NNR 73.147 example of expenditure in the war
NNR 73.148 resolution of Whigs of New Hampshire, Whig state convention of Vermont, Gov. Horace Eaton's message
NNR 73.150 protest of the city council of Mexico City
NNR 73.151 resolution of synod of New School Presbyterians
NNR 73.151 practical view of war
NNR 73.151 Gen. Winfield Scott's general order no. 287 declaring martial law
NNR 73.152 revolt of the Massachusetts regiment at Veracruz over uniforms
NNR 73.152 Gen. Joseph Lane's advance without adequate ammunition
NNR 73.152 Lt. Robert M. Morris' appeal to the Marines
NNR 73.152 account of Capt. G. White's escort of a train to the National Bridge
NNR 73.152 arrival of the Baltimore light artillery at Veracruz
NNR 73.152 expedition against guerrillas, attack by guerrillas on a company of Texas Rangers
NNR 73.153 burning of Santa Anna's hacienda
NNR 73.152 account of the camp at Veracruz, difficulties of soldiers at the hospital
NNR 73.152 general order for opening the line of communication from Veracruz to the interior
NNR 73.152-NNR 73.153 Mexican official reports on termination of the armistice
NNR 73.153 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's summons to Col. Thomas Childs, reply, the siege, Santa Anna deserted by his troops
NNR 73.153-154 desertion of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's troops, rumors of his departure from Mexico
NNR 73.154 guerrilla warfare, character the war assumes, incidents on the route
NNR 73.155 everything quiet in California
NNR 73.155 comment on the "slanders" against Gen. Sterling Price
NNR 73.155 hubbub and confusion among troops at Santa Fe, confusion and disorder in the territory
NNR 73.155 seizure of a British ship freighted with merchandise for a merchant in California
NNR 73.156 letter from a participant in actions against the Mexicans in California
NNR 73.156-157 account of the New York California regiment in California
NNR 73.160 "what is to be done with Mexico? her voice is still for war!", subjugation contemplated
NNR 73.160 operations fof Gen. Joseph Lane's division
NNR 73.160 Taylor's camp quiet and healthy
NNR 73.160 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Huamantla
NNR 73.160 Capt. Jack Hays' rangers and the guerrillas
NNR 73.160 yellow fever in Vera Cruz
NNR 73.160 Mariano Paredes y Arillaga at Tulansingo, preaching monarchy
NNR 73.167-171 official documents concerning the dispute between Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny and Col. John Charles Fremont
NNR 73.173-.174 account of the leperos
NNR 73.174 description of the penetration of the fortress of Chapultepec
NNR 73.174 letter from Capt. John B. Magruder on his experiences in Mexico
NNR NNR 73.176 account of the fighting at Huamantla, death of Capt. Samuel Walker
NNR 73.176 Gen. Robert Patterson's command to leave Veracruz
NNR 73.176 Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith appointed governor of Mexico City
NNR 73.176 health of the
Army in the valley of Mexico, rumors of peace
NNR 73.176 Col. William Selby Harney to supervise train from Mexico City
NNR 73.176 letter from an English house at Puebla about American movements
and Mexican guerrillas
NNR 73.176 deaths of various officers noted
NNR 73.176 account of the fighting at Huamantla, death of Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
NNR 73.176 Atixco taken, Orizaba believed taken
NNR 73.176 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna suspended as head of the Army
NNR 73.177 Gen. Winfield Scott's dispatches reach Washington, "Union"'s notice of them
NNR 73.177 Nicholas Philip Trist said to have invited the Mexican government to a conference
NNR 73.177 re-capture of American deserters at Nassau
NNR 73.177 quiet at Santa Fe, reports of assembling of Mexicans, attacks by Indians
NNR 73.177 Gen. Zachary Taylor's request for a leave of absence
NNR 73.178 President James Knox Polk overrules Gen. John Ellis Wool and restores Lts. Singletary and Pender
NNR 73.178-179 Com. Robert Field Stockton's return from California, his quarrel with Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny over authority
NNR 73.179 California tranquil, activities and distribution of troops
NNR 73.180 difficulties of raising volunteers in Loco-Foco Alabama
NNR 73.180 skirmish at the National Bridge
NNR 73.180 incidents and actors in the campaign
NNR 73.181 voting for governor among Pennsylvania volunteers at Perote in Mexico
NNR 73.181-184 Gen. Winfield Scott's force at Mexico, his official report on the battles of Contreras and Churubusco
NNR 73.184 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the Battle of Molino del Rey
NNR 73.184-186 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the taking of the city of Mexico
NNR 73.186-188 Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow's official report on the actions of the forces in his command
NNR 73.188-189 Gen. William Jenkins Worth's official report of action at Churubusco and before the gates of Mexico
NNR 73.189-190 Henry Clay's resolutions at Lexington
NNR 73.192 letter describing the fighting at Huamantla and the death of Capt. Samuel Walker
NNR 73.192 list of killed and wounded
NNR 73.192 US money market affected by shipments of specie to Europe and to Mexico
NNR 73.192 conflicts on the route from Puebla to Veracruz, the Mexican spy company
NNR 73.192 fight among the
Mexican guerrillas
NNR 73.192 progress of Gen. Robert Patterson's train
NNR 73.192 remarks on Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's destiny, his whereabouts
NNR 73.192 delay in a quorum for the Congress at Queretaro, Paredes y Arrillaga's suggestion of a monarchy for Mexico
NNR 73.195 need for a loan if the war with Mexico procrastinates
NNR 73.195 account of the battle at Huamantla
NNR 73.195 operations and incident, affairs at Huamantla and death of
Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
NNR 73.195-73.196 list of killed and wounded during the siege of Puebla
NNR 73.196 proclamation of Col. Thomas Childs as military governor of Puebla
NNR 73.196-73.197 official account of the siege of Puebla
NNR 73.197 Capt. Robert Bronaugh killed near Puebla
NNR 73.197-73.200 Henry Clay's speech at Lexington
NNR 73.200-73.201 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' official report on the battles at Contreras and Churubusco
NNR 73.201 Gen. John Anthony Quitman's report concerning the reserves during the recent battles before the city of Mexico
NNR 73.201-73.202 Gen. James Shields' report on operations of August 20
NNR 73.202 Col. William Selby Harney's report on his operations at Mexico
NNR 73.202-73.204 Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith's report on his operations of 19 and 20 August
NNR 73.204 Gen. John Anthony Quitman's report of taking the capital
NNR 73.206 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' report concerning the assault at Mexico City
NNR 73.206-73.207 Maj. Edwin Vose Sumner's report on the attack on the foundry near Chapultepec
NNR 73.207 Capt. Benjamin Huger's report
NNR 73.207 Col. William Selby Harney's report about his operations against Chapultepec and the city of Mexico
NNR 73.207 Capt. P.B. Riley's report
NNR 73.209 inspection by Gen. Zachary Taylor of forts from Monterey toward the Rio Grande
NNR 73.209 tariff of duties imposed on Mexico
NNR 73.213 arrival of officers in the United States from the seat of the war
NNR 73.213 captured documents from Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 73.213 Mexican Congress assembles at Queretaro
NNR 73.213 question of the election of a Mexican president
NNR 73.213 position of the
several corps of troops
NNR 73.213 arrival of officers in the United States from the seat of the war
NNR 73.213 train from Mexico City arrives at Veracruz
NNR 73.213 publications of Senor Otero
NNR 73.213 Gen. Antonio Canales reported dead
NNR 73.213 Capt. Robert H. Taylor's Rangers sent to rectify a theft against a Mexican
NNR 73.213 Squire Collins
NNR 73.213 Thomas H. O'S. Addicks
NNR 73.213 departure of parties from Buena Vista for Santa Fe and San Antonio
NNR 73.213 trial of Mexican prisoners accused of murder
NNR 73.213 unsuccessful revolution at Guadalajara on behalf of Valentin Gomez Farias against the sacerdotal party
NNR 73.213 Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga pronounces in favor of plan of Iguala
NNR 73.213 Mexican war spirit unallayed
73.213 Gen. Rea waiting at Orizaba to attack a train
NNR 73.213 Michael Leonard the teamster executed
NNR 73.214 council of war at Puebla between Nicholas Philip Trist and Gen. Winfield Scott, debate over use of the "three million"
NNR 73.214 death of an American sailor aboard the transport ship Empire
NNR 73.214 "revelling in the halls of the Montezumas"
NNR 73.214 divisions among parties in Mexico, exactions on the clergy
NNR 73.215 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's manifesto to the Mexican nation
NNR 73.216 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's decree that Gen. Jose Joaquin de Herrera and Gen. Nicholas Bravo should exercise executive power in case of his fall, Rosa orders Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to trial and divests him of command
NNR 73.216 Atlixco taken, a Mexican account
NNR 73.216-73.217 manifesto of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga
NNR 73.217 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's farewell address, items, Mexican force in the field, affairs in the capital
NNR 73.218 liberty of the press restored in Mexico City
NNR 73.222 official report on the actions of the first regiment of US volunteers of New York in the storming of Chapultepec and the advance on Mexico City
NNR 73.222 Gen. Joseph Lane's report on the relief of Puebla
NNR 73.222-73.223 Gen. Joseph Lane's official report of the engagement at Huamantla
NNR 73.223 Gen. Joseph Lane's report on the battle of Atlixco
NNR 73.235-73.239 address of Albert Gallatin to the people of the United States on the subject of the war with Mexico
NNR 73.239 terms of peace suggested
NNR 73.241 ravages of the war on the second regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers
NNR 73.256 "Revelling in the Halls of the Montezumas;" murder and disease at Mexico City
NNR 73.256 list of deaths of officers of the Gulf Squadron in the last year
NNR 73.256 official order for levying contributions on Mexico by collecting export duties and taxes
NNR 73.256 account of troops in and around Santa Fe
NNR 73.256 American troops moving against Chihuahua or Mexicans at El Paso
NNR 73.260 resolution of New Hampshire legislature on the Wilmot Proviso
NNR 73.272 Pedro Maria Anaya elected provisional president, his cabinet
NNR 73.272 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's pronunciamento against proceedings at Queretaro
NNR 73.272 arrest of Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow, Gen. William Jenkins Worth, and Col. James Duncan
NNR 73.272 Gen. Robert Patterson's train leaves Jalapa
NNR 73.272 execution of two American teamsters and two guerrilla officers
NNR 73.272 Padre Martin captured
NNR 73.272 Otero's proposition to forbid alienation of Mexican territory rejected, guerrilla affairs near Veracruz
NNR 73.147 Nov. 6, 1847 smuggling
Smuggling powder to Vera Cruz- Jose Maria Carabajal, the Mexican who was
arrested at New Orleans on the 4th inst. for shipping powder,
invoiced as "cigaritos."to Vera Cruz, has been discharged from a criminal
prosecution, the case not being embraced in the statute. He was required
to five bail, however in the sum of $3200, for violating the city municipality,
which, not being able to give, he was committed to jail.
[KAS]
NNR 73.147 6 NOV 1847 example of expenditure in the war
War Expenditures- The secretary of the treasury, since the first of January lst, has sent upwards of twelve million of dollars to N. Orleans, on account of army disbursements.
A letter to the New Orleans Bee, from the Rio Grande, says: “Two hundred government horses were sold at auction, a few days ago, at an awful sacrifice, not averaging more that ten dollars a head. They probably cost each ten times the same.”
This reminds us of the transaction of the
Florida war, when steamboat wood was furnished to the government at fifty
dollars per cord, and bacon which cost the government twelve cents a pound
was sold at two and three cents, and bought up by contractors to be again
sold to Uncle Sam. When we see the items in the account of this Mexican
war, this sale of horses will, by comparison, prove to be a mere circumstance.
Many large fortunes will be made by government favorites at he expense
of the people of the United States. There are a class of men in this country
who if consulted, would never have the country in a state of peace; not
that they fight the battles of the country, or are inspired by the ambition
to win a name. NO such idea enters into their heads. They stay at home
and make money. Jobs and contracts are the fields of their ambition, and
the greater the expense incurred by the country the wider is the field
of their exploits. [Petersburg Int.
[MDT]
NNR 73.148 6 NOV 1847 resolution of Whigs of New Hampshire, Whig state convention of Vermont, Gov. Horace Eaton's message
New Hampshire- The Whigs have nominated Nathaniel S. Berry for governor- Gov. Colby having declined a nomination for re-election.
A whig county convention lately held in the state of N.H. lately adopted the following resolution:
That, as citizens of a free country, we claim and shall exercise the right at all times in a candid but fearless manner, of expressing our opinions of the acts whether of the state or national administration, and whether those acts relate to peace or war; and that we regard the attempt of the president of the United States in his last message to brand as traitors all those citizens of the republic who do not yield a blind obedience to his will, and approve his conduct in the unconstitutional commencement of the present war with Mexico, as an insult to freemen, and fit only to emanate from one who rules over slaves.
The war is to be avoided at all times as a great calamity, especially by this country, as not congenial to the spirit of our institutions, or the feelings that should animate us in our intercourse with the nations of the earth; but that we regard the present war with Mexico as doubly hateful, inasmuch as it was unconstitutionally commenced by the act of the president, in disregard of the rights of congress, and as it is waged for the dismemberment of a sister republic, upon pretexts that are false, and for a purpose that is abhorrent to all feelings of humanity and justice; and that, although we award to the officers and men engaged in that war all the praise that is due to skill, energy, and courage, yet we regard the glory acquired by our arms as an inadequate compensation for the blood that has been shed, the treasure that has been wasted, and the indelible stain that has been cast upon our national character by the prosecution of a war of conquest and ambition, the first, as we hope it may be that last, in the history of the republic.
That is the duty of the whigs of the country, by all exertion in their power, to extricate the country from the condition into which it has been plunged by the madness of its rulers, and to procure a peace with Mexico as soon as it can be done consistently with the true honor and dignity of the American name, and, by the termination of the war, set an example of justice and magnanimity that shall reflect as much honor upon the character of the American people for exercise of the moral virtues as they have acquired by the display of those of a military and heroic kind.
Vermont- Gov. Eaton’s message, transmitted to the legislature of the 16th ult., is brief and in good taste. HE recommends a good law for the protection of the property of married women, similar to that which has been enacted in other states. The public schools are in a flourishing condition. The geological survey of the state is nearly completed. Ex governor Paine and MR. Marsh have been appointed to correspond with Hiram Powers respecting the statue of Ethan Allen and T. Crittenden, to be placed in the capital.
On national affairs, the governor says:
“I believe that the position of Vermont is distinctly understood in regard to all these great questions of national policy which are from time to time agitating the national councils, and in which Vermont, in common with other states of the Union, has so deep an interest, it affords occasion for the most profound regret that the unhappy war with a neighboring republic has not yet been terminated, but on the contrary, is making still greater and greater demands upon the blood and treasure of the nation. It is believed that Vermont has seen nothing in the progress of the contest: to change her sentiment, either in regard to the insufficiency of the grounds on which the war was commenced, or the unworthiness of the purposes for which it has been waged. She cannot recognize the general government as committed to any career of conquest, nor will she regard any unaccomplished schemes of territorial aggrandizement as presenting an obstacle to the speedy adjustment of existing difficulties. Peace she unequivocally and earnestly desires, and asks for no territory, whether slave or free, as a condition of its establishment and security.”
A Whig state convention was held at Montpelier on the 21 ult., Hon. Carlos Coolidge, presiding. Hons. Solomon Foote and Horace Everett were appointed delegates at large to the national convention to nominate a president, and A.P. Lyman, H. Cutts, H.E. Royce and Portus Baxter, delegates from the several districts.
Resolutions were adopted denouncing the
war, approving of the Wilmot proviso, objecting tot he acquisition of territory
by conquest.
[MDT]
NNR 73.150 6 NOV 1847 Protest of the city council of Mexico City
Protest of the city council of Mexico
The city council of Mexico, in the most solemn manner, in the name of their constituents, and in the face of the world, and of the commander in chief of the army of the United States, protest.-That though the chances of war have reduced the city of Mexico under the forces of the United states, is has never entered their mind to submit voluntary to any chief, person or authority, unless such as are recognized by the federal constitution, and sanctioned by the government of the republic of Mexico, whatever be the length of time for which the foreign power may continue its existence de facto. Resolved in the deliberation hall of the city council of Mexico, September 13th, 1847, at 11 o’clock, P.M. Signed by Manuel R. Veramendi and sixteen other members.
Next we have the propositions submitted by them to Gen. Scott, on his entrance into the city, which the general good naturedly told them he would take into consideration, and would assure them all the protection which the welfare of his command and the requirements of the war would permit. The propositions, considering the source whence they come, leave one in doubt whether to laugh at their folly or grow angry at their insolence.
First proposition-The churches and monasteries of both sexes, hospitals, and archives, colleges, and schools, private dwellings, and in general every species of property, movable and immovable, whether belonging to the commonwealth, to corporations or to individuals, shall be individually respected; nor shall the desecration, violation or occupation of any of them, by the forces of the United states, or by the chiefs and privates who compose them, be in any case allowed.
Second- The city shall be governed by the existing laws, and it will enjoy, as theretofore, its privileges; nor shall the forces of the United States, and their respective chiefs, in any case, enjoin upon it the observance of any enactment; which , in its nature, should belong to the legislative order.
Third- The administration of justice, in civil and criminal matters, shall be strictly carried on by the respective authorities of the country, and in accordance with the provisions of the federal constitution of the republic of Mexico.
Fourth- Should a vacancy occur in the government of the district, the members of the council will fill it up according to the requirements of law, without the direct or indirect interference of the armed forces in the designation of the individual who may be selected to fill such vacancy.
Fifth-Any vacancies or absences, among the judges of first, second, and third instance, shall be temporarily supplied, by the district governor, upon due submission by the municipal body.
Sixth- the forces of the United States shall not affect the municipal rents, nor the manner of their collection; but they will allow the free administration thereof and of the direct taxes, paid to the municipal body, whose duty it will be to apply them to the branches with which they are charged, and to the speedy and full dispensation of justice.
Seventh-The city council shall be permitted to keep up such armed force as may be necessary to maintain the security of the jails and the domestic peace of the community, upon agreement, with the general in chief of the forces of the United States, as to the number of said force,and the nature of the arms to be used for the objects in view.
Eighth- The national standard shall be kept flying over the municipal buildings.
Ninth- The forces of the United States shall be quartered in such places as may, on agreement with the general in chief, be assigned to them. Said officers will be pleased to forbid them any unnecessary rambling through the streets of the city, particularly at night; especially are they to be cautioned against entering into any political discussions, or indulging in any mention of the campaign, with the inhabitants of the city.
Tenth- The general and chief of the army of the United States will be pleased not to allow counter guerrillas or the rangers to enter the city.
Eleventh- The council will retain, for public purposes under its direction, the timbers, materials, and other appliances, which were used to maintain the war.
Twelfth- This agreement shall be religiously observed on the part of both the general in chief and the council of the city.
Hall of deliberation, of the city council of Mexico,
September 13, 1847.
(signed) Manuel R. Veramendi and sixteen others.
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 resolution of synod of New School Presbyterians
Preamble and Resolutions just adopted by the Synod of the New School Presbyterian Church of New York and New Jersey
The synod of New York and New Jersey, considering the tendency of war to impede the progress of the gospel, by putting the innings of men in a state unfavorable to the influence of truth and the Holy Scripture, deem it proper and seasonable, in view of the fact that our country is now engaged in war with a neighboring nation, which, as far s it has proceeded, has been unusually sanguinary and disastrous, to express their solemn convictions in the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the synod regard this war both as an exhibition of human wickedness and as a dreadful scourge from the hand of God, which should lead the Church of Christ to great searching of heart, to deep humiliation and [prosination] of spirit, and to earnest supplication before the Thorne of Mercy.
Resolved, That it be recommended to all the ministers of the word belonging to this synod to labor, by prayer, preaching, and all other appropriate means, to impress the minds of men with a sense of the sinfulness and the evils of war, and especially of the existing war with Mexico.
Resolved, That the synod express the earnest
desire that all the people, see eye to eye in reference to the present
and prospective evils of the existing war, and the desirableness of its
speedy termination.
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 practical view of war
Practical View of the War- If there is any subject of the present day on which it is unnecessary to do more than give a plain statement of facts, in such a manner as may carry it home practically, to the minds of our readers it is the war in which this country is now engaged. The method by which the president and his party have secured to themselves an immense amount of patronage and pecuniary benefits, by virtually mortgaging their country, is a fearful instance of power wrongfully usurped. The cost so far as it can be calculated in dollars and cents is a very small portion of the evils incurred. Nothing of this kind can convey an idea of the value of the twenty thousand American lives already said to have been expended during this war. Men of all parties are tired of the war. The bloody triumphs of the battle field are heard now rather as alleviations of anxiety that as gratifying from their glory. Men are inclined to count their cost. Up to the third day of this month the expenses were more than one hundred and sixty seven millions of dollars. The calculations given below, are based upon the supposition that 120000000 are all that have been thus expended. Buffalonians are congratulating themselves upon the intended expenditure of 150000 in improving our harbor. Let us see what a portion only of the debt so recently contracted in war would have done for the country it invested in peaceable objects:
With $120000000 a school house and church might crown every hill top from the Penobscot to the Rio Grande, and teachers of knowledge and righteousness might do their mission of good without money or price for any one.
With $120000000, we might connect every town in our land by railroad; and the magnetic telegraph might be made to stretch its magic wires alone every thoroughfare, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
With $120000000, we might build such a navy as the world never saw, and carry on such a commerce as Venice, in the palmiest days, never dreamed of; our flag might float on every breeze, our sails whiten every sea, and our name be heard and feared in every house between the poles.
With $120000000, we might feed every poor man, clothe every beggar, and relieve every distress, not only once, but always, as long as the population of the globe did not exceed 950000000. Starvation, poverty and famine need never find a foothold on earth.
And more, with $120000000 we might give the Bible and tell the tidings of our holy faith to Heathen lands, to every foreign nation and to every human soul.
The government complains that the post office department is a heavy tax upon the treasury, on account of the low rates of postage. Devote four months interest of the Mexican war debt to this end, and our people would never hear the word “ postage.”
The government doles out with a miser’s hand, and a miser’s spirit, trifling, pitiful sums, for harbors in our western rivers and lakes. Devote two months interest of the Mexican war debt to this end, and no more petitions for appropriations would come from the people of the west.
This is the way to calculate the cost of the war; and these are not idle fancies. Let no reader be satisfied, until he works, with his pencil, each one of these statements. Figures will verify them all. Is our country able to squander money in this wise? IS gold a matter of such little concern, as to be disposed of in this summary manner? What says the farmer, whose taxed lands help to heap up these hoards of wasted money? What says the mechanic, whose taxed “occupation” aids in amassing this squandered treasure? What say the people, who pay for it, in their clothes, food, books, houses, furniture, and property? Can we afford it? We might be doing good with it, such as no country has ever done.
Is this, then, the much boasted destiny
of our great country-to tax her people, collect and borrow an immense sum,
and spend it in shedding blood and killing men. [North American
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's general order No. 287 declaring martial law
The general in chief republishes his order No. 2 of 19th February 1847, declaring martial law, with important additions.
1. It is to be feared that many grave offenses may be committed by or against the persons composing the armies engaged in the present war between the two republics, which are not provided for in the act of congress “establishing rules and regulations for the government of the armies of the United States,” approved the 10th April, 1806. Those offences are here alluded to, which, it committed in the United States, or in their organized territories, would be tried and severely punished by the ordinary civil tribunals of the country.
2. The following offences are meant: assassination, murder, poisoning, rape, or the attempt to commit either of these crimes; violent assaults, theft or robbery, the profanation of temples, cemeteries or other sacred places; the interruption of religious ceremonies, or the destruction of public or private property without the express order or a superior officer.
3. For the welfare of the military service, for the interest of humanity, and for the honor of the United states, it is absolutely essential that all the crimes above mentioned should be severely punished.
4. But the code commonly called the “rules and articles of war,” does not provide any punishment for he said crimes, not even in case they are perpetrated by individuals in the army against the persons and property of the same, except in the very restricted case in Apr. 9; and they are only partially referred to in Arts. 51, 52, and 55, when committed by individuals of the army against the person and property of a hostile people; and the said code does not refer to the injuries which may be committed by individuals of a hostile country in violation of the laws of war upon the person and property composing the army.
5. It is evident that Article 99, independent of any reference to the restriction in Art. 87, is entirely nugatory and does not reach these capital crimes.
6. Therefore, a supplementary code, covering the crimes mentioned in the second paragraph of this order, whether committed on, by, or against the army, is absolutely necessary.
7. This unwritten code is simply martial law, and is an addition to the military code prescribed by congress in the "“rules and articles of war,” and all armies in a hostile country should adopt the martial law, not only for their own security, but for the protection of the peaceful inhabitants and their property from detriment on the part of the army in violation of the laws of war.
8. In consequence of this overpowering necessity, martial law is declared as a supplemental code, and it will be observed in and about all posts, cities, villages, camps, hospitals, and other places which may be occupied by portions of the army of the United States in Mexico; and it will be equally observed in the columns, escorts, convoys, guards, and detachments of said army, during the present war with that republic, and while it shall remain in the same.
9. Consequently all the crimes mentioned in the second paragraph, whether perpetrated, 1st. BY a Mexican citizen, inhabitant of or sojourner in this republic, against the persons or property of those belonging to or following said army of the United States of America; or 2 nd. By any individual belonging to or following said army, against the persons or property of the citizens or inhabitants of , or sojourners in this country; or 3rd. By any individual belonging to or following said army, against the persons or property of any persons appertaining to the same shall be judged and punished under the supplemental code.
10. For this purpose it is ordered, that every delinquent in the above mentioned cases shall be promptly arrested, and notice thereof given, that he may be tried before a military commission, which shall be convoked in conformity with that fellows.
11. Every military commission under this order shall be named, governed, and conducted, as far as practicable, in accordance with articles 65,66 and 67 or the rules and articles of war, and the proceeding of the said commission shall be duly recorded in writing, revised, and corrected, approved or disapproved, and the sentences executed, so far as practicable, in conformity with the proceeding and sentences of court martial, under the following limitations: NO military commission shall have jurisdiction in any case that may be properly tried by a court martial, and no sentence of any military commission shall be executed against any person belonging to the American army, unless the nature and grade of his offence be established by evidence, and then he shall be punished in the same manner that similar cases are punished in any state of the United States.
12. The sale, waste, and loss of warlike stores, horses, arms, clothing, and provisions of soldiers, shall be punished by law under the Nos. 37 and 38 of the articles of war, and whatever Mexican, whether a resident or a transient person, who shall buy from any soldier, arms, ammunition, provisions, or clothing, horses, or their trappings, shall be tried and severely chastised by a military commission.
13. The administration of justice, both civil and criminal, shall be meted out in all the established courts throughout the country, without the slightest interruption or hindrance from the officers or soldiers of the American army, excepting the following cases: 1st. In case the person be an officer, soldier, agent, servant, or other person following the North American army. 2d. IN political cases, that is to say, suits against other individuals, in which it is alleged that friendly information, protection or kind reception, has been given to American army.
14. For the convenience and protection of both parties, in all cities and towns occupied by the American army, a body of Mexican police shall be established and organized to act in concert with the military police of the said army.
15. This beautiful capital, its churches and its religion, its convents, and monasteries, its inhabitants and their property, are placed under the especial safeguard of the good faith and honor of the American army.
16. As a consideration for the aforesaid protection, a contribution of $150000 is levied on the capitals, payable in four payments, at the rate of $37500 per week, commencing on Monday next the 20th instant, and terminating on Monday, the 11th of October.
17. The ayuntamiento, or municipal council, of this city, is especially charged with the collection and payment of these sums.
18. From the entire contribution which is to be paid to this army, $ 20000 shall be appropriated for the purchase of some very necessary supplies for the wounded and sick in the hospital; $90000 to purchase blankets and shoes, which shall be distributed gratuitously amongst the soldiers of the army, and $40000 shall be retained for other military wants.
19. This order shall be read to and circulated amongst all the companies of the American army now in service in Mexico, and shall be translated into Spanish for the information of the Mexicans.
By order of the commander
in chief,
H.L. SCOTT, A.A.A. Gen.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 revolt of the Massachusetts regiment at Veracruz over uniforms
Revolt of the Massachusetts regiment over uniforms
The Massachusetts Regiment- The other day it became necessary to clothe the Massachusetts regiment anew; their old grey uniform having become seriously dilapidated. Grey clothing could not, of course be produced here, and the United States blue (the best soldier’s clothing in the world) was substituted for it. The regiment accepted the clothing, with the exception of one company, the members of which positively refused, on the ground that it was disgraceful for them to wear the national uniform! They could not clothe themselves in any thing else; they were becoming ragged, and were on the point of marching to the interior, where there is no clothing at all. General Cushing ordered them out of ranks and sent them to the castle to perform laborer’s duty.
Yesterday the prisoners were marched from the camp to the castle, under charge of Captain Carr’s company, 11th infantry. On reaching the mote some fifteen of them endeavored to beg off, saying that if they were permitted to return to duties they would wear the blue cloth, but it was too late.
Major Webster arrived at N. Orleans on the
25th, on his way to join his regiment, the Massachusetts, in route
from Vera Cruz to the interior, with the train under Gen. Patterson. [letter
from Vera Cruz.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Joseph Lane's advance without adequate ammunition
Gen. Lane’s Advance without Adequate Ammunition
The fact that Gen. Lane had to halt his
command on reaching the Governor’s Bridge, and send Capt. Cook for ammunition
for his forces, has been already noticed. In reference to this, the writer
quoted above says: “I have previously stated that Gen. Lane’s command left
here with forty rounds of ammunition. All the facts of the case are not
yet known. ON his arrival at the National Bridge, he had an average of
eight rounds. The amount that he started with from here is not known. If
he started with less than forty rounds, the usual quantity, then the general
is responsible, for the act was neglectful; but if he started with the
full complement, then his men are also inexcusable, they for divesting
themselves, he for allowing it.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 Lt. Robert M. Morris' appeal to the Marines
Lieut. Morris’ appeal to the Marines
Lieut. Morris of the rifles- It happened soon after Maj. Twiggs, of the
marines, was killed, that Lt. Morris, of the rifles, was ordered to make
a charge in order to attain a certain point. Deeming his own men too few
for the undertaking, and seeing the marines without an officer, he ordered
them to help him. They replied, that he was no officer of theirs, and refused-he
remonstrated, and they still refused. Finding authority and remonstrance
of no avail, he shouted to them-“Marines, I am the son of Commodore Morris-if
you have any veneration for his memory, follow me.” This appeal was irresistible;
their sailor hearts were touched, and with a cry, as of joy, they pounded
forward, and shared his dangers and his perils, until success was obtained.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 Baltimore light artillery
Capt. Tilghman's company of light artillery. Amongst the late arrivals of troops at Vera Cruz, is Captain Tilghman's company of Baltimore light artillery. They are a fine looking set of men, and their uniform remarkably tasteful and neat, though almost too fine for the rough usage it will be subject to in a campaign. They have been supplied with excellent horses, and six beautiful pieces of cannon, forges, caissons, &c., in proposition. [KAS]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 expedition against guerrillas
The Genius of Liberty of the 15th inst., gives an account of an expedition against the guerrillas, sent out by Gen. Patterson, in which several parties of bandits were encountered and destroyed, and a large amount of arms of all kinds were captured.
Some excitement was occasioned at Vera Cruz on the 18th by
the arrival of an express from a company of Texas Rangers, announcing that
they had been attacked about twelve miles from Vera Crux by a large guerrilla
force, that they had lost one man killed and about eighteen were missing.
The report was current that the whole command, excepting two had been
cut off and the immediate departure of the rangers at full speed induced
the citizens to believe that the report was true.
[KAS]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 Burning of Santa Ann's Hacienda
A Vera Cruz correspondent of the New Orleans National insists that Captain Lewis of the Louisiana volunteers was justifiable in destroying the seat of the Mexican commander, as it had been made the headquarters of a band that were infesting the line of communication between Vera Cruz and Gen. Scott's army.
The latest dates received here from the National Bridge, by a letter from
Major Kenly, informed us that Santa Anna's hacienda was permanently occupied
by Col. Hughes and his staff, and how it could have been the resort of
guerrillas, we are at a loss to conceive.
[KAS]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 account of the camp at Veracruz, difficulties of soldiers at the hospital
Correspondence of the New Orleans Picayune
Vera Cruz, October 16, 1847
This city and camp Bajara present the most interesting scenes at this time. At the latter place are some 35000 troops encamped-say the 13th infantry, Massachusetts regiment, new Ohio regiment, two Florida companies, Captain Stapp’s Illinois mounted men, ninety recruits for the 1st dragoons, two companies of the 11th infantry, sixty voltigeur recruits, and last (though by no means the least) Capt. Tilghman’s magnificent light artillery battery. About half a mile beyond this camp are four companies of Texan Rangers.
Gen. Patterson has put his shoulder to the wheel in earnest, first, to put an end to certain abuses that have been too long overlooked here, and practiced by officers going up in the several columns that have left for the interior. For instance, a large number of men, belonging to both regular and volunteer forces, have been sent into the general hospital here by their officers without descriptive rolls. Numbers of these poor fellows have remained in hospital six and eight months, some have died, and many are still suffering, who, for want of this light duty on the part of their officers, cannot by honorably discharged or paid. To send them off sick, without pay, and with no papers by which they can claim their land bounty, or perhaps pension, would by treating them badly indeed, and the surgeons will not do it. The pay and board of those who die in hospital are lost to their heirs, if the officers under whom they have served have been so criminal as to neglect to furnish the hospital surgeon with their descriptive rolls and clothing accounts. TO prevent a recurrence of this evil Gen. Patterson has issued orders that every officer who shall send men to the hospital without the proper papers shall be arrested and tried. Other healthy orders have been issued and are stringently executed, and the general is determined that the guerrillas, as well in this vicinity as on the road, shall feel the weight of our power.
Day before yesterday he dispatched two companies of Texas rangers and some other mounted men to scour the country between the Jalapa and Orizaba roads, where guerrillas were known to be quartered and arms and ammunitions to be stored. A few miles about Santa Fe a party of rangers came upon a ranch, and then discovered, by the numerous explosions, that loaded firearms were concealed there. In the vicinity of Medellin, another party discovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, and killed some sixty guerrillas.
Whilst, however, the mounted men are employed
in ferreting out and destroying guerrillas and guerrilla depots, the general
does not forget to protect the innocent and defenseless. The following
general order will show his policy in this respect.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 general order for opening the line of communication from Veracruz to the interior
Headquarters Volunteer Division
Vera Cruz, Mexico, October 12, 1846
Orders, No. 5.- The commanding General of the division being charged with the duty of opening the line of communication with the main army in the interior of Mexico, directs that:
1. The commanders of all corps, detachments, and posts under his command, or left by him on the line from Vera Cruz to the headquarters of the army, shall protect from injury and insult all unarmed and peaceable inhabitants.
2. NO private property shall be taken, except by the order of the commanding officer of the corps, detachment, or post, and then only for the use of the troops, for which, in all cases when the owner can be found, a reasonable compensation shall be paid.
3. The frequent robberies and murders committed by guerrillas and other banditti, who live by plundering Mexican as well as Americans, thereby rendering life and property insecure, and interrupting trade and intercourse with the interior, requiring a prompt remedy, no Mexican will be allowed to bear arms, except by the written permission of the commander of a department of war.
4. Commanders of all armed parties will apprehend armed Mexicans found without proper authority, and should they resist they will be shot.
By orders of Maj. Gen. Patterson:
J.J.Abercrombie, Lt. Col. And A.A.A.g.
Among the other arrangements a depot is
to be immediately established at the National Bridge. This is certainly
a most judicious measure. The army will probably move to the interior in
about a week.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152-73.153 6 NOV 1847 Mexican official reports on termination of the armistice
The Matamoros Flag, furnishes the following translation of Mexico officials, issued upon the termination of the armistice and the renewal of hostilities. The first is the Mexican secretary’s letter to Gen. Urrea-the second is Urrea’s announcement to the governor of the province of Tamaulipas.
Excellent sir-It is probable that tomorrow at 12 pm. the enemy will commence hostilities, in consequence of the refusal of the supreme government to precede to advise you of this event. The first magistrate of the nation has never had the power, nor has he wished to make concessions derogatory to the rights, and honor of the republic-and he has therefore, during the time the negotiations were pending, fanned the flame of national spirit and reorganized the army. HE is therefore, to day, in an attitude to rebel force by force, which seems to be the only title of the enemy to acquisitions which the supreme government never could concede, much less admit stipulations which has their origin in the law of force. Your excellency may rest assured, that whatever may be the success of arms, the government will always sustain at all costs, the independence and honor of he republic. God and liberty!
ALCORTA
Mexico, Sept. 6,1847.
[MDT]
NNR 73.153 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's summons to Col. Thomas Childs, reply, the siege, Santa Anna deserted by his troops
Santa Anna’s Demonstration At Puebla.
Summons to surrender, dated
Headquarters- Mexican Army I have taken possession of this city with the army under my command, for the purpose of operating upon the several points fortified and occupied by your excellency, and also with the view of liberating its inhabitants from the dominion of the forces of ht United States, from whom they have already suffered too much. But before commencing any operations of a military character, I have considered it my duty to act in obedience to the impulses of humanity, and consequently request that your excellency will please evacuate this city within a certain and peremptory space of time, it being known to you at the same time that you can depart with all the honors of war, either to form a junction with General Scott, or the forces of your country at Perote, according as it best suits your pleasure. But should this courteous request of mine be unheeded by your excellency, then, although to me it is a painful alternative, I shall commence to assault your positions the consequences of which act will be felt by your garrison, because there exists in the vicinity of your excellency 8000 men who are determined that the rights of their nation shall be maintained and respected.
God and liberty, headquarters in Puebla, September 25th
1847.
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.
To Senior Col. D. Thomas Childs, commander of the United States army, situated in Loreto.
Headquarters, City of Puebla, Mexico
September 25, 1847.
TO his excellency, D Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, General in chief of the Mexican army in front of this city.
Sir- I had the honor of receiving, at 2 o’clock this afternoon, your excellency’s letter of this date. In it you were pleased to notify me of the fact that you had taken possession of this city, for the purpose as you declare, of restoring to the full enjoyment of their liberty its citizens who have hitherto suffered so much from the U.S. army. You likewise were pleased to offer certain stipulations to this garrison, provided that it would, within a fixed time, abandon the point of defense which it now occupies. With regard to the assertion of your Excellency, which implies that the inhabitants of Puebla have been maltreated by the US troops, I wholly deny it. ON the contrary, I assure you that the property and privileges of all have been maintained and respected with the greatest scrupulousness, indeed, so much so has it been done, that its parallel cannot be found in the annals of war. And I would most willingly leave it to the most intelligent and impartial portion of the population of the city to decide, from which of the two contending parties they have received the most injury and molestation; whether it is from their own countrymen or the troops of the United States.
With regard to that particular part of your excellency’s letter which demands the surrender, within a fixed time, of all the positions now occupied by the troops under my command, I can only say in reply, that having been honored with the duty of guarding and protecting them, it is equally my greatest wish and paramount obligation to preserve them to the last; and I am fully satisfied that I shall be able to defend all the resources essential to its full and complete accomplishment.
With considerations in the highest degree respectful, I have the honor to be your excellency’s most obedient servant,
Thomas Childs, Col. U.S. Army
Civil and military governor.
The Genius of Liberty furnishes the following sequel to the above correspondence
Puebla, 28th-At 5 in the evening of yesterday the point of San Juan de Dios, Santa Rosa and Santa Monica commenced a heavy cannonade upon the American works. The letter immediately began to throw cannon shot, bombs and grenades into the centre of the city, which suffered in consequence some considerable injury.
Don Mariano del Rio, was standing with his wife on the back balcony of his house was struck dead by a cannon ball. About 8 P.M. the cannonade deceased, but command again at the dawn of the following day.
Puebla 29th-By order of Santa Anna a body of troops was yesterday posted in the convent of Santa Teresa, at one of the corners of which a breastwork of cotton bales was erected. Four hundred cotton bales have already been demanded of the house of Velasco for the defense of the city. TO prevent the completion of this work the Americans from the fork of San Jose kept up a continual fire upon the workmen, which being stoutly returned by the Mexicans, the discharge of bombs and grenades from the American lines greatly increased. At this moment a considerable number of private citizens went to Santa Anna, who was at Carmen, and requested of him a piece of artillery, which being granted, together with a small body of men for its management, they quickly marched for the Convent Santa Rosa and opened a will directed fire upon the American works. We were in the greatest construction, but night at last supervening, everything became quiet.
Puebla, Sept. 30- Today partial tranquility reigns in the city. Now and then can be heard the report of a cannon, and the explosion of some grenades thrown in the direction of San Juan del Rio, in the rear of whose church Gen. Rea last night concluded a battery, with which he intends to open on San Jose. Our soldiers are complaining very much, and say they are ready die of hunger, not having received anything in the shape of provisions for some considerable time. The greatest enthusiasm against the Americans prevails throughout the entire city.
Puebla, Oct. 2- Since Santa Anna’s departure
the cannonading has totally slackened off. The cotton store house of Velasco
took fire last night, and was burned down to the ground-and 200 bales of
the same article were totally consumed in the convent of Santo Domingo,
without any one’s being able to account for the mode in which they were
fired. The inhabitants hearing the ringing of bells which announced the
incendiarism, were very much alarmed, believing that the Americans had
left their entrenchments, and were storming the city.
[MDT]
NNR 73.153-73.154 6 NOV 1847 desertion of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's troops, rumors of his departure from Mexico
Nov. 6, 1847
Santa Anna Deserted
From the same source we derive the following narrative of events subsequent to those above detailed. Santa Anna is evidently reduced to great straits:
On the 1st of the present month Gen. Santa Anna, at he head of 2000 cavalry and infantry and three pieces of artillery, sailed out of Puebla, intending to attack the American train which left Jalapa on the 1st, and reached Perote on the 4th . But before arriving at Tepeyahualeo the designs of the commander in chief of the Mexican forces where wholly frustrated, all his men, with the exemption of 130 hussars of his personal guard, having pronounced against him. As an excuse for this proceeding the officers and privates alleged that hey were firmly convinced that their further continuance at the disposal and under the orders of the ex president would only be followed by their complete sacrifice; and that withal, their country would not derive the slightest benefit for it.
They attributed the unfortunate events of the war, and their want of success in their battles against the invaders, to his incapacity and unskillfullness. Even some of them fondly declared him to be a traitor, and consequently to be unworthy of holding any command in the Mexican army. The greater part of these transactions took place at Nopalucan
Santa Anna having got to Tepeyahualea with his 130 hussars, he received an order from the government at Queretaro directing him to proceed thither at once with all the troops under his orders. But the general did not deem it convenient to comply with the mandate of his government and took up his line of march for Oaxaca, whither by the latest account he was wending his way. He publicly declared that his intentions in going to Oaxaca were to see whether he could raise there another army, with which he might return to renew the combat with the enemies of he republic.
All the letters from the interior coincide in saying that Gen Santa Anna, conscious of his impotency to effect anything more either in carrying on of the war, or of adjusting the terms of peace, is making his way towards Guatemala, for the purpose of leaving the republic of Mexico forever, and that his march to Oaxaca is only a pretext tot he quiet accomplishment of his designs.
The reports that Gen Santa Anna was endeavoring to reach Guatemala, and that Gen Scott had given him a passport to embark free from Vera Cruz if he should think it best, is denied by La Voz de la Patria, a Mexican newspaper which we find extensively copied in the Arco Iris. HE is resolved, say La Voz, not to abandon the cause of the country, and to continue the war without respite upon the enemies of Mexican independence and religion.
The genius of Liberty says that Senor Pena
y Pena is discharging the duties of recognize as his associate in power,
the individuals nominated and appointed by Santa Anna. He proposes that
congress shall take upon itself the office of selecting men to that important
and high office.
[MDT]
NNR 73.154 Nov. 6, 1847 Guerrilla Warfare
A letter from the army, dated Buena Vista, Aug. 20, says:
"A ranger is missed; search is made for him by his comrades; his body is
perhaps found, perhaps not. The nearest Mexicans to the vicinity of his
disappearance are required to account for him; they will not, or cannot.
The bowie knife is called upon, and deliberately every male Mexican in
that rancho is speedily done for, guilty or not guilty. But this is not
enough to make an effort for the life of a Texan. Another rancho receives
the fearful visit, and again blood flows. The number killed on some occasions
in this way has been fearfully great, and has been gathered from what fell
from the Texans, but no one but themselves knew about it, as a report of
any such doings to the nearest commanding officer, would only be followed
by a ten-fold retaliation on the nearest 'customers.' This is all horrid,
it is true, but it has had the salutary tendency of causing the well disposed
and honest Mexicans to ferret out and inform of those who practice murder
and robbery. Going about at some distance from camp is considered much
more safe."
[KAS]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 comment on the "slanders" against Gen. Sterling Price
General Price.- The Glasgow News says, that Gen. Price has applied to the war department for permission to raise a company of mounted men, to act as an escort for him across the plains to Santa Fe.
The same paper says, that “the slanderers
of this officer are very quiet since his return from Santa Fe.” We do
not know who are meant by this term “slanderers” but if reference be
had to the truths which have been published in regard to his military command
in New Mexico, the want of subordination and discipline in his camp, and
the dissolute conduct of those whom he ought to have controlled, and over
whom he had full authority, we must says that his presence has not prevented
the publication of the facts. Gen. Price proposes, it is said, a visit
to Washington. IF he feels himself aggrieved, let him ask a court of inquiry,
with full power to investigate his military conduct in New Mexico, and
witnesses will not be wanting to prove his total unfitness for the station
which he occupied, his failure to preserve anything like military subordination
in his camp, and the licentiousness which he encouraged, by suffering his
men to do very much as they pleased. Gen. Price is now a military man,
and if he has anything of the chivalry of an officer about him, he will
not willingly rest under accusations which are ringing against him from
one end of the state to the other. [St. Louis Repub 4th Oct.
[MDT]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 hubbub and confusion among troops at Santa Fe, confusion and disorder in the territory
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aug, 13, 1847
All is hubbub and confusion here, discharged
volunteers are leaving, drunk, and volunteers not discharged are remaining
drunk. B company 1st dragoons arrived here escorting a train
of wagons with 350000 in specie, on the 6th. Col. Price will
give up the command and depart early next week. There will only be left
here for the government of this territory, which has a population of 90000,
250 troops. None of the newly enlisted volunteers have arrive
yet. [N.Y. Cour & Enq.
[MDT]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 seizure of a British ship freighted with merchandise for a merchant in California
Affairs in the Pacific.- Capture and condemnation of a British merchantman.-Despatches have been received in Washington from Com. Biddle, dated on aboard the line of battle ship Columbus, on the 10th of April last, giving an account of the seizure by the squadron, of a British merchant vessel, of light tonnage, freighted with merchandise of an English merchant resident in Mexico.
There had been organized in California by Gen. Kearney, at the instance of Com. Biddle, a court of admiralty to adjudicate in such cases. This court took cognizance of this seizure, and condemned the vessel as a lawful prize, on the principle that a merchant permanently residing in Mexico, no matter of what power he may be a subject, is to be treated in time of war as a citizen of the country in which he resides and done business.
This decision is sustained by the practice
of the British admiralty courts during the war between France and England,
and also during the war of 1812 and ’15, between the U. States and Great
Britain. [NY Herald.
[MDT]
NNR 73.156 Nov. 6, 1847 letter from a participant in actions against the Mexicans in California
Events in California – A Late Springfield Journal contains a long letter from California, written by Wm. S. Todd, Formerly of Springfield, from which we make the following extract.
When I wrote to you in January last, I expected to leave this country this spring, but I was so long detained in the army, under Fremont, that I am compelled to alter my intention, and even if I had got off in time, seeing the opportunities I now do of making something to repay me for coming to the country, I doubt whether I should leave. The country has just passed through a war of then months, and is beginning to recover from the evil effects of that war, although military despotism still governs it. General Kearney is the governor of the country, and governs it with martial law.
In January, 1847, the foreign residents here became disgusted with the tyrannical and unprincipled acts of the men in power in this country, and raised a revolution against them. The authorities has commenced by declaring that all Americans should leave the country, or “their bones should bleach upon the plains of California,” and were preparing a force to carry out the threat, but the Americans took the start and seized the fortress of Sonoma, with several pieces of cannon, small arms, ammunition, &e ; and at the same time General Vallejo, Salvador Vallejo, and Captain De la Torre crossed the bay of San Francisco with near one hundred men.—We whipped them and drove them back over the bay, and then prepared to march against General Castro.
On our march
down, an express overtook us, stating that Com. Sloat, Had taken position
of Monterey and San Francisco, and had hoisted the American flag.
Fremont (who had joined us a few days before we left Sonoma,) … our leader,
hoisted the starts and stripes over out camp. From that time until
the retaking of Pueblo, in the month of January last, I have been in the
service of the United States, I may say, until the 6th of March
last, when I was discharged. There were many others, who, like myself
served during the whole war, and were discharged at that same time.
In November last, Commodore Stockton came to San Diego, and there told
us that we must enlist as common soldiers or remain as prisoners on board
the Congress until he could send us home. After the retaking of Pueblo
we were promised our immediate discharge, and our pay, by Commodore Stockton;
but we obtained neither of them. Some two or three weeks after out
term of service has expired, Col. Fremont consented to discharge us, and
did so on the 6th of March - paying us but twenty dollars each
to purchase horses, saddles and provisions, to take us home – a distance
of 800 miles!
[ATT]
NNR 73.156-73.157 Nov. 6, 1847 account of the New York California regiment in California
THE NEW YORK CALIFORNIA REGIMENT AT HOME
The Northampton Gazette, says: A young gentleman of Worthington, in this county, who became enamored of them western regions, by the representations which he gathered from this reading, and who connected himself with the 7th regiment of New York volunteers, under the famous Colonel Stevenson, and sailed fro California last autumn, writes to his friends from San Francisco, under date of May, in which he gives rather an unfavorable color to the destines of that command, and of the country, so much eulogized by hose desires of a… our national domain. A few extracts will show pretty clearly the disappointed feelings of those who were looking for a western paradise. He says:
“The land here is very poor, not a vegetable is raised. All it is fit for is grass, and that all dries up in summer and blows away. There is no rain from May to September. Not a tree grows within twenty miles of this. A few scrub bushes are seen, and they hardly furnish wood enough to cook with. All I can say about the land here, .. make within a circuit of twenty miles, is, that it is one large sand bank, where vegetation starts-up in the spring then dries up and blows away. If there is any with you that wish to emigrate, let them go to any other place in the world than California. Never way any taken in so bad as was the 7th regiment of New York volunteers. We expected to find it almost a paradise, and here we are, poor dogs, living on sea biscuit, pork and beans, in face of an enemy, exposed to wind, weather, and bullets rattling among us, and all for seven dollars a month. Blue coasts, red patches, stripes and death, perhaps – a gloomy prospect, indeed.”
These are the deluded men, who consented, upon the representation of the government adventurers, to be discharged at the expiration of the war, where-ever they may be, and find their way home as they may, or spend their lives in California. Not a very enviable condition truly.
Another member of the regiment, a correspondent of the Troy N. York Whig, writes as follows:
Santa Barbara, Alta California, May 19, 1847.
Entertaining an idea that there are doubtless many who would like to know the whereabouts of one, who in former days “danced and sang a …song,” and who was most familiarly known to the good citizens of his birth place; who, perhaps, think him in another world, as he doubtless would have had not fortune smiled most favorably upon him. I am alive and well, never more so, and may if I meet with no pull-backs, see you again some time in the course of then years if we can satisfy these cursed Mexicans, and make them come to terms. Ere this you must have heard of our arrival and the distribution of our regiment if you have not, Major Harde is stationed with three companies, G, H & K. at the Presidio at St. Francisco; Lieut. Col. Barton with three companies at this place, having arrived here on 7th April; and Col. Stevenson at Monterey with four companies, C. D. E. & … within the last week. Col. C. has been ordered to the “Puebla des los Angelos” with two companies G & E., 90 miles below this, where there are some 400 Mormon soldiers, and once company U.S. dragoons, engaged in throwing up a breast work preparatory not having occasion to use it, as they expect to have hot work soon. Lieut. C. Burton with two companies A. & B. is ordered down the coast, (place unknown) out a short distance this side of Mazatlan, to take position of the country. We sail next week. We may possibly meet General Wool’s division and join him; what’s next will for low is all speculation. Capt. Naglee from Philadelphia in command of company D has mounted his company, and is out in the mountains scouting. Capt. Brackett of company C is stationed at Sonoma, 60 miles up the Sacramento from St. Francisco, the balance being in quarters, ready at a moments notice for any emergency. We have had two alarms here, … calling every man to his post in less than a minute. Never did I see men obey a call quicker than on those occasions, it was remarkable by Col. Barton, an old campaigner, that during all his fighting in the Florida war he never saw much promptness in falling into ranks before. Some were without shoes, some without caps, and some without coats, but every man had his musket and his 20 rounds of cartridge in his cartridge box. The alarm was caused by some Indians lurking around the camp, and one of them coming too near the sentry, and not obeying his orders to “stand,” he fired upon and killed him – of late things have worn a more peaceful appearance.
The men are contented, having provided for them most comfortable quarters, and a braver set of men I do not believe ever went into the field; they are composed of those careless, reckless d-ls, (yet of good heart) from the Bowery and East River side, that are the terror of the N. York police. They are in good discipline, always respectful and obedient, and the only thing they want is to have a chance of fighting. They occasionally get a fight up on a small scale; pounding an Indian or Californian who does not exactly think as they do, most unmercifully. They love their commander (Col. B.) and well they may, for he is very attentive to their wants, and they in return try to please him in every thing. Santa Barbara is a pleasant little town with a population if some 1,00 inhabitants, and a jurisdiction extending to over 3,000; it is built upon a beautiful piece of table land, situated between lofty ranges of mountains on its side and rear, with its front opening to the sea. Fruits during the summer season may be had in abundance, and out table of late groans under the weight of delicious dishes, fruits and wine, sent us as presents from the fair hands of the many beautiful Senoritas; while we in return guard and protect them from the hostile Indian depredations. Fandangos’ we have almost nightly, rich treats they are. The waltz is the same as out own; but the other dances wholly different. A native stands a poor chance for a partner, when there are enough “Americanos” present. I’m worst feature in the whole case is my morality to reply to their beautiful lingo , I never felt the disagreeable reality before of wanting to talk, and not being able to. Ideas rush in from all sources, but I have to check them or only utter them in most miserable Spanish.
The horsemen
of the Californians cannot be surpassed; children from 6 to 8 years of
age, rise with much ease and grace as out grown people do at home, and
it is not uncommon, occurrence to see them strapped on, riding as the races.
Visiting, business, and every thing else is done on horseback, they being
to lazy to walk. Daily may be seen from six to a dozen at different
corners of the streets seated on their horses all day long, and it they
are fortunate enough to get any thing to eat, it is devoured while seated
on their horses. The length of the race never exceeds is a quarter
of a mile, and the time is never made as we can make it home, an American
betting $50 on a race is looked at with surprise, that amount being too
large for the Californian’s pocket. Their betting is from $5 to
$10, and side betting from $4 upwards is not that heavy. Horses that
we would willing pay from $100 to $150, you can purchase here for $15,
$20 and $25, once more I am again the owner of a horse! Each part
of the command which was left in New York when we sailed have arrived,
and joined their respective companies; the… belonging to the companies
stationed here joined yesterday. We have received news from the
states as late as the 24th No. files of the New York Herald
and Courier and Enquirer. Eagerly do we scan the proceedings and
doings of those at home, and trust provision may be… rising of troops for
five years… and those men who wish to remain in the service belonging to
the 7th regiment may not be forgotten. It is a general
feeling among the officers and as we are already here, would it not be
much easier and cheaper fir the United States to muster us for that time.
I hope that Congress and the secretary of war will have an eye open favorably
for us. – General Kearney, Col. Fremont, and one or two others whose names
I forget, leave during this month for the states. Col. F must feel
very much chagrined in being obliged to return to the states with Gen.
K. after having stood out against him so long, disobeying all orders which
have been given him before you will before this reaches you have learned
after consequently unnecessary to repeat here. Cornel Mason will
be in command of the forces as soon as the general leaves, which will much
dampen the spirits of our gallant. French leaving taking colonel
From the others on board his ship I learn that he had made all his appointments
from secretary of state down, and intended carrying them out upon arrival,
but on his arrival, he having learned that Col. Mason was here, never did
man’s… hopes change more suddenly than was duplicated in the countenance
and bearing of Col. Stevenson. Hard stories are told of the colonel
during the passage, and many a time and oft’ does he catch a drubbing from
some luckless wight who has been most shamefully wronged. It is
the prevailing wish that he may be dislodged from command, recalled home,
and the command given to Lieut. Col. Barton, a gentleman and soldier, and
a man beloved by all officers and men. On the 22nd we
give a grand ball, now it will terminate if I have time, I will let you
now in another letter My remembrance to the good people, and oblige.
Frank
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 "what is to be done with Mexico? her voice is still for war!", subjugation contemplated
“What’s to be done with Mexico?”
Whilst the British government are embarrassed with the difficult questions of “What is to be done with Ireland,” our own government is occupied with a no less perplexing question as to what is to be done with out southern neighbor. The views of the cabinet being but imperfectly and unofficially shadowed forth by the official organ, leaves the scores of “letter writers” full latitude for their occupation, which is improved accordingly. The decided tone of such of those as are well known to occupy stations that afford opportunities for being well informed, is scarcely to be misunderstood.
“X.” the Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun, on the 31 st wrote: “The papers, as you will perceive, hint at the revolution in public sentiment which has been effected in Mexico since our seizure of the capital – private letters confirm the same, and there is no doubt but that the true friends of peace, who always consider the continuation in power of Santa Anna worse to the state than the loss of half a dozen provinces, will make a vigorous effort to bring about some kind of an arrangement, especially if they learn that henceforth they must pay for all the expenses of the war, instead of getting money from us, and that in lieu of pay they must lose other provinces in proportion to the duration of the war. Should there be any such revolution in public sentiment, Mr. Trist, I opine, may yet figure as commissioner; but he will listen, not make propositions on his part.
“The Mexican tariff, as soon as Gen. Patterson and Col. Jack Hays shall have established a permanent safe communications with the interior, will yield a handsome revenue, especially if a few slight alterations in its present rates of duty shall be ordered, such as experience has shown to be beneficial to out merchants, producers, and manufacturers. Such alterations, I believe, are in progress of preparation.”
“Ion,” another correspondent of the same paper, writes of the same date: “In my letter of the 26th inst., I said “sufficient intimation had been thrown out in regard to the orders recently sent to General Scott, to convince me” that those orders were so and so. I have had ample reason since, to believe that I have fallen into no error in regard to the policy of the government on this subject. Others may have arrived at different conclusions as to the course which the executive will purse, and no one assumes to speak upon authority in relation to it – not even the editor of the Union.
“What are the “intimations thrown out” by the “Union” in the article of the 27th, and in previous articles? They fully confirm my own convictions, as forced upon me by information derived from other sources. “What now remains?” says the Unions – “Subjugation and occupation.” If others have not been able to foresee, or, it seeing, do not choose to state, the means by which the end in view is to be accomplished, it does not follow that my references, and those, I may ass, of the most intelligent and judicious observers here, are imaginary.
“I do not suppose that the cabinet is unanimous in their views, either as to these ends or these means. We shall know something about both, five weeks hence. In regard to Gen. Scott’s future relations towards the fluttering shadow of the supreme government, lately supposed to be at Queretaro, I stated that his orders were “to leave it undisturbed.” – That I am correct in this suggestion has been made apparent. It is the hope of some – I do not say of every one of the cabinet – that the government at Queretaro will sue for peace. It is a vain hope, in my opinion. But I was perfectly aware, and so stated in, my second, that Gen, Scott was to deal tenderly with Santa Anna’s multitude at Queretaro and with the fugitive congress, which may or may not assemble there. I said that Gen Scott was to “leave that shadow of a government undisturbed.” Am I not correct in this? Is it not confirmed by your own correspondent, “X?” and I need go no further for evidence of its correctness.
“AS to the first proposition, every one knows that I was correct, for the “Union” has repeatedly announced that the late armistice was unauthorized, and I know that the rumored movements of General Scott in favor of peace, since the capture of Mexico, were met with disappointment by this government. Gen. Scott, I repeat, is to enter into no more armistices, nor truces, until Mexico has ratified a treaty.
“Next comes the proposition that Gen. Scott is to occupy and pacificate the country. It is the sole object of the reinforcements lately sent to him to enable him to do this. The thirty thousand troops are there for that purpose, and no other; and, for the same purpose, twenty thousand more are to be asked for from congress, at the next session, if need be.
“There remain but two more propositions, to with that Gen. Scott is to disarm the Mexicans found in arms; and that he is to levy contributions on the Mexican states, cities, and people. Here again I have an authority, representing at least a portion of the cabinet, for this assertion. But all this is no more than Gen. Scott is now actually doing under previous discretionary orders, and from necessity.
“I dismiss the matter by asserting that my five propositions have not been and cannot be denied by authority, nor disproved by facts.”
“I stated them, the other day, only as my own convictions. I now repeat them as well known, authentic, and indisputable facts – startling as they may be to those who are yet unprepared to meet the responsibility for the state of things which they have contributed to produce.”
A letter to the N. Orleans National, from Vera Cruz. Dated October 11, says:
The Mexican “voice is still for war.” Let our people no longer flatter themselves with the hope of an early peace; but let the next congress prepare for a long war; for Mexican obstinacy and false pride is aroused, and so long as they can resist they will do it – even unto their own destruction. There is but one course left to attain a speedy peace, and that is by virtue of fear.
The Washington correspondent of the Charleston Mercury wrote on the 7th ult: “There is no good reason to believe that congress will be disposed to limit the appropriations for war, still less to withhold them. Besides, the government will take at once, or before congress shall act, such measures as will lead to vast expenses, and congress cannot undertake to repudiate them. It is a matter of doubt, too, how far congress can exercise any supervision order the conduct of the war. If the war be carried on at all it must be by the executive.”
On the 15th October, the correspondence of the Baltimore Sun wrote-
I have ascertained, since my last, that there remains as yet uncalled for, the sum of six millions and one hundred thousand dollars for the last loan. This sum will, together with the accruing revenue from customs and lands, be ample to carry on the operations of the war, and to meet the ordinary expenses of the government till next spring. There is no danger that the war will lag for the want of means. Whatever may be the delay of action in congress, the operations of the war will go on, and after expenses have been incurred, we shall see how many members will vote their repudiation.”
On the 30th August, before the late renewal of hostilities, the “trusted friend and organ of the administration,” the Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia Ledger wrote-
“I alluded, in one of my letters to the Ledger, the fact that the programme of the administration is now completed, and that, through the “union” as yet forbears to save a word, it is intended to prosecute the war, if need be, to the entire subjugation of Mexico , if she persists in rejecting our offers of peace. Connected with this resolution is the determination to oppose the Wilmot proviso, ex officio, as utterly useless and impractical, and only calculated to distract parties,”
Another letter to the Charleston Mercury says-
The result of the late election in Pennsylvania is hailed as an administration triumph, and as a strong evidence that Pennsylvania is in favor of acquiring, by war, the whole territory of Mexico. As Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Dallas are rivals, in that state, for the support of the democracy, in the next presidential contest, their respective friends now vie with each other in claiming for them all the advantages to result from their advocacy of territorial extension. It is therefore rumored, and indeed asserted, that Mr. Trist’s treaty project was not Mr. Buchanan’s ultimatum; and that Mr. B. had sent to Mr. Trist instructions which he has not received at the date of the armistice, to demand the 26th parallel of latitude as the boundary.
The Augusta Constitutionalist has the following paragraph:
“The rights of the Mexican republic exist now only in the sic volo, sic jubeo of the American people. Their will is the law of the case.
The Washington correspondent of the N. Y Journal of Commerce writes on the 25th ult:
The Government
sends frequent messages to General Scott. A messenger left this morning
this dispatches for him. I learn, from various sources, that the
administration has given such orders to General Schott as will prevent
him from again offering to accepting an armistice, or inviting the Mexican
government to make peace. The day has gone by, too, for offering
any pecuniary inducements to the Mexican rulers, or compensation for territory.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 heavy northers
Mexico – Latest – The steamer Alabama, at New Orleans, left Vera Cruz on the 20th, Tampico on 22nd off Brazos the 24th, and Galveston the 25th. Experienced a heavy northern all the way, which prevented her from communicating with Brazos. She brings from Galveston fifteen cabin passengers and fifty discharged soldiers that had reached Galveston in… in the U.S. propeller Ashland, which put in there in distress. The Alabama brings dispatches from General Scott for government.
Gen. Patterson was expected to start with reinforcements from Vera Cruz, on the 24th.
City of Mexico dates to the 7th October left all quiet.
Congress had
met at Queretaro on the 5th. Santa Anna is reinvested
with executive power and the command of the Army.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 operations of Gen. Joseph Lane's division
Gen. Lane’s division, advancing on the 11th October so suddenly
entered the town of Huamantla, situated half way between Perote and Puebla,
that Santa Anna has barely time to escape, leaving two pieces of artillery
which were taken by Gen. Lane. La Vega, and a son of Iturbide were
made prisoners.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 - General Taylor's camp, all quiet
From Gen. Taylor's and Gen Wool's headquarters we have dates to the 4th
Oct. All quiet-troops healthy.
[KAS]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Huamantla
Santa Anna
left Huamantla at the head of 1,000 horses, and was joined soon after
by 1,500 men, Under command of Gen. Reyes, and together they re-entered
Huamantla as soon as General Lane left it, and following the Americans,
killed seventy men and took twenty prisoners. They had two pieces
of artillery with them, and contrived to be very annoying. A considerable
force that left Puebla under Reyes was waiting Lane’s approach at El Pinal,
a few miles south of Huamantla.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 Capt. Jack Hays' rangers and the guerrillas
A dozen of Hays’ Texan rangers, on the 18th, had quite and
affair with about 200 guerrillas that charged twice upon them between Vera
Cruz and Santa Fe. Rifles first, and then Colt’s revolvers were
used, with effect. The Texans arrived all safe.
[ATT]