and would supercede Gen Shields in command on his arrival. Gen. Woor, with his forces were at Parras, 115 miles West of Saltillo, where he would take up his winter quarters. His column is in fine health, and in a good state of discipline. The Indiana Volunteers are ordered from Camargo to his lines—when they arrive, he will have about 2,500 men. Gen. Worth is at Saltillo with 1,700 men. Scouting parties are out watching the movement of Santa Anna in the direction of San Luis Potosi. Gen. Butler is in command at Monterey with 2,000 men. Gen. McLung is fast recovering from his wound.

Gen. Taylor left Monterey on the 15^th, with an escort of calvary, for Victoria. Gen. Twides and Col. P.F. Smith with their respective commands, were at Victoria, and previous to the departure of Gen. Taylor from Monterey, Gen. Quitman with his brigade had left for that point. Gen. Taylor, in a conversation with Capt. Yeatman, expressed the opinion that it would be impossible to march upon San Luis Potosi from the northern extremity of his lines until the rainey season sets in to June next.

Capt. Stone with a detachment of seventy men, lately captured a party of two hundred Mexicans in a ranch about thrity-seven miles up the San Juan, together with Capt. Cantova, by whom they had been recruited, and he and the men were taken as prisoners to Camargo. Fifty stand of arms, ammunitions, etc., were taken at the same time.

 On the evening of the 16^th a Mexican was taken by a guard at Camargo attempting to enter the powder magazine, with a design, it is supposed, to blow it up.
[HCH]

January 7, 1847, MG47v47n45p2c6 Words: 255

The War—We cannot find room to pursue farther the poor excuses with which the President plaits the war of his own making; nor can it be necessary. There is very little of it with which the public is not already familiar. That Mexico had wronged our citizens and been tardy in making reparations, is most true; true also that we had grievously wronged her, by fitting out military expeditions in open day in our South Western cities to foment rebellion in her provinces and rob her of her territory. Our very Army was moved into Texas in 1836, notoriously to awe her troops and encourage her adversaries. She has her tale of grievances, as least as real and as formidable as ours. Have we not shed blood enough? How many more women and children must we rend and mangle. before the fell spirit of Carnage can be satisfied? Why does not Mr. Polk state plainly on what terms he is ready to make Peace? Why does he not offer to arbitrate, to accept impartial Mediation?  Why does he talk of compelling Mexico to pay the enormous expenses of his War when he knows she cannot do it, except by tearing reluctant Departments from her sides/ and making herself a second Poland?  Why, O why is he Polk and not a man? ____   Years of National misery and probable bankruptcy, a People debauched by slaughtered and demoniac “glory”, a Republic corrupt by conquest and gold won by the red hand, shall sadly answer these questions!
[HCH] 

January 7, 1847, MG47v47n45p3c2 Words: 274

Mr. Preston King of N.Y., has revived the Bill of last session for procuring a peace with Mexico—it asks for an appropriation of $30,000 to be in readiness for any proposed resumption of negotiations between the two Governments—prohibits Slavery or involuntary servitude in any territory secured to the United States from Mexico—and asks an appropriation of $2,000,000 towards the settlement of boundaries, &e., and securing any territory which may result from the negotiation between the two Governments. You may rest assured that if this Bill gets fairly before the House, the Northern and Southern allies of Democracy will have a regular pitched battle on the second provision of it, touching the slavery question.

The President sent in a Message to Congress today, recommending the passage of a law for increasing the regular force of the Army by raising an additional ten Regiments, and to correct all defects in the present organization of the army. He also recommends an increase of Officers of the highest grades—and especially the appointment of a General Officer of the highest grades—and especially the appointment of a General Officer to take command of all our Military force in the field. The office to be dispensed with at the close of war.

The House were in Committee of the Whole upon the bill for an increase of the army, and some warm debating took place, but as it is now past the witching hour of night, I must close. I will notice it further when I announce the fate of the Bill to you. The Senate has been doing nothing of much general importance.

Yours, &e., Summers

[HCH]

January 14, 1847, MG47v47n46p1c4 Words: 168

Americans sometimes wear Mexican Blankets!

We state this for the information of the worthies who forcibly take blankets from the shoulders of the Mexicans of a night, and to prevent them from shooting or robbing Americans by mistake. We don a horongo ourself, and it came near costing us our life on Thursday evening, the 19^th ult. About 9 o’clock we were walking up Commercial street to our office, and were met just above the Public store house by a rufliaely looking countryman of ours, who presented a pistol to our head and asked “how are you?”  Surprised at the question and the manner in which it was put, we answered –“pretty well, I thank you , if it concerns you particularly.”  “It is well you spoke English or I should have shot you, ” said our interrogator, turning off. He wanted our blanket. We speak English and “nothin’ else;” so don’t shoot us or steal our blanket, for it is our bed and all our bedding.—Matamoras Flag.
[HCH]

January 14, 1847, MG47v47n46p2c1 Words: 339

News from Mexico

We direct the attention of the reader to the news which We publish in another column from Mexico. This intelligence has created a good deal of anxiety in the public mind of the country, but we are happy to learn from the Washington Union of the 12^th inst. that the War Department has a letter from Gen. Jessup, dated Brazos San Jago, Dec. 25, 1816 in which he says—“We have a report that Santa Anna is advancing on Gen. Worth, and that he is falling back; but I do not credit it. Santa Anna would hardly follow Gen. Wool on his flank. I consider the story as mere gossip.

Extract from a letter to the Editor of the Gazette, dated

Richmond, Va., Jan, 1847

The last Battalion of Virginia Volunteers, consisting of companies commanded by Capts. Carrington, Corse, Scorr, H. H. Archer, and Bankhead, left Richmond on yesterday morning for Old Point Comfort.

They will embark, as soon as transports can be procured, for Point Isabel.

There are three companies now in the city, and those requisite to fill the Regiment will soon be at the rendezvous.

Since the arrival of Col. Hamtranck, his time has been monopolized in making arrangements to hasten the march of the Volunteers to Mexico.

All agree on the opinion, that no one better qualified in every respect, than he, could have been called to the important post which he occupies, and no one doubts but that when he is upon the field of battle, he will show that there is still in the old Dominion “the spirit that breathed in her dead.” 

The rumor that Col. Gadsden of South Carolina

, has been appointed to take command of the Brigade to which the Virginia Volunteers will be attached, is incorrect. The appointment of Brigadier General will probably be conferred upon Major Gwin of Richmond.

Virginia is entitled to this selection, and the appointment of Maj. Gwin would give universal to North and South Carolina ???????, as in this state.
[HCH]

January 14, 1847, MG47v47n46p2c6 Words: 1040

FROM MEXICO

LATE FROM THE ARMY

Arrival of the Virginia and Empresario—Later from Tampico—Important from Gen. Worth—Concentration of Troops at Monterey—Saltillo threatened by Santa Anna

The N. Orleans Picayune of Jan. 2 says:--The steamer Virginia, and Cap. Smith, arrived last evening from Tampico, via Brazos Santiago, having left the Brazos on the 27^th ult.—The brig Empresario, Capt. Collins, which sailed from Tampico on the 26^th, also arrived last night. By these vessels we have received letters from Mr. Lunsden, at Tampico.

We have conversed with a gentleman who came passenger in the Virginia from Brazos, and who is direct from Monterey. He has kindly furnished us with the following  information, which is highly important, if there be no error in the accounts. They were fully credited at the Brazos, and are confirmed by Capt. Brower, of the schooner Robert Mills, who arrived last evening from that port.

An express from Gen. Worth, at Saltillo, arrived at Monterey on the 16^th of December. It brought the news that Gen. Worth had learned through his spies that Santa Anna was within three days march of Saltillo, at the head of twenty or thirty thousand men.—The express bore they called upon Gen. Taylor for reinforcements. Gen. Taylor and his staff had left Monterey on the 15^th ult—the day before the express arrived—for Victoria, to join his command, which was two days march in advance of him.

Gen. Butler, in command at Monterey, immediately sent off dispatches to Gen. Marshall, at Camargo, and to Gen. Patterson, at Matamores, to send forward without delay all the troops they could spare from their commands.

Gen. Patterson had left Matamoras only the day before the news reached that place.—It was at once forwarded to him, and upon learning its prutport, our informant states that he immediately started on his return with the view to proceed to Monterey.

It was reported at Tampico on the 25^th, that a portion of Gen. Patterson’s command had entered Victoria, but it is not mentioned that the General himself had arrived, so that we cannot judge how far the news from the two sources may conflict.

The express reported at Matamoras that the road from Monterey to Camargo

was lined with troops.—regulars and volunteers—on their march to Monterey, having been previously ordered up. Our informant says there were four regiments upon the road.

The route from Monterey is infested with predatory bands of rancheros, by which the traveling is rendered insecure. One train had been attached a few days before our informant passed over the road, as had also several small parties, and some few men had been killed and wounded.

We need not say that this news possesses the highest interest. As we write we have verbal reports in regard to it, but hope to receive this morning our correspondence from the army. There is no intrinsic improbability in the news of Santa Anna’s movements, and if he possesses the energy and skill claimed for him, nothing appears more likely that that he should fall like a thunder bolt upon some point in our extended line and hope to crush us. But we have every confidence in the vigilance of Gen. Worth,   and his ability to hold the enemy in check until Gen. Wool and Gen. Taylor arrive to his support. We await further intelligence with the utmost interest.     

Important Report from Mexico

The New Orleans Mercury of the 31^st ult., says:  We have received, through the politeness of a commercial house the subjoined extract a letter, written by an intelligent

Gentleman at Tampico:

TAMPICO, Dec. 17^th.  

“Advises via Vera Cruz were received last evening of the action of the Mexican Congress. They decreed that they will not think on treaty of peace until every hostile foot has cleared Mexican soil, and every vessel that lines her coast is withdrawn. I consider the war now commenced in real earnest, and I prophesy that Tampico will become an American town".

From Santa Fe--The Saint Louis Republican of the 31^st ult. says--

At a late hour last night we received a budget of letters from several correspondents in New Mexico. Those from Santa Fe bear date as late as the 15^th of November, and give us in detail all of the events of interest which had transpired in that quarter for several weeks previous.

In no part of our correspondence have we been able to find in allusion to the reported defeat of the sixty dragoons, mentioned of which was made in our paper of yesterday.

A letter from Moro, dated on the 21^st of November, announces the arrival there of Mr. N. Colburn, in advance of the wagons belonging to the last company of the traders which left Independence. On the 17^th they experienced a severe storm of snow, which killed many of the oxen, but they were able to supply themselves at Moro and would get safely into Santa Fe.  The United States trains could not, it is said, move a wagon on account of snow and the loss of animals, and they were then buying oxen to get the wagons along.

A wealthy Mexican citizen, seeing the embarrassments of the government’s agent for the want of money, had generously proffered to loan Major Walker, paymaster, one hundred thousand dollars at an interest of only three percent, a month.

General Scott----It having been ungenerously rumored that the late appointment of Gen. Scott to the command of the army in Mexico was objectionable to Gen. Taylor, the New York Tribune makes the following statement; 

“We learned from unquestionable sources that as early as August last, letters were received at Washington from confidential friends of Gen. Taylor, some of them indeed in his staff, stating the presence of Gen. Scott would be highly acceptable to him; and this fact we believe was known to the war department before Gen. Scott was assigned to the command.

“We hope, therefore, that no attempt will be made to create unpleasant feelings among the friends the friends of two brave soldiers, who have long been, and still are, on terms of intimate friendship, and are ready to cooperate with each other in the faithful discharge of their respective duties.”
[HCH]

January 14, 1847, MG47v47n46p3c2 Words: 236

UNITED STATES ARMY

Recruiting Service-----Wanted, for the United States Army, able bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 years, being above 5feet 3 inches high, of good character, and of respectable standing among their fellow citizens----None need apply to enter the service but those who are determined to serve the period of their enlistment honestly and faithfully “during the war” with Mexico.

Beside the monthly pay, one ration per day is allowed every soldier, which is amply sufficient for his subsistence:   also, a large supply of comfortable and genteel clothing. Good quarters and fuel are at all times furnished; and every attention will be paid to making those men who may enlist, and are determined to serve their country in good faith, comfortable and contented with their situation. The best medical attendants is always provided for the sick soldier; and no deduction of pay is made during the period he is unable to perform his duty. Should the soldier be disabled in the line of his duty, the laws provide a pension for him.

The sum of two dollars will be paid to any citizen who shall bring to the rendezvous and able bodied recruit, and who shall be regularly enlisted. The citizen should present his recruit to the Lieutenant or Capital, and not to the Recruiting Sargents.

P. H. Galt
Capt. U. S. Artillery
Recruiting Officer

Martinsburg, Va.
Recruiting Rendezvous
Jan. 14, 1847—
[HCH]

January 21,1847 MG47v47n47p1c5 Words: 340

The New York Courier, in the course of an article on the war, says that the whole disposable effective force under Gen. Taylor is reduced to 7,000; and that the volunteers now assembling can increase it to only 15,000; a number with which the Administration hope to march into the heart of Mexico, in presence of Santa Anna’s army of 30 or 35,000 men, and the natural obstacles of the country! Surely such an attempt must be madness. The Courier then goes on to remark:  “ The season for active operations is rapidly passing away; and yet if the Executive and Congress would act with energy, sufficient time remains to assemble an army of from 40 to 50,000 men at Vera Cruz by the first of April, who could pass into the interior and away from the sea coast, before the sickly season commences. To accomplish this, let the volunteer system e abandoned, as exceedingly expensive and very ineffective; and in lieu thereof, let Congress at once authorize the raising of 30,000 regular troops.------Let them offer a bounty of $100 each, and pay each soldier $12 per month and 160 acres of land at the termination of the war.-----and the whole number could and would be raised in less than 30 days;  certainly in less time than the same number of Volunteers could be raised under existing inducements.” 

The Courier states further that the war has already cost double the sum which it would have cost, had we resorted at once to regular troops; that the loss of life in this war has probably exceeded the loss of life in the War of 1812; and that there can be no doubt but we have lost twice the number by disease and private broils!  To demonstrate our relative loss in action, now and in the War of 1812, the Courier gives a table of the number of men killed and wounded in the different actions during the last war. In summary more men have already died in this war.
[HCH]

January 21, 1847, MG47v47n47p1c4 Words: 1806

Proceedings in Congress

The aspect of public affairs says the Baltimore American, just now, is calculated to fix the public attention with peculiar interest upon the doings of Congress. A point has apparently been reached at which all parties seem disposed to pause and to seek the shelter of inaction for a while, lest any further step might lead to unknown consequences.

In the absence of a controlling mind at the head of government, the elements of the political sphere are tending toward confusion. There is uncertainty everywhere. The definite purposes of the war policy are not known; the prosecution of the war itself is marked by irresolution and inefficiency; the President, by his reserve, by his want of frank and open dealing with Congress, has lost the confidence of that body; and along with all these causes of embarrassment there are certain grave issues of a domestic nature beginning to assume an imposing prominence in the political affairs of the country. We quote two passages from the proceeding of Congress on Thursday--------------the first extract being the remarks of a Wig Senator; the other from a speech of a friend of administration in the house. The two quotations relate to two of the main subjects of perplexity which now involve the deliberations of Congress. We copy from the National Intelligence’s report of the debate in the Senate on Mr. Benton’s proposition:

“Mr. Crittenden continued. If it were purposed, he said, to carry on this war for any length of time, he though it would be far better to increase the army by enlistments than to make sudden and frequent calls for volunteers. He thought that the necessity of the case required that they should carry on the war vigorously. His sentiments in relation to the war itself were well known and need not be repeated. He regretted the war, he deplored it, and wanted to see it ended, and he should vote for such manners as seemed best calculated to bring it to a speedy and honorable conclusion. And, in his opinion, according to the best view that he could take of the subject, there were no means better calculated to effect this object than to prosecute the war with vigor.------And so long as he remains of this opinion he should be ready to vote for the supply of adequate means for its vigorous prosecution. He has heard other modes suggested, one of which was that our army should fall back and take a position on such s boundary as his government intended to adhere to, and leave the Mexicans to act on the offensive and to prosecute the war against us or not, at their option. He wished he could believe that this mode was the one which was the most likely to bring the war to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion. But if they adopt this course he feared that they would be totally at a loss to know when the war was ended. It was the sword only that could put an end to it; if they were to cease from active operations they would be obliged to stand with arms in their hands, ready at all times to meet any attack which the enemy chose to make; and it seemed to him that a war carried on in this lingering sort of way would lead to the worst results, as regards considerations of humanity, or any other. He would be obliged to any gentleman who would convince him that there was any other mode more humane, more economical of expenditures, of bringing it to a close, but until convinced that there was such a mode, and believing that their only alternative was to bring it to an end by a vigorous prosecution of the war, however deplorable the consequences, he was ready to vote for such measures as tended to promote a vigorous prosecution of the war.’

The next extract is from a speech of Mr. Grover, of New York, who belongs to the party of the Administration in the House of Representatives. In reference to the proviso that Slavery should not be admitted in any territory that might be obtained from Mexico, he said:

“There was another reason why the proviso should have been introduced at that time. It had been published through all the North that the result of this Mexican War would be the extension of the area of slavery. The charge had been iterated and reiterated through all that region, that this was a war of the Administration, got up by the South for the very purpose of extending slavery: that conquests in Mexico would be pushed with a view to plant that institution where it did not then exist. Mr. G did not believe this; he could not, he would not believe it. He could not bring himself to believe that there was a single representative on the floor who could for one moment cherish the purpose of using the power of this Confederacy to convert territory, til then free, into slave territory. But he wanted some public legislative declaration in order to satisfy the Northern mind.  

“The people of the North felt in doubt whether they should support the war; for though they thought it just in itself, yet they were not willing to engage even in a just war, if it was to be made the instrument for extending the institution of slavery. The Northern mind required, he thought, to be disabused. He therefore said to his friends, give us a declaratory resolution that you have no such design or object in view and that it shall not be done.-------And what had been the result?  The Capital South to make such a declaration was giving aid to the enemy, and embarrassing the war. But he appealed to the great Northern heart-------that heart that throbbed in the breast of all the people of that portion of the Union, to say whether such a charge was just. They were willing to bear their arm in the cause of their country; they were ready to furnish both men and means to fight her battles; but they could not engage cordially, if they could not go into the contest with all their soul, if consequences were to attach to victory which they most deplored. Mr. G. sought the proviso in order that he might get a more thorough support for the war. His colleague had been willing to give the two millions asked for to get a peace, but he wanted to satisfy the North that there was no design in its application to extend the limits of slavery.

“Mr. Boyd, of Kentucky, here rose, and asked permission to put to the gentleman from New York an interrogatory.

“Mr. Grover assenting----

“Mr. Boyd wished to know whether that gentleman meant to say, and to act out the declaration, that he would not give men and means for this war unless the restriction should be adopted prohibiting slavery in the new territory?

“Mr. Grover replied that he had never said so, nor did he design to say so. He would give his views very frankly on that question. It was to him immaterial what the South might do, the North were prepared to support, and they would support this war, even without the adoption of that restriction. He thought it inappropriate to make it the condition of a bill to raise troops; but in a bill of the character of that which had been introduced defer of the South, and “her peculiar institutions”-----Mr. Perry of In. followed and made a much more able speech upon this subject than I thought he was capable of-----Mr. Hemline, of Me., supported him, and laid down emphatically to the South what the North meant to do, and stand by, and declared that the North had no disposition to interfere with the existing institutions of the South, but they were unalterably determined that not another inch of territory should be added to the Union in which slavery should exist. Mr. Leake, of Va., and Mr. Bowden of Ala. made warm Southern speeches. Several other speakers participated, mainly however, of the Loco Foco party -------showing most conclusively the love and harmony existing between the wings of the party. Mr. Preston King is daily trying to get his Two Million Bill with the Wihnot proviso before the house, and if he succeeds, you may expect the most excited debate that has occurred for years in Congress. The fact is, I look forward with most fearful forbodings to the agitation of this slave question in Congress, I fear if the union of these states is ever dashed to pieces, it will be against this rock. Such is the evil effect of extension of territory. Here now is the opening of the drama of annexing Texas to this union. It shows the thirst for more, when we have more than enough.

If the object of the Administration be conquest, the curses of the country will be upon them. For my part, I think Mexico has done my country wrong, and I am for making her suffer for it. The war exists, and I am forgiving the government men and money in any necessary amount to prosecute it vigorously and bring it to a close-------but I am opposed to annexing Mexican Territory to this Union or, taking it in permanent satisfaction of our claims against Mexican or the expenses of the war. The moment she is willing to do us justice, and give us security for her faithful discharge of duty, I would recall our troops from her borders and restore her possessions.

Our boundaries are wide enough, let us return to the paths of peace and be content with what we have, and not lascattering our already sparse population – concentrate then upon our own soil – fill up our own States and Territories and spread the various branches of enlightened and improved industry throughout the land – in that way, the United States will become prosperous and great, and take a higher stand among the nations of the Earth, than if she were enabled to clutch the whole territory of Mexico within her grasp.

Let the Union stand as it is – and all parties will be willing to stand upon the compromises upon which it rests – otherwise, and a dark, deep and bloody day perhaps will come upon us. Mr. Thurman started to rue a new point in his speech – it is worthy of discussion, and I will look into it. It is that a State which has been admitted into the Union by Congress with a provision in her Constitution prohibiting Slavery or involuntary servitude, can, after her admission, if she chooses, alter her Constitution and turn herself into a Slave State.
[HCH]

January 21, 1847, MG47v47n47p2c6 Words: 508

FROM MEXICO

VERY LATE FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO

From the National Intelligencier

The U.S. ?? frigate Mississippi, H. A. Adams, commander, arrived at Norfolk Wednesday morning, having on board Com. M. C. Perry. She left Anton Lizzrdo on the 25^th December, and touched at Havana for coal and water.

Comd. Perry arrived in the city yesterday, accompanied by Lieut. Contre, also of the Mississippi, for whom we are indebted for the following information, and for Havana papers:

“ On the 20^th December, Com. Perry, with the Mississippi, Vixen, Bonita, and Petrel, took possession of  Laguna and destroyed the guns and munitions of war found in the forts and town. Commander Sands, with the Vixen and Petrel, was left in charge of the place, and the Bonita was left to assist in holding Frontera and the mouth of the Tobasco river, - Off Alvarado, the Mississippi captured a Mexican schooner, the Amalio, and sent her to New Orleans for adjudication.

“ The Mississippi came home for some necessary repairs to her machinery. As soon as she can be completed, she will return to the Gulf of Mexico, ready to assist in any operation contemplated against the enemy.

“ Purser A. D. Crossly, of the Mississippi, was killed by falling from aloft on board the Vixen, which vessel he was assisting to pilot over the bar at Laguna, on the occasion of the attack on that place.”

From Havana papers of the 7^th of this month we learned that on the 3^rd of December was published at Mexico a decree of the constituent Congress declaring the election of Capgen. Antino Lopez ded Santa Anna to be provisional President of the Republic, and of Valentin Gomaz Farias to be provisional Vice President of the Republic. In consequence of the absnce of the President, and in accordance with the decree of the Congress, the Vice President had assumed the duties of acting President, and taken the oath of office.

The government had recognized as capital agent of Great Britain at San Luis de Potosi during the war with the United States, Senior Juan Davies. Don Valentin Camalieo had been appointed Minister of War and Marine of Mexico.

The subjoined paragraph the only one of any consequence besides those which state the above facts, would seem to authorize an apprehension that the reported advance of Santa Anna with a large army to Saltillo was in reality a movement towards Tampico, were it not that we have ourselves received letters from Tampico of as late date as the 23^rd of December, when everything was quiet; which could have hardly been the case had the movement of the body of 5,000 men been in the direction stated in the following paragraph:

 From the Vera Cruz Locomotor of the 14th

“We learned by the express of last night tht a division consisting of 5,000 men of all arms moved from San Luis in the direction of Tula with a view to intercept a passage of the enemy who will march their forces by this route in order to place themselves in communication with Tampico.”
[HCH]

January 21, 1847, MG47v47n47p2c6 Words: 1020

Report of Santa Anna’s Advance Contradicted

Return of General Taylor toward Victoria

Junction of Forces under Generals Worth and Wool, &c. &c.

The U.S. Steamer Alabama arrived at New Orleans, on the 6^th instant, from Brasos Santiago, which place she left on the 3^rd. Among her passengers are General Jesup and Staff and thirty others in the cabin, and two hundred and forty sick and discharged soldiers.

The most important item of intelligence by this arrival is, that all idea of an immediate engagement has passed over---------the report of the advance of Santa Anna upon Saltillo being unfounded. The New Orleans Times has the following explanation of the origin of the report, and the movements consequent upon it: General Worth on the 16^th ultimo received information from two scouts that the Mexican General and Chief had left San Luis de Potosi, at the head of a body of 15,000 cavalry, with  the intention to fall on the American Division at Saltillo, which he imagined he could easily crush. After this, he proposed attacking Gen. Wool, and, if similar success attended him to repair to Monterey and capture or destroy the magazines in public stores which lay there. General Worth, without attaching more importance to the report than it seemed to merit, for with dispatched expresses to General Taylor, Wool, and Butler, acquainting them with what he had heard, leaving it entirely to them to act in the premises. The express over took General Taylor a short distance from Monterey on the route to Victoria. He immediately returned to his old encamping ground near Monterey, with the whole of this division, and then waited further advices. After remaining three days, during which he received information of the improbability of the report of Santa Anna’s advance, he again took up the line of march and proceeded (on the 23^rd) onward to Victoria. Meanwhile, Gen. Wool, who had been informed of the rumor current at Saltillo, called in all of his detached commands, and at the head of his division, 3,000 strong, quitted Parras on  the 18^th ultimo, and, by arrangements previously made, was to enter Saltillo on the 23^rd at Furthest, pushing forward with all practical speed. General Butler had previously reached Saltillo from Monterey. During this time the intelligence of the reported advance of Santa Anna had reached other more distant points of the line of occupation, and troops, already under orders to march toward Monterey, hastened their progress onward. It appears hat Generals Taylor and Worth, on mature reflection, readily discovered the improbability of the report of Santa Anna’s advance on and near proximity to Saltillo, from the following facts:  1^st. The distance between San Luis de Potosi and Saltillo was too great to admit of the possibility of the march of so large a body as 15,000 men, without timely notice to the American General to preoare for his reception. 2dly. The ground between the two cities is exceedingly bare of vetdure, or other means of sustenance for man or beast---------ninety miles of which as is well known, being an arid desert, divest of fountain, running stream, or any other source of water, besides affording not the least chance of getting food or fodder being almost uninhabited throughout its wide extent. The report of the Mexican scouts, however is said to have been corroborated by information received at Saltillo, in a letter from an English merchant at San Luis de Potosi, who stated that Santa Anna had positively at the head of a numerous body of cavalry. Even now in those parts of Mexico occupied by our troops it is admitted that Santa Anna is out with a considerable mounted force, but with objects far different from those attributed to him by the scouts.

For much of the above information we are indebted to Major Butler, Paymaster U.S. Army, attached to the division of General Wool, who visits the city on business. Major B. left Parras on the 17^th ultimo, where General Wool’s division lay. He states that he troops were in excellent health and spirits, no casualty of moment having occurred for sometime. The inhabitants of the country which the troops has traversed from San Antonio, had manifested the greatest good feeling towards the Americans not a symptom of that hostility which the population of the valley of the Rio Grande had so frequently exhibited, had been observed.

We have been favored with the following extract of a letter, from an officer in the Army dated Brazos Island, January 3,1847:  “The news from Saltillo has dispelled the anxiety created by the reports from that vicinity in reference to the approach of Santa Anna in force.

“General Taylor received General Worth’s express on his route South, retracted his steps, and had advanced with a portion of his troops toward Saltillo, when he was notified by General Worth that General Santa Anna who was still at San Luis de Potosi, and that he (Worth) had been deceived by small parties of the enemy. General Taylor there upon promptly resumed his march for Victoria.

“General Scott and staff are at Camargo. It is not probable will go beyond that depot, but will return to this place and proceed to Tampico. There is no mystery in the General’s bearing and movements, but much discretion.”

The subjoined paragraph we copy from the New Orleans Tropic: Remains of the valiant dead.---------Lieut. Mills brought over in the Alabama the remains of the lamented officers whose names are given below: 

Col. Watson, Capt. Ridgely, Lieut. R.H. Graham, late of the 4^th Regiment of Infantry;  Herman Thomas, of the Texan Rangers:  and George W. Pearson of the Washington and Baltimore Lattison. The remains of Capt. Holmes, of Georgia, and Capt. Gillespie, of the Texan Rangers, were also brought up in the Alabama. Sudden death.----------Lieut. Botle, of the Washington Volunteers, were found dead in his berth on board the Alabama yesterday morning. His berth was in the same stateroom in which Lieut. Mills slept, but the later knew nothing of the sickness of his roommate. He was found dead in the morning, and is supposed to have died of apoplexy. From Tampico the dates are of the 30^th ultimo, at which time all remained quiet there.
[HCH]

January 21, 1847, MG47v47n47p3c1 Words: 118

Gen. Taylor enjoys the glory of having conquered the Northern Indians at Fort Harrison. He enjoys the glory of having conquered the Southern Indians on the Withlucooche. He enjoys the glory of having conquered the Mexicans on the immortal fields of Palo Alto Resaca de la Palma and Monterey. He enjoys the glory of exhibiting a moderation, a majesty, and a magnanimity in the hour of victory equal to his transcendant coolness and skill and courage in the hour of conflict. But alas for the unfortunate old hero, he does not enjoy the honor of an approving mention in James K. Polk’s message to Congress!!!-------Wanting this glory, what are all his other blended glories worth.-------Louisville Journal 
[HCH]

January 28,1847, MG47v47n48p1c6 Words: 135

The War Balloon

Mr. Wise, the aeronaut, has published another communication relative to the balloon which is to be the means of battering down the walls of San Juan de’ Bloa, and of utterly demolishing the city of Mexico. He proposes to construct a balloon one hundred feet in diameter capable of containing 32,715 pounds which he thinks will leave a net power of 20,842 pounds for the missels, bombs, &c. The car is to be in the shape of a cone, and a maneuvering rope is to be supported by Bury Balloons which Mr. Wise says would answer the purpose for sentry stations. The shape of the car would cause the shot that might hit it to glance off, but how the balloon is to be made shot proof, it is not clearly explained.
[HCH]

January 28,1847, MG47v47n48p1c6 Words: 100

No Whiskers Under General Worth

A correspondent from the Delta writes from Monterey:  Gen. Worth has issued an order in Saltillo, that all soldiers under his command must appear at the next dress parade without whiskers. Many a face that has not come in contact with a razor for months, must now come to the scratch. ------The barbers of Saltillo, no doubt think it a very judicious order. Captain Blanchard, being a volunteer, and cher aini of Worth’s, was at first excused from the general shearing but was like to raise a mutiny, and, with tears in his eyes sat down to the operation.
[HCH]

January 28,1847, MG47v47n48p1c7 Words: 62

Victory or Death------- A story is told of a worthy lad from “old Edgefield, ” Mass., who was recently doubting whether or not he should volunteer for Mexico. One of the flags waving in his eyes somewhat discouraged him. “Victory is a good thing, ” said he, “but why put Victory or Death. Put it Victory or Cripple, ” said he, “and I’ll go that!” 
[HCH]

January 28,1847, MG47v47n48p2c3 Words: 1463

Will there be a peace?

There seems to be a general desire pervading our country to bring about a speedy peace with Mexico, but how to get about the matter seems to be a more difficult point. It will be seen that Mr. Cilly of New Hampshire has introduced a resolution into the Senate of the United States requesting the President of the United States “to order the Army of the United States now in Mexico to someplace in the United States near he frontiers of the two countries.”  We do not know at this moment what will be the fate of this resolution, but we cannot imagine for one instant that it will be adopted. It is thought were this course adopted, a Mexican Government would at once consent to treat for a peace, but they will no consider honorable any offer of peace which is not accompanied by the withdrawal of our troops from their territory. The “Journal of Commerce” of New York has been furnished with copious extracts of letters from “a distinguished source” in Mexico to a gentleman of that city, which clearly make the withdrawal of our troops the “sine qua non” of any negotiation upon the subject. Gen. Almonty, well known as the Minister near this government during the Texas Annexation schemes, and who demanded his passports and went home upon its consummation, is supposed to be the author of these letters, and their spirit are not all favorable to peace.------He is beyond all comparison the first Statesman in Mexico, and is very bitter against the United States--------not more so however than are the great majority of his countryman. He regards his country as the injured and aggrieveved party, and if his letters are truly indicative of the determination, than indeed is a long and bloody war in Prosect before us-----

For we can hardly think our government or people now would ever consent to the withdrawal of our Army upon the mere promise of Mexico to treat for peace after that event. Such a step that would be giving the enemy more “aid and comfort” then has already been afforded her by the supply of Leaders and Generals given to er by the free passport of Mr. Polk. It has been rumored for some weeks past that Mr. Calhoun intended to introduce a proposition similar to the one brought forward by the Senator from New Hampshire. The “New York Courier” commenting upon this rumor holds the following language,   which will be found quite interesting and, we therefore commend its views to the attention of our readers:------

It is stated in various quarters, and apparently with confidence, that Mr. Calhoun intends to purpose that the American Army be withdrawn to the Rio Grande, and the American Squadron removed from the Mexican port;  and that in that attitude we await the action of the Mexican Government. We can conceive no good result which can possibly follow such a course. We have no evidence that Mexico would be any more willing to make peace then, than she is now. And we should certainly throw the means of enforcing her, and any degree, to come to a pacific decision. At present the war threatens o destroy her existence as an independent nation, or at any rate to break up the union by which her separate States are held together. The American Army holds possession of several of these departments, and is almost certain to seize more. With every new step in the progress of the war, our Army gains a new hold upon Mexico and renders it still more necessary for her to bring about a peace. But if all those advantages were to be surrendered, peace would cease to be desirable, or at least essential, to her. If we were to withdraw all of our forces from her soil, and simply await her attack, she would lose all inducements to restore peace.

We cannot believe that such a policy could be for a moment entertained. It would be to put ourselves completely in her power, and to commit the whole matter of war and peace entirely to her discretion. The only ground, as far as we know, on which this course is urged in any quarter is that it would make the war on our part a defensive war, and thus relieve us from the imputation of aggression.-----But this, it seems to us, betrays a gross misconception of the nature of a defensive war. The character of war, in that respect, depends entirely upon its origin. If it was at the outset waged for aggressive purposes, then it is an aggressive war, no matter on whose soil it may be fought.

But if it was begun by Mexico, for the reconquest of Texas, or to drive our troops from territory claimed by the United States, then it is on our part a defensive war, and would be so, even were it carried to the gates of the Mexican capital. Most assuredly our war with England was not an aggressive war, on our part;------yet we carried it into Canada:  we sought to wage it on English soil. Napoleon carried his armies into every part of Europe and the allies dictated a peace in Paris, but were both these contending parties waging a war of aggression?  That point is never to be determined by the method of carrying on the war, but solely by its origin-----or by the spirit which, during its progress, may become predominant.

The fact, therefore that we waged the war in Mexico, does not make it an aggressive war, unless we prosecute it for the purpose of conquering her territory, and not of redressing our wrongs, repelling her attacks, and rendering her unable to renew them. Our purpose is now to end the war. We have offered to do it by negotiation, but Mexico refuses. We must end it then by force. We must acquire a still stronger control over her than we now possess. We must again defeat her armies; seize upon more of her possessions; cripple still more of her ability to maintain the controversy. It may be that even in this way, we shall not succeed at once;  but certainly, we cannot succeed at all in any other. It is the only way left open to us.

It is stated that Mr. Calhoun’s intended proposition will be supported by the Southern section of the Locofocos. This, we think, quite possible. We have no doubt they deprecate any further accession of territory, like that which is likely to accrue, as almost certain to weaken slavery, not as a domestic Southern institution, but as a political power, seeking supremacy in the National Council. Whatever may be the action of Congress up on the question, no one supposes that California can ever become a slave state. Its climate, soil, and general physical character will forever render this impossible. And the same fact hold true of other large portions of territory which may, at some future day, seek annexation to the American Union. And besides this, a strong disposition has been manifested in Congress, to prohibit by positive enactment, the extension of slavery to any future acquisition. It may be that Mr. Calhoun and his friends forsee the adoption of this measure;  that way seek to avert the possible consequences, the accession of new free states, by preventing the accession of any. We hope the desin will not succeed;  for we certainly regard the acquisition of California as a measure of the highest importance and necessary to the United States. Our commercial interest, our position and influence as the soverign nation upon this continent and our prospective relation to the other nations of the earth, seem to us to clearly indicate the expediency of acquiring, by some equitable arrangement, possession of California.

The Wigs in Congress, we are confident, will not aid any such schemes as that suggested. Its promise of restoring peace is hollow and delusive;  it would effectively deprive us of the power to enforce a peace;  and its sole effort would be to protract endlessly a feeble relations and dishonorable war. The only way to end this war, is to fight it out. The message of the Mexican President in the doings of Congress which we published this morning, show conclusively that they will not make peace until forced to do so. The only thing then, that remains, is to force them there to as soon as possible. Let the War be vigorously and effectively waged. Let men enough, and money enough, be raised to destroy the very heart of the Mexican force;-----to cripple her strength and prostrate her hostility. It seems clear to us that in no other way can peace be restored.
[HCH]

January 28,1847, MG47v47n48p2c5 Words: 301

Latest from Mexico

The latest dates from New Orleans are from the 18^th inst., from which we learn that Genl. Scott was at Brazos Santiago, and had sent an express to Genl. Taylor, that he would meet him in a few days at Tampico or Victoria. A report was in circulation that Gen. Quitman, with 2,000 volunteers had a battle with 13,000 Mexicans, under Gen. Urrea, two leagues North of Victoria. The report however does not gain credit. Our troops are said to be yet suffering with chills and fevers at every post. The Matamoras Flag says that Mr. Gillespie, one of the Texan Rangers who was taken prisoner at China is September last, and has been kept at San Luis Posi, has been released and returned to the American lines. He reports the Mexican force of that place at 27,000, with an additional force in the vicinity at 10,000. This large force was under constant drill, and many foreign officers engaged in the service. The troops were enthusiastic, healthy, and in a fine state of subordination. The above items we have culled from the Southern Mail; and by the Eastern Mail we have the annexed, which shows that the Mexicans are pretty hard up “for the sinews of war”-------Money----------.

Later dates from Mexico via Havana, have been received by the New York Sun and Express. They contain a communication from Santa Anna to the Mexican Congress demanding 8 millions of dollars for the purpose of carrying on the War, and he tells Congress unless the money is raised the country is lost.

Congress was in secret session, and it is said that a confiscation of church property was in contemplation. To this measure the clergy were, of course, violently opposed, threatening to excommunicate Congress, Santa Anna, Government, the Army, &c.
[HCH]

February

Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p1c5 Words: 136

FOUND OUT AT LAST.

“BRUTUS, ” the Washington Correspondent of the Richmond Whig, suggests the following effectual plan of terminating the Mexican War and who doubts it?—for surely “BRUTUS” is an honorable man.”  He says:—

It is to send Mr. ROBERT J. WALKER to manage the Mexican Finances. If he manages their financial affairs and badly as he managed ours; if he enacts the Sub Treasury, and gets an Ad Valorem Tariff Bill passed, similar to that of 1846, it is supposed he would bring the Mexicans to terms in less than thirty days. I believe one of the Locofoco Senators has recommended this to Mr. POLK, as the best of way of crippling the Mexicans. Since Mr. POLK has furnished the Mexicans with a Commanding General, he might as well furnish them with a Secretary of the Sub Treasury.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p1c6 Words: 111

JERSEY GIRLS IN MEXICO. —When Gen. WOOL’s command was approaching Saltillo, and were about three miles distant from the city, four young women habited in American dress, were seen standing by the road side.—Curiosity ran high to know who they were, and they received many a gallant salute as the troops passed them. At last an officer rode up to see who they were. They informed him that they were from New Jersey, and engaged in superintending the female operatives in a cotton and woolen factory bard by, and expressed, in the course of their conversation, a desire to hear again the old National Air of Yankee Doodle.—Newark Advertiser.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c2 Words: 629

Having failed to receive our Washington Correspondence this week, we avail ourselves of a letter to the Baltimore Sun, which gives the results of the long discussions which have been going on in the Houses of Congress upon the Army Bill, &c. &c., during the past week.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1^st, 1847.

The military bill has at last passed the Senate with CORWIN’S and SIMMONS’ amendments in regard to h[illegible]nty land scrips or United States 6 per cent stock for $100.

The consideration of the three million appropriation bill has been postponed in the House for the purpose of giving the Senate the initiative, and Mr. CALHOUN an opportunity of defining his position. He will undoubtedly seize that opportunity on making his great speech of the session, and proposing his plan for conquering a speedy peace.

Simultaneously with this movement a new paper is about to make its appearance on Monday next. It will advocate conservative principles—and form a sort of [illegible] milieu, of Doctrinaire party, between the extreme left and right side of the House. The moderate whigs ad conservative democrats will be its principle supporters. Gen. [illegible] GREEN, the editor in chief. Prospectus will be out in a day or two. The paper will, of course, hold a middleground between the Intelligencer and the Union; or rather be in opposition to both of them. From the know ability of [illegible] GREEN, little doubt can exist but that it will prove an efficient in the advocacy of moderate principles. He will be anti-abolition, anti-war, moderate tariff and moderation and measure in everything.

The rumors that the Mexican Congress has sent a message to Gen TAYLOR, that they will receive a minister from the United States, and that a distinct proposition for peace has been made seems to be correct, but I doubt  whether in the present state of affairs it will lead to anything. At all events the friends of the administration treat the rumored proposal with great disdain, and the partizans of the Lieut. General have a perfect contempt for it. They believe that nothing but action can secure peace, and that the Mexican government only seeks to gain time, now they perceive that earnest preparations are making for investing Vera Cruz.

The resolutions of praise and censure on Gen. TAYLOR, introduced in the House on Saturday last, passed the House to-day, but were, in the Senate, laid on the table. They will never pass that body in the shape in which they came from the House. The way to carry out the views of the House would be to [illegible] a Gold medal for Gen. TAYLOR, bearing on one side the inscription, “This is for Monterey, ” and on the back of it, “This is not for Monterey.”  The General would then have the option of looking on whichever side he pleased, and so would the country. I see no other way of settling the difficulty.

[The Lieutenant General [unreadable] certainly not given up by the President, and still less by the Lieutenant General himself. The [unreadable] in the House on the resolution to regard to Gen. TAYLOR is a clear index to the same; and it is pretty generally believed that a bill for the creation of the office will now pass the House by a respectable majority. It depends now solely on Mr. CALHOUN and his friends in the Senate whether we shall yet see Col. BENTON in the field. All concede to him freely great [unreadable] of character [unreadable] and will—three [unreadable] for a great General. It remains to be seen whether twenty-seven years’ hard work in the Senate of the United States have at all impaired his military qualities.

In the House [unreadable] was talking on Nativism with no one listening.                 X.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c2 Words: 156

GEN. TAYLOR’S LETTER.

We refer our reader’s attention to Gen. TAYLOR’s letter which will be found in our columns this week. It will speak for itself. There is much speculation afloat, as to the [illegible] to whom this letter was addressed, and by which publication was caused. Gen GAINES is supposed to be the person who has brought this letter to light, but we can see nothing in any of the articles which have come under our eyes which makes it “a fixed fact” that he is the responsible individual. It matters not, however, as far as the public is concerned, who had it published, --it is now done, and must be judged of according to its merits. Respectfully vindicates Gen. TAYLOR very triumphantly from any of the blunders of the Mexican War. He certainly has the confidence of the country, and any attacks made up on him in Congress will only recoil with redoubled force upon their authors.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c4 Words: 375

THE EXECUTIVE AND THE ARMY.—The National Intelligencer, of the 30^th ult., says: We are among those who have been slow to believe, though it has been frequently charged, that animosity was cherished by the administration towards General TAYLOR, because we could not conceive any motives even of party policy, for such hostility against a citizen who has unquestionably rendered distinguished service to his country, and entrenched himself thereby safely in the public esteem. But it cannot be doubted, considering the recency of he fact of the publication of the Letter of Gen. TAYLOR, that the “General Order” publishe in our columns to day [see it below] has direct reference to that officer.

How many hundreds of unofficial letters from officers of the Army, of every grade, up to that of Gen. TAYLOR, have been published all over the country within the last year, without calling forth any rebuke from the Executive!  So far from it, have not many of such letters been published, without a lisp of disapprobation, in the newspaper in this city which is the recognised organ of the Government; published not only without any expression of dissatisfaction, but, on the contrary, with high commendations?  As late as in that paper of yesterday morning we find precisely such a letter from “an officer of Gen. WOOL’s command.”  We do not say that the Regulation which has been thus waked up from a sleep of more than twenty years—which has been in fact disused so long as to become obsolete—may not be in itself as a general rule a proper one. But we do say that as it has not been heretofore considered as an order to be strictly observed; in proof of which many instances can be remembered in which it has not been regarded, nor has the departure from from it been visited with any reproof, much less with such a public rebuke as that conveyed in the revival and republication, obviously with that intent, of the Regulation of 1825.

The effect, besides, of the promulgation of the order at the present particular moment, is that of ex post facto legislation; a proceeding directly against the spirit of liberty, and so recognised by the organic law of the Republic.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c4 Words: 268

ARMY GENERAL ORDER.

GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 3.} WAR DEPARTMENT, Adjutant General’s Office, Washington, Jan. 20, ‘47.

The following regulations have been received from the War Department:

WAR DEPARTMENT.

WASHINGTON, January 27, 1847.

The President of the United States directs that paragraph 650 of the General Regulations for the Army, established on the 1^st of March, 1825, and not included among those published January 25, 1841, be now republished, and that its observance as a part of the General Regulations be strictly enjoined upon the Army. By order of the President,

W. L. MARCY, Sect. Of War.

The following is the paragraph of the General Regulations for the Army established on the 1^st of March, 1825, referred to above:

“650. Private letters or reports relative to military marches and operations are frequently mischievous in design, and always disgraceful to the army. They are therefore strictly forbidden; and any officer found guilty of making such report for publication, without special permission, or of placing the writing beyond his control, so that it finds its way to the press within one month after the termination of the campaign to which it relates, shall be dismissed from the service.”

By order           

W. G. FREEMAN,

Assistant Adjutant General.

The following announcement is made in the Washington Fountain of Jan. 29^th:

To the Editor of the Washington Fountain:

SIR—We respectfully submit to the consideration of the Whig National Nominating Convention, and of the American People, without respect to party, the illustrious name of

MAJOR GENERAL

ZACHARY TAYLOR,

OF LOUISIANA

THE HERO OF THE RIO GRANDE,

AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE NEXT

PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES.

MANY MEMBERS

of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Washington, Jan. 28, 1847.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c4 Words: 226

THE “POOR MAN’S SHIRT.”—Many crocodile tears were shed by the Locofocos over the exorbitant sum which the poor man was compelled to pay for his shirt, under the 400 per cent tariff of 1842. Well, the tariff of 1846 reduces the duty on coarse cottons—and what do we hear?  The Boston Post, a Locofoco paper, says:

“It is stated that cotton goods have risen very much in price recently. Amoskeag sheetings, which a few weeks since were sold by the agents at 8 cents, are now up to 8 ½; last year at this time the same quality stood at 7 cents. Within a short time tickings and denims have advanced ½ to 1 cent per yard.—Prints, such as have lately been bought from 4 to 4 ½ cents, are selling by the case for 5 ½.—Colored cambries have advanced ½ to 1 cent. Wollen, ,linen and rubber goods are advancing.”

What will sympathizers with the “poor man” and his “shirt” say to this?  What becomes of the axiom that low duties make low prices?  How will Secretary WALKER maintain his assertion, that the duty is as much a part of the price as the cost of prodution?—In one word, how can the Free Trade theory be vindicated, in the teeth of an unvarying current of facts like these?—Rich. Whig.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c4 Words: 114

SENATOR CORWIN.—The Louisville Journal, referring to the slanderers of “Old Rough and Ready” in the House of Representatives, speaks as follows of Senator CORWIN:

We almost wish that CORWIN occupied a seat in the House instead of the Senate at the present time, that he might overwhelm such detractors of Gen. TAYLOR’s [illegible] FICKLIN of Ill., and THOMPSON of Miss., as he did the Michigan [illegible]. One speech from him would most effectually dam up the current of Loco Foco slander now directed at Gen. TAYLOR, and would cause the slanderers to wash themselves in the hands of Mexicans or savages rather than in those of the gallant and gifted member from Ohio.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c5-6 Words: 2302

“ROUGH AND READY.”

LETTER FROM GENERAL TAYLOR.

We lay before our readers the following letter, which tells its own story too well to need any comment. It is not just, however, to its heroic writer, whose courage and judgment are equaled only by his honesty and modesty, to state that it was written to a near friend and relative, now resident in this city, endeared to him by very many years of personal intimacy, to whim he [illegible] all his purposes, opinions and feelings, without the least reserve.—This friend would not have taken the liberty of making public a communication of this nature, did not the recent manifestations of the envious malignity of the Administration and its servants and friends towards the man who alone has saved them and the country from the consequences of their rashness, ignorance and incapacity, make it necessary and just that the object of their base detraction should, at this critical moment, be heard in his own defence, by the whole people, in his own simple and honest language.

We have more of this sort to communicate, and shall soon be able to show that, in his defence against his own secret personal enemies and selfish detractors, as well as against the armed enemies of his country, the old hero of the Rio Grande is ever “ROUGH AND READY.”

--N. Y. Express.

Hd. Qrs. Army of Occupation, or Invasion
Monterey, Mexico, Nov. 9, 1846

My dear * * * * * * *

Your very kind and acceptable letter of the 31^st of August, * * * * * * * * reached me only a short time since, for which I beg leave to tender to you my sincere thanks. [A few confidential remarks on certain public transactions are here omitted.]

After considerable apparent delay on the part of the Qr. Master’s Department, in getting steamboats into the Rio Grande adapted to its navigation, I succeeded, towards the latter part of August, in throwing forward to Camargo, (a town situated on the San Juan river, three miles from its junction with the Rio Grande, on the west side, nearly 500 from Brazos Island by water and 200 by land, and 140 from this place,) a considerable depot of provisions, ordinance, ammunition and forage, and then, having brought together an important portion of my command, I determined on moving on this place. Accordingly, after collecting 1700 pack-mules, with their attendants and conductors in the enemy’s country, (the principal means of transportation for our provisions, baggage, &c.,) I left on the 5^th of September, to join my advance, which had preceded me a few days to Serralvo, a small village 75 miles on the route, which I did on the 9^th, and, after waiting there a few days for some of the corps to get up, moved on and reached here on the 19^th, with 6250 men, --2700 regulars and the balance volunteers. For what took place afterwards, I must refer you to my several reports, --particularly to my detailed one of the 9^th ult. I do not believe the authorities at Washington are at all satisfied with my conduct in regard to the terms of capitulation entered into with the Mexican commander, which you no doubt have seen, as they have been made public through the official organ, and copied into various other newspapers. I have this moment received an answer (to my despatch announcing the surrender of Monterey, and the circumstances attending the same,) from the Secretary of War, stating that “it was regretted by the President that it was not deemed advisable to insist on the terms I had proposed in my first communication to the Mexican commander, in regard to giving up the city, ”—adding that “the circumstances which dictated, no doubt justified the change.”  Although the terms of capitulation may be considered too liberal on our part by the President and his advisers, as well as by many others at a distance, particularly by those who do not understand the position which we occupied, (otherwise they might come to a different conclusion in regard to the matter,) yet, on due reflection, I see nothing to induce me to regret the course I pursued.

The proposition on the part of Gen. AMPUDIA, which had much to do in determining my course in the matter, was based on the ground that our Government had proposed to his to settle the existing difficulties by negotiation, (which I knew was the case, without knowing the result,) which was then under consideration by the proper authorities, and which he (Gen. AMPUDIA,) had no doubt would result favorably, as the whole of his people were in favor of peace. If so, I considered the further effusion of blood not only unnecessary, but improper. Their force was also considerably larger than ours; and from the size and position of the place, we could not completely invest it; so that the greater portion of their troops, if not the whole, had they been disposed to do so, any night, have abandoned the city, at once entered the mountain passes, and effected their retreat, --do what we could!  Had we been put to the alternative of taking the place by storm, (which there is no doubt we would have succeeded in doing,) we should, in all probability, have lost fifty or one hundred men in killed, besides the wounded, --which I wished to avoid, as there appeared to be a prospect of peace, even if a distant one. I also wished to avoid the destruction of women and children, which must have been very great, had the storming process been resorted to. Besides, they had a very large and strong fortification, a short distance from the city, which, if carried with the bayonet, must have been taken at great sacrifice of life; and, with our limited train of heavy or battering artillery, it would have required twenty or twenty-five days to take it by regular approaches.

That they should have surrendered a place nearly as strong as Quebec, well fortified under the direction of skilful engineers, --their works garnished with forty-two pieces of artillery, abundantly supplied with ammunition, garrisoned by 7000 regular and 2000 irregular troops, in addition to some thousand citizens capable of, (an no doubt actually) bearing arms, and aiding in its defence, --to an opposing force of half their number, scantily supplied with provisions, and with a light train of artillery, --is among the uncountable occurrences of the times.

I am decidedly opposed to carrying the war beyond Saltillo in this direction, which place has been entirely abandoned by the Mexican forces, all of whom have been concentrated at San Luis Potosi; and I shall lose no time in taking possession of the former, as soon as the cessation of hostilities referred to expires, --which I have notified the Mexican authorities will be the case on the 18 inst., by direction of the President of the United States.

If we are (in the language of Mr. POLK and Gen. SCOTT) under the necessity of “conquering a peace, ” and that by taking the capital of the country, --we must go to Vera Cruz, take that place, and then march on the city of Mexico. To do so in any other direction, I consider out of the question. But admitting that we conquer a peace by doing so, --say, at the end of the next twelve months—will the amount of blood and treasure, which must be expended in doing so, be compensated by the same?  I think not, --especially, if the country we subdue is to be given up; and I imagine there are but few individuals in our country who think of annexing Mexico to the United States.

I do not intend to carry on my operations (as previously stated) beyond Saltillo, --deeming it next to impracticable to do so. It then becomes a question as to what is best to be done. It seems to me, the most judicious course to be pursued on our part, would be to take possession at once, of the line we would accept by negotiation, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, and occupy the same, or keep what we already have possession of; and that with Tampico, (which I hope to take in the course of the next month, or as soon as I can get the means of transportation) will give us all on this side of the Sierra Madre, and as soon as I occupy Saltillo, will include six or seven States or Provinces, thus holding Tampico, Victoria, Monterey, Saltillo, Monclova, Chihuahua, (which I presume Gen. WOOL has possession of by this time) Santa Fe and the Californias, and say to Mexico, “Drive us from the country!”—throwing on her the responsibility and expense of carrying on offensive war—at the same time closely blockading all her ports on the Pacific and the Gulf. A course of this kind, if persevered in for a short time, would soon bring her to her proper senses, and compel her to sue for peace—provided there is a Government in the country sufficiently stable for us to treat with, which I fear will hardly be the case for many years to come. Without large reinforcements of volunteers from the United States—say ten or fifteen thousand, (those previously sent out having already been greatly reduced by sickness and other casualties) I do not believe it would be advisable to march beyond Saltillo, which is more than 200 miles beyond our depots on the Rio Grande—a very long line on which to keep up supplies (over a land route in a country like this) for a large force, and certain to be attended with an expense which it will be frightful to contemplate, when closely looked into.

From Saltillo to San Louis Potosi, the next place of importance on the road to the city of Mexico, is three hundred miles—one hundred and forty badly watered, where no supplies of any kind could be produced for men or horses. I have informed the War Department that 20,000 efficient men would be necessary to insure success if we move on that place—(a city containing a population of 60,000, where the enemy could bring together and sustain besides the citizens, an army of 50,000) a force which I apprehend will hardly be collected by us with the train necessary to lead it as well as to transport various other supplies, particularly ordnance and munitions of war.

In regard to the armistice, which would have expired by limitation in a few days, we lost nothing by it, as we could not move even now, had the enemy continued to occupy Saltillo; for, strange to say, the first wagon which has reached me since the declaration of war was on the 2d inst., the same day on which I received from Washington an acknowledgement of my despatch announcing the taking of Monterey; and then I received only 125, so that I have been, since May last, completely crippled, and am still so, for want of transportation. After raking and scraping the country for miles around Camargo, collecting every pack-mule and other means of transportation, I could bring here only 80,000 rations, (fifteen day’s supply,) with a moderate supply of ordnance, ammunition, &c., to do which, all he corps had to leave behind a portion of their camp equipage necessary for their comfort, and, in some instances, among the volunteers, their personal baggage. I moved in such a way, and with such limited means, that, had I not succeeded, I should no doubt have been severely reprimanded, if nothing worse. I did so to sustain the Administration.

Of the two regiments of mounted men from Tennessee and Kentucky, who left their respective States to join me in June, the latter has just reached Camargo; the former had not got to Matamoras at the latest dates from there. Admitting that they will be as long in returning as in getting here, (to say nothing of the time necessary to recruit their horses) and were to be discharged in time to reach their homes, they could serve in Mexico but a very short time. The foregoing remarks are not made with the view of finding fault with any one, but to point out the difficulties with which I have had to contend.

Monterey, the capital of New Leon, is situated on the San Juan River, where it comes out of the mountains, --the city (which contains a population of about twelve thousand) being in part surrounded by them, at the head of a large and beautiful valley. The houses are of stone, in the Moorish style, with flat roofs, which, with their strongly inclosed yards and gardens, in high stone walls all looped for musketry, make them each a fortress within itself. It is the most important place in Northern Mexico (or on the east side of the Sierra Madre,) commanding the only pass or road for carriages from this side, between it and the Gulf of Mexico, to the table lands of the Sierra, by or through which, the city of Mexico can be reached.

I much fear I shall have exhausted your patience before you get half through this long and uninteresting letter. If so, you can only commit it to the flames and think no more about it, as I write in great haste, besides being interrupted every five minutes; so that you must bake great allowances for blots, interlineations and blunders, as well as want of connection in many parts of the same.

Be so good as to present me most kindly to your excellent lady, and accept my sincere wishes for your continued health, prosperity and fame.

I remain, truly and sincerely,
Your friend,
Z. TAYLOR

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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c6 Words: 384

THE WAR—Extract of a letter from an officer, dated—

SALTILLO, (Mexico,) 28^th Dec., 1846.

You have seen what is the present situation of things with us here now. SANTA ANNA is said to be at the head of so large a force somewhere between San Luis Potosi and this place, that we are kept on the qui vive, expecting that at any time he might dash over upon us and give us battle. Small as our force is, however, we feel confident of success should a battle be fought—and knowing how decisive would be a victory now, of the pending question of peace or war, we are anxious that the contest should come off at once and the matter be settled. We are in daily communication now with Gen. WOOL’s column, which is encamped some 18 miles from us, so that a full cooperation is practicable on any point. Gen. TAYLOR has gone to Victoria, and perhaps to Tula, where he hopes to meet Gen. URREA, who is said to have 8 or 9000 troops with him.

Rumors reached us to-day that Gen. SCOTT is ordered out, to command the Tampico forces. I hope so—and that by a grand demonstration in that direction, we may take Vera Cruz at once, and then Jalapa, which is the key to that part of Mexico, as Monterey is to this. Holding these two points, the Capital is fairly cut off from the Coast and from Northern Mexico. With such positions, well established, we may dictate a peace as well I think as if we were in possession of the metropolis itself. I hope the expedition will be amply provided in all respects, and success  the most brilliant may then attend it.

We understand (says the Richmond Enquirer) that the Governor and Council have dated the commissions of the Officers of the different Volunteer Companies as follows.—Of course they rank according to the date of their commissions

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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p2c7 and p3c1 Words: 1700

LATEST NEWS!

LATE FROM MEXICO.

Important from the Army.

ENGAGEMENT OF COL. MAY WITH THE MEXICANS.

Important Rumors from Tampico—Arrival of Col. Kinney at that place—Later news from Gen. Taylor—Disposition of the American Forces along the Line of Operations, &c. &c.

The brig Georgiana, Capt. CRISPIN, arrived at N. Orleans on the 22d. ult, having left Tampico on the 14^th. The verbal news she brought was alarming, it being to the effect that SANTA ANNA had placed himself between Gen. TAYLOR and Gen. WORTH, with 35,000 men, and that a general action was immediately expected. All this is no exaggeration. We believe, says the Picayune, the authentic facts to be as follows:

Col. KINNEY arrived at Tampico on the 12^th of January direct from Victoria. He entered that town with Gen. QUITMAN on the evening of the 9^th. Gen QUITMAN drove the enemy before him for the last thirty or forty miles before getting to Victoria. The Mexicans were reluctant to give up the place. As Gen. QUITMAN entered the town the Mexicans were going out on the other side. Gen. Q. had no cavalry and could not pursue them. Col. K. speaks in the warmest [illegible] of the prompt and soldiery conduct of this officer.

Col. KINNEY parted from Gen. TAYLOR at Monte Morales and pushed on with Gen. QUITMAN to Victoria. From these he made his way, almost alone, to Tampico, taking Soto la marina in his route, accomplishing a distance of nearly 250 miles in three days, and narrowly escaping from the advanced parties of the Mexicans on several occasions  He spent a part of a night at the old rancho of Croix, where SANCHEZ was stationed with twenty dragoons; yet in the morning he contrived to give him the slip. He also succeeded in evading ROMANO FALCON, the man who is reported to have killed Col. CROSS.

At Soto la Marina he found a company of sixty rancheros. He rode at once to the alcade, boldly told him that Gen. TAYLOR had sent him on a few hours in advance to prepare supplies, and by this ruse made out to come off safely—the rancheros at once dispersing. The services this officer has rendered since the Mexican war broke out have been invaluable. He has ridden thousands and thousands of miles through the country almost alone; his favorite servant CATALINO has been killed he has himself been beset and attacked time and again; yet by his superior riding, by his knowledge of the Spanish language, by his promptness and courage, he has so far succeeded in escaping  Such services as he has rendered the country surely will not be allowed to go unrewarded—but to the news brought by this arrival.

We have no reason to believe that Generals BUTLER and WORTH have moved from Saltillo, as was reported. We believe them, together with Gen. WOOL, to have been still there or in the vicinity as late as the 1^st inst., with at least 6000 troops, and we farther believe that a division of the Mexican army was not far off, watching our movements and ready to take any advantage of any favorable opportunity which circumstances may afford. It may be, and this opinion is entertained by others of the army, high in rank, that the Mexican soldiers seen in the neighborhood of Saltillo are advanced parties of a force of some 1500 or 2000 men, kept in a position on this side of the desert, between Saltillo and San Luis, to destroy the water tanks in case the American army should move in force in the direction of the latter city. The view of the case precludes the idea of a serious attack upon Gen. WORTH or Gen. WOOL, the object of the Mexicans only being to keep a watch upon the American forces, to retreat before any advance and cut off the supplies of water as far south as the operations of our army may make it advisable to do so.—That the troops spoken of as threatening Saltillo are scouting parties of this corps of observation is confidently believed by officers of experience and discretion—though others, whose opinions are perhaps equally entitled to respected, regard the movement of the enemy in a more serious light.

The report brought by Col. KINNEy to Tampico, to the effect that 15,000 Mexicans were to attack Saltillo on the 27^th ult., is but the same rumor which has already reached here by way of Matamoras. Col. K. heard the rumor at Monte Morales, probably, and had no opportunity to learn the sequel of the anticipated attack.

There is little doubt, as we learn from private letters, that there was a large Mexican force—probably mostly cavalry—at Tula at last dates, all under command of Gen. VALENCIA. Gens. URREA, ROMERO, FERNANDEZ, and others are also reported to be in the vicinity. It may be recollected that our last accounts from the city of Mexico represented VALENCIA as on his march to Tula.

From a correspondent at Tampico we learn that on the 1^st of January, Gen. TAYLOR sent forward to Col. MAY, of the dragoons, to examine the mountain pass between Monte Morales and Labradores. On his return from Labradores he took another pass leading to [unreadable] and was attacked by a larger body of the enemy and his rear guard cut off. This was effected by rolling stones into the pass, which was scarcely wide enough for a single horseman. MAY managed to get through with the main body and reached a spot where he was enabled to dismount and return to the succor of the rear guard, but it was too late, as the enemy had retreated with their prize.

At one time during the passage of the gorge the dragoons would have been almost at the mercy of the enemy, had the latter discharged their pieces with any accuracy; for the position they occupied was directly over the heads of our troops. We cannot ascertain Col MAY’s loss, or whether he had any men killed or not.

At the present time, there can be no doubt, Gens. TAYLOR, TWIGGS, PATTERSON and PILLOS, are at Victoria and with a large force.—Had Gen. TAYLOR but a party of five hundred Texan rangers with him, their services, with the enemy’s cavalry hanging around him in almost every direction, would be invaluable.

The N. Orleans Picayune, contains a number of letters from Tampico, from which we make the following extraxts:--

TAMPICO, Jan. 11, 1847

I wrote you yesterday that an expedition would leave that day for Tuspan, but I was very confidentially misled. The rumor for the last few weeks was allowed to spread, that the force was destined for that place, and the Mexicans despatched couriers carrying the intelligence. Reinforcements were called in from the surrounding country, and we hear now there are 2000 men there on the qui vive for an attack.

The Government steamers commenced fitting up yesterday at noon, and every preparation appeared to be making to cross over to Puebla Viejo, en route to Tuspan, when the commanding officer at the lines received orders to march his men to Altamira. It was a perfect surprise to every one, and whether any good results from it or not, Gen. SHIELDS deserves credit for the ruse.

I am assured from head quarters that the object is to open a communication with Gen. TAYLOR at Victoria, and it is deemed expedient to send the present force to meet this advance.—From 2000 to 3000 Mexican troops are known to be between here and there, and very possibly Gen. SHIELDS will have an opportunity to cope with them.

The number of men is about 650, which reduced the force remaining here to about 930, but no attack is to be expected on this place, except via the very route Gen. SHIELDS has no taken; so that, although reduced in numbers we are not weakened in strength.

TAMPICO, Jan. 12, 1847.—Afternoon

“Gentlemen—Orders and couterorders—Col. KINNEY, of the Corpus Christi, arrived this morning with despatches from Gen. TAYLOR—he left Victoria on the evening of the 9^th inst., having ridden over 200 miles in three days.

It was attended a portion of the way by four dragoons, and came through with only two attendants. Gen. SHIELDS received orders from Gen. TAYLOR to suspend operations for the present.

The news from both armies, brought by Col. K., is of great interest. He says that the Mexican force at San Luis Potosi amounts to 30,000 men—he estimates their entire force in the field at 50,000.

The capture of Tampico, according to Col. K. has created the greatest excitement throughout the country. Gen. BUTLER, with Genls. WORTH and WOOL and 8000 men—considered the flower of the army—were at Saltillo.—A Mexican force of 15,000 was reported on its position outside in anticipation, as the town was incapable of fortification. The engagement should have taken place on the 27^th ult., and Col. KINNEY speaks confidently of our success. The war seems to be commencing in earnest. You may rely upon the accuracy of Col. K.’s opinon of the strength of the enemy.

Gens. TAYLOR and PATTERSON are at Victoria with 6000 men awaiting orders from Gen. SCOTT. It is not supposed that any movement will be made against San Luis Potosi. It is pronounced the strongest fortified post in all Mexico, and SANTA ANNA has said that the man that takes it is welcome to the capital. I believe that a change of warfare will take place on Gen. SCOTT’s assuming the command. The mountains will be retained and Vera Cruz subjected by a land attack—then no! for Mexico!

The N. O. Delta gives a much more detailed account of Capt. MAY’s perilous undertaking than the above from the Picayune, which we regret we have not room for this week. His command consisted of some 70 or 80 men, and he reports a loss of 11 men and their horses, and 7 pack mules. A Lieutenant and 12 men acted as the rear guard, and 11 of the 13 are missing—whether they have been killed, or only taken prisoners, is not known. The Regular soldiers of the Mexican Army, it is supposed, had no hand in this capture—they were Rancheros and robbers, and hence the strong probability that our men have been murdered.
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Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p3c1 Words: 554

REPORTED MILITARY MOVEMENT.—The Charleston Courier has the following letter from its correspondent in New Orleans:

Gentlemen—Colonel TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the United States, arrived here to-day from Washington. The Rocket and double Howitzer Brigade is expected daily. The regiments of Louisianna, Pennsylvania and Mississippi, are about being embarked, and will take 90 days rations with them. These troops are supposed to be destined for Tusman, where they will be joined by the Massachusetts, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, and 2d Pennsylvania regiments.—Their future destination is unknown, as every avenue to information is carefully guarded; but it is now guessed at that a march will be made direct on Mexico from Tusman, by Guanelinago, Papanda Apan, and Tezino, along the route over which the Indian runners passed in 24 hours, from the Gulf to Mexico, in the times of MONTEZUMA.

The distance is only 250 miles, and the road is said to present no serious obstacles to the march of troops. General SCOTT will advance at once on San Luis Potosi, simultaneously with the Tusman movement. It is supposed that SANTA ANNA will not fight at Potosi when he finds 9,000 men advancing from Tusman, but will fall back on Queretavo, and from there to Tulaezingo, in order to oppose our advance from Tusman. At this point he can make a strong stand. But here this double Howizter Brigade will not with great efficiency. In order to understand how, it is necessary to describe the pass of Tulaezingo. It is formed by a chasm in the mountain; the rocks rise almost perpendicularly to a height of 150 feet. The road between, will admit of no more than 4 mules abreast. The pass is only one quarter of a mile in length. Over this chasm, there is a natural bridge of rock, which is accessible by a steep and devioius ascent, by which mules can ascend.

The double mountain Howitzer will be placed on mules and carried to the natural bridge, when the road to the west of the pass will be completely commanded to the distance of 1200 yards, so that the enemy’s forces must retire on the approach of our columns to that distance. Our troops will thus be enabled to move through the pass and debouch into an open tableau of land, of some mules in extent, without hindrance of the Mexican artillery.—Our army will then make a flank movement on Apan, which will compel the Mexicans to move on to Tezano, 50 miles from Mexico, in the mean time Gen. SCOTT will move rapidly on Maconi, and Chico and the Real del Monte, and thence to Pachuea and Otumba. The road from Otumba to Tezano is exceedingly difficult, and perhaps it may not be necessary to follow it in order to form a junction with our columns at Tezano; if so Gen. SCOTT will by a right flank movement reach Istalmaca, 15 miles from Mexico.

I have thus briefly stated what is whispered amongst military men here. Through Vera Cruz is believed to be the point of attack, I think myself it is designed only as a feint.—The arrival of Col. TOTTEN, who is considered one of the most skilful engineers in the world, has created no small sensation in military circles. His mouth is closed.

Thursday, February 4, 1847, MG47v47n49p3c1 Words: 312

ARMY INTELLIGENCE— Gen’l Wool’s Division.

--Extract from an officer of General Wool’s command.

“CAMP AT AGUA NUEAVA, (Mexico.)

Dec. 27^th, 1846.

SIR: Since my hasty note to you from Parras, we have all been in the midst of tumult and excitement, caused by intelligence from Gen. WORTH that SANTA ANNA was on the march to attack him with an over-whelming force. This caused our division to move by forced marches—our infantry marching in one day nearly forty miles to this place—when the rumor was found to be premature. It is believed, however, that the enemy meditated an attack upon our forces in detail, but was deterred from striking the blow by the rapid concentration of our troops—Gen. BUTLER having, in the mean time, moved up for Monterey, making our army full four thousand strong at this point and its vicinity.

“When our column left Parras I ws absent on a reconnaissance towards San Luis, Zacatecas, and Durango, with an escort of thirty-eight men, and came very near being cut off by siz hundred Mexican cavalry. The enemy is making immense preparations on our whole front, from San Luis and Durango to St. Rosolo. By the next mail I will write you more in detail.    *    *    *    *    *

“My whole party has been so constantly and laboriously occupied since we left Monclava, that while we have collected a good deal of data, we cannot, as yet, give you any additional results. This, however, we shall proceed to do as fast as possible, when we are settled for a short time. I see that our column is to remain in camp, which will enable us to work to great disadvantage.

“Gen. WOOL is an able officer. His command is in excellent order, and well provided; which last was a great convenience to our friends when we joined them.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p1c5 Words: 626

Miscellany.

GENERAL TAYLOR’S LETTER.—The value which the brave and humane General TAYLOR sets upon the lives of his soldiers, as manifested in his unwillingness to throw away fifty or a hundred of them, unnecessarily, in storming Monterey, has suggested to a friend a characteristic anecdote of General JACKSON, strongly evincing the same trait in that stern, valiant and unquestionably sagacious commander, to whose memory the circumstance does such honor that we are hapy to be able to present it to the public, on the high authority of the person to whom JACKSON made the statement.—N. Y. Jour. Com.

Our informant arrived at New Orleans on the fourth of February, 1815, (about four weeks after the crowning victory over the British,) and being an intimate personal friend of JACKSON, proceeded to the General’s head quarters, and passed nearly the whole night in conversation with him, upon the incidents of the recent great battle. After narrating many of the circumstances of the conflict, Gen. JACKSON said—“I suppose you have wondered why I permitted the British army to retire from the field and make good their retreat, without attempting to hinder or molest them, after they had been so thoroughly crippled in their attack on our lines.”  His friend replied—“No, General, I did not; because I knew you would not have taken the course you did without good reasons.”  “Yes, ” said JACKSON, “I had good reasons for my conduct. I knew that my brave volunteers were invincible, in their patriotism, and that, behind those breast works they could defend themselves against the best troops in the world. But I knew that in an open field their want of military experience and discipline would expose them to terrible loss from the fire of the well drilled veterans of the British army, still capable of opposing several complete battalions to me. It is true, I could have routed them and cut off their retreat, and destroyed or captured their whole force; but it would have been at the sacrifice of hundreds of my best volunteers—an unnecessary sacrifice, because my success was complete without it. I had done all that was to be desired. And then—to think of throwing away the lives of my brave volunteers”—said the old General, indignant at the idea of such a wanton sacrifice—“My brave Tennessee volunteers!  Many of whom, mere boys of 18 and 20, were brought to me, at Nashville, from the country by their parents, in some instances by their widowed mothers, who said to me, ‘Here General, is our only son’—or, as sometimes, when one parent brought three or four boys to me, ‘Here are our sons!  Take them, and make them fight for their country!  Make good soldiers of them!  But don’t expose them unnecessarily!  Take good care of them General!’  Why” continued JACKSON, “by the--------I wouldn’t give the lives of twenty of my brave Tennessee volunteers for the whole British Army.”

A powerful expression of that generous humanity which so well becomes true courage, and a just appreciation of the value of the life of an American citizen. And, much as we regret to repeat, the characteristic profanity which accompanied it, we are reminded, by its associations, of that oath of which STERNE says, “The ascending spirit who flew up to Heaven’s chancery with it, blushed as he gave it in; and the recording angel as he wrote it down, dropped a tear on the word, and blotted it out FOREVER!”

We rejoice to know that TAYLOR, with all of JACKSON’s successful courage, has in no particular less than JACKSON’s humane horror of the waste of his gallant soldiers’ lives, for the empty glory of the extermination of a conquered and retreating foe.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p1c5 Words: 15

The Washington Union says “the Aministration cannot approve of the late letter of Gen. TAYLOR.”
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p1c7 Words: 178

A CROOKED SUBJECT.—A Matamoras correspondent of an Indiana paper gives the following description of the Rio Grande river:

Imagine four of the crookedest things in the world, then imagine four more twice as crooked, and then fancy to yourself a large river three times as crooked as all these put together, and you have a faint idea of the crooked disposition of this almighty crooked river. There is no drift in it, from the fact that it is so crooked that timber can’t find its way far enough down to lodge two sticks together—but few snakes, because it is not straight enough to swim in, and the fish are all in the whirlpools in the bends, because they can’t find their way out. Birds frequently attempt to fly across the river, and light on the same side they start from, being deceived by the different crooks!  Indeed, you may be deceived when you think you see across it, and some of the b’hoys say it is so darned twisted there isn’t but one side to it.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c1-2, Words: 331

CENSURE OF GEN. TAYLOR

We present two articles to our readers this week, from the Richmond Times—“Gen. Taylor and the Mannikins , ” and “Justice to Gen. Taylor”—which put the ungenerous conduct of the House of Representatives towards the good and gallant Old General, in a clear and forcible light before the country. The Senate, it will be seen, administered a severe and just rebuke to the majority of the House. The Country will receive their action with enthusiasm, and respond with a hearty Amen to their course. Gen. TAYLOR has (we were about to say) wrought miracles in his conduct of the Mexican war, and has secured not only the admiration and love of the people of his own Country for his courage and humanity, but has attracted the eyes of the enlightened world to him. It seems as though the majority of the present House of Representatives alone can find a hook to hang censure upon. The People will demand from them “the evidence of the faith that is in them.”  We regret to see the name of the Representative, the Hon. HENRY BEDINGER, the second on the list of Ayes censuring Gen. TAYLOR. He will find, on his return home, that the nineteen-twentieths of his constituents, without regard to party, entertain the highest esteem for the General, and that they believe the war annals of the world will not present a Soldier who has fought more courageously in the hour of battle, or demeaned himself more meekly and humanely in the hour of victory and triumph than he has done. Of him it may be said, as Mr. MADISON said in his Message to Congress during the last war with Great Britain, when referring to Gen. HARRISON’s Official Despatches of his battles, “he does justice to every one except himself .”  It matters not what the politicians may say or do—his countrymen will take care to vindicate his name and fame while he is absent in a foreign land fighting their battles.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c2 Words: 900

PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS

We are again unfortunate with our Washington correspondence, not having received any letter or papers from Washington by the mail of Tuesday, our usual time of receiving them. We observe, however, that a most interesting debate is going on in the Senate upon the Three Million Bill, in which several of the leading Senators upon both sides have participated. Mr. SEVIER of Arkansas, explained that the object of the three Million Bill was to enable the President to conclude a peace with Mexico. The President was of opinion, from information that he had received from Mexico, that peace would be made, and he was willing to assent to it, provided Mexico would cede to us New Mexico and Upper California. Mr. MILLER of N. J., spoke in opposition to the Bill in a powerful speech, and declared that conquest and spoliation werenow the objects of this war.

Mr. BERRIEN, of Ga., next obtained the floor and gave his views at great length. He said he could only find an excuse for the extraordinary proposition submitted, in the fact that this money might really be asked for SANTA ANNA, and that distinguished military chieftain could and would make peace with this country on the receipt of three millions of dollars. This, too, might be a clue given to the Executive order for the embarkation of SANTA ANNA from Havana for Mexico. SANTA ANNA was now at the head of a large army, and it might be that he would consent to make peace by being furnished with the means for paying his army and others. But Mr. B. suggested that it would be well to secure the treaty of peace, if there was to be a treaty, before there was any payment of the money.

To such a treaty there could be no more objection now than there was at the last session of Congress. But it was said as a basis of this treaty that the minimum of this peace must be the acquisition of California and New Mexico. From that weak and distracted country was to be taken the best part of her territory. Nothing less than California and New Mexico.

Mr. SEVIER nodded assent to this.

Mr. BERRIEN.—And was it necessary for us to do this in vindication of our national honor?  He objected to any such idea. We were the first among the nations of the earth; made so by the gallantry of our fathers and our own fidelity to the Constitution of the country. What was Mexico, from whom we exacted all this?—a weak and powerless nation, with distracted counsels and impoverished. We had a population of twenty millions, and she not one half this number of people.

And what were we to do with this country when it comes among us?  How were we to govern this people, this country, if we had both incorporated into the Union?  And supposing we had this territory annexed to our dominion, what then?  Did it not more than any other question endanger the peace of the Union?  Was it not connected with the institution of slavery?  Would any proposition tolerating slavery in this new territory be assented to by this body?  Would the South consent that its own people should be excluded from the new territory, and with it the property guaranteed to them by the constitution of the U. States?

He put the question to the Southern men, for to them it was a momentous one. He put it to the American Senators also, for it was a question affecting the whole Union.

Mr. B. did not bellieve in demanding the payment of Mexican Bonds in Mexican blood. He would continue the war until Mexico yielded justice to us.

Mr. BERRIEN closed with an eloquent appeal that this Government should be more merciful than revengeful—more kind than stern towards a sister Republic.

The speech occupied two hours and a half, and was listened to with profound attention through the whole of it.

Mr. JOHNSON of Md., and Mr. MOREHEAD of Ky., have followed on the same side with powerful speeches. Mr. CALHOUN at last dates had the floor, and doubtless made a strong speech, and perhaps “defined his position.”

The House of Representatives are also in Committee of the whole on the Three Million Bill and the Wilmot proviso, prohibiting the introduction of slavery into the newly acquired territory, has been moved, and an animated debated has sprung up, and there is no telling where or in what it will end. Long JOHN WENTWORTH of Ill., has been hitting his party some hard licks in the House, for which independence, he has brought down upon his head the maledictions of the strenuous party men in the House, and also those of the Official Organ. He replied to the strictures of the Union a few days since in the House, and was very severe upon its Editor—Father RITCHIE replies Editorially in his paper of Saturday evening, and is now on his dignity to JOHN!!  The Union’s reporters has given a caricature report of JOHN’s speech, interspersed with a variety of indignities to him, for which Mr. DOUGLASS of Ill., moved their expulsion from the House. The matter is referred to a Committee with power to send “for persons and papers.”  We hope we shall get a graphic account of all these things from Summers.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c3-4 Words: 1063

GEN. TAYLOR AND THE MANNIKINS.

We have seldom seen a parallel so tersely and yet so faithfully drawn, as in the following extract from the National Intelligencer.—The difference in moral stature between Gen. TAYLOR and his Executive accusers; the miserable jealousy which his renown has stimulated in their bosoms; and the pretext upon which they have at last resolved to malign his reputation, his declining to exterminate the Mexican army at Monterey, are all so aptly represented by the history of Quinbusflestrin, that the comparison goes far to refute the famous maxim of Lord [unreadable]:

“In all history, one is at a loss to find a parallel for such a return of services as this. It is in Fable only—now fabulous no longer—that one meets any thing equal. The Emperor of Lilliput and his diminutive courtiers and council are, in their exhibition of gratitude for the military services of Capt. GULLIVER, the only case ever seen at all approaching this present effort to dishonor, after having lately attempted to supersede, Gen. TAYLOR.

“Our readers, who have not been so accustomed as we are to refer to the annals of Lilliput as constantly elucidating the manners, habits, and morals of politics and politicians, will allow us to suppose that they have not read, or have forgotten how, when Capt. LEMUEL had lived some time among the manikins, the Emperor of diminutives wanted help in a very foolish and wicked war that he had got into with another pigmian State. So he gave LEMUEL the commission of Generalissimo and sent him to lead an ‘Army of Occupation’ into Blefuscu, the country of his enemy.—We need hardly say what was the event:--Quinbusflestrin, (the man-mountain,) by a single masterly stroke, utterly discomfited Belfuscu, and reduced that republic to sue for a peace on any terms. Great was the joy through Lilliput; mightily did the puny monarch and his small grandees swell at the success of their invincible arms. Quite civil were they, for a full week, to Quinbusflestrin; they actually brevetted him and gave him an additional ration. Presently, however, they bethought them of the natural enmity of low against high, of an inch against a foot; they reflected that the people might be struck with the advantages of possibly having a man six feet high to reign over them; and so they got up articles of attainder against him, alleging that he had not sufficient respect for the Emperor; that he ought, in the late battle, to have exterminated Blefuscu; that the services he had rendered made it clear he was dangerous to the Court; all which considered, these wise, brave, and grateful little statesmen voted, unanimously, that he, Quinbusflestrin, was a public enemy; should be shot all over with poisoned arrows; should have his eyes put out, in order to revive his patriotism; and should finally be starved to death as a warning to all future men of stature who might be foolishly disposed to render signal services to the country.”

The course of the administration and its party towards Gen. TAYLOR is none the less ungenerous and unjustifiable, because it is double-dealing. The majority of the House of Representatives have spoken to him, as Indian eloquence admirably expresses it, “with a forked tongue.”  They have chosen, in an insincere resolution of thanks for his conduct, at Monterey, solemnly to declare that they disapprove of that conduct; thus not only destroying the whole force of the compliment, but proving that it was only assented to through fear of the consequences of withholding it.

The following are the resolutions, as they passed the House of Representatives, the parts between brackets having been inserted by the vote of the Democratic members:

“Resolved unanimously, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled, That the thanks of congress are due, and are hereby presented to Major General ZACHARY TAYLOR, and through him to the brave officers and soldiers, both of the regular army and of the volunteers under his command, for their courage, skill, fortitude and good conduct in storming the city of Monterey, defended as it was by a force more than double their number, and protected by the strongest fortifications, which resulted in a most brilliant victory to our army, and reflected imperishable honor upon our arms—[engaged as it was and still is in a war commenced upon us by Mexico, and continued by us in defence of the honor and vindication of the just rights of the United States, assailed as both had been by repeated and flagrant acts on the part of Mexico, of insult, outrages, and finally of invasion of one of the States of this Union. Provided, That nothing herin contained shall be construed into an approbation of the terms of capitulation of Monterey.]

“Resolved, That the President be requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid achievement, and presented to General TAYLOR, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and distinguishable conduct on that memorable occasion.

“Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General TAYLOR, and through him to the army under his command.”

The proviso to the first resolution is a direct disapproval of the terms of the capitulation of Monterey. It was so understood by the House, because when Mr. LEAKE of Virginia, proposed, by inserting the words “or disapprobration , ” to make the House avoid the expression of an opinion on either side, the majority refused to receive his amendment—So determined were they to make the rebuke as impressive as possible, that they even persisted against the suggestion of one who does not often waver in assuming the most extreme position with his party—Mr. DROMGOOLE—in retaining the word “unanimously, ” thus declaring what their own journal demonstrated to be untrue, as 62 members voted against the resolutions. And this is scarcely less ridiculous than the inconsistency with disapproving of the terms of the capitulation, and, in the same breath, proclaiming the General’s “conduct, on that memorable occasion, ” which of course embraces as well his mode of ending the battle as his mode of fighting it, to be “judicious and distinguished.”

It is generally supposed that the Senate will refuse to pass the resolutions.—Rich. Times.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c4 and 5 Words: 702

JUSTICE TO GEN. TAYLOR.

The Senate of the United States, on Wednesday, gave a memorable rebuke to the factious spirit which prompted the majority of the House of Representatives to attempt to cast opprobrium upon the reputation of Gen. TAYLOR, and, at the same time, performed an act of common justice to that distinguished and popular commander, by passing an unqualified resolution of thanks for his conduct at the battle of Monterey. We copy, from the Union, a report of the yeas and nays in the Senate upon the motion of a Democratic Senator to strike out from the resolution of the House, its offensive proviso, and also upon the amendment of Mr. WEBSTER, which was finally adopted by an apparently unanimous vote.

The question was then taken upon agreeing to the amendment proposed by Mr. SPEIGHT, to strike out the proviso, and it was determined in the affirmative, as follows:

“Yeas—Messrs. Archer, Badger, Benton, Berrien, Butler, Calhoun, Chalmers, Cilley, Thomas Clayton, John M. Clayton, Corwin, Crittenden, Davis, Dayton, Evans, Fairfield, Greene, Houston, Huntington, Jarnagin, Johnson of Maryland, Johnson of Louisiana, Mangum, Miller, Morehead, Pearce, Rusk, Simmons, Soule, Speight, Upham, Webster, and Woodbridge—33.

“Nays—Messrs. Allen, Ashly, Atchison, Atherton, Bagby, Breese, Bright, Cass, Dix, Hannegan, Niles, Sevier, Sturgeon, Turney, and Yulee—15.

“Mr. WEBSTER then moved further to amend the resolution, by striking out all after “Resolved, ” &c., and inserting “that the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered to Maj. Gen. ZACHARY TAYLOR, his officers, and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage, which distinguished the late brilliant military operations at Monterey.”

“Upon the question of agreeing tot his amendment, the yeas and nays were ordered, and it was decided in the affirmative, as follows:

“Yeas—Messrs. Archer, Badger, Berrien, Butler, Calhoun, Cilley, Thomas Clayton, John M. Clayton, Corwin, Crittenden, Davis, Dayton, Evans, Green, Huntington, Jarnagin, Johnson of Maryland, Johnson of Louisiana, Mangum, Miller, Morehead, Pearce, Simmons, Upham, Webster, and Woodbridge—26.

“Nays—Messrs. Allen, Ashley, Atchison, Atherton, Bagby, Benton, Breese, Bright, Cass, Chalmers, Dix, Fairfield, Hannegan, Sturgeon, Turney, Westcott, and Yulee—24.

“No further amendment being offered, the joint resolution was reported to the Senate, and the amendments having been [unreadable] in, it was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, and was read a third time by unanimous consent.

“The question being on the passage of the bill, the yeas and nays were ordered, and it was unanimously passed—yeas 43, nays none.

“The title of the resolution was then amended, so as to read as follows:

“Resolution giving the thanks of Congress to Major General TAYLOR, and the officers and men under his command in the late military operations at Monterey.”

It will be observed that the Senators who voted against Mr. WEBSTER’s resolution, as an amendment to that of the House, after the proviso was excluded, are those who may be suspected of the greatest readiness to sustain the administration. This may be explained by the fact that although the proviso disapproving of the capitulation of Monterey was striken out, there remained the clause, which was inserted in the resolution by the majority in the “imperishable honor” ascribed to the army, by adding:

“Engaged as it was and still is, in a war commenced and forced upon us by Mexico, and continued by us in defence of the honor and vindication of the just rights of the United States, assailed as both had been by repeated and flagrant acts on the part of Mexico, of insult, outrages, and finally of invasion of one of the States of this Union.”

It was a masterly stroke of legislation in Mr. WEBSTER, to obtain from a Democratic Senate an unrestricted vote of thanks to Gen. TAYLOR, after the dominant party in the House had insisted on making it offensive to the Whigs by attaching to it assertions to which they could not honestly subscribe.

It is worthy of remark, too, that although the final vote for Mr. WEBSTER’s resolution appears to be unanimous, six Democratic Senators, who voted against it as an amendment, either declined to vote at all, or absented themselves to avoid voting upon its passage. They were Messrs. ASHLEY, ATCHISON, BAGBY, BREESE, BRIGHTY, and TURNEY.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c7 Words: 163

LATEST NEWS!

LATE FROM MEXICO.

Highly Important!

RUMOR OF THE

DEATH OF SANTA ANNA!

An extra from the New Orleans Picayune, dated Tuesday, Feb 2, 1 o’clock, P. M., received last night, brings news from Anton Lizardo up to the 20^th ult.

One letter states that Congress, on the 9^th ult., after a stormy session, approved the first section of a bill authorising the Government of Mexico to raise fifteen millions of dollars by the hypothecation or sale of certain properties of the Church.

SANTA ANNA opposed the bill, and it is rumored that his opposition so exasperated the soldiers, that they had shot him. This report needs confirmation, but many circumstances render it not improbable. Such has been the fate of many. SANTA ANNA’s army was in great distress.

The passage of the law above referred to has caused the greatest excitement in Meixo. The churches are closed, and every indication of mourning and resistance has been evinced by those who support religious establishments. The Mexican Congress and the Mexican press is every where thoroughly roused.
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Thursday, February 11, 1847, MG47v47n50p2c7 Words: 33

ATTENTION, BLUES!

YOU are requested to meet at the Drill-Room

This (Thursday) Evening,

at half-past 6 o’clock, as business of importance will be brought before the meeting.

By order of the Captain,

JAS. H. CHAMBERS,

O. S.

Feb. 11, 1847—It
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c4 Words: 918

Deferred Articles.

DEBATES IN CONGRESS.—The elements composing the political majority in Congress are falling into great confusion. The President can hardly know who are the supporters of his Administration; and this uncertainty has followed, in part, from his not seeming to know himself the definite purposes of his own policy.

In the debate on the Civil Appropriation Bill some days ago, in the House of Representatives, a motion was made by Mr. WENTWORTH, of Illinois, to strike out the clause appropriating the annual compensation of the President of the United States. A motion so unusual was calculated to excite some sensation; and coming from a member of the President’s party it was the more remarkable. Mr. WENTWORTH’s speech on the proposed amendment was not of a conciliatory kind—as may be supposed. We quote from the Intelligencer’s report:

“Mr. W. denied that his course was actuated by resentment for the Executive veto of the River and Harbour bill. He had been accused by some Democrats of going over to the Whigs because he could not go for the tea and coffee tax. But when he lost one of the points of the Democratic creed, he did but cling the more closely to those which were left. Those who made the charge knew it to be false.—Let him that was without spot in opposing Democratic measures cast the first stone.—How many had gone for 54° 40’ supposing it to be democratic; yet they found that the true Democracy was 49°. [Roars from the Whigs.]  Let them hold their peace. Let the whole delegation from Pennsylvania be quiet, for they had all gone against the Tariff of 1846. Let those who had voted for the French spoliation bill hold their peace in like manner—so must all who voted against the lieutenant general—all who voted for volunteers in preference to regulars. Let those men show they were without spot before they assumed to read him out of the Democratic party.—That house and the people whom it represented had as good a right and better to dictate what should be the Democratic creed than the President or the Senate, for the people made the President.”

Another topic was started in the course of the debate—a topic which cannot be discussed in Congress without excitement. The Wilmot proviso is the topic referred to. From the report of a speech by Mr. DELANO, of New York, we believe, the following is taken as a specimen of the excited language which this subject calls forth:

“He next proceeded to discuss the object of the war, which he argued to be the acquisition of Mexican territory, under which the head of his speech he examined the orders of Com. STOOKTON, &c.; and thence he passed to the consequences of the war, its evil example to succeeding Presidents, its effect in cultivating a national thirst for territory; and lastly, its dividing the Union on the character and condition of the conquered territory, when admitted into the Union. Here Mr. D. became much excited on the topic of the proviso; threatened graves, already dug at home, and out of which there would be no resurrection, to the Northern men who should vote against it. He greatly feared there was no honest purpose to carry it.

“He lauded the consistency and resolution of Southern representatives, and called on those from the North to imitate the example. Yet, however the present representatives of the North might be induced to act, their constituents at home were fixed as the immovable mountains. He dared Southern men to add this territory; if they did, the North would surround them by a cordon of free States, and light the fires of liberty all around them till the chains which bound their slaves should melt and fall asunder. [Great sensation on the Democratic side of the House.]

“Mr. ATKINSON called on Mr. DELANO to repeat his words.

“Mr. DELANO did so more strongly, but expressed his sorrow that such a firebrand should be introduced to threaten all we both held dear. He loved this Union, but he would see it shattered into ten thousand pieces before slavery should be extended one foot by his instrumentality, &c. He concluded by maintaining that, although this was continued professedly for glory, there was no glory in it. Be it his glory to do all he could to arrest its progress, and prevent the plains of Mexico from being strewed with the bones of our best citizens.—If for this his patriotism must be doubted he could not help it.”

The Wilmot proviso was attached as an amendment to the bill of the last session appropriating two millions of dollars to the President’s use for the purpose of negotiation with Mexico. The bill of the present session, appropriating three millions for the same purpose, will afford an occasion for the renewal of the amendment, of which there have been frequent intimations. There are expectations in some quarters that a majority will be found in the House sufficient to determine all questions relative to the Mexican war and the territory to be acquired without the embarrassment of any conditions relative to free or slave States. The brief period which remains to this Congress, which is rapidly approaching the end of its session, renders it important that dispatch, at any rate, should be used towards questions of such magnitude—either to decline them or to ascertain that they cannot be yet decided.—Balt. Amer.
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c4 Words: 277

GENERAL TAYLOR’S LETTER.—From the New York Express, in which the letter of Gen. TAYLOR, so much commented on, first appeared, we make the following extract:

“The few Whig presses which have spoken of the publication of the only letter of Gen. TAYLOR now likely to see the light, as indiscreet, little know of the machinations and intrigues which have been going on in Washington. The letter drew their fire, and was, therefore, a necessary publication —just as RIDGELY found it necessary to draw the fire of Gen. LA VEGA’s artillery, before the gallant MAY dashed in upon it with his troop of cavalry. These intrigues were crippling, not only Gen. TAYLOR, but all the army opperations upon the Rio Grande. The war, got up especially and solely to give glory to Mr. POLK & Co., was all resounding to the glory of Gen. TAYLOR— ‘a Whig General,’ as Mr. FICKLIN called him— and to his brave army. To get rid of him, and of this, as we have before stated, Gen. SCOTT was sent to supercede Gen. TAYLOR, by Lieutenant General BENTON, while a fire in the rear of Gen. TAYLOR was to be kept up by all partizans of the administration. The carpet knights in Washington were lavish of their abuse, in all the social circles, of Gen. TAYLOR, the main charges being, that (without magazines, without artillery, without authority from his Government,) he did not, on the instant, cross the Rio Grande, and that subsequently he let the force of Gen. AMPUDIA escape at Monterey. The reasons why he did not cross the Rio Grande, he unfolds in letters which the gag law suppresses.”
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c5 Words: 57

The President afforded “aid and comfort to the enemy” by giving them a General; and now his friends are increasing that “comfort,” by denouncing the General of the American forces!  As the President gave SANTA ANNA his freedom, we should not be surprised to find him trying to balance the account by imprisoning Gen. TAYLOR.—Albany Journal.
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c6 Words: 467

GEN. TAYLOR AND THE VOLUNTEERS.­­—The correspondent of the New Orleans Delta, writing from Victoria, describes the following scene as having occurred shortly after Gen. TAYLOR’s arrival at that place:

“Gen. TAYLOR visited the Illinois Volunteers yesterday, and the way the boys crowded around him threatened immediate suffocation. By way of salutation, I verily believe the old General pulled at his cap five thousand times, and I was looking every minutes to see him pull the front piece off. The General was mounted on a large and gentle mule, whilst his Orderly rode a splendid dragoon horse, and was himself dressed in a clean and handsome uniform whilst the General had on that same old black frock coat, and a big Mexican straw hat. Mr. FANNIN, the orderly, got about six salutes to TAYLOR’s one, the “Suckers” taking him for the General, they inferred, from his plain appearance, that it would be nothing amiss to offer him a hand to shake and they went at it with such good will that, by the time the two regiments finished squeezing it, there could have been little feeling left in it. As he rode off, there were many who wondered whether that was the animal on which he charged the Mexicans.”

THE ON-MAN POWER—In further evidence of the rapid strides which the one-man power is making over the barriers and fences set up against it in the Constitution, we quote the following from the organ of the Progressive Democracy in the city of Baltimore:

From the Republican and Argus, Jan 29.

“THE EXECUTIVE AND CONGRESS.—It belongs to the Executive to manage the war with Mexico. The supreme legislative power declared war to exist, and henceforwards it was the duty of the Executive to wage the war with all such means as the Constitution and Congress placed at his disposal. When, then, he found these measures inadequate, and applied to Congress for other measures, HIS WILL should have been immediately complied with, unless it was plainly in contravention of the Constitution.”

Most truly did Mr. MADISON say, in one of his ablest works, “War is in fact the true nurse of Executive aggrandizement.”—Nat. Int.

THE “LONE STAR.”—Mr. WINTHROP of Boston, in a recent speech upon Texas annexation and its results, said the “lone star” reminded him of the star described in the vision of the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos:

“And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the foundations of waters;

“And the name of the star is called Wormwood; and the third part of the waters became wormwood, and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.”
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c7 Words: 149

LETTERS FROM OFFICERS.—The question is asked, says the Norfolk Herald, (we need not say from what quarter) in a tone of censure of Gen. TAYLOR’s letter, just published, “whether Gen. WASHINGTON ever sent such letters to his friends, from the army?”  We are almost authorised to use the popular phrase of the day and reply, “He did nothing else!”  His letters (which may be seen by any one in Spark’s collection) sent not only to his friends but to Congress, are full of complaints of the short-comings of Congress in their provision for the exigencies of the war. Yet those letters were not considered offensive by that august body; on the contrary they were treated with deference and respect. Is the majesty of JAMES K. POLK more sensitive than the plan dignity of JOHN HANCOCK?  Is the democracy of this day more dignified than the patriotism of seventy-six?
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p1c7 Words: 369

MEXICAN PLAN OF THE WAR.—The Spanish journal La Patria, at New Orleans, publishes a letter from Mexico, written apparently by a Mexican, and giving what the writer says he has learned to be SANTA ANNA’s plan of the campaign. It amounts to little more or less that what has often been suggested by papers in this country as feasible and probable. SANTA ANNA to keep his force well in hand, avoiding any general engagement, and distracting the enemy by various movements, until the sickly season; then to bear down with crushing force upon the main body of the enemy, destroy that, and afterward cut up the others in detail. Attempts of the enemy to retreat to be worried by small parties of guerillas, &c. &c. We make the following extract from the letter:--Com. Adv.

“Every necessary precaution has been taken, and all means are daily used, to collect at San Luis Potosi all possible provisions and munitions of war. It is believed that the North Americans are determined to leave Saltillo and Tampico; they will come towards San Luis, and there fight the great decisive battle as SANTA ANNA will not leave that city, and will keep there constantly about 25,000 men.

“There are at present, in a distance of about 150 miles or less, nearly 45,000, of all arms, and it is expected to raise, during the month of January, about 8000 more of infantry and cavalry. A considerable number of troops are stationed at proper points to cut off the North Americans on their retreat, in case they should come as far as San Luis, where they will not be able to sustain the resistance of the Mexicans.”

EXCUSABLE.—Whilst a regiment of volunteers were marching through Camargo a Captain (a strict disciplinarian) observing that one of the drums did not beat, ordered a lieutenant to enquire the reason. The fellow, on being interrogated, whispered to the lieutenant. “I have two ducks and a turkey in my drum, and the turkey is for the captain.”  This being whispered to the captain he exclaimed, “Why didn’t the drummer say he was lame?   I do not want men to do their duty when they are not able.”
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p2c3 and 4 Words: 716

PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, &C.

We have full reports of the proceedings of Congress and the Legislature from our correspondents, but such is the demand upon our columns by advertisements and the Communications of our friends at home, upon local matters of exciting interest, that we reluctantly are obliged to lay them aside, and confine ourselves to a brief notice of them. The Editors of the Union, the Administration Organ at Washington, have been expelled from the Floor of the Senate, by a vote of Yeas 27, Nays 21, for having issued and published in that paper of the 9^th inst., a libel upon that body. There were six Senators absent, four Democrats and two Whigs—those who voted were—

Ayes—Messrs. Archer, Badger, Berrien, Butler, Calhoun, Cilley, Thos. Clayton, J. M. Clayton, Corwin, Crittenden, Davis, Dayton, Evans, Greene, Huntington, Jarnagin, Johnson of La., Mangum, Miller, Morehead, Pearce, Simmons, Upham, Webster, Westcott, Woodbridge, Yulee—27.

Nays—Messrs. Allen, Ashley, Atchison, Atherton, Bagby, Breese, Bright, Cameron, Cass, Chalmerrs, Dickinson, Dix, Fairfield, Hannegan, Houston, Mason, Niles, Sevier, Soule, Sturgeon and Turney—21.

It will be seen that four Democrats, marked above in italics, voted in the affirmative. The offence of “Father RITCHIE, ” was endorsing a communication signed “Vindicator , ” in his paper of the 9^th, in which the writer characterized the temporary loss of the Army Bill in the Senate as “a Mexican Victory , ” and calling certain Senators “the friends and Brothers of SANTA ANNA and AMPUDIA.”  It is supposed that “Vindicator” is an inhabitant of the “White House,” and that the vote to expel the Union’s Editors, is more a rebuke of the Administration than Mr. RITCHIE. A fierce debate sprung up among some of the Senators of the opposition. Mr. TURNEY of Tenn. was very abusive of Mr. CALHOUN, and doubtless spoke ex cathedra . Mr. CALHOUN made a noble reply—worthy of the better days of the Republic. TURNEY is a little-souled creature whom the Whigs helped into power over a better man, the regular nominee of the Democratic party in the Legislature, and now he is an out and outer —doubtless, when he was elected, he was “a Conservative!!!”

The Three Million Bill has passed the House with “the Wilmot or Anti-Slavery proviso, ” Ayes 115, Nays 106. Thus have the Northerners triumphed. The same bill is yet under discussion in the Senate. The debate has been very able. “SUMMERS” thus speaks of the speech of Mr. CORWIN of Ohio:--

“Mr. CORWIN’s speech, of which you have doubtless read a sketch, was a great speech and is so acknowledged by men of all parties. It has stamped him as an orator of the first class—it does honor to his head, but what is of far more importance in my view, it does honor to his heart. No full report of it has yet appeared, but I understand it will be published in a few days in pamphlet form, and many thousands of copies have already been subscribed for.”

“He took the bold ground that the war was unjust—that the soil upon which the first battle was fought was Mexican soil—that we were the invaders—that it was the duty of every one, who believed as he did, to oppose the war, as so help him God, as long as he had a vote, he would with God’s assistance, never consent to vote a man or dollar to carry it on, until it could be shown to him that he was mistaken in his opinions. The Washington Union acknowledges that the speech was replete with eloquence.”

The venerable JOHN QUINCY ADAMS is again in his seat, though yet very feeble.—His return to the House was very affecting, indeed—the members flocked around him and congratulated him upon the restoration of his health, &c. It was a spontaneous offering of the American heart, to one who has served his country through a long series of year with distinguished ability.

The President has sent a message to Congress in relation to the prosecution of the war—the proper organization of the military forces recently authorised—measures for re-enlisting volunteers whose terms shall expire, before the closing of the war—again recommending a tax on tea and coffee as a means of revenue during the existence of the war, &c. &c. &c.
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p2c3 and 4 Words: 186

FROM THE LEGISLATURE,

We learn that the Starvation Law has been repealed, and that there is now a strong probability that “the vexed question” of the Right of Way will be settled to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

The House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia have unanimously passed resolutions of thanks to Gen. TAYLOR and his gallant officers and men, for their bravery, courage, skill, &c., in their battles with the Mexicans, and directed Swords to be presented to Gen. TAYLOR, Col. GARLAND and Col. PAYNE—all natives of Virginia—for their gallantry, &c., in the engagements in which they have participated.

A series of resolutions were also offered by Col. MCPHERSON of Page, approving the conduct of Mr. POLK in his management, &c., of the Mexican war, passed by a strict party vote—the Whigs to a man voting against them. As we have before said, we have not room for the entire letter of our correspondent, but the above constitutes the leading topics upon which “M” discourses this week. Our correspondent cannot tell when the Legislature will adjourn—the will probably be in session sometime.
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Thursday, February 18, 1847, MG47v47n51p2c5 Words: 70

GEN. TAYLOR A TEETOTALLER.— The Norfolk Courier says—“It will be gratifying to the friends of ‘Old Rough and Ready,’ to know that he is a ‘staunch teetotaler,’ and has not drank a glass of ‘the ardent’ for twenty years past. This we state upon authority that we believe to be unquestionable, and comes from an old friend of Gen. TAYLOR, one who has recently seen and conversed with him.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p1c3-5 Words: 751

Capitulation of Monterey.

Official Papers and Letters.

FROM THE WASHINGTON UNION OF FEB 10

Victoria, Tamapilas, Mexico,

January 6, 1847.

Dear Sir:  After much speculation and no little misrepresentation about the capitulation of Monterey, I perceive by our recent newspapers, that a discussion has arisen as to who is responsible for that transaction. As one of the commissioners who were entrusted by Gen. TAYLOR with the arrangements of the terms upon which the city of Monterey and its fortifications should be delivered to our forces, I have had frequent occasion to recur to the course then adopted, and the considerations which led to it. My judgment after the fact has fully sustained my decisions at the date of the occurrence; and feeling myself responsible for the instrument as we prepared and presented it to our commanding General. I have the satisfaction, after all subsequent events, to believe that the terms we offered were expedient and honorable, and wise. A distinguished gentleman with whom I acted on that commission, Gov. HENDERSON, says, in a recently published letter, “I did not at the time, nor do I still like the terms, but acted as one of the commissioners, together with Gen. WORTH and Col DAVIS, to carry out Gen. TAYLOR’s instructions. We ought and could have made them surrender at discretion, ” &c. &c.

From each position taken in the above paragraph I dissent. The instructions given by Gen. TAYLOR only presented his object, and fixed a limit to the powers of his commissioners; hence, when points were raised which exceeded our discretion, they were referred to the commander; but minor points were acted on, and finally submitted as part of our negotiation. We fixed the time within which the Mexican forces should retire from Monterey. We agreed upon the time we would wait for the decision of the respective governments, which I recollect was less by thirty-four days than the Mexican commissioners asked—the period adopted being that which, according to our estimate, was required to bring up the rear of our army with the ordinance and supplies necessary for further operations.

I did not then, nor do I now, believe we could have made the enemy surrender at discretion. Had I entertained the opinion it would have been given to the commission, and to the commanding General, and would have precluded me from signing an agreement which permitted the garrison to retire with the honors of war. It is demonstrable from the position and known prowess of the two armies, that we could have driven the enemy from the town; but the town was untenable whilst the main fort (called the new citadel) remained in the hands of the enemy. Being without siege artillery or entrenching tools, we could only hope to carry this fort by storm, after a heavy loss from our army; which, isolated in a hostile country, now numbered less than half the forces of the enemy. When all this had been achieved, what more would we have gained than by the capitulation?

Gen. TAYLOR’s force was too small to invest the town. It was, therefore, always in the power of the enemy to retreat, bearing his light arms. Our army—poorly provided, and with very insufficient transportation—could not have overtaken, if they had pursued the flying enemy. Hence the conclusion that, as it was not in our power to capture the main body of the Mexican army, it is unreasonable to suppose their General would have surrendered at discretion. The moral effect of retiring under the capitulation was certainly greater than if the enemy had retreated without our consent. By this course we secured the large supply of ammunition he had collected in Monterey—which, had the assault been continued, must have been exploded by our shells, as it was principally stored in the “Cathedral, ” which being supposed to be filled with troops, was the especial aim of our pieces. The destruction which this explosion would have provided must have involved the advance of both divisions of our troops; and I commend this to the contemplation of those whose arguments the commissioners closed their negotiations. With these introductory remarks, I send a copy of a manuscript in my possession, which was prepared to meet such necessity as now exists for an explanation of the views which governed the commissioners in arranging the terms of capitulation to justify the commanding General, should misrepresentation and calumny attempt to tarnish his well-earned reputation, and, for all time to come, to fix the truth of the transaction. Please publish this in your paper, and believe me your friend, &c.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p1c3-5 Words: 1768

Memoranda of the transactions in connexion with the capitulation of Monterey, capital of Nueva Leon, Mexico.

By invitation of Gen. AMPUDIA, commanding the Mexican army, Gen. TAYLOR, accompanied by a number of his officers, proceeded on the 24^th September, 1846, to a house designated as the place at which General AMPUDIA requested an interview. The parties being convened, General AMPUDIA announced, as official information, that Commissioners from the United States had been received by the Government of Mexico; and that the orders under which he had prepared to defend the city of Monterey, had lost their force by the subsequent change of his own Government, therefore he asked the conference. A brief conversation between the commanding Generals, showed their views to be so opposite, as to leave little reason to expect an amicable arrangement between them.

Gen. TAYLOR said he would not delay to receive such propositions as Gen. AMPUDIA indicated. One of Gen. AMPUDIA’s party, I think, the Governor of the city, suggested the appointment of a mixed commission; this was acceded to, and Gen. W. G. WORTH, of the United States army, Gen. J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON, of the Texan volunteers, and Col. JEFFERSON DAVIS, of the Mississippi riflemen, on the part of Gen. TAYLOR; and Gen. J. MA. ORTEGA, Gen. P. REQUENA, and Senor the Governor M. MA. LLANO on the part of Gen AMPUDIA, were appointed.

Gen. TAYLOR gave instructions to his commissioners which, as understood, for they were brief and verbal, will be best shown by the copy of the demand which the United States commissioners prepared in the conference room here incorporated:

Copy of the demand by U. States Commissioners.

“I. As the legitimate result of the operations before this place, and the present position of the contending armies, we demand the surrender of the town, the arms and munitions of war, and all other public property within the place.

“II. That the Mexican armed force retire beyond the Rinconada, Linares, and San Fernando, on the coast.

“III. The commanding General of the army of the United States agrees that the Mexican officers reserve their side arms and private baggage; and the troops be allowed to retire under their officers without parole, a reasonable time being allowed to withdraw the forces.

“IV. The immediate delivery of the main work, now occupied, to the army of the United States.

“V. To avoid collisions, and for mutual convenience, that the troops of the United States shall not occupy the town until the Mexican forces have been withdrawn, except for hospital purposes, storehouses, &c.

“VI. The commanding General of the United States agrees not to advance beyond the line specified in the second section before the expiration of eight weeks, or until the respective Governments can be heard from.”

The terms of the demand were refused by the Mexican commissioners, who drew up a counter proposition, of which I only recollect that it contained a permission to the Mexican forces to retire with their arms. This was urged as a matter of soldierly pride, and as an ordinary courtesy. We had reached the limit of our instructions, and the commission rose to report the disagreement.

Upon returning to the reception room, after the fact had been announced that the commissioners could not agree upon terms, Gen. AMPUDIA entered at length upon the question, treating the point of disagreement as one which involved the honor of his country, spoke of his desire for a settlement without further bloodshed, and said he did not care about the pieces of artillery which he had at the place. Gen. TAYLOR responded to the wish to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. It was agreed the commission should reassemble, and we were instructed to concede the small arms; and I supposed there would be no question about the artillery. The Mexican commissioners now urged that, as all other arms had been recognised, it would be discreditable to the artillery if required to march out without anything to represent their arm, and stated, in answer to an inquiry, that they had a battery of light artillery, manœuvered and equipped as such. The commission again rose, and reported the disagreement on the point of artillery.

Gen. TAYLOR hearing that more was demanded than the middle ground, upon which, in a spirit of generosity, he had agreed to place the capitulation, announced the conference at an end; and rose in a manner which showed his determination to talk no more. As he crossed the room to leave it, one of the Mexican commissioners addressed him, and some conversation, which I did not hear, ensued.—Gen. WORTH asked permission of Gen. TAYLOR, and addressed some remarks to Gen. AMPUDIA, the spirit of which was that which he manifested throughout the negotiation, viz: generosity and leniency, and a desire to spare the further elusion of blood. The commission re-assembled, and the points of capitulation were agreed upon. After a short recess we again repaired to the room in which we had parted from the Mexican commissioners; they were tardy in joining us, and slow in executing the instrument of capitulation. The 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th articles were added during this session. At a late hour, the English original was handed to Gen. TAYLOR for his examination; the Spanish original having been sent to Gen. AMPUDIA. Gen. TAYLOR signed and delivered to me the instrument as it was submitted to him, and I returned to receive the Spanish copy with the signature of Gen. AMPUDIA, and send that having Gen. TAYLOR’s signature, that each General might countersign the original to be retained by the other. Gen. AMPUDIA did not sign the instrument as was expected, but came himself to meet the commissioners. He raised many points which had been settled, and evinced a disposition to make the Spanish differ in essential points from the English instrument. Gen. WORTH was absent. Finally he was required to sign the instrument prepared for his own commissioners, and the English original was left with him that he might have it translated, (which he promised to do that night,) and be ready the next morning with a Spanish duplicate of the English instrument left with him. By this means the two instruments would be made to correspond, and he be compelled to admit his knowledge of the contents of the English original before he signed it.

The next morning the commission again met, again the attempt was made, as had been often done before by solicitation, to gain some grant in addition to the compact. Thus we had at their request, adopted the word capitulation in lieu of surrender; they now wished to substitute stipulation for capitulation. It finally became necessary to make a peremptory demand for the immediate signing of the English instrument by Gen. AMPUDIA, and the literal translation (now perfected) by the commissioners and their General. The Spanish instrument first signed by Gen. AMPUDIA was destroyed in the presence of his commissioners; the translation of our own instrument was countersigned by Gen. TAYLOR, and delivered. The agreement was complete, and it only remained to execute the terms.

Much has been said about the construction of article 2 of the capitulation, a copy of which is hereto appended. Whatever ambiguity there may be in the language used, there was a perfect understanding by the commissioners upon both sides, as to the intent of both of the parties. The distinction we made between light artillery equipped and manœuvered as such, designed for and used in the field, and pieces being the armament of a fort, was clearly stated on our side; and that it was comprehended on their’s appeared in the fact, that repeatedly they asserted their possession of light artillery, and said they had one battery of light pieces. Such conformity of opinion existed among our commissioners upon every measure which was finally adopted, that I consider them, in this sphere, jointly and severally responsible for each and every article of the capitulation. If, as originally viewed by Gen. WORTH, our conduct has been in accordance with the peaceful policy of our Government, and shall in any degree lead to consummate that policy, we may congratulate ourselves upon the part we have taken. If otherwise, it will remain to me as a deliberate opinion, that the terms of the capitulation gave all which could have followed, of desirable result, from a further assault. It was in the power of the enemy, to retreat, and to bear with him his small arms, and such a battery as was contemplated in the capitulation.—The toher grants were such as it was honorable in a conquering army to bestow, and which cost magnanimity nothing to give.

The above recollections are submitted to Genls. HENDERSON and WORTH for correction and addition that the misrepresentation of this transaction may be presented by a statement made whilst the events are recent and the memory fresh.

JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Colonel Mississippi Riflemen.

CAMP NEAR MONTEREY,
October 8^th, 1846.

The above is a correct statement of the leading facts connected with the transactions referred to, according to my recollection. It is, however, proper, that I should further state, that my first impression was, that no better terms than those first proposed, on the part of Gen. TAYLOR, ought to have been given, and I so said to Gen. TAYLOR when I found him disposed to yield to the request of Gen. AMPUDIA; and, at the same time gave it as my opinion that they would be accepted by him before we left the town.  Gen. TAYLOR replied, that he would run no risk where it could be avoided—that he wished to avoid the further shedding of blood, and that he was satisfied that our Government would be pleased with the terms given by the capitulation; and being myself persuaded of that fact, I yielded my individual views and wishes; and, under that conviction, I shall ever be ready to defend the terms of the capitulation.

J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON
Maj. Gen. Commanding the Texan Volunteers.

I not only counseled and advised, the opportunity being offered the general-in-chief, the first proposition; but cordially assented and approved the decision taken by Gen. TAYLOR in respect to the latter, as did every member of the commission, and for good and sufficient military and national reasons—and stand ready, at all times and proper places, to defend and sustain the action of the commanding General, and participation of the commissioners. Knowing that malignants, the tremor being off, are at work to discredit and misrepresent the case, (as I had anticipated,) I feel obliged to Col. DAVIS for having thrown together the material and facts.

W. J. WORTH.
Brig. Gen. commanding 2d division.

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Thursday, February 25, 1847 MG47v47n52p1c3-5 Words: 444

MONTEREY, OCT. 12^th, 1846.

Terms of the capitulation of the city of Monterey, the capital of Nueva Leon, agreed to upon by the undersigned commissioners—to with.—General WORTH, of the United States army; General HENDERSON, of the Texan volunteers; and Col. DAVIS, of the Mississippi riflemen, on the part of Major General TAYLOR, commanding-in-chief the United States forces; and General REQUENA and General ORTEGO, of the army of Mexico, and Senor MANUEL, M. LLANO, Governor of Nueva Leon, on the part of Senor General Don PEDRO AMPUDIA, commanding-in-chief the army of the north of Mexico.

ARTICLE 1. As the legitimate result of the operations before this place, and the present position of the contending armies, it is agreed that the city, the fortifications, cannon, the munitions of war, and all other public property, with the undermentioned exceptions, be surrendered to the commanding General of the United States forces, now at Monterey.

ARTICLE 2. That the Mexican forces be allowed to retain the following arms—to with: The commissioned officers, their side-arms; the infantry, their arms and accoutrements; the cavalry, their arms and accoutrements; the artillery, one field battery, not to exceed six pieces, with twenty-one rounds of ammunition.

ARTICLE 3. That the Mexican armed forces retire within seven days from this date beyond the line formed by the pass of the Riconda, the city of Linares, and San Fernando de Pusos.

ARTICLE 4. That the citadel of Monterey be evacuated by the Mexican, and occupied by the American forces, to-morrow morning, at 10 o’clock.

ARTICLE 5. To avoid collisions, and for mutual convenience, that the troops of the United States will not occupy the city until the Mexican forces have withdrawn, except for hospital and storage purposes.

ARTICLE 6. That the forces of the United States will not advance beyond the liens specified in the 3d article, before the expiration of eight weeks, or until the orders of the respective Governments can be received.

ARTICLE 7. That the public property to be delivered, shall be turned over and received by officers appointed by the commanding Generals of the two armies.

ARTICLE 8. That all doubts, as to the meaning of any of the preceding articles, shall be solved by an equitable construction, and on principles of liberality to the retiring army.

ARTICLE 9. That the Mexican flag, when struck at the citadel, may be saluted by its own battery.

W. J. WORTH, Brig. Gen. U. S. A.
J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON, Maj. Gen. com. the Texan Volunteers.
JEFFERSON DAVIS, Col. Mississippi Riflemen.
J. M. ORTEGA,
T. REQUENA,
MANUEL M. LLANO,

Approved: PEDRO AMPUDIA
Z. TAYLOR, Maj. Gen. U. S. A. commanding.

Done at Monterey, Sep. 24, 1846.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p2c1 Words: 44

NEW MODE TO CLOSE THE WAR.—A petition has been presented to the New York Assembly, from Col. A. JONES, of Rochester, to let out the Mexican war on contract, the petitioner agreeing to give bonds to close it for two millions of dollars.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p2c5 Words: 595

THE “UNION” AND THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.

The “Union” is thundering forth in anathemas by wholesale against the Senate for its late action in relation to its Editor, Mr. RITCHIE, ever ready with the pen, is writing columns of editorial upon the subject of his expulsion, and correspondents from “Dan to Betsheba” in the Democratic Kingdom are sending in their contributions to swell the tide which is to sweep the authors of the outrage (!!) into the fathomless depths of an indignant public displeasure. The Democracy of Richmond are in mourning because the elections for U. S. Senators are over, and they cannot make Father RITCHIE Senator, of course in Mr. HUNTER’s place, as the Chivalry party in the Senate moved the proceedings against him. Others talk of making him Vice President in 1848, but Mr. RITCHIE blushes at the very thought, and declines the proffered distinction with as many “Oh!  don’ts—behave now—oh!  quit yourself!” as a little school-girl would use to a rough-beared man who wanted to kiss her. Now all this fanfaronade, and hubbub about martyrdom, violation and restriction of the freedom of the Press, will not do—it won’t go down anyhow you can fix it—it don’t come from the right quarter—for everybody knows how furiously this very proscribed and persecuted ”Union” ! has been denouncing the Whig press of the country for daring to oppose the will and edicts of “the throne” upon the subject of the Mexican war. Orders were issued and counsel given from “Head Quarters, ” to denounce them as the Mexican Whig press—Blue Light Federalists, &c. &c.—they were to be visited with the opprobrium of rendering “aid and comfort” to the enemy, unless they endorsed the infallibility of Mr. POLK—they were to be muzzled and not allowed to express an opinion. Congress, too, was to be gagged upon the same principle, and now, too, the Army is to be placed under the same ban, for we can regard the revival and re-publication of the Army Order of 1825 immediately upon the appearance of Gen. TAYLOR’s letter in the public and free press of the country, in no other light.

And if we remember rightly, when the Reporters of the New York Tribune were expelled from the House last Spring, because one of its Washington correspondents, “Persimmon, ” told the story about Mr. SAWYER of Ohio, eating “sassingers” behind the Speaker’s chair, the “Union” approved and justified the act—certainly it thundered no denunciations against the restriction of the freedom of the Press then.

Where is the difference in these cases, and especially and pointedly in the last one we have mentioned. If there be any difference, “Persimmon” has it, for his letter was a piece of good-natured fun, and the “Union’s” a piece of strong, embittered, insulting denunciation, which can find no shelter under the freedom of the Press.

The truth is, the President’s Message libels his countrymen by charging a portion of them with “rendering aid and comfort to the enemy”—which expression, by the way, was a quotation from one of the “Union’s” editorials—and the “Union” has been following up the effort, during the whole Winter, to restrict the freedom of Speech and the Press, and should not now utter one syllable of complaint when it finds “the poisoned chalice returned to its own lips.”  It is a trite saying, but a true one, “that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”  The venerable Editor will have to try again—his martyrdom is not yet tragic enough for the new edition of Fox.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847 MG47v47n52p2c5 Words: 171

DEPARTURE OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

We have been favored with the perusal of a letter from one of the most worthy young men belonging to the Volunteers from this County. It is decidedly one of the best written and most satisfactory letters that we have seen from Capt. ALBURSTIS’ Company since they left Martinsburg. There is a good deal of sickness among the Volunteers—seven deaths have occurred among them. The Jefferson Company have lost three of their men, the Portsmouth Company two, and the Montgomery two. Six of Capt. ALBURTIS’ Company have been discharged on account of sickness, and inability to travel on account of it—JACOB SHANKS, of Morgan County, SOCRATES PRATHER, of Hampshire, BENJAMIN BLONDEL, of Berkeley, OTHO KISINGER, of Berkeley, and two young men from Philadelphia. The Jefferson, Berkeley, and Petersburg Companies were all on board the Bark Exact, and were to sail on Friday morning last, the 19^th inst. There were still three Companies at Fortress Monroe, but as Transports had arrived for them, they are probably off before this time.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847 MG47v47n52p2c5 Words: 161

BIRTH-DAY CELEBRATION.

The “Independent Blues” under command of Capt. THOMAS B. HOOPER celebrated the Birth Day Anniversary of the immortal WASHINGTON—Monday last, the 22d inst., --in a very appropriate manner. The day was very stormy and inclement, yet notwithstanding the turn out of the Company was quite full.—They marched to the Presbyterian Church, where the “Farewell Address” of WASHINGTON to his Countrymen was read by NORMAL MILLER, Esq., prefaced by a few appropriate remarks; at the conclusion of which, Dr. F. D. DELLINGER rose and pronounced a short but eloquent eulogy upon the life and character of the illustrious Father of our Country.—We congratulate the young and eloquent Orator upon his highly creditable effort. His audience testified their approbation and delight by the most rapturous applause at different stages of the delivery, but especially at the conclusion of his Address. The Company dined at Capt. BOAK’s Hotel, where, as we learn every thing was prepared for them in first-rate style.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p2c6 Words: 98

NEXT PRESIDENCY AND VICE-PRESIDENCY,

“MONTEREY, ” a correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot, nominates THOMAS RITCHIE, Esq., the Expelled of the Senate, for President in 1848, and R. RICHILIEU, Esq., the Author of the Sassage story in the N. Y. Tribune and the Expelled of the House of Representatives, as Vice President. “Monterey” is not posted up—it was not RICHILIEU, the regular correspondent of the Tribune, who describe “the Ohio animal” feeding behind the Speaker’s chair on “sassages, ” but “Persimmon, ” an occasional correspondent. Will “Monterey” make the correction?—if so, we go his ticket and then “the longest pole knocks down the Persimmon.”
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p2c6 Words: 74

TWEEDLEDUM AND TWEEDLEDEE.

The Union denounces most bitterly the action of the House of Representatives upon the Wimot proviso, but takes care not to touch the names of any of its own party. Messrs. DAVIS, YOUNG, MCHENRY, GRIDER, and TRUMBO of Ky., all Whigs, who voted for the proviso, are denounced in unmeasured terms.—What is the difference “’twixt tweedledum and tweedledee?”  A few experiments upon the liberty of the press!!! has given the organ some experience.
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Thursday, February 25, 1847, MG47v47n52p3c1-2, Words: 187

SWORDS FOR THE VOLUNTEER OFFICERS.

The handsome substantial swords ordered by the City Council, for the officers of the Volunteer Companies of Richmond, for Mexico, have been received and are now at the store of Messrs. MITCHELL and TYLER.

These swords were made by AMES, of Mass., and bear the following inscriptions on their blades.

“Presented by the city of Richmond, Va., to Captain ROBERT G. SCOTT, Jr., of the Richmond Grays.—January, 1847.”

1^st Lieutenant,             THOMAS P. AUGUST.

2^nd “                  JOHN J. FRY.

2^nd “                  ROBERT C. DONNAN.

“Presented by the city of Richmond, Va., to Captain EDWARD C. CARRINGTON of the Richmond Rangers.—January, 1847.”

1^st Lieutenant,             G. A. PORTERFIELD.

2^nd “                  CARLTON R. MUNFORD.

2^nd “                  H. A. WILLIAMSON.

The patriotic spirit by which these gallant young officers have been actuated in offering their services in time of need, prove them to be worthy recipients of so distinguished a compliment from the Metropolis of their native State. We feel too, that if an occasion presents itself, they will show by their valor on the battle-field that these swords have not been placed in improper hands.— Richmond Rep. Feb. 16.
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March

Thursday, March 4 1847, MG47v48n1, Pages 1 and 2 missing—nothing on pages 3 or 4

Thursday, March 11, 1847, MG47v48n2p2c6, Words: 558

LATEST NEWS FROM THE ARMY.

From the West we learn that Col. DONNIPHAN with 600 men, encountered a body of Mexicans, about 1200 in number, about 50 miles of Paso del Norte and a battle ensued.—The Mexicans stood but one fire, broke ranks and fled, leaving 30 men dead on the field.—None of the Americans were killed—only seven wounded. Col. DONNIPHAN’s destination is Chihuahua where he expects to find Gen. WOOL and join his column. He will be disappointed, and may run perhaps into the arms of an over-powering force.

An insurrection had been planned at Santa Fe, headed by the Priests, but it was discover in time to prevent it. Twenty of the ringleaders—nearly all Priests—had been arrested. It was thought they would be executed.

The dates from Tampico are to the 20^th of February—Gen. SCOTT had arrived the day before. The General immediately issued his General Orders—announcing his Staff, Officers, &c., and also a general order for the purpose of restraining licentiousness in and about the camps and posts of the invading army; by which all such camps, &c., are declared to be under martial law, and assassination, murder, malicious stabbing, maiming, theft, the wanton destruction of Churches or other property, are declared to be offences which will be punished by military commissions duly appointed for the purpose, and that the sentence shall be carried into execution, in conformity with the punishments inflicted for like crimes in the United States.

It is reported that SANTA ANNA has ordered his troops to evacuate Vera Cruz and retire into the interior. (Doubtful, we should think.)  A letter from Tampico, Feb. 18, states that SANTA ANNA was to march on Saltillo preparatory to attacking Monterey; and that Gen. URREA, with 5,000 troops, was to march upon and attack Matamoras. The Mexicans count strongly upon the success of both expeditions. It is thought, however, by the N. Orleans Bulletin that these intimations are given out by SANTA ANNA to mask his real movements toward Vera Cruz, and that he has actually marched to that point. He had 30,000 men, 7,000 cavalry, at San Luis, and may reach Vera Cruz as soon as Gen. SCOTT. A severe fight will perhaps take place.

Gen. TAYLOR is now at Saltillo, with about 8000 men and a full supply of provisions, &c., for his army for ten months. It is reported in in a letter from the Brazos Santiago, of date Feb. 22, that the whole Mexican force in and about Saltillo have gone South to Vera Cruz. Gen. BUTLER has been obliged to return to the U. States—he is still suffering so much from his wounds received at Monterey as to be disabled for service.

The portion of the Virginia Troops under Lt. Col. RANDOLPH, had arrived at Brazos Santiago. They are to land at the mouth of the Rio Grande, and proceed immediately to Saltillo. The Virginians will be under “Old Rough and Ready.”

THE NEW MAJOR GENERALS.

Col. [unreadable] BENTON, of Mo., and Col. CUMMINGS of Augusta, Ga., are the two new Maj. Generals under the late law of Congress authorising the appointment of additional officers of that grade.—Every person knows Gen. BENTON, but of CUMMINGS we know nothing, only that he fought the famous duel a number of years since with Gen. MCDUFFIE of S. C.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p1c3-5, Words: 2155

LIST OF ACTS

Which have passed at the last Session of Congress that has just closed.

BILL WHICH ORIGINATED IN THE SENATE.

An act to establish a land office in the Northern part of Michigan, and to provide for the sale of mineral lands in the State of Michigan.

An act granting a pension to Joseph Morrison.

An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain States to impose a tax upon the lands hereafter sold by the United States therein from and after the day of such sales.

An act for the relief of Thomas Boronell.

An act for the relief of John Stockton, late a lieutenant in the army of the United States.

An act for the relief of Win. B. Keene.

An act to extend the time for selling the land granted to they Kentucky asylum for teaching the deaf and dumb.

An act for the relief of George Gordon.

An act for the relief of Peter Frost.

An act for the relief of Elijah White and others.

An act to encourage enlistments in the regular army.

An act for the relief of Thomas Blanchard.

An act for the relief of Hobson Johns.

An act for the relief of George Roush.

An act giving the assent of Congress to an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, authorizing the levy of tolls on the James river.

An act to authorize the issuing of a new register for the American barque “Pons, ” of Philadelphia, by the name of the “Cordelia.”

An act to regulate the exercise of the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the Unite States in certain cases, and for other purposes.

An act for the relief of Andrew Moore.

An act for the relief of the heirs of Louis de la Houssaye, deceased.

An act to authorize the issuing of a register to the brigantine “Ocean Queen.”

An act confirming the claim of the heirs and legal representatives of Pierre Dufresne to a tract of land.

An act to establish a court at Key West, in the State of Florida, and for other purposes.

An act for the relief of James S. Conway.

An act to change the time of holding one of the terms of the circuit court of the U. States for the district of North Carolina.

An act to grant a right of pre-emption to Philip F. Dering and Rob’t H. Champoin to a tract of mineral land.

An act in addition to an act to establish a court at Key West, in the State of Florida.

An act to amend the act entitled “An act to regulate the carriage of passengers in merchant vessels, ” and to determine the time when said act shall take effect.

An act to provide for the punishment of piracy in certain cases.

An act for the relief of Francis Sommerauer.

An act making further appropriation to bring the existing war with Mexico to a speedy and honorable conclusion.

An act relinquishing to the city of Madison, in the State of Indiana, all the right and title of the U. States to a certain strip of unserveyed land lying within the limits of said city, and bordering on the Ohio river.

An act providing for the building and equipment of four naval steamships.

An act making provision for an additional number of general officers, and for other purposes.

An act to amend an act entitled “an act to raise for a limited time an additional military force, and for other purposes.”

A joint resolution for lighting with gas the Capitol and Capitol grounds.

A joint resolution authorizing the employment of the U. States ships Macedonian and Jamestown in transporting provisions for the famishing poor in Ireland and Scotland.

Resolution concerning the purchase of additional lands for the use of the U. States armories at Harper’s Ferry and Springfield.

Resolution to refund money to the States which have supplied volunteers and furnished transportation during the present war, before being mustered and received into the service of the United States.

A joint resolution to correct an error in the act of June 17, 1844,f or the relief of Mary Ann Linton.

A joint resolution representing the maps and charts of the surveys of the boundary lines of the United States of America and foreign states.

BILLS WHICH ORIGINATED IN THE HOUSE.

An act for the admission of the State of Wisconsin into the Union.

An act authorizing the issue of Treasury notes, a loan, and for other purposes.

An act to establish certain post routes, and for other purposes.

An act to amend “An act entitled an act to amend an act to carry into effect, to the States of Alabama and Mississippi, the existing compacts with those States with regard to the five per cent. fund and the school reservations.

An act to amend an act entitled “An act to reduce the rates of postage, to limit the use and correct the abuse of the franking privilege, and for the prevention of frauds on the revenues of the Post Office Department, ” passed March 3, 1845.

An act further to extend the charter of the Union Bank of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia.

An act to amend an act entitled “An act to provide for the payment of horses and other property lost and destroyed in the military service of the U. States, ” approved the 18^th day of January, 1837.

An act providing for the payment of any interest falling due on the public debt.

An act for the relief of the Bank of the Metropolis.

An act making appropriations for the support of the army and of volunteers for the year ending the 30^th June, 1848, and for other purposes.

An act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy for the year ending on the 30^th June, 1848.

An act for the increase of the marine corps of the United States.

An act making appropriations for the service of the Post Office Department for the year ending on the 30^th June, 1848.

An act making appropriations for the payment of Revolutionary and other pensions of the United States for the year ending on the 30^th June, 1848.

An act authorizing the erection of certain lighthouses, and for other purposes.

An act for the admission of the Sate of Iowa into the Union.

An to raise for a limited time an additional military force, and for other purposes.

An act to provide for the establishment of additional post routes in the State of Texas.

An act to regulate the carriage of passengers in merchant vessels.

An act making appropriations for the current and contingent expenses of the Indian Department, and for fulfilling treaty stipulations with the various Indian tribes for the year ending June 30, 1848.

An act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30^th, 1848.

An act to authorize the constituted authorities of the city of Du Buque, in the State of Iowa, to enter certain islands between the landings of said city and the main channel of the Mississippi river.

An act to create an additional land district in the Territory of Wisconsin, and for other purposes.

An act creating a collection district in Maine, and constituting Bangor, in said district, a port of entry and delivery.

An act making appropriations for the payment of navy pensions for the year ending 30^th June, 1848.

An act for the relief of Ray Tompkins and others, the children and heirs at law of the late Dan’l D. Tompkins.

An act granting a pension to Patrick Kelly.

An act for the relief of Joshua Shaw.

An act for the relief of Julius Eldred, Elisha Eldred, and Francis El. Eldred, for expenses and services in removing the copper rock from Lake Superior.

An act for the relief of Joseph Warren Newcomb.

An act for the relief of the citizens of Beetown, in the territory of Wisconsin.

An act for the relief of W. P. S. Sanger and George de la Roche.

An act for the relief of Dr. Clarke Lillybridge.

An act for the relief of Frederick Hopkins, and of the county of Chenango, in the State of New York.

An act for the relief of the heirs of Sergeant Major John Champe.

An act for the relief of James Jones, of the city of Brooklyn.

An act for the relief of the late legal representatives of Thos. Shields, deceased.

An act for the relief of Susan Brum.

An act for the relief of Elizabeth Adams.

An act for the relief of Henry La Reintree.

An act for the relief of Jas. H. Conley.

An act for the relief of Wm. N. Walthall.

An act for the relief of the widow and heirs of John B. Chaudonia.

An act for the relief of Jacob L. Vance.

An act for the relief of Josiah Haskell.

An act for the relief of Jas. Williams.

An act granting a pension to Silas Chatfield.

An act for the relief of the assignees of the late Bank of Alexandria.

An act for the relief of Harvey Reynolds.

An act for the relief of Catharine Stephenson.

An act for the relief of Ann Clayton.

An act for the relief of Elizabeth Fitch.

An act for the relief of Thankful Reynolds.

An act for the relief of Elizabeth Calkins, the widow of Silas Winans.

An act for the relief of Jonathan Hoyt.

An act to increase the pension of Roswell Hale.

An act for the relief of Edith Ramey.

An act to provide for the final settlement of the accounts of John Spencer, late receiver of the public moneys at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

An act for the relief of John C. Stewart and others.

An act for the relief of the estates of Benjamin Metoyer and Francois Gaiennie, deceased.

An act for the relief of Isaac Guess.

An act for the relief of the heirs of Hyacinth Lasselle.

An act for the relief of James Green, of the county of Fauquier, State of Virginia.

An act for the relief of Wilfred Knott.

An act for the relief of Bernard O’Neill.

An act for the relief of John Pickett and others.

An act for the relief of Harrison Whitson.

An act for the relief of Job Hawkins.

An act for the relief of John Speakmen.

An act for the relief of the legal representatives of John Lanson, deceased.

An act to grant a pre-emption right the heirs and legal representatives of John T. Smith.

An act for the relief of Capt. Jas. Pennoyer.

An act for the relief of the heirs and legal representatives of William Bunce.

An act for the relief of William Causey.

An act for the relief of John Van Slyck.

An act for the relief of the administrators of Joseph [unreadable]dson, deceased, late marshal of the district of Vermont.

An act for the relief of Joseph Gideon.

An act for the relief of Lewis C. Sartori.

An act for the relief of the legal representative of Joseph E. Primeau and Thos. J. Chapman.

An act for the relief of Geo. B. Russell and others.

An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Simon Spalding, deceased.

An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Jas. H. Clark.

An act to amend an act entitled “An act to provide for the better organization of the Department of Indian Affairs, and an act entitled ‘An act to regulate the trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontiers, approved June 30, 1834,’” and for other purposes.

An act for the relief of Mary Segar, and for the relief of Elisha Dennison, administrator of Phenix Carpenter Ellis.

An act for the reduction of the costs and expenses of proceedings in admiralty against ships and vessels.

An act for the relief of Zachariah Simmons, of the State of Tennessee.

An act for the relief of the heirs of John Paul Jones.

An act to give consent of Congress to the sale of certain salt spring lands heretofore granted to the States of Michigan, Illinois, and Arkansas.

An act to establish a port of entry at Salura, in the State of Texas.

Join resolution to prohibit the sale at private entry of certain lands in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Joint resolution for the relief of William B. Stokes, surviving partner of John N. C. Stockton & Co.

Joint resolution for the relief of Stephen Johnson, deceased.

Joint resolution relative to the preparation and presentation of medals to certain French, British, and Spanish officers.

Join resolution for the relief of M. A. Price and E. A. White.

Joint resolution authorising and directing the examination and settlement of the claims of Alexander M. Cumming.

Joint resolution for the settlement of the accounts of Purser G. R. Barry.

Joint resolution for the relief of John and Charles Bruce.

Joint resolution of thanks to Major General Zachary Taylor, the officers and soldiers under his command, for their conduct in the storming of the city of Monterey.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p1c6, Words: 753

INTERESTING FROM OREGON & CALIFORNIA.

Attack on the American Garrison—Destruction of the town of Guaymas by Com. Stockton—The Mormons—Expedition of Gen. Flores, &c.

The New York Tribune has received a letter from Panama, communicating the following interesting intelligence from Oregon and California.

The British surveying vessels, the Herald and Pandora, arrived in the bay of Panama—the former on the 13^th, and the latter on the 16^th of Jan., 1847. Their business here is to complete the survey of the bay and the neighboring coast.—The Officers gave different accounts of the value of this Island—some saying it is very valuable; others that it is worthless.—The naturalist is of the former opinion.

They left the Straights on the 9^th of September last, and arrived at San Francisco bay, in Upper California, on the 26^th of the same month, where they found the American flag flying from th effort, and from some twenty-five whalers, which had run in there through fear of Mexican privateers. The Portsmouth was also there. At Yerba Buena, were many Mormons living in tents, while they were building their houses. An advance guard of these people, about 5000 in number, had already arrived in the country.—There was much quarreling among them.

On the 26^th of the same month, they hove to in the bay of Monterey, and communicated with Com. Stockton, who was then under sail in the Cyane, for the Southern ports. The Commodore was in good health, and represented the country in a pretty quiet state.

On the 4^th of October last, they lay to off the bay of San Diego and communicated with an armed whaler, which ahd, as was reported, been sent down by the Commodore for the protection of the coast.—They learned that the Californians had risen on the American garrison at Pueblos de los Angeles, killed the commander Capt. Galespy, and most of his command, and raised again the Mexican flag. They afterward heard a vague report that Gallespy had escaped. The Americans and other foreigners who had escaped the massacre had taken refuge on board the whaler. The natives were leaving California. On the 20^th of October, these vessels arrived at Mazatlan, where they learned that the American squadron had literally leveled the town of Guaymas, in Senora, to the earth. It was not known that the land forces under General Kearney had arrived in that country.

Two American ships of war were cruising on Mazatlan, the names of which were forgotten. It would appear that the difference between American and British sailors is not clearly defined; for the commander of the surveying vessels (running his vessels into the ahrbor without hoisting his flag) was seized together with several other officers and men and thrown into prison as Americans in disguise.—It required about one week to convince Don Juan Carraho to the contrary.

They touched at San Blan and Acapulco, and took a running survey of the whole coast. It was an utterly defenceless state.

Since writing the above, one of these British officers informs me that the American sloop-of-war Shark was ashore on the bar of the Columbia river in September last. It was not known at San Francisco whether she was got off, or not. Some said she was got off, but went ashore again and was lost.

There is still a great turmoil on this coast about the Expedition of Flores. In this place it is hardly possible to sleep for drumming, fifing, and the blowing of those villianous Spanish American trumpets.—The government of New Grenada has concentrated here a force of some 2000 men, i. e. little Negro and Indian soldiers and the militia, under the command of Gen. Lopez, in order to dispute Flores’ passage across the Isthmus, should he attempt to come this way. But is is supposed that they will join that very able and popular general with a hearty zeal, should he choose to present himself among them.

The Government of New Grenada, Equador, &c. have entered into a league for mutual defence, so that the general should enter Equador by any other route than this, the troops stationed here will proceed thither and form a junction with their allies. Perhaps Flores would do better to fight his enemies in detail—and to do that he should come cross the Isthmus, landing at Porto Bello, and marching to Panama, whence he can proceed to the port of Guyaquil, in Equador—fight the Equadorans before Peruanos, &c. arrive, and so along. However, I suppose that these opinions of mine on military matters will be of little use to your readers or Flores.

VIATOR.

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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p1c6-7, Words: 665

SLAVERY IN MEXICO.

It has been asserted that slavery did not exist in Mexico. It is true under the name it does not, but under the names of peonage it does and it its worse form confined to no color, but as perpetual bondage and punishment for debt. Many large proprietors control in this way hundreds of peons, both men and women. The debt is perpetual—it generally increases instead of diminishing—and is rarely ever paid. The peon being charged with interest as well as with clothing, subsistance, medicine &c. In this way it is believed that more than a million of peons are held as slaves, and may be seized as fugitives if they dare to leave the employ of their master; and the fruits of their labor to go to their master not to the peon. In the speech of the Hon. Mr. Roberts of Mississippi, by whom public attention has been called to this subject, these laws are given as follows:

PEON LAWS OF MEXICO.

ART. 1. The masters are responsible for the conduct of their servants, and for the same reason, the law gives them, over those servants, the authority of fathers over their sons, that they may particularly correct and chastise them. The same authority is given over the family of the servant that lives with the master.

ART. 2. In consequence of the foregoing provision, the master should provide for the education of the children of the servants dependant upon them.

ART. 3. Should the faults of the servant be many or aggravated, whether because he frequently fails in his service, or whether for want of respect to the master, he shall be chastised by the justice (alcade) with six months in irons, if a man, or with the (la cevena) clog, if a woman, in the house of the master, the latter having the power to diminish this penalty at his pleasure. If the servant should be guilty of overt acts against the master, he shall be punished in conformity to the existing laws.

ART. 4. He who being once convicted, according to the foregoing articles shall repeat the same offence, shall be criminally prosecuted and condemned to serve one year on the public works in irons; and if a woman shall be so convicted, she shall be condemned to one year of seclusion with the clog.

ART. 5. In no case shall the master lose the debt of the servant; and the term of punishment being concluded, the servant shall return to the service of his master if he can do it; but if he enters the service of another, this shall pay the debt.

ART. 6. The law which prohibits trading with servants, and the penalties which those laws establish as to those who contracted them, are declared to be in force.

ART. 7. The master who abuses the power given him by the law shall be tried and punished in conformity to the law, according to the abuse he may commit; but in no case not even in that of application of a fine in favor of the aggrieved, shall the master lose the debt.

ART. 8. Payments shall be made in money or goods, if the servants ask them, at the current prices. For settlements, and on plantations, where there are no stores, and the good are brought from other parts, they shall be charged with the extra costs. The master who may give his goods with the higher charges then the foregoing regulation requires, shall be fined equivalent to triple the excess which he charges upon the servant.

ART. 9. As the master cannot turn away the servant without just cause, so neither can the servant leave the service of his master without the same just cause. The servant who shall do so, shall be positively returned to the service of his master, chastised by the justice in the house of the master, with two months in irons, or with the clog, if a woman.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p1c7, Words: 109

A Capital Toast.— At late festival of the citizens of St. Louis, given on the 15^th of February, for the purpose of celebrating the landing of Laclede and the founding of that city, we find the follewing among the regular toasts drunk on the occasion:

Our Army—The Volunteers and Regulars:  With Shields for defence; a Butler for supplies, a Pillow for repose; and a Marshall for parade, may they not lack Wool for comfort, Worth in battle, or a Garland for victory; never crying Quitman to the foe, but laying their Twiggs on the enemy’s back, pay promptly their Scott , or charge as the Taylor always knows how.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p2c5, Words: 402

THE VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS.

By private letters we have news of the arrival of the Victory, at Point Isabel, with the companies under the command of Captains CARRINGTON and CORSE, of the Virginia Regiment, on board. They arrived two days after they Mayflower. No mention is made of the Victory in the news given in the New Orleans papers. We erroneously stated a day or two since that Capt. CORSE’s company was on board the Mayflower. The companies on board that vessel were those under the command of Captains SCOTT, HARPER, F. H. ARCHER, and BANKHEAD. The whole six companies were ordered to join Gen. TAYLOR with all possible dispatch. We have been favored with the following letter from Capt. CARRINGTON:--Richmond Times.

POINT ISABEL, Feb. 21^st, 1847.

Dear Mother:  I have only about five minutes to write. It happened that Col RANDOLPH’s detachment and ours reached land within two days of each other. Capt. CORSE and myself came ashore from our vessel to wait upon the commanding officer of the post (Gen. WORTH as it happened to be) and receive orders. When we reached the Hotel, the first man we met was Col. RANDOLPH, with one of his officers on the same duty.

Our orders are, to take the first boat for Matamoras, and thence, to march immediately to Monterey, about three hundred miles, where we are to join old Zack, who expects a brush very soon, and is anxious for reinforcements. Gen. WORTH seemed delighted to see us; and said that Gen. TAYLOR would be greatly relieved by our arrival. The arrangement seems to be to concentrate the regular forces at Vera Cruz and the volunteers at Monterey. One would easily infer from this that warmer work was expected at the former. To be frank, I must confess that we are somewhat disappointed; for we hoped to share in the struggle at Vera Cruz.

I have met with a good many Mexicans of the lower class here. They appear from their action to be very sluggish and indolent; yet they are fully as large and muscular, it seems to me, as our men.

We all arrived safely—no sickness, expect mumps and sea sickness. FAYETTE FITZHUGH was dreadfully sea-sick; from the time he went aboard until he landed. Strange to say, I suffered less than any of them, except Lieut. C. MUNFORD, who was not sick at all.

Your affectionate son,
E. C. CARRINGTON.

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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p2c6, Words: 1005

IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE.

Senator Benton’s resignation of his Major Generalship.—We find in the Washington Union and Intelligencer the following correspondence, published at the request of Senator Benton, which fully explains itself:--

Washington City , March 10, 1847.

Sir:--Please to receive as a mark of my respect, a copy of the following letters, which explain the circumstances under which I decline to accept the appointment of major general in the army. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant.

THOMAS H. BENTON.

To the Hon. Mr. -----, of the United States Senate.

Washington City , March 6, 1847.

SIR:  Without waiting for the formality of being presented with the commission of major general to the Army of the United States, I think it right to inform you at once that my acceptance, or refusal, of that high appointment, will depend entirely upon public and national considerations, of which you, yourself, will be the judge. Personally, I can have no wish for this office, but if you believe that I can be of service to the country, I am willing to forgo all private considerations—separate myself from my family, under painful circumstances; resign my place in the Senate, which is so dear to me—and proceed immediately to the theatre of war. My only stipulation would be for the powers which I deem necessary to success; and these would be both military and diplomatic—the command of the army, and an authority to sign preliminaries of peace, based upon terms previously approved by you.

I beg you to believe, sir, that nothing selfish, or personal dictates this proposed stipulation. There is no such thing in it. It proceeds from a thorough conviction that, with a subordinate command, I could do no good in the army; on the contrary that my presence there would be improper and mischievous: for I am known from my public speeches, to disapprove the plans both of the late, and of the present commander—(the defensive policy of one, and the San Juan of Ulua attack of the other)—and this being known, my presence would operate as an implied censure on the two generals, and might make me, in spite of myself, the nucleus of discontent and insubordination. The command of the army, therefore, is the only position which I could hold in it.

Authority to conclude a peace or at least to sign the preliminaries of peace, I deem highly essential to success, as it would enable the commander-in-chief to take instant advantage of all passing events, military or political, to close the war.

Furnished with these powers, I am willing to make the sacrifices, and to incur the responsibilities of this high command; but I leave it to you, sir, for your free and final decision; considering it as a national question, and a new one on which there is no commitment, on either side, in any thing that has passed.

Whatever may be the decision, my thanks and gratitude will not be less to you for your unsolicited nomination of me to this high appointment, nor to the Senate for its instant and unanimous confirmation of it, nor the House of Representatives for its three times virtual election of me to the commander-in-chief of the army in Mexico.

Respectfully, sir, your friend and fellow citizen,

THOS. H. BENTON.

To the President.

Washington City, March 9, 1847.

SIR:  I have given to your letter of the 6^th instant, the consideration its importance demands. In tendering to you the appointment of major general in the army, I earnestly desired that the country should have the advantage of your conceded ability and military knowledge, your intimate acquaintance with the Mexican character, and your familiarity with their language and political condition.

Immediately after your nomination as major general had been unanimously confirmed by the Senate, I carefully examined the question, whether I possessed the power to designate you—a junior major general to the chief command of the army in the field. The result of this examination is, I am constrained to say, a settled conviction on my mind, that such power has not been conferred upon me by the existing laws.

I am fully aware of the exalted patriotism which could alone have induced you to make the personal sacrifices to which you would be subjected, in assuming even the chief command of the Army in Mexico; and I duly appreciate the reasons you have assigned, and which may, I fear, prevent you from accepting your appointment as major general. If, on further reflection, such should be your decision, I shall learn it with deep regret.

I am, sir, with high consideration, very respectfully, your obedient servent,

JAMES K. POLK.

To Maj. General Thomas H. Benton, Washington City.

Washington City, Tuesday Evening, }

            March 9, 1847

SIR:--Your letter of this day’s date is just received; and seeing no reason for further reflection, and wishing to avoid all delay in officering the army, I have written a note to the adjutant general, to be delivered at his office in the morning, declining to accept the appointment of major general in the army, so kindly offered to me by you, and so honorably confirmed by the Senate. I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your friend and fellow-citizen,

THOS. H. BENTON.

To the President.

Washington City, Tuesday Evening, }

            March 9, 1847.

SIR:--I had the honor to receive your note of the 6^th instant, with the commission of major general in the army, and delayed the answer of acceptance or non-acceptance, until I should receive an answer from the President to a note which I addressed to him the morning of that day. The answer is now received, and enables me to answer your note, and to say that the commission is not accepted.

Please accept, sir, my thanks for the kind terms of your note, and for the thousand courtesies which you have extended to me in the course of our long and friendly acquaintance.

THOS H. BENTON.

To Adjutant General Jones.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p2c7, Words: 1244

LATEST NEWS!

LATE FROM MEXICO.

IMPORTANT FROM MEXICO.

A week later from the Capital—Triumph of the Church—Repeal of the Confiscation Law—Santa Anna desponding—The Army levying supplies for itself—Prospects of a Speedy Peace—Doings at Vera Cruz—Inefficiency of the Blockade—Rumored Protectorate.

The New York Sun has received Spanish papers with advices from Havana to the 26^th ult., Vera Cruz to the 8^th; and from the city of Meixo to the 5^th, being a week later from the capital. The church had effectually resisted the seizure of its property, SANTA ANNA had yielded to the demands of the hierarchy, and the clergy propose a loan of $150,000 per month to the government. Such is a brief summary of the news.

We now give the details in the order of their occurrence since the latest date of our previous advices. The church continued its zealous resistance to the law of confiscation; the protest of the Archbishop’s chapter was followed by protests from the various States, concluding with an energetic and denunciatory remonstrance from the Bishop of Michoncan. Many of these were forwarded to SANTA ANNA, who returned them to Congress with a letter of considerable length. He says that these protests have convinced him that the confiscation law had produced universal discontent; he regrets that the people should give him the repute of being the author of that law on the authority of a private and confidential letter to a friend, which had been printed, but which did not warrant the construction put upon it, no one can say that his suggestions were adopted in the law; and if there are other plans of obtaining resources—if, upon seeing the objects or policy of those who have endeavored to make themselves his inexcusable enemies and who wish to overthrow the measure because they believe it to be one which had not his approbation, --he entreats Congress, if not wholly convinced of the unity of the law, to modify it or substitute for it some other revenue law more to the purpose.

Upon the reading of this letter a bill was submitted to repeal the law and to authorize the Government to receive a loan of $450,000 per month from the clergy, which it was understood they were prepared to advance until peace has been secured . This bill was expected to receive the approbation of Congress and SANTA ANNA.

The distresses of the army were still prominent topics of discussion. SANTA ANNA had to seize 98 bars of silver belonging to Spanish merchants at San Luis, for which he gave his “personal guarantee.”  Unfortunately for the citizens, he was also compelled to seize provisions and money wherever he could find them, and which he had begun to collect throughout the country, without giving his “personal guarantee.”  In other words, the army is levying supplies for itself.

The minister of war sent $35,000 to SANTA ANNA at the close of January. The latter has forwarded a desponding letter to the government. He replies o the charge of [unreadable] made against him, paints the horrible destruction of his forces reiterates his and their protestations of valor and patriotism, and declares his readiness to retire to private life, or to go again into foreign exile, if Congress think best. If they wish him to remain at the head of the army, they know his firm resolution, which is, to meet the enemy and to win imperishable glory for his country by death or victory. He adds that his is about to meet the enemy. The capture of the American detachments had [unreadable] some enthusiasm. The letter was dated 26^th January. His proclamation announces his departure from San Luis for Saltillo, dated 27^th, has already been published, and it is worthy of note that it was forwarded to Tampico without that of the 26^th.

Active preparations for defence were [unreadable] at Vera Cruz as late ast he 7^th. The national bridge at Point Chiquihuite are receiving formidable additions to their strength. An act had passed the State legislature conferring all necessary power upon the governor in fortifying the city. We remark, however, that the rumored evacuation of Vera Cruz, announced at Tampico, may have been founded upon orders issued since the 7^th ult. JUSTO SANTA ANNA has entered upon his duties as temporary Governor of Tobasco. Gen REJON, the new Secretary of foreign affairs, is favorably spoken of. He is to be the principal manager of negotiations with the United States.

There were at Anton Lizardo, one U. S. frigate, 3 brigs, 2 small steamers, 5 pilot boats, 1 steam frigate, and one trading brig. At Isle Verde, one U. S. Corvette, which on the 7^th got under way and stood southward. At Sacrificios, 2 French frigates, 2 French brigs, and one English brig.

The Spanish brig Seraphine, at Havana, and the blockade at Vera Cruz both in and out, being accompanied out by two other vessels which also escaped from the U. S. squadron. The blockade is violated daily. The English schooner Lee, arrived at Havana 27^th Feb, [unreadable] days from Balize, Honduras, with $21,000 in specie.

News of the loss of the British mail steamer Tweed, had reached Havana.

We have a rumor from Havana that SANTA ANNA, during hostilities, was to be declared “Protector of Mexican Liberty, ” with full power to bring the war to a speedy termination—but it is only a rumor.

PEACE MOVEMENTS IN MEXICO.

The “Courier des Etats Unis” says it has received, by way of Havana, private advices relative to the affairs of Mexico, which contains several important revelations with regard to the reaction now going on secretly in the capital. It seems, says the Courier, that the clergy, whose property has been menaced by the war party, is disposed to make its own cause that of the Republic, and permit the projects of peace to triumph. Its plan is to replace the Federal Congress, from whose action it has nothing to hope for, by an absolute power strong enough to force Mexico to agree to a peace. Such, continues the Courier, is the double road leading to this end, and it is SANTA ANNA upon whom they are also reported to have cast their eyes.  That General would then be sure of arriving once more to the dictatorship, supported by the clergy, and on the express condition of respecting its property and promptly concluding a treaty of peace. There is nothing in this combination, the Courier adds, which is at all improbable, due regard being had to the actual condition of Mexico, and besides, the person who communicates this intelligence is in a position which gives to it weight.

END OF THE EXCITING LIBEL CASE AT WASHINGTON.—By telegraph we received yesterday afternoon the following despatch, says the Baltimore American, March 9, announcing the termination of the exciting case of Ex-Gov. THOMAS, who was prosecuted for a libel upon his former wife:

WASHINGTON, March 8, 5, P. M.

Gen. JONES has just announced to the Circuit Court, as Senior counsel for Gov. THOMAS, the end of this deplorable controversy, and has read a paper which the Court has [unreadable], signed by the counsel for the defence, Messrs. JONES, MAULSHY, and SCOTT, defeating their belief of the unfounded character of the offences imputed by Gov. T. to his late wife, and also stating the conviction of the learned counsel that their client, however sound his mind on other subjects, in relation to the subject matter of this deplorable controversy, labored under an unhappy and morbid delusion.

PAY MASTER AT HARPER’S FERRY.—Col. EDWARD LUCAS has received the appointment of Pay Master at the U. S. Armory at Harper’s Ferry, vice RICHARD PARKES, Esq. resigned.
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Thursday, March 18, 1847, MG47v48n2p3c1, Words: 680

THE THREE MILLION BILL, without the qualifications of the Wilmot proviso, passed the ordeal of the two Houses and is now a law. The ball itself has a thin cover of plausibility on the face of it; but to understand it aright it must be considered in connection with the remarks of the Committee on Foreign Relations, who, in open Senate, declared its real nature and purposes.

Our readers have not forgotten Mr. SEVIER’s avowal—that the object of this extraordinary appropriation was to furnish the leader of the Mexican army with the means of paying his troops, in order that they might be made tractable in his hands as he promised to be in ours.

Let us suppose that this declaration goes to Mexico, as it must, in advance of the appropriation. What then?  The people of Mexico will behold in their leader a pensionary of the United States—an unmasked traitor, who receives money from the enemy to subserve the enemy’s purposes. Is it not so?  And if it be so, how can SANTA ANNA retain the confidence of his countrymen?  Let us reverse the case, and suppose that in a war between the United States and England for example, the commander-in-chief of our armies in the field held at the same time the Presidency, and was a man of controlling influence with a powerful party; that he was willing to conclude a disgraceful peace, but feared to avow himself so lest his popularity and influence might be endangered; and that, finally, to strengthen his hands and to give him the means of procuring subservient instruments to accomplish his design, the British Government, in open Parliament, appropriated a large sum for his use. If such a man should not fall at once from his high position, overwhelmed by the indignation of his countrymen, it would be because all sentiments of honor and patriotism have become extinct amongst us, and the faculty had become lost of recognizing the worst characteristics of treason.

There is one point of view in which we can understand how the Mexicans might permit this juggle to go on. They may know very well that the whole project is only a scheme on the part of SANTA ANNA to get money, and they may wink at the stratagem by which this Government allows itself to be coerced. It may remain that in the recollection of the Mexicans that SANTA ANNA has duped Mr. POLK once already, and that the manner in which the exiled chief was brought home and restored to the head of the army, did not in the slightest degree affect his devotion to Mexico, or impair his efficiency as a commander.—Why not suffer this accomplished master of duplicity to carry on his game?  Money is very desirable to the Mexicans—very; they could fight us to much better advantage with a few millions in their coffers; and lo, here comes a simple pigeon ready to be plucked. The chance is too good to be lost; the game is irresistably attractive to the prince of Mexican sharpers.   It is a much better way of raising money than to lay taxes which can rarely be collected, or to seize upon church property from which nothing can be realized except unpopularity.—Balt. Amer.

GEN. TAYLOR AND THE PRESIDENCY.—Politicians are not likely to make much by speculating on Gen. TAYLOR for the Presidency. In conversing with a gentleman recently, who told him he had been named for that office, he replied. “I am sorry to see it. I have always thought and still think a civilian and none other should hold that office. I have no other ambition than to bring this wary to an honorable close. I then go to my farm and there in the bosom of my family live and die. I am no politician. I have had no chance to vote for a number of years.”—Could he have voted at the last election, he says, he would have supported HENRY CLAY. He was opposed to the annexation of Texas.
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Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p1c3 Words: 416

THE ISLAND OF LOBOS.—The Island of Lobos having become a place of some interest to many of our citizens as the place of rendezvous of that portion of our army which is destined for the attack on Vera Cruz, we extract the following brief account of it from the correspondence of the Philadelphia North American:

“ISLAND OF LOBOS, GULF OF MEXICO,

“February 7, 1847.

“This letter is written upon the most delightful tropical island ever trodden by adventurers from any clime.

“The Island of Lobos is a lovely little spot, formed entirely of coral, about two miles in circumference, twelve miles from the Mexican shore, about sixty miles from Tampico, and about 130 miles from Vera Cruz. It is covered (or was before we landed) with a variety of trees and shrubs, the highest of the former perhaps twenty five feet high, and these are so thickly covered with vines that one can hardly get through them. There is hardly a tree, or shrub, or growing plant here I have ever before seen. Banyan trees spreading over large spaces of ground, their limbs forming props as they pierce into the earth and take root, while the tops, thickly thatched with evergreen vines, form the most beautiful arbors. Lemon, lime, fig, palm, cane, and a hundred other species of wood are growing with all the freshness and beauty of the Indies. There is plenty of water to be had by digging four to six feet. It is brackish and sweet, but we are getting used to it, and like it nearly as well as ship water. Fish and sea fowl we have in profusion. With these we have a delightful sea air, that fourteen hours out of twenty-four makes the place delightfully pleasant.

“It will be difficult, I imagine, to convince you, who will read this scrawl beside great coal fires, that we are literally roasting during a portion of the day. The sun is so hot that our faces and arms are blistered if exposed but a few minutes. To-day, by Fahreheit, in the shade, I scored 92 deg. The universal remark among the volunteers is, ‘If this is winter , what will summer be?’”

“Gen. SCOTT is daily expected here, and we shall soon be joined by seven thousand troops from Tampico, &c. There are six companies of Louisiana and four companies of South Carolina troops already here. They arrived on the 3d. instant. They are all in fine health, and are encamped beside us.”
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Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p1c6 Words: 131

List of deaths among the Volunteers at Old Point.

The following is a list of deaths among Volunteers of the Virginia Regiment while at Old Point, from diseases not of a local character:

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Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p1c7 Words: 1026

MR. RIVES’ LETTER.

We take pleasure in laying before our readers the subjoined eloquent letter from ex Senator RIVES:

CASTLE HILL, 24^th Feb. 1847.

GENTLEMEN:--I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 17^th instant, inviting me to attend a meeting of the citizens of our county proposed to be held at Charlottesville on the 27^th inst., for the purpose of aiding in the great national charity of sending relief to the starving population of Ireland. Every feeling of my heart responds to the noble and generous object of the proposed meeting; and if the state of my health and the weather should permit me to overcome the distance, I will endeavor to be with you, to claim the privilege of a personal participation in this good work.

Nothing in my day has occurred to make me feel a juster pride in the character of my countrymen than the universal, and spontaneous movement with which, upon the first intelligence of the frightful distresses of our fellow beings in Ireland, though separated by a wide ocean and a difference of nationality, they have rushed forward, from one end of our continent to the other, to pour out the means with which a kind of Providence has blessed them, (in many instances the hard earning of daily toil,) all that could be spared from their own necessities for the support of kindred and suffering humanity in a distant quarter of the Globe. The problem has been thus gloriously solved that neither ocean nor “mountains interposed” present an impediment to the telegraphic sympathies and communications of the human heart. In the awful calamity of our Irish brethren, all have felt that mankind is but one family. No longer can it be said, in the language of the great moral poet of England—

            This is no flesh in man’s obdurate heart;

            It does not feel for man!”------- ------

How much more congenial to the wants and infirmities of our common nature and the instincts of a noble philanthropy, is the great work of a national charity in which the people of America are now engaged, than scenes of war, violence and bloodshed, which fill so large a space in the annals of mankind; and it should be esteemed a glorious privilege for all of us, that, while called upon as citizens to sustain the government of our country in a conflict of arms with a foreign power, we can vindicate our humanity as men, by “deeds of peace, ” in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the forsaken on another and distant land.

That the good people of Albemarle will claim their full share in this errand of mercy; I know them too well to doubt; and lest the state of my health, which has been somewhat deranged for a few days past, or some other cause should prevent my being personally present, I herewith enclose you my “mites.”

I remain, gentlemen, with the highest respect, very truly your friend.

W. C. RIVES.

To Messrs. G. W. CARR, R. K. MEADE, and A. B. MAGRUDER, Committee, &c.

INTERESTING FROM TAMPICO.

Tampico, Feb . 20 1847.

The vessel by which I wrote on the 18^th and 19^th is still here and sails this day, so I give you another hasty scrawl, informing you as far as I farther know, of movements in this quarter.

Gen. Twigg’s division is first under marching orders, and leaves to-day.—Who is to go next I do not know, nor do I know what force is to be left to garrison this post. It should not be less, however, than 1500 men. All is bustle, and very soon we shall not have more troops here than are barely sufficient to take care of the town. I think my mind is pretty well made up to go along and see the Vera Cruz fandango. I was unlucky to miss the sport at Monterey, and do not feel willing to be absent when the “ball” opens at Vera Cruz.

To give you some idea of what is expected to be done, I will show you a portion of what is going down in the shape of munitions:  First there are some 100,000 rounds of heavy ammunition; rockets, shells and an enormous supply of all sorts of combustibles, with 40 mortars and columbaria—some of them ten inches calibre; from ten to twenty 24-pounders; three field batteries, consisting of 6 and 12-pounders, and 12 and 24 pound howitzers.—With all these go the sappers and miners in the pontoon train. If we don’t knock ‘em into fits with these and get up a nice “tea party” I am very much mistaken.

P. S.—Feb. 23d.—The vessel by which I intended to send the above sailed before I could place it on board. I have not much to add-in fact it is almost impossible to gather any thing here in the way of what is called army news—so secret is every thing kept. There is not a Mexican in our whole country that does not know that our troops are going to Vera Cruz, while in the United States and even here our own people are in the dark.—Santa Anna manages to keep himself well advised of our movements. I almost venture to say that he now knows as much of our plans and intentions, and of our strength and numbers in the field, as any of those who are at headquarters, in Washington city. Despatches of the greatest moment are sent through the enemy’s country, almost totally unguarded, and like week and struggling foraging parties, and mules and wagons, without good and strong escorts, they fall into the hands of our foes.

General Scott sailed with his staff from this place day before yesterday. The troops are preparing to follow him, and officers are momentarily expecting marching orders. All the forces now here, except the Louisiana Volunteers, the Baltimore battalion and one company of artillery, will be on the way to Vera Cruz in a short time. Those that I have named will be left here under the command of Col. Gates, to garrison the city.
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Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p2c1-2 Words: 916

To the Patrons of the Gazette.

You have already been made acquainted with the fact of my having undertaken the editorial conduct of this paper, and I assure you I am far from insensitive to the responsibilities incident to my position; for while I have not the vanity to suppose for a moment, that even within the sphere of its ordinary circulation, the direct influence of the Gazette could be potently exerted for good or evil—yet it is manfest that the village newspaper enjoys means of usefulness, and possesses capacities for mischief sufficient to render it an object of interest in the vicinity of its location. To many it is the only channel  through which they become acquainted with the events of the great would around them; it is welcomed in their homes as a familiar friend and fireside companion—affording the means of amusement and recreation, and furnishing food for reflection amid the ordinary labors and cares of life; thus whilst it is invaluable as a dispenser of useful knowledge, its assertions are but too often received without caution—its conclusions adopted without examination, and prejudices are instilled and principles inculcated into the minds of its readers, whose benefit effects are felt in every portion of the community.

To guard against these evils, should be the anxious desire of every conductor of a press, and I pledge myself at the outset to exercise the most watchful care that nothing shall appear in the columns of the Gazette calculated to prejudice the cause of virtue and sound morality, no matter how brilliant and attractive may be the style, how popular the subject or how great the genius or fame of its author. With a fixed and steady purpose to express no opinion which is not the deliberate and candid conviction of my own mind, and to give currency to no statement upon any subject which I do not honestly and sincerely believe to be true, I hope whatever may be my shortcomings in other regards, to retain your confidence and respect.

A Virginian by birth and education, and devotedly attached to my native soil, I shall zealously endeavor to aid in promoting all those measures which promise to amuse the slumbering energies of her people, and to place her in the proud position she is entitled to occupy with her sister States—among which I recognise a liberal yet judicious system of Internal Improvements and a plan of Common School Education, which will place the means of acquiring useful knowledge within the reach of all.

With regard to Federal politics, I can only say, that “according to the most straitest sect” of our political profession—I am a Whig. I am a Whig, not only because I consider the great measures of the 27^th Congress eminently calculated to promote the prosperity of the whole country, but because I regard the great body of the Whig party as being diametrically opposed to those radical and destructive principles, so alarmingly prevalent in some of the States of our confederacy, and which threaten, at no distant day, to destroy the fabric of our Union. There can be no doubt, that the time has come, when many of those, who, in 1844, were found in the ranks of our opponents, look upon the defeat of HENRY CLAY, as a great national calamity. They have seen the offices of the country distributed as spoils to the most abandoned and unprincipled of the votaries of the Administration.—They have seen the oft-rejected Sub-Treasury bill again forced upon the country, in defiance of the will of the people. They have seen the President of their choice, after recklessly declaring our right to the whole of Oregon to be “clear and unquestionable, ” and insisting that the national honor was pledged to maintain that right, compelled by friends and partizans to retract the ridiculous bravado which degraded the national character in the eyes of the world. They have seen the country plunged into a war of conquest, under the shallow pretence of “conquering a peace, ” with a nation notoriously destitute of the means of aggressive warfare. They have seen this war declared without the authority of Congress, and therefore in direct violation of the Constitution.—They have witnessed the blundering incapacity which has more than once placed our brave army in situations of extreme peril, from which nothing but the almost unexampled skill of our gallant Whig Generals and the intrepidity of their forces could have extricated them. They have witnessed the workings of that jealously which prompted the President and his advisers to endeavor to pluck the laurels from the brow of the gallant TAYLOR, and lastly they see that in the event of the successful termination of the war, the annexation of this conquered territory threatens to raise a question which will sever in twain our glorious confederacy.

For these reasons we cannot permit our selves to doubt, that at the first opportunity offered by the Constitution, the reckless and incompetent party which now holds possession of the Government, will be hurled from power by an indignant and injured people, and our national affairs committed to faithful hands. For this communication so “devoutly to be wished, ” it becomes every Whig to devote all the energies of his mind and strength, and for this purpose I invoke the “aid and comfort” of my political friends and brethren—at the same time pledging all the energies in the compass of my humble ability to the good work.

C. H. LEWIS.

[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p2c2 Words: 974

WHICH CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS.

We have the pleasure this morning of laying before our readers the proceedings of the Whig Congressional Convention which met at Winchester on the 19^th inst. It will be seen that their deliberations resulted in the nomination of ANTHONY KENNEDY, Esq., of Jefferson County, and who it will be seen by reference to the correspondence published in another column, has accepted the nomination. It is well known that Mr. FAULKNER was a decided favorite with the Whigs of “Old Berkeley, ” and we should have  been much pleased ourselves to have seen him the nominee of the Convention. But it would seem, from the remarks of Col. HUNTER, addressed to the Convention, that Mr. F. took a high and magnanimous stand in relations to the nomination—such a one precisely as might have been expected from him, by any one knowing him well. The remarks of. Col. HUNTER will attract the attention, and be read with admiration by all of Mr. FAULKNER’s friends, throughout this Congressional District, and indeed throughout the State. The writer of this article (the late Editor of the Gazette) has been intimately associated with Mr. F. in all of the political contests of the past few years, and has known well his views in relation to the Congressional nomination just made, and can therefore bear witness to the faithful representation of his views and feelings by Col. HUNTER. In this last act he has done, as he has ever done before, since his first entrance upon public life—acted upon high and honorable considerations.

We cannot pass by this opportunity of saying a word upon the course of that sterling and meritorious Whig, JOHN. S. GALLAHER, Esq., whose name was intimately connected with the nomination for Congress from this District. He had many warm and sincere friends in all parts of the District, who were urging his claims with great earnestness. But he preferred “not to be the means of heart-burnings or strife among friends of the same political faith, ” and therefore, in a spirit of magnanimity, cheerfully stepped forward and withdrew his name from the list of nominees. Mr. GALLAHER is a native of this County, and we can assure him the people of his “native land” have a warm heart for him, and have witnessed his onward career in life with pride and pleasure. Whenever an opportunity is offered to them, they will give him a strong manifestation of their regard.

But we must not occupy too much space this week, and therefore must come up to the point at once. The Convention in their wisdom have selected ANTHONY KENNEDY, Esq., as the standard bearer of the Whig cause in this Congressional District. Berkeley County responds cheerfully, cordially and enthusiastically to the nomination, and from all sections of it, as far as we have yet heard, the Whigs will use every exertion to give him a triumphant majority. That is all right. He is a gentleman in every respect worthy of the warmest support. His character, talents, business qualifications, and practical experience in life, render him peculiarly fit for a good Representative. The Whigs of the District could not have entrusted their cause into better and safer hands. He has been for a large portion of his life occupied in business—and in branches of business which has made him intimately acquainted with the working of that great system upon which the prosperity and greatness of this rapidly growing country so much depends—the Protective System.  He is a master of the subject—and that portion of our people in the Southern end of the County will not soon forget his noble defence of it made at Gerardstown during the Presidential Canvass of 1844. However, it is useless for us to dilate upon the subject, as no doubt Mr. K. will take an opportunity before the close of the canvass to give his views to the people of Berkeley upon his, the Mexican War, and all other great issues now occupying the public mind. He met Mr. BEDINGER at Charlestown on the 15^th inst., and sustained himself and his cause in a most triumphant manner, as we learn from many of those who were present.

Our candidate is well known to the people of the District, having served for several sessions in the House of Delegates of Virginia, as one of the Representatives of Jefferson County. He was regarded very highly by the members generally, as a most useful representative—the highest compliment we think that can be paid to any gentleman. It is the character that has made the name of ELISHA WHITTLESEY, of Ohio, illustrious throughout the country. It is the character of a man who is ready in debate, and speaks only when he has something to say, and knows how to work and be useful to his constituents and his country. Such, Whigs of Berkeley, is the character of the candidate before you—he is the kind of Representative you want, and we think we may safely assure the District “that you will give a good account of yourselves on election day.”  Let us take “a long pull, a strong pull and a pull altogether, ” and victory may crown our efforts. We are assured from all parts of the District that “the skies are bright, ” then let every man discharge his duty and his whole duty. Our candidate has an arduous field before him, and our opponents are marching a large force against him. They seem to place their confidence of success in their “Old numbers”—perhaps they will find many on “the sick list” when they come to feel the pulse. They laugh now and summons us as confidently as SANTA ANNA did Gen. TAYLOR at Agua Nueva to surrender; but let us tell them as “Old Zack” did “TO COME AND TAKE US.”
[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p2c3 Words: 697

ANTHONY KENNEDY, ESQ.

In the last week’s “Spirit of Jefferson, ” great injustice was done Mr. KENNEDY in quoting his remarks about the War. Mr. BEDINGER asked in his speech if any one would dare to denounce the War in that assembly; in reply, Mr. K., when noticing Mr. POLK’s course on the War, referred to his inconsistency, and then stated that if the War was commenced for mere conquest, as asserted by Mr. Bedinger in his Speech in Congress, (the declaration of the President to the contrary notwithstanding,) he then pronounced it unjust and unholy for a strong people to dismember and overcome a weak and distracted Nation.

THE FAIR.

We have been requested to call the attention of our readers to the annexed notice of the Ladies of Shepherdstown. We do so with great pleasure, and hope the laudable object in which they are engaged may be crowned with abundant success. We know that a Church is much needed, and as the Ladies offer more than a “quid pro quo” for every dollar expended at “the Fair, ” we hope they will find plenty of customers. They offer a good cause, plenty of nice eatables and drinkables, and we doubt not, for the benefit of the young gentlemen, plenty of bright eyes and smiling faces. The Democrats all being in favor of a tax upon tea and coffee for the purpose of raising revenue , will of course be there, and we hope the Whigs will lay aside “party” in this instance and vote with them:--

THE FAIR.

The Ladies of the Old School Presbyterian Church of Shepherdstown, will hold a Fair in the “Odd Fellows” hall, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 7^th and 8^th of April next. On each day a dinner and supper will be set, and refreshments may be had at any hour, for the purpose of raising money to aid in building a Church. All person interested or disposed to contribute in this way are respectfully invited to attend.

Shepherdstown, March 18, 1847.

Our thanks are due to our friends, Capt. PEYTON and Mr. VENABLE, for the handsome list of subscribers sent us from “old Augusta.”  We shall refer to this subject again.

The Legislature of Virginia is still in session. It has been engaged for the past few days, in arranging the items of the Tax Bill, and the passage of sundry local Internal Improvement Bills. We cannot say how soon it will adjourn.

Genl. JAMES IRVIN who some day since received the Whig nomination for Governor of Pensylvania, is represented to be the most able and influential man in the State, and will doubtless be elected. Success to him.

THE CONVENTION.

It will be observed that Col. E. P. HUNTER, of Berkeley withdrew the name of CHAS. JAS. FAULKNER from before the Whig Congressional Convention, soon after he had been placed in nomination by Mr. SHERRARD. The friends of this gentleman have exhibited a degree of magnanimity worthy of the highest commendation, and their prompt action has secured for Mr. FAULKNER many additional friends.

The name of JOHN S. GALLAHER, Esq. was not presented to the Convention, because of his positive declination through the medium of public prints, and by private letters to his friends.

The Convention was a perfect unit in the way of harmony—every delegate seemed to be impressed with the necessity of a united front—and not a remark was made, or a vote taken, but which aimed at the general good and prosperity of the noble Whig cause, which every man had espoused, and came prepared to support.

With the nominee, ANTHONY KENNEDY, Esq., of Jefferson, we are willing to trust the issue. He met Mr. BEDINGER on Monday last in Charlestown, and on that occasion acquitted himself handsomely—promising, that if allowed, he, Mr. K., would again meet Mr. B., “at Phillippi.”

And now, “booted and spurred, ” Mr. KENNEDY appears in the field, as the chosen champion of Whig principles, and will “loom” away as fast as the “weaver’s shuttle, ” and will “weave” up the speeches of Mr. B. so perfectly, that the people may see for themselves, that is indeed true that they lack the “fillin.”—Winchester Rep.
[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p3c1-2 Words: 1661

LATEST NEWS!

LATE FROM MEXICO.

Most important from Mexico.

LATE FROM THE ARMY.

BATTLE BETWEEN GENLS. TAYLOR AND SANTA ANNA.

5,000 Americans Opposed to 20,000 Mexicans!!

2,000 Americans and 4,000 Mexicans Slain!

FROM THE BALTIMORE SUN, EXTRA, MARCH 20.

A Great Battle at Saltillo—Santa Anna commanding in person—Four thousand five hundred of the Enemy, and two thousand Americans reported to have fallen—Gen. Taylor falling back on Monterey—Advance of Gen. Marshall to his Relief—Impression at Camargo of Santa Anna’s defeat—Capture by the Mexicans of large Escorts of Provisions, Munitions of War, &c.—Approach of Gen. Urea with four thousand men, to Matamoras, &c.

The schooner James & Samuel, Capt. SOMERS, arrived at New Orleans on the 12^th inst. from Brazos Santiago, having brought but a single letter, says the Picayune, and the gentleman who received that assures us that it contained no news whatsoever—was a mere letter of business. The schooners Napoleon, Exit and Cinderella were to sail the same day, and the Napoleon has the mail on board.

Capt. SOMERS reports that an express arrived at Brazos on the evening of the 4^th inst., with news that a Mexican force had passed Matamoras on the opposite side of the river on the 4^th. Although he conversed with the express rider he was unable to learn the number of Mexicans, or who commanded them

The Picayune says that since the above was received the schooner Cinderella (or Cinderella G. Scull, as she is called)has arrived, and by her we have a multiplicity of most alarming rumors, and in a shape more definite than any before received. If we were to believe half that is said, the Mexicans have fought Gen. TAYLOR at Agua Nueva, and drove him back through Saltillo and to the pass of the Rinconada.  But there is no authority given for such statements; they are founded confessedly upon contradictory flying reports. But even these reports are favorable to the prowess of Gen. TAYLOR and his troops. Rumor says he lost 2,000 men, but that the Mexicans lost more than 4,000 men, and the action is claimed as a victory for the American arms. But in this there must be gross exaggeration.

Among the passengers who came over in the Cinderella was an officer of the army, with whom we have had some conversation.  He confessed to us that he was entirely unable to inform us of what had occurred near Saltillo; he hardly knew himself whether to believe that any action had taken place or not. The rumors received at Matamoras and the Brazos were innumerable and conflicting. It was said that despatches as late as the 26^th of February had been received from Gen. TAYLOR’s camp, but this can scarcely be possible.

Communications between Monterey and Camargo has been completely cut off—so all the rumors say—and can only be opened again by a considerable force. Both Americans and Mexicans on the Rio Grande are in a state of great excitement and even alarm. The interruption of communications and the consequent uncertainty of intelligence, left all in a state of uncertainty the most painful. All hands were at work at Camargo and Brazos strengthening the works and throwing up new defences.

Just as the Cinderella was leaving the Brazos our informant learned that two Mexican spies had been taken there, but what disposition had been made he does not know.

To this gentleman we are indebted for a copy of the Matamoras Flag on the 3d. inst., that paper having been revived after a brief suspension. The Flag says the report of an action is fully credited in Matamoras, but our informant assures us that many officers of the army are yet totally incredulous in regard to it. Even the Flag is at a loss how far to believe in the generally accredited accounts. We deem it best to lay the Flag’s whole article before our readers that they may form their own judgment, but we cannot do so without expressing the hope and belief that the rumors in circulation are greatly exaggerated.

[From the Matamoras Flag, March 3d.]

Our town has been thrown into the most intense excitement by the reports constantly reaching here relative to the perilous situation of Gen. TAYLOR’s division of the army. They are so vague and confused that we hardly know how to commence an abstract even.—That a battle has been fought, no one here can doubt for a moment, but how it has resulted, or what dangers impend on the line of the Rio Grande, is enveloped in the most perplexing uncertainty. We give, however, what seems to be the best authenticated statement received here from the seat of hostilities.

Gen. TAYLOR, while at Agua Nueva, 22 miles from Saltillo, with 5000 men, was attacked, on the 22d ult., by a Mexican force of 15,000. Finding that he could not maintain his position, he made good his retreat to Saltillo, covering his wagon train. Here a severe engagement took place in the streets, in which the Mexicans suffered a heavy loss. After destroying what of the public stores he could not transport, he continued his retrograde movement on Monterey until he reached the Rinconada pass, where he was again attacked, but successfully defended himself. Here all the rumors, reports and letters leave him. Once in Monterey, and he would be safe, but his ability to accomplish this much was altogether problematical, as the Mexicans were swarming in every direction.

A merchant in Camargo, under the date of 25^th ult., writes to his friend in this place:  “Three expresses to-day from Monterey; fighting in Saltillo; Marin in Mexican possession; large train of wagons, 126, and 180 private mules taken; MCCULLOCH’s company taken; 8000 cavalry this side the mountains, and things in general turned upside down.”  From another source we learn that Col.. MORGAN had abandoned Cerralvo, destroyed all property he could not take with him, that a courier from Monterey reported at Camargo, 1500 Mexicans between the two places, and 8000 more were in the neighborhood of Victoria.

This much we cull from the mass of reports before us, without vouching for its correctness. The destination of several boats have been changed within the last few days on reaching this place, and one (the Troy) held in reserve at Camargo to convey despatches. All the wagon trains for other places have been stopped here and every one is on the qui vive.

We have strong confidence in Old Zach, and believe it almost impossible to whip him; but should harm befall his division of the army, the consequences to those who have left him with such slender resources will be terrible. We will suffer all the tortures of doubtful suspense until we hear something from our little army that can be relied upon.

The steamship New Orleans sailed from the Brazos on the 4ths inst. for her destination.—We presume that Mr. KENDALL must have written us ere his departure on the New Orleans, but if so his letters have not yet come to hand. There was a mail brought over on the Cinderella, but it was not sent to the Post Office for distribution last night. The Postmaster, Mr. PENN, was on the alert and used all his efforts to obtain a delivery of the mail, but without success.

We hear no more by this arrival of the Mexicans crossing the Rio Grande near Matamoras. It occurred, if at all, the day after the Flag was published.

Capt. HENRIE, who recently effected his escape in so gallant a manner from the Mexicans, has arrive at Matamoras, on his way to his home in Texas.

The 22d day of February was celebrated with great éclat at Matamoras. Salutes were fired from both sides of the river, balls were given, speeches made, and other national demonstrations of rejoicing took place.

Six companies of the Virginia Regiment have passed through Matamoras and gone up to Camargo. They will see service sooner than they desire. Col. HAMTRAMCK leaves this city to-day on the Telegraph, to join this battalion of his command. The other six companies of his regiment are now at [unreadable] on their way to the seat of war.

Many outrages and murders continue to be perpetuated in the vicinity of Matamoras. The body of a man, name unknown, apparently an American, was found a short distance below Fort Brown. The fragment of a lasso was around his neck, and he had nine knife wounds in his body.

On the 22d ult.—we derive the particulars from the Flag—Mr. GEO. CURRY, a discharged soldier, formerly belonging to the 8^th Infantry, was shot at a rancho a mile and a half above Fort Brown, by a man named KNOWLTON, who immediately fled. A reward of $50 has been offered by Col. DRAKE for apprehension of KNOWLTON, who is a carpenter by trade, and was, or had been, in the employ of the quartermaster, CURRY was a worthy man; he was wounded in the Florida campaign, fought at the battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May, and at Monterey, where he was again wounded. A large concourse followed him to the grave.

The last of the cases alluded to occurred on the 28^th ult.; in the public market place. The name of the man stabbed is CHAS. PICKENS, teamster in the quartermaster’s service. His murderer was promptly arrested and thrown into prison.

A young Mexican was arrested on the 2d inst. supposed to have been a spy. He endeavored to make his escape from his captors, was fired upon and killed. As he had previously borne a good character, the Flag fears he was unjustly suspected.

The New Orleans Delta says that they are informed that the Mexicans had no artillery.—TAYLOR had eighteen pieces of light artillery. Gen. TAYLOR lost, it is said, about 2,000 men, and the Mexicans about 4,000. TAYLOR had taken position at a mill pond, about three miles from Saltillo. Gen. MARSHALL had left Monterey with provisions and two 18-pounders, guarded by a strong escort, to join Gen. TAYLOR. The Mexicans about Camargo think SANTA ANNA has been badly whipped. Col. MORGAN, of the Ohio Volunteers, stationed at Cerralvo with a strong force, has been attacked and his force cut up all along the line of observation as far as Mier. Another report is, that MORGAN was slightly wounded and has retreated. Several of our trains and many mules with sutler’s goods, have been captured by the Mexicans URREA is on his way to Matamoras, with 4,000 cavalry.
[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p3c2 Words: 777

IMPORTANT FROM TAMPICO.

Embarkation of Troops against Vera Cruz—Sixty sail of Vessels with Troops—The grand attack to take place on the 10^th inst.

By the Pioneer, Capt. S. BROWN, which arrived at New Orleans on the 12^th inst., in seven days from Lobos Island, via. Tampico, have interesting and important news as to the embarkation of our troops for the demonstration that is to be made on the city and castle of Vera Cruz. On the 29^th ult., between 50 and 60 sail of vessels left Tampico and Lobos Island with troops and munitions of war of every description for the bombardment of Vera Cruz. Every vessel in the harbor—ships, barks, brigs, schooners and steamboats—in fact every vessel that could possibly carry men or arms, was enlisted into the service, and departed as soon as they could possibly be loaded. It was with great difficulty that the Pioneer got away, so anxious were the military authorities to impress her into the same service. Gen. SCOTT himself is reported to have said that the demonstration would be commenced on the 10^th inst., and this report was so generally believed at Tampico, when the Pioneer left, that it was not regarded as a mere rumor, but as a “fixed fact.”  We may therefore expect every day to hear news of the bombardment of that far-famed Mexican tower of strength, the Castle of San Juan de Ulua.

An extract of the Picayune furnishes the following additional intelligence from Tampico and the Island of Lobos:

All the troops which were at Lobos had gone on board ship, with the exception mentioned below. There were nearly eighty sail of vessels of all descriptions lying there, but they were to sail for Anton Lizardo on the 2d. inst.

The only troops left at Lobos were the companies on board the ship on which the small pox had appeared.

Gen. WORTH arrived at Lobos, on the Edith, on the 1^st inst., from Brazos. Gen. TWIGGS, arrived there two or three days previous.

Gen. PATTERSON was still at Tampico on the 3d inst. The steamship New Orleans arrived there on the morning of that day with Gen. JESSUP on board,

The Mississippi volunteers who were at Lobos (part of 2d Regiment) had sailed for Brazos. They are ordered to Monterey. Our informant thinks they sailed on the ship Ocean. They have suffered terribly from sickness, and are said to look miserable. The Louisiana Regiment, too, is said to have suffered much from sickness. On the other hand, the Pennsylvania and New York Regiments are said to be as fine looking a body of men as ever were seen.

The general depot established at Lobos is broken up. Nothing is to be left there but the few companies before alluded to.

Correspondence of the National Intelligencer.

NEW ORLEANS, March 15, 1847.

Messrs. Gales & Seaton :

I have but a few minutes for the way-mail. The city is full of rumors, said to be brought by vessels below, and one, which is generally credited, that Matamoras has been actually taken. I have ascertained, to my entire satisfaction, that such is not the case; at least, that no such advice now in the city, as I have seen a gentleman who left there on the 7^th, and there is nothing, and can be nothing later. He tells me it will be rather a difficult task to take it. He, however, further informs me that a letter was received there on the 4^th from Camargo, which states that pretty certain advices had been received of the capture of Col. MORGAN’s command, and that Gen. URREA was between Monterey and the pass of Rinconada with 6,000 cavalry, who had cut off gen. TAYLOR from retreating on Monterey. That there was no doubt there had been a severe battle, and the belief was that Gen. T. had abandoned Saltillo and fallen back on the pass. Nothing, as you will see, positive; but the prospects are by no means brighter for the gallant TAYLOR.

The public property and stores on the Rio Grande, at the Brasos, Matamoros, and Camargo, it is said, amount to six or seven millions of dollars, besides immense quantities of private merchandise; and for the protection o fthis line there probably from fifteen to eighteen hundred men, scattered in detachments, the strongest of which does not exceed 700!  I have no time for comments.

The Senate of this State have just unanimously passed a resolution authorising the Governor to raise any number of volunteers that may be called for. The House will no doubt concur.

I have just seen Capt. HENRIE, who left Saltillo (he thinks) on the 23d, and he expresses the opinion that Gen. TAYLOR is almost beyond a doubt cut off. We hope for better things.
[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p3c2-3 Words: 103

From the New Orleans Bulletin of the 15^th.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT!

His excellency ISAAC JOHNSON, Governor of Louisiana, received yesterday a letter from Col. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, of the Ohio Volunteers, commanding at Camargo, making a requisition upon this State for ten thousand men. The object of securing these troops is to garrison the posts at Brazos, point Isabel, Matamoras, and Camargo, and reinforce Gen. TAYLOR, who at the last dates was in an extremely critical condition. The Governor expresses his readiness, with his accustomed patriotic fervor, “to pull off his coat and go to work to raise volunteers, and he hopes all good citizens will aid him.”  This hope he will assuredly realize.
[HCH]

Thursday, March 25, 1847, MG47v48n4p3c3 Words: 153

From an Officer of the Virginia Volunteers.

A friend has furnished us with the following extract from a letter (says the Richmond Times, from an officer in Capt. CARRINGTON’s company—dated “steamer Hatchie Eagle, ” on the Rio Grande, Feb. 27, 1847:

“We have met several steamers from Camargo, with important news. Gen. TAYLOR has been fighting at Saltillo for several days, and was still in action when the last express came in. Camargo is expected daily to be attacked. It may be before we get there. The whole force of the enemy about Saltillo and Camargo is 25,000. Gen. TAYLOR had twice driven them back, but he was in imminent danger. We are within one day’s sail of Camargo, lying for the night on the Texan side of the Rio Grande. It is thought they will give us a brush before we get up the river.—We are not well prepared for them; but will do the best we can.”
[HCH]

MG47v48n10p1c1, Thursday, May 6, 1847.

POETICAL

Rough and Ready

The soldier’s story
in the trench at Vera Cruz,
A group of soldiers lay,
Weary and worn with working
At the guns the live long day,
Their faces were begrimed with sand
And soot from shot and shell
Exploding in the crumbling earth
For last the missiles fell.

Yet cheerily they chatted,
For their hearts with hope beat high,
And they knew the hour of victory
Was surely drawing nigh.-
There came a war worn soldier,
To mingle with the rest-
They bade him welcome to their cheer
And gave him of the best.

He’d served with Gen. Taylor
And they asked him of the man
Who first and last had led the way
To victory in the van;
On the winding Rio Grande
On the 8^th and 9^th of May
Through Buena Vista earnage
And the storm of Monterey.

“I knew him first, ” the soldier said,
“Among the Everglades,
when we gave the savage red skins
our bayonets and our blades.
I think I hear his cheerful voice:
“On! Column! Steady! Steady!”
So hardy and so prompt was he
We called him Rough and Ready.

“He rode upon an old white horse,
And wore a brown surtout-
But oftener, when the ground was deep,
He trudged with us, on foot
The man from whose canteen he drank,
We envied and thought lucky;
He had the brave and kind good heart
That honored old Kentucky

“By wounds outworn, I felt the field;
But when a new campaign
Against another foe commenced,
I joined the ranks again.
fan alive, boys once again
To hear the sabre’s clank.
To see old Rough and Ready ride
His white horse on our flank.

“At Palo Alto, comrades, there
Have gave us work to do,
And o’er La Palma’s sulphury smoke
His flag triumphant flew.
When from the fire his aid-de-camp
Would have the chief retire,
Old Rough and Ready merely said,
‘We’ll ride a little nigher.’

“You should have seen the brave old by
In the streets of Monterey-
When the cannon swept the plaza,
How he sternly stood at bay.
When shell, and grape, and cannon hall
On their deadly errand went:-
The General seemed a man of steel,
And tire his element.

“And if a wounded soldier
In the streets of Monterey,
Or friend or foe looked up to him
Imploring, whence he lay,
He stooped to wipe the drops of pain,
That dimmed from his own canteen
A drink – I see him now.

At red Buena Vista
My part I could not bear –
But they tell me that the brown surt out
And old white horse were there.
And well do I believe it,
For the foe stood four to one,
And without old Rough and Ready
How had the fight been won!

“I’ve worn the sargent’s chevron
And I may wear it yet-
But old Rough and Ready tells me
I shall wear the epaulette-
But in the ranks or out of them,
To him I’ll prove a steady
And as long as I’ve a tongue to talk
Speak out for Rough and Ready!”

So spake the war worn soldier
To his comrades as they lay
Beneath the breastwork, where they’d served
The guns the livelong day.
And their sleepiness and weariness
It fairly chased away
When the Rio Grande’s hero
Spoke the man from Monterey.

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MG47v48n10p1c2, Thursday May 6, 1847.

LETTER FROM WADDY THOMPSON, ESQ.

Greenville, April 8, 1847.

GENTLEMEN: In the articles which were published in your paper I only designed to point out some of the difficulties which would be presented in a further prosecution of a war of invasion, and in the conclusion very briefly suggested what I regarded as the only plan of conducting the war with any hope of favorable results –the occupation by a line of military poets of such portions of the Mexican territory as it is our purpose to retain. I then thought and still think, that every consideration of policy, of honor, and of honesty would restrict this line to the Rio Grande. I do not believe that out of our country an impartial tribunal could be organized in the world which would not instantly reject our claim of title to the country between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, and therefore, I would not even take that, but certainly no rood of land beyond it. There are other considerations which would induce me to reject any further acquisition of territory, even if it was tendered to us; and that id, that slavery will never exist in any States beyond it. There are other considerations which would induce me to reject any further acquisition of territory, even if it was tendered to us; and that is, that slavery will never exist in any States beyond the Rio Grande, whether restricted or not by Congressional legislation. Slavery is forever prohibited there by laws more fixed and unchangeable than legislative enactments, for they may be repealed; slavery there will be worse than unprofitable.

I have never suggested, and do not approve of, the expedition to Vera Cruz, with the view of collection duties there after it is our possession. The cost of the expedition and of keeping up a sufficient garrison will be twenty times as much as the amount received from duties; to say nothing of the enormous waste of human life. When I learned that the collection of duties at Vera Cruz was a favorite plan of the Administration, I suggested to you, and more than one member of the Cabinet, other modes of accomplishing the same object, which I though were preferable.

First, that by which Gen. Jackson checkmate South Carolina nullifications by the establishment of a floating custom house. Two men of war in front of Vera Cruz would be all sufficient for this purpose. If we have the right to blockade, we have the right to relax the blockade, provided the conditions enforced operate equally on all nations. Such a measure would not be objected to by any nation, for would be favorable to the commerce of all.

Secondly, by the establishment of custom houses at Tampico and Matamoras, and the blockade of the other ports on the Gulf. The distance of the other ports on the Gulf. The distance from Tampico to Mexico is the same as from Vera Cruz by blockade will throw its commerce into Tampico, as damming up one branch of a creek throws all the water into the channel. We had possession of Tampico, and it is a much more healthy and eligible position.

I do not think that any considerable amount will be realized by this measure. One thing is altogether certain, that merchandize landed at Vera Cruz will not pass into the interior to any considerable extent, without the connivance of the Government of Mexico. There is but one road from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, and, for much the larger part of the route, no other practicable pasaway. There is but one road from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, and, for much the larger part of the route, no other practicable passway. The road is cut through and over lofty and rugged mountains. The rough and often precipitous ground on both sides, covered with the countless varieties of the prickly pear, is literally impassable. There are military stations all along the route, and two large cities and many small towns to pass through. One of these, Faeba, where it may almost be said that all the manufactories of Mexico are concentrated. Is it to be expected that merchandize can be transported on this route without being seized and forfeited? If this be true, how ridiculously absurd is the idea which has been suggested, of imposing duties on the sixty articles the importation of which has always been prohibited by the Mexican tariff, to suppose that they will relax their prohibitory system for us, when no exigency of their own has ever induced them to do it? If the Government of Mexico sanctions the reception of goods upon which we have received duties, it should admonish us to hesitate to adopt a measure so agreeable to them. Mexico would only do this from pressing and absolute necessity. If such necessity should exist, we should certainly derive more benefit from it in coercing a peace than the small amount received for duties would be worth to us. The comparatively low rate of duties which it is proposed to charge would leave foreign merchandize subject to another Mexican tariff of an equal or even greater amount, and the aggregate of the two would be still a lower tariff than the Mexicans are accustomed to. They would derive as much money from the measure as we should, and one dollar is worth more to them than ten is to us. I have little doubt that this will turn out another one of those blunders of which the Administration has made so many –resulting as I believe, from want of accurate information as to the character of the Mexican people, the situation and circumstances of the country, and a reliance for this information upon persons in every way unworthy of confidence. My object In writing to you was principally to correct the misapprehension that I had advised this expedition to Vera Cruz. Allow me to say a word on another branch of the subject.

Every Body is tired of this war and anxious for peace; not so much for treaty of peace as for actual peace: not a treaty of peace as for actual war, but actual peace, with or without a treaty. The plan which I have therefore suggested (and I only claim the credit of being the first to indicate it) will, beyond a doubt, give us this peace. What are the evils of war? Carnage, expenditure of money, and the deprivation of Mexican commerce. With a line of post garrisoned with fifteen or twenty thousand men (and our regular army numbers twenty five thousand,) does any one man alive suppose that Mexico will ever assail that line? The last rally has been a spasmodic effort, produced by the invasion of their country –as the most timid bird will defend its nest; but it would be nothing less that impossible to raise an march a Mexican army of fifty thousand men to the Rio Grande. There will then be no more fighting, no more bloodshed, no more expense, as our regular army will man the post fighting, and that army must be supported somewhere, and we have no use for it any where else. Then as to the third and last: deprivation of Mexican commerce. What has been the amount of that commerce for the last twelve years? Not an annual average of one million of dollars. A fair mercantile profit on that of ten per cent would be $100,000. That is the most that we should lose. But will we lose that? With a line of frontier of five hundred miles, does any one doubt that ten times the amount of merchandise would be carried on across that line as by regular importation, and by the very same process by which it is proposed to introduce it by way of Vera Cruz.

It is thus in our power at one to put an end to this most unnecessary and deplorable war, and every consideration which should have infinence upon honorable men demands that we should do so. The national honor never required the war. The honor of this country require a war with Mexico! No view of national interest justifies its further prosecution upon a feeble, vanquished, but gallant enemy. Glorious as has been and always will be the achievements of our arms, the shout of victory is not unaccompanied with the sobbings of grief and the agony of many a stricken and broken heart. Who that has a heart that does not feel it beat in deep sympathy with the illustrious patriotic of Ashland for the loss of his gallant and heroic son!

Terrible is the responsibility of those who have it in their power to stop the effusion of blood and who do it not. I will not say that solemnly declare that, in like circumstances myself, I should feel that I did.

Very truly, your friend, &c.
WADDY THOMPSON.

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MG47v48n10p1c3, Thursday May 6, 1847.

MR. CLAY’S BEREAVEMENT.

Mr. Clay left the city of New Orleans about the time it was understood here that a collision would certainly take place between SANTA ANNA and Gen. TAYLOR. He was convinced in his own mind that the meeting would be a sanguinary one, and the exulting anticipations of a triumph which as a patriot he predicted for the American arms were qualified by the solicitude of a father who realized the probability that a victory had cost him a son. His spirits were evidently depressed by foreboding which the sequel but too mournfully justified and when speaking of the confidence he had in the skill and courage of Gen. Taylor, and deducing there form results of pregnant glory, the shadow of “coming events” would flit across his brow in token of a presage of evil to himself, which has sunk deep into his heart and wreatled there with the hope which promises such great things for his country.

It was but natural that, approaching home and mingling with the associates of his early years, he should shake off for a time the weight that pressed heavily upon him; that amid the greetings of the friends and the welcome of a whole city, he should not betray the prophetic dread which haunted his breast. Had those who speak of his “fine spirits” but scanned the noble aspect of the time worn statesman with closer scrutiny, they would have seen that a fixed sorrow lurked like a rebel in his secret soul. It was so here, and whithersoever he might go there went along with him a presentiment of calamity.

He remained in Louisville but a few hours; this was not his wont. He felt too surely that the angel of death had been dealing with his household; he felt the winnowing of his sable wings upon his head and hastened straightway to get his house in order. Fast upon his heels sped the mournful tidings; scarcely would have leave a city before the people would shout over the crowning victory of the war. Rejoicing multitudes were no companions for him; he went his way where an aged matron, cheered by the prattle of little children, busied herself with the great toil of household affairs.

This was the partner of his bosom, and these the children of his children. They were orphans (some of them) in happy ignorance of what had befallen them. It was fit that amid this circle he should realize his fears. –Nor should the fatal news smile that venerable matron and he not there. Together they met the herald of woe; and whilst every object that met their eyes reminded them of their loss –though a vacant chair recalled the memory of one gone forever, and trifles of little worth teemed with traditions that filled high the cup of bitterness –yet the confidence of years of mutual reliance of love confronted the messenger at the door-way, who entered the house of prayer and resignation as he crossed the portal of the house of mourning.

The people of Lexington in their rejoicings over the victory of Buena Vista did not forget that hardly there was a hearth made desolate in achieving it. The courts adjourned in silence; and grief mingle in the applause of the populace, as gilded drops of rain are shed from skies all radiant with the summer’s sun.

The son was worthy of his sire. He was a man of lofty impulses, of a noble nature, a pure generosity and manly accomplishments. His last words were of him. When he was shot down a second time he drew a brack of pistols from his belt, handed them to Capt. Cutter and requested him to deliver them to his father, with his message “Say to him that he gave them to me and that I have done all that I can with them and now return them to him.” Here the enemy came thick around him, and these were the last words he was heard to utter. Ha has gone to swell the list of immortality. The purchase of glory is the blood of the brave. –N. Orleans Picayune.
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MG47v48n10p1c3, Thursday May 6, 1847.

A writer in the Enquirer warns the young men to be careful how they unite the Whig party in condemning the war with Mexico, and points to the fate of the men who in 1812 opposed the war in order to alarm them. He must suppose those whom he addressed to be very verdant as well as very young, if he expects to succeed, by such a ruse, in detaching them from the Whig ranks. We have many illustrious examples now before our eyes, that even opposition to the JUST and NECESSARY WAR of 1812, constitute no impediment to the attainment of the highest political honors and distinction. James Buchanan was an opponent of the war of 1812, and a bitter reviler of the Republican Administration of the virtuous Chief Magistrate in pursuance of whose recommendation it was constitutionally declared by Congress –and he is Mr. Polk’s Secretary of State! Roger B. Taney opposed that war; and he is now Chief Justice of the United States, by the appointment of the founder of the Modern Democratic school! Louis Mc Lane opposed the war and he has just returned from an embassy to Great Britain, to which Geo. Bancroft, another of its opponents, has been sent as his successor; while Richard Rush, also an opponent of the war, has been appointed Minister to France! Henry Hubbard, of New Hampshire, was not only an opponent of the war, but one of the chief instigators of the HARTFORD CONVENTION –and he his now Mr. Polk’s Sub Treasurer in the city of Boston –an office bestowed upon him doubtless in consideration of the fact that he was the “fortunate man, ” who, in the Baltimore Convention of 1844, nominated the aforesaid Mr. Polk for he Presidency! This list might be extended; but let these examples suffice; to show that even so flagrant a sin as opposition to a just and righteous and constitutionally declared war, may be forgiven, and even rewarded, for after services!
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MG47v48n10p1c4, Thursday May 6, 1847.

Negotiations for peace.

Intimations, in letters from Washington, are very frequent and apparently not without authenticity, that the new proposal of peace has been forwarded, by our Government to Mexico. The chief clerk of the State Department, Mr. Trist, is supposed to be the bearer of the overture.

The terms of this proposal, as indicated by report, are so exacting as to render their acceptance by Mexico rather doubtful. For example, it is given out that our line of boundary is to run as far south as Parras, including all of New York and upper California, all of Chihuahua, all of Sonora, and parts of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Durango and lower California. Why not go to the Sierra Madre at once?

The line of the Rio Grande as gar as the Passo del Norte, and thence to some point on the Pacific which would give us the harbor of San Francisco, would be a line which Mexico might be disposed to conclude an adjustment a protraction of the war is likely enough.

The idea of annexing an inhabited territory, occupied and cultivated by a foreign people –foreign language and race, in habits, usages and associations –is as repugnant to the wishes of our people, we believe, as it certainly adverse to the spirit of our institutions. A hostile population incorporated into our political system against their will –the thing upon the very face of it is at war with all the principles upon which our Union and its institutions of republican self-government are founded.

To extend annexation, then, across the Rio Grande, at this time, would, evidently, be premature. The country beyond would have to be governed by military occupation, by force; we should have send to Chihuahua, and other places, Governors with pro-consular authority –a beautiful illustration of freedom!

In speaking on this subject of annexation one should look at the tendencies of things, and without insisting on the preferences must regard the inevitable. To many the whole business of annexation is displeasing. But if we cannot have things as we would wish, we must take them as they are, and be prepare for what is to come.

In expressing the belief, then, that annexation beyond the Rio Grande would be premature at this time, the intimation is undoubtedly implied that it would not be unseasonable at some period hereafter. Wll; that is our meaning. And the reason is that the northern States of Mexico, lying between the Rio Grande and the Sierra Madre, must in due course of time become so Americanized that annexation will come of their own motion; they will seek it –insist on it –and will it not be affected?

The conclusion of the present war will leave many elements of Anglo Saxonism in that part of Mexico. Matamoros and Camargo, Monterey , Saltillo and Chihuahua, occupied by our troops, will retain not only the effects of the occupancy in an increased activity and enterprise, infused by our contact and example, but they will have also many American residents who will settle permanently there. –When peace is established there will be immigration to those salubrious regions, where a delightful climate prevails throughout the year. Thus will the ties of affiliation grow up and strengthen between that portion of Mexico and our Union; and thus annexation may naturally follow.

The unity of the valley of the Rio Grande, in a geographical point of view, would require in the end, the conjunction of that part which extends to the Sierra Madre. Beyond that bold and rugged chain of mountains new geological configurations extend, having their own affinities. The compact portion of Mexico, with its special individuality as a nation, is found beyond the Sierra Madre. The Northern departments have every hung loosely as appendages of the body politic rather than as part and parcel of it. The central government has always found itself unable to defend them from the hostile savages.

Viewing annexation as a progress, which, having once started, must go on until some terminus is reached where its progressive impulse may be exhausted, or where it will meet with reactive barriers that must stop its further advance, we confess a solicitude to avoid all occasion for additional war and violence in the course of the inevitable tendency.

Let us allow Time to work for us, instead of the sword. The war spirit is now satiated, sick. The nation applauds the achievements of its brave soldiers, and is filled with admiration at their heroism, while a shudder of repugnance is felt at the necessity which causes the slaughter of miserable Mexicans, defending their soil from invasion and their homes from the intrusion of a foe. –Baltimore American. April 26.
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MG47v48n10p2c3, Thursday May 6, 1847.

THANKS TO GEN. TAYLOR BY MASSACHUSETTS.

The Legislature of the state of Massachusetts brought its annual session to a close on Monday last.

On the Saturday preceding a series of resolutions were passed deprecating the existing war with Mexico, and condemning the manner in which the country became involved in it.

MR. HAYDEN, of Boston, then asked and obtained leave to introduce the following resolutions:

Rosolves tendering the thanks of the Legislature of Massachusetts to Gen Taylor, his Officers and Mex.

MG47v48n11p1c2, Thursday, May 13, 1847

A SEVERE HIT. –At locofoco meeting recently held in Columbus, Mississippi, the following was among the resolutions adopted:

“Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress have faithfully done their duty, and we hereby tender them our cordial approbation and congratulation: Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as an approval of the course pursued by Hon. Jacob Thompson on the resolutions of thanks by Congress to Gen. Zachary Taylor.”

This is a sever but just retort upon the “distinguished” member for Mississippi, who undertook to pronounce judgment, ex cathedra, during the last session of Congress, upon the military skill of Gen. Taylor, and who, when resolutions of thanks to that distinguished officer was pending, threw in that famous proviso, declaring that the said resolution of thanks was not to be construed as an expression of approval of the capitulation and armistice at Monterey! Mr. Thompson and his co-laborer in the work of defamation, Mr. Ficklin of Illinois, have been silenced by subsequent events. Indeed, all the defamers of the old Hero have been converted into his eulogists –and we imagine that even the correspondent of the Washington Union, who so boldly pronounced the capitulation and armistice “THE GREAT BLUNDER OD THE CAMPAIGN, ” wishes that he had never seen so imprudent as to “draw pen from standish.” –Every body huzzas for Old Zach now! –Whig.
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MG47v48n11p1c4, Thursday May 13, 1847.

Trophies of War

The Trophies of War are thus described in a letter from Vera Cruz, to the Auburn Advertiser. The writer presents truly, and without exaggeration, one of those scenes in the progress of War which Gen Taylor says is “enough to fill the whole land with mourning:”

Never had beheld such a destruction of property. Scarcely a house did I pass that did not show some great rent made by the bursting of our bomb shells. At most every house did I pass that did not show some great rent made by the bursting of our bomb shells. At almost every house at which I passed to examine the destruction occasioned by these dreadful messengers of death, some one of the family (if the house did not happened to be deserted) would come to the door and, inviting me to enter, point out her property destroyed, and, with pitiful sigh exclaim “La bomba! La bomba!” My heart ached for the poor creatures.

During my peregrinations, I came to a lofty and noble mansion in which a terrible bomb had exploded, and laid the whole front of the house in ruins. While I was examining the awful havoc created, a beautiful girl of some seventeen came to the door and invited me into the house. She pointed to the furniture of the mansion torn into fragments, and the piles of rubbish lying around, and informed me, with her beautiful eyes filed with tears, that the bomb had destroyed her father, mother, brother, and two little sisters, and that she was now left in the world alone! O war! War! –who can tell thy horrors? Who can picture thy deformities?

During the afternoon I visited the hospital. Here lay upon truckle beds the mangled creatures who had been wounded during the bombardment. In one corner was a poor decrepit, bed ridden woman, her head white with the sorrows of seventy years. One of her withered arms had been blow off by a fragment of a shell. In another place might be seen mangle creatures of both sexes, bruised and disfigured by the falling of the houses, and bursting of the shells. On the stone floor lay a little child in a complete state of nudity, with one of its poor legs cut off just above the knee! The apartment has fined with flies, that seemed to delight in the agonies of the miserable creatures over which they hovered and the moans were heard-rendering.

I went about from cot to cot, and attempted to condole with the suffers, by whom I was invariably greeted with a kind smile. –Not even this abode of wretchedness had been exempt from the accursed scourge of war. –A bomb had descended trough the roof, and after landing on the floor, exploded, sending some twenty already mangled wretches to the “sleep that knows no waking”.

In the course of the afternoon the army took possession of the city of Vera Cruz, and the streets were thronged with our troops. After visiting every thing worthy of rote, at sunset I returned on board, having received a lesson in the horrors of war which I mall not soon forget.
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MG47v48n11p2c2, Thursday May 14, 1847.

Henry Clay and Zac. Taylor

The mention of Gen. Taylor same in connection with the Presidency, seems to have revived in the hearts of the Democrats the most ardent affection and regard for the illusions “Harry of the West” Yes, they tell us, “this is the way in which Henry Clay is deserted by his friends; they want a more available candidate. All the talents and services of Clay are at once forgotten, for the new military idol they are falling down to worship.”

Such are, in substance, the comments of the devotees of Polk, as they behold, and inwardly tremble at the manifestations of popular affection for the Hero of the Rio Grande. Just so they talked when Harrison was the Whig candidate. Henry Clay has been deserted then! The noble old fellow had been cast aside for a “superannuated granny.” –As splendid statesman was forced from the track to make room for a “petticoat hero.” –The Whigs are deserting Clay! They have no occasion for magnificent talents like his! All they want is an “available candidate!” –Such was then the hypocritical whining or a crocodile press, and such is the name to which they are pitching their melodious voices now.

Well, the campaign was fought. The “available candidate” proved himself a nag of the very fleetest kind, and so completely distanced “Kinderhook, ” that his proprietors have condemned him to pass the reminder of this days in the green pastures of his native county. Four years passed away. The deserted Henry Clay was the Whig candidate, and from Maine to Texas, his “faithless friends” rallied in a solid phalanx, and begirt him with hearts as warm and true as ever beat with love and loyalty to mortal man. Where were his Democratic sympathizers then? –Where their admiration of his illustrious statesmanship? Where their tributes to his patriotic and chivalrous spirit? Do they recollect that contest, that memorable year, in which from morn to night, from day to day, from mouth to mouth, a party press hunted him down with the most unscrupulous and malignant personal assaults and traductions ever employed against an American statesman? Do they remember the story of “bargain and corruption”, the outcries of the “debauchee, ” “gambler, ” “duellist?” If they have forgotten them, the recollection has not passed from the minds of the American people. –History will record them with her impartial pen upon enduring tablets. Let them be content with the victory they have achieved, and forbear from adding to the mountain of wrongs which they have piled upon his head, the insults of their affected sympathy for his fate.

No doubt, these triumphant hunters would like another opportunity of hurling their shafts, steeped in poison, at the same illustrious object which afforded them a target in 1844. –Let Henry Clay be brought forward, and we should see them in full cry again. Then, all their sympathies would be with “Old Zack.” We beg them to rest easy, and bow gracefully to their lords and masters, the People. –They need to be disturbed lest the Whigs should forget Henry Clay. He has too often exhibited his reverence for the popular will to indulge envy at any flavors which his country may bestow upon another of her sons. –Office is only valuable in his eyes as it affords the means of establishing those principles with the success of which he believes the prosperity and happiness of his country indissolubly identified. We need not to say how heartily we should rejoice to see him in the Presidency. But our joy would be for his country rather than himself. The addition of “His Excellency” could never increase the claims to immortality of that simple and sublime name, “HENRY CLAY.” Speak that name, and wherever genius, eloquence, statesmanship and patriotism are reverenced, the chords of every human heart will leap to music at the sound. Write it upon his monument, and it will need no other epitaph, to make his memory eternal, and bring a nation, as mourning pilgrims, to his shrine.

In truth, if personal attachment could dictate our courage in regard to a candidate for the Presidency, we would be glad to see Henry Clay the Whig standard barer from now till the day of his death, even should he live to the age of Methuselah. But he himself, uninfluenced by any selfish ambition, desires the triumph of the cause above that of any individual. If, therefore, the people indicate their wish to establish his principles in the person of one whose illustrious claims upon public gratitude have been requited with indifference and insult by the government, none will yield more readily to their decision than Henry Clay, even supposing we do not believe that he would consent upon any terms to be a candidate for the next Presidency. Our administration friends may as well prepare themselves, first as last, to uncork the vials of their wrath upon the head of the Hero of the Rio Grande. They may find him a more dangerous customer than Gen. Harrison. –The old charges of cowardice and granyism cannot be even pretended against him. The petticoat banner must be suffered to sleep in its inglorious grave. As a candidate, he will be invulnerable. As a President, his sagacity and firmness will laugh to scorn the frowns or the seductions of political intriguers. And deeply as we may regret the loss of Henry Clay from the councils of his country, we may, in the election of General Taylor, adopt the language of a great Irish orator, and declare that the loss of Clay “would have been irreparable, but that, like the alternate luster of the twin constellations, when he sank beneath the horizon, he left a brother luminary to irradiate the hemisphere. –Richmond Republican.
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MG47v48n11p2c3, Thursday May 13, 1847. The Volunteers in Mexico.

–From all that we can learn the Washington “Union” will be grievously disappointed in respect to the renewal of their engagements by many of the volunteers. Whose term of service is about to expire. It is not supposed here that a single regiment can be formed out of all the twelve months’ men now in Mexico. The volunteers who won the glorious battle of Buena Vista are their way home. One of the Kentucky regiments is already at the Brazos. Col. Jefferson Davis’s regiment will soon be there and the Illinois and Indiana troops will soon follow. We learn from officers and men that there is no disposition to re enlist. The accounts from Gen. Scott’s column are no more satisfactory. The determination to return home, as soon as their enlistments expire is universal. The officers are as little desirous as the men of remaining the service; so that Gen. Taylor’s Buena Vista army, with the exception of a few regulars, and a large portion of Gen. Scott’s will shortly leave the field.

The reason for this universal desire to quit the service has been explained to us. The men of Monterey and Buena Vista assert, and with good reason, that the laurels that have been won by them garnered by the Government to decorate other brows. They say, and with truth, that no valor, no sacrifice, no victories of theirs, can ensure their promotion or protect them against being over sloughed by inexperienced officers, and subjected to the command of political appointees. They point to the miserable remnants of regiments which they led to the army with well-filled ranks and swelling aspirations, in token of the hardships they have suffered and the perils they have encountered, and then refer to the army register to see how such services are rewarded. –They feel that the qualities which they have exhibited in front of blazing batteries are not the ones which ensure rank, and they retire to possess them.

The second Kentucky regiment will return without its Colonel or Lieutenant-Colonel; the first Mississippi will bring home its Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel upon litters; the Illinois troop leave the gallant Hardin where he fell; and col. Yell comes back no more at the head of the men from Arkansas. These noble regiments have melted away under the severities of a campaign in which, if they have not won the lasting gratitude of their country men, they have won nothing. –N. O. Pic. April 27.
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MG47v48n11p2c4, Thursday May 13, 1847.

LATE FROM MEXICO.
IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE
ANOTHER GLORIOUS VICTORY!!!
Battle of Cerro Gordo.

Santa Anna again Defeated in a Pitched Battle by Gen. Scott –Six Thousand Mexicans taken Prisoners. –Five Hundred Americans Killed and Wounded –Gen. La Vega again a Prisoner.

PLAN DEL RIO, April 17 –11 A. M.

The division of Gen. Twiggs started two hours since, and a heavy cannonade has already commenced upon his line from the farthest of the Mexican works. At intervals, too, the rattling of small arms can be heard distinctly from the Drago camp where I am writing this. I am going out, with Cols. Duncan and Bohlan and Capt Pemberton, to the seat of action, and will return here tonight, to report progress of the fight. It was not intended, I believe that Gen. Twiggs should open the fight today, at least to bring on a general action, and it is therefore presumable the Mexicans have commenced upon him. I write in great haste. G.W.L.

5 P.M. –I have just returned from the scene of conflict, and a bloody one it has been considering the number engaged. A hill this side of the farthest Mexican work, and on which there was no one seen last evening, was found occupied by the enemy’s light troops this morning, and to force it was at once deemed indispensable. For this purpose the Rifles under Major Summer, besides detachments of artillery and infantry, were ordered to charge up the rugged ascent. This they did in gallant style, driving the Mexicans, after a resistance which may be put down almost obstinate. Great numbers of the enemy were killed, while on our side the loss was also very severe. Major Sumner was shot in the head by a musket ball –severely but not mortally: Lieut. Moury and Gibbs, of the Rifles, were also wounded, but not as severely as was also Lieut. Jarvis of the 2d Infantry. I could not learn that any of our side, in killed and wounded, is estimated at about one hundred; but from the nature of the ground –broken, covered with brush and thick chaparal, and extremely uneven –it is impossible to tell with accuracy. Nor can I, at this time give even the names of the officers who were immediately engaged.

About 3 o’clock the enemy made a demonstration from the fork on the neighboring height to the one our men had captured, as if with the intention of retaking it; but it all ended in marching down the hill, blowing a most terrific charge on their trumpets, firing a few shots, and then retiring. Their appearance, as they came down the slope, was certainly most imposing. The cannon on the height mean while kept up a continuous fire upon Gen. Twigg’s lines, yet doing but little execution other than cutting down the trees and brush. As we returned to camp, the fierce still continued –the enemy had evidently ascertained the position of the road, which had just been cut, with accuracy, but their balls principally went over.

Gen. Shields, at 3 o’clock, was ordered out to support Gen. Twiggs, with three regiments of volunteers –two from Illinois under Cols. Baker and Barnett. They will have warm work tomorrow, if Mexicans stand up as they did today.

There has been not a little skirmishing today between the forage and beef parties sent out in the rear, and the rancheros. One Illinois man was killed, and one of the same regiments and a Tennesseean wounded. I could not learn their names.

Tomorrow the grand attack, both upon the front and rear of the enemy, is to be made. –Gen. Worth is to move at sunrise, and little peace will the Mexicans have for the twenty-fours at least.

If possible I shall report and send off the progress of the conflict, although one has little time or convenience in the chapparel for writing. G. W. K.

CAMP NEAR PLAN DEL RIO,

Yours,
G. W. K.

CAMP AT PLAN DEL RIO.
April 19, 1847 –forenoon

Plan del Rio, April 17, 1847.

The enemy’s whole line of entrenchments and batteries will be attacked in front, and at the same time turned, early in the day tomorrow –probably before 10 o’clock, A. M.

The second (Twigg’s) division of regulars is already advanced within easy turning distance towards the enemy’s left. That division has instructions to move forward before daylight tomorrow and take up position across the National Road in the enemy’s rear so as to cut off a retreat towards Xalapa.

It may be reinforced today, if unexpectedly attacked in force, by regiments –one or two taken from Shield’s brigade of volunteers. If not, the two volunteer regiments will march for that purpose at daylight tomorrow morning, under Brig. Gen. Shields, who will report or the general in chief, if be in advance.

The remaining regiment of that volunteer brigade will receive instructions in the course of this day.

The first division of regulars (Worth’s) will follow the movement against the enemy’s left at sunrise tomorrow morning.

As already arranged, Brig. Gen. Pillow’s brigade will march at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning along the route he has carefully reconnoitered, and stand ready as soon as he hears the report of arms on our right, or sooner if circumstances should favor him –to pierce the enemy’s line of braveries at such point –the nearer the river the better – so he may select. Once in the rear of that line, he will turn to the right of left, of both, and attack the batteries in reverse, of if abandoned, he will pursue the enemy with vigor until further orders.

H. L. SCOTT, A. A. A. GENERAL.

José Ma. Jarero, brigadier general.
Romulo de la Vega, brigadier general.
P Ruiz y Baranda, captain of Mexican Navy, commanding artillery.
Vicente Arguelles, captain artillery.
Jose Ma Mata, captain.
Jose Ma. Gallegos, commanding Granadiers
Mariano Camacho, 1st.lieut. artillery.
Bartholome Amable, 2d Lieut. Artillery.
Jose R. Cobarrubias, 2d Lieut. Artillery
Jose de Lastar Bras y Soller, Lieut. Colonel battalion de la libertad.
Jose Nuñez, captain 6th reg’t infantry.
Gregorio del Callejo, Capt. 6th Reg. Infantry.
Rafael de Benabidas, 2d Lt. 6th Reg. Infantry.
Salvelo Velez, Aid de Camp to Gen Vega.
Francisco Fernandez, 1st Lt. Mexican Navy.

[MUL]

MG47v48n11p2c6, May 13, 1847.

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

The New Orleans papers of the 2d inst. were regularly received last night. They are filled with details of the recent victory of Gen. Scott, intelligence from Mexico, and matters connected with the war. When the mail reached Washington yesterday afternoon, our correspondent in that city forwarded to us the following dispatches, which contains all the news of any importance:

WASHINGTON, May 9, 5 o'clock, P. M.

The Southern mail is in and brings further items of the battle. The enemy's loss killed and wounded is equal to our own. Some of the Mexican officers attribute the defeat to the cowardice of Santa Anna -he had 8,000 men in line, and 6,000 outside that entrenchments. Some of the brave Mexicans that fought at Buena Vista were also in the fight at Cerro Gordo, and several officers released by Gen. Scott at Vera Cruz, without parole, were found among the killed and wounded after the fight.

Advices from the city of Mexico state that Gomez Farias has been removed from power, a bill having passed Congress suppressing the vice presidency of the Republic previous to Santa Anna's leaving the Capitol. On the day of his departure Pedro Anaya was chosen substitute on the 2d of April, and on the 3d he held a consultation with various military officers and distinguished men on the propriety of fortifying the Capitol. The opinion was generally expressed that the works should be commenced immediately and the principal engineer was ordered to prepare, in two days, a plan for the fortifications. The Inaugural of Amayo and addresses of Santa Anna to constituents and Congress are given, disclosing his views relative to the war which exclude all idea of peace. A guerilla war on the posts is advised by leading members of Congress.

The Squadron under Perry has not yet returned to Vera Cruz. Brazos dates to the 24^th ult. No news from Taylor's Army. -Balt. Amer. May 10.
[MUL]

MG47v48n11p2c6, May 13, 1847.

ANOTHER VICTORY!!

C A P T U R E O F T U S P A N !

A TRIUMPH FOR THE NAVY!

From the N. O. Delta, Extra, May 3, 10 a.m.

“The U. S. transport schooner Gen. Patterson, Capt. Jackson, arrived this morning from Vera Cruz, whence she left on the 24^th ult. –By this conveyance we have the gratifying intelligence of the capture of Tuspan, by the gallant Com. Perry and the equally gallant squadron under his command –thus showing that our Navy wants but the opportunities which have been presented to the Army, to be like them every triumphant.

“The Gen. Patterson fell in with Com. Perry and his squadron, on their return from the Tuspan Expedition, on the 24^th ult., 25 miles north of Vera Cruz. She was boarded by an officer from the U. S. steamer Scorpion, who put letters on board, and who reported to Capt. Jackson, that on the 19^th Tuspan had been taken after a fierce and determined resistance by the Mexican troops.

“We lost four men killed and some fourteen wounded, among whom were four officers –Capt. Tatnall, (slightly) Lieut. Parker (severely) Lieut. Hartstein and Passed Midshipman Lowns, (slightly).

“The Mexicans, finding further resistance unavailing, spiked their guns; raged the defenses of the place, and then abandoned [ . . . ] Further particulars tomorrow.”

All the others accounts give a different version of the last paragraph. That say –“The guns of the Mexicans at Tuspan were all spiked and the place rendered defenseless. It was then abandoned.”

A letter in the New Orleans Picayune, dated Vera Cruz, April 23d, says-

“We are now four days without a word concerning the movements above, and are beginning to think it possible that an express might have been cut off –particularly as the last express which came through received a volley of about 60 muskets. It only wounded one of the five dragoons (the sergeant) a musket ball having passed through his hand. An express left here with a mail on the 21^st, and after proceeding 25 miles overtook our provision train under a strong escort, the commander of which deemed it prudent to take charge of the mail himself –feeling confident that nothing but a strong body of well armed men would be at all safe in trying to make their way through to Jalapa.”
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p1c1, May 20, 1847, THE GAZETTE.

CERRO GORDO.

The news of another conflict has been borne to our ears. Gen. Scott, true to his past history, has fulfilled the high expectations of the Republic, and has gathered fresh laurels upon the heights of the Cerro. Strong in the confidence of his men and relying upon their well proved courage, the idea of disaster and defeat seem never to have entered his mind. “The enemy’s whole line of entrenchments and batteries will be attacked in front, and at the same time turned.” The word “fail” seems unknown to him, and the heroic spirit which dictated the order just quoted, was most nobly seconded by his men, who executed their high purpose with unshrinking hearts and unfaltering steps, exposed to the fury of a storm of “Leaden rain and iron hail”

Green be the laurel upon the victor’s brow, and brighter be the glory of his name, that he has sought to smooth the “wrinkled front” of “grim visag’d war” with the angel touch of mercy.

Yet while our hearts swell with proud emotion as the notes of victory swell upon the southern breeze, a sad and harrowing reflection chills the warmth of our feelings. Cerro Gordo to many a cheerful fireside has brought but sorrow and desolation. Many an aged pair, now in the twilight of their days, have bowed their hoary heads for, mayhap, an only son, whose form now lies moldering upon its craggy heights. The heart of many a widowed mother is wrung with bitter anguish, as the hope of her declining years has been nipped in the bud, chilled by the damps of an untimely and bloody grave. Heavy has the blow fallen upon all classes. –To widows, and orphans, to mourning parents and sorrowing friends, the trumpet tones of triumph seem but hideous mockery –the banner waving in the breeze but the pall of the death –the roar of the victory-speaking gun, but the knell of ruined hopes and desolate hearts.

Such is war! Joy and misery –triumph and despair are ever grouped in horrid contrast.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p1c1, May 20, 1847.

Battle of Cerro Gordo.

In the New Orleans Delta of the 2^nd ints. We find the following general description of the battle, founded on information furnished by Capt. HUGHES, of the Topographical Corps:

On the arrival of the other division of the army at the encampment of Gen. Twiggs, on the 16^th of April, Gen. Scott, after taking a reconnaissance of the enemy’s works, determined to storm them. The position occupied by the enemy seemed impregnable, and truly to any other than American soldiers it must have appeared an insurmountable and impracticable undertaking to carry it by storm or take it by strategy.

The road from Vera Cruz, as it passes the Plan del Rio, which is a wide rocky bed of a once large stream, is commanded by a series of high cliffs, rising one above the other, and extending several miles, and all well fortified. The road then debouches to the right, and, curving round the ridge, passes over a high cliff, which is completely enfiladed by forts and batteries. This ridge is the commencement of the Tierra Templada –the uppet or mountainous country. The high and rocky ravine of the river protected the right flank of the position, and a series of most abrupt and apparently impassable mountains and ridges covered their left. Between these points, running a distance of two or three miles, a succession of strongly fortified forts bristled at every turn, and seemed to defy all bravery and skill. The Cerro Gordo commanded the road on a gentle declination, like a glacis, for nearly a mile. An approach in that direction was impossible. A front attack must have terminated in the almost entire annihilation of our army. But the enemy expected such an attack, confiding in the desperate valor of our men, and believing that it was impossible to turn their position to the right or left. Gen. Scott, however, with the eye of a skillful general, perceived the trap set for him, and determined to avoid it. He therefore had a road mined to avoid it. He therefore had a road cut to the sight, so as to escape the front fire from the Cerro, and turn his position on the left flank. This movement was made known to the enemy by a deserter from our enemy and consequently a large increase of force under Gen. Vega was sent to the forts on their left Gen. Scott, to cover his flank movements; on the 17^th ordered forward Gen. Twiggs against the fort on the steep ascent, in front infantry and artillery, carried this position under a heavy fire of grape and musketry. Having secured this position in front and near the enemy’s strongest fortification, and having by incredible labor, elevated one of our large guns to the top of the fort, Gen. Scott prepared to follow up his advantages? A demonstration was made from this position against another strong fort in the rear, and near the Cerro, but the enemy were considered too strong, and the undertaking was abandoned. A like demonstration was made by the enemy.

On the next day, the 18^th, Gen. Twiggs was ordered from the position he had already captured against the fort which commanded the Cerro. Simultaneously an attack on the enemy’s left was to be made by Gen. Shields’s and Worth’s divisions, who moved in separate columns, whilst Gen. Pillow advanced against the strong forts and difficult ascents on the right of the enemy’s position.

The enemy, fully acquainted with Gen. Scott’s intended movement, had thrown large bodies of men into the various positions to be attacked. The most serious enterprise was that of Twiggs, who advanced against the main for that commanded the Cerro. Nothing can be conceived more difficult than this undertaking. The steep and rough character of the ground, the constant fire of the enemy in front, and the cross fire of the forts and batteries which enfiladed our lines, -made the duty assigned to Gen. Twiggs one of surpassing difficulty. Nothing prevented our men from being utterly destroyed but the steepness of the ascent under which they could shelter. But they sought no shelter. But they sought no shelter, and onward rushed against a hailstorm of balls and musket shot, led by the gallant Harney, whose noble bearing elicited the applause of the whole army. His conspicuous and stalwart frame at the head of his brigade, his long arm waving his men on to the charge, his sturdy voice ringing above the clash of arms and the din of conflict, attracted the attention and admiration alike of the enemy and of our own army. On, on, he led the columns, whose front lines melted before the enemy’s fire like snow flakes in a torrent, and staid not their course until, leaping over the rocky barriers and bayoneting their gunners, they drove the enemy pell mell from the fort, delivering a deadly fire into their ranks, from their own guns, as they hastily retired. This was truly a gallant deed, worthy the Chevalier Bayard of our army, as the intrepid Harney is well styled. Gen. Scott, between whom and Col Harney there had exited some coolness, rode up to the Colonel after this achievement, and remarked to him, “Col. Harney, I cannot now adequately express my admiration of your gallant achievement, but at the proper time I shall take great pleasure in thanking you in proper terms.” Harney, whit the modesty of true valor, claimed the praise as due to his officers and men. Thus did the division of the gallant veteran Twiggs carry the main position of the enemy, and occupy the fort which commanded the road. It was here the enemy received their heaviest loss, and their Gen. Vasquez was killed.

A little after, Gen. Worth having, by great exertions, passed the steep and craggy heights on the enemy’s left, summoned a strong fort in the rear of the Cerro to surrender. This fort was manned by a large force under Gen. Pinzon, a mulatto officer of considerable ability and courage, who, seeing the Cerro carried, thought prudent to surrender, which he did, with all his force. Gen Shields was not so fortunate in the battery which he attacked, and which was commanded by Gen. La Vega –A heavy fire was opened on him, under which the fort was carried with some loss by the gallant Illinoisians, under Baker and Bennett. –Among those who fell under his fire was the gallant General. Who received a grape shot through his lungs, by which he was completely paralysed and, at the last accounts, was in a lingering state. On the enemy’s right, Gen. Pillow commenced the attack against the strong forts near the river. The Tennesseans, under Haskell, led the column and the other volunteer regiments followed. –This column unexpectedly encountered a heavy fire from a masked battery, by which Haskell’s regiment was nearly cut to pieces, and the other volunteer regiments were severely handled. Gen. Pillow withdrew his men, and was preparing for another points having proved successful, the enemy concluded to surrender. –Thus the victory was complete, and four generals, and about 5,00 men were taken prisoner by our army. One of their principals generals, and a large number of other officers, killed.

The Mexican force on this occasion certainly exceeded our own. The Mexican officers admitted that Santa Anna had 8, 000 men in the lines, and 6,000, including 2,000 lancers, outside the entrenchments. Gen. Scott’s force was about 8,000, Gen. Quitman’s brigade not having arrived in time to take part in the engagement. Gen. Ampudia was second in command of the Mexicans, and superintended the operations of the enemy. When the Cerro was carried he was seen retreating on a fine white charger, his hat falling off as he galloped away. Many of the Mexicans escaped by a bye path which runs off from the Cerro and the fort carried by Gen. Worth. –As to Santa Anna and Canalizo, they retreated in time to escape by the main road. Their conduct was regarded as most cowardly. Some of the Mexican officers who were taken prisoners do not hesitate to attribute their defeat to the cowardice or corruption of Santa Anna. –The Infantry that fought so well at Buena Vista, all the regular artillerist of the Republic, including several able naval officers were present. Some of the officers whom Gen. Scott released at the capitulation of Vera Cruz, without exploring the parole on account of their gallantry, were found among the killed men Halzinger, a German, who exhorted the admiration, of our army in the bombardment of Vera Cruz, by seizing a flag which was cut down by our balls and holding it up in his hands until a staff could be prepared, had been released by Gen. Scott without a parole. He was found among the desperately wounded at Cerro Gordo.

The enemy’s loss in killed and wounded, was about as large as our own, but in addition to this 6,000 prisoners and some of their best officers. Our army captured about thirty pieces of beautiful brass cannon, of a large calibre, and mostly manufactured at the Royal Foundry at Seville.

A large quantity of fixed ammunitions of very superior quantity, was also taken. The private baggage and money of Santa Anna, containing $20,000, was also captured. The latter was delivered over to the Pay Department. The volunteers who were employed in carrying the specie into camp cracked many a joke over the prospect of being soon paid of in Mexican command free of expense to Uncle Sam.

When our forces had carried the various positions of the enemy, and the read was cleared, Gen. Twiggs started in hot pursuit of the fugitive Santa Anna, and pressed close upon his heels. A strong position, five miles west of Cerro Gordo, fortified and defended by a fine battery of long base guns, was abandoned by the enemy and occupied by our troops. Gen. Twiggs bivouacked within three miles of the lovely town of Jalapa.

In concluding our imperfect sketch of this brilliant achievement, we cannot sufficiently express our admiration of the extraordinary deeds of our gallant army and able General –Scarcely a month has elapsed since our troops under Scott, landed on the enemy’s shores. –In that time a strong walled city has been captured, together wit an impregnable fortress; a pitched battle has been fought under the most unfavorable circumstances, and against the most formidable natural defenses; twelve thousand prisoners have been taken, including some half a dozen general officers; five hundred splendid cannon, and an immense amount of munitions of war, have been added to the national trophies. Truly, such results are glorious testimonials of the valor of our soldiers, and of the skill, gallantry, and perseverance of the accomplished General who led them.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c3, May 20, 1847.

The New Orleans Delta has gathered various incidents connected with the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Speaking of the wounded, it says.

There was a great contrast, which illustrates the superior fortitude of the American character and constitution, between the bearing and conduct of the Mexican wounded and our own. The Mexican seemed to be utterly prostrated by the slightest wounds, and evinced their despair and weakness by loud lamentations, by crossing their breasts and weeping like children. The Americans, on the other hand, bore their suffering with manly fortitude, and with scarcely any demonstration of pain or sorrow; they submitted to the most painful surgical operations without complaining; and, indeed, appeared to leel pride in the consciousness of having given proof of their devotion to the honor and flag of the Republic. Capt. Hughes relates that as he was approaching our Hospital, he met three privates the Mounted Riflemen, who laid just had their right arms amputated, and were quietly walking along whistling and chattering as if nothing has happened. Capt. Mason, a gallant Virginian, the son of the lamented Gen. Mason who fell in a duel some years ago, has his leg carried of by a cannon ball. Shortly after undergoing amputation this brave officer received his friends with great cheerfulness, and indulged in many a lively jest over his mishap.

MAJOR SUMNER. –Major Sumner, who led the Rifles in the attack of the 17^th on the enemy’s advanced position, made a very narrow escape. In the charge, he was struck on the head by a musket ball. The bullet was flattened to the thinness of a dime, and retained on its surface a part of the Major’s hair, and yet, strange to say, except to the severance of an artery, sustained no serious injury. The artery was taken up, and the last accounts the Major was doing well. This excellent officer –accounted one of the best tacticians and disciplinarians in the army –may certainly felicitate himself on the strength o his craniological defenses. He will never find any difficultly in getting a liberal policy in our life insurance offices.

CAPITAIN JOHONSON. –This valuable officer, lately appointed Lieut. Colonel of one of the new ten regiments, was badly wounded in a reconnaissance made by order of Gen. Twiggs, two or three days before the battle. He received two musket balls, one through the thigh, cutting the femoral artery, and another through the shoulder. His robust constitution and great endurance will, it is believed, triumph over his severe wounds, and he is now pronounced by his surgeons to out of danger.

MEXICAN PRISONERS. –Seventeen Mexican officers were brought to Vera Cruz under a strong escort. The Mexicans on the road had not heard of the battle or of its results, and when they saw the escort approaching, they ran out of their houses to see what it meant. As soon as the well know faces of their own officers, under an American guard, came within view, they seemed to be stuck dumb with astonishment and alarm. Gradually these feelings gave way to sorrow, and their lamentations over the misfortunes and disgrace of their country were loud and affecting.

AN INCIDENT AT INCARNACION. –A volunteer in the Illinois regiment, under General Taylor, describes his visit to Incarnacion after the retreat of Santa Anna. He says:

“On the 1^st and 2^nd instant, I accompanied an expedition under the command of Cols. Belknap and Bissel, to Incarnacion, where we found a wretched spectacle –several hundred of Mexicans wounded, attended by gaunt, lean, hunger stricken soldiers and women. –On the read we say many dead and many at the point of death from hunger, thirst, and cold. There is no water between Agua Nueva and Incarnacion, and the horrors of Santa Anna’s retreat over his arid desert of forty miles must have been indescribably terrific. We picked up a man, and a woman with a child at her breast, of whom first had no tasted food of water in seven days. He died a few miles this side of Incarnation.

“We took another into the town or rancho. There we found many suffering for want to food. We relieved their wants like good Samaritans. The Mexicans wounded officers, of whom many are superior men, seemed to be deeply affected by our kindness. I was much interested in Lieut. Francisco Contreras, fifteen years old, from the city of Mexico. He was severely wounded, and bore his pains with a stoic’s fortitude and a smile of most touching sweetness. His features were classically beautiful, and his head such as Spurzheim would have contemplated with rapture. Many of us left him to his destiny with a pang of regret that such a vision of beauty and heroism should be so transitory to our senses. The conduct of our men and officers to the enemy’s wounded and to prisoners, both on the field of battle and after the conflict, was such as to make me proud of my countrymen.” [MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c4, May 20, 1847.

A [ . . . ] LETTER

The New York [ . . . ] journal contains a letter from the Gen. Bernard O’Reilly, one of the Roman Catholic Chaplains in the Army, and who is now in Matamoros, a portion of which we give below. We invite the attention of our [ . . . ] to it, as presenting a plain, common sense view of the inducements for peace, which we think the advocates of a protracted war will find it hard to answer.

Destructive to our army as has been the sickness on the Rio Grande, “which has cut down more of our men, than the Mexicans have lost on the battle field, ” it is as nothing compared with the appalling havoc which we must witness in Vera Cruz: Alex Guz.

The war how being waged in far, more disastrous to us, than is generally supposed in the United States. We are always victorious, and lose much less men in action than the Mexicans, but then the climate comes to their aid, and cuts down more of our men, than their loss on the battle field. Were the number of our men forever disabled by the service, with the details in very form, which have thinned our, ranks, since the commencement of the campaign accurately presented, our loss, considering the smallness of our army, would appear great almost without a parallel.

“There in now, it appears to me, no end to be gained by the further prolongation of the war. A victorious and powerful nation will not escape imputation of folly and great error in action, if to punish a weak, and harassed enemy, it inflicts, infinitely greater injury on itself. I we entered it for the purpose of compelling the payment of indebtedness long withheld, we are, if we still continue it, in a fair way of compelling Mexico, long since bankrupt, to the benefit of the insolvent act. –If for the recognition of the Rio Grande as our boundary, we have but to recross that noble river, my word for it, Mexico, will never dispute our title to that contemptible strip of territory. If the war is to be continued until Mexico indemnifies for actual expenses, which is not, I would hope, the national resolve, we would be acting somewhat the part, but with greater inhumanity of the creditor who insists on the incarceration of an insolvent debtor until he liquidates the debt, and also the expense of the incarceration. If the appropriation of the Mexican territory be intended the result will justify the policy or the wisdom of the act. –This climate and country is suited to the Mexicans, but so little to us, that the part taken will ultimate be a burthen rather than a benefit.

“We are victorious over this poor, harassed and badly governed people, honor and glory, and a succession of triumphs are emblazoned on our national escutcheon; we can well afford to be generous towards them. –Mexican gasconade has been kicked and walked on from Palo Alto to Buena Vista, and will continue to be so, to the occupation of their Capitol, if we will it. Supposing that Mexico in her infatuation and weakness, still persists in her refusal to make peace on our terms, would it be sound policy in us to continue the war? If still waged, it must be carried on for the reasons given above, at an immense sacrifice of human life and treasure, and without reaching an end not already attained. –All our citizens here , none surpass them for patriotism are to a man for peace. There option is worth something.

The soldiers and officers of the volunteer and regular army, victorious against fearful odds in so many hard fought battles, are with out an exception, advocates of peace. They are still willing, if their country so directs, to march again and again to the charge, till Mexico he brought to terms, but they see no object to be reached that is not now attained, whilst they can scarcely consider honor or glory to accrue to them in future from a victory over the Mexican army. Peace with Mexico is the ardent wish of the great and good men who in this war have done honor to their country –of the majority of our own free land, of the good of the world. Let there then be peace. If those in our national or State legislatures, who advocate the further prosecution of the war, could by some mysterious process be transported to ‘Brazos,’ or ‘Labos’ island, there to fare as our brave men fare, this war fever would soon evaporate, and they would become the strenuous advocates of peace.”
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c4, May 20, 1847.

HORRORS OF WAR.

We copy the following from the correspondence of the St. Louis Republican, giving an account of the murder of Mexicans by volunteers.

Let us no longer complain of Mexican barbarity –poor degraded, ‘priest-ridden’ as she is. No act of inhuman cruelty, perpetrated by her most desperate robbers, can excel the work of yesterday, committed by our soldiery. God knows how many of the unarmed peasantry have been sacrificed to atone the blood of poor Colquitt. The Arkansas Regiments say not less than thirty have been killed. I rode through the chaparrals and found a number of their dead bodies, not, yet cold. –The features, in every instance were composed and tranquil –lying upon their backs, eyes closed and feet crossed. You would have supposed them sleeping, but for the gory stream which bedewed the turf around them. In some instance, after the vital spark had fled, in the overflowing of demoniac vengeance, the carbine ball dashed out the brains of its clayey victim.

“Death in all this horrors, I have seen and been familiar with from my boyhood, and I could not feel the dread reality before me until Co. B. and myself rode down the ‘arroyo’, to, where, from the curling smoke, we supposed the women and children of these poor creatures were secreted. We rode up. Fear and anxiety were depicted upon every countenance –the women a crowded around us for protection –and, not with standing they were not more than half a mile from the scene of this murderous butchery, they were wholly ignorant of what had been going on. An old female, who looked as though she might be the grandmother of the whole, advanced to us, and, in the most imploring manner, asked us to send back her husband and sons from the camp, where they supposed they feared their men had been killed. They soon comprehended my fears, and the old woman asked us to lead to the dead bodies; and accompanied by two little boys of about 10 years of age each, we set out for the scene of murder.

“The first body we approached, the old woman exclaimed a ‘caratero’ –a donde estan los otros, madre de Dios, adonde iremos? –Where are the others? –Mother of God! Where shall we go? We then led them to another body –that of a man about 30 years of age, who lay as tranquil as though he was in the sweetest sleep. The little boy, impelled by that instinct which seems to lead us into trouble and difficulty eye it is ready for us, outstripped his companions and was the first to reach the body. He advanced steadily to its side; gazed upon the countenance which was half concreted beneath the broad-brimmed sombrero; folded his hands upon his breast, and looked with dreaming earnestness upon the bloody victim of ill-timed vengeance. The heaving of his manly little chest, and the silent tears stealing from his dark eyes and rolling their scorching way down his cheeks, told too eloquently that the little fellow had lost a friend. I said to him, in the most soothing tone I could command: ‘Do you know that man?’ To which he replied: ‘Es mi padre caballero. (He is my father, sir) –walked round the body, examined the bullet hole in the side, turned away from us, drew his sleeve across his eyes, and, without an audible sob or murmur returned to the glen where his mother, brothers and sisters were to hear the tale of their desolation.”

This act was most severely censured by Gen. Taylor in his general orders.

If is said in this section of country, so far, there has been frost every month this year. –Alex. Gaz.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c6, May 20, 1847.

LATE FROM MEXICO.

CAPTURE OF JALAPA AND PEROTE.

Advance of the Army toward the City of Mexico.

From the Baltimore American, Day 14

The news briefly referred to in yesterday’s American, of the capture of the cities of Jalapa and Perote by our army, without firing a gun, and also of the continued advance of the American Army toward the City of Mexico –is fully confirmed. Our neighbors of the Sun received the New Orleans Detroit of 6^th instant by Wednesday night’s Southern mail, being one day in participation, containing the particulars; in the mail regularly due last night we have the same accounts.

The dates from Vera Cruz are 29^th ult. The capture of the town of Jalapa took place on the 19^th April, when Gen. Twiggs with the division of the Army under his command entered and took possession, without any resistance. It appears that in his flight from Cerro Gordo, Santa Anna did not pass through Jalapa, but in company with Ampudia and Torrejon, turned [ . . . ] to the left at his hacienda, and halted for the night of 18^th at the nine mile pass, ” which was being fortified, but which, on second consideration, it was deemed prudent to evacuate. This evacuation took place on the 20^th, and in the evening Col. Harvey’s dragoons took possession of the Pass –Gen. Worth followed in their footsteps.

Gen. Worth with his division entered the town of Perote at noon on the 22d April. He found it completely evacuated by the soldiers of the enemy, and a Col. Vasquez left behind to surrended it with decency. An immense number of small arms, and ammunition were taken possession off.

Gen. Ampudia, with about 3,000 cavalry, in a wretched condition, was near the town when our troops entered it, but soon retreated.

Santa Anna had not been in Perote since his defeat of Cerro Gordo, and was supposed to be somewhere in the mountains.

Perote is thirty six miles beyond Jalapa, one hundred and eight from Vera Cruz, and one hundred and seventy-one from the city of Mexico.

From the Vera Cruz Eagle of the 28^th April.

We understood yesterday that information had been received at Jalapa, that Gen. Worth had thrown his outposts towards Puebla, and would march immediately in that direction himself. We are somewhat doubtful as to its truth, however, not being able to trace it to any positive soutee. The latest information received from Perote, which might be relied on, (we think) is that issued by us in an extra on Monday last, and republished in this day’s paper. Genls. Scott, Patterson, Twiggs, Pillow and Quitman were in Jalapa. Gen’l Shields is still in a very doubtful state in an hospital on the battle-field of Cerro Gordo. Rumor says that Puebla will yield without discharging a gun; if so, they will show more wisdom that has been evidenced by several other Mexican cities, with hardly a hope of success against us.

It is now certain that Santa Anna is at Orizaba, a little town at the lost of the mountain of that name, with about 1,000 troops around his standard. He was seen at that place on Sunday morning last, and was heard to express his desire of remaining there until he could insurer a sufficient force to make another stand. In regard to the sincerity of his assertion much doubt is entertained, as it is supposed that he is exceedingly desirous to leave the country, but fears to attempt a movement of this kind openly, lest he should be assassinated immediately, which will no doubt be his fate ultimately, however long he may prolong it. –He will not dare return to the city of Mexico, is the universal opinion, until some success should crown his efforts to redeem his thousand promises to the deluded people and the clergy, the latter being now his only backers.

COMMAND OF THE MEXICAN ARMY –It is generally reported that the Mexican government have removed Gen. Santa Anna from the chief command of the army, and appointed Gen. Valentine Canalizo as his successor. –Vera Cruz Chronicle of the 28^th ult.

By a person just arrived from Orizaba, we know that Gen Santa Anna arrived there with about 200 dragoons, and immediately commenced recruiting, having under his command about 6,000 men of the fugitives from Cerro Gordo. He also assures us that a correspondence had been seized by the authorities at Mexico, addressed by a great personage to Senor Rejon, offering a certain sum of he would bring about an early peace, and to place all the requisite means at his disposal.

In Puebla Gen. Inclan is commanding –They are fortifying the town for resistance. –Ibid.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c6, May 20, 1847.

Interesting News.

The steamer New Orleans from Vera Cruz, April 29, brought four Mexican officers (one Lieutenants-Colonel, one Captain and two Lieutenants) as prisoners.

Capt. Montgomery, U. S. Army, and Lieutenant Saunders, 2d Dragoons, and 150 discharged Volunteers came passengers in the New Orleans.

Lieut. Andrew Ross of the Westmoreland Guards, Company g., 2d Tennessee Volunteers, and Private James Peek, Company G. New York Volunteers, came on Board the New Orleans, 1^st May.

The following interesting letters are from the New Orleans Picayune:

JALAPA, MEXICO, April 25, 1847.

The mexicans here, one and all, denounce Santa Anna as a coward, a traitor, and every thing else that is bad; and I verily believe that a majority of them would rejoice exceedingly had Gen. Scott captured him the other day and hung him upon the first limb strong enough to bear his weight. That he is playing them false you cannot beat out of their heads –that he has sold the battles of Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo for a consideration they are equally confident, and in proof they are eternally talking about the $3,000,000.

They do not understand why it was that President Polk allowed him to pass freely into Vera Cruz from Havana, unless there was bribery and corruption at the bottom.

Gen Worth still remains at Perote, where he has near 2500 men. Col. Martin Scott, with the 5^th Infantry arrived last evening from Vera Cruz, and will proceed to join General Worth.

It is still uncertain when the main movement of the army is to be made. The want of transportation is severely felt, for with his present means Gen. Scott finds the greatest difficulty in extending his line of operations. In the meantime, small parties of ladrones and rancheros are committing depredations in the rear, and such is the nature of the country that they can only be punished with the greatest difficulty.

P. S. Important! 10 o’clock, A. M. –The diligencia or stage coach is just in from the city of Mexico, from whence they have received papers up to the 22d. inst. The news of the terrible defeat at Cerro Gordo had reached the capital, and which astonished and over whelmed all classes; the tone of the papers, of the public men, and of the Congress itself, would also shoe that it had served to inflame the people still more against the United States.

Anaya has been appointed provisional President. I believe, and has been gifted with full powers on every point except that in relation to making peace with the United States –this no one thinks of Congress in extraordinary session, has even declared any one a traitor who talks of peace. The editor of El Republicano says that we may take Puebla, that we may even capture the city of Mexico, but there must be no peace.

The duty of the people is to see their cities sacked and destroyed, and themselves immolated, before they talk of peace. The guerrilla [ . . . ] to be recommended [ . . . ] sides in their daily [ . . . ]. Better all div., and be blotted from the seals of nation, than come to any terms an long as single hostile front is on their soil of a hostile vessel is on their coast such in the language of the papers, of the civil bodies, and the military.

From a passenger, a Spaniard, who arrived in the diligencia, we learn that is yet they have dope little to nothing towards fortifying Mexico. He also says that there is a strong party in favor of peace, although the members hardly care above themselves. There are no regular troops [ . . . ] on the route, and all those who escape at Cerro Gordo, with the exception of a portion of cavalry, have dispersed in every direction.

On the 20^th April, immediately after the recript of Santa Anna’s defeat, Gen. Mariano Salas called a meeting of officers to devise some measure by which to preserve the nation from other obliteration. No one here thinks that the Mexicans can ever make another stand, and give another great battle, but the impression is prevalent that small parties will be organized to annoy the roads, cut off the supplies, and kill and stragglers. How great, in this case, is the necessity for two or three, of ever none regiment of Texans.

JALAPA, MEXICO, April 26, 1847.

We have intelligence this morning in the affect that Gen. Worth has advanced one of his brigades, with a battery and a troop of dragoons to a place called Tepe Agualca, twelve leagues beyond Perote, to enlarge his circuit of supplies. You may hear that a party of dragoons, has been cut off by the enemy at the other side of Perote, but there is no truth in the rumor.

Col. Martin Scott went on this morning with the 5^th Infantry, to join the division of Gen. Scott, unable to keep up his communications through the tierra caliente, for want of horses and transportation, will cut himself loose from Vera Cruz, push on towards the city of Mexico, and to a certain extent depend upon the natural resources of the country.

Jalapa, Mexico, April 28, 1847.

The diligencia came this morning from Perote but from no pint on the other side, as the Governor of Puebla has ordered it to cease running this way. Passengers came through however, bringing papers and verbal news and in as concise a form as possible I will give you the amount of the intelligence.

Among other rumors brought by passengers is one to the effect that Mr. Bankhead, the British Minister, has renewed his offers of meditation between Mexico and the United States, and that when the last diligencia left the city of Mexico the Congress was acting upon his propositions, whatever they may have been. Not withstanding the fixed and denunciatory tones of the public press, there is certainly a peace party in Mexico, and there may be something in this report of English intervention in the distracted affairs of Mexico.

Col Garland’s brigade left the Castle of Perote yesterday morning at daylight for Tepe Aguaca, and will reach that place tonight. –Major Smith’s light battalion, a troop of dragoons, and Colonel Duncan’s battery accompanied Col. G. We learn here that General Worth has been very successful in collecting supplies.

An intelligent man with whom I have conversed, says that the Mexicans neither will of can make any opposition at Puebla. The population is one the worst in Mexico, and the most inimical to strangers; yet the dreadful defeat at Cerro Gordo has completely paralized them.

At the city of Mexico, a few light breast-works have been thrown up not only as you enter the place by the Vera Cruz road, but on the road leading to the Convent of our Lady of Guadaloupe, but nothing like a regular system of defense has been as yet undertake. –Not only the Government but the citizens appear, with all their vaunting, to have come stupid at the succession of defeats which have be taken their country, and know not which way to turn nor what to do.

VERA CRUZ, April 29, 1847.

Gentlemen –An express arrived last evening from Lieut, Dixon in command of 102 convalescent soldiers from the hospitals in this city on their road to join their respective regiments at and near Jalapa, stating that the party has been attacked by about 300 Mexican.

The express rider met, two miles this side of where he left Lieut. D., a train of about forty wagons, in charge of Capt. Greghawker. Some fears are entertained for a train that was some five or six hours ahead of them.

In fact, the Mexicans had great rejoicing amongst themselves last evening in consequence of the capture of one of our wagon trains by the enemy. Their accounts had it that our men (the guard) has been literally cut in peaces; but we have little faith in any thing that comes from such sources.

The Mexicans have a fine chance now to work upon our trains if they could only raise courage enough to do it. Col. Wilson’s force at this place it too week to spore many from it, and if the enemy should, go to work with determination they might trap a handsome reward almost without opposition.

The scarcity of cavalry is severely felt. –The New Orleans on her last trip from Tampico found it necessary to throw overboard about thirty of the best horses belonging to the Tennessee cavalry during a sever northern. A few cases of vomito are said to have occurred, but is a very mild form.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p2c7, May 20, 1847.

Later from General Scott’s Army.

POSITION OF SANTA ANNA.

Proposed surrender of the city of Mexico,

Probable Cessation of Hostilities.

GUERRILLA WARFARE.

Gen. Scott plan of the Campaing.

Probable recovery of Gen. Shields –Volunteers refusing to re-enlist –Military Orders –Condition of Mexico –The Capital seeking the protection of Gen. Scott. –Senor Atocha –Arrival of Gen. Pillows, Lieut. Col. Anderson and others, at New Orleans.

Our “ponies” have again performed their task of distancing stages, railroads, steamboats, and magnetic telegraphs, bringing us our “overland express” package in six days from New Orleans.

The position of Mexico is every day becoming more intricate and unfathomable, and the probability is that on arriving at the capital, Gen. Scott will find himself rather in the position of a protector than an enemy of its inhabitants –standing between them and the rapacious hordes of their own countrymen, who are robbing and collecting forced loans from the peaceable and industrious citizens.

Gen. Scott’s rapid and onward movements are, however, threatened to be checked by the general desire prevailing among the volunteers, whose period of enlistment are expiring, to return to their homes, but we rather think that when they come to the point of going forward or turning their backs on the “Halls of the Montezumas, ” the entering of which will be crowing glory of the war, that a goodly number will be found ready to rally for the onward march.

The rumors are, however, of a conflicting character, so far as regards the prospect of peace. The government appears to be for war to the hill, whilst me people –those who do the fighting –are beginning to yearn for peace, with its accompanying blessings.

The probability of the recovery of the gallant Gen. Shields will be received with great pleasure by his country man, or His wound was of the mortal character, the bill [ . . . ] through his longs [ . . . ] but a good constitutions [ . . . ] rear to triumph over what was considered certain death.

But without further remark, we annex the contents of the Picayune extra, which contains matters of general interest from Gen. Scott section of the army.

The steams ship James L. Day arrived at the Levee at New Orleans early inon the morning of the 10^th inst., from Vera Cruz, whence she sailed on the 5^th inst. By this vessel we have received, says the Picayune, our regular correspondence and files of Vera Cruz and Jalapa papers. Apart from the intelligence contained in our letters, we learn verbally that an express reached Vera Cruz a moment before the sailing of the James L. Day, with information that a deputation had come down from the city of Mexico to request Gen. Scott to take the capital under his protection. This news is almost incredible; but when it is remembered that the system of guerrilla warfare has been adopted by Mexico, and that the banditti who engage in this service are as danger ours to their own country men as to the enemy, the report gains some probability.

The impression was gaining ground in the army that there would be no more fighting. –It was not expected that there would be any opposition this side of or at Puebla; and it was even doubted if the Mexicans would defend their capital. Expectations of this nature have proved deceitful so often that we indulge them with much misgiving.

The Mexican papers continue their declamatory structures upon the mission of Atocha. –It would appear that the sending of this miserable fellow on any important mission to Mexicans given greater umbrage that all else that has been done by the United States. They regard him in the light of an official pimp, a treasonable [ . . . ] perfidious miscreant, and indeed the concentration of baseness. They think that he was sent there by the American cabinet in mockery and scorn.

We have already copied the article of “El Republicano” upon Atocha. That paper –the very best in all Mexico –the highest in tone and the sturdiest defender of republican institutions when the monarchical party was ii the ascendant –after noticing the arrival of Atocha on a mission from this country, and recounting his past history in Mexico, exclaims:

“O, God! This is the greatest sign that thou has forgotten us. Send upon us bombs, rifles, grape shot, and every class of projectile, and misfortune; burn us, reduced us to ashes, destroy us –annihilate, but do not dishonor us. –Send the entire North to subjugate and rule over us, but led not Atocha be the broker of a contract of peace, because that, devolving upon us the greatest scorn and the greatest humiliation, would be (Oh God) thy greatest punishment.”

This are assured, is a true reflex of the feelings of the better order of Mexicans in regard to the unfortunate appointment.

The whereabouts of Santa Anna is some what problematical. The last authentic intelligence located him at Orizaba with a miscellaneous command of 3,000. Subsequent rumors report him as having gone South to recruit his ranks in Oaxaca. It is certain that he has not shown himself at the capital since his defeat. There is a report that he desires to leave the country; but Mr. Kendall thinks that he may make a dash upon detached parties in the rear of the army, or upon wagon trains, with a view to reinstating himself in the good opinion of the nation.

It was the intention of Gen. Scott, upon the arrival of the wagon train that was to start from Vera Cruz, about the 6^th inst., to cut off a connection with the sea cost, rely upon the country for sustenance and push forward for the city. This general order dated at Jalapa, 30^th April, [ . . . ] as much. But Mr. Kendal’s letter of the 4^th –the very lattes news –throws some doubt upon the speedy assumption of this plan, in consequence of the determination of the twelve months volunteers, in a body, not to re-enlists’. This may retard the advance of the army, unless indeed the reported readiness of the city to surrender unconfirmed. If the rumor prove true, the guerrilla troops are mire marauders –a band of pirates, and should be treated accordingly.

Gen Worth was gathering up all the grain he could, and has all the bakeries at work, as [ . . . ] anticipation of breaking off communication with Vera Cruz.

It will be gratifying to all to learn that Gen Shields was thought be in [ . . . ] fair way to [ . . . ]. We have always regarded him as [ . . . ] the best appointment from civil the yet made by the President.

Maj. Gen. Pillow came passenger in the James L. Day. His wound is doing well.

Lieut. Col. Anderson, of the first Tennessee regiment, come over in the Day also. He has seen much service, both under Gen. Taylor and Gen. Scott, at Monterrey and Cerro Gordo, and now returns on accounts of ill heath. –Balt. Sun, May 17.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p3c1, May 20, 1847.

Important from the two Armies.

We have before up the New Orleans Delta [ . . . ], both of watch [ . . . ] interesting and important news of an unusually interesting character. We [ . . . ] our extracts with the following information of the news received by our express yesterday, brought by the streamer James L. Day, which we find in the Delta:

Immediately before the James L. Day started from Vera Cruz, Major Leonard who is stationed there, sent an officer on board to inform Gen. Pillow and an express has just arrived from Gen. Scott, with a dispatch in which it was started that deputation of Mexican citizens from the Capital, had arrived at the General’s headquarters, inviting him to advance, assuring him that it would surrender to him without opposition, and asking his protection of their person and property. To such favorable terms Gen. Scott assented. –He is, therefore, on his way to, if not already on the walls of the Montexumas.”

Whatever be the fears of the Mexicans, their feeling are any thing but admirable towards the Americans. The road along from Jalapa to Vera Cruz is doued with the mangled and the wondered bodies of our countrymen, who were caught straggling away from the parties with which they happened to be marching.

Gen la Vega and his associate prisoners, are now in Vera Cruz.

Col. Childs is military governor of Jalapa as such he has called on the inhabitant to deliver all concealed arms in the city.

Gen. Scott has issued orders from Jalapa congratulating the troops on the late victories, gaded by Gen. Kearney, in California.

VERACRUZ, May 2d.

Thursday Morning, 20 May, 1847.

Eds. Delta, I send you the first number of the American Star” published in Jalapa.

In the ‘Eagle’, of the 1^st whiell I send you, you will learn that Don Pedro Anaya has been declared Dictator. The Sweedich Consul, who arrived yesterday from Mexico, tells me that it is true that Anaya has been elected Dictator; Canalizo spoken of as Commander in Chief of the army, and that preparations are being made for the removal of the Government to Celaya, in case our arms marches to the city. The Sweedish Consul tells me that he visited Santa Anna at Orizaba and obtained from him a passport to come town. He had but a thousand men with him, bally equipped, and he looking haggard and very much dejected. His day was passed –Both soldiers and officers and officers have lost all confidence in him –and I have no doubt, that were he come to Vera Cruz during the present state of feeling of the Mexican population he would be murdered.

When the Sweedish consul left, they were busily fortifying Mexico. No stand will be made at Puebla, unless we delay marching on it for some time. –Gen Worth is still at Perote –Scott at Jalapa. A report has reached here that Old Zach had taken possession of San Luis Potosi, but I doubt this very much –he could not have reached there in this time.

The diligencia runs regularly now to Mexico.

In Vera Cruz every thin is going on smoothy. The business of the city is increasing in a wonderful degree. The waters are covered with Merchant vessels. Yankee hotels, Yankee auction houses, Yankee circus companies and Yankee ice houses are starting up here at the turn of the corner.

Gen. Shields has been pronounced out of danger.

Latest News from the city of Mexico. –Santa Anna within 40 miles of Vera Cruz, threading the City –War approaching to a close.

VERA CRUZ, May 5^th, 1847.

Eds. Delta –As the steamer has been detained until today by bad weather, I give you the latest news that has reached us since I closed my letter of the 3d, there is not much of it, but what there is, of some interest and importance. The British Consul at this place has just received a communication from the British minister, Mr. Bankhead saying that the Mexican government has solicited the friendly mediation of his government to settle the difficulties between Mexico and the United States. I learned this morning that such a letter had been received from Mr. Bankhead, and at once called on the English Consul, who tells me that such is a lact. You may therefore rely on the accuracy of this statement.

Santa Anna is about forty miles from here with 2,000 men, threatening to march in and sack Vera Cruz. This information comes from a Spanish merchant of this place, who came in yesterday from Mexico –he states that he say Santa Anna, who advised him to take his things out of the City, as he should destroy every thing in it. This, of course, we consider as mere Mexican bravo, as it si not likely he would make his plans public, did he intend executing our men (infanty) at the artillery, so as not be taken by surprise.

We learn by a letter from the city of Mexico, that they have stopped throwing un entrenchments around the city, and do not intend standing a seige or bombardment. For the first time since I have been in Mexico, I begin to think that the war is about drawing to a close. Yours respectfully. J. D. J.

The celebrated courier for the English merchants, Rafael Beraza, has arrived from Mexico with letters for the British packet at Vera Cruz. He says but little, yet it has leaked out that they were organizing guerrillas rapidly both in Mexico and Puebla. All the robbers in the latter city, and their names is legion, have received regular licenses to rob and murder on the road. The beauty of the city has already manifested itself, for it is said they have already commenced plundering their own people on the roads. In haste G. W. K.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p3c2, May 20, 1847.

FROM GEN. TAYLOR’S ARMY

BUENA VISTA, MEXICO, APRIL 12.

Eds, Delta –We are doubtful as to whether the rainy season has commenced or not, but for a week or two back it has rained every night.

Yesterday one of our foraging parties reported that they came in sight of a small body of lancers. The Mexicans in the city assure us that we will have another fight here with their troops, but little expectation is entertained of again seeing their lines of swarthy faces darken this fateful field. Our line of pickets only extends to Agua Nueva, some fifteen miles from here. Nothing has been reported by the pickets stationed there, and it may be fairly presumed that no hostile body is near us.

Washington’s battery and two companies of U. S. dragoons are far up in the direction of Agua Nueva; the two Indiana regiments and the Kentucky infantry lower down; the two Illinois and the two Ohio regiments –these are two miles from the battle ground; while two companies of Mississippians occupy the pass, the six companies of Arkansas cavalry being stationed above them, on the San Luis road. Three companies are in the city, two immediately in the town, and one in the fort at the edge.

A subtler, who was taken prisoner by Gen. Orrea, escaped from the guard by bribing the alcade. He reports that he was one of sixty six prisoners taken by the Mexicans, at different times, on the road between Monterey and Camargo. The prisoners are kindly treated, sent forward to San Luis Potosi, escorted by a detachment of lancers.

The Picayune gives the following additional from Gen. Taylor’s army, showing the disadvantages of his position:

We have conversed with an intelligent officer –one who has been with Gen. Taylor from Palo Alto to Buena Vista –who left Monterey on the 20^th April, who informs us that Gen. Taylor’s army was melting away by reason of the expiration of the terms of service of the volunteers under his command. He has neither men nor transportations with which to advance into the enemy’s country. Indeed the whole line of communications from the Brazos to Saltillo, will presently be in a very exposed situation. For very lack of the material of war the general must keep his encampment per force.

To replace the regiments about returning to the United States, a portion of the 3d Mississippi regiment had arrived at Monterey; but the small pox had broken out amongst them and disabled many of them. The Virginia regiment was in that neighborhood and part of the North Carolina troops. These were employed in escorting trains from Camargo to the mountains. From all appearance this column of the army will be stationary for a time. Every thing was quiet for once. –Balt. Sun.
[MUL]

MG47v48n12p3c2, May 20, 1847.

GEN. LA VEGA. –The Courier des Etats Units contains a paragraph in relation to this distinguished Mexican General, which seem to verify the opinion of the

“Ancient philosopher,

Who had read Alexander Ross over

And swore the worlds as he could move,

Was [ . . . ] of fighting and of love.”

For according to this authority, it would appear that the gallant Mexican, at the very time he was fighting out countrymen in Mexico, was himself subdued by one of our equal irresistible country women.

Says the Courrier, speaking of the captured Mexican Generals, “Among them was Gen. La Vega, who, doubtless calling to mind his previous captivity, appeared delighted to return to the United States, and chatted quited gaily with Gen. Scott the very evening of the battle.”

“If a certain chronicle is to be believed, which we have reason to think is predicted on good information, Gen. La Vega; goes to New Orleans to recommence a pleasant, sweet romance, which his release and return to Mexico had interrupted, and the denouncement of which seemed postponed to the conclusion of the war. This is the explanation of the resignation with which be meets his new captivity.”

Gen. La Vega perhaps, may settle down in New Orleans, and after having served a sufficiently los apprenticeship as a citizen of the U. States, represent Louisiana in Congress. Why not, as well as Gen. Houston in Texas? –N. Y. Tribune.

The HARPERS, we understand, have in press the “Diplomatic and Official Pupers of MR. WEBSTER while Secretary of State, -which they will publish in two handsome octavo columns during the present season. –This will form, we need not say, a work of the highest value and interest, especially to public and professional union. I will include the correspondence upon the North Eastern Boundary, the Inviolability of Territory, our relations with Mexico, &c. Mr. Webster’s labors while Secretary of State were scarcely less remarkable for their great extent, that for the extraordinary ability for which they were preeminent. –N. Y. Courier.
[MUL]

MG47v48n13p1c3, May 27, 1847.

From the new Jersey “Fredonian.”

CONSEQUENCES OF WAR. –One of the most oppressive reflections connected with the present war is this, that even when peace is once more restored, as we hope may soon be the case, the evil influences of war cannot be arrested for a long time, but must flow on a deep, full, overflowing stream, corrupting the future, generation of young men and poisoning the future literature of our country.

The soldier and the soldier’s bloody trade must long be the themes of conversation and glorification. The prowess and sufferings on the field of battle of military chieftains will continue to be held up for the admiration of the country. History and poetry, painting and sculpture, oratory and the drama, will all lend their witchery and their charms to the exaltation of military men and military achievements. The gratitude of the country will be expected to distribute the offices of honor and trust among the heroes of the war. Claims for losses incurred and for services rendered will flow in for half century, and pensions must be paid to the families of those who perished in battle and to individuals who were wounded in the public service. The victories of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, Buena Vista and Vera Cruz, will be celebrated in a song and in fourth of July stations, ; and in various ways these sanguinary events will be commemorated and magnified through several generations.

Thus war, instead of being held as the most awful of barbarities, as a colossal curse, and enormity too dreadful to he thought of except with shuddering; instead of this, we said, it will be regarded as a prime source of national glory; as a grand means of exalting a people and placing them foremost in the march to a resplendent destiny. The whole course and current of popular thought and feeling will thus be turned from the pursuit and glories of public peace to the devouring and gory specter of desolation and war.

For all these future and lasting consequences of the present war, the authors of it must be held responsible now and hereafter, at the bar of conscience and the bar of God.
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MG47v48n13p1c4 May 27, 1847.

From the Baltimore American, May 19.

CASE OF LIEUT. HUNTER.

This young officer has been dismissed from the Squadron in the Gulf of Mexico for doing his duty too well. From the proceedings of the Court Martial in this case, it appears that he was tried for treating with contempt his superior, and for disobedience the orders. The specifications charge that he arrogated to himself the authority of Commander in Chief by entering into stipulations for the surrender of Alvarado; that he proceeded without orders from Alvarado to Flaco-talpan, and received the capitulation of that place also, without waiting for the presence of the Commander in Chief, although aware of his approach; that having captured four schooners he set one on fire and abandoned another –“Thus substituting his own will for the discretion of his Commander in chief, who was within a few hours reach of communication.” The specifications for disobedience of orders allege that Lieut. HUNTER, in command of the steamer Scourge, being ordered to blockade the port of Alvarado, did, in disregard of orders, enter the harbor, and take possession of that place, and further, that being ordered to report himself to the commander in chief on a certain day, he failed to do so.

For these offences the gallant officer was sentenced to be dismissed from the Home squadron and to he reprimanded by the commander in chief –the reprimand to be read on the quarter deck of every vessel in the Squadron in the presence of the officers and crew.

We believe that the facts of the case show this to be an undeserved sentence. The duty of obeying orders is of course an essential principle in military and naval affairs; but then it is to be remembered that orders are to be obeyed according to their spirit and in view of the objects contemplated by them. Upon the very face or it the matter vindicates itself. Lieut. HUNTER is sent to blockade a town; he fins on arriving there that he can take it, and he doses so. Now the purpose of blockading the town was that it might be taken eventually, and is it not strange that an officer should be punished for accomplishing fully the objects he was sent to further? “my orders were, ” says the Lieutenant in his defense, “to report to Captain BREESE, and to assist in the blockading Alvarado. I did not consider them (can they be fairly considered?) as forbidding me to annoy the enemy in every way in my power, as modifying in the slightest degree the general duty of every office having a military command in time of war, the molest and cripple the enemy in every possible way.”

A fair and generous interpretation would certainly sanction his view. We quote some passages from Lieut. HUNTER’S defense:

“On the evening of the 30^th March, being sufficiently near, I opened upon the fort at Alvarado with shot and sells. Apprehensive of a northern, I stood off and on during the night, with a strong breeze and a rough sea. Towards affording, it having moderated, I stood close in the bar, and again opened on the forts. Shortly afterwards I discovered two horsemen upon the beach holding a white flag, and a boat crossing the bar at the same time. This boat brought me an offer on the part of the authorities to surrender the city. –Permit me here, to observe, Mr. President, that as there are two sides to every question, so there may be two results to every affair of this kind. Alvarado is now in our possession but let us suppose that it was not that we had been foiled a third time in our efforts to take it. What would have been my position, I say, if I having refused the offer of the town when the authorities “were ready to yield it –the American forces had been a third time baffled in their efforts to capture it. Mr. President, the worst that can befall me, is a trifle to the infamy and disgrace which would have remained attached to my name, perhaps long after I was in the grave.

“If you, Mr. President (or any member of this honorable Court,) will tansy yourself in my place when the offer of capitulation reached me, I think you must perceive that it placed me in a difficult, a most embarrassing position –one that might have got a much more experienced officer than myself into trouble I had to decide upon the disobeying of my orders on one hand, and the possible consequences which my refusal to take such a responsibility might lead on the other. I had to decide between two courses –the one leading to present personal safety, and the possibility of a future infamy; the other to same personal risk, perhaps, but by which the honor of the navy, and my honor, at leas were safe. I have stated thus the view which I took of my position, and the motives on which my actions were founded. I will not say, Mr. President, that under similar circumstances you would have a similar view of your position; but I think I may say without the danger of dissent here or elsewhere, that taking the same view I did –that you or any other member of this honorable court, would have done just, what I did.”

The capture of Flaco-Talpan and of the enemy’s vessels followed because Lieut. HUNTER learned, on taking Alvarado, that the vessels followed because Lieut. HUNTER learned, on taking Alvarado, that the vessels containing government property and munitions of war had proceeded up the river to the former place, and he thought it his duty to pursue immediately. One of the captured vessels he burnt, because it got aground and might have fallen into the enemy’s hands; another being worthless, was abandoned; two laden with stores, were brought to Alvarado.

The Lieutenant defense, throughout; is manly and simple, and we must say that in point of good taste it appears to advantage by the side of Com. Penny’s somewhat petulant reprimand. Of the two we should prefer to be the officer reprimanded rather that the officer reprimanding. Discipline and subordination must he preserved in the daring spirit of doubledly, and so must the daring spirit of enterprise and gallantry. After reading the passage we have quoted and the following one from the Lieutenant’s defense, who will not think that the chivalrous young officer has been harshly dealt with?

I regret my error, apart from the trouble it has brought upon me. I regret it, because it has given offence to the commander-in chief –(I speak from rumor only –I have no certain knowledge of the fact) as I have heard there was an understanding between the commander in chief and the commanding general ashore, that there was to be a combined attack made by the squadron and army, on these places; it might thus seem that I had sought to rob of its just participation in this affair that arm of the service which in the progress of this war, has acquired for our country so much honor and glory. Nothing could be farther from my intentions –I knew nothing of any such understanding.

One or two matters remain to be touched upon, I am charged in the two first spec of the 1^st charge with arrogating to myself the powers of commander in chief in signing articles of capitulation, &c., although aware of the immediate approach of the commander in chief. In regard to the first my error was one of simple ignorance. I knew that it had obtained possession of these places and the meant of course to hand them over to the first senior officer that might approach; but I had no the remotest intention of exercising any of the powers of commander in chief. I knew, or perhaps I should rather way had reason to believe, that the commander in Chief would arrive in a short time; but I did not know precisely when, still less did I know that he was nearer than Vera Cruz.”

We subjoin the official reprimand of Commodore PERRY. It is a production that will not, we are confident, find approval in the public sentiment;

Reprimand of Commodore Perry.

UNITED STATES FLAG SHIP MISSISSIPPI.
Anton Lizardo, April 9, 1847.

Sir –I enclose herewith the findings and sentence of the Court Martial, convened on the 7th inst., for your trial, which opposes upon me the task of expressing, in the form of reprimand, my opinion of your conduct as proven before the Court Marital.

However lenient the sentence in you case may seem to be, I have approved it, as I conceived of no punishment more sever than a dismissal in time of war form a squadron, with men whose patent endurance of the most trying duties, and whose character for courage obedience and subordination, have won my highest approbation.

How different has been your course. –Scarcely a day on the station, and you disobey orders, arrogate to yourself the duties belonging to a commander in chief, talk of opening upon the town, and ordering the troops to advance when you had but one gun, and not a solitary soldier, and “all for the purpose, ” as you say of securing an unmolested entrance of the squadron into the river.

It would be difficult, of no impossible, to point to another instances of similar folly; and the most charitable construction that can be given to it is –that in the elevation of a first command, you had truly imagined yourself actually in command of the naval and military detachments then approaching and within a short distance of the scene of your exploits.

With due respect,

(SIGNED) M.C. PERRY

Commander in Chief of Home Squadron.

To Lieut. CHARLES G. HUNTER.
United States Navy.
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MG47v48n13p2c2, May 27, 1847.

SEQUESTRATION OF CHURCH PROPERTY.

The Union denies that its suggestions in regard to the spoliation of the Mexican Church, were made with the knowledge and consent of Mr. Polk, any one of his Cabinet. It is sincerely to be wished that Mr. Richie would find some of enabling the public to distinguish between the official tones of the organ and the voluntaries of the editor; in other words, whether the Administration has determined on a particular measure, or is only “feeling the public pulse.” The following, which we clip from the Richmond Times, throws some light upon the subject:

THE MATTER OF THE CHURCH PROPERTY

-The correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot hints that the proposition of the Union to sequester the church property in Mexico, was favored by at least one member of the Cabinet, and the article was written by an associate editor, a clerk in the State Department, to meet the views of the President and Mr. Buchanan, as he understood them.

“A Catholic of Washington, ” writing in the Intelligencer, has also discovered a curious evidence that the proposition was not without sanction in high quarters. The article appeared in the Union of the night of May 11^th, and on that day, the Washington correspondent of the Journal of Commerce wrote as follows:

“You will see that it is now contemplated, or rather suggested, to sequester the property of the Mexican church during the war. I have no doubt it is to be done, as the church influence is now the main support of the war.”

The “Catholic” asks, with much force, where did the writer get his information? It was not from the Union because the paper was not printed; nor was it probably from the editor, who would not talk about unpublished editorials.

“Is not evident, (proceeds the writer.) that the Editorial and the Letter had a common origin? If the suggestion was not made “by authority” and thrown out to feel the popular pulse, why was it suffered to run eight full days without retraction or denial? This is a question I should like to see satisfactorily answer. Unit it is so answered I shall continue to believe, and the public will continue to believe, that the “suggestion” was the result of a Cabinet Conference, and that but for the prompt manifestation of the public indignation, the design of plundering and spoliation would have been put in execution. I would here say something of the Union’s “soft sawder” about the “intelligence, patriotism and social virtues, ” and all that of their “Catholic brethren, ” whilst thrusting a dagger “under their fifth rib, ” but no doubt you are tired of the subject.”
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MG47v48n13p2c2, May 27, 1847.

SANTA ANNA’S PASSPORT

The article from the Philadelphia North American in relation to this subject, we commend to the attentive perusal of the reader.
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MG47v48n13p2c3, May 27, 1847.

Lt. Mejia, the aid-the-cam of Gen. La Vega, now prisoner on parole in New Orleans, has written a letter to the Editors of the Picayune, in which he plainly asserts that Gen. La Vega did try, but unsuccessfully, to secure the release of Midshipman Rodgers. He was not commandant, but only third in command at Vera Cruz, when Mr. Rogers was removed to Perote. The explanation bears the stamp of sincerity and truth, and we are glad that the charges against the brave Mexican are not true.
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MG47v48n13p2c4, May 27, 1847.

THE SANTA ANNA TREASON, ITS CHARACTER AND DESIGNS.

We find the following in the Ledger of Saturday, and are constrained to invite our citizens to a thoughtful consideration of its developments. We extract it from the regular Washington correspondence of that journal:

“Victory round us every side and not a drop of comfort. Peace is apparently as far off as ever. We shall, for want of power to treat with, be obliged to keep possession of a goodly portions of the conquered territory, and to fortify and, hold all the strong places in our hands.

“With the defeat of Santa Anna, any hope of peace is considerably diminished, for however strongly the opposition press may have railed against what it was pleased to call “the passport granted to that chief, ” certain it is that our best hopes of peace rested on him, and that nothing but the impossibility of sustaining himself in Mexico, has thus far baffled his efforts to make the Congress agree to the proposition of our government to send commissioners.

“The tone of his warlike despatches was from the commencement forced upon by the circumstances in which he was placed, and perfectly understood here by the President and his Cabinet. Santa Anna only hope of success consisted in first satisfying the national vanity of his countrymen, or availing himself of some lucky accident, so turn, for a moment, the fortunes of war, and improve that moment for concluding a peace. He came very near such a chance at Buena Vista, but the battle of Cerro Gordo has put an end to his prospects, and with them, to our calculation of peace from that quarter.”

It is our first duty to inquire the source of these terrible developments of a most fearful and disgraceful treason; for unless this be the mere hallucinations of lunacy, or the idle slanders of a print wholly out of the pale of credit, there is that in it which demands attention. –We assert that it is of a source worthy of grave consideration, one immediately connected with this administration. The correspondent of the Ledger is known to be a property of this administration –an ultra Locofoco. It is known that he is in the confidence of the Government, especially of the State Department, and that he has repeatedly been made, in advance of the press, the organ of its divulgements to the public. We cannot, therefore, and we do not doubt, that in the above communication he has given faithfully the views of the administration.

And this belief is rendered the more confident by knowledge, that the President, in his annual message admitted the existence of an intrigue with Santa Anna. He did this-enough of itself to cover the government and the county with shame and to rouse every honest heart in our confines to mutiny and rage; but he did more –he recognized a still continued connexion, and promise, even then, that Santa Anna would yet procure us a peace. Let this be remember in conjunction with the other facts.

To effect this purpose, it was necessary that Santa Anna should be upheld in Mexico. –The alliance demanded that the two Presidents should sustain each other. To give eclat to the Mexican miscreant, and to enable him to carry out Polk’s designs, a victory was necessary. Read the above letter, and say what were Polk’s purposes:

“The tone of his” –Santa Anna’s –“war like despatches was, from the first, forced him by the circumstances in which he was placed, AND PERFECTLY UNDERSTOOD HERE BY THE PRSIDENT AND HIS CABINET.” “AND CERTAIN IT IS THAT OUR BEST HOPES OF PEACE RESTED UPON HIM.” “He came very near such a chance at Buena Vista, but the battle of Cerro Gordo has put an end to his prospects, and, WITH THEM, TO OUR CALCULATION of peace from that quarter.”

Such is the language of the administration. We will not pause to characterize a policy so dark, so treasonable; but will proceed to prove, by facts, that the plan of the administration was, as he indicated, to give a victory to Santa Anna, in order that he might, to use the words of the writer and improve that moment for concluding a peace.”

At time when it was known, when it was communicated by Gen. Taylor to the administration, that Santa Anna was gathering a large force, at San Luis Potosi, of from 30 to 40,000 men, the government withdrew from him, without notice or explanation, the main part of his force, including nearly all his regulars and his best officers. He was left in a state of apparent helplessness; and that, too, in the face of an army four times his number. What was the objects of this? An attack up on Vera Cruz. But why was not Santa Anna at Vera Cruz? Why did he leave the door of Mexico open, and prefer to attack a detached force in an extreme section of the republic? And when so unexpectedly repelled –(“he came very near such a chance at Buena Vista, ” says the administration writer quoted above) –why did he make what his countrymen believe to have been but a feint at Cerro Gordo?

Whether of not, authority, this letter singularly chords with the facts. It explains the withdrawal of Gen. Taylor’s force, the orders given to him to retire and afford Santa Anna a triumph over every post this side of Monterey; bathing the country in the blood of the gallant American volunteers who occupied it. It acknowledges, in the most distinct manner, that the intrigue with Santa Anna has been continued to the present time. It expresses with a horrible frankness, a regret that Taylor and his little host were not sacrificed at Buena Vista.

The charge of a treasonable conspiracy between the Presidents of the two countries, is recognized in both. The Mexicans believe that Santa Anna is a traitor in the parto of both the contracting parties. It is a crime which the country can never, by a false clemency, pardon. He who stamps a brand upon the brow or the Republic, by such a crime, is a worse felon that any In her dungeons.

“Our best hopes of peace rested on him, ” Santa Anna. There was then no trust in the patriotism of the country, in the valor of our army, or in the firmness of our government. –“Nothing but the impossibility of sustaining himself in Mexic0 has thus far baffled the efforts to make the Congress agree to the proposition of our government.” The whole war has then been a game played between two dark political gamblers, who, understanding their mutual policy, have played into each other’s hands. And what of the thousands who have perished in this terrible game? –What of them, indeed!

The lamentations of this writer over the victory of Buena Vista, his expressed desire that Santa Anna should have prevailed, and our patriots have been massacred (for such must have been the result,) presents in picture of political depravity too horrible for contemplation. This is not treason merely –though it is treason of the blackest kind –but it is the most in sane form of sanguinary malice. Over the graves of McKee and Hardin and Clay and their compatriots, the writer laments that Taylor and Wool and all who battled by their side, were not laid in the same tomb. And these, be it remembered, are the views and sentiments of the Administration. All should have been offered as a sacrifice to Santa Anna “to satisfy the national vanity of his county men, ” and enable him “to turn the fortunes of war and to improve that moment for concluding peace.” –Phila. North American.
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MG47v48n13p2c4, May 27, 1847.

Correspondence of the Baltimore Patriot

Washington, May, 29, 1847

Col. DAVID TOD, the newly appointed Minister to Brazil, in place of Mr. Wise, who has permission to come home, took leave of his friends and left with his Secretary of Legation, Mr. Morgan, (who has been for sometime past the Law Clerk in the office of the Solicitor of the Treasury) yesterday morning, for New York.

Col. Tod, family and Secretary, will sail in the U. S. ship Ohio, now do her passage home from Vera Cruz, about the middle of June. The new minister as a dark skinned, swarthy, thick-set, middle-aged, good-looking man, with some pretension to talents as an Ohio lawyer and politician, but none to refinement of toasty or manners. He is a good stump-campaigner, and had the honor of being beaten at the last Gubernatorial election in Ohio by Governor Bess, the present Whig Chief Magistrate of that State. Being a martyr in the cause of modern “democracy, ”he has been deemed by the Administration a fit subject to be pensioned on the nation at a salary of nine thousand dollars per annum, and a bonus of nine thousand more in the shape of an outfit!

In statesmanship, Col. Tod may be a little ahead of poor JEWETT, who is said to have declared that Mr. Polk had not appointed him Charge des Affairs to Peru, but to Lima (and who has been recalled) though many there are who seriously believe he is not.

Mr. Morgan, the secretary of Legation, will be the Minister at the Brazilian Court –and will prove to be a very good one, no doubt. He is a good lawyer, a gentleman of fine sense and popular manners, and will be very apt to get soon familiarized with the duties of the Legation, and with the Portuguese language, spoken by the Brazilians, Mr. Morgan is an elder brother of Col. Morgan, at the head of one of the Ohio Regiments in Mexico, attached to Gen. Taylor’s command. The Mongans are nephews or the Hon. Wm. J. Duane, late Secretary of the Treasury, and are men of energy and character.

Following in the footsteps of Mr. Wise it is understood that another tyler man, Dr. CRUMP, Charge des Affairs to Chili, has permission to come home, in order to make room for the Hon. Seth Baron, now Solicitor of the Treasury, who, tired of the musty law books in the Treasury Department, aspires to the appointment of the Chilian Charge des Affairship, with its outfit of four thousand five hundred dollars, and its salary of the like amount, and has absolutely made several attempts to take lessons in the Spanish language, preparatory to his entrance upon the duties of the mission!

The transfer and promotion of Mr. BARTON, will leave the office of Solicitor of the Treasure free for Mr. Gillet, the present Register, to enter, it being just now found out by himself and the Administration that he is better at unraveling the quicks in the laws than at ciphering up the vulgar fractions in the loans receipts and disbursements of the Treasury Department!

Mr. Gillet is a peculiar man –shrewd, sharp useful in under-current political moves, and wonderfully close fisted, and knows how to take care of the pence.

Mr. Gillet’s present place being thus conveniently vacated, an excellent opportunity will be presented for Mr. Polk to reward that old and useful friend of his, Daniel Graham, of Nashville, Tennessee, who was on here last autumn in company with Gov. Aaron V. Brown. Mr. Graham for a number of years was the Comptroller of the State of Tennessee –an able and correct officer. He is a man after Mr. Polk’s own heart: smooth as oil, very plausible, and in the work of proscription will so adroitly manage the matter as to please himself and Mr. Polk while the proscribed will never know who hurt them! The chief wonder is that Mr. Polk has delayed rewarding Mr. Graham for so long time!

The Richmond Enquirer, received this evening, says that the official returns in the two Congressional Districts in Virginia, about which there had been some doubt, give the election to Bocock and Droomgoole, the former by four votes over Irving –the majority of the other not named. It is presumable that the double given to Bocock was not cast out by the Sheriffs. If they were not, Irving will doubtless contest the seat and obtain it. –I understand the law does not allow to Sheriffs to cat out votes that have been received and regularly recorded, although the proof may be clear that sundry persons have voted more that once, each, at different voting places, for the same candidate. But the House of Representatives may correct the error. POTOMAC.
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MG47v48n13p2c5, May 27, 1847.

GUERRILLA WAR ON THE RIO GRANDE.

From the New Orleans Picayune, May 14.

An attentive correspondent at Camargo has enclosed to us the following order, issued by Canales. It was found upon the Alcade of Guerra, who was at the time in company with one of Canale’s captains, and in conjunction with him, as was supposed taking measures to carry it into effect. Lieut. Bee, of Capt. Lamar’s company of Rangers, happened to come upon them, arrested them both and brought them into Camago.

From this order it is manifest that the guerrilla mode of warfare is to be enforced all a long the valley of the Rio Grande. It is mortifying to reflect that a few disorderly men, such as have fled from the field of battle at Buena Vista and hid themselves in the quarries before Monterey, have by their murderous conduct, given color to the charges with which Canales commences and lauds his order; nevertheless, it is almost certain that the system would have been put in practice upon the Rio Grande, as it has been in the Central States, had not these outrages happened.

We have had full measure of the glories of war, but should the guerrilla plan continues any length of time its butcheries will be appalling. The perpetrators of acts of violence have herefore sought to palliate their guilt by pleading the assassination of their comrades as an excuse for retaliation. There has been too much of this already. But what will be the scenes of havoc and blood when a “war without pity” is the recognized gauge of battle on both sides!

The order of Canales is peremptory. It commands his followers to spare neither age nor condition. Every American found within the territory of Mexico, whether armed or unarmed, must be put to the word. This is more savage even then the guerila proclamation of Salas.

The defence of the Rio Grande should be, under the circumstances, an object of primary consideration. That more troops are needed there is apparent, without taking into consideration the necessities of other divisions of the invasion.
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MG47v48n13p2c5, May 27, 1847.

FRONTIER BRIGADE OF CAVALRY,

CAMP IN SAN AUGUSTIN, April 4, 1847.

I this day send to the Adjutant Inspector of the National Guards the following instructions:

I learn, with the greatest indignation, that the Americans have committed a most horrible massacre at the rancho of the Guadalupe. They made prisoners, in their own houses, and by the side of their families, of twenty five peaceable men, and immediately shot them. To repel this class of warefare, which is not war, but atrocity in all its fury, there is no another course left us that retaliation; and, in order to pursue this method, rendered imperative by the fatal circumstances above mentioned, you will immediately declare martial law, with the understanding that eight days after the publication of the same every individual who has not taken up arms (being capable of so doing) shall be considered a traitor and instantly shot.

Martial law being force, you are bound to give no quarters to any American whom you may meet, or who may present himself to you, even though he be without arms.-

You are also directed to publish this to all the towns in this state, forcibly impressing them with the sever punishment that shall to inflicted for the least commission of this order.

We have arrived at that state in which our country requires the greatest sacrifices: her sons should glory in nothing but to become soldiers, and as brave Mexicans to meet the crisis. Therefore the army of invasion continues, and our people remain in the towns which they have molested, they deserved one ray of sympathy nor should any one ever cease to make war upon them. You will send a copy of this to each of your subordinates, and they are authorized to proceed against the chiefs of their squadrons or against their colonels or any other, ever against me, for any infraction of this order, the only made of salvation left. The enemy wages war against us, and even against those peaceable citizens who, actuated by improper impulses desire to remain quiet in their houses. Even these they kill without quarter, and this is the greatest favor they may expect from them. –The only alternative left to us under these circumstances is retaliation, which is the strong right of the offended against the offending. To carry this into effect attach yourself to the authorities. Your failing to do this will be considered a crime of the greatest magnitude.

All the officers of he troops are directed to assist you in carrying out this order; it is distinctly understood there shall be no exceptions. Neither the clergy, military, citizens, nor other persons shall enjoy the privilege of remaining peaceably at their homes. The whole of the corporation shall turn out with the citizens, leaving solely as authority of the town one of the members who is over the age of sixty years; at the same time, if a ll of the members are capable of bearing arms, then none shall be excepted; leaving to act some one who is incapable of military service. You yourself must be an example to others, by conforming to this requisition. And I send this to you for publication, and charge you to see it executed in every particular, and communicate it also to the commander of the squadrons in your city, who will aid, you in fact you are directed to do all and every thing which your patriotism may prompt.

God and Liberty!
ANTONIO CANALES.

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MG47v48n13p2c6, May 27, 1847.

An offer of a Swiss Regiment. –It is stated on the authority of a letter from Basle, that eight hundred Swiss young men have determined upon making an offer of their services to the United States, to enter the army as soldiers; and there upon the Richmond Enquirer gravely concludes that “the offer furnishes evidence of the strong impression made upon the Swiss patriots in favor of the justice of the war!”

Mr. Polk should by all means emigrate to Switzerland, and settle down among these eight hundred Swiss patriots, who are so anxious to engage in the business of killing the people of another nation, with whom they, certainly, have no cause of quarrel! If the Enquirer is right, they hold opinions of this war opposed to those held by the great body of our own people, and Mr. Polk, whose war this is, should be glad to be among them, that they might “aid and comfort” him in the deep affliction he suffers from the sense of his own countrymen, who pronounce this war unnecessary and unjust. If these Swiss do believe, as it is inferred they do, that this war is just, they must be men after Mr. Polk’s own heart. We should rather suppose, however, that their desire to engage in it is prompted by the pay which they expect to receive; and that to the justice or injustice of the war, they are as indifferent as was the renowned Capt. Dalgetty of Sir Walter Scott, as to the side on which he fought, provided it was the side that paid best. They can hardly have made their offer in the spirit that moved the young Irishman, who had wandered off into this country, and was engaged in a sociable conversation with some ladies, at the time a row broke out under the window where he was sitting. His quick ear caught the sound of the rising voices, and his sympathtic eye remarked at once the flourish of a shillalah. He hesitated not a moment, but rising, he rushed out of the room saying, “Ladies, excuse me for a few moments; there is a fight, the first I have seen since I left Ireland, and I must take a hand in it. I should never excuse myself, it I let such an opportunity pass unimproved.” The story does not say how the descendant of the Milesians enjoyed his fight. It was not, however, the love of the thing, but the profit it procured, which induced this offer of eight hundred Swiss it is their vocations –the means by which they live.

But it is said Mr. Polk will not accept the offer. Why not? Does it make any difference to us what manner of men they are who kill the Mexicans –who storm their towns –who commit the murders of the unoffending, of which we hear by almost every account from that disordered country? It makes no manner of difference to the poor Mexican who pulled the trigger which sent the ball, of held the sword, that let his life’s blood out. Death will not be stripped of its terrors, nor the homicide of this country or of another country. Let the eight hundred Swiss be engaged, -the business of killing is a work of their liking –for there is a proverb which says they are indifferent on which side they fight, so they are indifferent on which side they fight, so they are paid. If they are accepted, as we see no reason shy they should not be, Mr. Polk, if he cannot get Mr. Benton or Mr. Marcy so lead them to the fight, should take the command himself. There would be a fitness in his leading a regiment of Swiss soldiers –he has so long acted with the politicians who belong to the Swiss school. –Balt. Pat.
[MUL]

MG47v48n13p2c3, May 27, 1847.

LATE FROM MEXICO

FROM THE St. Louis Republican, May 17.

LATEST FORM SANTA FE AND CALIFORNIA.

Yesterday evening several gentlemen arrived on board the Johns J. Harding, direct from Santa Fe and California, from whom we have gathered the following information:

“Lieut. Wm. G. Peck, of the Topographical corps left Santa Fe in company with Messrs. Wood and Sandford, and their party. At the time he left Santa Fe, Col. Price was still there, and all was quiet, but it was believed to be that sullen and stubborn quiet which superior force alone compels. Although the insurrection, which we have heretofore noticed, had been put down, it was the general opinion that they only need the aid of a competent leader to rise again. The civil government was going on trying the insurgents Judge Beaubien presiding.

After Lieut. Peck was out some days from Santa Fe, he was joined by Mr. Mcknight, from Chihuahua; Lieut. Theodore Talbot, who went out with Col. Fremont; Lieut. E. Beal, of the United States Nayc Toplin, United states Army; Cristopher Carson, Robert E. Russell and others, from California. From these gentlemen we learn, that the Court at Taos had condemned a number of the insurgents to he hung, and that eleven had been executed, and a large number whipped. Six were hung on the day that last Lieut. Talbot passed through Taos.

“These executions excited the Mexicans very much, and when Mr. McKnight passed through Vagas they were endeavoring to raise volunteers for another insurrection. The Alcalde and other influential men were opposing the effort, but with what success remain to be seen.

When Lieut. Peck and his party were about nine miles this side of the Cache on the Arkansas they were attacked by about ninety Camanche Indians, who succeeded in stealing ten of their horses and mules. The party with Lieut. Peck fell back and waited two days, hoping to be joined by other parties coming in. On the second day, the Camanches again attacked them, and succeeded in carrying off all their horses and mules –thirty nine in number. In the second attack, they had a fight of some duration, in which one man, harmed Williams was severely, but not mortally wounded, by a spear of lance, in the body. Several others had their clothing cut by the balls fired by the Indians. A musket ball struck the pistol of Lieut. Peck, on the lock, and took the impression of the manufacturer’s name, as plain as it could have been made upon it. They believe they had killed one of the Indians, and probably wounded more, but they were all carried off: They killed some of the Indian’s horses. That night they were joi