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Index
MGv45i48p2c3 6 January 1848 "The Mexican War"
MGv45i48p2c4 6 January 1848 "Late from Mexico" recent news
MGv45i48p2c4 6 January 1848 "From the Rio Grande"
February 1848
MGv48n49p1c6-7p2c1-4 February 3, 1848
Mr. Thompson Speech in the House of Representatives, 27 January 1848
Online in the Congressional Globe: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=020/llcg020.db&recNum=272
MG48v48n49p2c4 February 3, 1848 THE WHIGS AND THE WAR
MG48v48n50p2c6 February 10, 1848 Army Intelligence
MG48v48n50p2c6 February 10, 1848 From the Rio Grande
MG48v48i51p1c6-7 February 17, 1848 MR. STEPHENS' SPEECH
Mr. Stephens discusses the boundary of Texas to the House.
Online in the Congressional Globe: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=020/llcg020.db&recNum=168
MG48v48n51p1c7 February 17, 1848 New Mexico
MG48v48n51p2c4-5 February 17, 1848 Congressional Summary
MG48v48n51p2c5 February 17, 1848 The True Boundary of Texas
MG48v48n51p2c6 February 17, 1848 Letter from General Taylor
MG48v48n51p2c7 February 17, 1848 Mr. Goggin’s Speech
MG1848v51p3c1 February 17, 1848 Judge McLean and the War.
MG48v48i50p1c6-7p2c1-4 February 17, 1848 MR. THOMPSON'S
SPEECH
Representative Thompson speaks to the House about the war. Online in
the Congressional Globe: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=020/llcg020.db&recNum=272
March 1848 [missing from the microfilm]
April 1848
May 1848
MG48v49i13p1c2, May 25, 1848: Novel Shipment
MG48v49i13p1c3, May 25, 1848: Election in Oregon
MG48v49i13p1c6, May 25, 1848: The Militia
MG48v49i13p1c5, May 25, 1848: No title
MG48v49i13p2c2, May 25, 1848: The Conquest of Mexico
MG48v49i13p2c4, May 25, 1848: Important From Yucatan
MG48v49i13p2c5, May 25, 1848: Major General Scott
MG48v49i13p2c5, May 25, 1848: Sword for Gen. Scott
June 1848
MGv49i18p1c4, June 29, 1848:
Extract from the Speech of Hon. Richard W. Thompson
Comments on both General Taylor, Polk, the annexation of Texas; comments
on the war and how that has effected and should effect politics
MGv49i18p2c3, June 29, 1848: Taylor
Clubs
Report on clubs forming in favor of election of Taylor and Filmore
MGv49i18p2c3, June 29, 1848
Report on a Taylor flag being raised at a Convention in Maine
MGv49i18p2c4, June 29, 1848: Address
of the Whig Central Committee To the People of Virginia
Comments on Taylor's performance in the war, his character and attitude
MGv49i18p2c5, June 29, 1848: Major J.P.
Gaines
Comments made about Taylor by Gaines who is now a member of Congress
MGv49i18p2c5, June 29, 1848: Epistolary
Brevity
Comments on how brief notes between the military leaders are; gives examples
and Taylor's is one of them
MGv49i18p2c4, June 29, 1848:
Gen. Taylor-His Nomination
Comments made by Taylor on his nomination for President
MGv49i18p3c2, June 29, 1848: To
Volunteers and their Friends
Information about those who have died in the war and how will be given
out to those who have an interest
January
February
MG48v48n49p2c4, 3 February 1848 THE WHIGS AND THE WAR
“Keep it before the People,” says the Augusta Democrat, “That the Whigs in the last Congress voted, that war exists by the act of Mexico.”
Yes, and Keep it before the People, That the declaration that
“War exists by the act of Mexico,” was by a most disingenuous trick of the
Locofoco majority, appended to the Bill for raising the means of supporting
our army in the enemies country-that the Whigs in a body voted against the
amendment-and that most of them vot4ed for the bill after the obnoxious
amendment had been carried rather than refuse supplies to our brave soldiers
in the field, and under protest, declaring at the time that they
were forced by the act of opposite party to vote a lie! Our humble opinion
was, and is, that they voted wrong, but it requires a very small
degree of charity to make due allowances for men placed in such a
position.
[SDW]
MG48v48n50p1c6-7p2c1-4 10 February1848 Mr. Thompson Speech in the House of Representatives, 27 January 1848
Online in the Congressional Globe: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=020/llcg020.db&recNum=272
MG48v48n50p2c6 10 February 1848 Army Intelligence
The steamer Edith arrived at New Orleans on the 28th, from Vera Cruz, which port she left on the 20th ult. bringing six days later intelligence.
The most important of the intelligence by the Edith, in a rumor which was generally credited at the city of Mexico, that the commissioners of Mexico had agreed with Mr. Trist on a proposition to the American Government for peace, based upon the terms originally offered by Mr. Trist at Tacubaya, on the 26th of August, which propositions were at that time rejected by the Mexican Government, and the reduction and capture of the city followed.
There had been an attempt at insurrection among the Mexican inhabitants at Vera Cruz, which had been discovered, however, by the authorities, and promptly checked.
Col. Withers’ command, which was reported by the last arrival to have been cut to pieces, had arrived safely at Real del Monte, without molestation.
Col. Wynkoop, with a detachment, whilst in pursuit of Father Jarauta and Col. Rea, came upon and captured Gen. Valencia, with his Aid, and Gen. Arista, on the 1st ult. Genls. Valencia and Arista had been paroled.
Cols. Torrejon and Minon, and guard, were captured at Amastica, by Col. Domiguez’s spy company.
General Cadwallader’s command left the city of Mexico for the city of Toluca, the troops were in fine spirits, and had reached Serma uninterrupted.
Major Taliferro, from Real del Monte, has arrived at Mexico in charge of $150,000 worth of silver bars, being part of the assessment levied by General Scott on the State and Federal District of Mexico.
General Butler’s regiment ws suffering much from sickness.
The “World” of Guadalaxara, of the 17th ultimo, says that news had reached there from Mazathan, announcing that 500 California rangers had attacked the American possessions at Lapane and San Jose, and defeated the Americans, burning both places. Three American vessels had left Mazatlan to render assistance.
There had been designs of insurrection, among the Mexicans, both at
the City of Mexico and Puebla, but they were detected and suppressed.
[SDW]
MG48v48n50p2c6 10 February 1848 From the Rio Grande
The Picayune of the 30th ult., learns of Lieut. Hamilton, who left Gen. Wool’s quarters on the 13th, that just before he left an express was received from Saltillo from Col. Hamtramck, in command of the forces there, stating that a report had reached him from a source entitled to credit, that a force of Mexicans, 10,000 strong, under command of Gen. Bustamente, were marching down upon Saltillo. The report even particularize the points from whence the troops had been raised, but so frequent are the stampedes upon that line, very little credit was attached to the report. Our forces there were in good condition, and perfectly willing to be attacked whenever the enemy thought best to make the experiment.
Upon the receipt of this news General Wool had apprised the merchants at
Monterey, Camargo, Matamoras, and other posts, that he could afford them
no protection in the way of escorts. From another source we learn that Col.
Carasco, a Mexican officer who has rendered himself rather conspicuous,
is at Monterey, proposing to enter into negotiations with Gen. Wool for a
pronunciamento against the existing Government of Mexico and in favor
of the United States, on the part of the States of Tamaulipas, Nueva Leon,
and Coaluila. He also proposes to bring in Gen. Canales, that cowardly chief
of guerillas, who has given us so much trouble upon the Rio Grande. Col.
Carasco has been for a long time residing in Matamoras with his family,
and appears friendly to the Americans. We know not what degree of credit
to attach to this report.
[SDW]
MG48v48n51p1c6 17 February 1848 Mr. Stephen’s Speech in the House of Representatives, 2 February 1848
Online in the Congressional Globe: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=020/llcg020.db&recNum=168
MG48v48n51p1c7 17 February 1848 New Mexico
A body of men have met at Santa Fe who style themselves the Legislature
of New Mexico. They propose to annex the province of New Mexico to the
United States. It is not known under what authority they propose to act.
N territorial government has been organized by Congress for the government
of the province, although the President has recommended it. What is most
singular about the matter is, that Texas claims New Mexico as belonging
to her, and at this very time, proposes to cede it to the United States
for a portion of the Mexican territory south of the Rio Grande!
[SDW]
MG48v48n51p2c4-5 17 February 1848 Congressional Summary
U.S. SENATE
WASHINGTON, February 9, 1848.
Mr. Vice President Dallas, who had been absent from the Senate for several days, returned today, and took his seat as presiding officer.
A number of petitions were presented, among them one by Mr. Benton, from M. Vattemare, for a notional interchange of books.
Mr. Dix presented the resolutions, which passed the Legislature of New York, in favor of the Wilmot Proviso. Ordered to be printed.
The bill from the House, fixing the boundary between Missouri and Arkansas, was passed.
The Ten Regiment bill was then take up, and Mr. Niles took the floor, and commenced a speech on the war.
He is opposed to the bill, and depicted, in strong terms, the evils arising from the war. He has declared himself opposed to the policy of the Administration, as calculated to entangle us with Mexico, beyond our power of being able to extricate ourselves.
Mr. N., in conclusion, declared himself in favor of withdrawing our forces from the heart of the Mexican territory, retaining possession of New Mexico and California. For this object, and for this object alone, would he vote for an increase of the army, and then only to such an extent as would be necessary to accomplish that end.
Mr. Underwood, of Kentucky, announced his intention of speaking next upon the question, when the Senate, on motion, adjourned.
-------
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Several reports were made from Standing Committees.
Mr. Botts, Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill for filling up vacancies in the present regiments; proposing to give additional bounties and providing for the transportation home of the sick soldiers in Mexico. Read twice and referred to the committee of the Whole.
Many other unimportant bills were reported and appropriately referred.
The House then went into Committee, (Mr. Botts in the chair) and took up the loan bill.
Mr. Fisher, of Ohio, addressed the committee upon the question, stating his opposition to the war and manner of its prosecution by the Administration.
Mr. Thomas, of Tennessee, obtained the floor, and read from copious notes previously prepared, a set speech in defense of the Executive and his measures.
Mr. Marsh of Vt., having obtained the floor, the committee rose and the House adjourned.
-------
IN SENATE.
February 10, 1848.
Mr. Hannegan offered a joint resolution, returning the thanks of Congress to Col. Doniphan for his services in the Army in New Mexico, &c.
Mr. Cass offered a joint resolution, authorizing medals and certificates to be presented to the officers and soldiers who have distinguished themselves in the army in Mexico.
The bill to increase the medical staff of the army passed.
The bill for the relief of Jones & Boker was passed.
The Senate then took up the Ten Regiment bill.
Mr. Underwood, of Kentucky, took the floor and commenced a speech on the bill.
He stated his doubts as to the propriety or necessity of the line of policy indicated by the course of the administration, and declared himself opposed to any further acquisition of territory, than would suffice for indemnity due our citizens on account of the war.
Mr. Turney next obtained the floor, when the Senate adjourned.
---------
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
A message was received from the Senate communicating several bills, which had passed that body, which were appropriately reffered.
Mr. King, of Mass. Presented a petition signed by nine thousand members of the Society of Friends, in favor of peace. He moved to refer it to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and that it be printed.
Mr. Cobb moved to lay the resolution on the table.
Mr. King called for the yeas and nays.
Upon the motion to refer and print, a debate took place, in which Messrs. King, Cobb, Henley, and Palfrey took part.
Mr. Haskell called for the previous question.
His call was sustained.
The yeas and nays were then taken upon Mr. Cobb’s motion, which was rejected by a vote of 81 to 95.
Mr. King’s motion was then taken up and passed by 98 yeas to 83 nays.
The House, on motion, then went into Committee (Mr. Botts in the chair,) and Mr. Marsh addressed it upon the Loan bill.
He opposed the war and denounced the part the administration had acted in its commencement, and during its continuance. He spoke with fervor and ability, displaying much acumen in taking grounds which had not been before gone over.
Mr. Brown, of Mississippi, followed upon the opposite side of the question supporting the Executive and the policy advocated in his message.
After he had finished the Committee rose and the House adjourned.
------
IN SENATE.
February 11, 1848.
A message was received from the President in answer to resolutions calling for information relative to duties imposed on goods exported to Mexico, which, on motion of Mr. Miller, was ordered to be printed.
Mr. Clayton presented a petition from Midshipman Rogers, praying compensations for the services and sufferings he underwent whilst confined as a prisoner in Mexico.
Mr. Clayton spoke in favor of the petition, and it was then appropriately referred.
The joint resolution returning thanks to General Scott, was read a third time.
Mr. Hale, of N.H., spoke in opposition to it for “consistency’s sake.”
After Mr. H. had closed, the Ten Regiment Bill was taken up.
Mr. Turney spoke in favor of the bill and in defense of the Administration.
Mr. Breese, of Illinois, having next secured the floor on the question, the Senate, on motion, adjourned until Monday.
------
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
A message was received from the President in answer to the resolution asking whether he had any information relating to a treaty having been concluded or agreed upon, between Mr. Trist and the Mexican Congress. He says there has none been made, of which he has information.
The House then, on motion of Mr. Rockwell, went into committee of the whole (Mr. Pollock in the chair,) and took up the loan bill.
Mr. Duer then commenced a speech on the bill.
The House, after rising from Committee of the whole, without transacting further business, adjourned over to Monday.
------
February 12, 1848.
Neither House of Congress was in session today.
------
IN SENATE.
February 14, 1848.
A number of memorials were presented and appropriately referred.
M. Berrien presented the credentials of Mr. H.B. Johnson, who was appointed a Senator in the place of Mr. Colquitt, resigned, and Mr. J. was sworn in and took his seat.
Mr. Yulee moved to take up the resolution offered by Mr. Dickenson some time ago, relative to the annexation of conquered territory.
Mr. Y. had offered an amendment to these resolutions, which he now advocated in a speech.
Mr. Upham, of Vermont, having secured the floor upon the question, the Senate went into Executive session, after which it adjourned.
------
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The States were called, in order, for resolutions, and a number were offered.
Mr. James Thompson offered a resolution for expunging the amendment of Mr. Ashmun, heretofore adopted, declaring the war with Mexico to have been “unnecessarily and unconstitutionally commenced by Mr. Polk.”
Much confusion took place upon the offering of this expunging resolution, and the Speaker had difficulty in procuring order.
Mr. Ashmun moved to lay the resolution of Mr. Thomson, on the table. Lost-ayes 95, nays 105.
The regular business of the day being concluded, the House went into Committee on the Loan bill.
Mr. Duer, of New York, then rose and spoke in opposition to the administration.-His manner is easy and fluent, which give addition weight to what he says, and causes him to be listed to with attention.
Mr. Sims, of South Carolina, replie, and entered into the subject with an ability which showed that he had devoted his whole energies to a thorough preparation for this effort.
He stated it to be his conviction that his political opponents labored under a mistake, and therein exposed himself to the retort that the mistake, if any, lay on the other side.
Mr. Cocke, of Tennessee, having obtained the floor, the House adjourned.
------
IN SENATE
February 15, 1848.
There were several petitions and memorials presented, and appropriately referred.
Mr. Badger moved to reconsider the vote passing the bill to increase the Medical Staff of the Army, which was carried.
Mr. Badger then moved to postpone the bill indefinitely-which motion prevailed-and the bill was thus defeated.
Mr. Felch reported a bill relative to the Judicial districts of the Courts of Michigan, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Yulee moved to take up Mr. Dickinson’s resolution. Agreed to.
Mr. Dickenson then addressed the Senate briefly upon the subject, when
Mr. Yulee resumed his remarks commenced yesterday. He contended that in any territory acquired, the people had a right to take their slaves there, and that Congress could not rightfully or constitutionally prevent it.
When he concluded, the Ten Regiment bill was taken up.
Mr. Upham addressed the Senate in opposition to the bill and the conduct of the administration in regard to the War.
Mr. Rusk, of Texas, having secured the floor the Senate on motion adjourned.
------
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Kaufman, of Texas, offered a resolution to close the debate on the Loan bill tomorrow, at two o’clock.
Mr. Root moved to lay the resolution on the table, which motion was rejected.
The resolution was then passed by a vote of 109 to 90.
The House having resolved itself into committee on the Loan Bill, Mr. Crozier, of Tennessee, made an eloquent speech against the course of the administration on the War.
After he had concluded, the House adjourned.
[SDW]
MG48v48n51p2c5 17 February 1848 The True Boundary of Texas
A correspondent of the New York Tribune, who signs himself “A Texan,” declares it to be “utterly false” that the Government of Texas maintained authority over the strip of land lying between the Nueces and the Rio Grande from the period of their Declaration of Independence. In proof of which he makes the following statement, which, it may not be amiss here to state, is substantially corroborated by direct information which we have ourselves received upon the subject:
“I held a Texan commission under Capt. R. Ross, in a troop of Horse
Rangers, for the protection of the frontier counties. Out beats were defined
by the Adjutant General, with instructions not to cross the Nueces.
On my return from the frontier, I applied to Judge Lipscombe, of Galveston,
for my certificate of head-right, at the same time inquiring if it were possible
for me to locate my land west of the Nueces, as nearly all on the east band
had been located by others. His answer to me was, that the territory of
Texas did not extend beyond the Nueces> This was in the Fall of 1839.”
[SDW]
MG48v48n51p2c6 17 February 1848 Letter from General Taylor, Agua Nueva, 3 March 1847
The following is the letter of General Taylor to the Secretary of War, communicated to the House of Representatives, in compliance with a resolution of that body. It will be recollected that Mr. Marcy, Secretary of War, had written to Gen. Taylor in strong deprecatory language, soon after the appearance of the letter from Gen. T. to Gen. Gaines, the reply to which has never before been published, and would not now, we suppose, had not Congress made the demand. It is a bold and manly letter, and bears “Buena Vista characteristics” on its face:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Agua Nueva, March 3, 1847.
Sir:-I have had the honor to receive your communication of January 28th, enclosing a newspaper slip, and expressing the regret of the Department that the letter copied in that slip, and which was addressed by myself to the Major Gen. Gaines, should have been published.
Although your letter does not convert the direct censure of the Department or of the President, yet, when it is taken in connection with the revival of a paragraph in the regulations of 1825, touching the publication of private letters concerning operations in the field, I am not permitted to doubt that I have become the subject of Executive disapprotation. To any expression of it, coming with the authority of the President, I am bound by my duty and by my respect for his high office, patiently to submit; but, lest my silence should be construed into a tacit admission of the grounds and conclusions set forth in your communication, I deem it a duty which I owe to myself to submit a few remarks in reply. I shall be pardoned for speaking plainly.
In the first place, the published letter bears upon its face the most conclusive evidence that it was intended only for private perusal, and not at all for publication. It was published without my knowledge, and contrary to my wishes. Surely, I need not say that I am not in the habit of writing for the newspapers? The letter was a familiar one, written to an old military friend, with whom I have for many years interchange opinions on professional subjects. That he should think proper, under any circumstances, to publish it, could not have been foreseen by me.
In the absence of proof that the publication was made with my authority or knowledge, I may be permitted to say, that the quotation in your letter of the six hundred and fiftieth paragraph of the superceded regulations of 1825, in which the terms “mischievous” and “disgraceful” are employed to characterize certain letters or reports, conveys, though not openly, a measure of rebuke, which, to say the least, is rather harsh, and which many may think not warranted by the premises. – Again: I have carefully examined the letter in question, and I do not admit that it is obnoxious to the objections urged in your communication. I see nothing in it which, under the same circumstances I would not write again. To suppose that it will give the enemy valuable information, is to know very little of the Mexican sources of information, or of their extraordinary sagacity and facilities in keeping constantly apprized of our movements.
As to my particular views in regard to the general policy to be pursued towards Mexico, I perceive by the public journals that they are shared by many distinguished statesmen, and also in part by a conspicuous officer of the navy, the publication of whose opinions is not perhaps obstructed by any regulations of his Department. – It is difficult, then, to imagine that the diffusion of mine can render any peculiar aid to the enemy, or specially disincline him “to enter into negotiations for peace.”
In conclusion, I would say, that it has given me great pain to be brought into the position in which I now find myself with regard . . .
May
MG48v49i13p1c2, May 25, 1848: Novel Shipment.
The Cincinnati Enquirer tells of a shipment of forty nests of coffins—five
in a nest—just made, from that city, on the steamer Belle of the West, bound
for New Orleans. The owner was with them, and thinks the demand will
be so good that he will make a fine “spec”.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p1c3, May 25, 1848: Election in Oregon.
The Oregon Spectator announces the official returns of the election for
Governor as follows:--George Abernethy, 536: A. L. Lovejoy, 520, scattering
18. Abernethy’s plurality 16. Rather a close run, that.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p1c6, May 25, 1848: The Militia.
Change of Time of Training. An act changing the time of training
of the officers and of the regimental and battalian musters. Prescribes
that the training of the officers and the said musters of the regiments west
of the Alleghany mountains, shall be in the months of September or October.
Makes it the duty of the commander of companies in said regiments within twenty
days after their April musters, to deliver to the adjutants of their regiments,
returns of the strength and condition of their companies, and the adjutants
are required to transmit in the month of May the returns now required of
them, to the brigadier general. Authorizes the regimental courts of
enquiry of any regiment in the State to change the time of the training of
the officers and of the regimental or battalion musters of their regiments
in conformity with the provisions of the law relative to the counties west
of the Allegany.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p1c5, May 25, 1848: No title.
It gives us some satisfaction to state, as a fixed fact, that Santa Anna
has embarked for Jamaica.—Washington Union. Nearly two years
ago it gave you great satisfaction to state “a fixed fact” that Santa Anna
had gone into Mexico, and now it gives you “some satisfaction to
state, as “a fixed fact” that he has gone out of it. Mr. Polk “fixed”
the former fact, and Gen. Scott “fixed the latter.—Louisville Jour.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p2c2, May 25, 1848: The Conquest of Mexico.
Our readers will recollect (says the Lynchburg Patriot) that the leaders
of the Democratic party deny most positively, that the object of the present
war was or is the acquisition of territory. The truth of these
repeated denials may be ascerteined by reference to the last number of the
Democratic Review, in which the policy of the absorption of the whole of Mexico,
is unblushingly advoted in the contingency by no means improbable, of the
non-ratification of the Trist Treaty. Connect this development with
the late message of the President, recommending the military occupation of
Yucatan, and they afford a startling commentary upon the designs of the present
wild and reckless administration. The object of Mr. Polk in springing
these exciting issues upon the country, at the incipiency of the Presidential
canvass is not very difficult to divine. He seeks by this means, to divert
scrutiny from the minor corruptions and meaner profligacies which have marked
his Executive career.—He is destined, however, to a sore disappointment.—The
people will, by their votes next fall, rebuke his wicked and perilous ambition,
and at the same time affix a lasting seal of condemnation upon the ruthless
proscription and unmanly passions which constitute the only distinguiishing
or marked attributes of the POLK regime.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p2c4, May 25, 1848: IMPORTANT FROM YUCATAN.
Massacre of the Male Inhabitants of Valladolid by the Indians—Great Panic!—Vessel despatched to Jamaico for assistance. The N.Y. Journal of Commerce has received the “Central American Times” of April 27, published at Belize, and also the following letter from a correspondent: BELIZE, HONDURAS, April 28, 1848. “From all that can be learned here it is supposed that nearly the whole of Yucatan is now in possession of the Indians. The taking of Bacalar by them has filled Belize with refugees, and indeed fears are entertained that they will attack this place in fulfilment of their threats. In the attack upon Bacalar only five of the inhabitants were killed but at Valladolid every male inhabitant was massacred.
“The public meeting of this plase assembled yesterday, by call of the honorable Superintendent, and voted $15,000 for the defence of the place. The militia will be called out, the old fort at the harbor is repaired, and a cordon of posts established for the security of the town. If the Indans should venture an attack they may certainly expect a warm reception. They are represented as being in force to the number of eight to twelve thousand.
“The Government despatched a schooner to Jamaica, this morning, with despatches—supposed to be for troops. “From personal information received at Yzabel, the transmission of mails through to Central America was exceedingly difficult in consequence of the unsettled state of the country.”
The Times is mainly filled with accounts of late events in Europe, but supplies also the following from Yucatan—not so late as we have via New Orleans, but giving fuller accounts of matters previously reported: No little alarm has been excited at Belize by the continued arrivals of large numbers of refugees from Bacalar, to which place the Maya Indians have extended their incursions, and reduced it with the exception of a fort and a few houses. The affrighted inhabitants, reduced to the greatest straits, and deserting the miserable remains of what was a few months back a thriving town, and flocking, some to Havana (to which vessels sent by the Governor General of Cuba,) and many to this place.
No fewer than eight hundred, principally females, are reported to have landed within the last two days, and fresh arrivals are hourly expected. The Indians have, it is reported, been guilty of horrible atrocities, but we do not yield implicit credit to all these reports, though there is no doubt their minds are dreadfully excited, and it is quite certain they have determined to retain possession of the country, which they claim as their own. The following is reported by an eye-witness:--“At day light on the morning of the 18th of April, the town of Bacalar was closely invested and set on fire in different directions by the Indians, who occupied an extent of about five thousand yards, and kept up a incessant fire, which was returned by the inhabitants.
This exchange of fire continued for the space of three days. On the afternoon of the third day, on a signal given by two bugles and a drum, the Indians in a body left the bush in which they had been concealed, and assaulted the intrenchments, which they carried, the Spaniards having only time to give one volley, and they being overpowered by numbers were disarmed. Those who were unable to escape took refuge in the fort, and the Indians, intoxicated with their success, inundated this beautiful town. Their number, by the confession of a deserter, amounted to twelve thousand men.”
Since writing the above, the fort has been surrendered to the Indians,
who have dismissed the men in it after shaving their heads. Fresh refugees
are still arriving, and we understand that His Excellency H. M. Superintendent,
in consideration of the alarm manifested by the inhabitants, has chartered
a vessel to send to Jamaica for reinnforcements.
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p2c5, May 25, 1848: MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT.
FROM THE LETTERS OF “MUSTANG.” MEXICA, April 21. * * * * * He is gone,
and he left the army as no man ever left it before; not with the formal parade
and military display, with the thunder-toned artillery announcing his departure,
and the long array of bright muskets saluting him as he passed; but with
the unrestrained sympathy and warm regards of brave and honest men, wishing
him long life and happiness, praying most fervently that the remainder of
his life may be as calm and cloudless as the past has been bright, chequered,
and glorious. Let us look back to the time he first entered this country,
and follow him through the trying and exciting scenes. The strong Castle
of Jan Juan de Ulua, supported by the well fortified city of Vera Cruz, fell
at his command, after a desperate resistance; the heights of Cerro Gordo yielded
to his science, supported by the bravery and confidence of his troops; then
follow him to this valley, and view him descending the mountain from Rio Frio,
at the head of his invincible legions, with all eyes and ears turned towards
him with the most implicit confidence and firm reliance, each and all believing
that as long as Winfield Scott lived there was “no such word as fail;” and
then look back and recall to your recollection the sanguine reliance with
which his gallant army followed him through the periolous times and bloody
battles, until he entered the Grand Plaza of the ancient Aztecs, amidst the
victorious shouts of the most noble army the world has ever known. But all
this time, while he has been overthrowing the enemies of his country in front,
exalting our national character, redressing our national injuries and adorning
our national history, his “enemies in the rear” have been working to tarnish
his fair fame and destroy his just claims to the gratitude and admiration
of his countrymen. In the very face of the enemy he had routed and defeated,
and in the capital he has conquered, he has been placed in the humiliating
attitude of one scrambling for justice with his inferiors—inferiors in rank,
in talent, and in the high traits of character and education which make the
great and successful warrior, the statesman, and the logician.—And now, this
day he leaves the capital of the enemies of his country, not with his victorious
divsions following him to his native land, exulting in his unparalleled triumphs,
but escorted by a single company of dragoons, disarmed, but not dishonored!
[BWP]
MG48v49i13p2c5, May 25, 1848: SWORD FOR GEN. SCOTT.
The sword ordered to be prepared for presentation to Gen. Scott, by the
Legislature of the State of Louisiana, has been completed by Messrs Hyde
& Goodrich, of New Orleans. It is surmounted by a spread eagle
in gold, grasping an open scroll on which is inscribed the words “Mexica
Capta.” The grip is octagon shaped, the alternate sides of which are
gold and pearl, elegantly engraved and gold studded. The guard is formed
by a heavy gold chain. The shield and cross-piece, made of gold, are in
a style altogether new and unique. In the centre appears the eagle
of Mexico, biting a serpent, surmounted by a brilliant cairnngorm stone.
The scabbard is made of gilt or silver metal, ornamented with solid gold
mountings and richly chased designs. In the centre is engraved those
words: “Presented by the people of the State of Louisiana to Winfield Scott
for his gallantry and generalship, exhibited at the seige of Vera Cruz, in
the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Ray, Chapultepec,
and to his final entry into the city of Mexico.”
[BWP]
June
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