Mexican-American War and the Media

RW24n72p2c3 September 14, 1847, Death of Sergeant Pollard
DEATH OF SERGEANT POLLARD OF THE 1^ST COMPANY OF PETERSBURG VOLUNTEERS
News that Sergeant Pollard died in New Orleans, from the Petersburg Intelligencer

RW24n72p2c4 September 14, 1847, LATER FROM THE ARMY OF GENERAL TAYLOR
Correspondence from The New Orleans Picayune, containing intelligence from Monterey

RW24n72p2c5 September 14, 1847, TEXAS
Various information of Texas, from the New Orleans Commercial Times

RW24n72p4c1 September 14, 1847, THE MEXICAN NEWS
Information that we have entered Mexico City

RW24n72p4c3 September 14, 1847, AMERICAN ARMS AGAIN VICTORIOUS
City of Mexico is at the mercy of the U.S. Forces. Containing letters and official reports from the field

RW24n72p4c5 September 14, 1847, GEN. PAREDES
Addressing a rumor that Gen. Paredes has reached Orizaba at the head of 300 men

RW24n73p1c1 September 17, 1847, THE GREAT BATTLE
Information from General Scott's army about a brilliant but bloody victory

RW24n73p1c2 September 17, 1847, THE SLAIN
About the decimation of South Carolina volunteer regiment

RW24n73p1c3 September 17, 1847, FURTHER ACCOUNTS
An account of the push towards Mexico City

RW24n73p1c4 September 17, 1847 BRILLIANT VICTORIES
Information from the Battles of Churubusco and Contreras, editorial correspondence from the New Orleans Picayune, and the stipulations of the armistice between the U.S. and Mexico

RW24n73p2c1 September 17, 1847, THE ARMISTICE
Discussion of the Armistice

RW24n73p2c2 September 17, 1847, From Vera Cruz
Information from Vera Cruz

RW24n72p2c2 September 17, 1847, FURTHER PARTICULARS
More information concerning Mexico's army, some from the New Orleans Picayune

RW24n72p2c3 September 17, 1847, LETTER FROM THE ARMY
Letter from an army officer on General Scott's staff, Tacubaya, Mexico

RW24n72p2c4 September 17, 1847, LETTERS FROM THE ARMY OF GENERAL SCOTT
Letters from Tacubaya, Mexico

RW24n72p2c5 September 17, 1847, SANTA ANNA'S MANIFESTO
His manifesto as published in The New Orleans Picayune

RW24n72p5c2 September 17, 1847, GENERAL TAYLOR AND THE NATIVES
About General Taylor's camp and guerrilla fighters

RW24n72p5c2 September 17, 1847, FROM THE SOUTH
News of Mexico from the New Orleans Picayune

RW24n73p1c3 September 21, 1847, WAS THE WAR NECESSARY?
Commentary on the war with Mexico

RW24n73p2c4 September 21, 1847, FROM THE ARMY OF GENERAL TAYLOR
Information of General Taylor from The New Orleans Picayune

RW24n73p4c4 September 21, 1847, THE BATTLE
Information of the battle for Mexico City, including a description by Mexicans

RW24n74p1c3 September 24, 1847 INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence from the Charleston Mercury concerning Mexico

RW24n74p1c4 September 24, 1847, FROM THE ARMY
Very interesting letter from a distinguished officer to his correspondent in Washington

RW24n74p1c5 September 24, 1847, FROM TEXAS
Correspondence from The New Orleans Picayune, concerning Texas

RW24n74p2c3 September 24, 1847, IMPROBABLE RUMOR
Letter to the New Orleans Picayune from a resident of Tampico

RW24n75p2c2 September 28, 1847, THE AMISTICE
More information on the armistice with Mexico

RW24n75p2c4 September 28, 1847, THE LATE MEXICAN BATTLES
A narrative of the last battles with Mexico

RW24n75p2c5 September 28, 1847, LATE FROM HAVANA
Correspondence from The New Orleans Picayune about Vera Cruz

RW24n75p2c5 September 28, 1847, FROM CHIHUAHUA
A letter received from Chihuahua

RW24n75p2c5 September 28, 1847, FROM SANTA FE
A letter received from Santa Fe

RW24n75p4c1 September 28, 1847, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE WAR
Commentary on the War with Mexico and the J.K. Polk administration

RW24n75p4c2 September 28, 1847, GENERAL TAYLOR
About letters from General Taylor's camp in Monterey

RW24n75p4c3 September 28, 1847, THE ARMISTICE
Information about the armistice from La Patria

RW24n75p4c4 September 28, 1847, A SOLDIER'S LETTER
A long letter from a soldier in Mexico

October

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p1c1 Mexican Documents
Talks about peace treaty being aborted, letter from Triste and Herrera, other letters

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p1c3 Letter from Gen. Taylor
Talk of Gen. Taylor being whig candidate for next presidency and other political ambition

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p1c3 High Tribute to Gen. Taylor
Journalist extols virtues of Gen. Taylor

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p1c3 Government Plans
Says government will not offer any more overtures of peace to the Mexican government ** too light to read

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p2c1 The Administration and the War
Letter denouncing the administration

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p2c2 Gen. Taylor
[Washington Union] brief paragraph about troop movements

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p2c3 The Armistice
[La Patria of NO] terms of the armistice

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p2c3 Gen. Taylor’s politics
Says he’s a Whig and not a Democrat

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p2c4 A Soldier's Letter
Reprint from a soldiers letter in Mexico

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p3c4 Battle of Contreras
Mexican Gen. Salas report about Battle of Contreras

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p3c4 Battle of Churubusco
Mexican Gen. Rincon’s account

Friday, October 8, 1847 RWv24i81p5c2 Further Details: the Armistice
Letters from Triste and Mexican officials ** too dark to read

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p1c1 True Boundary of Texas
Discusses the validity of claim by U.S., angry that Mexico doesn’t acknowledge

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p2c1 Untitled
Short blurp about annexation

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p1c2 The Negotiation
[NY Herald] letter about Trist and the boundary negotiation

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p1c3 Gen. Taylor’s Correspondence
Extract from Gen. Taylor’s letter

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p1c4 From the Rio Grande
[From N.O. Picayune Oct. 9] war news and ship arrivals

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p1c4 Battle of Mill of El Rey– Its effects
Letter about the battle

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p2c3 Letter from Capt. Bragg
Talks about an unsuccessful assassination attempt

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p2c4 5 days later from Vera Cruz
Letters and war news, mentions a lot of guerrillas attacks on U.S. troops

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p4c2 Speculations
[N.Y. Courier] condemns Mexico for rejection of treaty proposal

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p4c2 From Gen. Taylor’s Camp
[N.O. Picayune] News from Gen. Taylor’s camp at Buena Vista about problems with deserters

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p4c3 Untitled
Letter describing Scott’s demeanor in battle

Tuesday October, 12 1847 RWv24i82p4c3 Official
Letter to a soldier in Vera Cruz, talks about battles and fights with guerrillas

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p1c2 Mexican Documents
[N.O. Picayune] copy from Diario del Gobierno, letters and information about troop activity and the Irish Regiment captured by the Americans

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p1c3 Untitled
[Alexandria Gazette] Sen. Benton refutes U.S. claim to Rio Grande as border between U.S. and Mexico

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p1c3 Untitled
[Washington Union] short remark about Santa Anna returning to Mexico

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p1c3 Mutiny on the Plains
Troops in route to Santa Fe are in open mutiny

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p2c2 Gen. James Hamilton, Jr.
Writing about the death of his brother

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p2c2 Upper California
Soldier talks about dreary conditions of lower California

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p2c2 Incentives to Desertion
[N.O. Picayune] says Santa Anna is offering money to American soldiers to desert

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p2c3 Col. Jefferson Davis
Letter to the President turning down a commission to become Brigadier General

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p2c4 The Late Col. Butler
[Charleston Mercury] letter lamenting the loss of a friend in battle

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p4c2 The Nueces
Says Whigs gave up title of Nueces to Mexicans, this is rebuttal and condemnation of that

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p4c2 Intelligence from Mexico
Says that the rumors of the deaths of Gen.’s Worth, Smith and Pillow were rumors

Friday October, 15, 1847 RWv24i83p4c5 The News from Mexico
[N.O. Picayune] news about the war copied from the N.O. Picayune

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c1 The Annexation of Mexico
Article saying that the president might consider taking all of Mexico into the United States, and condemns this possibility

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c2 Annecdote of Santa Anna
[Washington Union] story says Santa Anna felt compassion for an enemy officer and let him live even though he had tried to kill Santa Anna

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c3 Untitled
Letter to the editor about the safety of the Army

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c3 From Frontera and Tabasco
News and ship arrivals from Tabasco

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c3 Departure of Troops to Mexico
News of troop movement

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p1c4 From Gen. Wool's headquarters
[N.O. Picayune Oct. 9] arrival of ships and letters. Reporter talks about his expedition with the Army hunting for guerrillas. And other stories from his travels

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p2c2 Gen. Waddy Thompson's views
Opinions from the former Minister to Mexico about the Wilmot Proviso

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p2c2 The Whole or None
The U.S. shoud take Oregon and Mexico, also lists reasons why the paper disagrees with admitting them into the U.S.

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p2c3 From the South
News about Scott

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p2c4 From the Brazos
[N.O. Bulletin Oct. 11] News and troop movements from other papers

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p2c5 The Mexican Poet
Poem about the Battle of Churubusco

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p4c2 Bloodless Achievment
Polk announces Annexation of Texas is an achievement

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p4c3 The Virginia Regiment
Letters from Mexico, soldier complains about conditions

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p4c3 The Administration Views
Opinion about how the war should be handled

Tuesday October, 19, 1847 RWv24i84p4c3 What will the Whigs Do?
What will they do in Congress about Mexican War [too light to read]

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p1c1 The Country and the President
About the war and its costs

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p1c1 Vigorous Prosecution of the War
Letter calling for a using all forces neccisary to fight the war. Says war would be over if we used all our troops at once.

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p1c3 A Rich Mexican Mine
Brief, U.S. could soon have a rich silver mine

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p1c3 Late and important from Mexico
News from Mexico

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p1c6 The Deserters
About Americans deserting

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p2c1 The News from Mexico
News and letters

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p2c1 Return of Gen. Taylor
Might be going back to the United States

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p2c2 Another letter from Gen. Taylor
Letter argues that Gen. Taylor is a Whig, and also might be considering a presidential nomination

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p2c3 Our Victories fully confirmed
[N.O. Picayune Oct 14] Battle reports and list of dead and wounded

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p2c6 Affairs of Vera Cruz and on the Road
Troops movements and battles around Vera Cruz and the National Bridge

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p4c2 The Natural Boundary
Says the problem with getting more territory into Union is bringing into it the Mexican people that lived there

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p4c3 From Texas
Reports of fever and sickness spreading through camp

Friday October, 22, 1847 RWv24i85p4c4 Interesting Mexican Documents
Mexican views about the war, says they should fight a guerrilla war, or even sell California to England to bring them into the war

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p1c1 An Erroneous View
Opinions about the war, debates whether or not parts of Mexico should be included in the United States

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p1c2 Important from Jalapa
News about Mexican War

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p1c3 Additional Mexican News
[N.O. Picayune] Gen. Scott placed Mexico City under martial law, also a list of some of the laws

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p1c5 Correspondence from the army
[Washington Union] letter about how U.S. troops are battling guerrillas as they try to take possession of National Bridge

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p1c6 Extracts from a Letter
** {blacked out}

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c2 Gen. Pillow
A tribute to Gen. Pillow

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c2 Untitled
Eulogy for a soldier killed in battle

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c3 Capt. J.B. Magruder
Short tribute letter about a heroic soldier

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c3 From Havana
News and letters about Mexico [N.O. Picayune] ** too light to read

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c3 Later from the Rio Grande
[N.O. Picayune Oct 10]

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p2c4 Letter from Gen. Shields
[Union] About battles

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p4c1 Mexican Territory– Northern Sentiment
Opinions about what to do with Mexican territory taken in the war

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p4c2 Santa Anna
Short blurp about Santa Anna

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p4c2 Gen. Pillow and Shields
Tribute to two fallen officers

Tuesday October, 26, 1847 RWv24i86p4c2 Virginia Officers
Casualty report of Virginia Officers and battle reports

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p1c1 Views of Gen. Waddy Thompson
Thompson was minister to the Mexican Republic. His thoughts on the war
** too light to read

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p1c3 Vigorous Prosecution of the War
Thinks war is too peaceful, it must be more “warlike”

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p1c3 Capt. Larkin Smith
Letter from soldier, talking about his condition

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p2c1 Congress and the War
Argues against taking all of Mexico and its inhabitants into the United States

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p2c2 Reveling in the Halls
Letter from Gen. Smith letting people know he is not dead as previously reported

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p2c3 Untitled
Eulogy of a fallen soldier

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p4c1 Mexican Whigs
Mexico wants boundary at the Nueces, says territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande should be neutral ground

Friday October, 29, 1847 RWv24i87p4c1 Gen. Wool's Army
** too light to read

November

RWv24i88p1c1 Monday, November 1, 1847, The Herkimer Convention

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, The Philadelphia Inquirer contains

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, Official notice is given in the Washington papers

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, An extract of a letter from Major Turnbull

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, Official notice is given in the Washington papers

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, A letter from Tampico to the Baltimore Sun

RWv24i88p1c2 Monday, November 1, 1847, Major Downing

RWv24i88p2c3 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, Letter from Capt. Harper

RWv24i88p2c3 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, We lay before our readers

RWv24i88p2c3 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, The New Orleans Delta gives the following

RWv24i88p2c3 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, Gen. Kearney has arrived

RWv24i88p2c4 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, A letter from Buena Vista

RWv24i88p2c5 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, Late from Vera Cruz

RWv24i88p2c5 Tuesday, November 2, 1847, Five Days Later News from Vera Cruz

RWv24i88p4c1 Saturday, October 30, 1847, The adroitness with the people

RWv24i88p4c2 Saturday, October 30, 1847, Gen. Gaines and the War

RWv24i88p4c2 Saturday, October 30, 1847, The Union and Gen. Scott

RWv24i88p4c3 Saturday, October 30, 1847, The State of the War

RWv24i89p4c2 Saturday, November 6, 1847, We have filled our columns

RWv24i89p4c2 Saturday, November 6, 1847, We have later accounts from Texas

RWv24i89p4c2 Saturday, November 6, 1847, Trial of Col. Fremont

RWv24i89p4c3 Saturday, November 6, 1847, Annexation and its Consequences

RWv24i89p4c3 Saturday, November 6, 1847, From the Plains and Santa Fe

RWv24i89p4c4 Saturday, November 6, 1847, Arrival of the Steamship Alabama

RWv24i89p4c4 Saturday, November 6, 1847, Important Mexican Documents

RWv24i89p4c5 Saturday, November 6, 1847, From the Rio Grande and Saltillo

RWv24i90p1c1 Monday, November 8, 1847, Effect of acquiring Territory on the South

RWv24i90p1c1 Monday, November 8, 1847, The Spirit of Jefferson

RWv24i90p1c2 Monday, November 8, 1847, Trial of Col. Fremont

RWv24i90p2c2 Monday, November 8, 1847, Mr. Calhoun and his friends

RWv24i90p2c2 Monday, November 8, 1847, General Taylor

RWv24i90p2c3 Monday, November 8, 1847, Mexican Whigs

RWv24i90p2c3 Monday, November 8, 1847, From Vera Cruz

RWv24i90p2c4 Monday, November 8, 1847, Trial of Col. Fremont

RWv24i90p2c4 Monday, November 8, 1847, From the Rio Grande

RWv24i90p2c5 Monday, November 8, 1847, From Gen. Wool's Headquarters

RWv24i90p3c1 Monday, November 8, 1847, Later from Santa Fe

RWv24i91p1c5 Thursday, November 11, 1847, The Fremont Court Martial

RWv24i91p2c1 Friday, November 12, 1847, Defensive Line – No Territory

RWv24i91p2c2 Friday, November 12, 1847, Mr. Clay and Gen. Taylor

RWv24i91p2c2 Friday, November 12, 1847, General Scott

RWv24i91p2c2 Friday, November 12, 1847, The New York Sun publishes a letter

RWv24i91p2c2 Friday, November 12, 1847, The third regiment of Tennessee Volunteers

RWv24i91p2c2 Friday, November 12, 1847, The last Alabama papers inform us

RWv24i91p2c3 Friday, November 12, 1847, Col. Fremont's Trial

RWv24i91p2c4 Friday, November 12, 1847, The Fremont Court Martial

RWv24i91p2c5 Friday, November 12, 1847, From Texas

RWv24i91p4c1 Wednesday, November 10, 1847, Northern Sentiment

RWv24i91p4c4 Wednesday, November 10, 1847, Prosecute the War Vigorously

RWv24i91p4c4 Wednesday, November 10, 1847, Latest from Santa Fe

RWv24i92p1c1 Monday, November 15, 1847, Executive Patronage

RWv24i92p1c2 Monday, November 15, 1847, We learn, by a letter

RWv24i92p1c2 Monday, November 15, 1847, The veteran Colonel Bankhead

RWv24i92p1c3 Monday, November 15, 1847, The Fremont Court Martial

RWv24i92p1c5 Monday, November 15, 1847, The News from Mexico

RWv24i92p2c1 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Gen. Scott's Despatches

RWv24i92p2c1 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Mr. Kendall's Letters

RWv24i92p2c1 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Trial of Col. Fremont

RWv24i92p2c1 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, The Charleston Mercury states that

RWv24i92p2c2 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Gen. Taylor

RWv24i92p2c2 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Com. Stockton and Gen. Kearny

RWv24i92p2c2 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Most of the new regiments

RWv24i92p2c2 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, From the Brazos

RWv24i92p2c3 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Later from Tampico

RWv24i92p2c4 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Mr. Kendall's Letters from the Army

RWv24i92p2c6 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Mexican Political Affairs

RWv24i92p2c6 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, From Vera Cruz

RWv24i92p2c6 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Santa Anna

RWv24i92p2c7 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, The Battle of Huamantia

RWv24i92p3c1 Tuesday, November 16, 1847, Mr. Clay's Lexington Speech

RWv24i92p4c1 Saturday, November 13, 1847, Mr. C. C. Cambreling's Speech

RWv24i92p4c2 Saturday, November 13, 1847, From the Seat of War

RWv24i92p4c2 Saturday, November 13, 1847, The President of the United States

RWv24i92p4c3 Saturday, November 13, 1847, The Fremont Court Martial

RWv24i92p4c3 Saturday, November 13, 1847, Later from Mexico

RWv24i92p4c4 Saturday, November 13, 1847, The Fremont Court Martial

RWv24i93p1c1 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Mr. Clay's Resolutions

RWv24i93p1c1 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Official Dispatches

RWv24i93p1c2 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Pena y Pena and Santa Anna

RWv24i93p1c3 Thursday, November 18, 1847, A letter from Vera Cruz

RWv24i93p1c3 Thursday, November 18, 1847, From the Seat of War

RWv24i93p1c3 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Major General Butler

RWv24i93p1c4 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Interesting News from Santa Fe

RWv24i93p1c5 Thursday, November 18, 1847, Official Dispatches

RWv24i93p2c1 Friday, November 19, 1847, Col. Fremont's Trial

RWv24i93p2c2 Friday, November 19, 1847, Tribute to the Brave

RWv24i93p2c2 Friday, November 19, 1847, On the morning of the 30^th

RWv24i93p2c3 Friday, November 19, 1847, Mexicans already voting

RWv24i93p2c3 Friday, November 19, 1847, The Britons and Saxons reproduced in Mexico

RWv24i93p2c4 Friday, November 19, 1847, Later from Vera Cruz

RWv24i93p2c4 Friday, November 19, 1847, Manifesto of Gen. Paredes

RWv24i93p2c7 Friday, November 19, 1847, Late and Interesting from the Pacific

RWv24i93p2c7 Friday, November 19, 1847, Later from Santa Fe

RWv24i93p4c1 Wednesday, November 17, 1847, Col. Fremont's Trial

RWv24i93p4c1 Wednesday, November 17, 1847, Rev. Mr. Maffitt

RWv24i93p4c3 Wednesday, November 17, 1847, Positions of Mr. Clay

RWv24i93p4c3 Wednesday, November 17, 1847, The Battle of La Hoya

RWv24i93p4c4 Wednesday, November 17, 1847, Official Despatches

RWv24i94p1c2 Monday, November 22, 1847, Naval court martial

RWv24i94p1c2 Monday, November 22, 1847, If the United States Congress

RWv24i94p1c3 Monday, November 22, 1847, Trial of Col. Fremont

RWv24i94p1c3 Monday, November 22, 1847, Gen. Butler's Opinion

RWv24i94p1c3 Monday, November 22, 1847, Gen. Pillow's report of the conduct

RWv24i94p1c3 Monday, November 22, 1847, Care of Lieut Mahan

RWv24i94p1c5 Monday, November 22, 1847, Military Contributions

RWv24i94p2c1 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Peace Prospects

RWv24i94p2c1 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Major John P. Gaines

RWv24i94p2c1 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, The Advocate, published at Tahlequah

RWv24i94p2c1 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, The Washington Union of Saturday published

RWv24i94p2c2 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Col. Fremont's Trial

RWv24i94p2c2 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Capt. Calwell of Greenbrier

RWv24i94p2c3 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Later from Vera Cruz

RWv24i94p2c4 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Official

RWv24i94p2c5 Tuesday, November 23, 1847, Report of General Lane

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Mr. Clay's Speech

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, The Washington correspondent

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, The Treasury Notes are a drug

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, The steamer Galveston left New Orleans

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Some surprise has been expressed

RWv24i94p4c1 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Capt. Taylor, of the 3^rd artillery

RWv24i94p4c2 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Col. Fremont

RWv24i94p4c2 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Yesterday's Enquirer says:

RWv24i94p4c2 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Mexican Affairs

RWv24i94p4c2 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Capt. Harper, the intelligent commander

RWv24i94p4c3 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Santa Anna

RWv24i94p4c3 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Accounts from Mexico

RWv24i94p4c3 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Letters in the Washington Union

RWv24i94p4c5 Saturday, November 20, 1847, Official Despatches

RWv24i94p4c7 Saturday, November 20, 1847, The New Orleans Delta publishes

RWv24i95p1c1 Thursday, November 25, 1847, J. Q. Adams and the War

RWv24i95p1c1 Thursday, November 25, 1847, Reception of General Taylor

RWv24i95p1c2 Thursday, November 25, 1847, The Court Martial in Col. Fremont's case

RWv24i95p1c2 Thursday, November 25, 1847, The Salisbury Watchman perpetrates

RWv24i95p1c2 Thursday, November 25, 1847, The people of Louisville, (Ky.)

RWv24i95p1c3 Thursday, November 25, 1847, The Aztec Club

RWv24i95p1c3 Thursday, November 25, 1847, Later from Santa Fe

RWv24i95p1c3 Thursday, November 25, 1847, 'Reveling in the halls of the Montezumas'

RWv24i95p1c3 Thursday, November 25, 1847, Brig. Gen Price

RWv24i95p1c3 Thursday, November 25, 1847, Mexico

RWv24i95p2c1 Friday, November 26, 1847, Mr. Clay's Speech

RWv24i95p2c2 Friday, November 26, 1847, It turns out that the rumor of the arrival

RWv24i95p2c2 Friday, November 26, 1847, Lieut. Edward Johnson

RWv24i95p2c2 Friday, November 26, 1847, Sound Doctrine

RWv24i95p2c3 Friday, November 26, 1847, Henry Clay's Speech

RWv24i95p4c1 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, Policy of the Administration

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, The National Dept

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, The Syracuse (N.Y.) Journal publishes a letter

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, Annexation

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, Among the recent deaths

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, The second regiment of Tennessee Volunteers

RWv24i95p4c2 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, Lieutenant Shackelford

RWv24i95p4c5 Wednesday, November 24, 1847, Major Iturbide – Son of a former Mexican President

RWv24i96p1c2 Monday, November 29, 1847, The Charleston Courier – a neutral paper

RWv24i96p1c2 Monday, November 29, 1847, A Washington correspondent of the New York Herald

RWv24i96p1c2 Monday, November 29, 1847, The Washington correspondent of the Journal of Commerce

RWv24i96p1c2 Monday, November 29, 1847, Cost of the War

RWv24i96p1c2 Monday, November 29, 1847, Lieut. Sidney Smith

RWv24i96p2c1 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, Mr. Clay's Speech

RWv24i96p2c1 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, Referring to the vehemence

RWv24i96p2c1 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, In February last, Mr. Calhoun

RWv24i96p2c2 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, On Friday last, the examination

RWv24i96p2c2 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, The New Orleans papers announce

RWv24i96p2c2 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, Gen. Samuel Houston in out in

RWv24i96p2c6 Tuesday, November 30, 1847, From Mexico

RWv24i96p4c1 Saturday, November 27, 1847, Opinions of Mr. Clay's Speech

RWv24i96p4c2 Saturday, November 27, 1847, South Carolina ––– "Signs!"

December

RWv24i97p1c2, December 3, 1847, California
Difference of opinion about the value of California; might have cost 1/2 million to gain California; only portion of drafted men have been paid; delay of payments is cause of insurrections in California; Com. Stockton has offered to go to Lima to borrow the money but Col. Biddle will not allow him

RWv24i97p1c2, December 3, 1847, Fremont's Trial
Lt. Col. Emory under examination; he has been showing strong hostility to questions; his testimony has not altered the previous aspect of the case

RWv24i97p1c2, December 3, 1847,
Resolutions have been adopted by NY to give thanks to Scott and the army, and inviting Taylor to visit the state during his leave of absence from Mexico

RWv24i97p1c2, December 3, 1847,
Lieut. John M. Garnder of the US Navy died; death caused by an attack which required him to return home from the Gulf Squadron

RWv24i97p1c2, December 3, 1847, Mr. Clay and Gen. Taylor
Mr. Clay and Gen. Taylor are friends

RWv24i97p1c3, December 3, 1847,
Telegraphic desptatch reports that D.R. Miller has been elected Governor of Texas

RWv24i97p1c3, December 3, 1847, The Philadelphian Pennsylvanian of yesterday says
Hon. John Y Mason, Secretary of the Navy and Commodores Warrington and Smith arrived at the United States Hotel yesterday and left for NY on official business this morning

RWv24i97p1c3, December 3,1947: Colonel Wynkoop
Colonel Wynkoop the commander of the Pennsylvania Regiment in Mexico has written a letter in which the Whigs are violently assailed and accused of moral treason; object of the writer was to please the President

RWv24i97p1c4, December 3, 1847, Official
Report to Adjutant General by Major Lally about the operations of his command on the march from Vera Cruz to Jalapa; comments on engagements with the enemy at Paso Ovejas, the national Bridge, Cerro Gordo, and Las Animas, near Jalapa; comments about troops under his command, number of dead and wounded

RWv24i97p2c2, December 3,1847
Ata meeting held in Cincinnati of men of all parties, Mr. Clay's resolution on the Mexican war was adopted by the majority of the Whig population that was present

RWv24i97p2c2, December 3, 1847, Honor to the Brave
Swords created for Generals Taylor, Butler and Col. Barber; gives a description of the swords

RWv24i97p2c1, December 3, 1847, Remarkable Blunder
Comments about Clay's position on war in 1812; and on his position dealing with the War in Mexico; he was unfavorable to both wars from the beginning, he supported the war of 1812 once it began and he holds Mexico partly to blame for the current war

RWv24i97p2c1, December 3, 1847, Origin of War
Comments about the administrations and its supports stance on the war–what they blame the war on; comments on the administrations dealing with Taylor advancing to the Rio Grande–who's idea was it?

RWv24i97p2c2, December 3, 1847, War Expenses
Statement issued by the Treasury Department about the cost of the war with Mexico; gives figures; comments about what the government plans to do about the growing expenses

RWv24i97p2c1, December 3, 1847,
Letter from Lexington Ky. States that the Rev. Robert J. Breckenridge preached a thanksgiving sermon in the city with a very warlike tone towards Mexico; he looks to overthrow the catholic hierarchy after the US wins the war

RWv24i97p2c3, December 3, 1847, Correspondence of the Charleston Evening News
Com. Stockton and his arrival in the city; information on incidents in California–the Commodore's actions in Cali

RWv24i97p2c4, December 3, 1847, Arrival of the Steamship Alabama. Ten Days later from the City of Mexico
Arrival of Col. Harney's train at Vera Cruz; return home of Gens. Quitman, Shields, Cols. Harney, Garland; organization of the Mexican Congress; removal of the Mexican government from Querataro Morelia; information on where troops are stationed; arrival of Gen. Butler at Vera Cruz; no positives on the whereabouts of Santa Anna; election of the president has been postponed in Mexico

RWv24i97p4c2, December 3, 1847,
Trial of Col. Fremont drags on; witness for the prosecution have all been examined by Fremont's counsel; comments about Lieut. Emory's hostility toward the Col.; Lt. Emory has been summoned by the defense

RWv24i97p4c2, December 3, 1847, Interesting Incidents
Letter of Capt. Wm. H. Merrill from the army outside Mexico City; information on a young Virginian–tells a story about Burwell's murder

RWv24i97p4c2, December 3, 1847, General Pillow
Statement about Gen. Pillow; Pillow made untrue statements in his reports

RWv24i97p4c2, December 3, 1847, Harbors on the Pacific
Letter from Captain Wilkes who commanded the exploring expedition; comments on the Pacific harbors–that they are not as good as the ones in the East

RWv24i97p4c4, December 3, 1847, Mr. Kendall's Letters from the Army
Comments about the weather; report that there aren't enough members in the Mexican Congress; member of Congress has come out denying Pena y Pena as President; earthquake in Guadalazars was violent; comments about a Mexican reporter's article on the daughter of a Mexican Officer–details on what happened to the report after the article; rumors that there is to be a meeting among the influential men about raising troops and supplies to fight the Americans; ends with more comments about the weather

RWv24i97p4c6, December 3, 1847, Later from Vera Cruz
Report of the capture of a suspicious vessel–US Steamer brought into port a Spanish topsail schooner; Taylor accompanied by Wool left for Monterey on the 8^th of November

RWv24i97p4c6, December 3, 1847, Latest from Santa Fe
Col. Newby was about to move South because of the approaching winter; wagons at Los Vegos had skirmishes with Mexicans and Indians–Americans had no losses, but the attacking party lost several men, and horses

RWv24i98p1c1, December 7, 1847, Mr. Gallatin and the War
Comments about an essay Mr. Gallatin wrote about the war with Mexico; gives quotes which tell Mr. Gallatin's opinion about the war–seems to view the war as unfair and wrong

RWv24i98p1c1, December 7, 1847, Reception of General Taylor
Preparation for Taylor's arrival in New Orleans are underway; sword made for him will be presented when he arrives in New Orleans

RWv24i98p1c2, December 7, 1847,
Celebrated letter of "Leonidas" in which Major General Gideon J. Pillow is made the hero of the Mexican campaign has fallen into the hand of Gen. Scott

RWv24i98p1c2 December 7, 1847,
Rumored that Col. Burnett of the NY Regiment will be appointed Brigadier General; will Col. Wynkoop be disappointed?

RWv24i98p1c3, December 7, 1847,
New Orleans Bulletin has learned from officers who have just arrived from Mexico there thoughts on finding peace; there exists a great diversity of opinion

RWv24i98p1c3, December 7, 1847,
Sickness of Major Graham a member of the Fremont court Martial has suspended the proceedings

RWv24i98p1c5, December 7, 1847, Honor to the Brave! Serenade
Citizens in New Orleans gathered in front of the St. Charles Hotel and gave a serenade to the distinguished officers who had just arrived from Alabama, from the seat or war–Gen. Quitman, Shields and Col. Harney

RWv24i98p2c1, December 7, 1847, Governor's Message
Comments about letters received from Taylor about Resolutions adopted by the Virginia general assembly, giving honor to the gallant soldiers; gives congratulations about the success in Mexico; comments on the health and condition of the volunteers there; comments about what should happen with the Mexico–US policy towards it

RWv24i98p2c7, December 7, 1847,
News has arrived that Capt. Calwell died in September at Jalapa from a wound that he received soon after he reached Mexico

RWv24i98p2c7, December 7, 1847; From Washington (begins on 2^nd page and ends on 3^rd page)
Report that the administration might send a new commissioner to Mexico in place of Triste; suppose to be composed of four or five men, and Bishop Huges and Mr. Crittenden might be appointed; is not believed that this will be more successful than Triste.; Santa Anna was first Polk peace commissioner and that obviously didn't work

RWv24i98p3c2, December 7, 1847, From the Army of Gen. Taylor
Mail from Buena Vista, Monterey and Cerralvo; Lt. Col. Webb had a scouting party fall to guerrilla chief Elmojah Martinus and his party, but in the fight Martinus was killed; many guerrillas near Cerralvo under Ganales, Bosques, Mendez, Arispe, Col. Travinia and other; Gen. Taylor expected at Cerralvo on the 10^th; Col. Hamtramck has been in command of the troops at Encantada, Buena Vista and Saltillo by Gen. Wool until further orders

RWv24i98p4c1, December 7,1847: Mexico and Slavery
Comments about the slavery of the Texas state; Africans if slavery is abolished can leave through Texas, into Mexico and down in Central America; if Texas is not a slavery holding state, then it will be a refuge for the Africans when it was really suppose to be their outlet

RWv24i98p4c1, December 7, 1847,
Rumored that Mr. Calhoun will not stick to his policy of withdrawing troops to a defensive line butwill bring forward some new way of ending the war and the boundary question.

RWv24i98p4c2, December 7, 1847,
Objection to the acquisition of Mexican territory applies to the diminished force to Upper California; the area can be taken without involving the issue of slavery–this can be done by allowing California to be its own independent republic

RWv24i98p4c2, December 7,1847: A Prediction
If Mexico continues without a recognized government and refuses to adopt the peace terms given by the US then the Americans will take the defensive line policy; people think that at this Congress the war will be ended

RWv24i98p4c2, December 7, 1847,
Meeting of the Whig of the city and county of Philadelphia will be held to respond to the resolution of Mr. Clay on the Mexican War

RWv24i98p4c2, December 7, 1847, The 'Beautiful and Unfortunate!'
A letter from Texas describing the beauty of the area

RWv24i98p4c2, December 7, 1847, Gen. Kearny and Com. Stockton
The Fremont trial might cause personal conflict between Kearny and Stockton; letter have been written to friends to urge them to help prevent any conflict between Kearny and Stockton; comments about Fremont's guilt

RWv24i99p1c1, December 10, 1847, The Governor's Message
Not expecting the governor to comment on brining the war to an end; he is in favor of occupation and looks forward to a time when the US will extend to the Isthmus of Darien; anxious to annex part of Mexico; quotes of the governor's about the inhabitants of Mexico

RWv24i99p1c1, December 10, 1847, The Fremont Trial
Col. Fremont's counsel opened their defense; submitted a large mass of documents–some are letters showing that Fremont followed orders given by Com. Stockton

RWv24i99p1c2, December 10, 1847,
Reported that the Whig had stated that Taylor might be nominated for president–denied, said that they never stated it

RWv24i99p1c2, December 10, 1847, General Taylor
Taylor arrived at Matamoros on the 18^th and he will leave from there for New Orleans; preparations are underway in New Orleans for his arrival; comments about how Taylor might act or think about the New Orleans reception for him

RWv24i99p1c4, December 10, 1847, The Latest from the Rio Grande
Reports on the movement of Gen. Taylor; what troops are going where, how many there are etc.

RWv24i99p1c3, December 10, 1847, From the City of Mexico
Rumors of peace in Mexico City; report that the majority are in favor of peace; earthquakes are present and frequent in Mexico; village of Octola was destroyed by an earthquake a few days ago

RWv24i99p1c3, December 10, 1847, Fighting the Mexicans with New Weapons
Religious men are trying to exert a new kind of influence in Mexico; American Tract Society have sent large quantities of instructive tracts to Mexico; Catholic Bishop so pleased with one of the tracts that he had it printed for the public; two liberal donations have allowed the Society to send a man to the country

RWv24i99p1c4, December 10, 1847, Later from Vera Cruz
Santa Ana to return to the government–problems with his previous resignation; Santa Ana said that he never did resign entirely; no separation between civil and military so Santa Ana wears his military uniform; Pena y Pena's removal of Santa Ana has been decided as being void; no one can land in Vera Cruz as a transport unless his belongs to the army or navy; reports on the movement of Gen. Butler and Gen. Patterson; much has been done about breaking up the guerrillas

RWv24i99p1c4, December 10, 1847, President's Message
Comments about the peace process with Mexico–Mexico having rejected the peace offer; Mexico began the war; comments about what Polk did after he learned of Mexican hostility; comments about the army–gives praise; comments about the affairs in California–why it would be good for the US to take Upper California; comments about the terms of peace presented by the Mexicans; comments about the official stance on the border is

RWv24i99p2c2, December 10, 1847, Clay Meeting in Philadelphia
Resolutions passed by the meeting in Philadelphia; resolutions deal with the war with Mexico–no in favor of it and what should be done to stop it

RWv24i99p2c1, December 10, 1847,
Believed by all that the march of Taylor to the Rio Grande caused the war with Mexico

RWv24i99p2c2, December 10, 1847, Mexican Political Speculation
Comments about the events within the Congress of Mexico; attacks on Paredes have been found in several papers; comments about positions that the army has been ordered to take; all papers attribute to Pena y Pena the design of getting rid of the old army

RWv24i99p3c1, December 10, 1847, Arrival of Gen. Taylor at New Orleans
Report that Taylor has arrived in New Orleans; Taylor will enter the city tomorrow; more comments about the atmosphere of the city; a letter sent to Taylor invites him to be the guest of the city

RWv24i100p1c1, December 14, 1847, Reception of Gen. Taylor in N. Orleans
Description of Taylor as he arrived, what he did, his character etc. reception being posponed tot he3rd of December; comments about changes made to the reception of Taylor–where Taylor will ride his horse and in what order; Taylor's horse is sick, so Taylor might have to ride a brown horse instead; comments about how the 3^rd of December must have been a joyous day

RWv24i100p1c2, December 14, 1847,
National Intelligencer published two despatches from Maj. Jack Downing in Mexico; will be published as soon as find room

RWv24i100p1c1, December 14, 1847, Troops for Mexico
Boat has been chartered to take troops now at Fort Monroe to Vera Cruz; wish these Virginians a pleasant voyage and victory on the field; hope that Virginians will conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the state

RWv24i100p1c1, December 14, 1847,
All misunderstanding between Gen. Kearney and Com. Stockton have been explained away

RWv24i100p1c3, December 14, 1847, Oregon
Congress has not established a territorial government in Oregon; extension of mail into Oregon; US will not abandon the people of Oregon; believe that the US can profit from Oregon; President will direct US vessels of war to visit Oregon ports–letter to John M. Shively appointed Deputy Postmaster in Oregon

RWv24i100p1c7, December 14, 1847, Gen. Worth and American Prisoners
Letter to Gen. Worth from American officers recently imprisoned by the Mexicans; writing because they had been offered up for release at the battle of Buena Vista but the US army said no;

RWv24i100p2c1, December 14, 1847, The President's Message
Opinion about the President's statements on the Mexican War; comments on how the began

RWv24i100p2c2, December 14, 1847,
Fremont trial still in progress; Com. Stockton was examined today

RWv24i100p2c1, December 14, 1847,
New Orleans Delta is regarded as the favorite organ of Gen. Gid. Pillow

RWv24i100p2c2, December 14, 1847,
Sword made for Gen. Taylor was presented to him by Gov. Johnson and the Legislature of Louisiana; quote of the address given by Taylor after the presentation

RWv24i100p2c1, December 14, 1847, General Taylor
Taylor left New Orleans yesterday; comments about Taylor's presence and how it effected the city

RWv24i100p2c4, December 14, 1847, The Reception of General Taylor
Description of the reception of Taylor in New Orleans–very detailed – what things looked like, how things were decorated, when Taylor arrived (time), description of the vessels, address the Mayor gave to Taylor, who was there

RWv24i100p2c5, December 14, 1847, The Dinner
Description of the dinner held in honor of Taylor; list of toasts given; activities that took place after dinner

RWv24i100p2c4, December 14, 1847,
Col. Henry T. Washington has been promoted to fill the office vacated by Brigadier General J. R. Wallace; comments about Washington's character

RWv24i100p2c6, December 14, 1847,
Gen. Taylor leaves New Orleans this morning headed towards his home in Baton Rouge; he asked for his leave while the situation in Mexico is quiet

RWv24i100p2c7, December 14, 1847,
Letter from Mexico talking about the extensive system of field fortification that exists around Mexico City

RWv24i100p4c1, December 14, 1847, Report of the Secretary of War
Comments by the Secretary of War about the War with Mexico–gives details about battles, troops and movements of the army; gives suggestions for provisions for payment; suggestions made about raising troops, improving medical; comments about Indian affairs and what to do about them – very detailed (takes up all of page 4)

RWv24i101p1c1, December 17, 1847, Remarks on the Message
More remarks about the President's speech; comments about the boundary of Texas–what happened causing Taylor to advance to the Rio Grande

RWv24i101p1c2, December 17, 1847,
Capt. E. C. Carrington Jr. of the Virginia Volunteers has been ordered to report to Fortress Monroe with the men he has enlisted

RWv24i101p1c2, December 17, 1847,
New Orleans Delta gives a glowing account of Gen. Taylor's ascent up the river to his plantation

RWv24i101p1c3, December 17, 1847, John Q. Adams
Editor of the Boston Atlas contradicts the authority that stated that Adams was in favor of annexation of all of Mexico

RWv24i101p2c2, December 17, 1847,
Quote for the Trenton State Gazette that says that Mexico caused the war–comments about how that is not true

RWv24i101p2c1, December 17, 1847, General Taylor
Comments about Taylor for president–why Taylor is worth the nomination; commitment of the paper to neither candidate; why Taylor could not be elected

RWv24i101p3c1, December 17, 1847, Remarks on the President's Message
More comments about the President's remarks about Mexico beginning the war–how the President supports his claims and how they cannot possibly prove true; letters written by those who visited Texas stating that the Nueces is the boundary

RWv24i101p3c3, December 17, 1847, Report of the Secretary of the Treasury
Gives a table of figures; President ordered money to be raised in Mexico to be used to help support the war effort there–will enforce duties; is not known how large a sum can be gathered from these duties–gives reasons for why the duties might raise a lot of money; if money cannot be raised to fund the war a growing debt will occur; favor of establishing a port entry in Oregon

RWv24i102p1c1, December 21, 1847, The Presidency
Comments about Taylor being nominated for the Presidency

RWv24i102, p1c7, December 21, 1847, News from Santa Fe
Several recruiting officers arrived in Santa Fe to recruit 800 to fill up battalions from Illinois and St. Louis; fifteen hundred troops and twelve pieces of artillery were to be despatched against Chihuahua; American troops will met with resistance; Col. Gilpin arrived with his battalion; Col. Price expected to started to Santa Fe by December 1^st; arrival at St. Louis has suffered because of the cold

RWv24i102p2c1, December 21, 1847, News from the Army
Comments about political elections in Mexico; how the Congress feels about the elections; comments about the inaugural adress of President Anaya; Scott has been issued the order to demand payment from the Mexicans for the cost of occupying their country until the Mexicans sue for peace

RWv24i103p2c2, December 21, 1847, Lieutenant Johnson
Appears to be in god health but skinny and therefore conclude that our troops are having a hard time in Mexico

RWv24i102p2c1, December 21, 1847, Gen. Taylor and Mr. Clay
Taylor expresses admiration and friendship for Mr. Clay, but they disagree on Mexico

RWv24i102p2c3, December 21, 1847, Late and Important from Vera Cruz
Santa Anna has issued another pronunciamento against the provisional government and called on the country to organize men and renew the war; reports on the Louisiana battalion of Mounted Men running in with some guerrillas; successful expedition of Capt. Kerr; comments on rumors and conditions of troops

RWv24i102p2c3, December 21, 1847, From the N O Picayune
Indian population in the neighborhood of Huajtla has risen upon the troops; comments about the US steamer Gen. Butler; loss of the Barque Dunlap

RWv24i102p2c3, December 21, 1847, Late and Important from Mexico
Santa Anna in charge of 18,000 men and threatening to overthrown the Congress; Gen. Worth sent to Queretaro to protect the Congress; Gen. Anaya elected President of Mexico, comments on who he kept in his cabinet; arrest of Gen. Worth, Gen. Pillow and Lieut. Col. Duncan by Gen. Scott–letters written by the men fell into the hands of Gen. Scott; a letter from Mexico about the political activities there– Santa Ana's complaining; reports of guerrilla activity

RWv24i102p2c4, December 21, 1847, General Orders No. 357
Train will leave for Vera Cruz; no officers can leave unless given permission, wound and sick who can travel can go home; honorable discharges can leave on the first train as well; 1^st Regiment of US Artillery will go to Vera Cruz to escort the wagon train and upon its arrival this regiment will relieve 1^st Infantry at the garrison

RWv24i102p2c4, December 21, 1847, General Orders No. 358
Orders that the army will raise money in Mexico to support the war until Mexico sues for peace; army will not pay rent, if rent is charged the army will just take buildings to house their men in; martial law order

RWv24i102p2c4, December 21, 1847, Yet Later
The Maria Burt has driven ashore north of Vera Cruz; two teamsters were executed in Jalapa for the murder of a young Mexican; Gen. Pena y Barragan has been appointed military commander of the State of Vera Cruz; trains left under the command of Gen. Butler; members of Congress unhappy with the election of the president in Mexico gave up their seats; pronunciamento has been made by Santa Ana; Santa Ana leaving for Queretaro–expecting to hear news of the overthrow of the government; comments about guerrillas again

RWv24i102p2c5, December 21, 1847, Inaugural Address of President Anaya
Comments about the government and how it should work

RWv24i102p2c5, December 21, 1847, Arrival of the Gen. Butler
Vessel arrived last night; list of officers on board; congratulations to Capt. Wright for getting the ship into port safely

RWv24i103p1c1, December 24, 1847, Views of Albert Gallatin
Printed in the paper are views of Albert Gallatin on the Mexican war; cannot fit all so they will be concluded tomorrow

RWv24i103p1c2, December 24, 1847, From California
Malek Adhet captured by the US was sold at auction; San Francisco intolerably warm; people of San Francisco elected a town Council–list of who was elected; passing of ordinance–desertion of seamen, enticing sailors from ships or aiding in their desertion, gets a labor penalty; emigration to California will not exceed ninety wagons this year; mountain snow might be difficult to pass; emigration to Oregon is still going

RWv24i103p1c2, December 24, 1847, The Army of Occupation
Taylor gives up command because he received a leave of absence; Wool is now in charge

RWv24i103p1c1, December 24,1847: Gen. Taylor at Home
Gen. Taylor arrived home late on the 5^th; description of how he was greeted

RWv24i103p1c4, December 24, 1847, From Santa Fe
Infamous and horrid massacre of Indians by American soldiers; description of the event

RWv103p1c5, December 24,1847: The Presidency
More comments about Taylor and the nomination for president; what Taylor's political affiliation is

RWv24i103p1c5, December 24, 1847:
Democratic war meeting was said to have been a disaster; held in Philadelphia on Saturday

RWv24i103p1c6, December 24, 1847, Capt. Alexander S. Hooe
Died from burns; fought at Palo Alto where he lost an arm

RWv24i103p1c6, December 24, 1847, Gen. Taylor Conquered
Comments about Taylor and his interactions around women–proves to be timid

RWv24i103p2c1, December 24, 1847, Peace with Mexico
Comments about conquering the Mexicans–what that would mean for them and for Americans; Americans have a false hope about conquering the Mexicans; comments about the Texas border will be the biggest problem for peace; what should be done to get peace

RWv24i103p2c2, December 24, 1847, From the Rio Grande
Report of a fight between American troops and the Camanches

RWv24i103p2c2, December 24, 1847, From Havana
All the papers give much attention to the Mexican war; congress has assembled at Queretaro, Anaya voted President; train expected in Puebla which is said to be escorting troops; all in favor of the continuation of hostilities save those of Puebla and Mexico; list of the ministers in the new administration

RWv24i103p2c3, December 24, 1847, Whig Legislative Meeting
Adopted that the Whig General Assembly finds Taylor an acceptable candidate for president

RWv24i103p2c3, December 24, 1847, Debate in the Senate
Debate between Mr. Clahoun and other senators about the conquest of Mexico, and the annexation of territory – very detailed, is a dialogue between the men

RWv24i103p4c1, December 24, 1847, Peace with Mexico (this section goes before the section on page 2)
The opinion of Albert Gallatin about what is required for a peace with Mexico; problems with the US stance on the situation–such as the border of Texas; history of what has already taken place dealing with negotiations and the war in general; what the US should be doing

RWv24i104p1c1, December 28, 1847, Lt. Col. John Garland
He is in Richmond with his family; fought in the Mexican war

RWv24i104p1c4, December 28, 1847, The Meeting in New York on the War
Report on the meeting held about the war on Monday night – what was discussed, what happened, summary of Mr. Seldon's speech; also the complete speech given by T M Bleakely

RWv24i104p1c4, December 28, 1847, From the N. O. Picayune
Order of Col. Gates that state that ship stationed at Altamira use their best efforts to protect all traders, regardless of their nationality; escort ships–those both coming and going

RWv24i104p2c2, December 28, 1847, The Mexican War
Comments on Mr. Botts resolution presented to the representatives of Congress – gives a list of the resolutions included in Mr. Botts resolution; there was also a resolution submitted by Mr. Toombs of Georgia – lists the one resolution; comments about Mr. Gaines vote in the Senate and opinion about the war

RWv24i104p2c1, December 28, 1847, Whig State Convention
More comments about the debate between Clay and Taylor for the presidential nomination; comments about Taylor's political affiliation, character, ability etc.

RWv24i104p2c2, December 28, 1847, News from Mexico
Comment that most of the paper consists of war news

RWv24i104p2c2, December 28, 1847,
Fremont trial still in progress; nothing on the recent testimony

RWv24i104p2c2, December 28,1847
A gold mounted sword has been orderd for Gen. Wool by the Common Council and citizens of Troy NY

RWv24i104p2c3, December 28, 1847, Mazatlan and Guaymas
Report that the ports of Mazatlan and Guaymas are in the possession of the American naval forces; occupation of every other considerable port of the Pacific will follow; several US naval ships have entered the pot of Guaymas demanding surrender of the city, the place surrendered to the naval forces under Lavallett

RWv24i104p2c3, December 28, 1847,
Letters from Mexico announce the death of Col. Robert M. Echolos of Georgia; he was in charge of the 13^th Regiment US infantry

RWv24i104p2c4, December 28, 1847, Arrival of the steamer Maria Burt
Report of the arrests of Worth, Pillow and Duncan; Twiggs was to have come down by train from Mexico but because of the arrest of Worth was detained; occupation of our naval forces in Mazatlan and Guaymas; correspondent alludes to a protest by the English Government against forced loans from English resident in Mexico

RWv24i104p2c4, December 28, 1847, Special Correspondence of the Picayune
Report on the revolt Chiapas; newspaper called the Yankee Doodle appeared yesterday; all in favor of peace but the Governor of San Luis; Anaya has no line of policy; Gen. Busramente has been nominated by the Supreme Government general–in–chief of the army of reserve, and commandant general of the state; announcement of Santa Anna making himself head of an armed force to prevent negotiations of peace with the Americans; general orders given by Scott; other information about the conduct of American soldiers

RWv24i104p2c5, December 28, 1847, The Difficulty in the Army
Difficulty of prominent officers appears to have been quiet a problem; orders by Scott about the conduct – letters bad–mouthing the army are forbidden; false credit for achievements not honorable; Duncan replied with a letter stating he wrote the letter which has been described as scandalous and he calls for justice for Gen. Worth; after the publication of that letter Duncan was arrested and then Pillow the next day; Gen. Pillow might not have been arrested for the letter writing

RWv24i104p2c5, December 28, 1847, From Gen. Patterson's Train
Weather report; Col. Wynkoop left town to find the head of the guerrilla forces; he returned with a group of men; Col. Rebolledo confesses that he was taken prisoner at Vera Cruz but then released, he was at Cerro Gordo but was taken prisoner there, the Capt did not go further than Jalapa because that was where his family was; Lieut. Ambrosia Alcaldo said he belonged to the 11^th Mexican Infantry and was taken prisoner at Vera Cruz; Wynkoop's scouting party learned that 800 troops were on their way from Orizabab to attack the train at Passo la Bejia

RWv24i104p2c56, December 28, 1847, From the Pacific
Mr. F War bearer of despatches from Col. Mason passed through the city yesterday; the Columbus was to sail home and she may be expected in a month; at Panama Mr. war found Col. Barton with his family

RWv24i104p2c7, December 28, 1847, Generals Sheilds and Quitman
They passed through the city on the way to Washington; in a hurry and could not stay; they are going to return quickly so that the citizens can gives honors to them

RWv24i104p3c1, December 28, 1847,
War offices have received trophies of war; two beautiful brass wall pieces sent by Scott; black flag of the guerrillas

RWv24i104p1c4, December 28, 1847, Report of the Secretary of the Navy
Number in navy will be reduced at end of the war; report that commerce is not begin disrupted; Ohio has orders to remain at the Rio until the 15^th of November; men under Com. Stockton have entered Cuidad de los Angeles–comments about California; squadron in the Gulf has captured a number of ships; have been collecting duties since the taking of Vera Cruz; strengthening of the army through transportation; comments about mail service between Ohio and the Atlantic states

RWv24i105p1c1, December 31, 1847, Albert Gallatin
His recent essay about Mexico has brought him again prominently before the people

RWv24i105p1c2, December 31, 1847, Gen. Taylor in Georgia
Whigs in Georgia decided to hold a State Convention to determine their presidential candidate; meeting held by friends of Taylor

RWv24i105p1c2, December 31, 1847, Still Later from the South
Arrival of the British Steamer Teviot below New Orleans; Gen. Patterson and his large train in the City of Mexico; rumors of peace

RWv24i105p1c2, December 31, 1847, The Legislative Reception
Col. John Garland, Lieut. Johnson of Chesterfield and Lieut. Worcestor of Massachusetts were welcomed by the House of Delegates; address given by Mr. Floyd; all men had served in the Mexican War

RWv24i105p1c3, December 31, 1847, Difficulty in Texas
German settlers in Fayette county have divided into opposing faction, have armed and are preparing for combat; conflict broke out a few weeks ago and many have been killed and wounded all ready

RWv24i105p1c5, December 31, 1847, Letters from the City of Mexico
Report of a successful revolution in Oajaca;distrubances in Guanajuato continue; Gen. Ampudia arrived at San Luis Potosi; Gen. Urrea is in Tula de Tamulipas; Gen. Scott visited the archbishop; Paredes is looked upon with strong suspicion by the Mexican people; Cap. Sanderson discovered the whole apparatus and machinery which has been used in casting cannon near Molino del Rey; a greaser was whipped in the plaza; 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Infantry paraded in the principal plazsa; three propositions have been passed to the first reading in Congress; Senor Anaya has nominted don Manuel Pena y Pena for Minister of Relations; wagon–master and teamster hung in plaza; Gen. Patterson has been implored by the population of the town to pardon a condemned man; El Monitor Republicano published the details of the bombardment and capture of Guaymas–details on the capture; on 22^nd of February the last sacraments of the Catholic church were given to Gen. Herrera at Queretaro; conflict between Texan Rangers and a band of Camanches–details; Col. Gates has issued an order to the troops at Atamara to protect and escort any considerable number of traders; Governor of Tampaulpias has denounced Urrea; some of the dragoon companies have flanked out in the direction of Victoria; weather update.

July 1847

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c2 Army of the General Taylor

[From the N.O. Picayune, June 24]

From the Army of the General Taylor.

The fashion touched at Brazos Santiago on the 20^th inst., on her voyage from Vera Cruz, and brought over thence the following gentlemen: Col. J P Taylor, of the Sub. Assistance Department; Capt. Chase, Adjutant Caldwell, 2d Kentucky Regiment; and Lieuts. Wooster, Montgomery, Allen and Mizner, of the army. The Fashion also brought over about forty discharged soldiers.

From the Flag of the 19^th inst. We learn that Capt. Eaton relieves Col. Taylor in the charge of the Subsistence Department, and will make his head–quarters at Brazos Island. Major Colquhoun acts as subsistence agent at Matamoros. The Flag makes grateful mention of Col. Taylor’s services while stationed there.

Major Ben McCulloch has arrived at the Brazos with 150 horses for the service. Fifty of them, says the Flag, will be reserved for his own spy company, and the rest probably used in mounting Col. Butler’s dragoons. The Flag suggests that Col. B. should range the country between Matamoros and Victoria.

Capt. W. R. Andrews, of the 10^th Infantry, has been ordered North on account of sickness, resulting from injuries received in the wreck of the Mobile on Orange Keys.

Two robberies are mentioned in the Flag as occurring within limits of the city.

The same paper also mentions the death of John Comegys, a man well known here as a printer and reporter. He was accidentally shot on board the steamer Whiteville, just below Reynoss, on the 16^th inst., under the following circumstances:

Mr. Comegys, while resting upon a cot on the boat, amused himself playing with a Mexican boy about ten years of age. The boy, in a sporting mood, picked up an old horseman’s pistol that had been throwing about the boat, and which no one even dreamed was loaded, pointed it at Mr. C. and pulled the trigger. A ball issued from the muzzle and penetrated one of his temples, killing him instantly. He was buried at Reynosa. Mr. Comegys was a native of Pennsylvania, a printer by profession, and had worked in this office. He was for some time a clerk in the Quartermaster’s Department, and at the time of his decease officiated in that capacity on the Whiteville. His fate will be lamented by all who knew him, and furnishes another impressive lesson to show with what exceeding care fire–arms should be handled.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c2 Correspondent at Monterrey

We give below a letter from our correspondent now at Monterrey, thought it is not late as accounts received here several days since.

[Special Correspondence of the Picayune] Column B

Monterrey, Mexico, June 6, 1847

Once again I am enabled to resume my pen, which a severe relapse of fever under which I suffered so severely at Saltillo has prevented me from using for several days. I have had a tough time of it, but thank Fortune, am now on “the improvement Committee,” and hope soon regain my strength. At present no scales save an apothecary’s would weigh a sufficiently small quantity to make a correct estimate of my weight. I wrote you a letter on the 30^th ult. And the 1^st inst., but you will probably get this letter as soon. Since the 1^st inst., until to–day I have been confined to my bed.

The Illinois volunteers and Capt. Pike’s quadroon of Arkansas cavalry have been here several days, but leave tomorrow for Camargo and home.

Since I left Saltillo has reached us of quite a successful scout of Lieut. Tobin, with a party of McCulloch’s Rangers, which I presume Col. BELKNAP WILL HAVE NO OBJECTION IN MENTIONING. When a long distance from Buena Vista (near what place I have been unable to learn) he discovered a party of ten or a dozen of armed persons, and gave chase. It proved to be a Mexican express rider form General Sanchez at Patos to the Governor of San Luis, with an escort, mostly deserters from our army. The bearer of dispatches and his horse and papers were captured, but the men escaped. The contents of the dispatches conveyed the information that there were very few American troops in the neighborhood of Saltillo, at that city, or along the line; people smarting under injuries and wrongs and, anxious to fight to the last for their country, but prevented from want of means from resenting their injuries, and recommending that troops be dispatched with all possible speed to re take Saltillo, an easy task! This information I derive from, I am induced to believe, an authentic source, and the above is the purport of the despatch. They would hardly come with any very large force, except perhaps cavalry, and they are of no account. They can scarcely have any artillery now to spare, and I am little afraid that Gen. Sanchez, if he it was who sent the despatch, would not realize his expectation of its being such “an easy task.” There is “a pretty smart chance” of artillery in that neighborhood.”

The horse which Mexican despatch bearer rode, singular to say, was one stolen from Lt. Sturgis some months since. Gen. Wool, I am told despatched some of the rangers and a company of dragoons after the residue of the party as soon as Capt. Tobin reported. If they are taken and are deserters they will have hard time of it.

I have alluded in my previous letter to the murders committed at Saltillo by Mexicans upon Americans. THEY KILLED ONE TOO MANY. On the 31^st ult, a member of the Arkansas cavalry, while leading his horse in a grove near the Alameda, used as a race track, was accosted by two Mexicans, who extended their hands to him in a friendly manner; but, instead of the grasp of friendship, the assassin’s knife was plunged into his heart, and he was cast into a ditch, while his horse was made away with. Some of the companion of the deceased, who came to join him on the track soon after, discover traces of blood, and on pursuing them, found the wounded man breathing his last, with just life enough to tell them the cause of his situation. Not far from the place, two Mexicans were shortly afterwards discovered, whose conduct was suspicious and they were captured. It was afterwards deemed inadvisable to permit them to be regularly tried; a party of men demanded them; and they were taken out and shot. In the sleeve of one was found a bloody knife corresponding with the size of the wound. This was not enough! I regret to state that many Mexicans were killed that day –some say seventeen, and some say more. Comment is unnecessary.

We have had no more news of Urrea, and heard nothing of any guerrilla parties as yet. The 2d battalion of Virginia volunteers garrison this place, but will move on as soon as they can be relieved. There is still a good deal of sickness here, but of a mild character, and but few deaths. –For the last few days, we have had several showers during the day, and I imagine it is brewing up for the rainy season. You will probably have and opportunity of seeing the portrait of Gen. Taylor by Mr. Atwood in New Orleans– Mr. R G Brown, a portrait painter from Virginia, has also come out to take portraits of the General and the members of his staff.

It seems there is still a bare possibility of our going to San Luis at a more advance period than contemplated by Gen. Taylor at first, but all depends on whether troops can be had.

The despatches brought from Washington by Mr. Bradish, who left your city on the 21^st ult., were of no importance, and their date was no so late by several days as Washington paper received by mail. I believe I have given you all the items of news that have reached me, farewell for the present. J. E. D.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c3 Letter from General Taylor.

The following letter from General Taylor is published in the Cincinnati Signal, to the editor of which paper it purports to be addressed. We imagine it was not designed by the writer for the public eye; but the editor of the Signal professes to think that the circumstances under which he received it warrant its publication. He says he felt it to be his duty, when the first demonstrations were made in favor of Gen. Taylor for the Presidency, to dwell upon the subject at considerable length. “We were desirous (he continues) that some of the suggestions contained in our article should meet the eye of the General Taylor, and therefore enclosed it to his address, with a few words of reference to our position as a journalist. In reply to the communication we have received the admirable and significant letter, which we take pleasure in laying before our readers.”

We published this letter, without, for the present, any comment:

Headquarters Army of Occupation

Camp near Monterrey, May 18, 1847.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, with the enclosure of your editorial, extracted from the “Signal” of the 13^th April.

At this time, my public duties command so fully my attention, that it is impossible to answer your letter in the terms demanded by its courtesy, and the importance of the sentiments to which it alludes; neither, indeed, have I the time, should I feel myself at liberty, to enter into the few and most general subjects of public policy suggested by the article in question. My own personal views were better withheld till the end of the war, when my usefulness as a military chief, serving in the field against the common enemy, shall no longer be compromised by their expression or discussion in any manner.

From many sources I have been addressed on the subject of the Presidency, and I do violence neither to myself nor to my positions as an officer of the army, by acknowledging to you, as I have done to all who have alluded to the use of my name in this exalted connexion, that my services are ever at the will and call of my country, and that I am not prepared to say that I shall refuse if the country calls me to the Presidential office, but that I can and shall yield to no call that does not come from the spontaneous action and free will of the nation at large, and void of the slightest agency of my own.

For the high honor and responsibilities of such an office, I take this occasion to say, that I have no the slightest aspiration; a much more tranquil and satisfactory life, after the termination of my present duties, awaits me, I trust, in the society of my family and particular friends and in the occupation most congenial to my wishes. In no case can I permit myself to be the candidate of any party, or yield myself to party schemes.

With the remarks, I trust you will pardon me for thus briefly replying to you, which I do with a high opinion and approval of the sentiments and views embraced in your editorial.

With many wises for your prosperity in life, and great usefulness in the sphere in which your talents and exertions are embarked, I beg to acknowledge myself most truly and respectfully your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR. Major General U.S. Army.

Jas. W. Taylor, Esq. Cincinnati, Ohio.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c3 One day later.

The New Orleans paper of the 24^th ult. Announce the arrival of the steamship Fashion, with one day’s later advices from Vera Cruz. The Picayune says, it has no letters from Gen. Scott’s army by this arrival or from the city of Vera Cruz, nor can it learn that there had been any later arrival in that city from the army above. The most contradictory rumors are said to prevail in Vera Cruz in regard to Gen. Scott’s movements, but the Picayune, having no faith in them, forbears to give them circulation. There is no confirmation of the truth of the report brought by the preceding arrival that Gen. Scott had marched from Puebla to the Rio Frio, or that the Mexicans had made overtures to Gen. Scott for peace, though such a rumor was prevalent in Vera Cruz. The Bulletin and Picayune both express the opinion that the story is without foundation.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c4 General Taylor Superceded

From the N.O. National, June 24.

General Taylor Superceded! –We have what we conceive to be undoubted authority for stating, that Gen. Taylor has been superceded in his command. An express passed through Matamoros some weeks since, with the credit of bearing such news to Gen. Taylor; in due course of time the rumor comes from Monterey that such is the fact, and that Gen. Taylor is hereafter, as s SUBORDINATED, to report to Gen. Scott, thro’ him to the War Department at Washington. This last act of an unhappy Administration will seal its fate with the American people. Its conduct towards Gen. Taylor from the commencement of actual hostilities, has been characterized by neglect, and not an opportunity has been permitted to pass, that could be taken advantage of, to annoy and harass him. The intention has been to force Gen. Taylor into some act of indiscretion that would render him unpopular before the people, and compel him to resign.

So far, the enemies of the old hero have been disappointed in their expectations, as they will ever be; but Mr. Polk has lost his judgment, and pursued precisely the course of conduct he should to elevate the man he wished to destroy. We cannot imagine a more total ignorance of the feelings that govern the people of this country, than has been shown in the treatment Gen. Taylor has received from the Administrations. Three time has he saved it on the battle field, when his defeat would have involved it in total ruin, without effecting his own military fame; and for such vast services so highly appreciated by the nation, he is without ceremony deprived of his troops, and finally has the insult put upon him of a nominally independent command. But this war on Gen. Taylor is all fruitless, for the old chief submits patiently, and looks to a higher tribunal than a sinking Administration for his defence.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p4c2 Despatches from the Army

From the Union of Monday night.

Despatches from the Army

Despatches were received on Saturday night by the War Office from General Scotts’ camp. Several of the soldiers were sick in the hospital of Vera Cruz, Jalapa, Perote and Puebla; but, with the reinforcement that were en route form Vera Cruz, he would probably have troops sufficient by the 22d to march to the capital, perhaps without any serious opposition. He had ordered all our troops to evacuate Jalapa, in order to strengthen his active army. The last account by the steamer James L. Day are from Vera Cruz to the evening of the 16^th instant, witch state that General Scott had advanced to Rio Frio, where a despatch is said to have met him with a proposition for peace. If this last report be true, it is probable that he will remain at Rio Frio, and not forthwith march to the capital but, according to the intimation in his own dispatches, waits till about the 22d both to give himself the opportunity of receiving reinforcements, and to allow the Mexicans more time to negotiate with the better grace.

Among the paper that were received on Saturday form gen. Scott is the following interesting letter from Gen. Worth, witch we lay before our readers:

Headquarters, Puebla, May 15, 1847.

Sir: I have the honor to report, for information of the general in chief, that the forces under my command, including the brigade of Major General Quitman, took military possession of this city at 10 o’clock to–day. Halting yesterday at Amosoque, to await the junction of General Quitman, (for which purpose I had shortened the marches of the leading brigades the two previous days) I found my position suddenly menaced, at 8 o’clock, a. m. by a large body of cavalry. This force approached somewhat stealthily by a road ou our right unknown to us. A rapid examination, as it unmasked itself, exhibited, as was supported, some 2000, but, from accurate information obtained here, 3000 cavalry of the line, unsupported either by infantry or artillery, and moving a mile on our right and toward the rear, lead to the conclusion that it was a RUSE to attract attention in that quarter, while the real attack was to be looked for on the high road in front, or a movement on Gen. Quitman who might have been supposed the usual day’s march in the rear. It was presently reported that a heavy column was actually approaching on the main road. Thus it became necessary, while directing a portion of the force against the visible enemy, to guard our large train, reserve ammunition, & c., packed in the square, against the invisible.

The 2d artillery, with a section of Duncan’s battery under the brigade commander, Col. Garland, the 6t^hinfantry under Major Bonneville, with Steptoe’s battery, was promptly moved, and so directed as to take the enemy in flank. The head of his column having now reached a point opposite the center of the town, and distant about half a mile, the batteries soon opened a rapid and effective fire. After some twenty–five rounds, the entire column broke without attempting a charge or firing a shot, and hastily fled up the sides of the convenient hills. Only one company of infantry [of the 6^th] was enabled, from distance, to deliver its fire. The broken column was seen to reunite and resume its march in the direction of Gen Quitman’s approach. The 2d artillery and the 8^th infantry, with two sections of the light batteries, was put in its track, when the enemy again swerved to the left, and disappeared in the hills. Two miles distant Gen. Quitman was met by the last–named detachment. He had already discovered the enemy, of whose proximity the firing had admonished him, and promptly taken his order of battle. The discomfited enemy reached Puebla late at night, and evacuated the place at 4 in the morning. We took some prisoners, and found a few dead. The enemy acknowledge a loss of 89 killed and wounded. General Santa Anna conducted the enterprize. Enclosed, marked A, is a copy of a communication addressed, on the 12^th, to the civil authorities of Puebla. Again, marked C, on the 14t^h, with reply to the latter, marked D: also copy of circular, dated 9^th, addressed to commanders of corps, to regulate their conduct in certain contingencies on the march. It is understood the force which retired from this city the day before yesterday, and to–day, is to take post at Puente del Tesmaluca, distant 12 leagues on the road to the capital, where it is proposed to fortify. Our reception was respectfully and coldly courteous, but without the slightest cordiality. Incessant occupation has not allowed me a moment to look into the resources in way of supply; but Mr. – – says, breadstuff will be had in abundance, less of beef, and perhaps a liberal quantity of small rations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant. W.J. Worth. Brevet Major General Commanding.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c3 General Walter Jones, Military Disputes

Military Disputes .

Correspondence of the Baltimore Sun.

Washington, June 25, 1847.

General Walter Jones has resigned his commission as Major General of the Militia of the District of Columbia, or rather of Washington county, for a part of the military district has gone back to Virginia. The vacancy cannot be filled till the President shall return. Gen. Jones has written a letter, said to be very severe, addressed to the Secretary of War, and commenting upon the refusal of the Executive to appoint Col. C.L. Jones to the command of the battalion which he himself raised here on his own expense, and with some encouragement from the government.

Explanations have been demanded by General Walter Jones, and perhaps also by Col. Jones, on this subject. – The correspondence going on will, I learn, be published in a few days, and it will no doubt be found quite piquant and interesting.

It is said that Capt. Hughes was personally requested and expected by the President and the Secretary of War, to take command of this battalion, and that if he had from any motive of delicacy declined it, some person other than Col. Jones would have been appointed to that command.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c3 General Walter Jones

[From the N.O. Picayune, June 22] Column C

General Walter Jones.

In a package of papers, & c., sent to us by Mr. Kendall from Puebla, we find further details of affairs going on in the city of Mexico, though still nothing than the 29^th of May.

Le Courrier Francais translates a powerful article from the Razonador. The greater part of it is written to show that the guerrillas system will be a thousand time more disastrous to good Mexican citizens than to the armies of the United States, that the inevitable tendency of the system will be to leave the honest, well–disposed and thriving inhabitants at the mercy of the lawless, needy desperadoes; and that such worthy inhabitants will inevitably apply to the Americans for protection, who are too sagacious not to grant it in full.

To prolong the war by a guerrilla system the writer deems, therefore, suicidal for Mexico. The only other practicable mode, he says, is the levee en masse of the inhabitants, attacking the Yankees in front, in rear, and upon their flanks. Such a rising, if executed with spirit, vigor and courage he thinks won be successful, although the Americans might gain advantages in the outset. Such a rising the editor fully approves of and still advocates, but it will never take place, he says; not because it is impossible in itself, but because the Mexicans do not heartily desire it and no intention of making it. Such being the case, he calls upon his countrymen not to solicit a peace, but to listen to the overtures which may be made to them. He writes with great clearness and force, and had we room we would reproduce the article. Such appeals must tell powerfully in Mexico for peace. The people are unused to them.

One of the last acts of Gen. Bravo while he remained in command, was to sanction a plan for the preservation of order in the city, which was adopted by the municipal council. We should give the plan at length had it not been ultimately rejected by the Government, but the design was to enroll the citizens, foreign as well as natives, for the single purpose of watching over the security of private persons and property, and maintaining public order. Of these citizens companies of thirty and forty were to be formed, who were to elected their own officers, & c, & c. The project was approved by Senor Anaya, by the Governor of the city, and finally by Gen. Bravo. When it was submitted to Senor Baranda, the Minister of the Interior, it was rejected by him summarily as being scandalous, imprudent and detestable in every respect. The council, nevertheless, promulgated the plan, when the Government arbitrarily interfered and suspended the operation of it. It receives no praise for this act from the Monitor; quite the reverse.

The resignation which Gen. Rincon tendered of his office, as second in command to Gen. Bravo, had not been accepted by the Government on the 29^th ult.

In the Courrier Francais we find an extract from the Boletin de la Democracia, the organ of Farias. It is a witty, caustic review of the defence of Santa Ana at Cerro Gordo, made by Senor Jimenez. We can understand that Santa Ana finds his position uncomfortable with a few papers of this kind, as witty as remorseless, pouring hot shot in ‘o him all the while, and he unable to defend himself by pointing to a single act successful gallantry in this war by which to deprecate the contempt excited against him.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c4 Proposed Treaty

The Proposed Treaty with Mexico.

The Washington Union says that any treaty of peace which may be concluded between the United States and Mexico, “must embrace, in some form, indemnity for past injuries, and for the war itself, together with due security for the future peace and good neighborhood of the two countries.” It also says, “there is no reason to suppose that any treaty of peace which will be made, will undertake, in the slightest degree, to interfere with the internal polity of Mexico.”– This last we are glad to hear. It would be the greatest folly in the world for us to undertake to guaranty ANY thing to Mexico– even a Republican form of government. – Should other nations attempt to FORCE a monarchical form of government upon her against her will, the United States might feel obligated to interfere to prevent it; but if the PEOPLE of Mexico want a monarchy, an aristocracy, or even a dog–ocracy, by all means let them be accommodated. The United States can find better business than attempting to force upon Mexico even a good thing. Some would take this opportunity to secure religious toleration in Mexico, the free circulation of the Scriptures, &c. But we say no –not by force. Let France propagate what she calls religion by force if she will, but not the United States. – Neither let us become security for every Mexican who may be elevated to the supreme power, nor for the tranquility of the country. If we become responsible for Mexico in any way, we shall have treble. – Journal of Com.

It is due to our officers serving in Mexico that the greatest caution should be observed by the press in giving publicity to complains against the manner in which they discharge the various and sometimes anomalous duties confided to them; and we know speak of certain imputations respecting the management of the interest of the United States at and about Vera Cruz, because they have become so general as to excite a belief that the service is suffering serious detriment, by reason of a lack of vigor and efficiency in the system of regulations enforced there. It is more from a sense of justice to the officers in command at that point than with a desire to prejudge them, that we say there is not an arrival from Vera Cruz which does not bring accounts of losses of United States property, which are attributed to neglect. It may be that the commandant at that depot has not the force necessary to keep up an effective police to protect the public property form depredators. It may be from very lack of material to prevent it that horses are stolen nightly, and the guerrillas are permitted to prowl hard by the depots of government property. If this be the case the fact should be stated, else the reputation of the officer in command will suffer a serious discount in the opinion of his countrymen. It is due to the commanding officer at Vera Cruz to appraise him of the nature and drift of the reports which continually arrive here. We are disposed to think that much of the mischief is ascribable to the policy of the Government in permitting the natives of Mexico to hold and discharge important offices in captured cities ––thus keeping an enemy in a position to make a good apy and give “comfort” to his people scattered through the country or skulking about the towns. Be this or other the cause of the loss of property, often accompanied with loss of life, a reformation is needed in the conduct of our officers in Mexican cities –either a change in the policy, or a more rigid and effective mode of enforcing that adopted.

In regard to the late attack upon the wagon train, we have heard the most deplorable accounts. The partial success of the Mexicans, before Gen. Cadwalader came to the rescue, should engage the attention of a court martial. They are charged to a remissness so gross that we forbear to state the circumstances as told as by passengers lately arrived here, and by a correspondent who was with the train at the time. The current reports of the Day and Galveston give no flattering picture of affairs in Mexico – We hope to have better things by the next arrivals. N.O. Picayune.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c4 Taylor defenses stripped

General Taylor

The Matamoros Flag, received by the latest arrival at New Orleans, mentions a few of the many rumors prevalent in that place. It is stated, that the last despatches sent to Gen. Taylor instruct him to strip his line to the very minimum point of denfence, in order to reinforce Gen. Scott; but that, nevertheless, old Rough and Ready is concentrating provisions and transportation at Saltillo for a forward movement, in which case he launches forth into the enemy’s country, abandoning all dependences on his line of communication, which is to be broken up from Saltillo to Matamoros, which place and Fort Brown are to be strongly garrisoned.

We can scarcely credit the latter rumor, however, if the former be true, of which we apprehend there can be no doubt. Gen. Taylor is prudent as well as bold. He is always ready to encounter “fearful odds” when forced into a position where he must of necessity either fight or retreat; but it is not probable that he will voluntarily undertake, with his reduced force, a march across the “waterless desert” between Saltillo and San Luis, encountering in front probably a greatly superior force, and leaving his rear almost entirely undefended, and exposed to the assaults of the enemy. There is more truth, we suspect, in another rumor to which Matamoros paper alludes, to wit, that Gen. Taylor has asked the Government whether he is to be quartered upon a camp stool for the balance of the war –and if so, that he has applied for leave of absence to visit his family. This latter rumor, says the Flag, we fear is too true. And it will not be deemed remarkable, if for his past victories, he has been sentenced to future inactivity, that he should prefer to enjoy his enforced holiday in the bosom of his family, from whom he has been so long absent, rather than in the camp, where, the scene of active preparations having been transferred to another part of Mexico, his presence is no longer indispensably necessary.

The Union asserts that “the best results, as relates to the durable well–being of this Republic, have proceeded from the President policy in allowing the return of Santa Anna to Mexico.” This is news, which the people will be glad to hear! The Union has now but one thing to do, in order to silence all complaints on that score –and that is, to specify the “results” to which it alludes. We confess that they are not at all perceptible to us, nor have we yet seen the man, Whig or Locofoco, who has the remotest conception of what they are. The Union will render a most invaluable service, therefore, to the Administration, of which it is the organ, as well as gratify public curiosity, by ENUMERATING the results that have followed Santa Anna’s return to Mexico, and which it tell us are (XX) intimately connected with the “durable well–being of this Republic” The assertion may be true; but we should like to see some proof of it.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c4 Kentucky Volunteers

Kentucky Volunteers

The remains of Colonel McKee, Lt. Col. Clay, Capt. Willis, Adjutant Vaughan and private H. Totter were received at Louisville, on the 21^st inst. By the military companies and citizens, with every demonstration of public esteem and honor. Business was entirely suspended, and all the stores closed along the streets through which the funeral procession moved.

The two companies of Volunteers that went from Lexington, one commanded by Capt. Beard, and the other (Capt. C.M. Clay’s) by Lt. Woodruff, have reached that city, –or rather the remnant of them. Of Capt. Beard’s company, which mustered 78 when it left home, only 43 have returned –and of Capt. Clay’s, numbering 75 originally, the same number, 43, have come back –the remainder having been killed, or fallen victims to the diseases of the climate, or been discharged on account of sickness, except 11 of the latter company, who are prisoners in Mexico.

Though these companies reached Lexington unexpectedly, preparations were soon made to give then a cordial reception; and they were greeted with every demonstration of the respect and admiration of their fellow–citizens.
[NO]

July 2, 1847, RW47v24n53p2c4 Attack on train

Additional Particulars

The subjoined letter to the editors of the New Orleans Bee gives more minute particulars of the attack of the Mexicans upon the train under the command of Col. McIntosh than we have elsewhere seen:

Paso de Ovejas, Mexico, June 11, 1847.

The train of wagons and pack mules under the direction of Col. McIntosh, left Vera Cruz on the 4^th inst., escorted by Capts. Duperu, Ford and McReynolds’s companies of Dragoons –the two latter mounted– and three hundred Infantry commanded by Maj. Lee, and arrived in this village on the 7^th inst., after a march of three days.

The train, consisting of 150 wagons laden with specie and ammunition, and 500 pack mules with provisions, &c., proceeded without molestation until about noon on Sunday last, 6^th inst., when our advanced guard of Capt. Ford’s Indiana Dragoons was suddenly attacked by a large body of Mexicans.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p1c2 J.Q. Adams and the War.

From the Washington correspondence of the Baltimore Sun we copy the following paragraph:

“Mr. John Q. Adams, just before he left this city for Massachusetts, held a conversation with a friend of mine, on the subject of the Mexican war. He gave his views very friendly, and, in substance they were, that the war with Mexico would not end until the United Sates had conquered the whole of it. He believed that the matter had gone so far that it was no longer under the control of this government, and that our people would subjugate, acquire, appropriate, and annex the whole of Mexico. It was his opinion, moreover, that, from the war, would arise a military enthusiasm in this country, leading the people to prefer military man for all elective offices. He was quite certain that, for years to come, all successful candidate for the Presidency must be military men, connected with or grown out of the Mexican war.

Mr. Adams has but expressed opinions which many intelligent men in this country entertain, that Mexico is to be thorbughly renovated and regenerated, and ultimately brought within the influence of our institutions, whether annexed to or independent of this Union, If so, the war will not be regarded, hereafter, as unfortunate; and will be attributed less to policy than to Providence.”

A very sage conclusion certainly, but one to which we beg leave to express our dissent. Whatever may be the results of the war, we believe that “Providence’ will have had nothing more to do with it than to “educe good from evil,” by converting the bad passions of man into a means of his improvement and renovation: But, if one of the results of the war shall be the annexation of Mexico, or of any considerable part of it, to this Union, we shall doubt whether the agency has been even so far exerted –for, at all events, we shall look upon that as an irreparable misfortune to the United sates, however, beneficial it may prove to Mexico.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p1c4 Later From the Army

[From the New Orleans Picayune, June 25] c4

Important from Mexico.

Later From the Army of Gen. Scott.

Gen. Scott’s Departure from Puebla –No Negotiations for Peace –Withdrawal of Troops from Jalapa –Gen. Pillow’s Departure from Vera Cruz –Santa Anna Still President –Almont in Prison –Confusion of Parties in Mexico –Cabinet Changes –Intercepted Despatches, &c. &c.

The steamship Palmetto, Capt. Smith, arrived last evening from Vera Cruz, having sailed thence on the 18^th inst. She touched at Tampico on the 20^th and Brazos Santiago on the 21^st inst.

Although we are not in possession of letters from Mr. Kendall, we have advices upon which we place every reliance as to the movements of Gen. Scott. An express from Puebla, by the route of Cordova, had arrived at Vera Cruz, announcing that Gen. Scott commenced his march upon the city of Mexico on the 16^th inst.

We hear not a word more in regard to the overtures for peace said to have been made to Gen. Scott. That he marched on the 16^th we have no doubt.

Another express had arrived at Vera Cruz from Jalapa, which announces that all the sick had left there on the 15^th inst. for Perote under a small escort. Col. Childs was to leave the following day with all the garrison. Gen. Shields would accompany him. The road between Jalapa and Puebla is represented as free from guerrilla parties os any kind.

About one thousand troops left Vera Cruz on the 17^th inst., under the command of Maj. Gen. Pillow, to join the army of gen. Scott.

The Spanish renegade named La Vega, who lately repaired to Vera Cruz in company with the veracious Col. Mata from this city, is represented to us as already in command of a strong guerrilla party.

By the express from Jalapa we have no intelligence of Gen. Cadwalader, as the rider came by a circuitous route to avoid the predatory parties on the road.

By this arrival we have received paper from the city of Mexico of the 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of June. Our previous files came down to the 29 of May. The intermediate dates we have not yet received, and presume they have been forwarded by some sailing vessel. We have only had time to glance hastily at the papers before us, from which we glean the following:

Santa Anna still remains in power. His resignation we presume was withdrawn; for it is intimidated that a majority of Congress was anxious to accept it. His administration, in consequence of this feeling in Congress, has entirely changed its policy and thrown itself into the arms of the puros. One great section of the puros, however, is not conciliated by this movement; the adherents of Gomez Farias and gen. Almonte still continue their oppositions to the Administration. Senor Rejon, the former friend of Farias, is said to be the main support of Santa Anna’s administration, although he holds no public office. He is denounced as a man without principle, a truckler, &c.

It is represented that opinions were never more divided in the capitol that at the present. No party seems to have decided upon what course to take. At one time the puros and the moderados appear inclined to unite upon a dissolution of Congress, and leave every thing in the hands of Santa Anna; and then again the puros talk of recalling the absent members of their party, and having a working majority to carry their measures. In the mean time a quorum of Congress cannot be collected. If we can give no intelligible account of the designs of the parties and the Government, it is because such confusion and anarchy never before existed in the city of Mexico, by the admission of all.

An important financial measure of Anayas’s administration has been summarily abrogated by Santa Anna, in deference, as he says, to public opinion. This has lead to the resignation of Senor Baranda, who was not consulted as to the repeal of the measure. Senor Lafragua was then nominated in his place as head of the State Department, but this appointment gave dissatisfaction to the puros, who demonstrated against it. The result was not known.

Gen. Almonte was still in prison, nor are we able to learn any thing more definite as to the nature of his offence, his trial not having yet come on.

The State of Chihuahua voted unanimously for Gen. Santa Anna for President. This is the only additional State the vote of which is given in papers before us. The votes were to be opened on the 15^th of the present month. Our impression is that Congress will have to make choice between the two highest candidates, as no one will probably receive a majority of all the votes. On various occasions Congress has displayed great respect for Gen. Herrera, which leads to the opinion that he will be chosen.

We find no mention made of the measures taken for the defence of the capital. The papers said that gen. Scott pretended to his troops that they would march into Mexico on the 15^th inst, but that this was a mere boast in order to keep up the spirits of his men; that he was in no condition to move, lacking reinforcements.

Letters from Puebla to the capital represent Gens. Scott and Worth as saying that if Santa Anna has charge of the defence of the city of Mexico, they will be able to take it with the loss of two or three hundred men only; but that if Bravo or Valencia command, it will cost them more dear. The Republicano derides this gossip, though it sounds very natural … (unintelligible)

The Government is urged by letters form Puebla and its vicinity to fall upon Scott, noe he is weak, and crush him. They say he has really but a little over 5000 men, though he pretends to have 7000. They seem to dread lest Gen. Taylor should proceed to join Gen. Scott.

The propositions which Mr. Trist is authorized to make are said by the Mexicans to be that each Republic shall name three commissioners to discuss the claims of the United States, and that if Mexico will not consent to this, then the war is to be prosecuted.

We find in the Republicano of the 7^th inst. a long dispatch from the Secretary of War to gen. Scott, dated the 30^th of April. It informs him that by the end of June the President supposes Gen. Scott will have twenty, and Gen. Taylor the thousand men under their respective commands. It ask for the views of Gen. Scott on various questions suggested; and gives him directions how to operate with disaffected Mexican States. The Republicano regards this latter portion as very important, but pronounces the Secretary’s representations as to the number of troops to be in the field utterly false. How this letter was intercepted we are not informed.

The Mexicans appear to have intercepted a good number of private letters. Several to Col. Chidls are particularly referred to. One is from Mrs. Childs and contains much pleasant gossip as to the state of parties in the United States. Other letters of an entirely private nature are commented upon.

The successes of some of the guerilla parties near Vera Cruz are duly chronicled and commended in the papers.

The afternoon of the 6^th inst. Santa Anna reviewed at Tealpam the troops from the South of Mexico under Alvarez. This general’s command had not all arrived, but it was expected to reach 8000 men in a few days.

Senor Pedro de Castillo has been removed from the command of the regiment of Hidalgo in the National Guard. The act is strongly censured.

Gen. J. Gomez de la Cortina has resigned the command of the battalion of Victoria, of which he was colonel.

Three hundred troops from Morelia arrived in the capital on the 7th inst.

Diligences have been established between these two cities. One of them has already been robbed.

The Vice Governor of Oajaca has resigned his office, and his resignation has been accepted.

Gen. Scott appears to preserve perfect discipline among his troops at Puebla. The Mexicans admit this indirectly, though letters are published complaining of our excesses in general terms. The case of a New York volunteer is mentioned, who was tried by a court martial for assaulting a woman with the view of robbing her of a silver crucifix.

The casting of a piece of cannon at Toluca on the second inst. is formally mentioned.

We have thus glanced at the papers before us, but will recur to them again, and should they contain anything of importance, lay it before our readers.

From Tampico we learn little news by this arrival.– The only thing which gives animation to the town appears to be the false alarms which frequently occur. We are informed by an officer of Dragoons that he went out with a party on a scout on the 18^th inst., and proceeded some 40 miles from the city in the direction of Altamira, but saw no armed Mexican. The country people appeared friendly, and like the rest of the inhabitants of Tamaulipas did not seem ill affected towards our Government.

The Louisiana regiment stationed at Tampico has suffered severely from sickness. Many have died and there are yet many sick – not less than 150 accounts say. Not more than 180 men are reported fit for service, and yet this is the only regiment doing duty. Reinforcements have been daily expected, but in vain.

Lieut. De Groote, of the Dragoons, who arrived on the Palmetto, has been ordered hither to recruit men to fill up his company to the full complement. It consists now of only fifty–four men. This is a company with which it is intended to open the road from Tampico to San Luis Potosi.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 Intercepted Despatch

The Intercepted Despatch.

The passage in the intercepted letter of Secretary Marcy to Gen. Scott which attracts most attention in Mexico is the concluding portion, which is substantially as follows:

“Intimations have been given to the Government that a portion of the people of the State of Veracruz, and also of some other states is disposed to refuse obedience to the Central Government. Should such be the case, yon will adapt such measures as may encourage this spirit, using the utmost discretion, nevertheless, that the United States may not appear compromised; as it may occasion embarrassment to the Government when negotiations for peace are entered upon. Should you judge it proper you might offer aid or protection when the war terminates.”

Another portion of the Secretary’s letter announces that Gen. Taylor had made application to the war department, for two or three thousand regulars who had been in the service in case he should be expected to advance into the country. The Secretary says that much as the Government may be disposed to reinforce Gen. Taylor’s division, it hardly deems it prudent to do so at the expense of Gen. Scott’s command, who appears more particularly to need troops of the description indicated by Gen. Taylor. He leaves it therefore to Gen. Scott to decide, as commander in–chief of the forces in Mexico, whether the suggestion of Gen. Taylor should be acceded to.

We do not attempt to translate the despatch, as from the two–fold process errors may well occur, and the original will no doubt surely be given to the country.– N.O. Picayune
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 Prospect of Peace

(short news)

The Philadelphia ledger has the following paragraph – We sincerely hope that the rumored prospect of an early peace with Mexico may be speedily realized:

Important.– Prospect of Peace.– We learn from a reliable source at Washington that there is a prospect of a speedy peace with Mexico. The letter communicating the information says it might be in less than twenty days The Mexicans have had the whole text of the treaty, which Mr. Trist carried with him, communicated to them, and they are satisfied with it. The President will call an extra session of the Senate, and this news will probably shorten his visit to the North. This is an important fact, and we have no doubt from the source whence it came that it can be relied upon.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c4 Correspondence

[From the National Intelligencer.]

Editor’s correspondence

We were thrown quite into a flutter yesterday by receiving in our bag from the Post Office the following letter from the Public’s old friend Major Jack Downing, who seems to have written it to us for the purpose of communicating to the Public in his plain way, some views of the President Polk – young hickory, as he delights to call him – which that distinguished functionary had not thought necessary to confide his most confidential friends before he met with the major.

On board the steamboat on Long Island Sound, bound to Connecticut and Down East, June 28, 1847.

MR. GALES & SKATON:

MY DEAR OLD FRIENDS: I and Mr. Buchanan and the rest of us overtook the President last night at York, where we found him pretty well tuckered out, having got true with all his birds–egging in that everlasting great city, and ready to push on this morning down East. I was going to write a line to friend Richie, as he is the Government Editor, as soon as I could catch up with the President, and let him know how the old gentleman stood the journey. But I happened to look into your paper, and I see brother Ingersoll, of Philadelphy, sends his letter to you. This puzzled me a little at first, because I knew he was a on Mr. Richie’s side. But I looked along, and I see he called your paper a “powerful journal;” and then the thought struck me that I have read somewhere that “there is a power behind the throne greater than the throne itself”. Well, thinks I that Ingersoll is a cunning feller, but he ain’t a going to get ahead of me. If he writes to the power behind the throne, I will too. So, if Mr. Richie complains, and says I ought to wrote to him, I wish you would just smooth it over to him, and tell him the reason of it, and tell him when the old ship gets on ‘tother tack, and his paper gets on behind, I’ll write to him.

As I had come right on from Mexico the shortest cut, and had brought a letter from Gineral Scott to the President, as soon as we got to York I run right up to the tavern where he stopped to give him the letter. Folks told me he was at the Astor House – that great tavern made out of hewed stone. So I went up, and went in, and asked one of the waiters if Colonel Pok put up there?

“Is it Jemmy Polk ye mine; Young Hickory, the President?” say he.

“Sartain,” says I.

“Yes,” says he, “he’s here; up stairs in his room.”

Says I, “Show me his chamber as quick as you can; I must see him.”

“You can’t see him to–night,” says he; “Young Hickory is tired out, and can’t see nobody at all. Why wasn’t ye on hand in the Governor’s room if ye wanted to see him? All the boys had a chance there.”

Says I, “That’s nothing to the pint; I was on the road from Washington then, and I’m going to see the President to–night if I have to go through the stone walls of this house for it.”

Then along come Mr. Stutson: and says he, “Patrick, what’s the row here?”

“Here’s a fellew getting wrathy,” says Patrick, “because I won’t let him go up to the President’s room.”

At that Mr. Stutson turned around to me, and, as soon as he see me, he ketched told of my hand, and, says he, “Major Downing, I’m very happy to see you. I’ll show you right up to the President’s room myself. I’m sorry you wasn’t here before. We’ve had some very pleasant tea parties since the President’s been here.”

When I got in the President’s chamber he was laying down on the bed to rest and looking as tired as a rat that had been drawed through forty knotholes. But as soon as he see me, he jumped up, looking rather wild, and says he, “Major Downing, how are ye? I didn’t think of seeing you back from Mexico so soon as this. How does things go on there now?”

Says I, “Colonel, they dont’t go on hardly at all. They are waiting for more help. Scott and Taylor both are growing rather red and angry to think you should chuck them away into the middle of Mexico there and then not send ‘em help to fight the way out again. And it seems to me, Colonel, you do hold back in this business a little too much. If you don’t send ‘em help pretty soon, them guerrillas will eat our little armies all up. Why, Colonel,” says I, “if this war had come on in the time of the old Gineral, my old friend Hickory, he would a had them Mexicans half whipped to death by this time. But here’s a letter from Scott, to tell ye what he thinks about the business. I come in post–haste to bring it. He says he won’t stir from Puebla till you send on more men to take the place of all them that’s coming home.

The President took the letter and read a few lines, and threw it down upon the table; and, says he, it’s no use; Scott may grumble and growl as much as he’s a mind to but it’s no use. This war is a concern of my own getting up, for my own use, and I shall manage it jest as I please.” Says he, “Major Downing, there’s reason in all things. I don’t want them Mexicans whipped too fast, especially when them upstart Generals get all the glory of it. When I found Taylor as swelling up too large, I meant to a stopped him at Monterey and draw off a part of his glory onto Scott. But that Taylor is a headstrong chap a dangerous man. He overstept is duty and blundered on that victory at Buena Vista that sot everything all in a blaze. I shan’t overlook it in him very soon. If the selfish creature had only let Santa Anna give him a handsome licking there, we might have had peace in a little while, for I had things all arranged with Santa Anna to wind the business right up in such a way that we might each of us have made a handsome plume out of it. But that unpardonable Taylor must cut and slash round with his handful of men, untutored volunteers, that I thought were as harmless as a flock of sheep, and contrive by that awful blunder at Buena Vista, to pour all the fat into the fire.

“Well, then, Scott hasn’t behaved much better.” He licked the Mexicans too fast by a great sight, and is swelling himself up in the eyes of the people. I thought if I could a sent Col. Benton he would a squeezed the glory out of ‘em in a little while, and settled ‘em down so they wouldn’t a been dangerous. But that vagabond Senate wouldn’t let me do it. That was too bad, Major, when them two Generals were [unintelligible] all the glory that belonged to me, that the Senate wouldn’t let me do any thing to offset them. But I’ll let them know that Young Hickory isn’t to be beat anymore than Old Hickory was. I’ve sent Mr. Trist on to look after matters, and to see that the armies don’t go too fast; for I am determined Scott and Taylor shan’t whip the Mexicans any faster than is prudent. All the glory that’s to come out of this war fairly belongs to me, and I’ll have it.”

“But,” says I, “Colonel you are a going to send on more men, ain’t you? Or what are you going to do? How are you going to wind the business up?”

Says he, “I am too tired to talk over my plans to–night. But there’s no need of you going right back to Mexico yet. Mr. Trist is there, and I can trust him to look after matters, and you better jump into the boat with us in the morning and take a trip down East, and we can talk the subject over at our leisure.”

About five o’clock in the morning the President rattled away at my door and waked me out of a sound sleep; and, when he found I wasn’t up, says he, “Major, you must be spry, or you’ll be too late, for we’re off at six.”

I was up and dressed about the quickest, and went out, and fact, there was a quarter of a mile of soldiers, all ready to escort us to the boat. And down we went, through whole streets full of men and women, and boys and gals, of all sorts and sizes, some running and crowding, and some hollering and hurrahing, and in a few minutes we were aboard the steamboat, and the bell rung, and the steamer puffed, and off we went on the Sound towards Connecticut.

The President had a little room all to himself and he made me go right into it, and he sot down in an easy chair, and put his feet upon another, and says he, “Major, I’m glad to get out of the crowd again; we’ll take a few hours to rest and comfort on this voyage. This being President Major is mighty hard work; but, after all, I like it. I’ve had a glorious time of it in New York. Every body was running after me, and it seems as though I have seen every thing. I feel as though I had lived through a whole year in these three days, and I don’t believe any body ever received more honors in so short a space of time in this country.”

“Well,” says I, “Colonel, it seems to me a pity you told the folks at Baltimore the other day that you should retire when this term was up. You might go two terms, as Old Hickory did, jest as well as not, you are so popular.”

At that he give me a tuck in the ribs and a sly wink, and, says he, “Major, don’t you understand that telling of ‘em I shouldn’t stand another term is just the right way to make them the more fierce to have me. Don’t you know Anthony said Caesar refused the crown three times, jest so as to be more sure of having it placed on his head? And jest see how Santa Anna is working it now in Mexico. When he gets pretty near ran down, and shivering in the wind and nothing to stand upon, he sends in his resignation, with a long patriotic speech about shedding the last drop of his blood for his country, and all that, and the people refuse to receive his resignation, and cry out “long live Santa Anna” and away he goes again and drums up another army of soldiers.

“But, to tell the truth, Major,” says he, “when I made that remark at Baltimore I had some little notion of retiring. Our party was so cut up, things looked rather dark ahead; and I find this Mexican war something of a bother after all. Taylor and Scott commit so many blunders, I had really then some notion of retiring when this term is up. But, since I got along to New York, things seem to look brighter. I’m popular, Major: I know I am. I shouldn’t be surprised if the Whigs made a demonstration in my favor yet. They seemed very fond of me in New York; and so did every body, every body you could mention; even the market–woman took me by the hand and called me young Hickory, and gave me lots of fruit. There, do you see that pineapple on that table there?” says he. “That was given me at the Fulton market, as we were going over to Brooklyn on Saturday. Cut away, Major, and help yourself to it; it’s a nice one. And here’s a paper of the most excellent tobaco,” says he, “that was presented to me at the same time. You go into the pineapple and I’ll go into the tobacco, and then we’ll have a little more talk about the war.”

Jest as we got cleverly under way they sung out aboard the boat for the passengers to get ready for landing. So I musgt cut my yarn off here for the present; but likely as not you’ll here from me again. Your old friend, MAJOR JACK DOWNING
[NO]

July 9, 1847, RW47v24n55p1c3 LATER FROM THE ARMY

[From the New Orleans Picayune, June 30]

Important from Mexico

LATER FROM THE ARMY OF GEN. SCOTT.

General Scott still at Puebla –His advance postponed till reinforcements arrive –Surprise of a Guerrilla party by General Cadwalader – General Pillow’s march and his repulse of Guerrillas –Preparations for the defence of Mexico –March of Alvarez towards Puebla, &c, &c, &c.

The schooner Iona, Capt. Stevens, arrived yesterday morning from Vera Cruz, and in a few hours afterwards the steamship New Orleans, Capt. Auld, came in. The latter left Vera Cruz on the 25^th instant, and brings us letters of the 25^th and papers of the 24^th. One hundred and fifty–six discharged soldiers and teamsters came over on the New Orleans.

A rumor reached Vera Cruz on the night of the 24^th inst. That Gen. Cadwallader’s command had fallen in with a guerilla party a few miles beyond Jalapa, and by a movement unperceived by the guerrilleros, succeeded in surprising them and killing about thirty of them, without losing a man. Our correspondent thinks there is some truth in the report.

There are a great many guerrilla parties upon the road, and a small body of our troops left San Juan on the 21^st. Hoping to overtake Gen. Pillow, but after proceeding two or three miles they encountered some guerrilleros. These they charged upon and dispersed, but they saw so many others on the road in small parties that it was thought prudent to relinquish the design of coming up with Gen. Pillow.– As this officer is somewhat famous for exciting from his men long marches, it is well that no further attempt was made to overtake him.

We regret to learn by this arrival of the death of Mr. Thomas G. Banks. He died at Vera Cruz of the vomito. Mr. Banks was connected, we believe, with the Quartermaster’s department.

A Mexican named Lara, a carpenter by trade, has been found lying dead on the floor of his own house in Vera Cruz, having been stabbed. The author of the dead was not known.

A watchman, said to be a Dutchman named Charles, have been trapped by a guerrilla party just outside the walls and murdered, after having been cruelly whipped. His body was left in the road with an inscription affixed to it, “Whoever wishes may carry it off.” The police of the city are making an attempt to ferret out the guilty party.

The news by this arrival from the city of Mexico is important. We have received our accounts of it through an express despatched by Mr. Kendall from Puebla expressly for this office. His letters come down to the 14^th inst. Though we see it noted in one Vera Cruz paper that advices to the 14^th had been received, yet it gives none of the news; the sole statement made relates Gen. Scott’s departure from Puebla, and is erroneous. Other papers of Vera Cruz give the news copied from the press of the city as being the latest from the interior of Mexico.

The Arco–Iris of the 22d has letters from the capital which appear to be late, though the dates are not given.– The purport of them is that the work of fortifying the environs of the city is going on rapidly, and that seventy pieces of artillery had arrived from Acapulco and other points which they were mounting as fast as possible. They mention the arrival of Alvarez at the head of 8000 men, and they set down the entire force in the city as 20,000 armed militia and 16,000 troops of the line. These letters further say that the clergy are taking an active part in the business; that arms of all kinds were pouring into the capital and considerable sums of money. All these topics are touched upon in Mr. Kendall’s letters transmitted by express, and very full details are given of the extent of the preparations to defend the city.

Before entering upon Mr. Kendall’s letters we may remark that by the way of Orizaba, a letter has been received here which announces that “Santa Anna had been elected Dictator, provided he will not make peace,” and that he has 30,000 men with him. It appears from what follows below that Santa Anna has attained to all the power of a Dictator by the arrest or removal from command of such generals as are opposed to him, and by the more adroit maneuver of inducing Congress to postpone the counting the votes for President till the 15^th of January next. The 15^th of June was the day fixed by law for that purpose. By the postponement Santa Anna prolongs his own power indefinitely, and for the time being may be deemed Dictator in fact, if not in fame. He will plead in extenuation of this perpetuation of his power that it was hazardous to risk a change of Government at a moment when a foreign foe threatened the capital, and there is force in the idea.

A private note from Mr. Kendall says that Mr. Trist was at Puebla. Nothing further had transpired in regard to his mission. “The Mexican papers,” writes Mr. Kendall, “know as much about his mission as we do.”
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 Correspondence of the Picayune

[Editorial Correspondence of the Picayune]

Puebla, Mexico, June 8, 1847.

The result of the election for President of this so–called Republic is not known, nor it will be until January. Congress has passed a decree to the effect that on the first day of the coming year the new Congress shall be installed, and that on the 15^th of the same month the votes for the President shall be counted. This may be some new trick of Santa Anna’s getting up, as until that time he can have everything his own way. The refusal of the present Congress to accept his resignation as President INTERINO, gives him unlimited ways, and he will not be slow to exercise all power of a dictator. That there will be GRITOS and PRONUNCIAMIENTOS against him before January is as certain as that the intervening months will come and go; but he may be cat enough to fall upon his feet –[qu. foot?]– with every new revolution. An anarchist himself, his very element is anarchy, and the only peaceful moments he probably spends are passed amidst confusion.

Report now has it –we can learn nothing positive– report now has it that Santa Anna has between 30,000 and 40,000 men of all classes under arms at and near the city, and that this force is rapidly augmenting. The peace party dare do nothing, for the moment a main is even suspected he is sent off or thrown into prison. The American residents have all left, many of them in such haste that their business must suffer a most ruinous extent, while it is reported that all the American prisoners, contrary to the laws of nations as well as of humanity, have been cast into a more loathsome prison and treated more rigorously than ever. Such are the verbal reports we received from the capital.

Yours, &c. G. W. K.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 News from Puebla

Puebla, Mexico, June 11, ’47 .

Full files of papers from the city of Mexico, up to the 8^th inst. Inclusive, have just been received here. I have only had time to skim over their contents, and send you an abstract of such intelligence as may be interesting.

The Monitor Republicano of the 8^th inst. Says that Alvarez, with his Indians, was to march on that day for Puebla, and was to be followed up by the regular cavalry.– The same paper intimates that the rest of the army is also immediately to take up that line of the march for Puebla, and the inference is that the enemy intends fighting the great battle of this neighborhood. In fact, the editor openly comes out and says that by this course they will avoid having the beautiful city of Mexico the scene of a grand battle. He hopes that by a well combined effort the glory of the Republic may be preserved, and that Santa Anna may wipe off some of the stain which at present sticks to his character. The editor does not exactly says this, but he means it. Every one here in Puebla hopes that the battle or a battle may be fought in this neighborhood –the Mexicans will not make another stand this side the capital in that case.

There was a rumor in Mexico, at last dates, to the effect that some of the officers of the regular troops were about to raise a PRONUNCIAMIENTO in favor a dictatorship. The editor of El Monitor ridicules the report –believes that there is no foundation for it, Santa Anna may be at this bottom of a movement of the kind. Quien sabe?

Yours, &c. G. W. K.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 More from Puebla

Puebla, Mexico, June 12, 1847,

The city is to–day full of rumors and reports, some of these of a most startling nature if they could be relied upon. The story is that the Mexican army is so advanced upon and surround this place entirely. Even the names of the leaders –Valencia, Gubero, Lombardini and Alvarez– are given. That Alvarez has started with his command there can be little doubt, but the impression is that he has gone in the rear of Puebla –somewhere in the neighborhood of Nopalucam or Acajate– with the hope that he may be enabled to cut off some of the wagon train known to be on their way up. The Mexicans are known to have seven or eight thousand cavalry, and their true policy would be to fight Gen. Scott in the open field; but he who judges of the Mexicans by the ordinary rules which govern mankind will find mistaken nine time out of ten –so there is no knowing what they will do.

A Frenchman who left the city of Mexico yesterday reports that he saw two thousand men busily at work upon the fortification at El Penon. This is a hill of no great size or elevation, about nine miles this side of the city and on the direct road, with a lake immediately in the rear of it and at its base. Another Frenchman, and one who appears to be intelligent, says that the Mexicans intend to make three or four stands –one between this city and San martin or Tlascala, where they can use their cavalry, another this side of Guadalupe, and the last at Guadalupe itself.– Amid such a multiplicity of reports it is hard to coming to the truth, and perhaps the only way to ascertain the real intentions of the Mexicans at the capital is to pay them a visit with the army.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c4 Still more from Puebla

Puebla, Mexico, June 14, 1847,

For a wonder, yesterday we did not have anything even in the shape of a rumor from the city of Mexico, nor could we learn anything positive of the movements of the enemy in this neighborhood. I saw a man, who arrived from Atlixco in the morning, who said that 600 of the Indians of Alvarez were expected there immediately –this was the only report received, Atlixco is eighteen or twenty miles from Puebla, and not on the road to the capital.

As yet no one knows when the army is to make a forward movement. Gen. Scott certainly will not march until reinforcements arrive, which are now with out question on the way. A delay is certainly of more importance to our army than to that of the Mexicans, for even if the latter are enabled to augment their forces they will be beaten –that is certain: and then there is a strong probability that so straightened are the Mexicans for means that a delay of a month will find them despairing over the country for the very means of subsistence, or else cut up by internal disorders.

As regards the prospects of a peace, they appear just as distant as ever. A peace patched up as the city of Mexico at this time would hardly last until the ink is dry with which it may be signed; certainly not until the Americans are out of the country. Without doubt there is a large and influential party in favor of it, but they dare not [unintelligible] themselves for fear of after consequences. I know not how it may turn up, but as I said in a former latter, I do not at present see any other course then for the United States to hold and retain possessions of the country –and to govern it, too.

Yours, &c. G. W. K.
[NO]

July 13, 1847, RW47v24n56p1c2 Virginia Volunteers

Virginia Volunteers

The two additional companies of Volunteers, some months ago asked for by the President from Virginia, not having yet been organized, –and hearing of no movement to obtain recruits in the patriotic tier of counties known as the Tenth Legion, –we are gratified to learn, from the last Lynchburg Virginian, that Major William A. Talbot, of that town, (a very accomplished officer,) has undertaken to raise one of them, and that, within a few days, he had succeeded in procuring 17 fine–looking soldiers. We hope the Major may be successful. Residing in a strong Whig county, and on the borders of two or three others, we presume he will find no difficulty in obtaining the requisite number of “Mexican Whigs,” to supply the lack of zeal which characterizes the flaming War Patriots of Shenandoah, Rockingham andp. They content themselves with extolling “the eminent ability of with which Mr. Polk has conducted the war;” leaving it for others, less patriotic than themselves, to endure the hardships of the camp, and to encounter the hazards of the battle–field.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 Health of Vera Cruz

Health of Vera Cruz

In a letter to Gov. Johnson of Louisiana, Dr. Barton of the Army says, there are few cases comparatively of yellow fever at Vera Cruz, and that the mortality would be much less than it is if he had “the appliances” they possess in New Orleans, So far, he says, there has been no epidemic, and the fatal cases have occurred mostly among men who would have died any where with fever of some kind. If he could regulate the habits and modes of living of our countrymen, the Doctor thinks very few would take the disease, and, still fewer would die.

Dr. B. furnishes the following statement of the deaths in Vera Cruz from the 1^st of May to the 16^th of June: From Vomito: Soldiers 20; Qr. Master’s Dep. 13; Mexicans 11; Others 7; Total 51. Other diseases: Soldiers 112; Qr. Master’s Dep. 49; Mexicans 84; Others 50; Total 295. Nation: American 178; Mexicans 106; Other Foreigners 47; Unknown 15; Total 346.
[NO]

July 6, 1847, RW47v24n54p2c3 Taylor to Gaines

Gen. Taylor’s Opinions

The following extract from a letter of Gen. Taylor to Gen. Gaines, written as long as November last, may furnish a clue to his opinions in regard to the policy (or rather the impolicy) of prosecuting a war of conquest in Mexico. That he was, in November last, opposed to the invasion of Mexico, by way of Vera Cruz, and indeed of carrying on farther offensive operations in any quarter, is unquestionable. We know of no “anti–war Whig” who has gone farther indeed than the General, in urging the termination of an offensive war; which, if it shall not result in the permanent occupation of the conquered territory, cannot compensate us for the blood and treasure expended in its prosecution –and which, if it shall lead to the acquisition of that territory, ought still more to be deprecated. But let Gen. Taylor speak for himself, He says:

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

How does the Enquirer relish these sentiments?
[NO]

July 13, 1847, RW47v24n56p4c1 Where are the Men?

Where are the Men?

The Union, some weeks ago, published elaborated statement from the War Department, showing, “as clear as mud,” that by the 1^st of July, Gen. Scott would be at head of 20,000 men, and Gen. Taylor would be at the head of 10,000. The 1^st of July has passed; and we ask, where are these men in buckram”? At the last dates form gen. Scott, his force did not exceed 8000 effective men, including the garrisons of Jalapa and Perote, while only about 3000 were on the march from Vera Cruz to reinforce him; and Gen. Taylor has only about 5000, including every man bearing arms, from Brazos to Buena Vista! The Adjutant General should correct his figures, which are so widely different form the facts.
[NO]

July 13, 1847, RW47v24n56p4c3 LATER FROM MEXICO

LATER FROM MEXICO

Our “pony teams,” notwithstanding the oppressive heat of the season, still continue to bestow their favors on our readers, bringing us New Orleans papers, by the overland route, in six days from that city.

They brought us last night copies of the New Orleans Delta and Picayune of the 2d instant, the main items of interest from Mexico and other points contained in which we annex:

The New Orleans Delta of the 2d inst, says:

We yesterday received files of Mexican papers from the Capital, to and of the 12^th ult., dates three days later than any previously received. We make from them a series of extracts, which are given below. We find in them no evidences of that formidable, fearful supposition to the advance of Gen. Scott, the apprehensions of which, for the last day or two, so alarmed the nerves of some of the more sensitive of our contemporaries.

The War. –The files before us contain full reviews of the opinions of the different newspapers throughout the country, which number about twenty, and with but one single exception (in Durango) they are fully in favor of the war.

The Dictatorship. –El Monitor Republicano of the 12^th ult. contains a lengthy article on the subject of the Dictatorship. Up to that date, Santa Anna was not proclaimed, nor did he proclaim himself, Dictator. Indeed, The Monitor ridiculed the idea that he designed to become one. The rumor to that effect which prevailed in the capital, is alleged to have originated with and been propagated by his enemies and the enemies of the country.

No Change of Policy. –The Monitor asserts that the new cabinet is not to be entirely formed of PUROS [Democrats] as stated in some of the journals, and that the new Ministers will carry in the policy of their predecessors. –Santa Anna thinks that without a full Ministry –with the Ministers of War and Finances together with the clerks in the Bureau of Foreign Relations– he will be able, for the time being, to carry on the government.

An article published in the same paper of the 10^th, we find the following paragraph: “There is no doubt but that the majority of the nation is in favor of carrying on the war, and we are, consequently, convinced that it is impossible to enter into any arrangement for peace; war e it to be concluded, it would prove fatal to the nationality of Mexico. –The defenders of the nation are, therefore, encouraged with brilliant hopes of final success, notwithstanding our former disasters. All of us who sincerely wish the continuation of the war, look upon an equivocal policy as dangerous, and all overtures of peace a perilous means to secure it; for this reason we are opposed to any change in the politics which may give it pacific appearance.”

The Peace Party. –El Razonador, the peace paper, says that it has recommended peace only because it is convinced that the government would not or could not carry on the war; but at the same time it approves Santa Anna’s withdrawal of his resignation, and praises him very much saying that he is the only man in the country who can keep alive the war spirit.

Gen. Valencia. –Gen. Valencia has reported having arrived at San Luis Potosi on the 5^th June, where he took immediate command of the army. General Salas had also arrived there, and taken charge of his post.

Gen. Bustamante. –Gen. Bustamante was at Irapuato on the 5^th where he was to begin immediately to raise forces from the State of Guanajuato. It was thought that Gen. Alcorta had issued an order by which Bustamante would be obliged to go as far as Sinaloa, in order to take command of the forces there –which, according to El Monitor, are NONE.

Canalizo Pardoned. –It seems, from what we see in the Monitor of the 11^th, that Santa Anna and Canalizo had “made friends” once more, and, consequently, the examination of the latter for his conduct at Cerro Gordo was dropped. Although it was reported that he had been appointed Governor of the State of Vera Cruz, he was to be employed in the defence of the capital.

Gen. Scott’s March to the Capital. –El Republicano of the 11^th has accounts from Puebla, in which it is stated that the American forces would not move towards the capital before six weeks (from the 10^th June) as they were awaiting reinforcements and heavy artillery from Vera Cruz. El Monitor of the same date, publishes a letter, in which the writer states that he has been informed that the whole forces will move towards the capital in all from the 15^th to the 20^th, as they had resolved and were determined to spend and CELEBRATE the 4^th of July at the capital.

Movements of the American Troops. –A letter from Puebla, addressed to El Monitor, states that Gen. Worth went as far as Cholula with 200 men, and had returned alone with his stuff, without being troubled by any of the guerrillas.

Assistance Solicited from Gen. Scott. –A letter received at the Capital on the 10^th, from Tlaxcala, says that the inhabitants of that place had addressed a petition of Gen. Scott, asking protection of him, as a chief of guerrillas, Portillo, was constantly annoying them. The Monitor says that it seems the Tlaxcaltecos wish to imitate their predecessors during the time when Spaniards went to conquer them.

Attack on Gen. Scott. –A correspondent from Puebla, writes on the 7^th to a friend in the capital, that the American forces are scarcely 6,000 men, and as General Scott could not leave that place for some time, it would be good policy to have the Mexican forces marched to Puebla and there attack the Americans, who were not prepared for an effective defence.
[NO]

July 13, 1847, RW47v24n56p4c4 From the Brazos

From the Brazos

The schooner H. L. Scranton, arrived at New Orleans on the 2d inst. From Brazos Santiago, having sailed thence on the 26^th ult.

By this arrival the Picayune has the Matamoros Flag of the 23d ult.

It reports that four members of the 1^st. Illinois regiment on the march from Camargo to Reynosa, unarmed and having fallen in the rear of the regiment, were attacked by a party of about 20 Mexicans and loosed and robbed of their money, without doing them further injury.
[NO]

July 13, 1847, RW47v24n56p4c4 From Tampico

From Tampico

The schooner Sarah Elizabeth, Capt. Webb, arrived at New Orleans on the 1^st inst. From Tampico, having left there on the 24^th of June.

The Picayune learns from Mr. Mitchell that the English steamer Avon was lying of the bar, landing quicksilver. –She would shortly proceed on her voyage, touching at her several appointed ports, but she would take little or no specie with her, as in consequence of the guerrilla parties it is deemed unsafe to transport even merchandise in the interior without a large escort of troops. Tampico feels sensibly this state of things.

The accounts of the health of the city are at variance. –While Capt. Webb represents that the Louisiana regiment is suffering dreadfully from the fever –less than one–fourth fit for duty– the Sentinel, of the 20^th ult, says the health of the town continues good, with the [unintelligible] of some cases of intermittent fever.

The U.S. bomb–brig Hecla. Lieut Com’g Fairfax is blockading the port of Soto la Matina.

–Another requisition. –The Secretary of War has made another requisition on Louisiana. The present one, just received by Gov. Johnson, is for two companies of mounted gunmen. The scene of their duty is to Vera Cruz and its environs.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p1c4 Interesting from Tampico

Interesting from Tampico

By late arrivals at New Orleans, advices have been received from Tampico to the 27^th ult. A letter to the Picayune, of the date, says:

“Cassins M. Clay, Major Borland and the American prisoners are expected in town to–morrow or next day. –The three companies of the 11^th Regiment of Infantry, now awaiting transportation to Vera Cruz, have been ordered up to town, as it is said the prisoners have a very large escort –I have heard it set down at 900 men.”

The Picayune has received information, from other sources, corroborating the foregoing statement, as to the release of the prisoners, and their being ordered to Tampico, guarded by a strong detachment; and adds, what is calculated to excite some uneasiness, that “the verbal reports are to the effect that when the prisoners had reached within 150 miles of Tampico, they were met by Urrea, who detained them as prisoners; and further, that Urrea had ordered out all the men of the country for the purpose of making an attack upon Tampico. It appears to be certain that three companies of the 11th Infantry, which were waiting at Tampico bar transportation for Vera Cruz, were ordered up into the city. Every man there was under arms, expecting the town to be attacked. The Picayune adds, however, that it has heard such frequent rumors of an immediate attack upon Tampico, that very little attention is paid to them, though the present alarm, it says, appears to be better founded than usual.

If it be true, as stated by the Washington correspondent of the Charleston Couriers, that the President, six weeks ago, in conversation with a military man, said that General Scott was at that moment in the city of Mexico, he must have been very much disappointed by the latest advices from that quarter. The officer, in reply, is said to have assured the President that he was mistaken, and farther, that Gen. Scott would do well to get to Mexico by the 1^st of January next. For our own part, we think it very unimportant, so far as its capturo will influence the duration of the war, whether Gen. Scott be at this time in Puebla or in the Halls of the Montezumas; unless, indeed, it be true, as the Washington correspondent of the New York Courier, who speaks generally in an eracular vein, and in whose opinion therefore we have very little confidence, says “is suspected by some of our friends at Puebla, that is the determination of Santa Anna, when next defeated by Gen. Scott, to permit himself to be captured, and ask to be sent out of the country, under our protection, as the surest means of escaping death or expulsion.” Should this surmise, however, be verified by the result, it is to be hoped that Mr. Polk will not again send Santa Anna back to Mexico, to aid him in “conquering a peace.”
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c1 Rumors of Peace

From the Seat of War.
Rumors of Peace.

The intelligence from the seat of war, to which we devoted so much space this morning, is interesting, though not decisive in its character. Gen. Scott was still at Puebla on the last of June, and it is not at all probable therefore that he celebrated the 4^th of July in “the imperial city of the Aztecs,” especially as it was understood that he was awaiting the arrival of the new levies on their way to reinforce him, about 2000 of which, under Generals Cadwallader and Pillow, were daily expected, while 2500 more, under General Pierce, would soon take up the line of march from Vera Cruz.

The reader will observe, from the interesting letters of Mr. Kendall to the Picayune, that it was the prevalent opinion at headquarters that peace would soon be restored, although the writer was not without misgivings as to the authenticity of the rumors upon which this opinion was founded, and the accuracy of which is rendered still farther questionable by accounts received by the editors of the Picayune, direct from the city of Mexico, of a contrary tenor. We shall look for the termination of hostilities not until a treaty shall have been signed; and even then, it will depend materially upon the character of its provisions and upon the circumstances connected with its negotiation whether we may feel justified in congratulating the country upon the actual cessation of hostilities.

What may be the nature of the ultimatum which Gen. Scott (or Mr. Trist, if he has been clothed exclusively with diplomatic authority) has been instructed to propose to the Mexican Government, it is of course impossible to conjecture; and yet it is obvious, that should the Mexican authorities and people de willing or even solicitous to terminate the war, it will materially depend upon the character of the terms offered to them whether that result is likely to be speedily attained. They may be anxious to discontinue a contest in which they cannot hope to be finally or even partially successful; but they may nevertheless, should the conditions exacted of them be in their judgment too onerous and humiliating, determine to protract the conflict, at the risk of their total subjugation, and the annihilation even of their national existence.

In a late editorial on this subject, in the Washington Union, which we supposed expresses the views and purposes of the Executive, we observe a paragraph, in which, after dwelling upon the desire of the Administration to secure a just and honorable peace, we are told, that “it is resolved now, as it has been from the first to accept no terms of peace from Mexico, save such as will do full justice to the rights of the country, to the claims of our injured fellow citizens, to the objects of the war, and to our nations honor.” Although these are phrases of vague import, with a single exception, perhaps no one will be disposed to demur to them. “The objects of the war” are of course locked up in the breast of the Executive, with whom it originated. We should indeed be very much gratified if we could be enlightened upon this point by the President’s Organ. What are “the objects of the war,” apart from the vindication of our rights and honor? Is the acquisition of territory by force, which the President knew he could not obtain by negotiation, one of them? If so, (and we believe that it was its main object,) most fortunate for the country will it be if the Administration shall be thwarted in its purpose, if not by the obstinacy of the enemy, by the voice of the people of the United Sates, a large majority of whom, we are satisfied, do not desire an extension, by such means, if by any means, of our territorial limits.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c1 Texas and Oregon

Texas and Oregon

The passion for enlarging our boundaries has been already, we apprehend, fully gratified. The people begin to perceive that the bargain by which Texas was acquired will prove to have been a most disadvantageous one in the end, even in a pecuniary point of view; while the fallacy of the assumption, so boldly maintained while the question of annexation was pending, that its acquisition would increase the facilities of defence for our Southern frontier, is already clearly shown, as it would have been still more disastrously demonstrated had uot the wisdom and moderation of the Senate, on the Oregon question, averted a war with Great Britain. For, with Mexico as her ally, she would have found a pathway through Texas, insusceptible in that event as it would have been of defence, into the very heart of the Southern portion of the Union. And yet had the settlement of that grave question been left to the “pre–eminent ability” of Mr. Polk, we should at this moment have been at war both with England and Mexico; and we leave it for his partizans to tell us what in that event would have been now the probable condition of our Southern frontier, so greatly extended by annexation of Texas, and so much more exposed to the inroads of an enemy by its sparse population, and by its total destitution of artificial means of defence? Instead of overrunning Mexico and bombarding her towns and cities, we should have found full employment in defending our own. Justly censurable, therefore, as Mr. Polk is for unconstitutionality making war upon Mexico, he is far less worthy of indignation for the mischiefs that have resulted from the act of usurpation, than he is for the evils which he has only failed to bring upon the country by the firmness with which the Senate rebuked the ignorance which claimed a territory that did not belong to us, and the obstinacy with which that claim was pressed to the very verge of war.

Never we venture to say, when the Swedish Chancellor bade his son “behold with how little wisdom a nation may be governed,” had he witnessed so wonderful a combination of folly and perverseness in the Rulers of a nation, as that exhibited by the present Administration in the conduct of our foreign relations –one of the results of which has been the war with Mexico, all the legitimate and proper “objects” of which could have been as certainly as attained, without it while a far more serious war with Great Britain would have been another of its necessary frits, had the President found in the Senate men equally as ignorant as himself of the grounds of the controversy between the two countries, and equally as reckless in maintaining a claim the justice of which he was unable to show, while he had not the magnanimity to withdraw it except on compulsion, when its injustice had been demonstrated by his own friends.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c1 Scottt and Trist

Gen. Scott and Mr. Trist

We copied, a few days ago, the emphatic contradiction, by the Washington Union, of the various statements, in relation to the controversy between Gen. Scott and Mr. Trist, growing out of an alleged interference by the latter with the proper authority of the former as commander in chief of our armies in Mexico. The Union stated “positively, that all these accusations against the Administration, of giving Mr. Trist any authority to interfere in any form, or in the slightest degree, with Gen. Scott’s military command, are absolutely and totally without foundation.”

The New York Courier and Enquirer, which had been prominent in making the accusations thus positively and officially denied, repeats them in the face of that denial, and reaffirms their essential truth. It says: “Mr. Trist did enclosed to Gen. Scott a despatch from the Department of War, giving him (Trist) power to conclude an armistice with the Mexican Government; and Gen. Scott, in reply, informed Mr. Trist, that, from the perusal of that despatch, it was evidently the intention of the Department of degrade him from the command of the army, and to make him subordinate to Mr. Trist. We assert this (says the Courier) as a fact within our own knowledge; and if the editor of the Union speaks the truth when he says he has inquired carefully into the matter, and if he has had access to papers now on file in the War Department, the fact is within his knowledge also. Whether the Administration did actually give to Mr. Trist all the power he attempted to exercise or not, the Union may consider matter of opinion. Gen. Scott from a perusal of the Secretary’s letter, had no doubt whatever of the intention of the Executive virtually to supersede him, by making him subordinated to Mr. Trist; and he at once informed that gentleman that he could not exercise the power which he had claimed, and which the instructions of the War Department conferred upon him, while he (Scott) remained at the head of the army.”

We shall doubtless hear more of this action. [From the N. O. Picayune, July 8]
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c3 Latest from Scott

Important From Mexico

Latest from the Army of Gen. Scott.

Gen. Scott still at Puebla. –Gen. Cadwalader and Gen’l Pillow yet on the road. –Latest from the city of Mexico. –Loss of horses and mules at Vera Cruz. –Capture of Tabasco. –The American Prisoners in Mexico. –An American paper at Puebla. –Surprise and Capture of a Party of Americans, &c, &c.

The steamship Alabama arrived at an early hour yesterday from Vera Cruz, touching at the Brazos. She left the former port on the 2d of July and the latter on the 4^th.

The following passengers come over Alabama from Vera Cruz: Capt. A.R. Hetzel, assistant quartermaster; Dr. A.H. Saunders, late bearer of the despatches from the Government to Gen. Scott; Mesers E.G. Elliot and C. Finley, of the army, and Mesers Fisher, Tobler, Folly, Richards, Carpenter, Tenbrick, Hardin, Tai, Moore, McCall, Mrs. Goates, and thirty discharged teamsters. The following passengers are from the Brazos: Capt. Carrington, Lieuts Kinney and Ashby, and Mesers J.T. Weisiger and Wm C Hogg, of Virginia Regiment; and Capts Chas Clarke and Acker, and Lieut Gouvenaux, of the 2d Mississippi Regiment.

By this arrival we have direct advices from Mexico to the morning of the 29^th of June, and from Puebla to the 30^th.

Gen. Scott had not then been able to leave Puebla. He was awaiting the reinforcements under Gen. Cadwalader and Gen. Pillow, who had not then arrived. [Some of the papers mention that Gen. Cadwalader arrived at Puebla on the 30^th. Letter from Mr. Kendall of that date make no mention of it, though he was constantly expected. He was at Perote about the 20^th, awaiting Gen. Pillow.]

The news from the city of Mexico is very indefinite. –Gen. Scott is said to have communicated to the Government that Mr. Trist was with him authorized to negotiate for a peace. Santa Anna had been in vain endeavoring to procure a quorum of Congress to lay Gen. Scott’s communication before it. Mr. Kendall’s letters rather encourage the prospects of an early peace; but we have had access to letter from a very responsible source in the city of Mexico which take a very different view of the subject. The writer thinks Gen. Scott will have to march into Mexico to secure a peace.

The censorship of the press existing in Mexico prevents us from knowing what measures to defence the city will be taken. Santa Anna was to leave the capital on the 30^th ult. Intending to pass three days in the country for the benefit of his health. It is said that every avenue of entrance into the city is fortified, but the writer in Mexico, upon whom we very much rely, thinks the American army will easily overcome all such obstacles –that the defence of their fortifications will only embarrass the Mexicans.

We are unable to throw much light upon the movements of Gen. Cadwalader and Gen. Pillow. The latter is said to have been compelled to contest the road with the guerrilla parties, till he was beyond Cerro Gordo. Guerrilleros took advantage of every defile to resist his progress. His loss is said to have been severe.

We have by this arrival a file of the “American Star No 2,” published twice a week at Puebla, by Messrs. Peoples, Barnard & Callahan. The file extends from the 12^th to the 27^th June, and we glean from its columns several items of intelligence.

The Government of the city of Puebla has been entrusted to Lt. Col. Belton, of the 3d Artillery.

Gen Alvarex was at Atlixco on the 14^th of June with 300 Mexican cavalry. The Star thinks his forces have been greatly overrated.

A long elaborated letter is published in the Star, in Spanish and English, addressed to the people of Mexico, by and officer of the American army. We have read but portions of it, but it appears a calm, familiar statement, aimed and well calculated to teach Mexicans how unfounded are their inveterate prejudices against the United States, and the futility on their part of a further prosecution of the war. We may recur to it.

A correspondent of El Monitor Republicano, writing from Puebla, says: “Gen. Scott, with all his engineer corps and a number of other officers, proceeded to Cholula the other day, and, after ascending the pyramid, agreed at once to fortify the place.” He thinks it is only throwing salt to the fishes to fortify so out of the way a place. The truth of the business is, says the Star, that Gen. Scott never went there at all, but that Gens. Quitman, Twiggs, Col. Harney and a party of officers, hearing of the pyramid and wishing to see the spot rendered so notorious by the massacre of Cholulans by Cortez, did go; but the idea of fortifying was farthest from the thought.

The Star says there is three months’ provisions in the city for the army, and that the fields around the city supply all the forage necessary.

A Mexican named Heredia has been detected by his countrymen on his way from the capital to Puebla with drawings of the different fortifications around the capital. –He was tried and condemned as a spy and a traitor, and was condemned to be shot on the 21^st ult. The fellow made his escape the morning of the 21^st.

The Mexicans are using every inducement to make our men desert, and with some success, but those who have deserted find little comfort from their new friends. The Star tells of two dragoons who ran off from us, but had not gone three leagues before some Mexicans came across them, took their horses and stripped them of everything but their shirts.

A German and a Mexican have been tried by a court martial for tampering with our soldiers and persuading them to desert. The Mexican was acquitted –the German found guilty and condemned to be shot. Being recommended to mercy his sentence was remitted.

The following narrative is from the Star of the 24^th ult:

“On Sunday morning last, the 20^th, a party of Americans, not connected with the army, left here for a hacienda on the road to Mexico –say about eighteen miles distant. The object in view by the party, eight in number, was the purchasing of mules for the Government; and after they have bargained for a number, to be brought in the next day to Puebla, they prepared to leave, but were prevailed on to defer their departure until after dinner. The repast was served up in good style, and after if was partaken of, the host refusing to receive any pay whatever, the horses were brought out and the party mounted. They were warned not to go too near a village on their left, as some five or six hundred soldiers were quartered there, and if we mistake not, a Mexican was preparing a horse to accompany them along a bye path in the mountains, when a party of lancers were discovered riding up to the hacienda. The little party of Americans started off in a slow gallop, their leader telling them to save the horses until it would be necessary to run. In this way they proceeded some distance, the soldiers continuing to decrease the distance between them, when it was proposed to go a little faster. A half a minute had not elapsed with the increased gait, before they came upon another party of the enemy, formed across the road. To attempt to pass them would have been foolishness; so they halted, and through their interpreter, informed the captain that they were Americans, but not connected with the army. The pursuing lancers were now close upon them, and before a proper answer had been returned, came charging down the hill in such manner as to leave the boys doubtful as their intentions; so they prepared themselves for an attack, which was soon commenced by the Mexican force, numbering near eighty men. After a brief engagement, during which the Mexicans crowded upon one another so fast that they could scarcely use their arms, Mr. Dickinson, who had been severely wounded in the thigh with a lance, touched his blood mare with the spur, and she made an opening in the enemy’s ranks running down one or two horses, and showing the others aside so as to effect his escape. During this operation another of the party who had been unhorsed and wounded, slid off into a ditch, where he concealed himself until night, and got into the city next morning. Dickinson was chased by two lancers to the river, closed by, at which place he shot the foremost one, and then making his way to an Indian hut, concealed himself until next morning, when he started for and entered the city about 9 o’ clock.”

All the Americans in this affair were wounded, and one named John Kinsey is supposed to have been killed. Another men Wallbridge has written a letter back to Puebla from Atlixco. He had been ordered to Mexico. The rest of the party, not named, are supposed to be prisoners also, although there was a report that all had been shot. –The Star does not credit this report.

The following paragraph is extracted from a letter dated in Mexico on the 17^th instant:

“I observe in the ‘Star’ you sent me, that it is said that the American prisoners are kept in confinement here, which is not the case. They have been at liberty for a long time past, and saunter about the streets like other people. No one troubles them –I see Maj. Gaines and others daily. –The decree ordering the other Americans away was not extended to them, and as far as I can see has had very limited effect, for I observe the well known American residents knocking about as usual.”

We were told yesterday by a person who had advices from Mexico as late as the 20^th, that the American prisoners were in confinement in Santiago. It may be that our friend on the 17^th is not a strict observer of affairs, and that the reincarceration of our men was not known to him. It may even be that Major Gaines and Borland are at liberty, and none others.

We give this paragraph as we find it. The inference from it to our minds is that the prisoners were yet in Mexico as late as the 20^th ult. If this were so, the report brought here on Tuesday from Tampico is likely to be unfounded. We regret that we have no means of clearing up the doubt.

The Star reports that the Prefect of Puebla recently ran off to Atlixco, taking with him all the city funds. He published and address to the people, giving an explanation of his conduct.

By this arrival we have the result of Com. Perry’s second expedition against Tabasco. This time he was entirely successful. We have a letter from a gallant officer, enclosing to us a sketch of the river Tabasco from Devil’s Bend, so called, to the city, showing the landing and march of Com. Perry’s force, which consisted of eleven hundred seamen and marines and ten field pieces. An account of the expedition by an accomplished surgeon in the navy, which accompanied the map, has failed to reach us as yet. But the map almost tells the story. The town was taken on the 16^th of June. The expedition anchored in a very sharp turn of the river called the Devil’s bend, and was fired into from an ambuscade. A little higher up the landing of Com. Perry is marked upon the left or north bank of the river. The route from this point which the commodore pursued is traced on the map up to Fort Iturbide, which is a short distance below the city. The fort was manned by 200 regulars under Gen. Echagaray, commandant general of the State. The point is marked on the map where Bruno’s Civicos fired into the commodore’s steamer from an ambuscade this is below the Devil’s Turn. The next point of interest is the breast work where Lieut. May was wounded. So far our map tells us the story; the rest requires but few words: the forts which defend the town yielded to the guns of the fleet, before the land expedition could get into action. The enemy stood but one discharge of artillery. Lieut. May, it is said, had his harm broken and one other officer was wounded. A sufficient force was left behind to hold the town, and the commodore returned to the station off Anton Lizardo on the 29^th ult.

A rumor was current in Vera Cruz on the morning of the 1^st instant, that Gen. Scott had entered the city of Mexico, and that Gen. Pillow had been captured by the guerrilla parties. We know the former report to be false, and believe the latter to be. Our Vera Cruz correspondent put no faith in either story.

Our letters from Mr. Kendall were dispatched by him, by a special courier, and reached Vera Cruz the evening of the 1^st instant. We have a few Mexicans papers by the same conveyance.

We append two letters from Vera Cruz correspondent, for the local news contained in them, though not of the latest date.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c4 Vera Cruz

[Special Correspondence of the Picayune]

Vera Cruz, June 28, 1847.

I wish I had something in the shape of interesting news to communicate, but although I have seen letters one day later than has been forwarded to New Orleans, they contain nothing of interest.

The expedition which left here on Saturday to try to recover some goods captured from the train under Col. McIntosh, which were said to be near Santa Fe, as well as for other purposes, returned last night without effecting anything.

So many reports have been started and published concerning the health of the castle that I beg leave to furnish you with the following facts, which I have been kindly permitted to extract from the reports and journals kept there.

Since the capitulation of the city and castle of San Juan de Ulua, the latter has been garrisoned permanently by company G of the 1^st Infantry, under the command of Brevet Major Backus. The Phoenix company of Louisiana volunteers were on duty there for about two weeks, and there were also in the castle a number of American and Mexican prisoners undergoing sentence or awaiting trial, varying from ten to twenty.

The deaths at the castle from the commencement to the present time are as follows:

Month of April, Co. G, 1^st Infantry 2

Month of May, Co. G, 1^st Infantry 1

Month of May, Phoenix Co. 2

Month of May, Prisoners 3

Month of June, Prisoners 1

Total deaths 9.

There were also two or three prisoners carried to the city hospital for treatment who are said to have died at vomito, but there were but one or two of them who died at the castle which were pronounced vomito. Dr. Wickham was also carried to town and died several days after.

The proportion of sickness was greatest in the month of May, and least the 20^th June, when it was reduced to one man. The sick report yesterday called for eight, but seven of these were able to walk. The most common disease is diarrhea but in so trifling a form that it is easily stopped.

One death from vomito has occurred on board the Potomac, as I have been informed by an officer of the ship, but there is but little sickness on board.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c4 More from Vera Cruz

Vera Cruz, June 28, 1847

On Saturday last about 800 horses and mules escaped from the pen through either the carelessness of the man in charge, or, as some suppose, it may have been done intentionally, and although a considerable mounted force has been sent out to try and recover them, they returned last night without success. There is no doubt but that the guerrillas had a hand in it, and as soon as the horses and mules reached the point where they were prepared to receive them, they no doubt hurried them out of the reach of the party sent to recover them. The misfortune will be severely felt by the Quartermaster’s Department here, as these horses and mules were intended particularly for the transportation of the baggage and provisions of the troops which are daily arriving, and who may be detained for the want of them. There may be sufficient number left to despatch the troops now here, who will doubtless leave the latter part of the week, but for the others who are expected I fear that we shall have to look to New Orleans for the means of transportation, and in the meantime our poor soldiers will have to lie here subject to all diseases of the climate.

June 29^th. –Lieut. Merryfield, of Capt. Ford’s company of 3d Dragoons, committed suicide this morning, in Capt. Duperu’s tent, by blowing his brains out with a pistol. His appearance indicated a free use of opium, and it is generally supposed the he was laboring under its effects when he committed the horrid act.

The guerrillas have threatened a descent upon Tlacotalpan, and are said to be about 300 strong in the neighborhood.

Although there is a sufficient number of troops here to hold the city against an attack, there are not the means to keep in subjection the marauding parties which constantly hover about the city, and until we get about 300 Rangers here to scour the country daily, there will be no security for such Government property as it is impossible to keep within the wall of the city.

The vomito is rather on the decrease, which I think, is partially owing to the want of subjects of the city. The troops that have arrived are encamped three miles distant and few cases of yellow fever occur there, but those who are brought in with other complaints frequently turn into the vomito.

Yours, truly.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c4 From Puebla

[Editorial Correspondence of the Picayune.]

Puebla, Mexico, June 29, 1847.

The ever–varying, ever–changing kaleidoscope of Mexican politics, which but few days since presented a phase all red, sanguinary and belligerent, by the single turn which the rising and going down of the sun has given it, presents a new and most pacific aspect this morning. As another revolution of the machine may bring another change, and that within the tolling of a few short hours on the city clock, I shall wait until the last moment before I give you what may be termed the prospects of a peace.

Within the last two days some twelve or fifteen prisoners, Mexicans, who have been confined for different periods from one to ten or more years, have been liberated by Gen. Scott. That some of them have been guilty of gross and most heinous crimes there can be no doubt, but that they are any worse than those who incarcerated them is questionable. So long have some of them been confined, that even the original charges against them have been lost –one of them says that all he ever did against the law was to strike an officer for insulting his wife. It was a study to watch the faces of the poor devils as they were brought from their dens to be questioned as to their past delinquencies, and again to see their eager looks as they once more stepped forth free and saw the face of the blessed sun of which they have been so long deprived. Their families, too, hearing that they were to be liberated, crowded around the threshold of the prison; and the different groupings fromed a picture which will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The hair of one prisoner, although his face denoted that he had not even yet reached middle life, was perfectly white. Another prisoner, a Frenchman, was one of the most noble specimens of humanity I have ever seen. He had been incarcerated several years, charged with aiding in some robbery on the road, but had never been brought to trial.

Our latest paper form the capital are to the 22d inst., from Atlixco we have El Nacional of the 26^th. Santa Anna is striking boldly at the liberty of the press, and hence we are unable, through the papers, to come at the true state of affairs at the city of Mexico. Senor Sojo, the printer of the Bulletin of Democracy (Boletin de la Democracia) has been sent to Acapulco, whilst Senor Eufemio Romero, the principal writer of the la Calalvera, has been packed off to San Luis at a moment’s warning. Torres, the editor of El Monitor Republicano has been repeatedly threatened by the authorities with imprisonment, but notwithstanding these threats keeps up a constant fire at Santa Anna and his ministers. Why he, too, is not sent off, it is hard to say.

Ibarra has been appointed Minister of Foreign Relations, and Vicente Romero, of Justice. Both are said to be ultra Puros, and with little or no character. It is asserted that no honest man will take office under the present Government, and a dishonest one does not appear to retain it more than eighty–and–forty hours.

The Mexican papers continue to brag about the successes of the guerrillas between Vera Cruz and Jalapa. We shall know with what reason when the train comes up.

A letter from Mazatlan, dated June 2d, states that that neighborhood has been declared under martial law. The U.S. ship Independence sailed from Mazatlan on the 1^st instant, destination not intentioned, leaving Cyane only off the bar.

The only article I have seen in any of the Mexican journals, relating particularly to the action of the Congress on the question of peace, is the following in El Monitor Republicano of the 22inst. The editor says:

“A communication has been addressed to our Government form gen. Scott, at Puebla, in which the arrival there of a commissioner from the United States, fully empowered for the adjustment of a peace, is announced; but it has been sent to the Congress for that body to deliberate on so important affair. We think that a sufficient number of deputies will no assemble; and should this be the case, the absentees will appear in our columns, in order that the public being made acquainted with them may never return them again.”

This is the English of the entire article, but what the editor is driving at in the last clause it is difficult to make out. It may be that he threatens to expose the absent members because he wishes them to appear and vote against listening to any propositions of peace, and it may be exactly the reverse. He must be a shrewd observer who can tell from what a Mexican editor says one day what his feelings will be the next.

I wrote you a few days since, giving you a small specimen of the ravings of one the San Luis editors on the subject to coming to terms with the vile North American vandals. He said that his State would never listen to propositions of peace until gen. Scott was on his knees kissing the hands of Santa Anna, and Gen. Taylor was chained in one of the Gen. Valencia’s stables, but the man was evidently excited when he said all this. A wag of an officer at my side says that if they do chain old “Rough and Ready” in a stable, they will find him standing up to the rack. The writer form the same paper –El Estandarte de los Chinacates– handles Gen. Scott severely for his Jalapa proclamation. I shall endeavor to forward you the paper, with the hope that you may read and transfer his ravings for the benefit of those fond of tomahawking and scalping style.

We have a thousand and one conflicting rumors in relation to the upward bound train under Gens. Pillow and Cadwalader, and as many reports about the movements, who are said to be leagued in the attempt to cut it off. The train, maugre all the attempts of the Pintos, guerrillas and others, will be along in the course of a day or two.

Yours, G. W. K.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c4 More from Puebla

Puebla, Mexico, June 30, 1847

All the talk now is of peace, immediate peace, with the great Mexican nation, and those who talked but a short week since of revealing in the halls of the Montezumas, now appear to think they are just about as near the aforesaid halls as they ever will be. I hardly know what to think of the matter. The arrival of heavy reinforcements known to be on the way for Gen. Scott, combined with the loss of confidence the Mexicans leaders have in themselves and their followers, have turned their feelings to a degree, and the most belligerent among them may now really be in favor of coming to terms. Santa Anna himself, although he will be very far from starting the ball, will doubtless help to keep it in motion when it is once under way. His very salvation depends upon it. He knows that he will be defeated and lose all if he makes another stand; by making cat’s–paws of some of the members of Congress, and getting them to look with an eye of favor upon propositions of peace, he thinks he may be able to second their movement’s if everything looks favorable, and finally himself reap all the benefits that may grow out of it. What the propositions are that have been made to the Mexican Government few here know; but what with British interference, and the timidity of the Mexicans leaders, they have evidently been listened to.

Three days since and hardly a man in Gen. Scott’s army thought that there was a hope of coming to terms with the enemy; now, the tune has changed, and many of the officers are even talking of the chances of avoiding and escaping the vomito on their way home. With all the cry of peace, I am not one of those who think that our affairs with Mexico are yet settled. A great deal depends upon circumstances. Should the upper train, containing as is supposed a large sum of money, meet with a reverse, the Mexicans would be emboldened to offer fresh resistance; should Santa Anna find, on counting noses, that a majority are against him in any committee appointed by Congress, he will be found among the first to scoff at any idea of terms with the perfidious Yankees; should in fact, anything turn up out of which the Dictator may make capital himself, no matter whether for or against the best interests of his dearly beloved (?) country, he will embrace it for his own aggrandizement. He wants time, he wants to procrastinate, he wants to delay the approach of Gen. Scott upon the capital –in short, he wants to do anything which may aid and further his own ambitious schemes.

I might run on for hours with speculations as to the present condition and future prospect of this war with Mexico; but as it would all end in speculation, I shall close with a few remarks which may be taken for what they are worth. Santa Anna, tired of fighting the Americans, is anxious to make peace with them, although fearful of openly to avowing it. The military are anxious to see the war continued, as the only means by which they can support themselves; the leperos, the ragamuffins of the country, care but little, one way or the other, how affairs go, so that they can steal enough to supply themselves of blankets, chinguirite, and frijoles and tortillas sufficient to support life. The Indians care for nothing and they are the most numerous class. The priest –perhaps I should have placed them at the top of the list– are anxious to preserve their position and their riches. All these feelings and interest –after taking into consideration that all hate and despise us– you may mix up and then make out the chances for a peace.

I do not know that any one has reflected much upon this subject, but to me it seems that this thing of making peace is to be a more difficult matter than making war upon the Mexicans, and will be surrounded with greater perplexities. Texas has to be brought into question, other boundaries taken into consideration. California is to be a bone of contention, indemnifications and cost of war are to be called into account, and a thousand other matters will be found in the catalogue of stumbling blocks in the way of an amicable arrangement of the difficulties. The “three millions,” after Santa Anna has helped himself –for the must be thought of first will not go far, in way of salve or cordial for the many wounds under which poor Mexico is suffering, and there will be other provisos than Willmot’s for increasing the sum.

Let me conclude this hasty scrawl. The talk, as I said at the outset, is now of peace; but it will all end in Santa Anna’s advancement or his utter downfall. In all his diplomatic arrangements –whenever he has been allowed to argue his point –he has invariably a winner; at this game, so no how or other, he always turns every thing to his own advantage, or at least always has so far. How he will succeed in his present scheme remains to be seen, but he should, and probably will, be closely watched. A few days will bring us out of the doubt and uncertainty in which every thing is at present enveloped, and I shall make opportunities to keep you informed of every thing that transpires.

G. W. K.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c5 From Mexico City

From the City of Mexico

We have papers from the city of Mexico to the 22d of June, but not a perfect file. Santa Anna has again been tampering with the freedom of the press. One of his first acts upon resuming the reins of government on the 20^th of May was to abrogate the decree of Anaya shackling the press. The press enjoyed their freedom thus obtained nearly one month, On the 18^th of June Sr. Vicente G. Torres, the propietor of El Monitor Republicano, was summoned to the presence of Gen. Gutierrez and informed that President Santa Anna had ordered that he should be sent off at once to Acapulco if he continued the publication of such articles as had hitherto appeared in the Monitor in opposition to the Government. He was expressly forbidden to speak of the generals, to say any thing disrespectful of the army, or to discourage the war. Senor Torres replied in a very spirited manner to the governor, and his papers has not ceased its opposition to Santa Anna and his measures. The editors affect to believe that the verbal threat was merely intended to frighten to the proprietor.

A like message was communicated to the Republicano. Thereupon Senor Otero, who has been acting as editor of that able paper, in the absence of Senor Cumplido, at once withdrew from the paper. He refuses to write under the restrictions imposed upon him.

The editor of the Calavera, a satirical paper, was sent off by an order of the President to san Luis Potosi, and the paper discontinued by the proprietors. The editor of the Boletin de la Democracia, Senor Sojo, has been sent off to Acapulco. His paper was considered the organ of Gomez Farias. While such measures are taken to keep the press in subjection, our readers will not expect to derive much information from such papers as have reached us.

To test how far the laws will protect the citizens against the arbitrary edicts of Government, Senor Torres had determined to bring the acts of Gen. Gutierrez before the Supreme Court, and demand punishment upon him for his infractions of the constitutional rights of the citizens. This will probably lead to some yet more arbitrary act of the Government, and we shall perhaps hear that Torres has been packed off to some remote prison. He is accustomed to these things.

The papers contain accounts of the assaults of the guerrilla parties upon the trains from Vera Cruz. It was supposed that Gen. Alvarez would join Father Jarauta and continue to harrass the trains. Several communications are published from Governor Soto in which he assures the Government that he will take the promptest measures to cut off all communication between Vera Cruz and Jalapa. He says that guerrilla parties were rapidly collecting upon the route, and he contemplated taking possession of Jalapa. He announces in one of his letters that the American sick and wounded at Jalapa were all to be left their “entrusted to the generosity and humanity of Mexicans.” We believe, on the contrary, that all our sick and wounded were removed early to Perote. The impression is that the command of Gen. Cadwalader awaited at Perote the arrival of Gen. Pillow, but in regard to the movements of these generals we are let almost entirely in the dark.

An official statement is given in the Mexican papers of the forces under the orders of Gen. Taylor on the 2oth of May, with a minute account of the strength of each position from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Saltillo. The volunteers which have lately returned are included in this enumeration. The Mexicans were aware that they were to be disbanded and their places supplied by fresh troops.

The Monitor of the 22d ult. Says that our army at Puebla had lost from 250 to 300 men by sickness, death and desertion. It mentions, too, that four or five months’ pay was due to our troops, a and that in consequence of this the 6^th Infantry had refused on the 18^th ult. to turn out when ordered for drill. This all gammon, of course.

The American army is twitted with having boasted that they would spend the 4^th of July in the capital, while the truth is, say the Mexicans, that their reinforcements instead of reaching Puebla, have got stuck in the mud upon the route.

An opposition paper says that when Americans learned that Canalizo had been appointed to the command in the State of Puebla Gen. Scott was highly delighted; and that Worth and old Twiggs (thus irreverently are they named) declared that if these 8000 cavalry were under his command they were safer than in their own houses.

An official letter is published dated the 14^th June from Sna Juan de los Llanos announcing that an American train had been attacked above Cerro Gordo, and forty wagons were taken. This probably refers to the attack upon the trains under Col. McIntosh, which is often alluded to.

In Mr. Kendall’s letter allusion is made to a loan called for by Santa Anna. The decree referred to is dated the 17^th of June and imposes contribution of one million of dollars upon the Federal district, and the States and Territories not occupied by the enemy. The apportionment of the amount among the different States would not interest our readers. The contribution is to be enforced by the authorities of the different States, &c. respectively –no one to be compelled to pay over $2000, or less than $25. Ten days are allowed to apportion the contributions among individuals in the most equitable manner. Individuals are allowed just three days to pay their respective quotas; if they make default, they are condemned to pay twice the amount.

The entrance of Victor Romero into the ministry of Justice and Religious Affairs is scolded at by the Mexican papers. The Monitor Republicano pronounces it equivalent to another defeat by the enemy.

The pressure upon our time columns has been such that we have done little more than glance hastily at the Mexican papers before us. They do not, however, contain news of movement; yet we may recur to them another day.
[NO]

July 16, 1847, RW47v24n57p2c5 From Vera Cruz

From Vera Cruz Sun

Late and Important Intelligence form the city of Mexico.

Letters were received in this city, yesterday afternoon, bearing date Mexico, 15^th June, from which we gather the following intelligence:

The Presidential election did not take place as it was previously reported, and the Mexican Congress has adjourned after giving Gen. Santa Anna extraordinary powers, with the restriction that he shall not enter into negotiations for peace. Measures have been taken for the most vigorous defence of the capital. The election for President having been postponed until Sep. Next, General Santa Anna will act as such till then.

Gen. Lombardini, has been nominated General in–Chief of the Mexican army, which is gathering in the city of Mexico. It is very difficult to state the correct amount of the troops, the regiments not being all composed of the same number of men; some of them are only 150 strong.– One of the letters states that the forces in the city amounted to 20,000, and that they were daily increasing.

Gen. Alcorta has written a document recommending a plan of campaign in the guerrilla system: –marching 10,000 men to the rear of Gen. Scott, to cut off his supplies and preventing him from being reinforced; and with the remainder of the forces, attack his front. This plan is the favorite of the Mexican people, but Santa Anna is opposed to it, and intends giving the Americans another general battle. –(A Cerro Gordo affair.)

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p1c1 This War and Its Generals

[For the Whig.]

This War and its Generals

I do not propose, Messrs. Editors, to favor or to trouble you with a critique (as you might infer from my caption) upon a new work, lately announced, and which has no doubt been suggested by the success of Mr. Headley’s works, and of “Taylor and his Generals,” rather than by that of those Heroes of a day whose deeds are about to be commemorated, in the forthcoming work alluded to, styled “Polk and his Martials.”

However, inviting a theme, the martial renown of Generals Polk, Cushing and Pillow and “Lieutenant General” Benton may be, I must leave it to the Louisville Journal and the American Punch. Of these fourth worthies, only one has given any evidence of his merits, and this has involved him in a dispute, which, however decided, cannot but tarnish his laurels. I suppose that his abilities were not very erroneously described, when the Editor of the Louisville Journal said that Gen. Pillow was only a little softer than Gen. “Cushing.” The latter unfortunately has shewn his powers by breaking his own leg, instead of those of the enemy.

But to be serious: –What I wished to say was this, whatever animated version are made upon the Administration in reference to the Mexican war, however true and well–timed they ma be, are attributed to Federalism, Party spirit, and the like, and supposed to be adequately answered by the charge of “giving and comfort to the enemy.” But there is a voice that speaks not from the present aspect of our affairs, –that belongs to no party, –that utters only the warnings of the past for the guidance of the present –the voice of impartial History. To what can its lessons be ascribed, should they be found applicable to the existing condition of our affairs? We have been at war before, and events then have left their teachings behind them.

A few of these may be found in a work which lies before me, –written before the war of 1812, and having no reference to any immediate purpose to be subversive: It is Lec’s Memoirs of the Revolutionary War in the Southern Department of the U.S.,” –a work of considerable ability and great fairness and liberality.

“Little minds,” says the author, “always, in difficulty, resort to cunning, miscalling it wisdom: this quality seems to have been predominant in the Cabinet of Great Britain, and was alike conspicuous in its efforts to coerce and its proffers to conciliate.”

What quality predominated in our Cabinet, when the miserable cunning was resorted to letting Santa Anna into Mexico, in hopes that he would prove traitor to his country? Or what, in the proffers of conciliation to the Mexicans, in the various proclamations issued, and the proposal to seize all their church property? Or what, in the various arrangements for “conquering a peace” by force of arms? The field of discussion is wide and inviting, but I shall only briefly survey it.

But again, if Col. Lee had been announcing the appointments and promotions in our army, or describing the various efforts to put Thomas H. Benton over it and its veterans officers, or giving an account of the battle of Cerro Gordo, how could he have closed more appropriately than in the following language?

“Thus it is,” says he, “that the lives of brave men a re exposed, and the public interest sacrificed. Yet, notwithstanding such severe admonitions, rarely does the Government honor with its confidence the man whose merit is his sole tittle to preference: the weight of powerful connections, or the art of intriguing courtiers too often bear down unsupported though transcendant worth.”

And how often has this war changed its face? First, volunteers for six months –then, for twelve, and many ardent ones offended by a violation of the terms of their enlistment; now they are called for the whole war. This should have been done sooner. Here comes in the wise voice of the :Father of his Country;” and how forcibly has the immortal hero of Buena Vista, –as his troops have daily melted away from him, leaving him on the borders of Mexico’s sultry deserts with a handful of men –felt the truth of Washington’s sentiments and the strength of his apposite and original figure. Washington to George Mason of Va., October 22, 1781, says: “We must have a permanent force; not a force that is continually fluctuating, and sliding from us, as a pedestal of ice would leave a statue in a summer’s day; involving us in expense that baffles all calculation.” Such expense will be the sad result of this mismanaged war.

President Jefferson is the Political stock from which the modern Democratic Party claims to have descended. Yet, this Administration have set at nought one of his bets examples When Governor of Virginia, he adopted a system by which “Continental officers were substituted IN THE HIGHER COMMANDS, for those of the militia; which although not very well relished by those who retired, was highly grateful to the soldiers; who perceiving the (unintelligible) before them, rejoiced in being lead by tried and experienced men.” President Polk has not only disregarded the system of Mr. Jefferson, but reversed it –by which the soldiers are lead by untried and inexperienced civilians, suddenly elevated from merited mediocrity over the heads of scientific, experienced and able Generals. Should any thing take Gen. Scott now from his command, Gen. Pillow, late of the Tennessee militia, now under the serious imputations of Col. Haskell and others, would command the whole army in Mexico!! Far, far better had the door–keeper of the White House presided over the levees of the East room, or the merest pettifogger be Chief of Justice of the United States. Now, may doctors suddenly turn judges; carpenters, saddlers; and cabinet–makers, statesmen and philosophers!

Once more to history and I am done: –“When Presidents, Kings or Emperors confide armies to soldiers of common minds, they ought not to be surprised at the disasters which follow.” This observation, too, is called forth by a review of the carrier of such men as Gage, Howe and Clinton, –British Generals bred and inured to arms. It is true that few disasters have befallen our arms; but their splendid success have been achieved by those whom the Administration endeavored to supplant and dishonor.

May its unworthy favorites never have an opportunity of verifying the evils of a system which has called them to such responsible stations –a system so unjust, impolite and imbecile, that it requires no disasters to cover it with opprobrium.

SUUM CUIQUE.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 Arrival of McKim

[From the N.O Picayune, Extra, July 12 –A.M.J.]

Arrival of the Steamship McKim.

Later from Vera Cruz.

The steamship McKim arrived at this port on Sunday afternoon in charge of her first officer Capt. Pilsbury having died on that passage of yellow fever.

The McKim left Vera Cruz on the 3d inst. There had been nothing later received from the city of Mexico than was brought down the night of the 1^st inst. but fuller accounts had transpired at Vera Cruz than were received by the Alabama.

We have no further information of the March of Gen. Pillow. Had any disaster occurred to him, the news of it could scarcely have failed to reach Vera Cruz promptly. –Our letters makes no mention whatever of him or his command.

By this arrival we have files of papers from the city of Mexico to the 29^th ult. inclusive. In the Diario del Gobierno of the 26^th June appeared an important diplomatic correspondence. The first note is from the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Secretaries of Congress, referring to that body a communication from Mr. Buchanan, which announces Mr. Trist’s appointment. We learn that this letter was communicated to Santa Anna by or through the British Minister at Mexico Mr. Banhead, who has exerted himself to bring about negotiation for peace between the two nations.

Mr. Buchanan’s letter is dated April 15^th. It acknowledges the receipt of the Mexican Minister’s letter of the 22d February, declining to accede to our proposition to send commissioners to Jalapa, Havana or other point before the blockade of the Mexican ports should be raised and the Mexican territory evacuated by our troops.

Mr. Buchanan writes that the President holds such a condition absolutely inadmissible –neither demanded by national honor nor sanctioned by the practice of the nations. –He urges that such a preliminary condition would render war interminable, especially between contiguous nations, unless by the complete submission of one of the belligerents.

He shows how puerile a course it would be for a nation which had scarified men and money to gain a foothold in a enemy country, to abandon all the advantages it had won and withdraw its forces in order to induce negotiations, without any certainty or security that peace would ensue from such negotiations.

He then cites the case of our last war with Great Britain, to show that we never considered for a moment that our nation required us to insist upon the withdrawal of British troops before consenting to treat for peace. We sent commissioners to Ghent when portions of our territory were in the possession of British troops; and it was notorious that while negotiations were going on at Ghent, hostilities were carried on upon both sides with unwonted vigor; the most memorable action of the war taking pace after negotiations had been concluded. Such a preliminary condition to negotiation cannot be cited in modern times; at least Mr. Buchanan knows of none.

He then exposes the unusual conduct of Mexico under another aspect. The President, in his desire to avoid the war, had sent a minister to negotiate peace. Even after the war was commenced, by the attack of the Mexican troops upon Gen. Taylor, the President had retired propositions with a view of opening negotiations which should put an end to hostilities. He had declared to the world that he would exact no conditions that were not honorable to both parties; and yet the Mexican Government had refused to receive the minister sent to her, and after refusing to accede to the opening of negotiations, Mexico had never made known upon what basis she would consent to a settlement of the differences between the two Republics. –There will never be a termination of hostilities, Mr. Buchanan proceeds, if Mexico continues to [refuse to] listen to the overtures which have been proffered, and which tend to the establishment of peace.

The President will not, therefore, make further overtures for the opening of negotiations until he has reason to believe that such will be accepted by the Mexican Government; but nevertheless such is his desire for peace, that the evils of the war shall not be prolonged one day later thyan the Mexican Government makes it absolutely necessary. Accordingly, to carry his determination into effect, he had sent in the quality of Commissioner, to the head quarters of the army of Mexico, Mr. N.P. Trist, First Clerk in the Sate Department, with full power to conclude a definite treaty of peace with the United Mexican States. Mr. Trist is recommended as possessing the full confidence of the President, and worthy of that of the Mexican Government.

In conclusion, Mr. Buchanan forbears from commenting upon the closing passages of the last letter from the Mexican Minister, lest it should give to his present note a less conciliatory character than he desires for it. He recurs with pleasure to another passage in the same letter wherein is expressed the pain with which the Mexican Government has seen altered the cordial friendship which it had cultivated with this Republic, the continued advancement of which it had always admired, and whose institutions had served as a model of its own. Such sentiments, continues Mr. Buchanan, the President deeply feels; his strongest desires as prevails with us, may protect and secure the liberty of their citizens, and maintain an elevated position among the nations of the earth.

Such is an outline of Mr. Buchanan’s letter of April 15^th. We have not translated it, as the original will no doubt at once be made public. There is no indication in it of the basis upon which Mr. Trist is authorized to conclude a treaty.

This letter the Mexican Minister acknowledges on the 22d of April, saying that the President had instructed him to reply that the whole subject matter of it had been expressly reserved by the Sovereign Congress of the nation for its own control, and that the letter would be at once transmitted to it for its action.

We learn by the Mexican papers that Congress was at once convened to take the matter into consideration, but up to the 29^th of June no quorum had been procured.

By a letter from a source entitled to great respect, we further learn that Gen. Scott gave the Mexican Government till the 30^th ult. to act upon the letter, when, if nothing should be done he would march in.

The best opinion in Mexico, in our judgment, we have had an opportunity to learn by this arrival. That opinion gives but poor encouragement for peace, but does not entirely despair. Other gentlemen, with very ample opportunities for judging, write from the city of Mexico, that there is no hope of a settlement of the difficulties; that the Mexicans have not yet been sufficiently whipped; and that Gen. Scott will have to reach the city of Mexico. None of the letters we have seen mention any thing about the number or position of Mexicans troops.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 General Order

From the Sun of Ananuac of the 2d inst., we copy the following order issued by Col. Perry upon returning to the mouth of the river from his Tabasco expedition:

General Order –No.3.

U.S. Flag Ship Mississippi. Off Tabasco River, June 25, 1847.

The commander in chief, in returning to his ship from the expedition undertaken to capture and occupy the city of Tabasco, seizes upon the earliest moment to offer his warmest thanks to the officers, seamen and marines composing the force engaged in the attack for the gratifying proofs of zeal and courage manifested by them on the occasion.

Notwithstanding the extensive and judicious arrangements made by the Mexicans for defence, they exhibited little gallantry in maintaining their well chose position.

M.C. Perry, Commanding Home Squadron.

The commodore arrived at Anton Lizardo on the 30^th June, with the squadron.

We have no time to make use of our Mexican files, the mail closing at so early an hour.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 Arrival of steamship

Arrival of the Steamship James L. Day

Later from the Brazos.

The steamer James L. Day, Capt. Wood, arrived this morning from Brazos Santiago. By her we have received the Matamoros Flag of the 7^th inst. The news is without importance.

The steamboat Enterprize has been sunk in the Rio Grande, fifteen miles above Reynosa. Boat a total loss.

Capt. Dunlap’s company of mounted men from Illinois had arrived at Matamoros, the men in fine health and the horses in tolerable condition.

McCulloch’s company has returned from Camargo to Matamoros. We copy the following from the Flag:

From the Interior of the State. –Mr. Holliday, a gentleman well known in this city, returned on Tuesday evening last from a journey into the interior sixty miles beyond San Fernando. The object of his journey was to purchase mules for Government, which was frustrated on account of an irregular competition in the same business by the band of Carabajal, who were spread over the country taking forcible possession of all the mules and horses fit for service. The alcades of several different villages beyond San Fernando advised Mr. Holliday not to prosecute his journey further, assuring him that would be impossible to obtain mules, and he was running a great risk of being killed or made prisoner. He was informed that a part of Urrea’s forces was in Victoria, and that the mules and horses which were being collected by the Mexican were intended for a force which was raising and was to rendezvous at Victoria for the purpose of making a descent upon Tampico. This he learned from many different sources, and he believes that an attack on that post is intended, the weakness of the garrison there strongly favoring such a design.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 News from Tampico

[From The N.O. Times]

Tampico.

The brig Harriet, Capt. Brovn, arrived here on Saturday, from Tampico, the 29^th ult., but brought no news.

The rainy season had set in at Tampico, but the health of the troops was satisfactory. Not a single case of yellow fever had occurred since the commencement of the occupation.

Papers from the capital had reached Tampico to the 19^th ult, but they contain little of importance, except the reiteration of the forced contribution of a million of dollars, and stirring appeals on the part of the journalist, to the patriotism of the people, in view of the anticipated advance of Gen. Scott from Puebla.

Mrs. De Russy, the wife of Col. De Russy, and his two sons, had arrived there; also Nrs. Daily, the wife of Lt. Daily, of the Lousiana volunteers. There was to be a grande fete on the 4^th inst, Capt. C.S. Hunt, being appointed orator of the day.

Col. Gates, on the 25^th ult, issued an order prohibiting the importation of spirituous liquors.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c4 New from Vera Cruz

Vera Cruz

By the arrival of the steamship M’Kim, Capt. Pillsbury, from Vera Cruz, the 3d instant; via Brazos; the 6^th inst., we have accounts from both places up to respective dates of departure. No news had yet arrived from the interior since the receipt of the last advices; consequently nothing has transpired, in relation to the expected on ward movement of Gen. Scott’s army.

We regret to announce the death of Capt. Pillsbury, of the M’kim, who caught the yellow fever at Vera Cruz, and died on the 7^th instant, at sea. Capt. P was a son of the Hon. Timothy Pillsbury, a member of Congress form the State of Texas.

Left at Vera Cruz aon the 3d, the brig. Velasco, Capt. Bell, up for this port, about the 8^th inst.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p4c2 California

Our Territory of California.

We have late accounts from our new territory of California, both from the North and the South. What has become of Com. Stockton we are not apprized, al the letter and papers being wholly silent in regard to that distinguished gentleman. Between Com. Schubrick, his successor, and Gen. Kearny there seems to be perfect harmony, the latter officer being nor the Governor of the territory, as will more fully appear by the following proclamation:

To the People of California.

The president of the United States having developed upon the undersigned the civil government of California, he enters upon the discharge of his duties with an ardent desire to promote as far as the interest of the country and well being of its inhabitants.

The undersigned is instructed by the President to respect and protect the religious institutions of California, to take care that the religious rights of its inhabitants are secured in the most ample manner, since the Constitution of the United States allows every individual the privilege of worshipping his Creator in whatever manner his conscience may dictate.

The undersigned is also instructed to protect the persons and property of the quiet and peaceable inhabitants of the country, against each and every enemy, whether foreign or domestic; and now, assuring the Californians that his inclinations no less that his duty demand the fulfillment of these instructions, he invites them to use their best efforts to preserve order and tranquility, to promote harmony and concord, and to maintain the authority and the efficacy of the laws.

It is the desire and intention of the United States to procure to California as speedily as possible a free Government like that of their own territories, and they will very soon invite their inhabitants to exercise the rights of free citizens in the choice of their own representatives, who may enact such laws as they deem best adapted to their interests and well being. But until this takes place, the laws actually in existence, which are not repugnant to the Constitution of the United Sates, will continue in force until they are revoked by competent authority; and persons in the exercise of public employments will for the present remain in them, provided they swear to maintain the said Constitution and faithfully to discharge their duties.

The undersigned by these present absolves all the inhabitants of California of any further allegiance to the Republic of Mexico, and regards them as citizens of the United States. Those who remain quite and peaceable will be respected and protected in their rights; but should any one take up arms against the Government of this territory, or join such as do so, or instigate others to do so –all these he will regard as enemies, and they will be treated as such.

When Mexico involved the United states in war the latter had no time to invite the Californians to join their standard as friends, but found themselves compelled to take possession of the county to prevent its falling into the hands of some European power. In doing this there is no doubt that some excesses, some authorized acts were committed by persons in the service of the United States, and that in consequence some of the inhabitants have sustained losses in property. These losses shall be duly investigated, and those who are entitled to indemnification shall receive it.

For many years California has suffered great domestic convulsions; from civil wars, like poisoned fountains, have flowed calamity and pestilence over this beautiful region. These fountains are now dried up; the stars, and stripes now float over California, and as long as the sun shall shed its light they will continue to wave over her, and over the natives of the country, and over those who shall seek a domicil in her bosom, and under the protection of this flag agriculture must advance, and the arts and sciences will flourish like seed in a rich and fertile soil.

Americans and Californians! From henceforth one people. Let us them indulge one desire, one hope, let that be for the peace and tranquility of our country. Let us unite like brothers and mutually strive for the improvement and advancement of this our beautiful country, which with a short period cannot fail to be not only beautiful, but also prosperous and happy.

Given at Monterrey, capital of California, this 1^st day of March, of the year of our Lord 1847, and of the Independence of the United Sates the 71^st.

S.W. Kearny, Brig. Gen. U.S.A. and Governor of California.

There can be no doubt, from the language of this document, that Mr. Polk considers California already annexed, even without a joint resolution, which was deemed to be a decent regard for the forms of the Constitution when Texas was made a member of the Confederacy. “I am the State,” says the modern Louis; and really when one reads the accounts from our new regions –how Governors are made and Legislatures organized– and whole communities of foreigners absolved from allegiance to their own Government, and manufactured into citizens of the United States –he may, without any tax upon his imagination, well conceive that an absolute Sovereign is on the throne, that Congress exists by his mere sufferance, and the People are entitled to no voice in the decision of questions affecting the national weal! “If such things are done in the green tree, what may we not expect in the dry?”

In Pursuance of the plans of Mr. Polk, we perceive that elections are going on in California for members of the Territorial Legislature, which was about to assemble at Monterrey. We are “going ahead” rapidly to the consummation of our “manifest destiny.” But what it is to be, requires a prophetic vision to foretell.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 From San Francisco

We copy the following letter from the N.Y. Journal of Commerce:

Harbor of San Francisco,

On board U.U. transport ship T.H. Perkins,

March 7, 1847.

We arrived at this port yesterday, in 160 days from New York. Before we had dropped anchor, a boat from the U.S. ship Cyane came with despatches from Gen. Kearny fro Col. Stevenson, ordering him, with his whole regiment down to Monterrey, about 80 or 90 miles from this by sea.

The captain having asked a most exorbitant price to carry us, an express was immediately sent to general, and we shall be obliged to wait here until a despatch comes, ordering the captain to proceed at once. The captain is an obstinate man, and is “out” with every one of our officers on board. We expect trouble from him, and an officer from the slopp–of–war will no doubt be sent down in command.

Gen. Kearny has been here three months, and has settled everything that we expected to do. Col. S. is a mere cypher, therefore; a governor having been sent out, who is here now.

We are all sorry for not having remained in New York and gone with the regiments direct for Mexico; for after the glorious news from our army in that quarter, we have no doubt that sine of the regiments were ordered thither.

This vessel is the only one yet arrived, but we expect the others here every minute.

This is a magnificent harbor, about 60 to 70 miles to the farther end.

The town of Yerba Buena is small, only about 500 inhabitants. Our flag flies on shore, and there are six American vessels in port. In fact there are no others.

Col. Fremont has had a difficulty with the officers and men under his command. Seven captains and lieutenants resigned in one day! We could fill a column or two, if we had space to spare, with curious extracts from the California papers, but we are compelled to limit our selection to–day to the subjoined paragraphs from the Buena Yerba Star:

Jan. 23.–We noticed on the morning of the 19^th instant, in the streets, ice nearly a quarter of an inch thick, the first that we have seen this season. It is said by those who have lived in the country several years that this is an unusually cold season. Our friends on the Atlantic coast in lat. 38º N, who are in snow to their knees for three months in the year will probably find difficult to account for this great difference in the temperature of the climate of the two oceans.

The Russian brig. Constantine, from Sitka, arrived on the morning of the 16^th inst. She was 17 days out; ten days at the mouth of the bay, being prevented by unfavorable winds from getting in. She brought nothing but stone as ballast.

General Kearny has arrived there from Monterrey, where he spent a few days examining that point, with a view to the erection of permanent fortifications. He came up here in the U.S. sloop of war Cyane.

We received no important news from below, since the publication of our last number. At the last accounts Col. Cook, with five hundred United States dragoons, was encamped between San Diego and the town of the Angels. Col. Fremont had not left for Monterrey.

The Star of the 27^th says: –We learn from a gentleman who just arrived from the South, that all was quiet in that part of the country. There had been no indications of a disposition on the part of the Californians to renew hostilities since the treaty made with them by Col. J. C. Fremont. Col. Fremont was still acting as civil Governor.

February 27 –Gen. Kearny sailed from this port in the U.S. frigate Savannah, Capt. Mervine, on Tuesday last, for Monterrey, where it is understood, in conjunction with Com. Shubrick, he will immediately commence the important work of organizing a civil government for California.–Shubrick and General Kearny are, we understand, full in this point, and invest them with plenary powers to carry into effect the intentions of the Government.

The precise form of Government that will be established in California, and the mode by which it will be put in operation, until Congress shall have the necessary time and information to take charge of the subject, we do not suppose has yet been determined upon. This, we presume, has been left altogether to the discretion of the gentleman above named, who doubtless will be governed by what they shall deem most practicable, and most conducive to the general prosperity in the present crisis, after full and through observation and mature reflection.
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c3 General Scott

General Scott

The New Orleans Bulletin gives the following estimate of the Gen. Scott’s strength, when all the troops now on their march to join him, shall have reached this camp:

At Puebla, about 7,000 men; Col. Childs, from Jalapa, 1,400; Gen. Cadwallader’s column 1,400; Gen. Pillow 1,800; Gen. Pierce’s 2,500; making together 14,100.

Will the Union tell us what has become of the remainder of the 20,000 troops, which, it proved, by statistics from the War Department, would be under Gen. Scott’s command on the 1^st. of July?
[NO]

July 20, 1847, RW47v24n58p2c4 Johan Botts

Letter of Johan Botts

To the Whig Committee of Philadelphia. Richmond, June 26, 1847.

Gentlemen: –I have received your letter inviting me to a Whig festival to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in celebration of the anniversary of American Independence.

I regret that a prior engagement on that day will deprive me of the gratification I should derive from an association with my Whig friends and brethren of Philadelphia on so interesting an occasion.

In your letter you say –“It is the duty of every true hearted Whig to unite with his brethren, on every proper opportunity, in a laudable effort, to harmonize, and impart union and strength to the general movement, and thus to secure an ultimate triumph, calculated to promote the national prosperity, and give harmony to our free institutions.”

It certainly is proper, and desirable, that on all suitable occasions, the member of a political party, having common interests at stake, common objects in view, and a common country to serve and save, should meet and confer together as to the most judicious mode of accomplish their common purposes –and as I could not be present to enjoy your society, and participate in your festivities, and interchange views, I have thought it might not be out of place or altogether unacceptable, if I were to commit to paper some views that may not have struck the minds of all our friends, in the same light, or with the same force that they have struck mine.

If the anniversary of the American Independence is a day for thanksgiving and rejoicing, it is also a day for sober and solemn reflection and the first subject that naturally presents itself to the mind, is our present condition as contrasted with that on the day, the anniversary of which you are just about to celebrate.

Happy would it be, if, in drawing this contrast, we could confine ourselves to wonderful advancement in population; extent of territorial space, (legitimately acquired,) power, greatness, improvement in science and art –in short in all that tends to make a people at once great, prosperous, and free: in all this, we have much to excite our admiration and our pride; but in other respects, how painful to the patriot’s mind, and how the good man’s heart grows sick, as he contemplates the change; when he reflects upon the mass of rottenness and corruption that has slyly crept into every branch and ramification of our government “until increase of appetite has grown by what it fed on,” and now “the spoils of office” are used only as the sure reward of fealty to power in all its profligacy: when we look upon the degeneracy of our Politicians, who barter principles for spoils, and exchange their country’s interests and blessings for honors and wages, how the apprehension is excited, for the ultimate fate of the Republic, which can only be preserved, in the spirit it was conceived, by harmony and concession, high and dignified morality, pure and lofty virtue, sublime and unadulterated patriotism.

On the fourth of July, 1776, our fathers like us of the fourth day of July 1847, were surrounded with difficulties and troubles –and were involved in all the horrors of war: but theirs was a war demanded, and openly declared, by the voice of the people, a war for the establishment of the Independence, for the protection and preservation of great national inalienable rights, a war for a nation’s deliverance, and a people’s freedom; but how is it with the war in which we are engaged?

We have made a war made without the knowledge or sanction of the people, the responsibility for which no one will assume, and every one is anxious to shift from his own shoulders to those of his neighbor; a war, the conception of which is veiled in mystery and darkness; its progress only tolerated and reconciled by the unexampled success that has attended our arms; the object of which is left to fancy and speculation, and the end of which no man can foresee; a war instigated and provoked, from a meretricious lust of conquest, and acquisition of our neighbor’s goods, by men spoiled and besotted with place and power, that nature never designed them to fill or wield. And when we, the conservative party of the country, and its constitution, propose to enquire the cause of the war, we are stigmatized as “federal Mexican Whigs” as “allies of Mexico,” and “moral traitors to our country, giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” and none are patriots and statesmen worthy to trust, but those who bow to the immaculate purity and infallible wisdom of Mr. Polk, the dispenser of power, and patronage, and spoils.

For one, whether a traitor or no traitor, whether in favor at court or out of it, as a friend of my country who never was yet muzzled, nor feared the frowns nor courted the smiles of men in power –I venture to lay down two political axiom as incontrovertible, and such as will by adopted by the whole nation, if they desire or deserve to be free. The first is, that this country ought not to be engaged in any war that can’t stand the test of scrutiny and investigation –and the second is, that it can’t be engaged in any war that ought not to be fully and searchingly enquired into, and fully understood by those who have to fight the battles and pay the cost, and whose national honor is at stake “in doing unto others, as you would do others should do unto you,” –and I might add a third, that no man and no party, that were honest, upright, and innocent, conscious of the rectitude of their own conduct, and the integrity of their purpose, would labor under the awful and dainning responsibility of having heedlessly and wantonly brought such a calamity upon the country, but would court and demand such an inquiry and investigation, as would wipe the bloody and damned stain from their guiltless hands. But how is it with Mr. Polk who stands charged with this terrible crime? –does he come forward like an innocent man and invite his country men into an examination of his conduct? –does he court enquiry? Does he demand a hearing? –does he claim a fair trial and a just verdict? No! but like the guilty man who was arraigned at the bar, and who was assured by the Judge that he should have a fair trial and full justice, at once replied –“May it please your Honor, that is the last favor I have ask of the court.”

Starting events have transpired with such fearful rapidity within the last twelve months –one daring encroachment has followed so quick upon the heels of another, that our people seem upon each occasion to forget the first in wild and almost bewildered contemplation of the last.

Gen. Taylor and the American army have been ordered by the President to the banks of the Rio Grande, (which brought on the war;) but whether he transcended his authority, and whether this was Mexican territory, then, and at all times in their possession, invaded by the U. States, or whether it was American territory invaded by Mexico, must not be enquired into, for the Mexican will hear us, and we will prolong the war by “giving aid and comfort to the enemy” in whose halls HE promised to reveal in three months from its commencement. True, he withheld the information form Congress and the people, that he had done an act that he knew must lead to conflict until two bloody battles had been fought, and it was necessary to call for men and money to prosecute a war that he had provoked and brought upon the people –true, he was determined that his friend, Mr. Slidell, should be received by the obstinate and presumptuous Republic of Mexico, in the character in which it had pleased him to send him, (of full Minister,) although he had been notified, that, with due regard to the national honor, he could only be received in the more humble character of commissioner:–True, he sent Santa Anna back to the Mexicans, to head their armies and encourage their men, to give battle to our brave people, whose bones are mouldering in the charnel houses, and whose blood has made rich the barren plain of Mexico: True, he has dismembered the Mexican Empire, instructed his subordinates in command to declare by proclamation the provinces of California and New Mexico a part of this great Republic, to administer the oath of allegiance to their people and make them citizens of the United States: True, he has established civil governments, appointed Governors, Judges, Attorneys, and Legislative Councils; an if an insolent Mexican dares to raise his hand or voice in favor of his native land, or his own countrymen, the summary process has been adopted of trying him by a drum head court martial, and hanging him by the neck as a traitor and rebel: True, he has enacted laws for Mexico, and is now collecting customs, under tariff regulations, suggested by the wisdom of his profound financier, and free trade Secretary, Sir Robert Walker, as being better qualified for the discharge of that “high duty” (the only high duty he favors being those he exercise himself) than a Federal Mexican Whig Congress. We have seen a proclamation recently issued by the Commander–in–chief in Mexico, as explained by his organ, the Union, makes it manifest that it was under instructions from the seat of the Government, in which it is set forth that the war was the consequence of a design on the part of European Governments to destroy the Republic of Mexico and establish a monarchy on its ruins –which not only contradicts all his former declarations relative to the origin of the war, but convicts him of having committed a most egregious and unpardonable blunder, (if he was determined to have a finger in the pie, on his own authority and responsibility,) of taking the wrong side of the question by fighting against Republican Institutions instead of for them.

What has been his course in regard to the conduct of the war? In the first place we have seen him withhold the command of our gallant army, from the accomplished General–in–chief, who was entitled to claim it, and who did claim it, and he conferred it upon another, then almost unknown to the country –and no sooner did he find that gallant and invincible old soldier performing deeds of valor and achieving victories with vastly inferior numbers and under disadvantages, that exited the wonder and admiration of the world, than he attempted supersede and disgrace him by the appointment of a Lieutenant General from political life, in the ranks of his own party without experience and without skill –thus jeopardizing the honor of the nation and the safe of the army. Finding now, there was more perhaps to apprehend from the rapidly increasing popularity of Taylor than there was at first from Scott, and that he had jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, he endeavored to get back from the fire into the pan, by sending Scott to the field, and stripping Taylor of his command, and leaving him in the heart of the enemy’s country with only 4000 men, to meet and conquer 20,000 under a general of his own selection. On the other hand, what have we seen of Scott? He reaches Vera Cruz, bombards the city, takes it, with the almost impregnable Castle of San Juan –marches on toward the Capital, exhibiting the highest military skill, performing prodigies of valor, overcoming all difficulties, surmounting all obstacles, achieving a victory at Cerro Gordo that vies in brilliancy with that at Buena Vista; and now not knowing which is the hottest place for him –the fire or the pan– in order to get rid of both he send off some thing of a Lieutenant General in the person of a clerk of the Department of State to watch over, if not control, the movements of Scott and his gallant band. Has his course not justified the suspicion that the brilliancy of our arms in Mexico has mortified and chagrined him, from an apprehension that the benefits of the war were not likely to enure to him and his political friends? We have seen him too tampering, and sporting with the honor and character of the Nation, by proclaiming that there was more virtue in Mexican dollars than in American powder and lead, and it was more desirable and manly to buy, than “conquer a peace,” and he gave assurance that with an appropriation of $3,000,000 to be placed at his disposal for secret purposes, peace should be restored; which could only be effected by a system of bribery for which every American check should blush; (for with the “indemnity” he claimed, there could be no need for purchase of territory;) and yet for all this high pretensions are set up for his disinterested patriotism, and for the pre–eminent ability with which he has conducted the war; and as if acknowledgements of his greatness did not pour in with abundance (unintelligible).

All this is true, but if we complain, or propose an enquiry into his conduct, if we do not speak “with of (unintelligible), if we discredit his infallibility, we are admonished that we shall be held us traitors to our country for “giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” and we shall be denounced, and stigmatized by Executive sanction and endorsement, as “Mexican Allies” and “Federal Mexican Whigs.”

Is not the recital of, and reflection upon, these high fantastic tricks enough, I ask, to pain to the patriot’s mind, and make the good’s man heart grow sick? And yet we are told, that the only remedy is to be found in the ballot box; and that impeachment is a dead letter of the law. Possibly it may be so, but if it be, and the Whig party shall adopt that creed, farewell I say to free institutions; farewell to limited powers; farewell to written constitution; for our president is a sovereign, with powers absolute and unlimited. What more is left for him to do, that he may not do, with impunity?

If the question should be asked, in any promiscuous, though well informed company, “For what are the two Republics of North America waging deadly war the one against the other? How various would be the answers! How speculative the conjectures! How unascertained the fact! And this is the matter of no small consequence to us, that we are at war, and we know not for what –that we have already spent upwards of one hundred millions, and accomplished nothing but military renown; that we have sacrificed ten thousand lives, and are still kept in ignorance of the objects of the war, and the terms of the peace.

Let me ask –How can this war be brought to a close by this administration, or the party which sustains and justifies its position? The position taken by Mr. Polk and his party is, that he cannot bring the war to a close with honor, that he cannot negotiate for peace, without claiming and obtaining indemnity for the expenses of the war; that is to say, we may not look for peace unless be gets Mexican territory (and a pretty large slice too, I should think, if he should make a fair trade, and get land enough to compensate for all expenses incurred.)

If a man claims property in possession, and undertakes by force to put me off, and instead of that I putt him off, and follow him, and trash him to his heart’s content, and my own satisfaction –do I sacrifice my personal honor by returning him the world over, and beat him until there is no more of him left than there was of the Kilkenny cats? Yet such seems to be the view of our ruling men, who are fearful their patriotism or courage may be suspected unless they swallow the whole Mexican family at a gulp: it is a false notion of honor, and ought not to be endured.

I beg pardon for the length of this letter (which almost deters me from sending it,) and in offering you the following sentiment, as connected with the foregoing remarks, I beg to assure you of my high consideration and respect.

Johan M. Botts.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p1c3 American prisoners in Mexico

American Prisoners in Mexico. Probable Advance of Gen. Scott.

We have at last direct accounts from the American prisoners in Mexico, which enable us to clear up the contradictory rumors we have had in relation to them. Letters were received here yesterday from Maj. Gaines by his brother A. L. Gaines, dated in the city of Mexico, the 26^th of June, with the use of which we have been favored. It appears from them that the rank and file of the prisoners have been released and sent to Tampico. These were doubtless the individuals at Huejutla, as mentioned in our last. The officers had not been released on the 26^th of June. We give the greater part of Maj. Gaines’s letters, which, it will be seen, throw great light on Gen. Scott’s movements as well as upon the fate of the American prisoners.

City of Mexico, June 26, 1847.

Dear Sir –I am very sorry that I have it not in my power to advise you of our release from bondage. This execrable Government in violation of repeated promises and a solemn engagement entered into with Gen. Taylor the day after the battle of Buena Vista, still retains us as prisoners of war.

On the 3d inst. I received a note from the Government to present myself at the Castle of Santiago, our late prison, and there receive the final determination of the authorities in our case. At the Castle we were informed that we were exchanged, and that we should depart the next day for Tampico –the officers only, without the men– and were directed to go the place, receive our instructions, expense money, &c, &c, preparatory to our departure. At the palace we were told to call the next day, and on the next day we were informed that they were without means to send us and that we could not go. This disappointment was the more galling because the reason assigned was known to be a mere subterfuge, and it turned out that four days afterwards our men, one hundred and seventy in number, were sent off to the same place without our knowledge, which required a much larger sum than it would have required to send the officers. By sending off the men without our knowledge, they were subjected to great suffering and inconvenience on a long road to Tampico, without the preparation necessary in the way of clothing, shoes, &c, which more then in fact being furnished them. The true reason why officers were not allowed to accompany them remains to be seen.

Since that time (the 4^th) I have heard nothing from this infernal Government, if Government it may be called, but to–day I have received an assurance from Gen. Scott that immediately upon his arrival in the vicinity of the city, which will surely be within twelve days, be will make a peremptory demand for us. IT WILL BE COMPLIED WITH, AS I THINK. You may therefore look for me early in August.

Gen. Scott we are assured has made every possible effort to procure our enlargement, but to no purpose. His approach to this city will certainly take place in a very few days. His measures preparatory to moving are all taken, and preparations nearly complete. He comes with a force sufficient to accomplish his object eventually.

I have received no letters from the States except one from A. K. since my captivity, so that the world as to me may be said to be hermetically sealed up. [Here follows passages of a nature altogether private and domestic, and the letter concludes as follows.]

I have now the most positive information of Gen. Scott’s readiness to move on this capital within the next three or four days. He will have an easy conquest.

Your affectionate brother. JNO. P. Gaines.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p1c4 State Department and Mexican Government

[From the Washington Union]

Correspondence between the Secretary of the State and the Mexican government, relative to the mission of Mr. Trist.

An extra of the Republicano of Mexico, of the 28^th of June, has been received at the Department of State, containing copies of two notes from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, dated the 2d of June last. We presented here translations of the two notes first mentioned, together with a copy the original of Mr. Buchanan’s letter; all of which (unintelligible) be read with interest in every part of the country.

Department of Internal and Foreign Relations.

God and Liberty –Mexico, June, 22, 1847.

Most excellents Sirs: by order of his excellency, the President ad interim of the republic, as resolved in a council of ministers, I have the (unintelligible) to place in the hand of your excellencies, that you may submit it to the sovereign Congress, at its first meeting, a copy of the official note, addressed by the Secretary of the State of the United States to this government, under date of the 15^th of April last, in which he declares that the President of that republic intends to dispatch, as a commissioner, to the headquarters of the army operating in Mexico, Nicholas P. Trist, with full powers to conclude a definitive treaty of peace with the Mexican United States.

I likewise transmit to your Excellencies, for communication to the sovereign Congress, a copy of the answer which the most excellent President resolved, in a council of ministers, to have made to the above–mentioned note; his excellency feeling assured that the august assembly, to which is reserved the determination on the affair to which the present communication relates, will despatch it with the promptness and wisdom to be expected from its patriotism and its distinguished enlightenment.

Domingo Ibarra.

[copy]

To his Excellency the Minister of Foreign Relations of the Mexican Republic.

Department of State, Washington, April 15, 1847.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note, of the 22d February last, in answer to mine of the 18^th January, proposing, on the part of the President of the United States, immediately to “dispatch either to Havana or Jalapa, as the Mexican government may prefer, one or more of our most distinguished citizens, as commissioners, clothed with full powers to conclude a treaty of peace with similar commissioners on the part of Mexicans, as soon as he shall be officially informed that the Mexican government will appoint such commissioners.”

The President deeply regrets the refusal of the Mexican government to accede to this friendly overture, unless the raising of the blockade of our (the Mexican) ports, and the complete evacuation of the territory of the republic by the invading forces, shall be previously accepted as a preliminary conditions.”

The President has instructed me to inform you that this “preliminary condition” is wholly inadmissible. Such a condition is neither required by the honor, nor sanctioned by the practice of nations. If it were, this would tend to prolong wars, especially between conterminous countries, until the one or the other power was entirely subdued. No nation which, at the expenditure of blood and treasure, has invaded its enemy territory could ever consent to withdraw its forces, as a preliminary condition to the opening of negotiations for peace. This would be at once to abandon all the advantages it had obtained in the prosecution of the war, without any certainty that peace would result from the sacrifice. Nay, more: should such a negotiation prove unsuccessful, the nation which had thus imprudently withdrawn its forces from the enemy’s territory, might not be able to recover, without a cost of blood and treasure equal to that first expended, the advantageous position which it had voluntarily abandoned.

Fortunately for the cause of peace and humanity, the history of nations at war affords no sanction to such a preliminary condition. The United States are as jealous of their national honor as any power on the face of the earth; and yet it never entered into the contemplation of the great statesman who administered our government during the period of our last war with Great Britain, to insist that the later should relinquish that part of our territory of which she was in actual possession before they would consent to open negotiations for peace. On the contrary, they took the initiative, and appointed commissioners to treat for peace, whilst portions of our country were held by the enemy; and it is a remarkable fact, that the treaty of Ghent was concluded by the plenipotentiaries of the two power whilst the war was ranging on both sides; and the most memorable of the conflicts to which it gave rise took place upon our own soil after the negotiators had happily terminated their labors. History is full of such examples. Indeed, so far as the undersigned is aware, there is not to be found, at least in modern times, a single case, except the present, in which it has been considered a necessary preliminary that an invading army should be withdrawn before negotiations for peace could commence between the parties of the war.

It would, also, be difficult to find a precedent for the course pursued by the Mexican government in another particular. The president, anxious to avoid the war now existing, sent a minister of peace to Mexico for this purpose. After the Mexican forces had stacked the army of Gen. Taylor on this side of the Rio Grande, and thus commenced the war, the President, actuated by the same pacific spirit, made repeated overtures to the government of Mexico to negotiate for its termination; and although he has, from the beginning, solemnly declared before the world that he desired no terms but such as were just and honorable to both parties, yet the Mexican government, by refusing to receive our minister in the first place, and afterwards by not acceding to our overtures to open negotiations of peace, has never afforded to this government even the opportunity of making known the terms on which we would be willing to settle all questions in dispute between the two republics. The war can never end whilst Mexico refuses even to hear the proposals which we have always been ready to make for peace.

For the purpose of carrying this determination into effect with the least possible delay, he will forth with send to the headquarters of the army, in Mexico, Nicholas P. Trist, esq. The officer next in rank to the undersigned in our Department of Foreign Affairs, as commissioner invested with full powers to conclude a definitive treaty of peace with the United Mexican States. This gentleman possesses the entire confidence of the President, and is eminently worthy of that of the Mexican government.

This feeling is most cordially reciprocated by the President, whose earnest desire it is that the United States, under institutions similar to our own, may protect and secure the liberty of their people, and maintain an elevated standing among the nations of the earth.

James Buchanan.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p2c1 Buchanan and Mexican minister

The Correspondence

The attention of our readers will be attracted by the correspondence between Mr. Buchanan and the Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations. No satisfactory inference can be drawn from the language of the Mexican Minister, in regard to the final determination of the Government; the Executive of Mexico, even in the midst of a war of invasion, the exigencies of which might well warrant its assumption of extraordinary if not Dictatorial powers, absolutely paying more deference to the will of Congress, than the President of the United States is in the habit of exhibiting towards the Representatives of the American people; for, in the first place, he made war without consulting them, and ha has since prosecuted it in a manner which evinces an utter contempt for the constitutional functions of the Legislative department, some of the most important of which he has daringly usurped. We hope, however, that this effort to renew negotiations may be successful, and that it may result in the speedy restoration of peace, on terms satisfactory and honorable to both nations –for only such a peace can be a permanent one.

The correspondence furnishes no means of ascertaining the terms which Mr. Trist has been instructed to propose to Mexico, and upon the nature of which, of course, will materially depend her willingness to terminate the war. It is obvious, however, that the prospects of a speedy termination of hostilities is not very flattering –for, judging from the temper heretofore displayed by the Administration, and from the tone of its Organ, it may very reasonably be apprehended that its demands will be characterized by any thing but moderation.

The Secretary of State dwells with peculiar self–complacency upon the pacific dispositions exhibited by our Government in its unsuccessful efforts to induce the Mexican authorities to renew diplomatic intercourse, with a view to the restoration of peace. If this would be true, there would be immeasurable degradation, instead of generous magnanimity, in the pertinacity with which we have urged her to terminate the war. If she were the guilty aggressor, she ought to be compelled herself to sue for peace, instead of being so often asked to make it. The statement of the Secretary is contradicted by all the facts in the case, as well as by repeated official averments, which must be false if this be true.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p2c1 An Unwritten Constitution

The Duke of Wellington is said to have remarked, on one occasion, that “there can be no such thing as a little war” –and, judged by the effects of national collisions up on the morals and the liberties of any people, the remark may be deemed axiomatic. When a war with Mexico was only apprehended as a possible event, it was likewise spoken of as a mere bagatelle, which would end in a blaze of glory, by the triumph of our arms, after a single brief and brilliant campaign, to be consummated by the occupation of the magnificent capital of the Aztecs, almost without fire a gun. But the stubborn resistance we have every where met with, and, the immense loss of life, and expenditure of money that have already attended our efforts to “conquer a peace” which ought never to have been interrupted, have dispelled an illusion as remarkable as it was universal. While no one doubts any more now than at first, that, however long the contest may be (unintelligible), it must eventuate in the complete overthrow of the enemy and his submission to such terms of peace as the conqueror may dictate, it is already apparent, that, terminate as speedily as it may, it will not have been “a little war,” whether we regard its immediate results or its remote consequences.

To some of the results and consequences of this war, we have therefore occasionally adverted; but, perhaps among them all there is not one of more sinister aspect and import than the frequency and the boldness with which the Federal Constitution has been violated, by acts of usurpation on the part of the Executive. Infractions of the written Constitution, to which we allude, are clearly pointed out, and the gradual growth of an unwritten Constitution, like that of Great Britain, made up of precedents, is shown to be progressively superseding it. No one doubts –and very few did– the expediency of the purchase of Louisiana from France; but, on the other hand, no one, we believe, at the time of its acquisition, doubted that it was an unconstitutional act. Florida was never afterwards brought into the Union by a similar exercise of an ungranted power; and these cases were subsequently referred to as justifying the annexation of Texas by a wholly different process, as the three will hereafter be relied on to authorize the acquisition by conquest of California and such other portions of Mexico as may be ceded to us by that Republic. A new power has thus unquestionably been engrafted upon the Constitution, by the precedent established in the acquisition of Louisiana. Mr Polk has enlarged the powers of the Executive department of the Government, under dangerous and delusive plea of “necessity” and, if the acts of his Administration in this regard shall be acquiesced in by other departments of the Government and by the people, they too will be thereafter quoted as precedents for similar outrages, and our written Constitution will be entirely superseded in several of its vital features.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p2c2 War or Peace

(no title)

The Washington correspondent of the New York Courier & Enquirer, who professes to have access to sources of authentic information not open to others, makes the following revelations, which, if they be true, are not without interest:

Washington, July 17, 1847.

We must now be on the eve of the most important intelligence from Mexico; and the problem will soon be solved whether we are to have war or peace. My own opinion, formed upon the latest intelligence from Puebla, is still that it will be peace. It is quite certain there is a large party, even in the present Congress of Mexico, in favor of peace. Notwithstanding all that has been said to the contrary, the mediation of Great Britain for peace has not been rejected by the Congress of Mexico, neither has it, as yet been accepted.

The terms proposed by Mr. Trist have not yet been rejected by the Congress of Mexico at the latest dates from the Capital. If they are rejected, or their acceptance delayed, Gen Scott will advance and take the city. But, if, on the other hand, as is extremely probable, these terms should be accepted and the treaty ratified at once by the Congress of Mexico, Gen. Scott, in that event, will not advance beyond Puebla, but will await orders from the Government immediately after the battle of Cerro Gordo, we should have had peace long before this period.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p2c3 Spy in Washington

The Spy in Washington.

[From the N.O Picayune, July 15.]

Arrival of the Steamship Galveston.

One day Later from Vera Cruz.

The steamship Galveston, Capt. Haviland, arrived yesterday from Vera Cruz touching at Tampico and the Brazos. She left Vera Cruz at 2 o’clock on the afternoon of the 8^th inst., Tampico on the afternoon of the 10^th, and Brazos, Santiago on the evening of the 11^th. She arrived at the S. W. Pass on the night of the 13^th, having made a very fine run.

The Galveston brought no later news direct from the army of Gen. Scott, for there had been no further arrival of couriers at Vera Cruz. We learn nothing more of the march of Gen. Pillow, and remain still in the dark as to his position. The Palmetto left Vera Cruz shortly after the Galveston and arrived at Tampico on the 10^th. She may shortly be expected, and possibly may bring later news.

From Tampico we have some verbal intelligence, not without interest. The American prisoners had not arrived there, but were at a place about forty leagues distant –probably Huejutla. On the 8^th inst. Col. DeRussy, of the Louisiana regiment, left Tampico, at the head of about two hundred men, intending to proceed to the relief of the prisoners. He took with him a small force of the regular artillery, a portion of his own regiment and some of the mounted men of Tampico – serviceable description of force raised in the town. It is more than probable that the colonel will have a brush with the enemy before he gets back. There are said to be pretty strong parties of guerrillas on the route to be followed.

Our accounts of the health of Tampico, and especially at the Louisiana regiment, are more favorable. The number of the men on the sick list has rapidly decreased, but the remaining cases are somewhat more severe. They are mostly cases of intermittent fever; a few cases of bilious fever have occurred, some of them terminating fatally. –There is very little yellow fever in the town and the cases have been confined to the civil hospital. The fevers which prevail are becoming more malignant as the season advances.

From a file of the Sun of Anahuac, published at Vera Cruz, we have a few items of intelligence. The night of the 7^th inst. a fight occurred in Vera Cruz between two Mexicans, in which one stabbed the other so severely that he died instantly. No names are given.

Capt. Mayo of the Navy and Governor of Alvarado having received intelligence that Father Jarauta was in the vicinity and designed to surprise and take Alvarado, went off in pursuit of him at the the head of one hundred and fifty men, proceeding up the river. At last dates the expedition had not returned to Alvarado, nor had any account been received from it.

The editor of the Sun of Anahuac has seen the Republicano of the 28^th June, containing Mr. Buchanan’s letter, with which we are all familiar, and the pretended proceedings of an American council of war. Upon the information thus derived the editor founds an article which we give below.

From the Sun of Anahuac of the 8^th inst.

What course will Gen. Scott pursue? – The late intelligence we have received from Mexico of the correspondence between Mr. Buchanan and the Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, treating of peace, has, it seems to us, altered the course which General Scott was to pursue.

We have deferred our remarks until now, because we were afraid to be hasty in our speculations.

It seems most likely to us that Gen Scott will not advance any further until he receives orders from Washington to do so. But will the cabinet at Washington give this order? We doubt it very much because it would throw more difficulties in the way of negotiation.

It must have struck the mind of everyone who has read the correspondence above alluded to, that the tone of the Mexican Government has altered very much, if we should judge from the few lines addressed to Mr. Buchanan by the Mexican Premier in answer to his propositions of peace. –We do not see, in his letter, any of that arrogance which in every instance before has characterized the Mexican diplomatic correspondence – but on the contrary a pretty polite, thought short answer, in which he says that he declines answering to the arguments of Mr. Buchanan, until Congress, to whom he refers the matter and who have solely the power to decide, shall have acted upon them. In a note which he addresses to Congress, he presses them to take immediate action upon them.

But in the meantime what is Gen. Scott to do? Will he take up his line of march for the capital while there are hopes entertained of peace? This is not at all probable. We therefore come to the conclusion that he will not make a step forward until all hopes for concluding a treaty of peace is lost.
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p2c3 Council of War

Council of War in Gen. Scott’s Camp.

Order to March upon Mexico –March Countermanded –Santa Anna’s Preparations –the Column of Honor –Letter from Gen. Taylor –the Republicano upon Mexican victories, &c., &c.

By the way of Tampico, we yesterday received a copy of El Republicano, from the city of Mexico, of the 30^th June; also the number of the 28^th, which was missing from our previous file. Both papers contain matters of great interest.

A postscript in the paper of the 28^th contains a report of the proceedings of a council of war said to have been held in Gen. Scott’s camp on Thursday, the 24^th, the business of which vastly determine whether or not to advance upon the capital. One General, whose name is not given, is said to have argued that it would be imprudent, nay, an act of madness to advance upon the city with less than twenty thousand men; that upon the supposition that every thing should work favorably for them, it was evident that they could no enter to the capital without resistance; and that supposing in their different engagements they should lose half of their force or more, they would be left with some four thousand men, with which number it was extremely hazardous to attempt to hold so populous city.

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

The American force at the time of this council was set down by the Mexicans at eight thousand five hundred men, thirty pieces of artillery and one mortar.

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

The council above spoken of was held on the 25^th. It is not alluded to in the Star of Puebla of the 26^th or in Mr. Kendall’s letters which came down to the 13^th. Yet the facts are said to be derived for a responsible source and they look plausible –Gen. Worth’s opinions particularly so. The Republicano of the 29^th says nothing about the subject, but in that paper of the 30^th is another postscript to which is prefixed in large letters “Very Important.” This postscript mentions the receipt of letters announcing the debarkation of one 1800 men at Vera Cruz from Tampico, who had marched immediately for Puebla. The letters further say that General Scott had already ordered the march of the first brigade consisting of fifteen hundred troops with ten guns and a mortar, towards the city of Mexico, when he learned that the train was detained at Nopalucan (forty–two miles this side of Puebla) that he thereupon countermanded the march upon Mexico, and despatched a force to the assistance of the train coming up. The letters then speak of the review of the troops which took place on the 26^th. The number of the troops is again set down at 8,500 men without including those who occupy the fortifications of San Juan Loreto &c. But the most important paragraph is that Gen. Scott with probably postpone his march upon the city until the 10^th July, to allow this reinforcements to come up. We give this very pieces of news as we find them, but the reader will constantly bear in mind that our advices direct from Puebla are later than those by the city of Mexico.

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

We see an order of Santa Anna issued on the 29^th, admitting provisions of various kinds into the city free of duty. This is two last only as long as martial law prevails.

Another order has been issued modifying a previous one directing the closing of shops every afternoon. They are now to be closed only on Thursdays. They object of closing the shops was to compel every body to turn out for military drill.

On the 28^th Gen. Santa Anna issued trough the Secretary of War a brief stringent decree to this effect: –“The army of the enemy being upon the eve of moving upon this capital with a view to attack the same and the moment having arrived to act boldly, energetically and uniformly, to repel our common enemy in a manner decisive and happy for our arms, it is decreed that, martial law having been declared, it shall be strictly enforced, and that no one authority whatever shall be recognised then that of the general in command of the army of the East. This General is Lombardini. The decree is followed up by another greatly restricting the intercourse between the city and the country, and pointing out who may go and come. The details would be uninteresting here.

The Republicano urges the formation of a body of troops under the name of Columna de Honor – something like the Legion of Honor – in which officers of all grades not actually on duty in defence of the city shall serve as private soldiers. Quite an eloquent article is devoted to the support of this subject, but Santa Anna will look with the jealous eye upon every suggestion coming from this quarter.

The Republicano blames the Government for not communicating at once with Mr. Trist, without referring the subject matter of Mr. Buchanan’s letter to Congress. However, it concludes its article by trusting that the Executive as well as the Congress will show themselves “extremely difficult” in relation to peace, and not consent to one unless the conclusion of it should protect in every particular the honor, the good name and the interests of the nation. We regard this as a concession on the part of the Republicano and of good omen for peace.

We hear not a word of the American officers, prisoners in Mexico. We fear their hopes of liberation are to be again for some days deferred.

The papers contain accounts of several outrages committed by Americans in Puebla. We do not believe a word of them. Some of the [unintelligible] are utterly preposterous.

One paper pretends that Gen. Scott is driven to make a desperate attempt upon the capital by the scantiness of his resources and the discontent of the volunteers! Mexicans are not unprepared for him, it adds.

We have the decree of Santa Anna, by which he endeavors to prevent the introduction into the country of goods entered at ports in our [unintelligible]. It declares such goods forfeited. We have not room for the [unintelligible] today.

Our readers may recollect that some time since our correspondent at Saltillo informed us of a great excitement occasioned there by the arrival of two Mexican officers from San Luis with despatches for Gen. Taylor. They were supposed to be propositions for peace, but turned out to be solemn enquiries whether it was the general’s intention “to conduct the war according to the manner adopted by the Camanches.” The wrath of Gen. Taylor at this preposterous insolence of the Mexicans was described as ludicrous, but we have never seen his reply till now. In the Mexican papers lately received the whole correspondence is in Spanish. The letter to Gen. Taylor was from Gen. Mora y Villamil, and dated the 10^th May. The letter is long and we have no idea of translating it, and the impudence of it was not a whit exaggerated by our correspondent. The nature of it will be sufficiently disclosed by Gen. Taylor’s reply, which we translate although we feel what injustice his terse and elegant style will sufer by the double translation. The letter is said to be dated.

[Letter omitted]
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p4c1 Origin of the War

The Mobile Advertiser informs us that Mr. John T. Taylor, the Locofoco candidate for Congress in that District, in his speeches before the people, endeavors to relieve Mr. Polk from all responsibility for the origin of the existing War, not by adopting Mr. Polk’s own declaration that the first aggressive movement was made by Mexico herself – which, if it were true, would destroy the force of his own labored argument to show that we were justified in waging it by the unredressed injuries and insults to which his less patriotic predecessors in the presidency so meekly submitted – but by throwing it upon the shoulders of Mr. Calhoun and Gen. Taylor! We are aware that Mr. Benton last winter, setting aside the antagonist and suicidal position previously assumed by Mr. Polk – first, that Mexico began the war, and secondly, that the United States Government stood justified before the world, by the unatoned–for catalogue of Mexican outrages, for seeking redress by the sword – endeavored to hold Mr. Calhoun responsible for the interruption of pacific relations, by tracing the war to the unwise precipitancy with which that gentleman sought to effect the annexation of Texas, and to the unstatesman–like manner in which that event was finally consummated. But, what had General Taylor to do with Mr. Calhoun’s actions upon that question? We can not imagine by what fact Mr. Polk can in any manner identify General Taylor with the origin of the war, unless it be by ascribing it to his march from the Nueces to the Rio Grande – and for that movement assuredly Mr. Calhoun was in no manner responsible, either in advising or in executing. It is evident, indeed, that Gen. Taylor himself has no share in this responsibility. The Administration, which gave him the order to move, must be held entirely and exclusively accountable for the movement and all its consequences. If left to his own judgment, Gen. T. would never have crossed, in a “spirit of conquest,” the “natural boundary” between the Anglo–Saxon and the Mauritanian races, pointed out by the sagacious chairman of the Committee of Foreign Relations, Mr. Ch. J. Ingersoll, at least until an attempt had been made to adjust by negotiation the question of territorial jurisdiction between the two countries. He would have been as forbearing towards Mexico as we were towards Great Britain in ascertaining the boundary between the possessions of the two countries in Oregon. Gen. Taylor would not have consented to browbeat and trample upon the weak, after he had succumbed to “a foul man worthy of our steel.”

We believe that there are yet facts to be revealed, which will demonstrate the truth of these accusations beyond the shadow of a doubt. No one will hesitate to concur with him in the declaration that “the war was unnecessary even to accomplish the most grasping views of the administration relative to Mexican territory.” The National calls the special attention to the Union to its question, as it says there is not more behind them than the Union can know if it will examine all the papers of the Secretary of State relative to our relations with Mexico, received at Washington, just before the battles of the 8^th and 9^th of May, 1846.”

SERIOUS QUESTIONS FOR MR. BUCHANAN TO ANSWER.

1^st. Were you not, as well as Mr. Polk, informed by letters, that if Gen. Taylor moved his forces, and took a position opposite Matamoros, a collision would take place?

2d. Were you not shown the correspondence of Gen’l Arista with a gentleman of high standing in the United States, one who had filled an important diplomatic office in Mexico, in which Gen. Arista stated that the Government of the United States could get by treaty or purchase to the line of the Rio Grande?

3d. Were you not shown a note of Gen. Arista’s in which he stated that if the Government of the United States acquired title by purchase or treaty to the Rio Grande, the provinces of Tamaulipas, St. Leon, and Zacatecas would unite themselves with Texas, and come into the Confederacy of the United States! Is not the letter alluded to above, on file in your department?

4^th. Were you not informed by an express direct from the camp of Gen. Arista, that the Government of Mexico would receive a Commissioner to settle the boundary question, but would not receive a Minister, and was not Mr. Slidell sent off on his useless errand after you received the express from Arista’s camp?

5^th. Did you not have several private interviews in Washington, with the gentleman who sent the express from Arista’s camp, in which you thanked him in behalf of the United States, for the services he had rendered the government, and did you not, as well as Mr. Polk, entirely approve of his views?

6^th. Did you not, at a Cabinet Council, lay before the members the whole correspondence, and did you not conclude with Hon. R. J. Walker, and other members that the time for aggressive measures on the part of the United States had arrived: and did not the Hon. R. J. Walker, at that meeting, propose a plan to subjugate Mexico with a standing army of 5000 men?

7^th. Have you not been urged by men in and out of power, to produce the letters alluded to above to relieve you of the charge of acting with duplicity towards Mr. Polk, and of pretending ignorance of the facts contained in the correspondence we have called for?
[NO]

July 23, 1847, RW47v24n59p4c3 Important from Mexico

[From the N.O. Picayune, July 13]

Important from the city of Mexico.

Our files of papers from the city of Mexico, by the way of Vera Cruz, come down to the 29^th of June.

A summons for Congress to assemble we find in almost every paper we open. We presume it is summoned to take into consideration Mr. Buchanan’s letter announcing Mr. Trist appointment. It is certain that no quorum had been assembled up to the 29^th ult. The Republicano publishes daily the list of members present and absent. They have several times come very near a quorum and there is doubtless a sufficient number of members in the city to form one.

On the 26^th ult. rumors which the Republicano calls “very alarming” were in circulation in the capital. It was said that Mexican Government had acceded to the mediation of England; that the terms agreed upon between them would be the surrender of the Californians to the Americans, the recognition of the independence of Texas, and the acknowledge of the line 36˚ as the northern boundary between the United States and Mexico. (This line would give Santa Fe and over a third of New Mexico to the United States.) The Republicano has no faith in these rumors. The existence of these rumors confirms the information we derived from a distinct source in Vera Cruz that Mr. Buchanan’s letter was transmitted through the English embassy.

The Independiente of San Louis Potosi announces the arrival there of fifty commissions from the Minister of War for officers who distinguished themselves at Angostura –our Buena Vista. These commissions are promotions to advanced grades.

The Republicano demands of Santa Anna the release of Gen. Arista from the fortress of Acapulco. He is sharply censured for sending him there without any trial.

On the 14^th June, Santa Anna issued a decree of indemnity for all political offences of whatever kind up to that date. All in confinement for such offences were ordered to be at once released.

The Republicano gives the result of the election for President made on the 15^th May. The 81^st article of the constitution provides that to make an election valid, three–fourths of the States entitled to vote must vote. As there were 23 States entitled to vote at the election, and only 15 votes were cast, being less than Three–fourths, the election has failed.

Our limits constrain us to break off here, but without having exhausted at all the contents of the paper we have received.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p1c3 Americans leave Puebla

Mexico –In the Curier Des Etats Unis of Thursday last is published a letter from the city of Mexico of the 20^th ult., written, as the editors states, “by a wholly disinterested spectator,” and therefore entitled to full belief.

Mexico, 29^th June, 1847.

We are upon the point of seeing the Americans enter this city; they were to leave Puebla yesterday, according to some to–day according to others. Preparations are making to give them a warm reception; in the interior of the city the Alameda and Paseo have been fortified. I think those gentlemen will have occasion to regret not having availed themselves immediately of the stupefaction produced by the victory of Cerro Gordo, and the entry into Puebla.

It is said that Gen. Scott has not more than 8000 men. We have twice that number here and if the last advantage be obtained over him, be sure that more than 30,000 guerrillas will be ready to cut off the retreat of the Americans, who are represented as a bounding in gold.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p2c2 Latest from New Orleans

From the South

We have no later tidings from Gen. Scott’s army, intelligence from which in now looked for with intense interest and anxiety.

The last New Orleans Times insists upon the truth of the rumor to which it gave currency some days ago, to the effect that the Mexican Government had peremptorily rejected the proposals for peace recently made to them through Mr. Trist, and that Gen, Scott was on his march to the city of Mexico. We doubt is true, however.

The New Orleans Mercury of the evening of the 17^th inst. has a letter from Mr. Chase, our former consul at Tampico, written on the 11^th, in which it is stated that “on the 30^th ult. Gen. Scott was within nine miles of the city of Mexico, and I presume has planted his flag there ere this.” But the Picayune of the 18^th thinks there must be some error in this statement. Gen. Scott it says, was unquestionably at Puebla on the 30^th ult., awaiting the arrival of Generals Cadwallader and Pillow.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p2c2 Interesting speculations.

In the absence of news from the seat of the war, we copy the following letter from the Washington correspondent of the New York Courier and Enquirer, who claims to be behind the scenes, and who seems certainly to speak by the card.

[Correspondence of the Courier and Enquirer]

Washington, Thursday morning, July 22, 1847.

You will ere this have had time to reflect upon Mr. Buchanan’s desptach of the 15^th April, containing full authority to Mr. Trist to conclude a definitive treaty of peace. Mr. Trist having such full authority to conclude a definitive treaty of peace, must have had, as I told you, that definite treaty with him, which I now again aver that he then had and now has; and that this treaty embraced California, subsequently extended to Lower California also, and in addition the Isthmus, or at least a perfect right of way over the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

What sum was to be given to Mexico I do not know; but I do know that Gen. Scott and the Mexican Government, and the British Minister were appraised that Mr. Trist was authorized to pay down the three million appropriation in cash upon the ratification by the Government of Mexico of the treaty which he took with him; and if the treaty is ratified by that government, that sum will be paid at once to it, by Mr. Trist, without waiting for its ratification by the Senate of the United States.

I think some further sum also, beyond the three millions, was to be paid, if essential to secure a peace; but of this I do not speak with certainty; but as to the three millions I do. We are all waiting here in anxious suspense the next arrival from Mexico, which certainly ought to bring decisive intelligence whether Mr. Trist’s terms will be accepted by Mexico. If they are not positively accepted, the present determination of Gen. Scott is to move on forthwith and take the city; for which purpose, with the reinforcements which have now joined him, he will probably have a force not exceeding eleven thousand effective men.

Gen. Scott himself, and the military men who are with him, are of opinion there will be no serious difficulty in taking the city. Gen. Scott was of the opinion that the best plan was for him to have moved immediately on, after breaking up the garrison at Jalapa and take the city, as a preliminary to the offer of any definitive terms of peace. Mr. Trist was of a different opinion and actually sent on his despatch at that critical moment, not through Gen. Scott, but through an attache to the British legation of Mexico.

It is certain that the British Minister is exerting himself to the utmost to induce the government of Mexico to accede to our proffered terms of peace, and that he has hopes of success even before the capture of the city, although he regards the prospect as better when the city shall have been taken, especially if there shall be another battle in which Santa Anna will be disgracefully beaten, and probably seek shelter by becoming a voluntary prisoner of General Scott. Under all the circumstances it is difficult to form any decided opinion whether the Government of Mexico will or will not accept these terms; but if rejected now, the capture of the City, and another defeat of Santa Anna, will in my judgment ensure a pacification. It is quite possible, however, that even when this shall be accomplished, Gen. Scott and his army may still be required to spend some short time in Mexico to prevent another of those political revolutions which is as much one of the staple productions of Mexico as the lava of their volcanoes.

There is one of my previous statements which I wish you to bear in mind, if there should now be further delay in accepting the terms offered by Mr. Trist, and that is this, which the papers and events, whenever laid before Congress, will clearly show, that if Mr. Trist, instead of waiting until the 22d of June, had sent on his despatch to the Mexican government shortly the battle of Cerro Gordo and before the return of Santa Anna to the city of Mexico, the treaty of peace would ere now have been ratified by that government.

The Spy in Washington.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p4c2 Volunteers in Mexico

The Staunton Spectator of the 22 d inst. says:

We have received a letter from the editor, dated at Buena Vista on the 15^th ult. in which states that there was a good deal of sickness in his company. His report of that morning told a melancholy tale –twenty–nine on the sick list, and but two officers, seven non–commissioned officers and thirty–one men fit for duty. He refrains to mentioning the names of the sick –thinking it probable that many of them will recover in a short time –to avoid giving undue alarm or uneasiness to their friends.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p4c3 Escape of Eight American Prisoners

The schr Home, Capt. Kinney, arrived here yesterday morning from Tampico, bringing over eight of the American prisoners who have been so long and so unjustly detained in Mexico. The names of these men are A W Holeman, W P DeNormandie, Wm Funk, Jno Thomas, John A Scott, S Cockrill, John Swigert and Wm Russell.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p4c3 Gleaning from Mexico Papers

We passed some hours yesterday in examining a file of Mexicans papers extending through the month of June. We found the labor fruitless, but we gleaned from them a variety of miscellaneous matter which we proceed to lay before our readers.

The Diario del Gobierno finds a text in that part of Mr. Marcy’s intercepted despatched which encourages Gen. Scott to foment domestic dissensions and promise aid and protection to disaffected States when the war terminates. –From this text it denounces our Government as treacherous; declares that any peace with it must be eternal infamy, and concludes by declaring that Mexico can never be tranquil, until the nation of Yankees disappears from the face of the earth. This is terrible, but it is so written in the Mexican papers.

In reasoning upon the project for a Dictatorship, which some honest men among the Mexicans have supposed might be the most efficacious remedy for the anarchy existing in their country, and might concentrate the whole power of the nation, the Republicano takes strong grounds against it. The Republicano opposes the Dictatorship as unnecessary, in consideration of the immense power which the Government is already invested by a law of Congress, passed on the 20^th ef April last, which powers have been constructed with the utmost latitude.

In reading the Mexican papers it is very clear that the different States have ceased to anticipate a prolonged resistance on the part of the capital to the American arms. –in view of the speedy fall of the city they are congratulating themselves upon the wisdom of the Federal system. The federal system, they reason, has created new centers of action, and even if the capital succumbs the States, each one for itself, will resist the ascendancy of the American arms and refuse to recognize a treaty which may be forced upon the Central Government.

Out of views of this nature has grown a Coalition among the States of Jalisco, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Mexico, Queretaro, and Aguascalientes –the later claiming to be a State, though not so recognized by the constitution of 1824.

This Coalition has been thought worthy of several able denunciatory articles in the Republicano, although in the principle end it has in view –the prevention of peace with the United States– it has had the Republicano for an ally. This is but one piece of evidence we could present of the hostility of the different States to a peace, even should the Central Government enter into a treaty with us.
[NO]

July 27, 1847, RW47v24n60p4c4 From Mexico City

[From the N.O Bulletin, July16.]

From the City of Mexico.

By the papers from the capital to the 30^th June, received via Tampico, by the Galveston, we learn that though there was a quorum of the members of Congress actually in the city, they had not yet been able to get them together. It would, therefore, appear, that the report was not correct, that Congress had declined to treat for peace under the recent letter of Mr. Buchanan.

The probability is, that such will be the result so soon as they can get a quorum together, but up to the 30^th ult. no action whatever had taken place on the subject. It was stated there were 86 members in the city, and that 71 was a quorum.

The force with Alvarez was said to be 5 to 6000 men. The same paper states that the force in the capital amounts to 23,000 men, and boasts that if Gen. Scott attempts to enter the city with his 8,500, they should be destroy his army with stones, witout using their arms!!!

They seem to forget that Gen. Scott has a battering and mortar train with him, that can knock down their city, without rendering it necessary to enter at all.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p1c3 Latest from Army of Taylor

Arrival of the Steamship Jas. L. Day

Later from the Army of General Taylor.

The steamship James L. day, Capt. Woods, arrived at a late hour last night from the Brazos. We are indebted to Capt. Wood for the prompt deliver of papers.

We learn that the schr Equiv, bound out from the mouth of the Rio Grande for New Orleans with a cargo of hides, grounded on the bar, where the remained thumping for two days.

Papers from San Luis Potosi to the 6^th inst. have been received by the Mexicans at Matamoros. It was reported that Gen. Scott had marched from Puebla and then countermarched, upon learning the resistance to be offered him twenty–five miles from the capital. [We have no faith in news thus half disclosed and half kept back.]

The Mexican forces at San Luis Potosi were variously reported at from four to fourteen thousand. They are commanded by Gen. Valencia. A march against Gen. Wool had been determined upon, but appears to have fallen through. Gen. Wool received (unintelligible) notice of it on the 26^th ult. and made arrangements for a hearty welcome. (unintelligible) the brigade of Gen. Minon, (commanded now by another officer,) forming the advance (unintelligible) approached within sixty or eighty miles of Saltillo. Here the soldiers began to desert and dissensions arose, which induce a countermarch and rumor said that Gen. Valencia was en route from San Luis to join Gen. Santa Anna at the city of Mexico. [We can contradict this rumor upon the authority of San Luis papers received in this city within the last few days. –These papers state Gen. Valencia to be still in San Luis, making preparations for the reception of Gen. Taylor.–They mention that despatches ordering Gen. Taylor to form a junction with Gen. Scott, by the way of San Luis, had been captured, and they feel certain that Gen. Taylor will march upon that place. The regular troops of Valencia are stated at nine thousand, and strenuous appeals are made to the people to assist in the defence of the city.]

The troops at Buena Vista (2900) are in good health, and under Gen. Wool’s command progressing rapidly in the “school of a soldier.”

Gen. Taylor is still at Walnut Springs, quietly awaiting the arrival of those reinforcements so often promised and always delayed.

It was rumored along the road that Urrea was on this side of the mountain, but it was not generally believed in Camargo or above there on the line; the country wore the appearance of perfect quiet, and there was no interest in either present or perspective operations. We have positive information of his being in Victoria five days ago, and of his having arrested the Governor of this State, and sent him under guard to the city of Mexico, charged with hatching treason against the Mexican Government. The Department of Tamaulipas is put under contribution for a large sum of money, and Urrea is deputed to enforce its collection with the bayonet.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p1c3 From Chihuahua

[From the St. Louis Republican, July 20]

From Chihuahua.

Letters were received in this city, yesterday, from Chihuahua, dated some ten days after the departure of Colonel Doniphan’s command from that city. They were brought by Mr. Webb, who returned by way of El Paso and Santa Fe.

The letters represent every thing as quiet as Chihuahua –the citizens, who fled at the entrance of our army, had returned to their homes– and trade was commencing under an arrangement made by the merchants made by the merchants with the States authorities, after Col. Doniphan left.

By this treaty, the American merchants agreed to pay such custom House duties as were paid by the Mexicans, and the authorities, on their part, guaranteed that safety of the persons and property of the merchants.

The Mexicans are said to treat the Americans with great deference and civility, and it was hoped that sales of all goods would be soon affected.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p4c2 Our Army in Mexico

We are indebted to a gentlemen recently from Vera Cruz, for some accurate and interesting information. General Pierce was in command of full 4000 men, who were encamped upon the beach. It is probable, indeed, that but this time Gen. Pierce has joined the advance, and that the whole body of 4,000 men is now in full march to Puebla.

The entire number of American soldiers between Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico is estimated at from fifteen to sixteen thousand men. About the last of June, gen. Scott had with him a force of 8, 500. The detachment under Gen. Cadwallader numbered a little over 1500; when it left Vera Cruz, and must have entered Puebla in the early part of July. General Pillow was in command of 2,500 men, and at the last accounts was pushing forward as rapidly as circumstances would permit. Lastly, we have Gen. Pierce with 4,000 men, who will probably join the main army in the course of the present month.

The statement of the Government paper were therefore incorrect in point of time, as well as numbers. General Scott, instead of having 20,000 men under him, will be in command of about 15,000. Instead of receiving al the new levies, by the end of June, he will not receive them until the close of July. Gen. Scott did not expect to make a forward movement upon the capital, until an answer was received to Mr. Buchanan’s propositions of peace. If these overtures have been rejected, as is again asserted by a contemporary, we presume that he will hasten his departure for the city of the Aztecs with characteristic energy and decision.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p4c3 From the Rio Grande

[From the N.O. Picayune, July 20.]

From the Rio Grande.

The steamship Mery Kingland, Capt. Davis, arrived yesterday morning from Brazos Santiago, having sailed on the 15^th inst.

There was a rumor at the Brazos when Capt. Davis left that Urrea with a force of 3000 men was about to make a descent upon Reynosa. One company on the way to the camp of instruction have been landed at Reynosa, and the quartermaster was making every preparation to defend the place.

Several bodies of the enemy have lately been seen on the river and it is supposed to be Urrea’s object to attack some of the depots or wagon trains between Camargo and Monterrey.

A gang of desperadoes commanded by a man, named King, composed of Mexicans and people of other nations, has been found near Brazos. Some of the members of the gang have been taken prisoners and the rest dispersed. The rancho frequented by them was burnt to the ground.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p4c4 American Prisoners in Mexico

American Prisoners in Mexico

We have been allowed to make use of a letter from Lieut. Barbour, of the 1^st Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, who is now a prisoner in the city of Mexico. The letter will awaken new alarm for the fate of the handful of brave men now prisoners in the city Mexico. The perfidy of Santa Anna in the case of these prisoners is sufficient to justify every stigma which has ever been cast upon him. It is eminently cruel and contemptible, and far more shameless than most of his unworthy acts, for often the man endeavors to propitiate universal regard by traits of apparent magnanimity:

City of Mexico, June 29, 1847.

On the 4^th of this month 190 of our prisoners left the Castle of Santiago in this city for Tampico, where we were told they were to be released, but it was with regret, that we learn through the city papers here that they wee stopped at an Indian village 150 miles from this by order of Gen. Santa Anna, and that they were starving.

We have suffered great hardships, particularly the men. They have been in state of nakedness, famine and disease for the last 5 months, and many of them would have died had it not been fro the foreign here through whom aid was given them. This government, or rather Santa Anna, has no idea of releasing any of us. It is his wish to send us to Acapulco on the Pacific. The most rigid and compulsory measures on the part of our Government will [alone] do us any good.

Respectfully your friend and serv’t. WM.T. Barbour.
[NO]

July 30, 1847, RW47v24n61p4c4 Santa Anna and Cerro Gordo

[From the New Orleans Picayune.]

Santa Anna and Cerro Gordo.

We promised the other day to pay our respects to Santa Anna’s detailed report of the Battle of Cerrro Gordo. It is in the nature of an autobiography, extending from the moment when the Army of the North was retiring to its former quarters, “covered with glory on the field of Angostura,” down to the 18^th of April. The difficulties he had to encounter occupy much of the long narrative and do not require to be told. His minute description of the works at Cerro Gordo would hardly be intelligible without the plan accompanying the report. The most rapid and condensed portion of the narrative describes the fighting, but the events are not new, as he confines himself, principally to the storming of the height known as the Telegraph. –The dead of General Vasquez and the faltering of the Puebla brigade are the most notable of the events of the day in his story.

Such is the exact and genuine account of my operations at Cerro Gordo during the few days which elapsed from my arrival till the morning of the 18^th. By this it will be seen by the Supreme Government, that surrounded by a thousand difficulties I spared no means or efforts to assure a triumph for the nation in the position selected; that there were no grave errors or faults committed, as malevolence or cowardice has whispered; and that as my interests and my glory were identified with those of the nation, so it is but justice to me confess that it was not my fault that the result did not correspond to my efforts and my most ardent desires. Grant, if you please, that there should have been somewhat more firmness and intrepidity shown by our soldiers; but they should be excused in consideration of the little experience of war which they had had during the few months that they have been enlisted. The fortifications, too, upon the hill known as the Telegraph, were deficient; but it should not be forgotten that they enemy did not allow time for the completion of the works designed and commenced, nor was it possible to complete them without sufficient laborers, without tools, and even without materials. The people did not afford the aid which was required of them, and some of them contiguous to the seat of the war deserve the denunciations which the Governor of the State did not spare them, notwithstanding his well known moderation.

Besides the deficiencies above indicated, more infantry of the line were wanting, which it was impossible to procure. You will have noticed that among the few bodies of permanent infantry which I enumerate, there were only a few more than 3000 men, and even of these some had just been recruited. The remainder, enough to bring up the number to a little over 6000 men, belonged to the National Guard, recently enlisted, and yet to burn their first cartridge in presence of the enemy. It is not true, therefore, that there were assembled there a force of from 12,000 to 14,000 men as has been hastily or maliciously circulated. But there is nothing strange in the victory won by the enemy, if it is considered that their number was almost double ours, that they possessed all those elements which we were in want of, and that their courage in the action was as desperate as would have been their situation if they had lost the battle. At some future day, when political passions and personal rivalries have passed away, entire justice will be done those Mexicans who, notwithstanding their disadvantages, opposed their generous breasts to the arrogant invader on the 17^th and 18^th of April, and sold dearly the victory which was won on the second day of combat.

A favorable moment gained the triumph, which was in a measure brought about by the want of time to fortify our position properly, by the scarcity of good troops, by the blameless inexperience of others newly enlisted, by the want of laborers and of the tools indispensable for fortifications erecting in haste, and the want of other materials and elements which are reasonably required to assure a successful result.

Nothing of all this was concealed from me, nor was my resolution shaken by it. When a great people is invade by an unjust enemy, which aims at wounding its rights and trampling on its dignity, it cannot excuse itself from a fight, even though it should be unprepared for the combat. It will suffer defeats, but weakening the enemy, even in its own disasters, it will acquire experiences, and sooner or later it will exterminate the invader or at least give him a positive defeat. In this conviction, which is deep rooted within me, I have sought the enemy in every direction, and inflicted heavy losses upon him in both the actions which I have thought. If Mexicans discover that we do not fight the enemy as often as an opportunity occurs, they will abandon themselves to despair, when there are abundant reasons for looking forward to a happy day in which the country may secure again unfading glory. My faith in her destinies has never abandoned me; and I leave to others the pleasure of exercising their malevolence or their envy, whilst I strive with all my powers to wrest victory from the hands of the enemy, or to meet death –the only possible term of my determination to serve with zeal and loyalty the nation which has so constantly honored me.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p1c1 News from Mexico

The News from Mexico

The New Orleans papers are alive with speculations upon the subject of the news lately received from Mexico, and its authenticity is canvassed with minute care. Being unable to insert all that is written, the public must be content with our views, derived from an attentive perusal of those journals.

The great question is, has the Mexican Government, in reality, appointed commissioners to meet Mr. Trsit? We will merely state the facts, in order that the reader make up his own mind according to his estimate of them.

It is certain that no papers have been received from Mexico of a later date than 30^th of June, up to which (unintelligible) there had neither been any commissioners announced, nor was, any thing publicly known about negotiations of peace, except that Congress had been summoned from day to day to receive Mr. Buchanan’s proposition, and that no quorum had attended.

(Unintelligible) have arrived at Vera Cruz form Puebla, which left on or about the 4^th of July, bearing letters for several commercial houses in the former city. Upon the strength of these letters, and this verbal intelligence, two papers in Vera Cruz, both [says the Picayune] edited by Spaniards, announce to the public, that Mexico has appointed three commissioners to meet Mr. Trist at San Martin, and settle terms of peace. The information which these papers profess to have, is detailed with so much minuteness, descending even to the names of the commissioners, that but for the evidence of the other side, we should have no hesitation in yielding implicit faith to it. That evidence is contained in a letter from Tampico, to the editor of the La Patria, in New Orleans. The writer says he has conversed with a gentleman direct from Mexico, which city he left on the sixth, and that the information derived from him, “to contradict the news published in Vera Cruz” relative to the appointment of the commissioners. This is all we have to contradict the appointment, and unless we learn that the informant was a person conversant with public affairs, we shall be disposed to place very little hesitance on it. The appointment of commissioners would be on the part of Santa Anna, an act abhorrent to the feeling of a strong party in Mexico, and its first announcement might create an outbreak. There can be little doubt that an attempt might be made to force the Congress by threats of violence, to cancel the commission. It is probable, therefore, that the crafty Dictator, acting in connivance with Congress, might have sent off the commissioners, without announcing it, thereby rendering the act irrevocable. In that case the appointment of the commission would be known in Puebla before it was announced in Mexico.

Two of the objections enumerated by the other papers of New Orleans to this report, are disposed of very properly, we think, by the Picayune. The first is, that Santa Anna has no power to open negotiations, as he has himself acknowledge by referring the whole matter to Congress. But since he has been unable to get quorum of that body together, and since the emergency demands immediate action, as the acting Executive, would he not be justified in proceeding as if Congress had adjourned? Nay! Is it not his sworn duty to do so? Upon this point there may be doubts, Santa Anna however, is not a man to be restrained by any very nice scruples. The other objection is, that Mr. Trsit is not authorized to conclude a treaty of peace. This is certainly a misapprehension of the extent of his powers, as the following extract from Mr. Buchanan letter, as translated from the Spanish, will clearly show.

“Desirous, nevertheless, that an honorable peace should be reestablished, he [the President] is resolved that the evils of war shall not be prolonged a day beyond what the government of Mexico may make absolutely necessary, and in order that this determination may be carried into effect, he has concluded to send to the headquarters of the Army of Occupation in Mexico, in the quality of commissioner, Mr. Nicholas P. Trist, second in rank to the undersigned in the administration of Foreign Affairs, who bears full powers to conclude a definitive treaty of peace with the United State. The gentleman possesses the entire confidence of the President, and is worthy of that of the Government of Mexico.

Four our part, we do not hesitate to express the belief that negotiations have been commenced –because as the Picayune observes, where there is so much smoke there must be some fire –because it is well known that the British Embassy is extremely anxious to produce an accommodation –because the British Ambassador has despatched his Secretary of Legation to Puebla with this avowed (unintelligible) –and because, in general, we known the interest of England is deeply pledged to bring about a peace if possible. The delay of General Scott at Puebla, which can hardly be accounted for otherwise, seems to confirm this view, as does the fact that the Republicano has already said, more than once, that peace was desirable, and the Republicano is latterly Anti–American. Santa Anna, even, (unintelligible) that his character as a general in the field cannot be retrieved in any contest with our troops, is said to be secretly inclined to an accommodation, and inasmuch as (unintelligible) gain neither glory nor influence by war, we are prepared to believe that such is the fact.

A very few days, however, will decide the question. As to the very important question of what are to be the terms, we have no lights to guide us.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p1c3 Further particulars

[From the New Orleans Picayune.]

Further Particulars by the N. Orleans .

The town of Huejutla, is spelled sometimes Guautla. It is thus on Ward’s map, it lies almost directly south of Tampico, and apparently seventy miles only distant, on the road to the city of Mexico. Tantoyuca is on the same road, about fifteen miles north of Huejutla –we follow this spelling, because we find it so in the Mexican papers. We now recur to another and more important part of the intelligence brought by the New Orleans.

On the Spanish side of the Sun the names of the commissioners are given as follows: D. Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza, D. Manuel Baranda and D. Jose Maria Tornel. In furthers says that letters have been received by a commercial house from Mexico, which declare that Santa Anna is positively in favor of peace, but he was waiting until the peace party should acquire the undisputed ascendancy before declaring himself.

The same paper says further on its Spanish side that it was reported in Vera Curz that Alvarez had returned to the South, having had some difficulty with Gen. Canalizo.

The Sun of the 14^th inst. has some speculations upon the subject of the negotiations for peace, but they are only speculations. It was unknown in Vera Cruz whether the three commissioners had been selected by Santa Anna or Congress, or whether Congress had assembled at all. It was understood that Congress would assembled, or had been summoned to assemble, on the 7^th inst., but the Sun thinks it would be impossible to get quorum.

Of the commissioners the Sun says that Gorostiza represents the party of the moderados, while Baranda is a mere creature of Santa Anna. Of Tornel it says that although he was a partisan of the administration of Paredes and a monarchist, yet he could not have obtained a place in the commission unless he had previously become reconciled to Santa Anna. The Sun therefore regards the commissions as representing Santa Anna, and is decidedly of opinion that Santa Anna’s real views are favorable to peace.

The Arco Iris of the 13^th speaks of letters received from Puebla on the day previous, and gives the substance of them in an article which we translate, regretting that no dates are given:

Mexico. –The Government has just named Senores Tornel, Gorostiza and Baranda as commissioners to repair at once to San Martin Tesmelucan (seven leagues of peace made by the Cabinet of Washington through its minister, Mr. Trist. They have accepted the appointment and departed to discharge their duties. This course was approved by a majority of the men of influence, who by their persuasions in a great degree contributed to its adoption. –Another letter mentions that the individuals appointed upon this commission were Senores Cuevas, Cortina and Zurutuza.

Gen. Santa Anna remained in power, the ministry has undergone no change, and a majority of it is in favor of an adjustment.

The same letters add that orders had been issued for withdrawing towards the capital the troops which had been stationed at Huamantla, and they conclude by saying that Mexico is a faithful picture of Babylon, (Babel?) inasmuch as opinions cannot be concentrated upon any one measure –society being composed of the most heterogeneous members, and divided into innumerable fractions, who continually cry out against every description of measure proposed, and in nothing united. The emigration of respectable families was increasing every day, and the military dictatorship which in fact prevailed was every way irksome and insupportable.

The American train, they say, was very near its entrance into Puebla, without having suffered any interruption or obstacle after skirmished near Jalapa.

The information contained in these letters is confirmed by what we learn verbally by an individual who arrived yesterday from Puebla. We therefore incline to put confidence in the facts mention in the letters, except in regard to the commissioners.

This is the substance of all the news we can extract from the Vera Cruz papers about the commissioners. The Sun’s articles are but speculation, and we do not give them.

Gen. Pillow’s division arrived at Puebla on the 8^th, all well. The American army would march on the city of Mexico to a certainty of peace were not soon made. [We never supposed there was any doubt about this.] The postscript, dated the 11^th inst., says that peace was the order of the day. The writer placed no faith in the prospect; he considered that Santa Anna’s sole object was to gain time, a principle of general policy with the Mexicans, especially with the great map.

Meager as this news is, it is later than any we can find in the Vera Cruz papers from the Gen. Scott’s army. It establishes Gen. Pillow’s arrival at Puebla on the 8^th, and the pendency of peace negotiations in some form as late as the 11^th,at which time Gen. Scott had not moved towards Mexico. So far as we have been able to ascertain, this is the latest date received from Puebla.

The express rider was a Mexican. He lost what little money he had and his two horses, besides being severely wounded. When we reached Vera Cruz, he was still unable to get about without assistance. Owing to this unfortunate accident we have not a letter or paper from Mr. Kendall, save the brief note from him to our agents at Vera Cruz.

Our correspondent writes that a large part of the command of Gen. Pierce left on the 14^th and 15^th. The general was expected to get off the evening of the 16^th. Our letters say nothing about the force collected at the National Bridge to oppose our advance. Gen. Pierce had been ill, but had recovered from his attack. Since writing so far we learn from a source entitled to all credit that Gen. Pierce did not leave either on the 16^th or 17^th, but was expected to get away on the 18^th. According to previous announcement he had desptached a portion of his force in advance in order to clear the road, that the main train might pass on unobstructed. The reestablishment of Gen. Pierce’s health is a subject for congratulation. His friends were very fearful that might be laid up with vomito. He is a gentleman of great and good sense and much energy of character, and comes of the best fighting stock of New England.

The five companies composing the Louisiana battalion have arrived at Vera Cruz, and are said to be enjoying excellent health.

We are again favored by Dr. Barton, with a statement in regard to the health of Vera Cruz, which we annex.

An account of the Mortality of Vera Cruz from the 1^st to the 18^th of July: From Vomito: Soldiers 27; Qr. Master’s Dep 17; Mexicans 5; Others 0; Total 49. Other Diseases: Soldiers 13; Qr. Master’s Dep 9; Mexicans 29; Others 3; Total 54. Nation: Americans 66; Mexicans 34; Other Forg’rs 3; Unknown 0; Total 103.

The fate of Lieut. Whipple, of the 9^th Infantry, is a very and one. The following letter is the most minute account of the circumstances attending it that we have seen:

Camp Bogardo, Near Vera Cruz, July 12.

Gentleman –I am sorry to say to you that yesterday afternoon Lieut. Whipple, of New Hampshire, adjutant of the 9^th or New England Regiment U.S. Infantry, was taken by a party of rancheros, and we fear foully murdered. Mr. Whipple rode into the city in the morning, and after transacting business there, took a ride to the cemetery, about a mile from the walls, accompanied by private Barnes. Fastening their horses, they walked over the burial–ground, and upon reaching the gate again were met by three rancheros, who, dismounting, presented their carbines and ordered them to mount Lieutenant Wipple drew his sword, the only weapon he had, but was struck and prostrated by one of the rancheros. Barnes knocked aside the carbine aimed to him, and dodging under a horse, escaped into the cemetery, and thence through the chaparral into the city. The last he saw of Liuet. Whipple was as he was struck by the carbine.

Officers from the city were in pursuit within twenty five minutes after receiving intelligence of the capture of Lieut. Whipple. When the news reached the camp, Cap. Bowes’s rfile company and the dragoons started in pursuit, but nothing has been heard of the lieutenant. Seven or eight Mexicans were taken and brought into camp, but whether any of them were concerned in this business is not known. It is to be hoped that they will be summarily dealt with. Major Seymour goes out this morning in pursuit, but I fear much that we have seen the last of Adj. Whipple. He was a gentleman of fine education and an accomplished officer. A lawyer in good practice in New Hampshire, he received a first lieutenant commission in April, repaired to Fort Adams, and on his passage to Vera Cruz was appointed by Col. Hanson adjutant of the 9^th Regiment. He was ambition of distinction, and it is a matter of unusual regret that he should have been cut down in so cowardly manner, while just entering upon his career of honor and usefulness.

The Arco Iris of the 14^th inst. copies several items from the Boletin de Noticias, a new paper published at Jalapa. The Boletin of the 6^th says that a Mexican, acting as a spy for the Americans, was that day arrested in the vicinity of Jalapa, and was speedily to be tried. The public of Jalapa were clamorous against the spy, charging him with having killed two Indians in that town just before he was taken. Upon the spy, were found 25 or 30 letters –among them various articles for the paper of the United States [newspaper correspondence, we take it.] the letters generally were said to contain exaggerated accounts of the encounter at La Hoya, representing that the guerrilla force was 2000 strong and lost 70 killed, twice that number wounded and a considerable number of prisoners; the American only having eight horses lost and one soldier slightly wounded. The Boletin of Jalapa says this is absolutely ridiculous, that every body knows that the loss of the Americans exceeded thirty men; that their guerrillas lost only seven or eight, and that their whole forces was about 700 only. The Boletin makes the statement to prevent people at a distance from being misled.

Among the letters found on the spy was one from Gen. Pillow, written in pencil 20 miles beyond Perote, with instructions for Gen. Pierce. It represented that the men were dying on an average of eight a day in Perote, and gives some other details which the Boletin deems it imprudent to print. According to this authority all the letters agree that the person arrested was a courier, and some made him a spy. The letter to Gen. Pierce represented that he was the same person who had previously taken a letter from Gen Pillow to Perote, and that he would return with letters from Vera Cruz to the garrison of Perote. We treble for the poor fellow’s life.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p1c3 Poisoning Americans in Mexico

[From the New Orleans National]

Poisoning Americans in Mexico

We mentioned some time since the rumor, not our own, that the Mexicans at Jalapa and elsewhere in Mexico, were poisoning the milk and other products, and then selling them to the Americans. That this infamous course was attempted to kill our soldiers there is the best evidence. We have taken some pains to gain the history of the matter, and we find it to be as follows:

In Mexico there grows a small bean called Pinon Lillo (pronounced peno–leo) which, when infused in milk and drank, cause a chronic disease that soon carries off its victims, they the while unconscious of the real cause. –This bean, it is said, was used in Havana, amny years ago, with considerable success in destroying the English. The mexicans use an herb called Huaco, pronounced whaco, to relieve them of the poisonous effects of the pinonlillo, and the bite of poisonous reptiles, by showing the weed and swallowing the extract. The extract is also used to put in the place of a bite of a poisonous reptile, and always with success. A Mexican never travels, if it can be, avoided, without a small package of the huaco weed, to be provided for against accidents.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p1c4 News from Monterrey

Fourth of July at Monterrey, Mexico

[Special Correspondece of the Picayune.]

Monterrey, Mexico, July 6, 1847.

The celebration is over, and without any accident, a rare thing for a Fourth of July, and everything went off pleasantly and agreeably to all concerned. The morning of the (unintelligible) th was cloudy and portended rain, but the bright sun soon dispelled the heavy midst that clung to the mountain’s side, and ere noon the heavens were as clear and bright as a lovely woman’s smile. Early in the forenoon the American ensign was displayed from the Governor’s quarters and the Spanish flag from the residence of the Spanish consul nearly opposite. The five companies of Massachusetts volunteers were assembled, all but the guard, with the colors of the regiment presented them by the Governor of their State, and a little after 9 o’clock they formed and marched out towards Camp Taylor. An American flag born by a citizen was carried near the regimental colors. Colonel Wright and the members of the Regiment staff, and others, preceded the regiment, and on the road received the marching salute. At Camp Taylor all was ready; under the wide–spread awning in front of Gen. Taylor’s tent were the brave old hero and the members of his staff and the officers attached to the forces stationed at camp. On the right of the awning the soldiers of Major Brag’s Light Artillery were drawn up in line on the left the 2d Dragoons, and in the front the Massachusetts regiment. As soon as the latter had formed into line, Gen. Cushing made his appearance, and Gen. Taylor and his officers all rose. Gen. Cushing then proceded to address him as follows:

General. –The veteran officers and soldiers whom you have so many times led on to victory and to fame –those yet untried in the field, who ardently long for the day when your voice shall bid them also tread triumphantly in the same noble path of honor and of duty– and others your fellow–citizens present, who, though not called to fight the battles of their country, are not the less animated with the same devoted love toward her which we feel –have desired on this anniversary of our separate existence as a sovereign people, to present their respectful salutations to you as the official representative here of the power and authority of the United States.

We come to rejoice with you on this day of glorious memories, in the prosperity and greatness of our country, and to rekindle in our hearts the sacred fire of patriotism by remembering together the virtues and the sacrifices of our wise and brave forefathers, who have transmitted to us the splendid heritage of the land hallowed by their blood; of the institutions they founded, of their own immortal names.

It is indeed a day never forgotten by an American; for, whether in the home of our affections and interests, surrounded by all that is dearest to the human heart, or on the broad expanse of the fathomless ocean, or wandering over some far distant land, on this anniversity, wherever we may be, our thoughts are turned spontaneously to the same point, as truly as the needle to the pole, as devoutly as the Moslem to his holy Mecca.

And well it is for us that it is so, since no warmth of gratitude is intense enough to be commensurate with the debt of thankfulness we owe to our patriot sires, no language is powerful enough to express adequately the emotions of pride which our country’s career awakens –no homage of the soul is profound enough to render due adoration to that gracious Providence which continue to guide and to guard the destinies of the Union.

Meanwhile let us be just to the memory of our fathers, and just to ourselves in the measure of regard which we bestow on this day.

Men who have but superficially studied the history of the United States are accustomed to speak of this day as the anniversary of our emancipation from bondage, and vague ideas of that vaguest of all things, called liberty, are attached to the very name of our national independence. But the people of the United States were never in at state of bondage. The war of the revolution was not a war for liberty. On the contrary it was a struggle in arms to determine whether the two great subdivisions of the British race, one inhabiting Europe and the other inhabiting America, and both equally free, should continue to constitute a single empire, or whether they should be reconstituted separately into two independent empires. The God of the Battle decided that we, the American Colonies, were as competent for independent self–government as the mother country; and England, with that practical good sense which distinguished her from other nations, manfully acquiesced in the decision which split her power asunder, and gave to us separate dominion in America.

And the mysterious order of the Providence seems to have predestined the American to surpass the European subdivision of the original empire, for, of that high–minded, bold–hearted, and strong–handed British race, which, wheresoever it appears separate but to command; the more numerous part will ere long he found in America; and the British Isles have already reached that fatal term in the history of the nations when their native land can no longer feed its sons; while the people of the United States are still expanding with a rapidity and strength of possession which defies calculation, over the rich virgin soils of the New World.

This reflection acquires new force from the circumstances under which we this day we meet, a conquering American army, here, in the heart of the Mexican Republic, in sight of the captured redoubts and heights of Monterrey, amid the venerable trees, and by the side of these living waters of the wood of San Domingo; which, occupied by you, general, and your victorious troops, has acquired a place in history as enduring as poetry ever gave to the fountain of Vaucluse, or eloquence to the grove of Academus.

Yes, millions of men will have assembled to–day within the broad limits of the United States, to do honors to the traditions of the Revolution, to ponder on the excellent beauty of the Federal constitutions, to congratulate one another on the happy condition of our country, and to look froward with inquisitive eye into the sublime future of the American Republic. They will call to mind the names of the stricken fields of that first war of independence which vindicate our national rights on the land, of that second war of independence which vindicate our national rights on the sea, and of the heroes who illustrated each; but while Bunker Hill, and Saratoga, and Yorktown, and New Orleans will not be forgotten, Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterry, Buena Vista, Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, will yet more

“Be in their flowing cups freely remembered,”

and earth and sky will re–echo with shouts of enthusiasms at the mention of the names of Scott and Taylor, and of the brave men who under their lead have borne the banner of the Union in triumph over the wild plains and through the mountain passes of Mexico.

But we assembled in this grander than all human templates, the outspread sky of the bright firmament of heaven, treading with our own feet the conquered savannahs of New Leon, surrounded by that lofty Sierra, which rises on either hand, as though placed by nature to be the boundary of the empires, we, I say, can best appreciate with the sober but strong conviction of the palpable reality, how vast are the strides which the United States have made in greatness, since the day, not yet remote, when we were humble colonies scattered in a narrow line along the shore of the Atlantic, until now; when we have swarmed across the great central valley of the continent, have struck over to the shores of the Pacific, and unembarrassed by the burden of a foreign war, which has already given to us the possession of the two–thirds of Mexico, are yet able, from the superabundance of our overflowing prosperity, to nourish at will the starving nations of the Old World.

Honor them to the bold hearts, who, on the great day whose anniversary we celebrate, dared to comprehend their country’s capabilities and to proclaim it independent! –Honor to the heroes and the sages who have conducted it so gloriously on to our times! Honor to the statemen whose vigorous hands at this time so ably and successfully administer its Government! Honor to the generous minded people of our country who freely send forth their sons so fight her battles in this foreign land! Honor to the brave soldiers whose lives and to enjoy the renown, they have so nobly earned in the battle field! Honor above all to the gallant men who fell in the hour of their country’s triumph, whose blood was the sacrificial incense of victory, and who, tho’ dead, yet live immortal in the affectionate memory of their countrymen!

We trust and believe that our brethren in arms, whom Scott has been leading in triumph from Vera Cruz to Puebla, will celebrate this day in the capital of the Mexican Republic, and on the site of the great teocalli of the Aztec. And if Mexico shall then continue in the blind obstinacy of her fatal infatuation, and still refuse the proffers od peace which the President of the U. States, with honorable solicitude to terminate the evils of the war, has at all (unintelligible) been ready to conclude, –then we look to you, sir, m the undoubted confidence of perfect faith in your generalship, your wisdom, your courage, and your fortune, to conduct us in similar triumph along that lofty table land before our eyes, and to complete, on the plains of the Bajio, that which you so gloriously commenced on those of the Rio Grande, namely the total subjugation of New Spain.

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

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

General –In replay to your eloquent and complimentary allusions to the services of the army under my command, I can only briefly express my thanks and those of the brave men of my command, to whose exertions and gallantry alone our success are due. For myself I can claim to merit beyond that of sharing and encountering danger with them. You have traced up and depicted in most faithful colors the rapid progress of our country from the commencement to its present condition of greatness and prosperity –occupying the front rank in the nation of the world. The existing war may show the world that in great national enterprise and interests are firm and united –and that the flower of our country, without distinction of party, is always ready to vindicate the national honor on the battle–field. Should it be our lot to resume offensive operations on this line, I shall move with every confidence in the gallantry and success of the forces. I have but little doubt that those who have but recently come into the field, and have not been able to participate in active service as yet, will distinguish themselves as greatly as those who have gone before. That thousands of volunteers who have many of them, been brought up in affluence, have left their pursuits and comfortable homes, to encounter the hardships of an active campaign, is a sufficient guaranty that the rights and honor of our country will always be maintained.

A general shaking of hands and congratulations here took place for some moments, after which Col. Wright of the Massachusetts volunteers by invitation, read the Declaration of Independence. The company then partake of a substantial lunch provided by the hospitable commander, who had an smile and a pleasant word for all, and seemed happy in being able to make other so. –He was dressed in undress uniform, and looked a little more like the brave old hero that he is and a little less like the plain, unaffected country gentleman –a very little– than I have yet seem him. At 12 o’clock, while the company were yet at camp, a national salute of the last gun bad died away, the booming of cannon from the black fort seemed to echo back the salute.

About 3 o’clock Gen. Taylor and staff with an escort of dragoons came into town, and with Gen. Cushing and the officers of the Massachusetts Regiment proceeded to Arista’s garden or Arista’s house I should say, where a table was spread in the broad corridor opening into the garden with its bright green shrubs, its crimson rose bushes covered with fragrant flowers, its well kept walls, and the gurgling stream that meanders through it. The smell of the bright gems of nature’s handiwork were not more pleasing than the odor which arose from the savory viands prepared for immediate consumption. Everyone was surprised at the profusion of good things and the variety that was placed upon the table, all owing to the exertions of Capt. Glover, a merchant residing here for some years, one of the committee of arrangements, whose peculiar providence it was to see that nothing should be wanting. He performed his duty to perfection. Claret, Madeira, and Champaigne in abundance served to give zest to the repast and aid in the sentimental expression of feeling.

When the substantials had been discussed and removed, Gen. Cushing, who presided at the head of the table, with Gen. Taylor on his right, arose and after some remarks complimentary to the committee of arrangements for the faithful manner in which they had cared for their guests, proceeded to announce the following regular toasts, which I think you will admit are better than regular set toasts generally are:

The Day we Celebrate –As dear to us in a strange clime and the midst of war as when welcomed at our peaceful homes.

The President of the United States.

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

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

The Navy of the United States –With amphibions facility, finding no enemy on the waters, it has constantly sought and successfully encountered him on the land.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These sentiments were all drank with the strongest testimonials of admiration, and all was harmony. About seventy persons, including a number of citizens, partook of the repast.

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

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

Lieut. Fuller, of the Massachusetts Volunteers, gave:

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

Gen. Taylor rose to respond to this sentiment and said: Mr. President and Gentlemen –I have never had the vanity to aspire to or look for that elevated situation which has just been alluded to, but if my fellow–countrymen think proper to elevate me to so distinguished and honorable a position, I certainly shall do my best to discharge the duties of that responsible position faithfully. But if any other candidate is preferred and offered who may be competent than myself, I need to say that I shall acquiesce most cheerfully in their decision, and shall rejoice that there is one more worthy to represent them in the highest office in their gift.

He then gave as a toast:

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

Col. Wright responded:

Massachusetts and the city of Boston; it is my native state and my native city, and the State where many of us who have been complimented this day were born. We have just received a compliment and a great one from the commanding general. Massachusetts has therefore done her part; her name reads well, her star shines brightly in the national galaxy. In former times, she was known well and did well. She then held, and does now, as her most sacred spot, what we call “ the Cradle of Liberty” –old Faneuil Hall. We may all securely praise the past because it cannot be changed, and now may it be our lot to make the future as brilliant as the past has been, and perhaps more so. We are here with our arms in our hands, her colors, bearing the figure of that proud warrior and that good old shield with its lone star, a twin star to that of Texas. I do not believe, gentleman, Massachusetts has a son on this soil but who comes with the same feelings and sentiments that inspired their sired of old; whose whole heart is not in the cause and who will not do all he can in supporting the name and the honor of his country; in maintaining that bright chivalry of which she is so proud, and displaying courage and good conduct when the foe is in sight. I will give you, gentlemen–

The Past and Present –Palo Alto, Resaca, Monterrey and Buena Vista, the Bunker Hill, Princetown and Yorktown of the present century.

By Capt. Montgomery, USA. –The orator of the day, scholar, statesman and soldier. An ornament of his country at home and abroad. We doubt not that his sword will prove as irresistible as his eloquence.

Gen. Cushing rose and said:

Gentlemen –I beg to return you my heartfelt thanks for the sentiment just presented and the kindness with which you have received it. I know and see that those who are bravest in the battlefield are the roast courteous in the saloon; that the best soldier is the best gentleman. I appreciate the kind feelings which dictated this sentiment, and when I look on them I am ready to say, as Marshal Boursicault said in the face of the chivalry of France, “they are not only competent to sustain their country’s honor, but Heaven itself upon their lance points.” Let me repeat what has been said at home, a fact which has struck them with well founded admiration, that whereas in all the contests of the American and Mexican Armies the Mexican officers have followed, the American officers have lead. –Our officers not only made the plan of battle, ordered the contest, and planted themselves in the first rank, but placed themselves in the post of the danger, and where the cry of danger was loudest, the boom of cannon heaviest, and the iron hailstorm thickest, there were found the gallant general and his officers. It was not in the cathedral of Monterrey that the American commander was found, beneath the impervious walls of the city that our gallant officers sheltered themselves (unintelligible) in the deep ravines of Buena Vista that the general and his officers took repose; to Gen. Santa Anna and his staff was left that post of security. The men of America; they whom their country has selected to fight for her honor and who have given evidence that their confidence was not misplaced, need I say where they were found? When the blood of the brave streamed the fastest, the leaders were the first to be struck, and died on the bosom of honor sending up to Heaven that cry of glory which shall enkindle all the young souls of America. But gentlemen, we, the remote hearers of the stupendous events occurring here, we were forbidden to stop at the leaders in our admiration; for we saw, and were proud to see, that common soldiers, men in the ranks, regular soldiers, to whom the prospect of promotion is remote and casual, with nought to animate them but that love of liberty which is inherent, were worthy of their officers; and whatever Taylor would lead, there would the brave soldiers gallantly follow. Wherever that victorious foot was placed, there stood to back him the invincible legions of the army of the United States.

Gen. C. made some additional remarks, but the limits of my letter, already swelled to an extraordinary extent, will not permit me to give them any more at length. I could not refrain from giving these remarks so complimentary to the regular army. In conclusion, he offered his sentiment:

The United States –Baptised in the blood of the revolution, concecrated by the sacrifice of our fathers, rendered glorious by the courage and glory of their sons, may her future prosperity correspond with her present grandeur.

A number of volunteer toasts were given, but I have only time to give a very few.

By Capt. Montgomery, A.Q.M. U.S.A. –Henry Clay: Ha has devoted a life to his country and a son to his country’s glory.

By Capt. Hoyt, A Commissary U.S.A. Mass Reg. –Peace: Whenever it comes may it be a permanent one which shall result in the national prosperity of both the United States and Mexico; a peace which shall bring to the people of Mexico liberty and happiness –to the people of the United States union, and all the blessing of a free and united nation.

By Capt. R A Arnold, 2d Reg. Dragoons –The square of the circle: The discovery of perpetual motion, and the “conquered peace.”

By Lieut. Sturgis, 2d Dragoons –Henry Clay: He brought to the altar of this country, the highest talents that ever adorned it and sacrificed his favorite son upon the plain of Buena Vista.

You will perceive that the dinner and the celebration was got up entirely without distinction of party, and the prominent men of each of the two great political divisions were indiscriminately toasted, and the sentiments net with equal applause, a proof of the good feeling and harmony which prevailed, and that it was not intended to have and did not have any party purpose.

Gen. Taylor and his staff and Gen. Cushing and his aid decamp are to start on a little excursion to–morrow morning to Arista’s plantation, about thirty five miles from here. It is a pleasure trip, strictly, I believe, and will only occupy three or four days. An escort of dragoons will accompany the party. As it may not be an uninteresting occurrence I think I shall accept an invitation, to make one of the party, so for the present adios senores.

J.E.D.

[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p4c1 Trist and DeRussy

The Mexican News

It will be a subject of congratulation to our readers, of all descriptions, that at last there is a prospect of peace. –They will find the details in the news which we publish from the New Orleans Picayune in another column. We know not what terms Mr. Trist, on the part of our Government, may propose, nor what concessions the enemy will be willing to make. Yet, tired as both parties evidently must be of the protracted war, a war full of disasters to Mexico, and thus far productive to us of nothing but barren laurels won at a great expense of blood, suffering and money, we should conceive it not very difficult to settle such preliminaries as would be acceptable to both.

The gallant conduct of Col. De Russy and his little band seems to meet with general admiration. We regard it as far from being the least brilliant feat of the war. Col. De R. is another of those “Mexican Whigs,” who after a very peculiar fashion have on so many occasions of late given “aid and comfort” to the enemy.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p4c2 From Army of Talyor

From Gen. Taylor’s Camp .

The N.O. Picayune has received the Matamoros Flag on the 17^th instant, three days later than any it had before received. A letter is alluded to as not having come to hand containing an account of a splendid fourth of July dinner, at Monterrey, at which Old Zac being toasted in connexion with the presidency, made a speech which is said to have elicited great enthusiasm. It was said to be in the same spirit with his letters already published, the General saying that it he consented to allow his name to be used, it must be at the call of the country. A report of the speech was made by the correspondent of the Picayune, and will be published as soon as it comes to hand.

Gen. Taylor made an excursion to Arista’s hacienda, Mamalequi on the 7^th, a full account of which is given in a letter from the Picayune’s correspondent. Gen. Cushing and his aid accompanied the party, which was escorted by a dozen dragoons. The following account is given of the hacienda:

“Arista’s hacienda is situated upon or near the Rio Pecacho, and at the foot of a spur of the Sierra, in a north easterly direction from Monterrey, about twelve miles from Salinas, and from a distance has quite the appearance of a baronial estate. His plantation is a very extensive one, comprising fourteen square leagues; but miles of it are useless, low chaparral, only relieved by the tall Spanish bayonet plant, which bristles up in every direction. Arista purchased the place about four years ago from a lady residing in the city of Mexico for $35,000, and has since expended about $40,000 in improving it. There is a very fine sugar and saw mill upon it, the motive power of which is water of course. The dam across the river forming the mill–pond is a very fine solid piece of mason work, and was estimated in the bill sale at $14,000. The state is managed by an administrator, who has under him an overseer. –There about ninety men and boys, peons, upon the place, and as many women and girls, all of whom are fixtures for life, as are all peons in ninety nine cases out of a hundred, and quite as bad off as slaves in your section of the country –worse even, as when they become past work their landlord (?) is not compelled to support them, and this duty devolving upon their relative, serves to bind them the firmer.”

The correspondent thinks Arista does not find farming quite so profitable as arms, the state, according to the Administrator yielding little or nothing. The nominal wages of the peons (from two to ten dollars a month, out of which they are compelled to purchase every article of food clothing, and other necessaries of life,) being insufficient to support theirs, they are always in debt to the landlord, and as he is allowed a lien on their persons for payment, they slavery is as real as that of our negroes. Two crops of corn are raised, and twenty four fanegas are planted. The yield is an hundred fold! The bean crops is 800 fanegas 2200 lbs. There about 1000 head of cattle and a few sheep. A beef is killed every day; of course, few are sold off. Not more than 40 arobas (1000 lbs.) of sugar is raised.

The Administrator came out to meet Gen. Taylor. –The residence of Arista is spacious, very strongly built of sun–dried brick, with walls three feet thick, perced with loop–holes for musketry, &c. In the evening, the party, by the invitation of the Administrador, attended a fandango on the state. About sixty females were present, as brown as berries, and as ugly as sin. Some national dances, accompanied by wild and discordant singing and resembling the negro–dances of the South, were given, followed by waltzes and quadrilles, the music consisting of a guitar and two violins. The Aministrador had received a letter from Arista, purely on business, dated Mexico, 16^th June.

The next day the general and suite left for Villa Real, owned by a wealthy Mexican, Senor Don Jose Maria del Villa Real, who met them en route, and gave them a hearty welcome. Their entertainment here is highly lauded. As soon as they had gotten under his roof, the host had a cart load of melons (water and musk) and a bushel basket of ripe figs brought in for them. The Senor insisted, though it was early in the day, that the party should take “a little refreshment.” The little refreshment consisted of seven courses of meat and fowl, well cooked, served up on a waiter in massive silver dishes, the garniture of the table consisting of an enormous quantity of plate, of the richest description. While at Mamalequi, the alcalde of a small town applied to the General for a force to capture a band of robbers, headed by Mucho Martini, a one armed robber, who had committed many outrages, but the request was declined. The party arrived at Cam taylor the same day, where the correspondent learned that a private of the Massachusetts Regiment had been killed by robbers near Marin.

Gen Taylor will return to the U. States in November. He is said to have written to the War Department, to the effect that if he is to remain at Monterrey he has men enough and could even spare a regiment; but if he is to advance to San Luis, he require 10,000 men. There was a splendid review at Gen. Wool’s camp on the 4^th –The discipline of the Virginia and North Carolina Regiments is spoken of in high terms. It is said to be quite equal to that of the Illinois regiments under Hardin and Bissell. High praise this, and just, not doubt. Captain M’Gee’s company of mounted men from Alabama, is in the vicinity of Matamoros. Col. Gorman’s regiment (4^th Indiana) had reached the Brazos, with the exception of two companies on the Ann Chase. Gen. Hopping’s encampment near Mier, is spoken of as very beautiful. The medicinal qualities of the waters are much commenced. –The Flag has see a copy of a San Luis paper, with a horrid wood cut, representing Valencia on horse back, holding aloft an ensign, inscribed “Hail Virgin of Guadalupe,” and on bended kness, in front of him, Scott and Taylor, from whose mouths issue the words, “pardon Mejicana, pardon.” The following account is given of an incident which lately occurred in the neighborhood of Matamoros.

From the Matamoros Flag.

Taken Prisoners. –A party of three of our citizens, Ernest Montilly, [a Frenchman,] Elias B. Lundy and Charles, accompanied by a Mexican, left here some eighteen days ago on a expedition into the country to purchase mules. –The Mexican returned on Thursday last and reports that the whole parte were made prisoners by Manuel Caravajal, near San Carlos. The Mexican effected his escape after being several days a prisoner. Mr. Lundy was the only American of the party, and he is stated to have been harshly treated –the other parlez–voused the Mexicans into the belief that they were not enemies. The guerrilla bans around us are gathering strength every day, and guar every avenue form our city. Fifty Mexicans, well armed, we are credible informed were seen on Thursday within four miles of the city. Their object is plunder, and we should be not surprised to hear of a stampede of all the horses about the place. There are several mounted companies here and parties are daily sent out scouting, without being able to discover any traces of armed force of Mexicans. The city is lulled into security by the reports which these scouting parties bring in; but it should borne in mind that the troops employed in this service are perfectly green as yet; they have no knowledge of the country and the Mexicans can easily elude them in the chaparral. We cannot forbear to mentioning an occurrence which came to our knowledge yesterday; it is but fair to infer that none of these scouting parties are more conversant with the country than the one who speak of: –A lieutenant with a troops of 25 Illinoians was order on a scout on Thursday morning, directed to take the road to San Fernando. Anxious to be off the officer put his troop in motion without stopping to inquire the direction, and in his haste even forgot the name of the town. In turning down one of our streets, he espied a gentleman standing in a door and thus accosted him: “Can you speak English, sir?” Col. Fitzpatrick was the gentleman addressed, who replied, “I can, sir.” Then said the lieutenant, “Can you tell me the road to San Antonio?” “Yes,” was the reply – “if you will go back to the ferry at Fort Paredes and cross the Rio Grande you will take the road to San Patricio, and from there to San Antonio is a plain wagon road.” “Stop sir,” said the lieutenant, “it is not San Antonio, it is some other San,” “Perhaps,” said the colonel, “you mean San Fernando?” “Oh yes, you are right!” “Well then, sir, keep down this street and continue to follow the road leading south and it will bring you at last to your destination.” –We have not heard whether the lieutenant has returned from his expedition. We are satisfied he will not find Caravajal, unless that worthy thinks he can made prisoners of his troop.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p4c4 Important from Vera Cruz and Tampico

[From the N.O Picayune, Extra July 20

Arrival of the Steamship New Orleans

Important from Vera Cruz and Tampico.

The steamship New Orleans, Capt. Auld, arrived at an early hour this morning from Vera Cruz, via Tampico and the Brazos. Her latest dates from Vera Cruz are to the 17^th inst.

Her news is very important. First of all we give Capt. Alud’s report, by which it will be seen that he left Vera Cruz for this port as early as the 14^th and then returned thither, going no further than Tampico.

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

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

We arrived in Tampico on the morning of the 15^th inst. at 8 o’clock. Col. Gaines informed us the two hundred American prisoners who had been released from the city of Mexico had been ordered down to Tampico and recaptured by Gen. Garay at or near Huejutla, about ninety or one hundred miles up the river, and Col. DeRussy, with detachments of Louisiana volunteers, parts of Capt. Wyse’s company of artillery and Capt. Boyd’s (formerly of the Baltimore battalion) company of infantry, amounting to 115 or 120 men and officers; had left there by the way of the river on the steamers Undine and Mary Summers, on the morning of the 8^th inst., for the purposing of releasing the American prisoners. They had landed sixty mile above unmolested, and the two steamers had returned to the city. At 2 o‘clock P.M. an express arrived from Col. DeRussy stating they had been permitted to march up unmolested until they got in a narrow pass near Huejutla, where they were surroanded by twelve or fourteen hundred Mexicans under Gen. Garay. They had suffered considerable loss, but by the assistance of Capt. Wyse’s artillery they had cut their way out and returned towards the river and wanted assistance. Col. Gates despatched the New Orleans back to Vera Cruz with a requisition on Col. Wilson for four companies of infantry, and also the steamers Undine and Mary Summers up the river with 150 men to the relief of Col. DeRussy. The New Orleans arrived at Vera Cruz on the 16^th at 2 o’clock P.M., when we found the city in a great excitement.

Gen. Pierce had marched out and encamped about ten miles form the city, when the scouts or out guards came in and reported a large force of Mexicans at the National Bridge and marching toward the city. Everything was got ready for an attack. The shipping was removed from between the city and the castle. Gen. Pierce came in and took a reinforcement of seven hundred men making in all thirty two hundred. In consequence of the late difficulty the requisition of Col. Gates on Gov. Wilson could not be complied with. We received on board twenty–five marines from the U.S. sloop Saratoga, and on the morning of the 17^th at 7 o’clock sailed for Tampico, at which time Gen. Pierce had marched out to meet the enemy. At 7 o’clock on the 18^th inst. we arrived at Tampico, and heard that two detachments had returned; and the result, as near as we could ascertain, was as follows:

The detachment had marched up towards their place of destination, unmolested, until, they came in a narrow pass –several miles from Huejutla, when they were surrounded by 1200 or 1400 Mexicans, who cominenced a heavy fire on them from all directions. Capt. Wyse got his piece of artillery to bear on them, after giving them six or eight rounds of grape, which cut lanes through their lines, they gave away and fled through the chaparral, on each side of the road. This was in the morning of the 12^th. They continued lighting their way back towards the river, at intervals, until the morning of the 16^th inst., when they were released by the reinforcement of 150 men sent by Col. Gota. They returned to the city late on night of the 16^th inst, with a loss of twenty killed, ten wounded and two missing, and fifteen or twenty horses and sixty pack mules. I regret to state that Capt. Boyd was the first who fell with three ball through his body. Also, his 1^st lieutenant fell mortally wounded, and was left dying on the field. Col. De Russy had several balls through his clothes. Capt. Wyse had three horses shot from under him. The Mexican loss, by report of a Mexican was 150 killed and wounded. Their general fled and left the charges to the second in command. –The names of the officers who accompanied Col. De Russy are not recollected.

Lieut. Whipple, acting adjutant of the 9 h Infantry, was assaulted by a small party of guerrillas on the 10^th inst., when returning from the cemetery, within four hundred yards of the walls of the city of Vera Cruz. They were pursued by the Americans who could not overtake them. The chaparral has been searched for miles around but his body could not be found.

Capt. William Duff, of the 3d of Dragoons, died of vomito at Vera Cruz, on the afternoon of the 16^th inst.

The New Orleans sailed from Vera Cruz on the 17^th inst. arrived at Tampico on the morning of the 18^th, took in 1100 barrels of coal, 1000 gallons of water, and sailed on the same day at 6, P.M., arrived at the Brazos at 2, P.M., on the 19^th; sailed for this port at 6, P.M., and arrived in the South West Pass at 3, P.M., on the 21^st, making the passage from Brazos in 45 hours.
[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p4c4 Colonel DeRussy

We give another report of Col. De Russy’s expedition from our own correspondent:

[Correspondence of the Picayune]

Tampico, July 18, 1847.

Dear Pic. –The expedition under Col. De Russy returned here on the 16^th inst. at 9 P.M. john the express arrived here on the morning of the 15^th. Col. Gates immediately ordered Lieut. Col. Marks, of La. to take command of the three companies of the 11 th U.S Infantry and a detachment of 3d Artillery with two field pieces and proceed at once to reinforce Col. De Russy. Col. M. with his command embarked on the Mary Summers at 3 o’clock the next morning. When the express left Col. De Russy he was fifteen miles of that place, his men being utterly exhausted by fatigue and want provision, having but three rounds of artillery cartridge and but a small stock of muskets. He succeeded in making his way, however, to Panuco where he was joined by his reinforcements. At the time of the arrival of the Mary Summers the people of the country were raising en masse armed with cane knives for the purpose of making a rush upon our men while asleep, and fortunate was it that Col. Marks arrived at the moment; every one seems to think that they would have been indiscriminately massacred.

On the night of the 11^th inst Col De Russy encamped at Tantayuca, a village some twenty miles distant from Huejutla, where the Americans prisoners were detained. –He resumed his march at 6 o’clock the following morning nine miles to the Rio Calabosa. Capt. Boyd with his company of dragoons, being in the advance, was fired at immediately upon the bank of that river, the enemy lying in ambuscade in the chaparral, (the enemy estimated variously from 500 to 3000.) Captain B. charged across the stream, but was not supported by his men, Lieut. Tanneyhill and five men only crossing with him. Finding the fire of the enemy too severe he started back to his command, and was about midway in the stream when he was struck by a musket ball in the body, and immediately afterwards two shots struck him in the head, killing him it is supposed instantly.

Lieut. Tannyhill at the same time was mortally wounded, two musket balls taking effect in his thigh. The men immediately fled back to the main party, as the Mexicans commenced firing on this side of the river from every direction. The colonel on hearing the firing had immediately advanced the main body to support of Boyd, and not knowing the nature of the ambuscade, the pack mules with all his provisions fell into the bands of the enemy, who were quite as numerous in his rear as in his front.

A retreat now became actually necessary, and was made fighting every foot of ground until we reached Tantayuca again. Here he entrenched himself and remained until midnight, when he started in the direction of Pamecho. –Daylight brought the enemy again, and until his arrival at that place he was continually harassed by the enemy.

Lieut. Tannyhill was left at Tantayuca, being unable to be carried any further. No hopes are entertained that he survived twelve hours.

The New Orleans is ringing its bell. I will give you the official report when published.

Yours in haste,

B.A.

[NO]

August 3, 1847, RW47v24n62p4c4 News from Vera Cruz

From Vera Cruz the news are less satisfactory than we could wish. On the 13^th, our correspondent writes that two expresses had arrived from Puebla. The news had not fully transpired, but the report had got into circulation that the Mexican Government had sent three commissioners to San Martin Tesmelucan, about nine leagues from Puebla, to meet Mr. Trsit and hear through him the terms offered by the President. This was but a rumor, in which we place little confidence.

Our correspondent writes on the 16^th from Vera Cruz that an express from Gen. Scott (a Mexican) while on his way from Puebla to Vera Cruz was murdered near Jalapa. The guerrillas report that he fought desperately, and before he fell killed two of their number. Our own express rider arrived at Vera Cruz on the morning of the 16^th inst without his letter and severely wounded. He came by the route of Orizaba, and when six leagues from that place he was attacked by five guerrilleros and captured. They took from him his letters and inflicted seven severe wounds upon him with a poniard and left him for dead. Had he not played possum a little he thinks they would certainly have finished him. After they had left him he found a business letter to our agents in Vera Cruz torn into fragments, near him. He gathered up most of the pieces and took them safe to Vera Cruz. Our correspondent writes that after putting the pieces together as well as he could he could only make out the following items:

Gen. Pillow’s division arrived at Puebla on the 8^th all well. The American army would march on to the city of Mexico to a certainty if peace were not soon made. [We never supposed there was any doubt about this.] The postcript dated the 11^th inst, says that place was the order of the day. The writer placed no faith in the prospect; he consider that Santa Anna’s sole object was to gain time, a principle of general policy with the Mexicans, especially with the great man.

Our correspondent writes that a large part of the command of Gen. Pierce left on 15^th. The general was expected to get off the evening of the 16^th. Our letters said nothing about the force collected at the National Bridge to oppose our advance. Gen Pierce had been ill but had recovered from his (unintelligible).

The Governor of Vera Cruz had received such information (unintelligible) to suppose an attack would be made upon the city as soon as Gen. Pierce left, and precautions had been taken to defend the place. General orders were issued for every citizen to enroll himself under Capt. Tibbitts and hold himself in readiness for an emergency.

Lieut. J. L. Parker, of the navy, died on the 12^th inst. on board the steam–frigate Mississippi. Lieut. Parker was saved from the Somers, was severely wounded at Tuspan, was at the capture of Tabasco and had been amongst the foremost in almost every enterprise undertaken by the navy. He was noble, brave and generous, and beloved by all who knew him.

We copy the following from the Sun of Anahuac of the 13^th inst. it is not so late as the advices subsequently received, but contains some of the rumors afloat:

A private express arrived here night before last from Puebla, bringing interesting intelligence from that place, from Mexico and from Gens. Cadwallader and Pillow’s trains.

The express left Puebla on the 3d inst., and brought private letters dated the same day.

News have been received the day previous from Mexico, that commissioners had been appointed by the Mexican Government to confer with Mr. Trist at San Martin Tesmeluoan, eight leagues from Puebla, and it was supposed they would meet him on the 4^th of July.

The express rider met with Gens Cadwallader and Pillow and their respective commands at Perote. They had been attacked at La Hoya and had completely route the enemy, having sustained but little loss. No property was lost, and both trains had arrived in Perote; which place, a correspondent says, they were to leave on the 9^th inst.

We have seen a letter dated Mexico, July 2d. The writer says that he does not doubt that a treaty of peace would be concluded at once by the commissioners. He also says that the peace treaty has become so considerable in the capital that he thinks that Santa Anna, (who is always on the side of the strongest,) will soon pronounce himself in favor of peace.

A letter from Puebla, states that there had been some sickness among our troops. We do not give our readers the whole contents of this letter because it is full of rumors which had not been realized at the latest dates.

The Mexicans were still fortifying the city of Mexico, but the means of the Government are so limited, that we do not doubt that it will not be more than a day’s work for Gen. Scott to demolish, in case they should show resistance.
[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p1c1 John Minor Botts

Hon. John Minor Botts

The letter of this gentleman to the Philadelphia Committee (unintelligible) of Invitation, having become a subject of animadversion in a late number of the Enquirer, he transmitted to the editors of that paper the following note, which was published on Tuesday morning last:

To the Editors of the Enquirer:

Richmond, July 29, 1847.

I submit to daily misconstructions and misrepresentation of my political view without complaint or correction, because I take it for granted that time will prove the best corrective to all errors and misstatements that have been, or may be, made respecting me. There is a statement of fact, and not of construction, however, in your paper of this norning, of a nature that if I were to permit it to pass in silence would be taken by your readers as acknowledgement of its truth. The statement I refer to is as follows:

“It will be also seen that Messrs. Wilson and Tuck, along with Messrs. Botts and Corwing, are pledged to vote against giving a dollar for the prosecution of the war.”

Will you be so obliging as to state when, where and how I stand pledged to any such course? for if it can be shown that in my public speeches, or writings or private conversations, I have given any such pledge that I have not intended to fulfil, and that I have expressed a sentiment I never entertained. On the contrary, I have uniformly said, that, whilst I thought the war ought to be brought to a close, by withdrawing our troops to the boundary line between Texas and Mexico, yet, while the army continued in Mexico, they were entitled to the protection of government and that they must be sustained; and I would therefore give all the men and money asked for necessary for that purpose. You surely, however, have not made this grave assertion without some authority, and you will oblige me by publishing it in connection with this note.

Respectfully JNO. M. Botts.

The following paragraph in the editorial comments of the Enquirer, explains the process by which the conclusion that Mr. B. stood on the same ground with Mr. Corwin is arrived at:

“But to the particular specification complained of by Mr. Botts. We said last Thursday, that “Messrs. Wilson and Tuck (of the New Hampshire) along with Messrs. Botts and Corwin, are pledge to vote against giving a dollar for the prosecution of the war.” Mr. Botts denies the position and calls upon us for our authority. We meet the issue and refer him to his own letter to Philadelphia, which has been made so famous by its many bold assertions and false arguments. The particular passage of that letter we have cited over and over again. After denouncing the war was instigated and provoked from a meretricious lust of conquest, and acquisitions of our neighbor’s goods, by men spoiled and besotted with place and power, Mr. Botts proceeds to avow his own opinion as to the proper means to “stay the hand of mischief.” In his own language “It is to disclaim promptly all purpose and intention to take one foot of Mexican soil on any terms, either by conquest or negotiation; to ascertain the teru boundary line of ‘the beautiful but most unfortunate Texas,’ withdraw our troops to that line, and defend it if assailed, (which would never be attempted) and thus bring the wat at once to a speedy and honorable termination. Surely, neither the honor of the nation, nor the glory of our arms, calls for the prosecution of an offensive war.’”

Comment. –The Enquirer professes great admiration of and gratitude to, Gen. Taylor. It will not, of course, the willing to have him set down in the same category with (unintelligible) to whom it is wont to speak of as “moral traitor.” The following paragraph fro his letter to Gen. Gaines, already widely known, may be compared by the reader with these sentiments of Mr. Boots. In order that the comparison may be the more easily made, we place them in parallel columns.

Mr. Botts. –(Unintelligible) promptly all purpose to take one foot of Mexican soil on any terms, either by conquest or negotiation; to ascertain the true boundary line of the beautiful but unfortunate Texas, withdraw our troops to that (unintelligible) and defend it, if assailed which would never be attempted,) and thus bring the war at once to a speedy and honorable termination. Surely, neither the honor of the Nation, nor the glory of (unintelligible), calls for the prosecution of an offensive war.”

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

I do not intend to carry on my operation (as previously stated) beyond Saltillo, –deeming it next to impracticable to do so. It then becomes a question as to what is best to be done– It seems to me the most judicious course to be pursued on our part; would be to take possession, at once, of the line we would accept by negotiation, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, and occupy the same, or keep what we already have possession of.”

Our readers will see, at once, that the position of Mr. Boots is nearly identical with that of Gen. Taylor.

That Mr. Boots, in common with the Whig party, and with many (aye, very many) too who formerly belonged to the Locofoco party, is opposed to this principle, we very well know. But we know, likewise, and every man who has conversed with him on the subject knows, that he always held it to be the solemn duty of Congress to sustain the Army, since it is already there, by every possible reinforcement both of men and money. He and the Whig party would have prevented the war if it had been in their power; but since that is now impossible, they would sustain it to the end, whatever that ends may be. If it be possible to bring it to a close in the manner proposed, they are in favor of doing so. If, on the contrary, their whishes be overruled, they are in favor of furnishing all necessary supplies render our forces efficient, and prevent them from suffering more than can be avoided. We think we have truly stated the position of Mr. B and the Whig Party.

It should be unknown to the Enquirer, that Mr. B. has already given practical proof that his sentiments are such as they are here represented. He has already lost in the service one gallant son, in the bloom of youth, who, but for this war, might have been still alive to cheer the declining years of his father, when he shall be sinking in the down (unintelligible) march of life. Nothing would have been easier than for him to have kept back that son from his country’s service. But he heard her voice, and he gave him up at her call, deprecating all the time, the measures from which had originated the necessity.
[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p1c2 Moral Treason

“Moral Treason.”

Hon. James Buchanan.

Records are sometimes very dangerous things, as many a Demagogue has heretofore found to his cost.

It has become fashionable, as our readers very well know, in certain quarters, to denounce all who are opposed to the Mexican war, as guilty of “moral treason” and of furnishing “aid and comfort to the enemy.” This attempt to stifle investigation, and render Executive authority supreme and irresponsible, has met with but poor success thus far, yet the men who make the charges are far from being discouraged. They are wont to represent the Whig party, though it has thus far furnished more than its quota of a men to fight the battles of the country, as responsible for all the blunders of the administration, and the disastrous consequences that occasionally result from them; and if Gen. Scott was unable to pursue his victory for the want of men and means –if Gen. Taylor has been kept idle for six months, because his force is insufficient to penetrate San Luis –if the reinforcements promised to both Generals, have thus far been existent, in a very great measure, only “upon the pay–rolls” of the army –if seen all this, the Mexican Government have become aware that there is a deficiency of vigor in our councils, and obstinately refuses to treat for peace –it all been owing to Whig editors and Whig speakers, who will not permit this best of all possible administrators “to take a single step for the honor or prosperity” of the Republic. If, indeed, the Mexicans should be blind to facts occurring every day before their eyes –if, from the inactivity both of Scott and Taylor, after the splendid achievements of Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo, they are not able to infer that this war not only is not popular, but that it is prosecuted by the Administration with a feebleness bordering on imbecility– if, finding themselves routed whenever they come in contact with our troops, they yet see no advantage taken of the most complete victories –if, seeing all this, they learn not there from the inefficiency of the Executive, we confess we are unable to see how it is in the power of any editor or orator, Whig o Democrat, to open their eyes to the fact. What are writing and talking in the United States to facts in Mexico?

But if it be true that any man who may oppose this war is guilty of “moral treason,” what can be said of those who oppose the last? We presume that not even Locofoism itself will draw a comparison in favor of this war, with that in which we contended for our very independence –which is, in fact, called “the second war of independence” by Charles J. Ingersoll, himself a rabid Locofoco, and an unwavering supporter of the present Executive. And if the editor or the speaker who shall venture to question the property or morality of this war, be, in very truth, a “moral traitor,” what shall we say of him who not only denounced that, but proclaimed James Madison the “degenerate successor of Washington,” and stigmatized the peace as “bad and disgraceful?” Can such a man, you will ask, yet venture to show himself, with the evidence of “moral treason” so palpably staring him in the face?

The curious reader will no doubt, enquire, who is this “moral traitor?” Is it Clay, or Webster or Adams? No reader, it is none of these. It is a man filling the second office in this Nation. It is JAMES BUCHANAN, Mr. Polk’s PATENT DEMOCRATIC STATES RIGHT SECRETARY OF STATE.

In a speech delivered at Lancaster, Pa before the Washington Association, on the 4^th day of July, 1815, that gentleman, after denouncing the Republican party of 1789, in the most unmeasured terms, and assailing the doctrine of the State rights as the invention of the Demagogues, who wished to keep the country divided into small States for their own advantage, because they could not hope to rise on so large a theatre as the Union presented, speaks as follows of the war then just concluded:

“Time will not allow me to enumerate all the other wild and wicked projects of the Democratic Administration. Suffice it to say, that after they had deprived us of the means of defence, by destroying our navy disbanding our army; after they had taken away from us the power of re–creating them, by ruining commerce, the great source of our national and individual wealth; after they had, by refusing the Bank of the United States a continuation of their character, embarrassed the financial–concerns of the Government, and withdrawn the only universal paper medium of the country from circulation; after the people had become accustomed to, and, of course, unwilling to bear taxation, and without money in the Treasury, they rashly plunged us not a war with a nation more able to do us injury than any other in the world. What was the dreadful necessity for this desperate measure? Was our country invaded? No. Was it to protect our little remaining commerce from the injuries it sustained by the orders in Council? No. Commerce was not such a favorite, and the merchants wished for no war account. Besides, if the existence of the orders in council had been its true cause, after their repel our country would have accepted the olive branch which was offered by England. What then was the cause? The one for which we professed to draw the sword, and risk our all, was to determine an abstract question of the law of the nations, concerning which, an opinion different from that our administration was held by all Europe, –to decide whether a man can expatriate himself or not. In the decision of this questions our administration pretended to feel a deep interest. The greater part of those foreigners who would be affected by it, had long been warmest friends. They had been one of the great means to elevating the present ruling party, and it would have been ungrateful for that party to have abandoned them.

“Superficial observers may suppose this to have been the real source of the war; but whoever will carefully and impartially examine the history of our country will find its true origin to have been far different. It took its rise from the over weaning partiality which the Democratic Party have uniformly shown for France, and the consequent hatred which they felt against her great adversary, England. To keep this foreign feeling alive has been the labor of their leaders for more than twenty years, for it has been one of the principal causes of introducing and continuing them in power. Immediately before war, this foreign influence had completely embodied itself with every political feeling of a majority of people, particularly in the West. Its voice was heard so loud at the seat of government, that the President was obliged either to yield to its dictates, or retire from office. The choice in this alternative was easily made by a man, who preferred his private interest to the public good. We were therefore hurried into the war utterly unprepared.

“What has been its result? Exactly what every reasonable man expected at its commencement. We declared our intention of conquering Canada; whether for the purpose of annexing it to the United States, or of compelling our enemy to yield the doctrine of impressment, is immaterial to the present question. Instead of conquering it, we have ourselves invaded in every quarter, and the best blood of the country has streamed in defence of own soil. The very capitol of the United States, the lofty temple of liberty, which was reared and consecrated by Washington, has been abandoned to its fate by his DEGENERATE successor, who ought to have shed his last drop of blood in its defence.

After the Administration had entered upon the war, instead of coming forward with manly confidence, and taxing the people for its support, they basely shrunk from their duty, in order to maintain their popularity, and adopted the ruinous system of carrying on the contest by borrowing money. What were the effects of this policy? Does not every man in the country know, was it even disguised by the Administration, that the United States would, in a short time, have become bankrupt, had not peace been concluded? Thanks then to heaven, that we have obtained a peace, BAD AND DISGRACEFUL AS IT IS; other wise, the beautiful structure of the Federal Government, supported by the same feeble hands, might have sunk, like the capitol, into ruins.

“Instead of exempting seamen sailing under our flag from impressments by the war, we have altogether relinquished that principle; because it is a well established truth in the law of the nations, that if war be waged by on e country against another for a specified claim, and the treaty which terminates the contest, is silent upon that subject, it is forever abandoned. Thus the Government have at last yielded the very point for the maintenance of which they professed to go war, after having expended nearly $200,000,000.

“We have not only not obtained by the war any thing which we are taught to expect, but we have lost many valuable privileges. All the numerous rights and advantages guaranteed to by Jay’s treaty have been relinquished, nay, we have not only compelled to conclude a treaty which does not contain any solitary stipulation in our favor, except that there should be peace, but which unsettles the boundaries of our country, and leaves to the decision of commissioners whether we shall longer retain a part of our own territory, which we have held in quiet possession for more than 20 years.”
[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p1c3 Officers at Camargo

[From the N.O Picayune.]

The Officers at Camargo

We do not feel at liberty to deny the use of our columns to an officer who in the following letter vindicates the character of the service, which suffers under the aspersions cast upon those members of it who happen to be stationed at Camargo or on that line:

Camargo, July 13, 1847.

Gentlemen –In a newspaper recently started in your city and called, I believe, the National, there appeared on the 26^th ult. a letter from this town dated June 9^th, 1847, full of false statements of a nature most injurious to the character of many officers on this line –the writer going so far as even to single out one of these objects of his malignity by name. And not only have these been published to a world which, ignorant of the truth and unacquainted with the person thus assailed would be already sufficiently disposed to believe in the verity of the charges alleged against them, but they have been published, moreover, with the endorsement of the editor of this paper, since has taken the trouble to call his reader’s special attention to them by a long editorial encomium on their author. Now this being so, justice to an energetic and deserving officer, whose whole crime consists in the honest execution of an order imposed upon him by his superior, demands that these statements should meet with that flat and emphatic contradiction due to their egregious falsity. And, for this reason, I would respectfully beg for the use of a small space in the columns of the Picayune.

Taking these charges, then, in the order in which they occur, I, in the first place, deny that any merchant “has been prohibited from selling his goods, except at wholesale, under penalty of incarceration, street–sweeping, ball and chain, and finally transportation.” The only sales prohibited here have been those of liquors and of articles contraband of war; the later under the general authority of the law of the nations, the former by Gen. Taylor particular command. And this charge is therefore utterly false.

The story of “secret partnership between officers and their favorites, to whom they give the exclusive privilege of vending merchandise ad libitum, whom they protect and furnish with public transportation, together with every other facility, to the exclusion of all others,” is equally false, and the writer can point to no instance of it.

In the next place, the assertion that “Capt. Hunt, 4^th Artillery, commanding Camargo, is a partner of any house enjoying such privileges” is another falsehood; and that “every one in Camargo believe this,” is certainly news to me who live here. It is false that “he has a favorite house,” false that “he dresses up his own men as citizens, others as Mexicans, and sends them spying and eaves–dropping about tents and stores, telling them to beg for a glass of wine, ale or cider, that they may impeach the giver.

The Capt. Hunt “broke into a ware–house here upon information that there was liquor to be found in it, and took thence three barrels of whiskey, and “put one of the partners in prison for a few hours,” is true; such was his duty, which admitted of no discrimination between “respectable merchants” and poor devils of teamsters or others, when engaged in the same prohibited traffic. Thus march, I say is true; all the rest of the paragraph is wholly false.

Finally, Capt. Hunt is a graduate of West Point, has served faithfully and well in the army for eighteen years, was in the Black Hwak, the Creek war, the Florida war, and will again do his duty, whenever the opportunity is afforded him, in this war against Mexico. He has always borne a high character, both as an officer and a man of honor, and those who know him will surely have felt only indignation and contempt on reading the scurrilous article in which it was sought to defame him, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant.

Julius P. Gareschi, 1^st Lt. 4^th Art’y.

[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p1c3 Spanish Gossip

Spanish Gossip.

In La Patria of Sunday last we find the latest invention of the day in the space of a letter from Havana, dated the 16^th inst. This letter pretends that a report is current at Havana, especially in commercial circles, that the three millions voted by Congress for the use of the President in making a treaty are employed in subserving influential personages in Mexico. This reporter of the pretended little tattle of Havana has been unable to learn the names of the Mexicans bought by the money of the “Yankees,” but has heard the name of Arista, Ampudia, Almonte, Canalizo and Rejon mentioned, and other whom he does not recollect. The editors of the Patria here intervene to screen some of the individuals mentioned by declaring that they “do not believe that all these names deserve to be classed among those sold!” The letter writer goes further and insinuates that others have been tampered with, mentioning that he has heard that Basadre, Gomez de la Cortina, Lombardini and two or three more proved incorruptible.

What a precious mass of folly have we here! The editors of La Patria in introducing the letter to their readers disclaim giving credence to its infamous revelations, but by their intervention to save some of the Mexicans enumerated form the suspicions attached to them, they show themselves not totally incredulous. Passing by the preposterous nature of the charges thus brought against the United States Government, which no citizen will credit for an instant, however,, deep–rooted his opposition to the Administration, what a state of political ethics does this letter reveal among our Havana and Mexican neighbors, who may reasonably be supposed to know something of each others moral qualities.

Our readers may be curious to know how these Spaniards pretend that the purchase of these broken down Mexican generals is to be made available. “They are to use all their influence to bring about a peace, or at least see that the war is so conducted that the Americans, if they do not come therefrom” –[bien librados.] One cannot but be struck by the fatuity imputed to the Americans in buying up such rank of cowards as Ampudia and Canalizo, and two Mexicans like Arista and Almonte, both in complete disgrace at home and in no condition at present to exercise influence with their countrymen. The whole substance of the letter is as preposterous a mess of stuff as we have seen in a twelve months; it is only paralleled by a former Havana letter which appeared in this same Patria, which enjoyed a brief notoriety. –N. O. Pic.
[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p1c4 A Battle

Highly Important Intelligence

A battle.

[Correspondence of the Commercial Times.]

Tampico, (Mexico,) July 18, 1847.

Gentlemen: Considerable excitement has existed in this city for the past two weeks, in relation to the detention by General Garay, at the town of Guautla (pronounced Wahoutla) 140 miles from here, of one hundred and eighty Americans, who were recently liberated in the city of Mexico, and sent towards this city with a small escort. They are those who were taken last February at Encarnacion. –The renowned General Garay, in true Mexican style, pretended that they passports were not correct, and that he would be under the necessity of detaining them at Guautla, until he could hear from his Government.

Six of them made their escape, and arrived in safety in this city, and immediately communicated the above facts to our Governor, Col. Gates.

An expedition was fitted out on the 8^th instant (unintelligible) of Colonel Gates, and the command of it given to Colonel De Russy, of the Louisiana regiment. This expedition consisted of one hundred and twenty men, and (unintelligible) pound field piece –forty men third artillery (unintelligible) by Capt. Wyse –forty dragoons, mounted on (unintelligible) musting horses, and commanded by Capt. Boyd and Lieutenant Tannehill, late of the Baltimore battalion –and forty mounted men from Louisiana regiment, commanded by Captains Mace and Seguine –Lieutenants Linderburger, Campbell and Heimberger, of the Louisiana regiment, accompanied the expedition, to act in such capacities as might be required.

Their march for four days was uninterrupted, passing through the town of Puebla–Viejo, Tampico–Alto, Ozuania and Tantoyuca, in all of which the people made professions of friendship, and had got within seven miles of Guautla, eight miles, beyond the last mentioned town, and one mile from Rio Calabasas. Here the Col. Met an Indian, who informed him that a large force of Mexicans, under the command of Garay, had heard of his approach, and was in ambush on both sides of the river. Col. De Russy immediately despatched Lieut. Lidenburger, acting Adjutant, with an order to halt the column (advance guard) under command of Capt. Boyd. The Captain had haltered at the river for the purpose of watering his horses, and while in that act, he received a destructive fire from an unseen enemy. As I said before, the horses were all mustangs, and at the report of the musketry they became unmanageable, threw most of the riders, and created great confusion. Capt. Boyd dashed across the river, followed by his Lieutenant and six men. In crossing the Captain was shot in the head, and of course died on reaching the opposite shore. Three of the men were also killed. All this took place before Lt. Lindenburger reached him. The remainder succeeded in recrossing the river, and joined the main body. Thus fell one of the bravest and finest men that ever lived.

On hearing the report of musketry from the opposite bank of the river, the Mexicans concealed on this side, commenced firing on the main body of the expedition from every side, when Capt. Wyse, came gallantly into action with his field piece, and opened a destructive fire on the enemy, with grape and canister. At the same time, Captains Mace and Seguine charged the enemy on the right and left, in the most spirited manner. The battle now raged with great fury on both sides for one hour, when the Mexicans sounded a retreat, at least that portion of them in front.

The Colonel now discovered a large body of lancers approaching him in the rear, but before he succeeded in getting within reach of them, they capture a portion of the pack mules and then took to their heels.

During the engagement, Liuet. Tannehill was mortally wounded, a ball passing through his thigh and breaking the bone. The six men at the cannon were all severely wounded; three bullets passed through Col. De Russy’s coat, and as many through Capt. Wyse ‘s. Capt. Mace was struck twice with apent balls, but not hurt.

After the engagement, to the astonishment of all, only one round shot and one charge of canister was left for the gun, when our troops, having fired away the greater part of their ammunition, it was deemed prudent to fall back on Tantayoca, which was accordingly done.

The road from the river Tantayoca lay through a narrow defile, the summits of the mountains nearly hanging over the heads of the men as they passed through it. The deep and precipitous sides were covered with a dense chaparral from base to top. Here the enemy rallied, and concealing themselves from view, poured a destructive fire down upon our gallant little band, which, from the nature of the ground, they were unable to return.

On approaching Tantoyoca, in which they had encamped the previous night, and from which they had started peaceably that morning, our men found, to their surprise, that the plaza, church and streets were crowded with lancers and other troops. They marched up boldly to the enemy, until they got within a few hundred yards of the plaza, when they opened to the right and left, and gave Capt. Wyse an opportunity to discharge his last round shot. It did some execution, killing and wounding some three or four, and also making a tremendous hole in the walls of the church. Col. De Russey, with Capt. Seguine, at the same time made a charge up the street, when the Mexicans, for the second time, took to their heels, returning only a few scattering shots. The lowest estimate I have heard made of the number of Mexicans engaged in this affair was 1000. Some say as many as 2000 and 3000. Our troops now took possession of the town, and encamped on the same ground they had occupied the previous night, (Sunday, the 11^th inst.)

A detachment was now sent through that town to search for ammunition, and they succeeded in finding enough to make five rounds of canister, which at this moment was an invaluable prize.

A number of the men, contrary to orders, broke open both stores and houses, and helped themselves to every thing valuable they could lay their hands on, and foremost among them were the Mexican muleteers who accompanied the Colonel. They appeared to be told hands at the business.

After our troops encamped, they could see large bodies of the enemy moving to the rear of them for the purpose of cutting off their farther retreat, but both men and horses were so exhausted, that it was determined to remain in their present position for a short time to retreat.

Near dark, Gen. Garay’s aid–camp and a Major of the staff, came near Col. De Russy’s camp with a flag of truce. The Colonel did not allow them to enter his camp, but met them at a short distance outside of it. The Colonel was accompanied by by Capt. Wyse. The aid handed the Colonel a letter. The Colonel told him, in substance, “that it was too dark to read it, and that he had no candles or light, probably he, the aid, could tell him the purport of it.” The aid, (who spoke English fluently) replied, “that \it was a summons for an unconditional surrender, as Gen. Garay had sufficient men and means to conquer him, and he wished to spare an effusion of blood.” Col. De Russy immediately returned the letter, unopened, to the aid, and he told the aid to “tell Gen. Garay that the idea of surrender had never entered his mind, and he therefore declined shy correspondence on that subject” –when the aid and Major, after the usual compliments, retired.

Col. De Russy now ordered camp fires to be made, and all the horses to be unsaddled, and every thing had the appearance, to the Mexicans, of his remaining there all night. In this, however, they were deceived; for the Colonel took up his line of march at 2 o’clock A.M., during one of the heaviest rain storms ever experienced, and passed silently through the city. They took the road for Penuca, passing in a country direction to the one he came by, and on which Garay was encamped, and was ten miles from Tantayoca when daylight overtook him.

At 10 o’clock A.M., the lancers and guerillas again came in sight, and hung in the rear of the detachment all day, spearing and shooting down, without mercy, such unfortunate persons as straggled off from the main body. On one occasion, a large body of lancers collected in a group, when Capt. Wyse gave them a salute with a charge of canister, and made great have among both horses and riders, killing and wounding about 30 men, and from that time they kept at a respectful distance.

The Mexicans followed our little detachment for two days, occasionally exchanging a few shots. Lieut. Heimberger was shot in the arm during the retreat the first day. When Col. De Russy got within 15 miles of Penues, he dispatched Mr. Geo Lefler, a old citizen of this place, to Col. Gates, giving him an account of his position, and informing him of their being entirely out of ammunition , and a large body of the enemy in his rear.

Col. Gates immediately despatched Lieut. Col. Marks to his relief with 160 men, two pieces of cannon, and plenty of ammunition. Lieut. Col. Marks went to Penuca with his command per steamboat, where he met Col. De Russy and his command, completely tired out,. And almost without a cartridge. As there was an attack anticipated, the following night, on this place, both parties returned.

Thus ended one of the most brilliant affairs, for the numbers enagaged in ti, (terminating with a masterly retreat,) which has taken place during this war. Col. De Russy was every where in the hottest of the fight, and pointed his solitary gun several times, while bullets were falling around him as thick as hail.

P.S. –I have this moment learned that official reports have been received in town, that the number of Mexican engaged in the late battle was 1850. So you may judge for yourselves, of the gallant defence of 120 men against such odds. I had nearly forgotten to mention that we lost thirty horses killed in the battle.

Yours in haste,

[NO]

August 6, 1847, RW47v24n63p2c4 Funeral Honors to the Gallant Dead

Funeral Honors to the Gallant Dead!

The interment of the remains of Col. William R. McKee, Lieut. Col. H. Clay, Capt.Wm T. Willis, Capt. W. H. Maxey, Adjutant Edward M. Vaughan, Lt. Joseph Howell; W. W. Bayles, Wm. Thwaits, N. Ramey, Thos. Weigert, Alex. G. Morgan, C. Jones, Henry Carty, T. McH. Dozier, H. Trotter, C. B. Thompson, and W. C. Greene, soldiers of Kentucky who fell at Buena Vista, took place on Tuesday last, in the presence of a concourse of people whose numbers were variously estimated, from fifteen to thirty thousand.

The notice given, was unfortunately so short, that the citizens from distant parts of the State, were not able to attend; indeed, we learn that several of the companies belonging to the regiments to which the deceased belonged, were not advised of the day fixed for the ceremonies until it had passed. The intense and almost overpowering heat or the weather, prevented many from attending; but notwithstanding these things, there came together on that day, the largest concourse of people ever assembled in Kentucky.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p1c1 General Taylor and the Locos

General Taylor and the Locos

It is amusing to watch the course of Locofocoism relative to this redoubtable champion of our country. When the news of his triumphant success at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma reached the United States, the politics of the conqueror became immediately a subject of most eager enquiry. It was soon found that he was a Whig –a Clav, Crittenden Whig– and Locofoism ceased to talk about him as far as possible. Then came Monterrey, and the terms of the capitulation offered a theme for vituperation, which was not to be neglected. Accordingly, every (unintelligible) hero that could wield a pen, entered the arena against old Rough and Ready.

But this did not do for the people. They had taken a far more accurate measure of the man’s stature than their rulers, and they know him to be a giant. His name was on every tongue, and his services had sunk deep into every heart. The famous letter to General Gaines, which gave an insight into his true situation and led the people into full view of the difficulties with which he had struggled and ever which he had triumphed, the genuine, unaffected modesty of the man, and his forbearance under provocation that must have severely tried his temper, raised enthusiasm in his favor above fever heat. To throw cold water upon this spirit, the little party leaders in Congress were induced to try their feeble lauces against the iron–cased form of the old hero, and they shivered in their hands up to the very grasp. The Administration was in despair. Its organ did not come out directly, but all that could be done by sly hint and innuendo, was attempted in vain. A bolder game was necessary. Withholding forces and supplies had been tried censure, indirect unmistakable, from the war office, had been tried, almost to an insult had been tried; but it was of no avail– Old Rough could neither be whipped by the Mexicans, nor disgusted by the Secretary of war, nor bullied by Benton, nor forced to resign by Congress. Onward, he kept the even tenor of his way” –marching, fighting bivouacking, and conquering. It was important to stop his progress; indeed, it was absolutely necessary to do so. An attempt was made to put Lieut. General Benton over his head, but Congress had too much sense to do that, Locofoco as it was. In the very midst of their machinations, after they had left him without reinforcements, and while they were indulging the consoling reflection that now he must halt in his career, the astounding news but upon the country, that he had not only disobeyed the order to fall back, given by an ignorant Secretary two thousand miles off, but that he advanced and gained a most unheard victory, over forces five times as numerous as his own! At that very moment his destruction was expected to be heard from, and the President had already begun to say “Shake not your gory backs at me,” “thou canst not say I did it.”

No, that was the simple truth. No matter what happened, the President was not to blame for the fight at Buena Vista, for he had ordered to fall back. But he was very anxious to come in for a share of the glory, and his followers even talk about the “eminent ability” &c.

After the battle of Buena Vista it was found impossible to restrain public sentiment, which broke through to the trammels of party and flowed irresistible towards General Taylor, Whig though he was. A new plan was then adopted. The democrats made haste to have themselves dubbed Taylor men, and strove to bias the old General’s mind by declaring in his favor. But it was no go; and at last, with all the evidence before it, the Washington Union says:

“In no case, nor under any circumstances, will General Taylor agree to, or submit to, any one of the three, circumstances to which we referred –viz: that the Presidential candidate for the Republican party should be a Democrat in his principles –the he should avow his sentiments beforehand –and that he should be nominated by a Democratic Convention.”

And again:

“is it to be believed that any of them (the Whigs) would support General Taylor, unless they believe him to be a Whig. Some of them cry him up as a no–party candidate; but, at the same time, they have reasons to (unintelligible) them, as they think, that he is a Whig in his principles. The New York Courier, ‘the North American,’ even the ‘Cincinnati Atlas,’ &c. &c, affirm their conviction of his Whig principles. Do they not believe that he is a ‘Whig –a Clay Whig?’ Otherwise, who believes for one moment that they will support him for the Presidential chair?”

Certainly they will not. Spoken like an Oracle for once. In future let Locofocoism keep its hands clear from Gen. Taylor. They can neither rule him off nor steal him.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p1c2 Attack on a train

From the N.O. Picayune, July 30

Further from the Rio Grande.

Successful Attack upon a train.

The schooner Sarah Churchman, Captain Errikson, arrived yesterday from the Brazos, having sailed thence on the 23d inst. By her we have a Matamoros Flag of the 21^st inst. –four days later than the number previously received.

The ship Edgar, Capt. Smith, also arrived yesterday from the Brazos, having sailed on the 24^th inst. this vessel took out a detachment of two hundred and eighty regulars from New York to the Brazos.

Quite the most interesting news in the Flag is the following in relation to an attack upon a train, which was partially successful:

The last arrival from Camargo brings an account of a recent attack by the Mexicans, supposed to be a detached party of Urrea’s troops, upon a train on its way to Monterrey. The wagon train was attended by a small escort, and following in the rear were some sixty or eighty pack mules, freighted with goods belonging to merchants of Matamoros. The train was attacked near Marin, and the assault was direct against the rear, with a view of cutting off the pack mules, in which the Mexicans were completely successful –all the mules with their packs were captured by them. –A considerable booty has thus fallen into their hands –some say about $30,000 worth of dry goods and a quantity of tobacco. The principle loss is sustained by Mr. Tarniver, one of the most respectable merchants of Matamoros, who loses upwards of $25,000 in dry goods, Mr. Kingsbury was the owner of the tobacco.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p1c2 From the Matamoros Flag

The following items are all from the Flag:

Tenth of Infantry. –This regiment left on Monday last in the steamers McKee, Col. Hunt and J E Roberts. They go to Mier, there to remain until called to a field of greater activity by Gen. Taylor as a portion of the detachment under Brig. Gen. Hopping, forming a school of instruction which has been established at place. Lieut. Edward Harte, formerly connected with the press in the United States, has been appointed regimental quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence by Col. Temple, making the list of the staff officers complete. The regiment has been drilled regularly during its sojourn here, and it has conducted with more property and given less annoyance to citizens than any regiment that has been stationed here. We are sorry to lose them.

Fourth Ohio Volunteers. –This regiment has arrived here and is now encamped on the lake, taking the position recently occupied by the 10^th Infantry. They are commanded by Col. Chas. H. Brough, fromerly editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The other field and staff officers are, Mr. Wernet,of dayton, lieutenant colonel, Wm. B. Young, of Hamilton, major; Lieut. Kessler, adjutant. The Regiment numbers upwards of nine hundred men and is enjoying excellent health –but one death having occurred since its organization. Three companies of the regiment, with its lieutenant colonel and adjutant, are Germans, who have made the United States the country of their adoption.

Ms. M L Fulton, of this place, has shown us several letters from E B Lundy and E Montily, who were mentioned in our last paper as having been taken prisoners near San Carlos, by a party of Mexicans under Caravajal. These letters were dated “La Marina, July 4^th,” and state that they were taken prisoners on the day previous, by Col. Caravajal, who has treated thenm with great kindness, and assured them they would be released upon proper evidence being furnished that they were not in the employ of the United States Government. They were awaiting the order of Ge. Urrea, whose headquarters was at Tula. Mr. Lundy has sent a note to the British Consul at this place, stating that he is a Canadian by birth, and has never become a citizen of the United States. We understand from Mr. Fulton that he was engaged in connection with Mr. Lundy in the purchase of mules for the purpose of taking them to Louisiana, and that Mons Montilly and Don Carlos were employed by them to assist in “driving in” mules of ten from the interior, and the party proceeded beyond San Fernando on account of the high price which they were compelled to pay on this side of that town.

We take it back.– Lieut. Simon Doyle, Illinois cavalry sent us a communication denying positively that any lieutenant, or troop of the Illinois cavalry, made any such display of verdancy as we impute to them in our last paper. He says no officer or man of the company ever held such conversation with Col. Fitzpatrick, and furthermore, that on the day we state this conversation took place, (the 15^th) no scouting party of his company was ordered out in any direction.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p1c3 News from Vera Cruz

From the N.O. Picayune, July 31

Letter from Vera Cruz.

We are permitted to make an extract from a letter of the latest date from Vera Cruz, written by a gentleman who certainly possesses more than ordinary facilities for getting at authentic news. It shows how meager are the materials of the Vera Cruz editors for forming opinions of the course of events about. The letter is dated:

Vera Cruz, July 22, 1847.

Gen. Pierce, with his brigade, is fairly off at last, with, I am told, some three thousand men –a pretty good force, but not enough, however, to frighten off the guerrillas, who commenced firing on them by the time they were well out of sight of the city. This place is quiet now; all fear of an attack seems to have died off. Pickett was ordered by the quartermaster last Sunday to divide off the quartermaster’s men – there are about five hundred of them in all – into companies of fifty or sixty men each, and select a captain and two lieutenants to each, in order that they might receive arms. This was done, but the officers would not receipt for the arms, and the matter seems to be dropped.

There is no news here from headquarters that I know of, the last from Puebla was up to the 22d ult. It was stated that Gen. Scott would certainly leave there on the 15^th of this month for the city of Mexico. It is very difficult to get anything from the interior in an authentic shape; we have nothing but rumors and reports. Everything from Mr. Kendall goes through to his paper, of course, and whatever comes to Col. Wilson or is intended for the government does not transpire here.

The Quartermaster’s Office in a building [the Mexican Treasury Department] which is within a few feet of the waters of the Gulf, and directly fronting the castle. The building is, I suppose, 350 or 400 feet inland, very substantially built of this coral rock, and stucco or cement in and outside. The gateway, or “entrada” and “salida” – which are in large golden letters overhead – gives ingress and egress to the Mole and water and the city. The floors of this building are all of flag marble. The other end of the building is occupied by the Governor and by the collector of duties. The wide steps of the second story are of white marble. The windows are very large and defended by heavy cooper gratings which are, I am told, worth 200 dollars each. There could not be a house placed to be more comfortable than this in a hot climate. The sea breeze blows in the whole day, and frequently so strong that you must have a pound weight on every piece of paper you lie down or it is off. A man can wear clothing in this building all the time with comfort; in fact, if one keeps out of the sun there is no danger of being too warm. In may and the first part of June it was rather hot, but since the middle of the latter month the rain has fallen almost nightly, and the air has been much cooler than before. The quartermaster, Maj. Smith, is very sick, though as yet not considered in danger. I hope he will recover shortly, as he is much liked by all in the department. Captain Plummer, of the First Infantry, is acting at present in his place.

This is probably the most important quartermaster’s post in the campaign, and there is enough business for a half (unintelligible) of them, and yet there has been but one acting quartermaster here since the bombardment, and he of course liable to be sick, as in the present case, and not regularly authorized quartermaster to fill the post.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p1c3 From Tampico

From Tampico.

The U.S. schooner Velasco, Capt. Draker, arrived at this port yesterday from Tampico, whence she sailed on the 22d inst.

Capt. Martin M. Moore, of the 11 Infantry, died on board the Velasco on the 25^th inst. of yellow fever. His remains were committed to the sea. Capt. More was from Pennsylvania, we believe.

The verbal news from Tampico is to the effect that the American prisoners at Huejutla have been sent further into the interior of the country.

We have a copy of the Tampico Sentinel of the 18^th, but it does not contain a report of the expedition of Col. Russy, although one is promised the following day in a supplement. The fight is termed the battle of Tantenuca in the Sentinel.

This paper says that Tampico is healthier than it has been for years; that most the cases in the hospital arise from exposure and imprudence.

From the ship news of the Sentinel we copy a paragraph, though it may be no late:

The U.S propeller Washington, Capt. Pratt, at Tampico on the 15^th inst., two days from the Brazos, bound to Vera Cruz, reportas that on the 13^th inst., in lat 23º 15, lon. 96º 18, she spoke the U.S. bomb vessel Hecla ten days from Santander, in distress –her crew on half rations. She would try to get to Vera Cruz; had been expecting to be relieved from blockading the ports for two months; she was ten days in getting thirty miles to the southward. Supplied her with all the provisions that could be apeared.

List of officers of the Hecla. –Lieut. A B Fairfax commanding; Lieuts. W M Walker and H J Hailsteim, Acting Master J M Clitz, Passed Midshipman J B Elliot, Dr. Harrison, W J Innes and J W Duffield.

Also spoke the U. S. sloop of war Germantown, in lat. 23º 40, lon. 27º 30, on a cruise. All well.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p2c1 Investigation of the conduct of the War

Investigation of the conduct of the War and the causes which led to it .

From the very commencement of this war with Mexico, the adherents of Mr. Polk have assumed the astounding position that no enquiry is to be made into its origin –that al investigation calculated to enlighten the people upon this subject is to be entirely stifle –that those who are called on to fight the battles and pay the expenses of the country, have no right to ask what they are fighting and paying for –and that he who shall express any curiosity upon a subject so well adapted to excite it, Is no better than a “moral traitor.” It is, it seems, the business of the Executive to know what we are at war for, and his business alone, the duties of the people being confined to the very narrow circuit of seeing that it is successfully waged. –This new doctrine, which might well suit the latitude of Constantinople or St. Petersbug, seems strange enough in a country, (unintelligible) very existence of whose liberty depends upon the vigilance with which its public officers are watched –in which freedom of speech and of thought a re among the rights most carefully guarded by the constitution –and where public opinion, only properly made up, when it is fully enlightened, has been held to be the only natural and legitimate basis of all Government.

These startling doctrines have been maintained, in spite of the fact, notorious to all the world, that in no country where Freedom exists can any subject, even the most unimportant, arise, upon which there will not be a contrariety of opinions; and that, of course, unanimity upon one of such magnitude as is implied in the existence and conduct of a war, is a sheer and literal impossibility. The men who formed the Constitution of the United States were well aware of these facts, which the present supporters of the war seem altogether to have overlooked. They knew that in times of trouble, differences of opinion, sometimes pushed to a degree of exaggeration very nearly approximating an open rupture, would unavoidable arise, and yet, that both sides might be perfectly honest, thoroughly loyal, equally zealous for the honor and interest of their common country. They made every possible allowance for the different lights in which the same subject would present itself to minds differently organized; and knowing that in the heat of party strife, those who entertain opposite views are but too apt to regard each other with more bitterness than a foreign enemy, they determined to deprive the strong of all power to proscribe and destroy the weak, unless upon such evidence of hostility to their native land, as it was impossible for the understanding to reject. In this view of the subject, founded on a deep knowledge of history, of man, and of the springs which regulate and control the action, alike of individuals, and of communities; the definition of treason by the constitution had its rise; a definition which, though founded in common sense, and amply sufficient to secure every object which could be obtained by the multiplication of treason to any extent; however indefinite, has not its like upon the statute book of any nation, even the freest in Europe. The proof of treason must be confined to the “over act;” speeches, writings, publications of every kind, be their nature what they may, are only evidence to prove the intention, where the act has been committed.

That the advocates of this war would most gladly (unintelligible) for the present law of treason one by which they could put a curb upon the tongues of those who opposite it, is evident, enough to all who have observed the course they have pursued since its commencement. A new phrase has been invented, sufficiently significant of the wishes of those who claim its paternity. “Moral treason” is the phrase –a species of offence, of the existence of which there can be no proof –for which the law has provided no punishment –the possibility of which it did not recognize, since it did not define its nature –which is referrible to the secret heart of the accused alone –and for which, since there is no punishment by law, it has been thought proper to substitute one in the shape of slander and detraction. The Revolutionary Government of France invented a description which it denominated incivism and which was wide enough to cover all offences no cognizable by any statutory provision previously in existence. This offence of “moral treason” seems to be precisely of the same nature, its meaning being “the crime of differing with the Executive.” There is some difference in the punishment, however, for which we are well assured that neither Mr. Polk nor those who take their cue from him are in the least to blame. Thy have indeed shown their zeal to the satisfaction of all who may be disposed to doubt, by substituting slander for the (unintelligible), that being the (unintelligible) hunt to which their power at present extends.

We should judge, however, that Democratic opinion was undergoing a change, and that the time was approaching when men might be allowed to investigate the origin and causes of the war, without danger of the “moral” guillotine. Our opinion is founded upon the following extract from an editorial in the Washington Union of Thursday last, upon a work which it says is forthcoming, and which is to be styled “a complete comprehensive history of the war between this country and Mexico.”

“It is proper that all Governments and Nations should be seen in their true light by the people who live under their respective laws and constitutions, when engaged in enterprises so important as that which has called our brave and patriotic soldiers to the battle fields of Mexico; and the people of the United States have a peculiar right to see their Government in its true and undisguised position toward a country with which it is engaged in a sanguinary war; or rather, it is the peculiar duty of the people who live under a government like ours, to inquire carefully, (unintelligible) into the circumstances, motives, and principles which control their Government in the prosecution of a war against a foreign country. The incongruity of our institutions with military exploits, and the immediate relation of the American people with the machinery of their Government, make it peculiarly their right and their duty to become acquainted –familiarly acquainted– with the history of the cause and events which bring their country into belligerent contact with other Powers.”
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p2c2 The Mexican News

The Mexican News

Our reader will see accounts form the seat of war in an other (unintelligible) and will be able to form their own opinions. Opinion (unintelligible) divided in New Orleans at the latest dates. We are inclined to put confidence in the main incident, the entry of Gen. Scott into Mexico, for in opposition to the positive testimony of the National’s Matamoros correspondent, we regard the various surmises and conjectures of the press, as of very little value.

Supposing Gen. Scott then to be, at this moment, in the Halls of the Montezumas, the questions occurs, What is to be done next? Will Mexico be more disposed to treat for peace now than she was six months ago? We hope she may, but we confess it looks to us very much like “hoping against hope.” If Buena Vista, which so utterly destroyed the morale of the Mexican army as to leave them almost helpless prey at Cerro Gordo, had not the effect of taming the pride of the enemy, we cannot be made to see how the capture of Mexico can. If the war were a combined national movement it might be different. But the very reverse of this appears to be the case. Every State, every town, every political division of every kin –every individual, in fact, seems to be fighting on its or his own hook, without any regard to the movements at the capital: So very many neighborhoods, all indeed in which the American Army, or any portion of it, is stationed, are thriving under the war, that we doubt whether they would not regret to see it ended. They are well paid for every thing saleable, and have learned better than some of our own citizens, to estimate the value of a Home Market.

If then the war is approaching its end, we can not believe that the capture of Mexico will have any part in hastening the result. The Washington Union scolds the Mexican furiously for not finding out that they are beaten; but the Mexican are an ignorant and conceited race, and will not listen to the Union. The war will, we presume, change its character. We shall have no more of (unintelligible) battles, in the open field, but the guerrillas system seems to be fully organized and to that there is literally no end.

Apart from the glory necessarily involved in the (unintelligible) the capital of an enemy in triumph, we do not see (unintelligible) much will have been gained by the capture of (unintelligible), it may be that the necessity of holding it may welcome somewhat of a drawback upon Gen. Scott’s future operations, and that he may find himself in the condition of Sir. William Howe after the Battle of Brandywine, when Dr. Frankin said “Howe has not taken Philadelphia; Philadelphia has taken Howe!”

By the next post we shall doubtless receive full accounts (unintelligible) the news will be affirmed or contradicted.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p2c2 Expenses of the Government

Expenses of the Government

Are the public aware at what enormous expense this war is conducted, and what a bright prospect exists of a nice little National Debt to be paid off when we shall have gotten out of it? The official quarterly return of the Secretary, for the quarter ending on the 30^th of June, estimates the war expenses alone at $16,572,594, and the whole expenses of the Government at $22,474,505. There are more troops employed now than were then, and consequently the expenses for the next quarter will be greater; but allowing them to remain in status quo, at the end of the year the Government will have spent $90,000,000! Pretty well for an economical Government! The receipts from customs, and other sources, for the same time, were scarcely eight million –so that, in the year, if there is no falling off, they will reach thirty two million. Take 32 from 90, and $68,000,000 are left of debt with which the country will be saddled, at the end of that time.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p2c4 Quarrel between Santa Anna y Canalizo

[From the New Orleans Bee, Aug.2.]

Gen. Scott in the city of Mexico

Quarrel between Santa Anna y Canalizo.

Such is the title of an extra issued from the office of the National on Saturday evening last. Our Sunday contemporaries of the Picayune and Delta appear to entertain opposite views on the subject. The one “fears the announcement is entirely premature,” the other “has every reason to believe it is substantially true,”–a third paper –the Patria– ridicules the entire statement and says that the last accounts from Puebla were to the 11 th, and at that time General Scott had made no preparations for a forward march; yet to reach the city of Mexico on the 17^th he must have started about the 11^th or 12^th. Knowing that he had no idea of moving at that time, the Patria stigmatizes the whole account as preposterous and untrue.

We shall not probably remain many hours longer in suspense, as later news from the army may be received before this paragraph meets the public eye.

There is news in the city of Mexico, as late as July 17^th. It came through by a Mexican courier, who came by the way of Orizaba and Alvarado to Vera Cruz. General Scott entered Mexico on the 17^th of July. He met with no opposition on his way from Puebla, until he arrived at Penon, about eight miles from the city. Here a slight skirmish ensued between his advance and the Mexicans, when the latter fell back. Stipulations were entered into, by which the persons and property of the citizens of Mexico were to be respected; this accomplish, our army marched quietly into the city of the Montezumas.

This important news reached here in the Massachusetts, but has been withheld for purposes that we do not understand. The authority upon which we publish it, seems to us undoubted. The courier that brought this news could come from the city of Mexico via Orizaba to Vera Cruz in 5 days, if the weather is good, seven under any circumstances. –the Massachusetts left Vera Cruz on the 23d. it will be perceived that this allows seven days for the news to reach Vera Cruz by the route he have stated.

We know upon the highest authority, that there is a letter now in the city, of the 17^th of July, from the City of Mexico. The gentleman who gave us the information has a letter of the 15^th, in which is mentioned the preparations of families about leaving, from the approach of the Yankees.

Santa Anna and Canalizo had quarreled about the defence of the city. Canalizo did not want the city injured, as there was no hope of successful resistance. He preferred to meet our troops in the plain and there decide the contest. Santa Anna would not agree to this, so no opposition was made.

The entrance of Gen. Scott into Mexico is a rumor –from the letter of the 15^th we know positively of the preparation of the families in the city to move on the approach of Gen. Scott, and of the quarrel between Santa Anna and Canalizo, as to the defence of the city, and we know that there is a letter in the city, of the 17^th from Mexico.

The courier that brought through the letter of the 17^th, brought news of Gen. Scott entering the city. We have no doubt of the truth of the report.

P.S. –Since the above was in type, we learn by passengers from Matamoros, on board the propeller Washington, which arrived last night from Brazos, which place she left on the 27^th, that on the day they left Matamorors an express arrived from the city of Mexico with letters to Mexican merchants of that place, stating that Gen. Scott met the Mexican army at Rio Frio and had a battle, in which the enemy were defeated and totally routed, with a loss on the part of the Americans of 300 men; after which Gen. Scott, with his victorious troops, entered and took possession of the city of the Motezumas.

The news was publicly read to the troops at Matamoros and although it savors somewhat of impossibility, may nevertheless, be wholly true, for our readers will bear in mind that of all the battles fought and victories won on the fields of Mexico, our first news of them was received from the Mexican authority and afterwards confirmed through American sources. Ve incline to the opinion (though somewhat doubtful) that our army under Scott has again been victorious, and we then, as now, in possession of the city of Mexico.
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August 10, 1847, RW47v24n64p2c4 Scott in Mexico City

From the N.O. National, August 8

Arrival of the Washington. Confirmation of General Scott’s entrance into the city of Mexico –Less of 300 men –Express from San Fernando to Matamoros.

The steamship Washington</

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