Mexican-American War and the Media

MG47v48n24 August 12, 1847, The Tariff and The Prices
As the venerable editor of the official organ displayed so much ingenuity in the effort to cast upon the Whigs the whole blame of the prolongation of the Mexican War.

MG47v48n24 August 12, 1847, Important Rumor
General Scott's entrance into Mexico City.

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, Good Pun
Pun told at a dinner in Vera Cruz,
Mexico

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, From the Army
General Urrea in the field with four thousand men.

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, Still Later
Account from General Scott.

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, Manifest Destiny
Editorial on Manifest Destiny.

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, Col. McPherson of Page
Accounts of the Oregon situation and the Mexican War.

MG47v48n25 August 19, 1847, Letter from Mexico
A soldier's account from Mexico.

MG47v48n26 August 26, 1847, Later from Vera Cruz and Tampico
The steamship New Orleans arrived yesterday afternoon having sailed from Vera Cruz.

MG26 August 26, 1847, Later From Mexico
The Mississippi at this port from Vera Cruz, Mexico.

MG47v48n26 August 26, 1847, Landing of Paredes
Union's explanation of the landing of Paredes at Vera Cruz.

MG47v48n26 August 26, 1847, Patriotic Devotion
Polk's brother going to Mexico

MG47v48n26 August 26, 1847, From the Indian Country
Mexicans paying off Indians to attack Americans passing through.

SEPTEMBER 1847

MG47v48n27p2c1, September 2, 1847, IMPORTANT NEWS
Information about Vera Cruz

MG47v48n27p2c1, September 2, 1847, IMPORTANT FROM THE YUCATAN
Insurrection of the Indians on the Yucatan peninsula

MG47v48n27p2c2, September 2, 1847, MORE NEWS FROM VERA CRUZ
Information about Vera Cruz from Patria

MG47v48n27p2c2, September 2, 1847, FROM THE RIO GRANDE
Information from the Rio Grande also including a poem

MG47v48n27p2c3, September 2, 1847, GEN SAM HOUSTON
About the annexation of Texas

MG47v48n27p2c3, September 2, 1847, ANOTHER CALL FOR TROOPS
Information that the War Department has called for the addition of five new regiments

MG47v48n27p2c3, September 2, 1847, MR. BENTON IN A NEW POSITION
Col Benton calling to get his son in-law court-martialed in California

MG47v48n28p1c7, September 9, 1847, A LETTER FROM MEXICO
A letter from Saltillo, Mexico with knowledge of troop movements

MG47v48n28p2c4, September 9, 1847, COL. BENTON
More information about Col. Benton and the court-martial

MG47v48n28p2c5, September 9, 1847, LANDING OF PAREDES
The passage of Paredes through Vera Cruz

MG47v48n28p2c5, September 9, 1847, DIVERSION OF TROOPS
Some troops will move from Gen. Taylor to Vera Cruz

MG47v48n28p2c6, September 9, 1847, GEN. TAYLOR AND THE PRESIDENCY
About Gen. Taylor and his push for presidency of the United States

MG47v48n28p2c7, September 9, 1847, WHO IS SANTA ANNA
A brief biography of Santa Anna

MG47v48n29p2c1, September 16, 1847, GLORIOUS VICTORY: TWO MORE BATTLES
About the battles of Churubusco and Contreras from the New Orleans Picayune

MG47v48n29p2c2, September 16, 1847, LATER FROM BRAZOS
From the New Orleans Times, information that Gen Taylor's forces are moving

MG47v48n29p2c2, September 16, 1847, Untitled
About a letter from Mr. James Evans, a VA Volunteer

MG47v48n29p2c3, September 16, 1847, PROSPECT OF PEACE
About peace in Mexico after capture of Mexico City

MG47v48n29p2c5, September 16, 1847, TWO MORE LETTERS FROM CAPT. HARPER
Two letters from Capt. Harper stationed in Saltillo, Mexico

MG47v48n29p2c5, September 16, 1847, BRILLIANT VICTORIES- FROM GENERAL SCOTT'S ARMY
Information regarding Churubusco and Contreras as well as General Scott being wounded

MG47v48n30p2c1, September 23, 1847, THE ARMISTICE
Terms of the Armistice between the United States and Mexico

MG47v48n31p2c3, September 30, 1847, GENERAL PILLOW
About General Pillow and events in Mexico

MG47v48n31p2c4, September 30, 1847, FROM THE BRAZOS
Information about Gen. Taylor's troops movements

MG47v48n31p2c4, September 30, 1847, Untitled
About Whigs and gaining Mexican territory

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p1c7, Old Zach a “Double F” words: 44
Refers to Taylor is from a "fighting family"

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c2, War News, words: 303
References the broken armistice, war deaths, and the blood and tears shed in war

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c2, Untitled, words 303
Plan of Union between Great Britain and the U.S. by Alliance of Perpetual Friendship in England, supporting a confederaton for peace, freedom, commerce and Christianity

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c2, Gen. Scott's speech to the Army, words: 247
Scott's reception in Mexico City

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c3, Important from Mexico, words: 3,306
Armistice terminated, battle of Molino del Rey, correspondence between Scott and Santa Anna, initial probes at Chapultepec, fighting at La Piedad and San Antonio Abad, Americans in possession of Mexico City, rumors of dead and wounded

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c7, Latest News, words: 437
Scott in full possession of Mexico City

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p2c7, Call for Volunteers, words: 261
Fifteen companies responded to call for five companies

October 7, 1847 MG47v48n32p2c7, Untitled, words: 96
Santa Anna blames others for defeats

October 7, 1847, MG47v48n32p3c1, Letter From Gen. Taylor, words: 471
Taylor responding to Raleigh's call to nominate him for president

October 7, 1847 MG47v48n32p3c2, Gen. Pillow, Again, words: 426
Questions about the "Leonidis" letter hoax, debate between the New Orleans newspapers, Picayune and Delta, over legitimacy of letter

October 7, 1847 MG47v48n32p3c2, Gen. Taylor’s Position, words: 179
Need for a speedy peace

October 7, 1847 MG47v48n32p3c2, General Paredes, words: 202
Rumors about Paredes actions

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p1c6, Letters of John P. Kennedy, words: 4,971
Letters, written several years earlier, from Maryland politician nos. 2, 3, and 4 addressing issues about the war, the boundary, and the annexation of Texas

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c3, Our Armies in Mexico

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c3, Gen. Taylor’s Opinion, words: 88
Maryland press stated that Taylor recommended hostile demonstrations on Rio Grande to start the war

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c5, Interesting from the Army, words: 693
Americans lost 27 officers killed and 45 wounded on 8 and 13 September; Santa Anna evacuated Mexico City to avoid its bombardment; Pena y Pena president; yellow fever in Lane's command, guerrilla attacks, Lally wounded in guerrilla attack

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c6, Letter from Gen. Taylor, words: 669
Taylor letter to Dr. F. S. Bronson about political policies and candidacy.

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c6, From Gen. Taylor’s Army, words: 190
Troop movements and withdrawals

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c6, Capital Hit, words: 131
Comment on Richmond Republican criticism of Polk's party's political stance on the boundary issue

October 14, 1847, MG47v48n33p2c7, The Virginia Regiment, words: 328
Letter from an officer under Taylor, comments that the Virginia Regiment is considered the best in Mexico

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c1, Letter from John P. Kennedy, words: 3,228
Letter no. 5, on the joint resolutions for annexation, occupation of disputed territory, Slidell's mission, unjustness of war, politics of Polk declaring a state of war existed, etc.

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c3, Untitled, words: 518
Extract from private letter on slavery in the new territories and the Wilmot Proviso

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c4, Mr. Faulkner and the War, words: 634
Request to republish 1846 speech on the war refused

October 21, 1847 MG47v48n34p2c5, The Annexation of Mexico, words: 593
Editorial opinions about the notion of annexing the whole of Mexico, reaction to Baltimore Sun article, concludes "Manifest Destiny is the God that rules the hour, and we have no means of divining what new schemes of folly and madness are yet to be revealed."

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c6, Untitled, Poem, words: 191
Poem by Mrs. Lydia Jane Preston, who lost sons in the war, and editorial comment

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c6, Mutilation of Document, words: 330
Publication of a previously suppressed paragraph from an official letter from Lally to Col. Wilson about repeated drunkenness, robberies, and vandalism by American troops

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p2c6, Arrest of Colonel Gilpin, words: 177
Dispute over Gilpin's mission, stationary protection of wagon trains or pursuing Indians

October 21, 1847 MG47v48n34p2c2, Mexican Whigism, words: 218
Locofoco name calling, Whigs in Virginia regiments

October 21, 1847, MG47v48n34p3c2, Untitled, words: 194
Comments on Tibbatt's law and order proclamation for Monterey, from Frankfort (KY) Commonwealth

October 21, 1847 MG47v48n34p3c3, Fighting Parson, words: 134
Pre-battle prayer by Methodist minister who commanded Missouri company at Buena Vista

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p2c1, From the Seat of the War, words: 611
Reports on weather, Kendall's correspondence, battles, Scott's General Order 286 urging vigilance and discipline

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p2c4, Affairs in Vera Cruz and on the Road, words: 692
Rea and Santa Anna in Puebla, Lane and Lally coming to aid of Childs, guerrillas no longer at National Bridge, trains getting through, Alvarez organizing against U.S. forces

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p2c5, Untitled, Patterson Moving, words: 90
Patterson headed for interior with 2000 men, Scott courier killed

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p2c5, What we asked and what Mexico was willing to give words: 236
Comment on Mexican offer of territory and U.S. insistence on more

October 28, 1847 MG47v48n35p2c5, Let Justice be Done, words: 141
Concludes that 64 American, 34 Irish, and 16 Germans among those executed for desertion; critical of anti-immigrant rhetoric

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p2c7, The Administration and the “Democracy”, words: 171
Extract of comments in NY newspaper against dragooning the member of the President's to support annexation of all of Mexico

October 28, 1847, MG47v48n35p3c1 Mr. Polk’s friend Santa Anna, words: 343
Critical of Polk's permmitting Santa Anna to return to Mexico; extract of Santa Anna's encouragement to Mexicans to fight the invaders; pessimistic about prospects for peace

04 Nov 1847 MG36p1 Praise for Gen. Taylor

04 Nov 1847 MG36p1 Old account of Gen. Taylor, written in 1820 about War of 1812, then Major Taylor

04 Nov 1847 MG36p2 Army news from Vera Cruz, New Orleans Picayune

04 Nov 1847 MG36p2 The Tenth Legion…or lack thereof

04 Nov 1847 MG36p2 Critical of Polk and war prosecution, Baltimore Patriot and Journal of Commerce

04 Nov 1847 MG36p2 Correspondence from Buena Vista, Staunton Spectator

04 Nov 1847 MG36p2 Critical of Polk, vignettes,

11 Nov 1847 MG37p2 Supportive of Mr. Olaquibel, Governor of Mexico, National Intelligencer

11 Nov 1847 MG37p2 Correspondence from Puebla and Mexico: disease, guerrillas, etc., New Orleans Picayune

18 Nov 1847 MG38p2 Clay’s speech at Lexington, KY

18 Nov 1847 MG38p2 Army news, death of Capt. Walker, peace negotiations, New Orleans Delta and Picayune

18 Nov 1847 MG3p82 Mexican army mutiny at Tehuacan, Santa Anna’s movements, New Orleans Times

25 Nov 1847 MG39p2 A speech, political opinion on conclusion of the War, Baltimore Patriot

25 Nov 1847 MG39p2 Commodore Stockton demands inquiries in California, St. Louis Republican

25 Nov 1847 MG39p2 General Scott’s dispatches from Mexico City, Free Press, Patriot

25 Nov 1847 MG39p2 Colonel Fremont’s trial, Richmond Whig

25 Nov 1847 MG39p2 War Expenses

02 Dec 1847 MG40p1 The cost of the War, human cost, not money, Win. Rep.

02 Dec 1847 MG40p2 Critical of the proposed conquest of Mexico, Missouri Republican

02 Dec 1847 MG40p2 Correspondence from Vera Cruz, New Orleans Sun

02 Dec 1847 MG40p2 General Taylor leaving Monterey, fever at Matamoras

02 Dec 1847 MG40p2 Colonel. Gaines coming home?, Wilmot Proviso, Great Britain will not interfere in Mexico

02 Dec 1847 MG40p2 Vera Cruz updates, location of Santa Anna, Baltimore American

09 Dec 1847 MG41p1 Supportive of Clay’s speech at Lexington, Louisville Journal

09 Dec 1847 MG41p2 Cost of the War, Money, Alexandria Gazette

09 Dec 1847 MG41p2 Latest from Mexico, miscellaneous, Baltimore American, from New Orleans papers,

16 Dec 1847 MG41p2 Governor William Smith's annual address

16 Dec 1847 MG42p2 Critical of Polk’s annual “manifesto,” editorial,

16 Dec 1847 MG42p2 Capt. Erskine’s death, Monterey Gazette

23 Dec 1847 MG43p1 Reception for Gen. Taylor at New Orleans, Mercury

23 Dec 1847 MG43p2 Reports from Mexico, arrest of Generals Worth, Pillow, and LT. Duncan by Scott, politics in Mexico, Trist leaving Mexico, assassinations in Mexico City, New Orleans Picayune

23 Dec 1847 MG43p2 Critical of Polk, General Taylor in Alabama, General Valencia’s actions at Contreras

[30 Dec 1847 not on microfilm.]

July

MG19p1c6, July 8, 1847

THE GUERRILLA CHIEF JARAUTA

[ . . . ]

MG47v48n19p2c2, July 8, 1847

Rupture Between Gen. Scott and the State Department.

The Washington correspondent of the Journal of Commerce, prepares us, in the following letter, for a rupture between Gen Scott and the State Department:

WASHINGTON, July 1^st, 1847

I have learned today, from a high and entirely authentic source, which I am not at liberty to mention, that Gen Scott, as the commanding officer of the army, and charged of peace, has determined not to allow any interference with his authority, from Mr. Trist or any other person, whatever may be their instructions from the State Department. Acting as commander-in-chief, he has responsibilities which he could not sustain under any divided authority. In time of actual war and invasion, and in the presence of a foe, a commander must necessarily use his own discretion in all intercourse with the enemy, for all regular diplomatic intercourse is necessarily at an end. The commander becomes, ex necessitate, the only diplomatist and negotiator. It is for him to hold such intercourse with the enemy’s government as the usages of war, in civilized countries allow. To control his action by any civil agent, would be to deprive him of the authority belonging exclusively to his station, and to retard and embarrass all his operations.

It may be considered as certain that Gen. Scott will sustain all the right belonging to his station and peculiar situation.

From another source, particularly partial to Mr. Trist, I have information also direct and authentic, corroborative of the above statement.

While I state these as undeniable and authentic facts, I must add that I do not see in them any thing detrimental to much talked of negotiations for peace with Mexico. On the contrary, it is evident that Gen. Scott, if left alone, can exert in Mexico an influence potent for peace, while his prudence, capacity, and fortune render him irresistible in war.
[MUL]

MG47v48n19p2c2, July 8, 1847

A National Sham Battle.

A correspondent of the New Orleans Picayune, writing from Vera Cruz, communicates the following amusing and warlike intelligence:

“A singular piece of amusement was started out side one of the city gates yesterday morning by a party of about one hundred and twenty Mexican boys, from twelve to eighteen years old. They divided themselves into two equal parties –one to represent the American and other the Mexican army, and at it they went, with their captains in advance, one with the American and the other with the Mexican flag. Stones, bricks, dirt and sticks flew for about fifteen minutes in every direction, when both parties drew off, sent in commissioners, and arranged the matter, all making friends with the exception of the American captain, who had received a severe wound with a brickbat, and begged to be permitted to try adversary single-handed, saying be could lick the d-----d Mexicans in two minutes!”
[MUL]

MG47v48n19p2c3, July 8, 1847

FOR THE GAZZETTE

WHO IS JAMES K. POLK:

This was the question propounded by the Whigs to the Loco Focos in 1844, after the nomination as a Candidate for the Presidency of the individual, whose name stands at the head of this article, and which was as exultingly answered by the latter after the election as being the “President of the United States!”

Now this reply of the Loco Focos had some truth in it, and was very well made at the time; but the writer of this still entertained doubts whether or not they really had found out who James K. Polk was. He was still impressed with the belief that James K. Polk was something else than merely “President of the United states”, but hoped that he might be disappointed in his anticipations. –But, alas! The day has arrived when he really (not to his surprise, but as he feared,) witnesses even more that he expected from the elevation to the Presidency of James K. Polk. And he does not suppose, but feels confident in the assertion, that the majority of the Loco Foco party have now found out what they thought they had along since!

They thought that they had found out who James K. Polk was, when he was elected “President of the United States;” but they now see he is even more than that. They have found out that he is the weakest-minded and most incompetent man who was ever attained the Presidency or this enlightened nation. And they have furthermore found out, among a thousand other things, that he has involved his Country in a most disgraceful, unholy and unjust war, which will not only result in burdening it with an immense debt, but will cost us the loss of many valuable lives.

The aged father and mother have found out who James K. Polk is, by being bowed down with grief through his instrumentality, for the loss of a dear son, whose life has been sacrificed on the battles-fields of Mexico. The son and daughter, and brother and sister, have found out who James K. Polk is, by being bathed in tears and caused to mourn, trough his official acts, for the loss of a kind and affectionate father, or loving brother, whose life has been uselessly sacrificed fighting for his Country on the battle-fields of Mexico.

Yea, the WHOLE PEOPLE have found out who James K Polk is, by being made to witness through his mal administration, an immense sacrifice of blood and treasure in an uncalled-for war, in a foreign land, waged against a weak and distracted people!

And who knows what is yet to be the end of the elevation to the Presidency of the United States of a man who was almost wholly unknown to the People? Who can divine the best or the worst? Before James K. Polk was elected President, it would have been considered madness and folly, by many of those very persons who have suffers the loss of many near and dear friends and relations, for any one to have predicted this result.

I said it would have been considered madness and folly, for any one to have predicted this result before the election of James K. Polk to the Presidency. –I should have said it was considered madness and folly, &c., as this result was predicted in the event of James K. Polk’s election, if he carried out the principles and rules laid down for him in the Baltimore Nominating Convention.

What did HENRY CLAY tell us before the election of James K. Polk? In reference to the Texas question –the rallying cry of the immaculate Democracy he said “war will be the consequence of the annexation of Texas at this time in the manner proposed.” And how does this prophecy agree with what Thomas H. Benton said “this war is the consequence of the annexation of Texas, at the time and in the manner in which it was done.”

It is melancholy, indeed, to contemplate the eventual finding out of such a man as James K. Polk, if thus far is only to be considered an introduction; but it is greatly to be feared, that before his “race is run”, he will be found out to the sorrow of many of those who have “ears to hear and would not hear”, and “eyes to see and would not see”.

BERKELEY.

[MUL]

MG47v48n19p2c6, July 8, 1847

TRIBUTES OF RESPECT

We have been polite favored with copies of the proceeding of the officers of the 2^nd Battalion of Virginia Volunteers, and of the men of Capt. Carrington’s Company, in reference to the untimely death of their gallant fellow soldier, Lieut. Murford. The sympathy so generally felt by his companions in arms, has been most feelingly and appropriately expressed –and the communication of it in such kind terms, must touch deeply the hearts of relatives and friends. –Rich. Rep.

At a meeting of the officers of the 2^nd Battalion of the Virginia Regiment, stationed at China, in the Province of New Leon, Mexico, convened on the 23d May, 1847, for the purpose of expressing their deep regret for the death of their brother officer and companion in arms, Lieut. CARLTON R. MUNFORD, -

T. B. RANDOLPH, Lt. Col. Va.
Va. Reg’t, Sect’y.

At a meeting of the members of Company G, second Battalion and first Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, held at their quarters in China, Mexico, on the 23d May, 1847:

Sergeant Lewellen having, in a few felling and pertinent remarks, explained the object of the meeting, on his motion, private Samuel S. Pleasants was called to the Chari, and Andrew J. Didlake appointed Secretary. The Chairmen then, on motion, appointed a Comitee of three, composed of Sergeant Lewellen, and privates Ward and Hudnall, to prepare suitable resolutions, expressive of the sense of the Company, who having retired in a short time returned and submitted the following preamble and resolutions on which, motion, were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, in an unfortunate affair of honor, which took place at China, on the 20^th inst., and which resulted in the death of Lieut CARLTON R. MUNFORD, we, the members of Company G, have assembled this morning to give some expression to our deep and heartfelt sorrow: Therefore,

Resolved, That in the death of Lieutenant MUNFORD we have each lost a sincere friend, and whose bravely, chivalry and firmness, we had the most implicit confidence, and to have followed whom to the field of battle and glory, would have been our greatest pride.

Resolved, That to have known Lieutenant was to love him, for in him is personified all that was generous, liberal, honorable and high-toned, which ennobles human character.

Resolved, That his memory will ever live fresh in our hearts, and while we believe that the grief, distress, anguish and loss to his family and numerous friends at home, will be inexpressibly and inconceivably great, we beg to mingle our feelings with theirs, and to offer our most sincere sympathies and condolence.

Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to the family to the deceased.

Resolved, also, That the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to the Editors ot the Richmond Whig, Republican and Enquirer, with the request that they publish the same, and that they be copied by the papers trough out the State.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

SAM’L PLEASEANTS, Ch’n.
AND J. DIDLAKE, Sec’y.

[MUL]

MG47v48n19p2c7, July 8, 1847

Bathing in Mexico.

The following is an extract from a letter from the camp of the Massachusetts volunteers, published in the Boston Transcript:

“You would be charmed with our encampment on account of the bathing, if nothing else. All the Matamoras females, high and low, bathe at least one each day –generally in the evening, soon after sunset, and as the current is too strong for their delicate limbs to contend against in the river, they resort to the lakes in the vicinity of the city –our lake being specially favored by them. Some of them are splendid swimmers, and I have seen one of them out swim at least eight of our officers.

“The Mexican men and women bathe promiscuously and it is laughable to see women take a lovesick swain and duck him till he is nearly to dead. I should consider that a perfect cure for the most obstinate case imaginable.”

One scarcely wonders that the writer of the letter was “charmed with their encampment.” It must have been a rare thing to see eight officers of the Massachusetts volunteers swimming after one Mexican woman. We wonder if it was in one of these swimming matches that Col. Cushing broke his leg? –N. O. Picayune.
[MUL]

MG47v48n20p1c6, July 15, 1847

FROM THE STAUNTON SPECTATOR.

A LETTER FROM CAPT. K. HARPER.

BUENA VISTA, (Mexico,) June 2, 1847

Dear: I have already apprised you that the Augusta Volunteers left China on the 23d, in advance of the Battalion stationed at that place, to carry through dispatches to Gen. Taylor, and that we arrived at Monterey the 20^th. On the same day, I received orders to proceed to this place with three other companies –Capt. Fairfax’s (Va.,) and two North Carolina companies, Capt. Henry’s and Capt. Blalock’s. We took up the line of march about an hour before sun-set, and arrived here at 1 o’clock yesterday. As you may well suppose, we are all pretty well jaded, particularly the Augusta boys, who have a continuous march of ten days. The distance from China to this place is but about 145 miles, though the marches each day are of necessity very regular, on account of water. One day we had to go twenty-four miles, twenty of which were very great, but I do not see that any of them have sustained material injury. Most of the miserable catch-penny tin canteens which were issued to us have given out –may of them indeed leaked from the first, and I tried at Monterey to get others, but none were to be had, nor could I even get kegs to haul water.

The five other companies of the 2^nd Battalion which we left at China, I presume are by this time on their way to join us. The 1^st Battalion, now garrisoning Monterey, will also be up in a few days, being about to be relieved by the Massachusetts regiment. There are not many troops here at present, and there is considered to be a necessity for them.

The scenery about this place is quite picturesque, though I do not exactly recognize its claims on the name it bears, unless it be on account of the more extended view which it affords of the mountains. More sublime and elevated peaks are met with at many points along the road. The mountains in this part of Mexico are of a singular character. They seem to be of solid rock, rising hundreds of feet in sharp cones, without a particle of vegetation, unless it may be a scraggy bush, or patch of moss. There is nothing like timber on any of them that I have seen, and at this place, although there is a considerable stretch of plain intersected with a deep ravines, between the mountains, we have to send some fifteen miles for fuel for cooking purposes. The water though is excellent, the best I have met in Mexico, and the temperature moderate. There is generally a fine breeze in the day, and at night, it is cool enough sometimes for overcoats and blankets. The probability is that we shall remain here for some time, and the Mexicans have opened quite a market at our camp. We had green peas, salad, onions, apricots, and other things mornings. I ate green corn the day I was in Monterey.

I have not yet gone over the battle field. It lies just before our camp, and looking over it, it seems pretty much like a plain, though it is cut up with deep hollows, and somewhat undulated by spurs of the mountain running into it. Whether the Mexicans will try the fortune of war on the same theatre again, remains to be seen. It is said that communications have been made from Saltillo to them of the great reduction which has taken place in our force, but I hope by the time they are ready we shall be so also.

The country which we traversed on the march from China to this place is pretty much of the same character of that I have heretofore described –dry, sterile, and uninviting, with here and there a bottom of a few thousand acres that are rendered fertile by irrigation. –Sereno’s hacienda, 15 miles east of Cadareita, is a splendid place. I dined with that gentleman, and he had in store the best of wines and liquors. The most inviting sport, however, that I have met in Mexico, is the town of Cadareita. It is truly a beautiful place, and every thing about it is indicative of place, and every thing about it is indicative of cleanliness and taste. The houses are neat and comfortable, and the gardens filled with the fruits of the country –oranges, lemons, limes, figs, pomgranates, &c. I could but wonder, however, at the spirit of a people who could suffer a single company to march through their great plazas as enemies, in all the pomp and circumstance of war. We encamped just outside the town, on the bank of the river, and made a requisition on the Alcade for wood, which he promptly complied with. I afterwards called upon him, and found him to be very affable and gentlemanly in his manners. I enquired of him the population of the town, and he told me, that with in the district over which he presided, there were ten thousand inhabitants.

In the march from Monterey to this place there were few objects worthy of special note. Our first encampment was at the Mills, six miles this side. I was not in them, having arrived in the night, and leaving at day-light. I saw enough externally, however, to impress me very favorably with the works. The race or aqueduct is a splendid piece of masonry faced inside with a clear hard cement, as hard seemingly as the rock itself. There is also a beautiful basin or reservoir just beside the mill, about 120 feet square and three or four feet deep, constructed of stone, and plastered with the some cement at the sides and bottom. –what special use it was intended to serve, I did not learn. There was no water it at the time.

The Rinconada Pass was our nest encampment. Here, or rather just below the pass, there are several houses, mostly unoccupied, and the remains of a splendid garden filled with fruits, and flowers. There I saw apples, peaches, some of the largest fit trees I had met with loaded with fruit, and pomegranates, &c. Unfortunately none of the fruits were ripe, however. The flowers were the bunch and velvet roses, white lilies, and several other kinds that I was not acquainted with, though, none of them very handsome. The garden was irrigated throughout. As I walked along its broad avenues, I could not but think of the gay and happy scenes no doubt often enjoyed by the youthful within its pleasant, bowers, and perhaps even now anxiously longed for, but to which war had put at least a temporary stop. It is probably the summer retreat of some wealthy family, I grieved to see here and there, the smooth trunk f some beautiful fig tree made the mark of some heedless riflemen.

The Rinconada Pass is one of the strongest and most easily defended against approach from the East that could well be conceived, and Gen. Taylor showed his wisdom in securing it to himself in the capitulation of Monterey. Against approach from this side, it would be of little value. Buena Vista is much better in that respect. This, I presume, is the reason why Gen. Taylor made his stand here, instead of falling back upon the pass, as many, who did not know the nature of the ground, thought he ought to have done.

The health of the company has suffered very little since I last wrote. We lest one in a bad way at China, (Preston Brown) though he was somewhat on the mend. We had to leave four at Monterey, two, (Merritt and Taylor,) with some legs, and two others with injuries (Clarke and Noon). We have three or four sick with us, but in this healthy location they must soon get well.

We are now at the very out post (we may say) of operations in this quarter, and the chance of communicating with us, I fear, will become more rare than they have been. –Whether we are to push farther or not, we are wholly unadvised. I shall try, however, always to have a letter ready, so that I may avail myself of any opportunity to forward it.
[MUL]

MG47v48n 20p 2c 2, July 15, 1847

Correspondence of the Baltimore Patriot

WASHINGTON, July 8, 1847.

After the mail from the South had arrived here this evening, a rumor spread through the city that Gen. Scott had entered the capital of Mexico, after a dreadful battle, in which he lost eleven hundred men.

I took some pains to trace the rumor out but could find nothing connected with it bearing the impress of authenticity. In a few hours it was generally believed to be without foundation.

A member of the Administration informed me that the Government Express, which is run now at the same time and over the same ground that the Pony Express is, (so he informed me,) came trough, but of course he did not give me the purport of the dispatches received.

That Gen. Scott has had or will have a severe battle, almost everyone now believes. This battle would have been avoided, no doubt, if the imbecile Administration had properly and suitable reinforces Generals Taylor and Scott.

Among other things they have aided in exasperation SANTA ANNA, no doubt the merited abuse of him by Gen. Scott, in his Proclamation, has contributed not a little. He has Scott now in the densest of the Mexican population. He knows, from the intercepted dispatches, that there will be no immediate junction of Taylor’s forces with those of Scott. He knows that Scott has less than 10,000 troops, and that he can raise 50,000 to oppose them. And he further knows that now or never is the time to strike, if he would redeem himself in the estimation of his countrymen, who seen just on the eve of comprehending the critical condition they and their nation are in.

Knowing these things, Santa Anna no doubt has struck or will strike a heavy blow at Gen. Scott. It is his last chance, and desperation is upon him! He may kill a long list of our brave men –but ultimately the treacherous tyrant must go down!

With greater anxiety than ever, everybody will now look for the nest news from the seat of war.

Mr. Polk and Mr. Buchanan, who started on their popularity hunting tour, in the belief, as I learn, that in a few days the treaty of peace they sent by Mr. Trist to Mexico would come back here properly signed and sealed, have got back to their stations and find no peace!

Tired, to surfeiting, of the war and its horrors and tremendous expenses, they would now, for a peace, most willingly take the back track, to a greater extent than they did on the Oregon question –but their pet and friend, Santa Anna, whom Mr. Polk, who might have honorably avoided the war, no doubt, but obstinately would not, can foresee!

The vacancy created in the Indian Agency by the death of Major William Armstrong, will likely enough be filled by the appointment of their a son of the late Major Armstrong, who is a young lawyer at St. Louis, of fine talents and character and of estimable worth, thought he is but twenty-thee years of age, and therefore may be deemed to be too young –or of Major Arnold Harris, the son-in-law of General Robert Armstrong, who has been in the Indian country a great deal with the late Major Armstrong, and who, perhaps, is better acquainted and more familiar with his system of Indian management than any man living.

Major Harris is now in his city, but I understand is willing and anxious to waive any claims he may posses, in favor of young Mr. Armstrong, to whom he thinks the station ought to be given, out of respect to his father, William, and his uncle Francis W. Armstrong, both of whom died Indian Agents, devoting their best energies to the welfare of our brethren, the aborigines!

If the appointment should no: be given to young Armstrong, on account of his youth, then Major Harris will probably receive it. He is eminently worthy of the high station, and would fill it with honor to the Government, satisfaction to the Indians who know him and like him, and credit to himself.

POTOMAC.

[MUL]

MG47v48n20p2c3, July 15, 1847.

GENERAL SCOTT.

A change, sudden as it is amusing, has come over the spirit of the dreams of our locofoco contemporaries, in regard to this illustrious individual. He, who but a few short months ago, was the devoted subject of the unmitigated censure and ridicule of these consistent gentlemen, (many of whom even went so far to laud the military sagacity evinced by the President in withholding from him the command of the army,) is now in their estimation “the great captain of the age;” his proclamation, though manifestly put forth in pursuance of the instructions of the administration is quoted as good democratic authority; and to one wholly ignorant of the practices of “the party”, the chances in favor of “Soup Scott” for a nomination for the Presidency at the hands of a Baltimore Convention would seem to be any thing but inconsiderable. Could we, for a single moment, be induced to believe that there was an iota of sincerity in their loud professions of repentance, or that the recent displays of admiration and gratitude we have witnessed were prompted by aught else than a desire to use the “hero of Cerro Gordo” as a foil to the increasing popularity of the hero of Buena Vista, we could forgive the past, and have more faith in promises of good behavior for the future. Fortunately for the country however, the real friends of Gen. Scott are not such gudgeons as to be caught by these professions, even were it within the bounds of probability, that he could for a moment so far forget the principles to which he has ever exhibited the most devoted attachment, as to allow himself to be made the catspaw of Locofocoisin. “Surely the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird,” and it would be hard to convince Gen. Scott or his immediate friends, that his victories in Mexico have wrongly any decided change in the sentiments and feelings towards him, of the men who were so very oblivious of the gallantry and the patriotism which bared his breast to the murderous fire of the British columns at Niagara, as to make him the subject of their disgusting ribaldry and vituperation.
[MUL]

MG47v48n 20p 2c 5, July 15, 1847

LATER FROM MEXICO

FROM VERA CRUZ.

The National of the 5th says:

The barque Patheon, Capt. Williston, arrived here yesterday from Vera Cruz, whence she sailed on the morning of the 26^th ult.

Capt. W. reports the steamship Galveston, Capt. Windle, as going into port as the Patheon was coming out. On the 27^th ult. 150 miles to the N.E. of Vera Cruz, say the steamship Galveston, hence for that port.

The same paper has the following paragraph:

IMPORTANT, IF TRUE. –Just as our paper was going to press, we were informed by a gentleman in whom we have every confidence that a report from the city of Mexico, last night, that a dysentery of a malignant character had broken out among our troops at Puebla, and that it is believed the Mexican venders of milk, pulque, liquors, etc., poisoned those articles with a certain poisonous vegetable, which grows in the neighborhood.

We believed the rumor entitle to credit, and hope Gen. Scott will hear of it in time to prevent an extension of the diabolical plot.
[MUL]

MG47v48n 21p2c1, July 22, 1847.

LATER NEWS FROM SANTA FE.

An extra from the office of the St. Louis Republican of the 6^th inst. Contains the following intelligence from Santa Fe:

Another Battle with Mexicans and Indians –Two American’s killed and three wounded. – Loss of Government Cattle Arrival of Col. Russell from California.

We conversed this morning with Mr. Murphy, as intelligent gentleman, just from Santa Fe. He left on the 29^th of May, and furnishes us with details of very interesting occurrences in New Mexico.

On the 27^th of May an engagement took place at the Red River canon, 150 miles south east of Santa Fe, between a detachment of about 175 men, under Major Edmondson, and a band of Mexicans and Apache Indians, supposed to number 400 men. These men were combined together for the purpose of committing depredations on American property, and a few days previous bad succeeded in stealing 150 horses from traders and others.

Major Edmondson had been ordered out for the purpose of routing them. At the place indicated he came upon the enemy rather suddenly, and not very advantageously. He has crossing a slough at the mouth of the canon, was very miry, and many of his horses being in a weak condition, he was forced to abandon them. The engagement commenced on foot and lasted some two hours.

It is not known how many of the enemy were killed; two Americans were killed, and a third was wounded and reluctantly left on the ground when the retreat was ordered. –Lit. Elliott, in command of 27 men, principally Laclede Rangers, rendered very efficient service at this juncture. He occupied a point of rocks, and kept the enemy from advancing upon the retreating forces, until they had got out of a difficult position. He had two men wounded, M. Wash and J. Eldridge but not dangerously. All the horses were shot down or captured.

On the 2d of June, Lt. Col. Willock, with 115 men, was met on his march from Taos, in pursuit of the Mexican and Indian forces. He had got upon their trail, and was resolved upon an engagement with them.

We are sorry to heat that a garrison of only fifteen soldiers were left at Taos, all of whom were on the sick list. Col. Price was at Santa Fe, with portions of several companies of volunteers. Of this movements and plan we know nothing.

Mr. Murphy met Mr. Wethered, some other traders and two Government trains of wagons at the crossing of the Pawnee Fork. They had been detained there fort three or four days by a freshet in the river, which prevented them from fording it. At this point the Indians annoyed them very much, and succeeded in killing a hundred and fifty head of cattle belonging to the Government train ( under charge of Capt. Belt, wagon master) and Mr. Goodrich, of this city, also lost 27 animals in the same way.

The cattle were all speared and their tails cut off close, to be used as trophies of victory. A Mr. Smith of Platte County, who was on guard at the time received seven spear wounds, one of which struck him in the throat, but it was the opinion of the physician who was along, that he would recover.

About this time, or shortly after, this party, who were traveling the River road, heard the discharge of cannon on the Ridge road, and as a train of Government wagons, having a piece of artillery with them, were on that route, it is supposed that an attack had been made upon them by the Indians.

Lieut. Love’s command of dragoons, with the money for the pay of the troops at Santa Fe, was met a few hours travel from the Pawnee Fork, going on well.

Col. Wm. H. Russell, Secretary of the Territory of California, came in with Mr. Murphy, and is the bearer of dispatches from Col. Fremont for the Government at Washington.

Col. R., we learn, stopped at his residence in Calloway county, to see his family. He may be looked for in this city in a day or two, and we then expect a full account of the operations in California.

Mr. Murphy heard nothing of the news brought to Westport by the “Delaware Indian,” some days ago, of the attack upon a train of Government wagons, and the killing of some fifty teamsters and others, near Walnut Creek. It is, therefore, presumed to be totally unfounded.

INDEPENDENCE, July 2, 1847

This morning Col. Russell, Secretary of the Territory of California, arrived at this place with a party of eighteen men. He states that the Indians are growing worse upon the plains, and he had three lights with them during his march.

It is expected that the companies and wagon trains, now going out will be attacked, as the Indians are said to be collecting together for the purpose of committing depredations on the trains.
[MUL]

MG47v48n21p2c1, July 22, 1847.

FROM VERA CRUZ AND MEXICO.

Attack on Tabasco – The Guerrillas –Santa Anna raising Forced Loans—Preparations for Defending the City of Mexico, &c., &c.

The U. S. steamship Alabama, Capt. Windle, arrived at New Orleans on the morning of the 7^th inst. From Vera Cruz, having sail on the 4^th. The New Orleans Times (extra) of the 7^th inst, has received full files of Vera Cruz papers to the 1^st ints., together with several letters from their correspondent, Indicator, which are subjoined.

Our latest dates from the city of Mexico, by this arrival, are the 19^th ult. Which reached Vera Cruz on the 30^th, by a Merchant’s express. The news, however, is very meager, Santa Anna, it is said, has demanded a forced loan of one million of dollars, and is raising the money at the point of the bayonet. A letter states that the work of fortifying the approaches to the capital is proceeding vigorously, but the writer adds that a great lack of judgment is displayed in the selection of positions for defense.

We learn verbally that the British Courier reached Vera Cruz on the night of the 1^st inst. but as the Alabama sailed at daylight, on the following morning; no news; if any, was received through that medium, had inspired. The Courier probably left the city of Mexico, on the 26^th or 27th ultimo.

Singular as it may seem, it appears that no later intelligence has been received at Vera Cruz from the army. At all events, our correspondent makes no allusion to the advance of Gen. Scott, who, it is presumed, is still at Puebla, waiting for the reinforcements.

We make the following extracts from the correspondence of the Times:

VERA CRUZ, June 28, 1847. –I hear nothing of the project of changing the government depot from this city to Tuspan, and hope the notion, if it were entertained has fallen through.

Jalapa I believe, has been entirely abandoned by our troops; and, indeed we this evening have intelligence that the guerrillas have taken possession of that city. Whether this is true or not, the virtual abandonment which has taken place, evinces a strange indifference in General Scott as to the safety of his communications. I thought a general always secured his rear when advancing into a country even at great sacrifices of force in his main division –but I here find a very different policy to govern. Vera Cruz has iess than three hundred men in her garrison. The National Badge, Encerro and Cerro Gordo certainly, and Jalapa probably, are not at all guarded, and the country is flooded with the native enemy.

Lieut. ---- Merrifield, of Capt. Ford’s company of Indiana Dragoons, this morning blow his brains out with a pistol, at the camp near the [ . . . ]. No one can tell what impelled him to the foolish dead.

The health of the city has suffered little change for the past week or two, and all circumstances considered, may be pronounced good. The mortality has averaged lee than ten daily within the time mentioned.

The work of fortifying the approaches to the city is proceeding vigorously, but one of the letters state, thus great want of judgments is shown in the selections of propositions for defense. The writer says, that the strongest fortifications are placed exactly where the Yankees are sure not to pass, whilst the most important points are left nearly open. The letters are very cautiously written, except the one which gives us this intelligence; and these are about all the remarks which it contains on the subject of general interest. The dates are up to the 18^th only. The British Courier will bring news as late as the 26^th, and I hope will be in this evening. His letters will probably be unsealed, and I am afraid destitute of political interest, and it is possible to learn anything from him personally.

Commodore Perry and his squadron arrived at Anton Lizardo last evening, from his expedition against Tabasco. Upon his arrival at the entrance of the river, he found that a short distance up, chevenaux de frisse had been sunk so as to render the passage of his vessels impracticable. He consequently landed his men and his lighter guns, and commenced his march to the town. This was a most tedious business, but the managed to get ahead at the rate of one knot per hour until he reached the neighborhood of the town, where he found the enemy of tars into a very respectable column ready to receive him. Drawing up his army of tars into a very respectable column, he advanced within musket range, when he received the enemy’s fire, and instantly opened upon them his artillery, charged with grape and canister. The Mexicans did not fire again –Perry’s single volley scattered them to the winds. Horses with the stampede could not get over the ground as they did. –Some three or four of our men were wounded, but I believe none were killed. Lieut. May lost an arm, and I believe one other officer only was badly wounded.

None of the officers of the squadron have yet been in town, and I have these particulars at second-band, although from good and intelligent authority. If I receive further details before the steamer leaves I will send them.

We learn that Padre Jarauta an the authorities of the State are at war, they having quarreled about a division of the spoils taken in the attack upon Col. Melntosh’s train. –Jarauta sent the money seized (some $6000) to Soto, the Governor of Huatusco, who declined to return more than some $600 for distribution among the guerrillas. This lead to a grand row in which I believe Santa Anna has interfered, and will perhaps settle the matter by taking the whole amount for himself.

July 1^st. –I am favored by a gentleman here with the perusal of a letter which he had received from a very intelligent American resident of Puebla, and from which I take the liberty to make some extracts, which I conceive to possess much interes.

The writer says: -“I do not know whose plan or direction our Generals are following, and as it is not my business, and beyond my means of remedy, I do not enquire, but limit myself to the remark that those who direct the war know nothing of the state of the country or of the people upon whom they are making war, nor do I believe they wish to know, or they could look upon the subject from the only true point of view.

It is well known all over the world that this country has been growing more insignificant ever since its independence, and that when the war commenced, it could not properly be called a nation, nor could not properly be called a nation, nor could that shadow in the city of Mexico be called a government. Yer foreing nations, and the United States in particular, talk of the Mexican nation, an the Mexican government, as if such a thing existed.

They then talk of destroying the commerce and industry of the country, as if these people ever possessed the one of the other . The Spaniards are the only people who ever rendered the wealth of the country at all available, and when they were driven out of it with their money, the original natives and Creoles never thought for supporting themselves by labor and industry of any kind, except the industry or robbing, &c.

There! My letter is gone. The Alabama is getting up steam and, the owner send it to headquarters. Well, perhaps the Union will have a proper effect. The writer says he has no hopes of peace, and refers to the war of the Mexican independence for an example of the bull-dog tenacity with which the people hold on to the war while they have it. He thinks the only course left for the Americans is, to occupy the country with a large army, and use it; that the people generally are not against the Americans, but it will no answer to express their felling on the subject.

An express is just in from the interior, with the most interesting and rather unexpected intelligence, that Gen. Scott with the army under his command, is in the city of Mexico. I am sorry to say, however, that the courier who brings the news left Puebla on the 12^th inst… while we have letters from the city of Mexico up to the 19^th. There is, of curse, no truth in the report, that is, no news has arrived from the army or capitol later than we had before.

Yours, very respectfully
INDICATOR.

[MUL]

MG47v48n21p2c2, July 22, 1847.

Correspondence of the North Amer. and Gaz.

HUNTINGDON, July 5, 1847.

To Scott they offered the gratitude of a grateful people, while to Polk and his party they signified they would grant a “pass”.

You may rest assured that Irvin and Patton will secure a hearty support in this portion of the State. Locofocoism is a at a low ebb. The war brought on by them –its gallant officers traduced by them –the vile partisan warfare kept up against Scott and Taylor, added to their hypocrisy, has all aroused the people, and they will speak in tones not to be misunderstand, in next October.

Yours &c.
THAT SAME OLD COON

A paper, favorable to the election of General Taylor, is to make its appearance in New York.
[MUL]

MG47v48n21p2c3, July 22, 1847.

Persons favoring us with their advertisement, will please hand them in, on or before Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock.

“Why don’t they take him down? Rockingham Register.

This is the passionate exclamation of more than one despairing votary of the spoils party, in relation to the editors who persist in retaining the name of General Taylor at the head of their columns, as the Whig candidate for the Presidency. The frantic earnestness with which this question is reiterated on all sides by the Locofoco press, affords the most cheering evidence of the popularity of the hero of Buena Vista with the people. The zeal with which the Enquirer and other Democratic Journals set about the task of convincing the Whigs that Gen. Taylor is not the man to suit us, -that “the election of Old Zach will prove another Tyler victory,” and that the Signal letter was intended by its author to repel the advances of the Whig party.

MARYLAND BATTALION

The Washington Union says – We learn that the battalion of volunteers under the command of Lieut. Co. Hughes, raised mainly from the District of Columbia and State of Maryland, are under orders for immediate transportation so the active seat of war. It is intended that Col. H. Skall open the road from Vera Cruz to Jalapa, and to occupy that important town for the purpose of securing Gen. Scott’s line of operation. With this view, the battalion will be greatly increased. At least one company will be taken from Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and other (if its organization should be speedily completed) from Wilmington, Delaware; besides a battery of field artillery from Baltimore. Other independent companies may, perhaps, be added to it as fast as they are ready. The addition of a squadron of mounted men would be very desirable –thus forming, in fact, a copse of what is called in European armies, “eclaireurs” admirably adapted to a guerrilla warfare; but we understand that there is some practical difficulty apprehended in the transportation of horses at this season of the year, for so long a voyage, which may prevent such an organization. At it is, it will form a beautiful and we doubt not, a most efficient command, well calculated to do good service. In the organization of this force, the President has, from the beginning, taken a deep and almost paternal interest, and has evinced a disposition to render it as useful as possible; and now shows his continued interest and confidence in the battalion, by assigning to it a most distinguished and honored duty.

We understand that, of the six companies now at Fort McHenry, four will be shipped for Vera Cruz on the 22d instant, and the others as soon thereafter as possible.
[MUL]

MG47v48n 21p2c1, July 22, 1847.

Anecdote of Gen. Taylor.

The Mississippi volunteers rate an anecdote illustrating Gen. Taylor’s characteristic goodness of heart. Soon after the battle of Monterey, and during the excessively of hot weather, from which officers and men suffered severely, some gentleman sent Gen. Taylor for his private use, a barrel of ice, and a quantity of delicious claret. The precious burthen was deposited at the General’s tent, with a note from the donor, after politely acknowledging which, to old hero caused the head of the barrel to be knocked out, and, tasking for his own use a lump as large as his fist, sent the whole of remainder, and the claret, to the hospital, for the use of the sick soldiers. This is but one instance, out of many, of the considerate and self-sacrificing generosity and humanity of Gen. Taylor’s character.

We state this fact upon the authority of a gentleman who had it from the Mississippi volunteers. Such conduct adds a new luster to the old hero’s radiant fame, brighter than any which the most brilliant deeds of arms could impart.

The remains of Col. Hardin and Lieut. B. R. Houghton reached St. Louis on the 7^th instant,; in charge of the returning Illinois volunteers. These brave men were feelingly addressed by John M. Eager, Esq., who was replied to in an appropriate manner by Major Richardson, of the volunteers. The coffins containing the ashes of the gallant dead were borne in procession to the Court House, and placed in the Rotunda on a catafalque, covered with black, relieved at the borders and edges by white black relieved at the borders and edges by white lace, and surmounted at the summit with a row of cannon. The Rotunda was darkened and lamps lighted, producing a very solemn effect and giving a highly impressive character to the ceremonies. The assembly were addressed here by the Rev. Mr. Van Court and Mr. Benton, in a brief but very appropriate manner. The procession was then re-formed, and moved to the river bank, where the remains were committed to the steamboat Defiance, to be carried to Meredosia, and thence to their last resting place, in Jacksonville, Illinois.
[MUL]

MG47v48n 21p2c1, July 22, 1847.

The American Marines at Havana.

"A most sad and painful spectacle," says the Memphis Eagle of 27^th ult.) was the public funeral in this city, on Saturday evening, of Lieut. Gill and his father, at one and the same time. Young Gill was a lieutenant in the first company of volunteers from Memphis, and fell with many others while gallantly advancing to the charge at Cerro Gordo. His father, Mr. Lyman Gall, grieved at his son’s death, repaired to Mexico to bring hither his remains, and bury them among his kindred, in his own country. In returning home he sickened and died.

The following toast was drank at Sumterville, S.C. on the 4^th of July:

General Taylor, “Old Rough and Ready.” “Well done thou good and faithful servant! We one put thee over few things –we will now make thee Ruler over many.”
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c3, July 29, 1847.

The Gazette

GEN’L. TAYLOR AND THE WHIGS.

An absurd story has been going the rounds of the locofoco press, - in fact some of the have derived so much consolation from it that they have published it more that once, -the substance or which is, that Gen. Taylor on being shown a Whig paper containing his nomination for the Presidency, flew into a violent passion, and swore that such persons were no friends of his, and that the editor who expressed the opinion that the war might have been avoided with honor to the country, “was worse than a Mexican,” &c. No responsible name was ever connected with the statements, and the only answer vouchsafed to the earnest demand for the author, was, that the story first appeared in the columns of “a highly respectable Democratic paper in Pennsylvania.” The miserable shifts to which locofocoism is driven was exemplified by the fact that this bald humbug was actually twice paraded in the columns of the Richmond Enquirer; to be sure, the editors would not say in express terms that they believe it if he could. We won have it in our power to present our readers with a refutation of th e calumny upon no less authority that that of Gen. Taylor himself. We commend to the serious attention of the reader the italics in the first resolution, and the reply of the General.

At a Whig meeting held at Trenton, the following resolution was passed:

“Resolved, That the character of Gen. Taylor for plain spoken honesty, assures us that he will never disappoint the expectations nor betray the confidence of his countrymen; that soundness of his principles; and that it authorizes us to confide in his fidelity to the protective system, and his opposition to the acquisition of new territories, wherewith to destroy the balance of the Union.”

And the nest and last resolution declared that therefore, the meeting nominated him for President:

In reply to these resolutions Gen. Taylor thus writes:

“I have the honor to acknowledge, with sentiments of high gratification, the receipt of a copy of the resolutions recently adopted at a meeting of the Democratic Whigs of the county of Mercer nJ.

“My thanks are specially due to my friens of the State of New Jersey for their flattering expression of approval and esteem, and which I can assure them is as truly reciprocated.

“I embrace this occasion to remark that if the people of the country desire to place me in the high office of the Chief Magistry, I do not fell myself at liberty to refuse; but on the contrary, in that position, as wall as one more humble, it will ever be my pride as constant endeavor to serve the country with a ll the ability I posses.”

Upon a previous occasion General Taylor gave a favorable response to resolutions at a meeting held in the same city.

The acceptance (says the Richmond Times) of a nomination, avowedly based upon assurances derived from Gen. Taylor’s past political course, which consisted only in belonging to the Whig party, and (more specially still) upon confidence “in his fidelity to the protective system, and his opposition to the acquisition of the new territories,” seem to be a step too unequivocal to have been inconsiderately or unintelligibly taken. Until some respectable contradiction of the inference is made, the public must believe from a comparison of this letter with the New Jersey resolution, that Gen. Taylor is willing to be a Whig candidate, committed to the protective policy, and against the appropriation of Mexican territory.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c4, July 29, 1847

FOR THE GAZETTE.

$ 2,000,000 vs. $3,000,000.

As there has been considerable enquiry as to what purpose James K. Polk intended applying the $2,000,000. asked for and obtained at the last session of Congress, I think that if particular attention be paid to the following facts, perhaps a little of the “why and where fore” may be “found out.”

It was thought somewhat singular that Mr. Polk should ask Congress for $2,000,000. for the immediate use of Mexico, specially when contrasted with the loud denunciatory language which had so lately declares our purpose of war, invasion and conquest against that same Republic. He informed Congress that he has proposed negotiations to Mexico, and as it would be nothing but right to pay any connections of territory which the Mexican Government might make, he desired to have $2,000,000 in hand –suggesting that “it might not be convenient for the Government to wait for the whole sum until the treaty could be ratified by the Senate and the appropriations made by Congress.”

Now it has been very strongly hinted that these $2,000,000 have been safely transmitted to SANTA ANNA for his own use –and if SANTA ANNA’S past life is to be taken as a criterion and Mr. Polks weakness as evidence, I do not think it at all improbable but that SANTA ANNA has the $2,000,000 snug enough.

As Mr. Polk perhaps would be considered the only person in the United States who could ever have originated such an idea as that of attempting to bride such a man as SANTA ANNA –a man who has always been hostile towards the United States –the following incident may probably bring to light something that many persons were not aware of: In speaking of the Texas war, in 1836, in which Genls. HOUSTON AND SANTA ANNA were opposing commanders, the Louisville City Gazette (of that year-’36) says that “these opposing commanders are OLD FRIENDS” and that when SANTA ANNA was in exile, they were engaged in attempting to negotiate a loan of three millions, for the purpose of conquering Texas and Mexico.”

So we see that Genls. HOUSTON and SANTA ANNA are friends –but we do not know exactly where to place SANTA ANNA. Would it be “folly” to suppose that perhaps HOUSTON and SANTA ANNA are friends again? If so, why should not POLK and SANTA ANNA be good friends, when HOUSTON and POLK are friends? Probably HOUSTON has been the mediator, and that at his suggestion POLK has been induced to attempt to bride SANTA ANNA with the $2,000,000. When we look at the principal actors in the premises, things wear a suspicious aspect.

We first see Houston and SANTA ANNA endeavoring to obtain a loan from this Government for the purpose of conquering Texas and Mexico. We than see SANTA ANNA recalled at the head of the Mexican Government. We then see Texas declare herself independent of Mexico. We then see the “old friends”, HOUSTON and SANTA ANNA the opposing commanders in the war originating from this declaration of independence by Texas. We see HOUSTON triumphant and SANTA ANNA a prisoner of war. We afterwards find SANTA ANNA back in Mexico in private life –then in power and finally see Mr. POLK give SANTA ANNA a free pass to Mexico, where he now is at the heath of the Mexican army fighting our Country.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c6, July 29, 1847 Late from Vera Cruz

From the N.O. Picayune of July 15.
LATE FROM VERACRUZ

Council of war in Gen. Scott’s camp –order to march upon Mexico –march countermanded –Santa Anna’s preparations –the column of honor –letter from Gen. Taylor.

By the way of Tampico, the New Orleans Picayune on the 14^th received a copy of El Republicano, from the city of Mexico, of the 30^th June: also the number of the 26^th, which was missing from its previous file. Both papers contain matter of great interest. We copy from the Picayune the following abstract of their news:

A postscript in the paper of the 26^th contains a report of the proceeding of a council of war said to have been held in Gen. Scott’s camp on Thursday, the 24^th, the business of which was to determine either or not to advance upon the capital. One general, whose name is not given, is said to have argued that it would be imprudent, nay, an act of madness, to advance upon the city with less than twenty thousand men; that upon the supposition that everything should work favorably for them, it was evident that the could not enter the capital without resistance; and they should lose half of their force or more, they would be left with some four thousand men, with which number it was extremely hazardous to attempt to hold so populous a city.

Gen Worth was of a different opinion He maintained that every invader who hesitated was lost; that in their situation a single retrograde movement involved the most disastrous consequences, and that this has already been proved. He added proudly that six or eight thousand Americans were sufficient to conquer twenty thousand Mexicans; that their triumph was certain in there was no reason for not pressing on. Gen. Scott an others are said to have approved these sentiments, so that it was at last determined that they should commence the forward movement on the 28^th, but upon the suggestion of some one that might not be proper to act so promptly after having just dispatches the communication from the Government of the United States with renew offers of peace, Gen. Scott replied that he would wait some days at Rio Frio to received the answer of the Mexican Government.

The Republicano remarks upon this information: “We believe that Americans have compromised their situate on beyond measure; and even in the event, certainly very difficult, that they win triumphs upon triumphs, their very victories will cause their ruin.

The council above spoken of was held on the 24^th. It is not alluded to in the Star of Puebla of the 26^th, nor in Mr. Kendall’s letters which come down to the 80^th. Yet the facts are said to be derived from a responsible source and they look plausible –General Worth’s opinions particularly so. The Republicano of the 29^th says nothing about the subject, but in that paper of the 30^th is another postscript to which is prefixed in large letters “Very Important”. This postscript mentions the receipt of letters announcing the debarkation of 1800 men at Vera Cruz from Tampico, who had marched immediately for Puebla. (This is probably Gen. Cadwallader’s detachment.) The letters further said that Gen. Scott had already ordered the march of the first brigade, consisting of fifteen hundred troops with ten guns and a mortar, towards the city of Mexico, when he learned that the train was detained at Nopalucan (forty-two miles this side of Puebla, and fifty-one beyond Perote;) that he therefore countermanded the march upon Mexico, and dispatched a force to the assistance of the train up. The letters then speak of the review of the troops which took place on the 26^th. The number of troops is again set down at 9500 men without including those who occupy the fortifications of San Juan, Loreto, &c. But the most important paragraph is that Gen. Scott would probably postpone his march on the city until the 10^th July, to allow these reinforcements to come up. We five these various pieces of news as we find them, but the reader will constantly bear in mind that our advices from Puebla are later than these by the city of Mexico.

The Republicano, in this same postscript, thinks it very probable that Gen. Taylor will abandon Saltillo, Matamoros and other towns in the North of Mexico, and shortly proceed to Vera Cruz to assist in the taking on the capital, which is now, it adds, the object of the aspirations of the Americans. It is very anxious that the Government should direct Gena. Valencia and Salas, now at San Luis, that they harass the retreat of Gen. Taylor.

Our readers may recollect that some time since our correspondent at Saltillo informed us of a great excitement occasioned there by the arrival of two Mexican officers from San Luis with dispatches from Gen. Taylor –They were supposed to be propositions of peace, but turned out to be solemn inquiries whether it was the General’s intention “to conduct the war according to the manner adopted by the Comanches.” The wrath of Gen. Taylor at this preposterous insolence of the Mexicans was descried as ludicrous, but we have never seen his reply till now. In the Mexican papers lately received the whole correspondence is given in Spanish. The letter to Gen. Taylor was from Gen. Mora y Villamil, and dated the 10^th May. The letter is long and we have no idea of translating it, and the impudence of it was not a whit exaggerated by our correspondent.

The New Orleans Times of the 15^th inst., has the following intelligence. We do not see it mentioned in any other paper.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c7, July 29, 1847.

MOST IMPORTANT.

Again a Rejection of the Olive Branch.

MEXICO DECLINES TREATING

At the moment when the Galveston was leaving Vera Cruz, a courier, with the mail from the capital, entered the city, bringing dates to the 5^th instant. The principal item of intelligence brought from the city of Mexico, is of a momentous character, viz: The Mexican Congress, with some difficulty, had been brought together, and Mr. Buchanan’s communication, containing the President’s overtures for peace, was laid before them.

Their decision was immediate, and to the effect that Mexico would listen to no terms to peace. Gen Scott left Puebla, at the head of his army, for the capital, on the 30^th ult. –We received this news to believe that it is authentic.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c7, July 29, 1847.

STILL LATER NEWS FROM MEXICO.

The New Orleans Times of the 19^th instant, received last night, has the following paragraph:

As some of our contemporaries affect to doubt the correctness of the news from Mexico, in reference to the rejection of propositions for peace, which we laid before our readers exclusively on Thursday last, we have merely to reiterate that the account is reliably authentic and that we have in our possession later dates from the capital than those of the 30^th. June, alluded to on the arrival of the Galveston. A morning paper will discover by and by that the news is not “all in my eye.”

The editors of the New Orleans Times have been favored with the following extract of a letter dated.

TABASCO, June 30, 1847

We have been far from tranquil ever since the departure of Commodore Perry; small parties of men having entered to town at night and fired upon the sentries.

This has led to the burning, the day before yesterday, of about two hundred houses, at the back and south end of the city, by order of our government and military commander. Yesterday reinforcements of about 110 marines and sailors were sent up by Com. Perry from the bar, and this morning about 250 men have gone out to try and meet some of the Mexican forces that are in this neighborhood, and drive them away.

The city remains deserted, and no business at all doing, and all our single shop in the place being opened, and all our usual supplies from the neighborhood suspended. We understand Com. Perry has declared his intention to retain possession of this city, unless we received orders to the contrary from the Government in Washington.

July 1. –The results of the expedition yesterday appears to have been in favor of the Americans, but with a loss of two men killed in ambush, and four wounded. The Mexican force waited for them in ambush at Tamulte, but after about twenty minutes’ firing retired it is not yet known with what loss.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c3, July 29, 1847. FROM THE N. Orleans Delta, July 16.

LATE FROM BUENA VISTA, SALTILLO, MONTEREY, &c.

We had the pleasure of a conversation with Dr. Johnson, of Gen. Wool’s staff, who arrived in the Palmetto evening before last, direct from Gens. Wool and Taylor’s camp, having left Saltillo on the 27^th June. Dr. Johnson acted as an Aid of Gen. Lane at Buena Vista, and was severely wounded –having been lanced and sacred, and otherwise so injured as to make his recovery almost a miracle.

Dr. Johnson reports that Gen. Wool was encamped on the classic field of Buena Vista, with a force of 2700 men, consisting of the Virginia, Mississippi and North Carolina volunteers, and Sherman’s Washington’s and Prentiss’s batteries.

Gen Taylor is still at his favorite old camping ground, the Walnut Springs, quietly waiting until the Government furnishes him with men and means to advance on San Luis. Gen. Taylor has with him the 19^th regiment, Bragg’s battery, and two squadrons of dragoons.

At Camargo, Gen Hopkins has about 2000 troops of the new levies. About the 13^th June, Gen. Wool received notice that a force of about 1000 cavalry, under Gens. Alvarez and Minon, had left Matehuala, and advanced within sixty miles of Buena Vista. This party constituted the advance of a strong division which, it is reported by the Mexicans, was about to advance from San Luis Potosi under Gens. Valencia and Salas. By the last accounts from San Luis, there were but four or five thousand troops there, but Valencia expected to be joined by a strong force from Zacatecas.

The citizens are generally returning to the towns occupied by our troops. In Saltillo and Monterey nearly all the respectable families have returned, and everything goes on very smoothly and quietly. The people generally are warmly desirous of a peace, and begin to prefer the American Government to their own. Especially in the town of Zacatecas does the anti-war feeling prevail to a great extent. At a public dinner in that town some time ago, Gen. Taylor and the American army were toasted with great applause.
[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c7, July 29, 1847, A SKIRMISH WITH THE INDIANS.

Correspondence of the Cour. and Enquirer.

Camp on the Banks of the Arkansas River.

320 miles from Fort Leavenworth, June 27, 1847.

I have only time to inform you now, by express, that our party was attacked by the Comanche Indians at daylight yesterday morning, and that in a charge made by twenty-five of the company of Dragoons ten were killed and wounded, viz, five killed, three severely and two slightly wounded, the Indians numbering about three hundred: and it required a greater part of the company to protect the camp, else the whole would have made the charge. One hundred and thirty five yoke of cattle belonging to a Government train, which joined our party a fey days since, were driven off and killed by the Indians. What loss was sustained but the Indians it was impossible to ascertain, as they carried off the killed and wounded. It is said that there are some Northern Mexicans with these Comanches. –Be this as it may, it is evident that their whole object is to cut off trains and destroy United States property. This is no doubt a part of the guerrillas warfare. The amount of public property which we have heard of destroyed on this road, in the last eight days, will amount to very nearly $10,000.

J.K.D.

[MUL]

MG47v48n22p2c7, July 29, 1847.

Gen. Taylor and the Whigs.

The “Democratic Advocate,” a Locofoco paper published at Baton Rouge, the residence of Gen. Taylor, states unequivocally that Gen. Taylor was “opposed to the annexation of Texas on constitutional grounds”, and that “he thinks the war with Mexico could and ought to have been avoided.” In this opinion he concurs with the Whig party. –Raleigh Register. [MUL]

MG47v48n22p3c1, July 29, 1847, VOLUNTEER FARE

Every patriotic young man, who has been to Mexico in search of glory, and “to see the elephant,” complains of the miserable fare which the commissaries gave them. These inhospitable caterers are so anxious to make the profits as large as possible, that their treatment of the volunteers reminds me of the old anecdote: ”John, don’t give Cousin Simmon’s horses too many oats you know they have hay,” “Yeth thur,” said John moving towards the barn. “And, hark ye, John, don’t give them too much hay –you know they have oats.”
[MUL]

Thursday, August 5, 1847 MG47v48n23c1 14 words

Important from Mexico

General Scott still at Fuestal. Rumored appointment of Peace Commissioners by the Mexican government.
[JM]

Thursday, August 5, 1847 MG47v48n23 249 words

Important from Vera Cruz

{From the N.O. Picayune}

Arrival of the Steamship New Orleans.

Gen. Pierce’s March resisted- Col. De Russy’s Engagement with Gen.Garay- Murder of Lieut. Whipple.

The steamship New Orleans, Capt. Auld, arrived at an early hour on the 22d ult., from Vera Cruz via Tampico and the Brazos. Her latest dates from Vera Cruz are on the 17^th inst. Her news is very important. First of all we give Capt.Auld’s report, by which it will be seen that he left Vera Cruz for this port as early as the 14^th and the returned thither, going no further than Tampico:

Report of the U.S. Steamship New Orleans, Edward Auld, commander, from Vera Cruz, via Tampico and the Brazos:

On her departure from Vera Cruz on the morning of the 14^th inst, General Pierce, with his command of detachments from the 3^dDragoons, 4^th Artillery, 3d Infantry and the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, and 14^th infantry, a detachment of voltiguers and a large detachment of marines, amounting to 2500 men and 150 wagons, had taken up their lines of march towards Puebla.

We arrived in Tampico on the morning of the 15^th inst. At 8 o’clock. Col. Gates informed us the two hundred American prisoners who had been released from the city of Mexico had been ordered down to Tampico and recaptured by Gen. Garay at or near Huejile, about ninety or one hundred miles up the river, and Col. DeRussy with detachments of Louisianna volunteers, parts of Capt. Wyne’s company . . . [rest of article illegible).
[JM]

Thursday, August 5, 1847 MG47v48n23c4 397 words

Printers in Mexico

The Lynchburg Virginian gives the following extracts of a letter who was lately an apprentice in the Virginian Office, and who is now a Volunteer in Capt. Carrington’s Company:

Buena Vista, June 17^th, ‘47

We are now in Saltillo, at least beyond there, encamped on the ground of Buena Vista, and I can assure you it is one of the greatest fields on which was ever battle fought.-It is a beautiful plain, bounded on the east by Cordilleras, on the west by the same, on the north by Saltillo, and the south, about six miles from the ground, by the Dead Man’s Pass, which could be defended with 500 men against 50,000. In the center of the encampment is a large live oak tree, from the foot of which flows a limpid brook large enough to turn a mill which the Americans have erected upon its waters, and which is the only one I have seen in Mexico. In fact, the Mexicans have no use for a mill; they mash, or pound, all of their corn, which labor devolves upon the Senorittas, the men being of very lazy disposition. We have a fine market here now, at which you may purchase nearly all the delicacies and necessaries of life. We have here all the tropical fruits, and some of the largest water melons in the world. I have no hardships to undergo now as I had a month or two ago, as I have been appointed Company Commissary Sergeant, and am excused from drill and standing . . . [illegible] . . . and all I have to do now is to make off requisitions, draw and issue provisions, which occupies only about half my time. There was quite a remarkable circumstance connected with a permit I had a few days ago, which I enclose to you, and which shows the strength of the craft in our battalion. The permit was written for myself, a printer, by D.A. Stofer, Sergeant Major, who is a printer; signed by Lt. J. Richard Lewellwn, who is a printer; countersigned by Capt. Harper, who is a printer; and the two men who accompanied me for the meat were printers; the whole being undersigned, and not noticed till the day after. I am very tired of playing soldier, for it seems that the Virginia regiment is doomed to go home without a brush, and I am heartily tired of it.
[JM]

Thursday, August 12, 1847, MG47v48n24ip1c4 words1,116

The Fourth in the army

The correspondent of the New Orleans Picayune, writing from Monterey, says the natal day of American Independence was celebrated at that place, without accident, and every thing went off pleasantly and agreeably to all concerned. The morning of the 5^th was cloudy and portended rain, but the bright sun soon dispelled the heavy mist that clung to the mountain’s side, and ere noon the heavens were as clear and bright as a lovely women’s smile. Early in the forenoon the American ensign was displayed from the Governor’s quarters and the Spanish flag from the residence of the Spanish consul nearly opposite. The five companies of Massachusetts volunteers were assembled all but the guard, with the colors of the regiment presented them by the Governor of their State, and a little after 9 o’clock they formed and marched out towards Camp Taylor. An American flag borne by a citizen was carried near the regimental colors. Col. Wright and the members of the regimental staff, and others preceded the regiment, and on the road received the marching salute.- At Camp Taylor all was ready; under the wide-spread awning in front of Gen. Taylor’s tent were the brave old hero and the members of his staff and the officers attached to the forces stationed at camp. On the right of the awning the soldiers of Major Bragg’s Light Artillery were drawn up in line, on the left the 2d Dragoons, and in front the Massachusetts regiment. As soon as the latter had formed into line, Gen. Cushing made his appearance and Gen. Taylor and his officers all rose.

We omit the bulk of the speech of Gen. Cushing which is not remarkable for anything but its fulsome laudation of the present administration, copying only his closing remarks which called forth Gen. Taylor’s reply:

Once more, General, in the name and as the humble instrument of your fellow soldiers and fellow citizens, whom you see before you, I tender to you their felicitations on the occasion of this auspicious anniversary, with sentiments of admiration for the high achievements which have marked your life, of deep respect, for you personally, and of the sincerest aspirations for your future happiness and honor in whatever else of danger or duty you may hereafter be called to by the providence of an all-wise God.

Gen. Tayor, who had listened with great attention to the remarks of Gen. C., and evidently powerfully affected by the mention of his name, briefly, but feelingly, responded as follows:

General- In reply to your eloquent and complimentary allusions to the services of the army under my command, I can only briefly express my thanks and those of the brave men of my command, to whose exertions and gallantry alone our successes are due. For myself I can claim no merit beyond that of sharing and encountering danger with them. You have traced up and depicted in most faithful colors the rapid progress of our country from the commencement to its present condition of greatness and prosperity—occupying the front rank in the nations of the world. The existing war may show the world that in great national enterprises and interests we are firm and united-and that the flower of our country, without distinction of party, is ready to . . . [illegible].

. . . … to the exertions of Capt. Glover, a merchant residing here for some years, one of the committee of arrangements, whose peculiar province was to see that nothing should be wanting. He performed his duty to perfections.

When the substantials had been discussed and removed, Gen. Cushing, who presided at the hear of the table, with Gen. Taylor on his right, arose, and after some remarks complimentary to the committee of arrangements, proceeded to announce the following regular toast:

The Memory of Washington- Brightening with time, all nations will at least behold and admire its lustre.

The Army and the Volunteers of the United States- They have conquered all but peace.

The Navy of the United Sates- With amphibious facility, finding no enemy on the waters, it has constantly sought and successfully encountered him on the land.

The Constitution- May it ever be administered in the spirit which controlled its first formation.

The surviving Heroes of the Revolution- Length of days has been vouchsafed to them that they might behold the marvelous results of their youthful toil- all honor to their venerable names.

Our Brethren in Arms at the South- They have lighted their paths with a blaze of victories.

Mexico- Blessed with a genial clime and the physical elements of greatness and power, she is a prey to civil strife and bad government, may the influence of wise rulers and free institutions restore her to her proper rank among the nations of the earth.

The Spirit of ’76- It burns as brightly among the mountains of Mexico as of old at Trenton: “Skies, not souls, they change who cross the sea.”

The Mexican War- Waged to secure an honorable and a lasting peace, may such be its early consummation.

The Illustrious Dead- From Palo Alto to Cerro Gordo every field is consecrated by the sacrifice of gallant spirits; a sympathizing country yields spontaneous and grateful homage to their memory.

The American Fair- Worty descendants of the women of the Revolution, their hearts and prayers are with those who uphold their country’s cause in a foreign land.

Volunteer toasts being called for, Lieut. Crowningshield of the Massachusetts Regiment gave:

Andrew Jackson- Sacred be his memory.- (Drank standing in silence.)

Lieut. Fuller, of the Massachusetts Volunteers, gave:

Gen. Taylor- We hail him as the next President; may his civil be as brilliant as his military career. (This sentiment was drunk with three times three.)

Mr. President and Gentleman: I have never had the vanity to aspire to or look for that elevated situation, which has just bee n alluded to, but if my fellow countrymen think proper to elevate me to so distinguished and honorable a position, I certainly shall do my best to discharge the duties to that responsible position faithfully. But if any other candidate is preferred and offered who may be more competent than myself, I need not say that I shall acquiesce most cheerfully in their decision, and shall rejoice that there is one more worthy to represent them in the highest office in their gift.

He then gave as a toast:

The State of Massachusetts and the City of Boston- The place where our liberties were cradled: whose sons have borne so conspicuous a part in the establishment and maintenance of the principles of our independence and the constitution, and have gallantly maintained the same by sea and land.

Col. Wright responded to the compliment, and concluded by offering the following:

The past and Present- Palo Alto, Resaca, Montery and Buena Vista, the Bunker Hill, Princeton and Yorktown of the present century.

By Capt. Montgomery, U.S.A.- The orator of the day, scholar, statesman and soldier . . . [illegible] . . .
[JM]

Thursday, August 12, 1847, MG47v48n24pc words456

Capt. Kenton Harper

We have the pleasure of laying before our readers three more letters from this gallant officer, to the Staunton Spectator. A part from the intrinsic merit of the admirable letters of Capt. Harper, there is much in the history of his connexion with the war in Mexico, calculated to render everything from his pen a subject of deep interest to his numerous friends in Virginia. The editor of one of the most popular and influential journals in the State- enjoying in no ordinary degree the confidence and esteem of his acquaintances of all parties- surrounded by the comforts and endearments of a happy home- exhibiting in his daily walk and conversation, those peculiar traits of character which fited him to adorn the social circle, and rendered him an especial favorite with the society in which he lived, - He has exchanged the blessings of such a position for the hardships and dangers of a camp in a foreign land; to add, it may be, another to the number of the noble victims of a policy, of which he was ever the uncompromising and consistent opponent.

Capt. Harper had been for many years the popular commandant of the Staunton Light Infantry, a command he resigned some three or four years ago. A number of those who served under him while acting in this capacity, having volunteered for the war in Mexico, the command of the New Company, was, by the unanimous voice of its members tendered to him, with the assurance that the company would not be filled if he declined it. Conceiving that the Honor of “Old Augusta: was concerned in the effort to raise the company- a firm believer in the sentiment of Decatur “Our Country right or wrong,” and convinced that his presence amongst them was important to the welfare of the brave fellows who had so often honored him with evidence of their preference and attachment, he hesitated not a moment, but surrendered himself at once to their appeal. Nothing but a sense of duty to his old companions induced him to accept the commission he now holds, and fortunate it is for them that he consented to share their dangers and their privations. “Old Augusta” is the mother of many a gallant son, but of the many who have contributed to render illustrious her venerable name, she numbers no more gallant spirit than Kenton Harper; and in all the chivalric host that has gone forth to sustain the flag of our country upon the plains of Mexico, there is not one from whom a more honorable and conscientious discharge of all and every duty committed to his trust, whether in battle or in bivouac, may be more confidently expected.
[JM]

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