;3i 
 
 GEN. TAYLOBl 
 
 7J' 
 
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 A*^ *• 
 
 LIFE, BATTLES AND CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 T. C. CLARKE, No. 85 DOCK STREET 
 
 For Sale also by King- & Baird, Printers, No. t ? ■. cio St 
 
 And at all the Book Stores and Agenclcii. 
 
 1S47. 
 
GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. 
 The « Rough and Ready" Hero who « Never Surrenders." 
 
 COPY RIGHT SEGUEED ACCOEDING TO LAW. 
 
A BRILLIANT NATIONAL RECORD. 
 
 GENERAL TAYLOR'S 
 
 LIFE, BATTLES, AND DESPATCHES, 
 
 WITH THE ONLt CORRECT PORTRftIT YET PUBLISHED: 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 HIGHLY IMPORTANT LETTERS, 
 
 % FROf^l THE 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, THE WAR DEPARTMENT, SECRETARY MARCY, 
 
 GENERAL TAYLOR, GENERAL SCOTT, COMMODORE PERRY, AND 
 
 THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES. 
 
 ACCOUNTS OF 
 
 THE GLOKIOUS BATTLES 
 
 or 
 
 Palo AltOj Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, Bueaa Vista, Vera Cruz, and 
 
 San Juan DTUoai 
 
 COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 BY PLANS OF THE CITIES, MAPS OF THE BATTLE GROUNDS, AND PORTRAITS OF THE 
 
 PRINCIPAL GENERALS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 T. C. CLARKE, No. 85 DOCK STREET, 
 
 For Sale also by King- & Baird, Printers, No. 9 George St. 
 And at all tUe Book Stores and Agenclei. 
 
 1847. 
 
• -Br?; 
 
 Battle Grounds of Palo Alto and Resaca de 
 la Palma. > - 
 
 ^Gen, Taylor's Battle 
 May 9th. 1846. 
 
 s Fort 
 
 angers Slaughtered 
 by 150 Mexicans. 
 
A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIFE 
 
 OF 
 
 GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. 
 
 Tub life of this distinguished hero, who has led 
 the armies of his country to a series of triumphs 
 unparalleled in the annals of warfare, will oc- 
 cupy a place beside that of our immortal Wash- 
 ington, whom, in clear-sighted sagacity, judg- 
 ment, and decision, in perfect self-possession, 
 unassuming merit, and brilliancy of genius, he 
 so much resembles. In simple dignity and 
 grandeur of character, Washington and Taylor 
 will be associated in the annals of American 
 heroism. They will together challenge the gra- 
 titude of their countrymen, and the admiration of 
 the world. 
 
 The great claims of the Hero of Buena Vista 
 are founded in his great strength and energy of 
 character, which, in successive emergencies, have 
 enabled him to rise superior to impending ruin. 
 The dangers and obstacles which held the nation 
 in fearful suspense, were successively met and 
 overpowered. At periods of great peril, when 
 the nation held its breath, and when discomfiture 
 and ruin seemed inevitable, the genius of Taylor 
 immerged from the gloom, and relieved the 
 country from apprehensions of disaster and dis- 
 grace. From the dark storm cloud the sun of 
 American valour burst forth with a brilliant glory 
 that animates every bosom, and spread a thrill of 
 exultation over the whole land. The brave 
 troops and their gallant leader achieved triumph 
 after triumph, with a rapidity which electrified, 
 and against odds, and under circumstances with- 
 out a parallel in the annals of warfare. 
 
 At Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma, with 
 twenty-three hundred Americans, six thousand 
 eight hundred disciplined regular troops of the 
 enemy were attacked in their own chosen posi- 
 tion, driven from their I'ortified entrenchments, and 
 in two successive battles were overwhelmed and 
 scattered like chaff". Marching onward through 
 submissive towns, and in defiance of all opposi- 
 tion, our victorious troops reached Monterey, 
 whose fortresses, deemed impregnable, held the 
 enemy, again in fearful odds and in fancied secu- 
 rity. But the genius of Taylor, the valour of 
 Worth, and the spirit of our gallant forces bade 
 defiance to the foe and his armed battlements. 
 In the language of a correspondent from the 
 scene of triumph, " Monterey has fallen ! Five 
 thousand men have seen nine thousand file past 
 them with humbled mien and downcast looks; 
 have gazed proudly on two fortified mountain 
 fastnesses they had escaladed; upon a castle of 
 enormous strength, bristling with cannon, and 
 upon four formidable forts they had stormed ; 
 upon an impregnable citadel, thirty-five pieces of 
 ordnance, countless munitions of war, and the 
 oveliest city in the world, with its stately palaces, 
 
 sparkling streams and fountains, its magnificent 
 gardens and fragrant groves of orange and pome- 
 granate, which their gallantry had won. En- 
 sconced among the dizzy cliffs of the Sierra de la 
 Madre, circled on three sides by a buttressed wall, 
 in many places thirty feet high, the houses built 
 of stone with flat and parapeted roofs for sharp 
 shooters, with barricades of solid masonry twelve 
 feet thick crossing in all directions,— every house 
 a castle and every street a fortress, defended too 
 by ten thousand veteran troops, the pride of the 
 Me.xican soldiery, — the city of the Royal Moun- 
 tain seemed to scoff" from her lofty seat at the 
 puny force that lay encamped below. But in 
 three days this despised band had entered the 
 proud city, defeated an army of twice their num- 
 bers, one thousand of whom lay stretched on the 
 field of battle, and wilhout ladders, fascines, siege 
 guns or battering train, had made themselves mas- 
 ters of more than thirty fortifications on which 
 the heaviest artillery could have produced no im- 
 pression by a six months' uninterrupted cannon- 
 ade." 
 
 With such glorious results imperishable glory 
 would have encircled the name of Taylor were 
 he to have advanced no further. But a scene of 
 triumph, if possible still more wonderful, awaits 
 him. While deprived of most of his efficient 
 troops, the heroic Worth and other gallant aids 
 detailed upon a distant service. Gen. Taylor is 
 again placed in circumstances of great peril. 
 The Mexican army is led on by its great chief- 
 tain, the renowned Santa Anna, in the confident 
 expectation of an easy conquest. That there 
 may be no misconception as to the relative forces 
 of the contending armies, it should be borne in 
 mind that we have the number of Mexican troops 
 clearly established from three different sources. 
 As each of these authorities are Mexican, and 
 therefore disinterested, the number thus showa 
 must be considered conclusive. 
 
 In the first place we have the Mexican Jour- 
 nals which after an enumeration of the various 
 forces which left San Luis Potosi with General 
 Santa Anna, sums up the aggregate and makes 
 the entire number exceed twenty-one thousand. 
 In the next place, Mexican prisoners assert the 
 number of the Mexican army to have been twenty- 
 one thousand ; six thousand cavalry, and fifteen 
 thousand infantry; and in the last place General 
 Santa Anna, himself boldly proclaims in his note 
 of defiance to Gen. Taylor, that he has with him 
 an army of twenty thousand men. To oppose 
 this force after leaving the necessary troops to 
 garrison Saltillo, Monterey and other points con- 
 quered from the enemy. Gen. Taylor had short 
 of five thousand four hundred men. See the 
 
( 6 ) 
 
 subjoined dispatches both for a more particular 
 account of our own troops and for the demand of 
 Gen. Santa Anna upon Gen. Taylor for an un- 
 conditional surrender. It may therefore be con- 
 sidered as fairly estabhshed that the American 
 Genera! had about five thousand arrayed against 
 twenty thousand. The Mexican army is reported 
 as having been deplorably destitute of necessary 
 provisions. 'J'he stern demands of hunger was 
 an additional incentive to action, and doubtless 
 nerved them for a more desperate and determined 
 contest. 
 
 Santa Anna expected an easy victory. His 
 army was told that the Americans had an abund- 
 ance of provisions and lots of money, and that 
 they must enter Sallillo the day of the battle and 
 take their supper at our expense. 
 
 Majors Dix and Coffee, ten days since, says a 
 writer from the seat of war, brought up 200,000 
 dollars ; Majors Colquitt and Weston arrived 
 with some seven wagon loads of gold and silver. 
 Ninety wagons, loaded with provisions from 
 Monterey, and intended for Gen. Taylor's camp, 
 were ordered to be parked in the main plaza, and 
 not to be unloaded. There were on hand 180,000 
 rations, besides some 60,000 pounds of Mexican 
 flour that had been captured by our forces. 
 Would not all this be a prize for Santa Anna, 
 saying nothing of the officers' baggage, money, 
 &c., six hundred wagons and equipments, four 
 parks of artillery complete, and any quantity of 
 medical supplies, hospital stores, &c., and am- 
 munition in the greatest abundance. 
 
 What more imperious motives could have 
 urged men to exertion 1 to say nothing of the 
 defence of their own homes and the boasted glory 
 of the Mexican nation. 
 
 Under such appalling odds, with such disad- 
 vantages, in the heart of an enemy's country, 
 surrounded by foes on all sides, and with an 
 overwhelming array actuated by every motive that 
 could nerve men to action, thirsting for revenge 
 against the invaders of their country, impelled 
 with the ferocity of famished wolves, and led on 
 by their greatest champion, what could have 
 been anticipated but an easy and certain triumph. 
 But in circumstances so appalling and of such 
 peril, there was no talk of retreat or of dismay 
 among our small but heroic band. With Gen. 
 Taylor, backed by American troops, there was no 
 such word as fail. He knew the mettle of his 
 men; and they confided in the sagacity, coolness, 
 the military genius and unflinching firmness of 
 Iheir brave eld General. An officer of his staff, 
 writing before the battle, says, "In the course of 
 conversation with Gen. Taylor, I asked him if he 
 could realize that Gen. Santa Anna was really 
 approaching with such an army. The old " war 
 horse" shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Let 
 them come; they will go back a good deal 
 faster." He has no fears. 
 
 The result, glorious in the extreme, has proved 
 the accuracy of his calculations. Words are in- 
 adequate to express the high admiration and the 
 deep felt gratitude which has inspired the coun- 
 try, at the glorious achievements at Buena Vista. 
 
 It has been truly said that, in no page of our 
 history do we find recorded four such hard fought 
 battles, fought at such fearful odds as these, 
 ■which have placed such laurels on the brow of 
 Gen. Taylor, and the brave troops under his com- 
 mand. The country is astonished to find it pos- 
 sesses such a man! 
 
 Well may the American citizens feel proud at 
 the glory which has crowned the American arms. 
 Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to 
 the necessity or the origin of this war against a 
 neighbouring republic, there can be none as to 
 the immortal glory which crowns the brow of the 
 country's great champion. From the outset, 
 caution marked his steps, and every movement 
 in the approach towards the frontier was pre- 
 eminently distinguished by a steady reluctance 
 to commence hostilities, an unwillingness to give 
 just grounds of ofl'ence or to make a single war- 
 like demonstration not sanctioned by the most 
 imperious necessity. His dispatches to the war 
 department clearly establish this. Gen. Taylor 
 was not the man needlessly, rashly to involve his 
 country in an expensive and painful war; before 
 the world he stands acquitted of any such impu- 
 tation. But having entered upon the contest, he 
 was not the man to shrink from the performance 
 of any duty that could devolve upon an American 
 commander. He has carried the war into the 
 heart of the enemy's country, and under circum- 
 stances of difficulty and danger, and accompa- 
 nied by triumph after triumph, that has elec- 
 trified every patriot heart, that has challenged 
 the admiration of the world. 
 
 Palo Alto! Resaca de la Palma! Monterey! 
 and Buena Vista! what a series of triumphs, 
 each in turn surpassing its predecessor, each 
 rising in grandeur and sublimity, until reaching 
 the crowning glory, the magnificent and stupen- 
 dous achievement of Buena Vista. Of this, one 
 of the thousand pens which the great event has 
 set in motion, justly states that the battle of 
 Buena Vista is one of the most remarkable of 
 the age, and throws into the shade the recent and 
 much vaunted triumphs of the British arms in 
 India. The Sikhs are, at the best, not superior 
 to the Mexican army, yet, in a two days' battle 
 they were barely repulsed by an English force 
 scarcely inferior in numbers. Over that victory, 
 what exultations abroad! The Tower guns were 
 fired in the dead of night on the receipt of the 
 intelligence: Sir Henry Hardynge and his se- 
 cond in command were raised to the peerage; 
 pensions were voted and honours awarded with- 
 out stint! At Buena Vista we behold, on one 
 side, twenty thousand men, rendered desperate 
 by hunger, and led by a general whom they 
 regarded as invincible; and on the other scarce 
 five thousand, all told, prepared to resist to 
 death the attack. There is not an instance, 
 during the wars of the whole French revolu- 
 tion, where a victory was achieved against 
 such odds. In all modern history Buena Vista 
 has no parallel. 
 
 The details of this great battle will be given 
 in its proper place, together with the brief plain 
 and simple despatches to our government in 
 which the old hero announces his victory. Bui 
 before passing to those accounts which so bril- 
 liantly show forth the prowess of our arms we 
 present a brief sketch of the life of the American 
 commander. Our incidents are necessarily 
 brief, confined as we are to a limited space, but 
 the time is at hand when more ample justice 
 will be done to a subject of such intense interest 
 to the country. The people desire to know more 
 of a man whose unparalleled achievements 
 have excited the admiration both of the old world 
 and the new. That desire will be speedily gra- 
 tified, and the life of General Taylor will ere long 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 form one of the most important and brilliant vol- 
 umes in our national literature. 
 
 At present we are mainly dependent upon 
 such information as the journals of the day have 
 furnished. 
 
 In the course of conversation with an esteemed 
 friend who has enjoyed rare opportunities for 
 extensive intercourse with public men abroad as 
 well as at home, it was said that Gen. Taylor's 
 conduct of the campaign in IVIexico had attracted 
 the highest admiration in Europe. His gallantry 
 and addre.ss, and the discipline, order and cour- 
 age of his army as manifested on the Rio Grande 
 and the taking of Monterey, it was further said, 
 were the frequent theme of eulogy in France and 
 England during the last few weeks of his late 
 visit to Paris and London. The British mind 
 especially, appears to have derived new impres- 
 sions of American character from these manifes- 
 tations, which our friend regards as among the 
 few promising effects of this most unpromising 
 war. An eminent American, who now occupies 
 a conspicuous position among our public agents 
 abroad, and who is not pledged to any political 
 party at home, mentioned to him that the name 
 of no contemporary was now more respected 
 among the public men within the circle of his 
 present intercourse than that of the Hero of the 
 Rio Grande. He remarked, moreover, that he 
 was gratified in being able to add from a long 
 and intimate acquaintance with Gen. Taylor in 
 years past, that the personal and private quali- 
 ties of the man who had thus attracted to him- 
 self all attention, were quite as admirable as his 
 prowess in the field — that he is in short not less 
 a civilian than a soldier. And such, we may 
 add. is the uniform testimony of all who know him. 
 
 If any other proof of this were needed, we 
 might refer to his remarkable voluminous cor- 
 respondence wiih the Government as being con- 
 clusive. It would be difficuli to find in the whole 
 annals of miliiary history any similar corre- 
 spondence at all comparable to it in the various 
 attributes that go to declare a sound and culti- 
 vated mind, — practical wisdom, clear foresight, 
 and manly vigour. The public mind is apt to 
 infer when a man greatly distinguishes himself 
 in a given course of action, that he is more espe- 
 cially fitted for that than any thing else. This is 
 doubtless sometimes the case. But it is not so 
 with Gen. Taylor, as he has himseU'demonslrated 
 to his friends, the army, his country, and the 
 world. Though ihe greater part of his life has 
 been spent in the public service, he has not ne- 
 glecled, as some suppose, to cultivate those 
 milder virtues which give a charm to personal 
 intercourse, and lend attraclion and grace to pri- 
 vate life. 
 
 He comes from an ancient Virginia family, 
 which emigrated from England, with other 
 friends of liberty, and settled in the eastern part 
 of Virginia, near two centuries ago — a family 
 which has since been greatly distinguished in its 
 various branches, and whicli includes within its 
 connections such names as James Madison, 
 John Taylor of Caroline, Judge Pendleton, Gen. 
 Hunt, &c. &c. Gen. Taylor's father was one of 
 the most daring of those enterprising pioneers 
 who settled '■ the dark and bloody ground" which 
 defines the Indian word Kentucky, and many an- 
 ecdoles are told of his prowess in desperate en- 
 counters with the savages. He became also a 
 man of eminence in civil life, and was a member 
 
 of the Electoral Colleges which voted for Jeffer- 
 son, Madison, Monroe, and Clay. — He died on his 
 estate near Lexington in 1826, leaving four sons, 
 of whom "old Zack" is the third, and, we be- 
 lieve, one or two daughters. The eldest son, 
 Gen. James Taylor, who was a Quarter Master 
 General in Ihe Army during the war of 1812, 
 now resides at Newport, Ky. at the advanced age 
 of eighty years. 
 
 His more distinguished brother was born in 
 Kentucky two years before its admission into the 
 Union, and is now therefore about 56 years of 
 age. Having a stout, vigorous frame, he was 
 early distinguished for feats of manly character, 
 and many amusing anecdotes are told of his 
 achievements in the sports of boyhood. The 
 same foresight, firmness, and decision which 
 have since so attracted public admiration, are 
 said to have characterized his whole course 
 through all the shifting circumstances of life. 
 Soon alter the affair of the Chesapeake and Leo- 
 pard previous to the war of 1812, he being then 
 18 years of age, received from Mr. Jefferson (in 
 1808) Ihe appointment of LieutenanI in Ihe 7lh 
 Infantry, and commenced that military career 
 which has now been crowned with imperishable 
 fame. 
 
 His strict observance of duty and distinguished 
 merit as a disciplinarian soon commended him 
 for promotion, and at the opening of the war of 
 1812 we find him a captain in his regiment. 
 Having been entrusted with Ihe command of Fort 
 Harrison on the Wabash with a garrison of fifty 
 men, he greatly distinguished himself in that 
 year by his successful defence of it against a 
 formidable attack by a large body of Indians, 
 and was rewarded by the President with the bre- 
 vet rank of Major. His well known skill in In- 
 dian warfare, acquired in his brilliant career in 
 the N. W. Territory, secured for him the com- 
 mand of Ihe 1st Brigade of the Army of the 
 South, and it was at the head of that Division 
 ihat he won the Bloody Battle of Lake Okee- 
 Chobee during the Florida campaign of 1838; 
 and for which achievement he was brevelted 
 Brigadier General. — .'\fierfour or five years ardu- 
 ous service in the swamps and hammocks of Flo- 
 rida, he was assigned to the command of the first 
 department of the Army at Fort Jesup — where 
 the order to Texas and the Rio Grande found 
 him. 
 
 By his marriage with a lady of Maryland, 
 Gen. Taylor has one son and two daughters — 
 one of whom is married to Col. Davis, of the 
 Mississippi regiment, who was severely wound- 
 ed at Buena Vista. But to pursue his miliiary 
 career further in the midst of ihe glowing enthu- 
 siasm of the country over his brilliant achieve- 
 ments in Mexico, would be idle, and defer a no- 
 tice of the higher qualities which commend him 
 to the confidence and respect of his countrymen. 
 
 Avoiding the mere rumours, and unfounded 
 conjectures, which are only calculated to mis- 
 lead, we would only present ihe readers of this 
 brief memoir, with information obtained from 
 reliable sources. Of this character is the letter 
 from the Hon. J. W. Tibbals, a member of Con- 
 gress, and relative of the distinguished soldier. 
 He says : 
 
 "Gen. Z. Taylor is now 50 years of age. He 
 is Ihe son of Capl. Dick Taylor, one of that band 
 of enterprising pioneers of Ihe West, who settled 
 the " dark and bloody ground," to use the Indian 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 meanins of the word "Kentucky." Of Capt.' 
 Dick Taylor, Gov. Scott (who was sometimes a 
 little profane) "is reported to have said, that if he 
 had to storm the gates of hell, he would want 
 Uick Taylor to lead the column. Zachary I ay- 
 lor is a Kentuckian by birth— his father was from 
 Virginia. Z. Taylor entered the service as a 
 Lieutenant of Infantry in 1808, shortly after the 
 attack of the Chesapeake, and has remained in 
 the army ever since. He was sent into Indiana, 
 and early engaged in Indian hostilities. On the 
 6th December, 1812, he made a gallant defence 
 of Fort Harrison, for which he was breveted a 
 Major by President Madison, which brevet is the 
 oldest in the army. In 1832 he led the 1st Infan- 
 try in the Black Hawk war— he became the 
 Colonel of the 6th Infantry, I think, in 1832. In 
 1836 he was ordered to Florida; in that country 
 he was always foremost in danger. With a de- 
 tachment of about 500 men composed of parts 
 of the 1st, 4th, and 6ih regiments of U. S. Infan- 
 try, and some Missouri volunteers, he met about 
 700 Indians, under those famous warriors, Sam 
 Jones, Coa-coo-che, and Alligator, on the 0-ke- 
 cho-bee. It is said that he was challenged to this 
 battle by Alligator— an invitation which Col. Tay- 
 lor very readily accepted. This is said to have 
 been the only instance in which the Indians vo- 
 luntarily gave battle in the Florida war. The 
 Indians were concealed in strong position in a 
 thick swamp, covered in front by a small stream, 
 which was rendered almost impassable by quick- 
 sands. Col. Taylor, however, charged his con- 
 cealed enemy, in the face of a deadly fire, and 
 forced the Indians to yield their ground inch by 
 inch at the point of the bayonet. The battle was 
 hardly contested— it lasted about three hours, 
 when the Indians were routed and pursued until 
 night, with great slaughter. This was a bloody 
 battle, and reflected great credit upon the valiant 
 band engaged in it, both regulars and Missouri 
 volunteers— of whom 139 were killed or wounded, 
 being more than one-fourth of the whole force. 
 Col. Taylor remained on horse-back during the 
 whole engagement, cheering his men and expos- 
 ing his person to the deadly rifle of the Indians. 
 The victory was complete, for this was the last 
 stand which the Indians made in Florida in any 
 large body. This short sketch would satisfy you 
 that Gen. Taylor will lose nothing of his laurels 
 in Mexico, if his deeds have not already proved 
 that. If I am not greatly mistaken, he will be 
 found 10 be one of the greatest generals of the 
 age— he is a bold, dashing soldier, who is not 
 disposed to procrastinate, hut to make hasty set- 
 tlements by an appeal to the bayonet, yet always 
 calm, firm and cool in the hour of conflict." 
 
 Gen. Taylor's family is believed to be now at 
 New Orleans ; though Baton Rouge is their usual 
 place of residence, .^n unmarried daughter has 
 excited much admiration in that city, the past 
 winter, and, in addition to the interest which the 
 father's achievements have created, tha lady is 
 represented as being both beautiful and accom- 
 plished. Her distinguished father has been ab- 
 sent from his home for near three years, and 
 besides the deprivations and hardships, which an 
 almost constant exposure in the field has occa- 
 sioned, we regret to learn that his private afi'airs 
 have been seriously atfecled. His fortune has 
 been greatly impaired by his patriotic devotion to 
 the country, but we hope, nay, we have no doubt 
 that his country will see that all is made right. 
 
 The kindness and humanity of Gen. Taylor, 
 ars prominent features in his character. Of this 
 we have ample testimony in the whole course 
 and conduct of his life, and especially has this 
 been manifested during the campaign in Mexico. 
 From the outset he was averse to hostilities, and, 
 as the despatches we publish amply prove, in his 
 advance upon Mexico, moved solely in strict 
 compliance with his orders and his duty. It is 
 recorded that the females, who followed the 
 Mexican army, remained, like ministering an- 
 o-els, to take care of the wounded. Gen. Taylor 
 treated them with the kindness due their sex, and 
 the humanity expected of an American. And 
 after the disastrous defeat of the Mexican forces 
 at Buena Vista, Gen. Taylor permitted Santa 
 Anna to have all his wounded conveyed into 
 SaltiUo, and tendered him surgical aid from his 
 own army. . 
 
 His intercourse with the inhabitants of Mexico, 
 who in the prosecution of the war, have fallen 
 under his jurisdiction, has been marked with 
 peculiar kindness, conciliation and forbearance. 
 But the most gratifying evidence of his real 
 goodness of heart and nobleness of soul, is fur- 
 nished in the letter of condolence to the Hon. 
 Henry Clay. This touching and manly expres- 
 sion of feeling, so eminently characteristic of the 
 Hero, we take pride in giving place to here. 
 
 HEiD-QuAHTEBS, AhMT OF OccnPiTION, 
 
 Agua Nueva, Mexico, March 1, 1847. 
 My Dear Sir:— You will no doubt have receiv- 
 ed, before this can reach you, the deeply distress- 
 ing intelligence of the death of your son, in the 
 baule of Buena Vista. It is with no wish of in- 
 truding upon the sanctuary of parental sorrow, 
 and with no hope of administering any consola- 
 tion to your wounded heart, that I have taken the 
 liberty of addressing you these few lines : but I 
 have felt it a duty which I owe to the memory of 
 the distinguished dead, to pay a willing tribute 
 to his many excellent qualities, and while my 
 feelings are still fresh, to express the desolation 
 which his untimely loss, and that of other kin- 
 dred spirits, has occasioned. 
 
 1 had but a casual acquaintance with your son 
 until he became, for a time, a member of my 
 military family, and I can truly say that no one 
 ever won more rapidly upon my regard, or estab- 
 lished a mote lasting claim to ray respect and 
 esteem. Manly and honourable in every impulse, 
 with no feeling but for the honour of the service 
 and of the country, he gave every assurance that 
 in the hour of need I could lean with cDnfidence 
 upon his support. Norwas I disappointed. Un- 
 der the guidance of himself and the lamented 
 McKee, gallantly did the sons of Kentucky, in 
 ihe thickest of the strife, uphold the honour of 
 the Slate and of the country. 
 
 A grateful people will do justice to the memory 
 of those who fell on that sventful day. But I 
 may be permitted to express the bereavement 
 which I feel in the loss of valued friends. To 
 your son I felt bound by the strongest ties of pri- 
 vate regard, and when I miss his familiar face, 
 and those of McKee and Hardin, I can say with 
 truth, that I feel no exultation in our success. 
 
 With the expression of my deepest and most 
 heartfelt sympathies for your irreparable loss, I 
 remain, dear sir, most faithfully and sincerely. 
 Your friend, Z. TAYLOR. 
 
 Hon. Henry Clay, New Orleans, La. 
 
( 9 ) 
 
 It is truly gratifying to perceive the just appre- 
 ciation of the eminent services, the imperishable 
 glory of the heroic old soldier, which is every 
 where manifested. The government paper. The 
 Union, has furnished us with solid columns of 
 encomiums, exhibiting the unequivocal testimony 
 of the leading journals of the country, and the 
 proceedings of the public authorities in most of 
 our towns and cities. In these the illuminations, 
 the roar of artillery and other demonstrations of 
 rejoicing, show the enthusiasm that prevails. In 
 our own city, the exultation has been proud and 
 universal; manifesting itself in a brilliant and 
 general illumination of the city and districts. 
 On issuing his Proclamation, the Mayor briefly 
 but emphatically said: 
 
 "Fellow Citizens: — In accordance with the 
 spirit of the resolutions passed by Councils on 
 the 8th instant, extending to the gallant Taylor 
 and his brave associates in arms, the expression 
 of our unqualified admiration of their late peer- 
 less victory at Buena Vista, as also from the ex- 
 pressed wish of a great portion of my fellow citi- 
 zens, that some manifestation of the high appre- 
 ciation we entertain for the valor and patriotism 
 of that Spartan Band, I propose an iLLcmNiTios 
 OP TUE CITY OF Piii LAUELPHii, and respcctfully 
 suggest MoNDiT EVEsiNG NEXT, the 19th instant, 
 as a suitable time." 
 
 This spirit e.ttends throughout the country, 
 and not only bonfires, processions, and illumina- 
 tions, show the deep felt joy and gratitude of the 
 people, but newspapers in all parts of the Union, 
 without distinction of party, are placing his name 
 at the head of their columns as the candidate of 
 the nation. Profound admiration of his abilities 
 as a commander, of his qualifications as a civi- 
 lian, and of the unblemished excellence of his 
 private character, has taken possession of the 
 public mind in every quarter. 
 
 Nor is this admiration of the American Gene- 
 ral confined to his own countrymen. Abroad he 
 is appreciated and admired. Wellington, the 
 "Conqueror of Napoleon," has stamped his mili- 
 tary plans with applause, while the London press 
 has bestowed its meed of admiration on the mas- 
 terly skill and indomitable valourof "Old Rough 
 and Ready." The journals of Paris and other 
 cities of Europe, have also united iheir praise. 
 When they shall have heard of the last, and 
 crowning glory of our arms, Iheir admiraiion 
 mu.'^t be still further heightened. It is a theme 
 upon which the world may boast. 
 
 The Courier i!cs Eliils Unis says, the despatches 
 of General Taylor bear the same impress of 
 modesty and simplicity which have heretofore 
 marked all the acts and words of this General. 
 The answer made by him to Santa Anna's sum- 
 mons to surrender at discretion, is worthy of a 
 place in the military annals of all people, as a 
 model of grandeur and courtesy. These three 
 lines so simple, so polite, should be sutficient to 
 render illustrious the whole life of him who wrote 
 them. After repeating anecdotes of General 
 Taylor's career, his daring self-exposure during 
 the fight, his humanity in seeking to spare the 
 conquered ; and finally, his sending back the two 
 foreign deserters from our armies, instead of 
 hanging ihem up, as by the laws of war he might 
 have done, referring especially to this last inci- 
 dent, this French journal exclaims, " Magnificent 
 contempt! magnificent clemency. These traits," 
 it continues, "and a thousand others, throw such 
 
 a charm, and so much poetry, over a character 
 whose goodness is allied to heroic firmness, and 
 where the warrior is cut out of the granite of the 
 man of worth, that the popularity of the Hero of 
 Buena Vista, has become so immense," as to be 
 absolutely overwhelming, flowing onward in a 
 deep, broad current of universal sympathy. 
 
 In November, 1812, President Madison con- 
 ferred upon then Capt. Taylor, the rank of Brevet 
 Major, for his gallant achievements, and from 
 President Polk, he has received the Brevet rank 
 of Major General, the thanks of Congress, and 
 a gold medal commemorative of the events. 
 Thanks were voted him, and swords presented 
 him by Louisiana and other Slates. He was sub- 
 sequently appointed a full Major General under 
 the Supplementary War Bill. 
 
 Mr. Calhoun, is said to have written a warm, 
 commendation of General Taylor for the Presi- 
 dency, and a favourite statesman of Pennsyl- 
 vania, closes a brilliant eulogium on the great 
 General of the age, in this brief but beautiful 
 passage. 
 
 "Thus — in eleven months, General Taylor has 
 become ati historical character; and with an un- 
 conscious modesty, he has, with his sword and 
 his pen, written his own history — so that it forms 
 one of the brightest episodes in the annals of 
 the United States since the days of Washing- 
 ton." 
 
 BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 
 
 While Gen. Taylor's forces were engaged iu 
 fortifying the camp opposite Matamoras, the 
 communication with Point Isabel — their entre- 
 pot whence supplies were received — was cut off 
 by the Mexicans, who were now in force upon 
 either flank, and in rear of the army. Reinforce- 
 ments for the Mexican army were constantly 
 arriving, and several American scouting parties 
 had either been cut to pieces or taken prisoners. 
 It was a dark hour. The strongest fears were 
 entertained that Point Isabel had fallen into the 
 hands of the enemy, in which case the supplies 
 of our army would have been cut off entirely, 
 and our fortifications, if not the army itself, must 
 inevitably have fallen into the hands of the enemy. 
 Thus, on the first day of May, while darkness 
 and doubt brooded over the fate of his compan- 
 ions at Point Isabel, Gen. T,-iylor, leaving a small 
 garrison of less than 300 brave hearts, wilh Col. 
 Brown at their head, in charge of the fort, march- 
 ed wilh the main body cf his army to the Point 
 to re-open a communication wilh his stores, and 
 bring back ammunition and guns for the fort. 
 He expected to be obliged to cut his way through 
 Mexican troops; but such was not the case. He 
 met no enemy during the whole march, (twenty- 
 seven miles,) and found all safe when he ar- 
 rived. 
 
 Previous to this, on the 28ih day of April, 
 Capt. Samuel Walker, at the head of a small 
 company of Texas Rangers, left Point Isabel 
 with the hope of opening a communication with 
 Fort Brown. But when he had proceeded to 
 about midway between the two posts, he was 
 attacked by a large Mexican force, and his com- 
 mand routed and dispersed. 
 
 When Gen. Taylor left Fort Brown, his orders 
 were to defend it to the death; and if the enemy 
 should surround it, to fire signal-guns at certain 
 
( 10 ) 
 
 intervals to let him know it. As was anticipated, 
 the Mexicans took advantage of the departure 
 of the great bulk of the army, and at daylight 
 on Sunday morning, May 3d, opened their batte- 
 ries upon the fort. "The holy quiet of that day," 
 says a writer, in describing the attack, " was 
 broken by the thunder of cannon, and before the 
 sun had risen on the scene, that little fort was in 
 a blaze, as gun answered gun ; and in twenty 
 minutes' time, one of the Mexican twelve-pound- 
 ers was seen leaping twenty feet into the air, 
 accompanied by arms, legs and mangled bodies." 
 The cannonading on the part of the enemy was 
 kept up with slight intermission until near mid- 
 night, and returned with efTect. Major Brown 
 lost one sergeant, and one artillery soldier wound- 
 ed. The next morning the Mexicans opened their 
 batteries again, sending both shot and shells, but 
 without much effect. The cannonading had not 
 lasted more than half an hour, when Major 
 Brown's artillery silenced the enemy's guns, 
 having greatly damaged three of the embrasures, 
 dismounted several guns, and killed a number of 
 men. The Mexican batteries opened a fire early 
 the next morning, which lasted an hour, and was 
 promptly answered from an eighteen-pounder 
 battery, and a six-pounder howitzer. Both bat. 
 teries ceased at the same time. The Mexicans 
 now surrounded the fort, and established a bat- 
 tery in its rear At 5 o'clock the next morning 
 the enemy opened from their several batteries, 
 and continued with slight intervals, to pour a 
 perfect shower of shot and shells among our 
 brave and devoted little band in the fort until 2 
 o'clock P. M. In the meantime the signal-guns 
 had been fired as directed by Gen. Taylor, and 
 the gallant Brown had received a mortal wound 
 from a falling shell. At half past 4 o'clock a 
 parley was sounded, and the Mexican general 
 sent a summons to the commander of the fort to 
 surrender " for the sake of humanity," offering 
 him one hour to return an answer, and threaten- 
 ing to put the whole garrison to the sword in case 
 his demand should not be complied with. This 
 was a most trying emergency. What should be 
 done? The garrison numbered scarcely 250 
 men ; their enemy several thousands. Their 
 brave chief had been struck down — their ammu- 
 nition was nearly exhausted. The probabilities 
 were that the Mexican general would be able to 
 carry his infamous threat into execution. Men 
 less resolute, less brave, would have sunk under 
 this accumulation of difficulties, and surrendered. 
 Not so the heroes of Fort Brown. Capt. Haw- 
 kins, who succeeded Major Brown after his 
 wound of the 6th, called a council of war, com- 
 posed of the several company commanders, in 
 the fort, and laid the subject before them. They 
 had neither lime nor disposition to deliberaie. 
 " Drfend the fort to the death !" broke forth almost 
 simultaneously from the lips of that devoted 
 band; and within a few minutes they had re- 
 turned the laconic reply that they did'nt under- 
 stand Spanish ; and anoiher shower of shot and 
 shells was raining down upon them from the 
 Mexican batteries, while they were constantly 
 anticipating a storm, and nerving their hearts 
 and whetting their blades for a last and deaih 
 grapple with their powerful enemy. The can- 
 nonade was continued for the next and last three 
 days with even more spirit than daring the four 
 preceding. During most of the memorable seven 
 days, a number of men were constantly engaged 
 
 in completing the works. The American loss 
 was only two killed. (Major Brown and Sergeant 
 Weigart,) and thirteen wounded. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 7th, General Taylor 
 took up his line of march from Point Isabel for 
 Fort Brown, and encamped for the night about 
 seven miles from the former post. 
 
 On the 8th, General Taylor again commenced 
 his march, and about 11 o'clock came in sight 
 of the enemy drawn up in order of battle, stretch- 
 ing a mile and a half across the plain, along the 
 edge of a chapparal; and a little in advance of 
 it, on the left, were their splendid lancers, a thou- 
 sand strong, %vhile throughout the rest of the line 
 were masses of infantry and a battery alternately. 
 Our army was immediately formed in column of 
 attack, and, curtained by two squadrons in ad- 
 vance, moved steadily forward to within cannon- 
 rangfe, when one of the enemy's batteries opened. 
 The column was then deployed in line, except 
 the 8th infantry, which still stood in column, and 
 the battle was set. Colonel Twiggs commanded 
 the right, composed of the 3d, 4th, and 5th in- 
 fantry, and Ringgold's artillery. Lieut. Churchill 
 commanded the two eighteen-pounders in the 
 centre, while Lieut. Col. Belknap was placed 
 over the left wing, composed of Duncan's artil- 
 lery and 8th infantry — and the B.ittle of Pito 
 Alto commenced. The gallant Ringgold opened 
 his battery on the right with terrible effect, and 
 our little army for the first time found themselves 
 in the midst of battle. There stood six thousand 
 disciplined men, supported by a powerful artil- 
 lery, and in position of their own choosing ; here 
 were scarce two thousand untried soldiers, march- 
 ing steadily up to the attack. In a moment the 
 field was in an uproar, and the mid-day sun look- 
 ed down on as brave a fought battle as ever the 
 stars and stripes floated over. 
 
 The deadly precision of Ringgold's guns told 
 with fearful effect on the enemy's cavalry, that 
 were waiting a favourable moment to bear down 
 on our infantry. Platoons went down at every 
 discharge, and wherever his practiced eye di- 
 rected a cannon, a line opened amid the riders. 
 At length, unable to stand the rapid fire, they 
 wheeled off, and moved away in a trot, when a 
 ball from one of the eighteen-pounders in the 
 centre falling into their midst, hurried them into 
 a gallop. But making a circular sweep, they 
 suddenly threatened our flank, and the train in 
 the rear. Down came the thundering squadrons, 
 making the plain tremble under their horses' 
 feet, when the 5ih infantry was thrown into 
 square, and with fixed bayonets waited the shock. 
 A sudden fire from one of the angles of the 
 formation sent twenty horses, emptied of their 
 riders, galloping over the plain ; but those be- 
 hind pressed steadily on, when they, seeing the 
 3d advancing in column to the attack, wheeled 
 and fled. 
 
 While Ringgold was thus making fearful 
 havoc with his light artillery on the right, Dun- 
 can, on the left, poured in his destructive volleys 
 in such fierce and rapid succession on the enemy, 
 that their ranks melted away before them like 
 frost-work, and a shout of triumph rolled along 
 our lines that was heard over the roar of battle. 
 Duncan and Ringgold, occupying the two ex- 
 tremes of the lines, sent hope and confidence 
 through the army as it saw with what superi- 
 ority and address our artillery was managed. To 
 the fierce music that thus rolled over the field 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 from either wing, the two eighteen-pounders in I brave Taylor. He had advanced to within a 
 the centre kept up a steady accompaniment, ' short distance of the fort, and found the enemy 
 shaking the field with their steady fire as, slowly ! strong, and resolved to dispute his entrance. He 
 advancing, they sent death through the Mexican had fought one battle, lost one of the most effi- 
 ranks. But the enemy's batteries were worked I cient officers in the army, and was far from re- 
 with great vigor, and their shot told on our left | inforcements, and without a protecting breast- 
 severely ; yet still the regiments destined to sup- | work, while the enemy were in reach of help 
 port the artillery stood firm while the balls tore I from Matamoras, and could choose their posi- 
 
 through their ranks. At one time, they lay for 
 three-quarters of an hour in the tall grass, while 
 the shot of the enemy kept tearing up the ground 
 amid them, bounding and leaping by, carrying 
 away, here a head and there an arm, and yet not 
 a soldier quailed, but cool and resolute as old 
 
 tion at leisure. With two thousand men he 
 had beat six thousand, and killed and wounded 
 nearly eight hundred; but he knew that loss 
 would be more than made up before morn- 
 ing by reinforcements. In this trying posi- 
 tion, he called a council of war, composed of 
 
 veterans, kept their position without a murmur or I thirteen officers. Four only out of the whole 
 
 a look of complaint. In the mean time, Lieut 
 Duncan set the prairie on fire with some smoke- 
 balls, and the thick smoke rolling along the lines, 
 shut out the two armies from each other, and 
 stayed for a while the work of carnage. It was 
 now four o'clock, and the bloodshot sun was 
 stooping to the western horizon, and silence 
 rested on the field of death, save when the groans 
 of the dying and wounded arose from the plain. 
 Duncan, taking advantage of the smoke, carried 
 the artillery through the lane of fire, with the 
 flames rolling ten feet around him. Suddenly 
 the enemy saw his horses' heads moving in a 
 trot on their flank, and the next moment the 
 pieces were unlimbered, and pouring in a scour- 
 ing, galling fire on their ranks, rolling them back 
 on each othet in inextricable confusion. The 
 Mexicans had changed their line of battle, to 
 escape the murderous effect of the close and 
 well-directed volleys of Ringgold's battery and 
 the eighteen-pounders that had been pushed for- 
 ward during the short cessation of the cannon- 
 ading. The gallant Ringgold, while seated on 
 his horse, directing the movement of the guns, 
 received a shot which passed through his horse, 
 cutting in two the pistols in his holsters, lore 
 away the flesh from both his legs, from his knees 
 upward. As he fell on the field some officers 
 gathered around him, but he waved them, saying, 
 "Leave me alone; you are needed forward." 
 The sun went down on the field of blood, and as 
 his departing lays struggled for a moment to 
 pierce the war-cloud that curtained in the two 
 armies, the firing, by mutual consent, ceased, 
 and the battle of Palo Alto was over. Our little 
 army encamped on the field where they fought, 
 amid their dead and dying companions. 
 
 This was one of the most singular battles the 
 records of our military history exhibit. It was 
 a pure cannon-fight, in which our infantry, 
 though cool and steady throughout, and ready ai 
 any moment to pour themselves in a furious 
 charge on the enemy, took scarcely any active 
 part. Appointed sim[ily to sustain batteries, they 
 stood and saw the artillery contest the field. Gen. 
 Taylor, who evinced the utmost coolness and 
 bravery, evidently feared to engage the enemy 
 mass with mass, with so inferior a force. • • • 
 When night closed over the scene of strife, the 
 Mexican commanders saw that they could do 
 nothing in an open field and fair fight, and so re- 
 treated to a still more formidable position. The 
 ■weary night wore away — the gallant Ringgold 
 lay dying — Page speechless and faint, and scores 
 of our brave men sireiched on the field of their 
 fame, wounded or dying, while hundreds of the 
 enemy made the night hideous with their cries 
 and groans. That was an anxious night for the 
 
 number were in favour of advancing — the re- 
 mainder advised either to intrench where they 
 were, or retreat to Point Isabel, and wait for re- 
 inforcements. When all had spoken, the brave 
 old veteran exclaimed — "I will be at Fort 
 Brows before nigut, if I live!" Noble words 
 that deserve to be written in letters of gold. 
 That feeble garrison, which had for a whole 
 week so firmly withstood the close siege of the 
 enemy, lay on his brave heart, and he resolved 
 to succour it or fall in the attempt. There spoke 
 out the spirit of the true hero. It was a noble 
 resolution to save that garrison or leave his body 
 at the fool of the walls, and right nobly was it 
 carried out. 
 
 The next day the army recommenced its 
 march, and found the enemy gone, leaving his 
 dead unhuried. The number of bodies lying 
 around the spots where the artillery was posted, 
 showed how terrible the fire of our guns had 
 been, and with what steadiness and bravery the 
 Mexicans had stood to their pieces. In one 
 place, fifty-seven bodies were found in a heap, 
 or about the entire number of killed and wounded 
 together on our side. 
 
 RESACA DE LA PALMA. 
 
 General Taylor soon came up with the enemy, 
 occupying a strong position on the farther side 
 of a ravine, and resting his left on a pond so as 
 10 prevent the possihilit5- of being outflanked on 
 that side. Eight pieces of artillery defended 
 this posilion, divided into three portions — one on 
 the left side of ihe road, one on the right, and 
 one in the centre. It was evident from the out- 
 set, that the great struggle was to be along the 
 road where the batteries were placed, protected 
 by a ditch and breastwork in front. Reinforce- 
 ments of 2000 men had arrived during the 
 night, and here, within three miles of the fort, 
 the hnlllc of Hesnca de la Palmn was fought. The 
 victory of the day before, and the recital of the 
 gallant deeds at night, had filled every bosom 
 with a fierce desire to perform some brave act, 
 and the troops defiled past the wagons, and de- 
 ployed in front of the enemy, with an alacrity 
 and ardor which showed that wild work would 
 be done before night should close over the scene. 
 Scarcely were our troops in order of baitle. he- 
 fore the artillery of the enemy opened and rained 
 a perfect shower of balls on our ranks. The 
 road was swept at every discharge with grape- 
 shot and ball, that threatened io carry entirely 
 away the daring squadron which should pre- 
 sume to advance along it. To the left of Ihe 
 road, the conflict at once became fierce and 
 bloody. The 4th, 5ih, and Sth infantry, and a 
 
( 12 ) 
 
 part of the 3d were there, raowing down the 
 enemy with their steady volleys, strewing the 
 road side with the dead, and sternly forcing back 
 the serried ranks, while the artillery kept thun- 
 dering on with such rapid and ceaseless explo- 
 sions that, as the Mexican prisoners afterward 
 said, they thought we hid fifty instead of eight 
 cannon. Shells and shot drove so like a storm 
 of sleet in their faces, that the officers vainly en- 
 deavoured to throw the entire army forwaid in a 
 desperate charge on our guns, but so certain and 
 biting was the fire, that they could not be in- 
 duced to move a step, and fell in their tracks. 
 On the right, our men, advancing through the 
 chapparal, had outflanked the enemy, and were 
 pouring in their well directed volleys, while on 
 the left, the incessant flash of musketry, drowned 
 now and then by the roar of cannon and shouts 
 of the men, told hew fierce was the conflict. 
 Our troops were steadily gaining ground, but the 
 murderous battery in the centre of the road con- 
 tinued to vomit forth death, and was worked 
 with coolness and held with a tenacity that per- 
 fectly maddened our men. Gen. Taylor was 
 •within its range, and when expostulated with for 
 exposing himself so, openly refused to move out 
 of danger except by moving forward. The regi- 
 ments got confused in the chapparal somewhat, 
 but fought just as well; and though the infantry 
 held their firm array, they seemed to fight in 
 groups, each one directing its energies on a 
 single point. The battery of the gallant Ridgely 
 kept steadily advancing like a moving volcano, 
 and hurled such a storm of iron on the guns that 
 swept the road, that the infantry which protected 
 them fell at every discharge like grass before 
 the scythe. At length a body of lancers came 
 charging furiously along the road, and rode up 
 to the very muzzle of his guns. Scattering them 
 like a whirlwind with a discharge from his 
 pieces, he dashed in person among four that still 
 kept hurrying on, and drove them before him. 
 
 The infantry fought with unparalleled bravery, 
 led on by as brave oflicers as ever trod a battle- 
 field. Indeed every oflicer seemed to think it 
 necessary he should show an example of daring 
 to his men, while every soldier fought as if he 
 would outdo his leader in heroic acts. Some- 
 times a few men, headed by an officer, would 
 charge a gun and fight around it. In one in- 
 stance, a soldier leapt astride of a piece he had 
 captured, and boldly defended himself while his 
 companions dragged him away with the prize. 
 From the outset our army steadily advanced on 
 every side, except along the road where the 
 centre battery kept playing. At length, goaded 
 to madness by the galling fire kept up from 
 these few pieces, and seeing that the whole 
 battle rested there. Gen. Taylor ordered Capt. 
 May to charge the battery with his dragoons. 
 His words were, " You must take it." The 
 gallant May wheeled on his steed and said to his 
 followers — " Mcn^ we vittst tahe that battery .'" In 
 a moment those eighty-two stern riders were 
 moving in a dark mass along the road, headed 
 by their fearless commander. The next moment 
 the bugles sounded the charge, and the black 
 and driving mass swept like a thunder-cloud to 
 the shock. A cloud of dust marked their pro- 
 gress as they rode sternly and fiercely on. The 
 attention of nearly the whole army was directed 
 to this desperate charge; and you could hear 
 their muffled tread as they broke into a gallop 
 
 and tore forward up to the very muzzles of the 
 guns. Two rods in advance was seen the com- 
 manding form of May, as, mounted on his power- 
 ful charger, he rode fiercely on, with his long 
 hair streaming in the wind, while behind shook 
 the glittering sabres of his followers. One dis- 
 charge tore through them, stretching nearly a 
 third of his company and half of his horses on 
 the ground, but when the smoke lifted, there was 
 still seen the war-horse of May leaping the ditch, 
 breastwork and all, pressed closely after by his 
 remaining followers, riding down the artillery- 
 men at their pieces, and passing straight through 
 the Mexican lines. A wild hurrah went up from 
 our entire army as they saw those fierce dragoons 
 clear the breastwork. The 5ih and 8th infantry 
 followed close after, charging at a run along the 
 road, and swept over the breastwork just after 
 the dragoons were compelled to leave it, and 
 took possession of the guns. Lieut. Duncan then 
 took command of the advance, and soon cleared 
 the road with his deadly artillery, while the in- 
 fantry, packed now in the narrow road, with 
 chapparal on each side, went pouring onward 
 with furious shouts, driving the enemy before 
 them. The battle then became a rout, and rolled 
 furiously toward the river, whither the afl^righted 
 Mexicans were flying to escape to Matamoras. 
 The cavalry first went galloping like a crowd of 
 fugitives to the ferry, while the infantry, forced 
 from the chapparal at the point of the bayonet, 
 followed after. 
 
 That was a joyful meeting, when our wearied 
 but victorious army, amid loud huzzas, marched 
 again into Fort Brown, and into the arms of their 
 brave companions. Three thousand five hun- 
 dred shots had been fired into that single fort, 
 and yet but two men had been killed. 
 
 Gen. Taylor's victory was complete. The 
 Mexicans lost their whole artillery — 2000 stand 
 of arms, 600 mules, together with Gen. Arista's 
 private papers, and Gen. Vega himself, whom 
 May made prisoner in his desperate charge on 
 and over the battery. Our loss in killed, wounded, 
 and missing, in these two battles, was not far 
 from one hundred and seventy ; that of the enemy 
 unknown — but it could not be much short of 
 twelve hundred. The battle of the 9th was 
 much the more severe, as is evident from the 
 greater mortality that attended it — our loss being 
 nearly double that of the day before. Gen. Tay- 
 lor had thrown up hasty intrenchments around 
 his train, which had been left on the first battle- 
 field, guarded by four hundred men; so that he 
 brought but about sixteen hundred men into the 
 fight, while the Mexicans, notwithstanding their 
 severe loss, had received such heavy reinforce- 
 ments, that they showed a thousand stronger 
 than in the previous engagement. That the 
 Mexicans fought well is evident from their heavy 
 loss — nearly one-third of their entire army dis- 
 appeared from the ranks before it broke and fled. 
 The great disproportion between the killed and 
 wounded in the two armies was owing entirely 
 to the greater precision of our fire, our soldiers 
 having hit or killed each his man. 
 
 The ch,irge of May was one of the most gallant 
 deeds among the hundreds performed in these 
 fierce-fought battles, and decided the victory. 
 Had he not succeeded, we should doubtless have 
 gained the day, for from the outset our troops 
 never once wavered, but steadily gained ground. 
 The conflict, however, would have been pro- 
 
( 13 ) 
 
 traded, and our loss much greater, but for this 
 successful charge. 
 
 All honour to Gen. Taylor, and May, and Page, 
 and Duncan, and Ridgely, and Churchill, and 
 Inge, and Indon,and Mcintosh, and Chadbourne, 
 and Cochrane, and Walker, and Brown, and last, 
 though not least, Ringgold, and a host of others — 
 all honour ought to be paid to our little army, 
 every man of which was a hero. With such 
 soldiers we can never be conquered, nor our 
 arms disgraced. Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
 Palma will be bright pages in the biography of 
 Gen. Taylor. All honour, we say, then, to our 
 army and its officers. 
 
 OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS FROM GEN. TAYLOR. 
 
 THE TWO BATTLES. 
 
 The official accounts are as follows. They are 
 brief and to the point. 
 
 Head (^CAnTEns, Ahmt of Occdpatios. 
 
 Camp at Palo Alto, Texas, May 9th, 1846. 
 
 Sir:— I have the honour to report that I was 
 met near this place yesterday, on my march from 
 Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and after an 
 action of about five hours, dislodged them from 
 their position and encamped upon the field. Our 
 artillery, consisting of two 18 pounders and two 
 light batteries, was the arm chiefly engaged, and 
 to the excellent manner in which it was manceu- 
 vred and served, is our success mainly due. 
 
 The strength of the enemy is believed to have 
 been about six thousand men, with seven pieces 
 of artillery, and eight hundred caralry. His 
 loss is probably at least one hundred killed. 
 Our strength did not exceed, all told, twenty-three 
 hundred, while our loss was comparatively tri- 
 fling—four men killed, three officers, and thirty- 
 seven men wounded, several of the latter mor- 
 tally. I regret to say that Major Ringgold, 2d 
 artillery, and Captain Page, 4th infantry, are 
 severely wounded. Lieut. Luther, 2d artillery, 
 slightly so. 
 
 The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed 
 has repassed the river. I have advanced parties 
 now thrown forward in his direction, and shall 
 move the main body immediately. 
 
 In the haste of this report. I can only say that 
 the officers and men behaved in the most admir- 
 able manner throughout the action. I shall have 
 the pleasure of making a more detailed report 
 •when those of the different commanders shall be 
 received. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A., Com'g. 
 The AnjcTiST General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Heau QoAiiTEn«, AnjiT of Occdpation, 
 Camp at Resaca de la Palma, 
 
 from Matamoras, 
 10 o'clock, p. m. May 9th, 1846. 
 Sir : I have the honour to report that I marched 
 ■with the main body of the army at two o'clock 
 
 to-flay, having previously thrown forward a body 
 of light infantry into the forest, which covers the 
 Matamoras road. When near the spot where I 
 am now encamped, my advance discovered that 
 a ravine crossing the road had been occupied 
 by the enemy with artillery. I immediately 
 ordered a battery of field artillery to sweep the 
 position, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 
 4th and 5lh regiments, deployed as skirmishers 
 to the right and left. A heavy fire of artillery 
 and of musketry was kept op for some time, 
 until finally the enemy's batteries were carried 
 in succession by a squadron of dragoons and the 
 regiments of infantry that were on the ground. 
 He was soon driven from his position, and pur- 
 sued by a squadron of dragoons, battalion of 
 artillery, 3d infantry, and a light battery, to the 
 river. Our victory has been complete. Eight 
 pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of am- 
 munition, three standards, and some one hun- 
 dred prisoners have been taken: among the 
 latter. General La Vega, and several other offi- 
 cers. One general is understood lo have been 
 killed. The enemy has recrossed the river, 
 and I am sure will not again molest us on this 
 bank. 
 
 The loss of the enemy in killed has been most 
 severe. Our own has been very heavy, and I 
 deeply regret to report that Lieut. Inge, 2d dra- 
 goons, Lieut. Cochrane, 4lh infantry, and Lieut. 
 Chadbourne, 8th infantry, were killed on ihe 
 field. Lieut. Col. Payne, 4th artillery, Lieut. 
 Col. Mcintosh, Lieut. Dobbins, 3d infantry; Capt. 
 Hooe and Lieut. Fowler, 5th infantry, and Capt. 
 Montgomery, Lieuts. Gates, Selden, McClay, 
 Burbank.and Jordan, 8th infantry, were wounded. 
 The extent of our loss in killed and wounded is 
 not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a more 
 detailed report. 
 
 The affair of to-day may be regarded as a pro- 
 per supplement to the cannonade of yesterday; 
 and the two taken together, exhibit the coolness 
 and gallantry of our officers and men in the 
 most favourable light. All have done their duty, 
 and done it nobly. It will be my pride, in a 
 more circumstantial report of both actions, to 
 dwell upon particular instances of individual 
 distinction. 
 
 It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that 
 the field work opposite Matamoras has sustained 
 itself handsomely during a cannonade and bom- 
 bardment of one hundred and sixty hours. But 
 the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret at 
 the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander. 
 Major Brown, who died to-day from the effect of 
 a shell. His loss would be a severe one to the 
 service at any time, but to the army under my 
 orders, it is indeed irreparable. One officer and 
 one non-commissioned officer killed, and ten men 
 wounded, comprise all the casualties incident to 
 this severe bombardment. 
 
 I inadvertently omitted to mention Ihe capture 
 of a large number of pack mules left in the 
 Mexican camp. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR. 
 Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A., Com'g. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the Army. 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
THE SIEGE OF MONTEREY. 
 
 This (Treat achievement is most eloquently related in the following Despatch, 
 by General Taylor himself. 
 
 Hexduuarters Aumy of Occupation, 
 Camp near Monleroy, Oct. 9, 1846. | 
 
 Sir: I have now the honor to submit a 
 detailed report of the recent operations be- 
 fore Monterey, resulliiig in the capitulation 
 of that city. 
 
 The information received on the route 
 from Ceralvo, and particularly the continual 
 appearance in our front of the Mexican 
 cavalry, which had a sliglit skirmish with 
 our advance at the village of Ramas, induced 
 the belief as we approached Monterey, that j 
 the enemy would defend that place. Upon ' 
 reaching the neighborhood of the city on the 
 morning of the 19th of September, this be- 
 lief was I'uUy confirmed. It was ascertained ^ 
 that he occupied the town in iorce ; that a 
 large work had been constructed command- [ 
 ing all the northern approaches ; and tliat 
 the Bishop's Palace and some heights in its 
 vicinity near the Saltillo road, had also been 
 fortified and occupied with troops and artil- 
 lery. It was known from information pre- 
 viously received, that the eastern approaches 
 were commanded by several small works in 
 the lower edge of the city. j 
 
 The configuration of the heights and 
 gorges in the direction of the Saltillo road, 
 as visible from the point attained by our ad- 
 vance on the morning of the 19th, led me to 
 suspect that it was practicable to turn all the 
 works in that direction, and thus cut the 
 enemy's line of communication. After es- 
 tablishing my camp at the "Walnut springs," 
 three miles from Monterey, the nearest suit- 
 able position, it was, accordingly, my first 
 care to order a close rccoiinoissance of the 
 ground in question, which was executed on 
 the evening of the lOlli by the engineer offi- 
 cers under the direction of Major Mansfield. 
 A reconnoissance of the eastern approaches 
 was at the same time made by Capt. Wil- i 
 Hams, topographical engineers. 'I'he ex- 
 amination made by Major Mansfield proved [ 
 the entire practicability of throwing forward 
 a column to (he Saltillo road, and thus turn- 
 ing the position of the enemy. Deeming 
 this to be an operation of essential im- 
 portance, orders were given to Brevet Brig, j 
 Gen. Worth, commanding the second di- 1 
 vision, to march widi his command on the 
 20th ; to turn the hill of the Bishop's Pa- j 
 lace ; to occupy a position on the Saltillo 
 road, and to carry the enemy's detached 
 works in that quarter, where practicable. | 
 
 The first regiment of Texas mounted volun- 
 teers, under command of Col. Hays, was 
 associated with the second division on this 
 service. Capt. Sanders, engineers, and 
 Ijieut. Meade, to])ographical engineers, were 
 also ordered to report to Gen. Worth for 
 duty with his column. 
 
 At 2 o'clock, p. m., on the 20ih, the se- 
 cond division took up its march. It was 
 soon discovered, by officers who were re- 
 connoitering the town, and communicated to 
 Gen. Worth, that its movement had been 
 perceived, and that the enemy was throwing 
 reinforcements towards the Bishop's Palace 
 and the height which commands it. To di- 
 vert his attention as far as practicable, the 
 first division, under Brigadier General 
 Twiggs, and field division of volunteers, 
 under Major General Budcr, were displayed 
 in front of the town until dark. Arrange- 
 ments were made at the same time to place 
 in battery during the night, at a suitable 
 distance from the enemy's main work, the 
 citadel, two 21 pounder howitzers, and a 10 
 inch morlar, with a view to open a fire on 
 the following day, wlien I proposed to make 
 a diversion in favor of General Worth's 
 movement. The 4tli infantry covered this 
 battery during the night. Gen. Worth had 
 in the meantime reached and occupied for 
 the night, a defensive position just without 
 range of a battery above the Bishop's 
 Palace, having made a reconnoissance as 
 far as the SalliUo road. 
 
 Before proceeding to report the operations 
 of the 21st and following days, I beg leave 
 to state that I shall mention in detail only 
 those which were conducted against the 
 eastern extremity of the city, or elsewhere, 
 under my immediate direction, referring you 
 for the particulars of Gen. Worth's opera- 
 tions, which were entirely detached, to his 
 own full report transmitted herew-ith. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 21st, I re- 
 ceived a note from General Worth, written 
 at half-past 9 o'clock the night before, sug- 
 gesting what I had already intended, a strong 
 diversion against the centre and left of the 
 town to favor his enterprise against the 
 heights in rear. The infantry and artillery 
 of the first division, and the field division 
 of volunteers, were ordered under arms and 
 took the direction of the city, leaving one 
 company of each regiment as a camp guard. 
 The 2d dragoons, under Lieut. Col. May, 
 
(15) 
 
 and Col. Wood's regiment of Texas mounted ^ 
 volunteers, under thv. imuiediate direction of 
 General Henderson, were directed to the J 
 right to support Gen. Wortli, it" neccssury, I 
 and to inalie :ui impression, if practicable, ! 
 upon the upper quarter of llie city. Ui)on 
 approachiug tlic mortar battery, the 1st and I 
 ;jd regiments of infantry and battalion of 
 Baltimore and Washington volunteers, willi | 
 Captain Bragg's Held battery — tlie whole 
 under tlie command of Lieut. Col. Garland 
 — were directed towards the lower part of 
 the town, with orders to make a strong de- 
 luonstraiion, and carry one of the enemy's 
 advanced works, if it could be done wiiliout 
 too heavy loss. Major JManslield, engineers, 
 and Capt. Williams and Lieut. Pope, topo- 
 grapiiical engineers, accompanied this col- 
 umn, Major Manslield being charged with its 
 direction, and the designation of points of 
 attack. lu the meantime the mortar, served 
 by Capt. Ramsay, of the ordnance, and the 
 howitzer battery under Capt. Webster, 1st 
 artillery, had opened their tire upon the cit- 
 adel, which was deliberately sustained, and 
 answered from the work. Gen. Butler's di- 
 vision had now taken up a position in rear 
 of this battery, when tlie discharges of artil- 
 lery, mingled finally with a rapid tire of 
 small arms, showed that Lieut. Garland's 
 command had become warmly engaged. 1 
 210W deemed it necessary to support this at- 
 tack, and accordingly ordered the 4th infantry 
 and three regiments of (xencral Butler's di- 
 vision to march at once by the left Hank in. 
 the direction of the advanced work at the 
 lower extremity of the town, leaving one 
 regiment (1st Kentucky) to cover the mor- 
 tar and howitzer battery. By some mistake, 
 two companies of the 4th infantry did not 
 receive this order, and consequently did not 
 join the advance companies until some time 
 afterwards. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Garland's command had ap- 
 proached the town in a direction to the right 
 of the advanced work (No 1.) at the north- 
 eastern angle of the city, and the engineer 
 ofiicer, covered by skirmishers, had succeed- 
 ed in entering the suburbs and gaining cover. 
 The remainder of this command now ad- 
 vanced and entered the town under a heavy 
 lire of artillery from the citadel and the 
 works on the left, and of musketry from the 
 houses and sm-.dl works in front. A move- 
 ment to the right was attempted witii a view 
 to gam the rear of No. 1, and carry that 
 work, but the troops were so much e.\posed 
 to a fire which they could not efl'eclnally re- 
 turn, and had already sustained such severe 
 loss, particularly in ollicers, that it was 
 deemed best to withdraw them to a more 
 secure position. Capt. Backus, 1st infantry, 
 
 however, with a portion of his own and 
 other cojnpenies, had gained the roof of a 
 tannery, which looked ilirectly into the gorge 
 of No. 1, and from which he poured a most 
 destructive fire into that work and upon the 
 strong building in its rear. This fire hap- 
 pily coincided in point of time with the ad- 
 vance of a portion of the volunteer division 
 upon No. I. and contributed largely to the 
 fall of that strong and important work. 
 
 Tlie three regiments of the volunteer di- 
 vision under the immediate command of 
 Major General Buder, had in the meantime 
 advanced in the direction of No. 1. The 
 leading brigade, under Brigadier General 
 Quitman, continued its advance upon that 
 work, preceded by three companies of the 
 4tli Infantry, while General Butler, with the 
 first Ohio regiment, entered the town to the 
 right. The companies of the 4th Infantry 
 had advanced within short range of the work, 
 when they were received by a fire that al- 
 most in one moment struck down one third 
 of the officers and men, and rendered it ne- 
 cessary to retire and effect a conjunction 
 with tiic two other companies then advanc- 
 ing. General Quitman's brigade, though 
 sutfering most severely, particularly in the 
 Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, 
 and finally carried the work in handsome 
 style, as well a-s the strong building in its 
 rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable 
 supply of ammunition, and thirty prisoners, 
 including three olficers, fell into their hands. 
 Major General BuUer, with the 1st Ohio 
 regiment, after entering the edge of the town, 
 discovered that nothing was to be accom- 
 plished in his front, and at this point, yield- 
 mtr to the suggestions of several officers, I 
 ordered a retrograde movement ; but learn- 
 ing almost immediately from one of my stafi' 
 that the battery No 1. was in our possession, 
 the order was countermanded ; and I deter- 
 mined to hold the battery and defences al- 
 ready gained. General Butler, with the 1st 
 Ohio regiment, then entered the town at a 
 point farther to the left, and marclied in the 
 direction of the battery No. 2. While mak- 
 ing an examination with a view to ascertain 
 the possibility of carrying this second work 
 by siorm, the general was wounded and soon 
 after compelled to quit the field. As the 
 strength of No. 2, and the heavy musketry 
 I lire flanking the approach, rendered it im- 
 possible to carry it without great loss, the 
 1st Ohio regiment was withdrawn from the 
 town. 
 
 Fragments of the various regiments en- 
 gaged were now under cover of the captured 
 battery and some buildings in its front, and 
 on the right. The field batteries of Captains 
 Bragg and Ridgely were also partially cov- 
 
(16) 
 
 ered by the battery. An incessant fire was 
 kept up on this position from battery No. 
 2, and other works on its right, and from the 
 citadel on all our approaclies. General 
 Twififg?, though quite unwell, joined me at 
 this point, and was instrumental in causing 
 the artillery captured from the enemy to be 
 placed in battery, and served by Capt.liidgely 
 against No. 2, until the arrival of Capt. Web- 
 ster's liowitzer battery, wiiich took its place. 
 In tlie mean time, I directed such men as 
 could be collected of the 1st, 3d, and 4th reg- 
 iments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the 
 town, penetrating to the right, and carry the 
 2d battery if possible. 'J'his command, under 
 Lieut. Col. Garland, advanced beyond the 
 bridge " Purisima," when, finding it im- 
 practicable to gain the rear of the 2d battery, 
 a portion of it sustained themselves for some 
 time in that advanced position ; but as no 
 permanent impression could be made at that 
 point, and the main object of the general ope- 
 ration had been eft'ectcd, the command, in- 
 cluding a section of Capt. Ridgely's battery, 
 which had joined it, was witlidrawn to bat- 
 tery No. 1. During the absence of this col- 
 umn, a demonstration of cavalry was reported 
 in the direction of the citadel. Capt. Bragg, 
 who was at hand, immediately gallopped 
 with his battery to a suitable position, from 
 which a few discharges effectually dispersed 
 the enemy. Capt. Miller, 1st Infantry, was 
 despatched with a mi.xed command, to sup- 
 port the battery on this service. The ene- 
 my's lancers liad previously charged upon 
 the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regi- 
 ment, near some fields at a distance from the 
 edge of the town, and liad been repulsed with 
 a considerable loss. A demonstration of 
 cavalry on the opposite side of the river was 
 also dispersed in the course of the afternoon 
 by Capt. Ridgely's battery, and the squad- 
 rons returned to the city. At the approach 
 of evening, all the troops tliat had been en- 
 gaged were ordered back to camp, except 
 Capt. Ridgely's battery, and the regular in- 
 fantry of the first division, who were detailed 
 as a guard for the works during the night, 
 under command of Lt. Col. Garland. One 
 battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was 
 ordered to reinforce this command. Intrench- 
 ing tools were procured, and additional 
 strength was given to the works, and pro- 
 tection to the men, by working parties during 
 the night, under the direction of Lieut. Scar- 
 ritt, engineers. 
 
 The main object proposed in the morning 
 had been effected. A powerful diversion had 
 been made to favor the operations of the 2d 
 division, one of the enemy's advanced works 
 had been carried, and we now had a strong 
 foot-hold in the town. But this had not been 
 
 accomplished without a heavy loss, embrac- 
 ing some of our gallant and promising offi- 
 cers. Captain Williams, topographical en- 
 gineers, Lts. Terrett and Dilworth, 1st in- 
 fantry, Lt. Woods, 2d infantry, Capts. Morris 
 and Field, Bvt. Major Barbour, Lts. Irwin 
 and Hazlitt, 3d infantry, Lieut. Hoskins,4th 
 infantry, Lt. Col. Watson, Baltimore battal- 
 ion, Capt. Allen and Lt. Putman, Tennessee 
 regiment, and Lt. Ilett, Ohio regiment, were 
 killed, or have since died of wounds received 
 in this engagement, while the number and 
 rank of the officers wounded gives additional 
 proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the 
 good conduct of our troops. The luimbcr 
 of killed and wounded incident to the opera- 
 tions in the lower part of the city on the 21st 
 is 394. 
 
 Early in the morning of this day, (21st, 
 the advance of the 2d division had encount- 
 ered the enemy in force, and after a brief 
 but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy 
 loss. Gen. Worth, then succeeded in gain- 
 ing a position on the Saltillo road, thus cut- 
 ting the enemy's line of communication. 
 From this position the two heights south of 
 the Saltillo road were carried in succession, 
 and the gun taken in one of them turned 
 upon the Bishop's Palace. These important 
 successes were fortunately obtained with 
 comparatively small loss ; Captain Mc. Ka- 
 velt, 8th infantry, being the only oilicer 
 killed. 
 
 The 22d day of September passed with- 
 out any active operations in the lower part 
 of the city. The citadel and other works 
 continued to fire at parties exposed to their 
 range, and at the work now occupied by our 
 troops. The guard left in it the preceding 
 night, except Capt. Ridgely's company, was 
 relieved at mid-day by Gen. Quitman's brig- 
 ade, Capt. Bragg's battery was thrown under 
 cover in front of the town to repel any de- 
 monstration of cavalry in that quarter. At 
 dawn of day, the height above the Bishop's 
 Palace was carried, and soon after meridian, 
 the Palace itself was taken and its guns 
 turned upon the fugitive garrison. The ob- 
 ject for which the 2d division was detached 
 had thus been completely accomplished, and 
 I felt confident tliat with a strong force occu- 
 pying the road and heiglits in his rear, and a 
 good position below the city in our posses- 
 sion, the enemy could not possibly maintain 
 the town. 
 
 During the night of the 22d, the enemy 
 evacuated nearly all his defences in the lower 
 part of the city. This was reported to me 
 early in the morning of the 23d by Gen. 
 Quitman, who had already meditated an as- 
 sault upon those works. I immediately sent 
 instructions to that officer, leaving it to his 
 
(17) 
 
 discretion to enter the city, eoveriiifj liis men 
 liy tiio houses ami walls, and advanee eai'e- 
 I'lilly as far as he niipht deem prudent. After 
 ordering the remainder of the troops as a re- 
 serve, under the orders of Brigadier General 
 'I'wigfTS, I repaired to ihe abandoned works, 
 and uiscovered that a portion of Gen. Quit- 
 man's brigade liad entered the town, and 
 were successfully forcing their way towards 
 the principal plaza. 1 then ordered up the 
 2d regniient of 'J'exas mounted volunteers, 
 who entered the city, dismounted, and, under 
 Ihe immediate orders of Gen. Henderson, 
 co-operated with Gen. Quitman's brigade. 
 Capt. liragg's battery w:,s also ordered np, 
 supported by the 3d infantry ; and after 
 liriiig for some time at the cathedral, a por- 
 tion of it was likewise thrown into the city. 
 Our troops advanced from house to house, 
 and from s([nare to square, until they reached 
 a street but one square in rear of the princi- 
 pal plaza, in and near which the enemy's 
 force was mainly concentrated. This ad- 
 vance was conducted vigorously but with 
 due caution, and allhoiigh destructive to the 
 enemy, was atlendeil with but .small loss on 
 our pan. Captain Ridgelely, in the mean- 
 time, had served a captuied piece in battery 
 No. 1, against the city, until the advance of 
 our men rendered it imprudent to fire in the 
 direction of the cathedral. I was now satis- 
 lied that we could operate successfidly in the 
 city, and that ihe enemy had retired from 
 the lower portion of it to make a stand be- 
 iiiiul his barricades. As Gen. Quitman's 
 brigade had been on duly the previous niglit. 
 I determined to withdraw the troops to the 
 evacuated works, and concert with Gen. 
 Worth a combined attack upon the town. 
 'I'he troops accordingly fell bai'k deliberately, 
 in good order, and resumed their original 
 positions. General Qviilman's lirigade being 
 relieved after nighll'all by that of General 
 llamer. On my return to camii. I met an 
 ollicer with the intelligv^nce lliat General 
 Worth, induced by the liring in the lower 
 ])art of the city, was about making an attack 
 at the upper extremity, which had also been 
 evacuated by the rnemv to a considerable 
 distance. 1 regretted t!iat this information 
 had not reached me belore leaving the city, 
 but still deemed it inexpedient to (diange my 
 orders, and accordingly returned to the camp. 
 A note from Gen. Worth, written at eleven 
 o'clock, P. M., informed me that he had ad- 
 vanced to within a short distance of the prin- 
 cipal plaza, and that the mortar (which had 
 been sent to his division in the morning) 
 was doing good execution within ell'ective 
 range of the enemy's position. 
 
 Desiring to make no further attempt upon 
 
 'the city without complete concert as to the 
 lines -and mode (d' approach, I instructed tliat 
 ofllcer to suspend his advance until I could 
 liave an interview with him on the following 
 morning at his head quarters. 
 I Early on the morning (d' the 24th. I re- 
 ceived, through Colonel Moreno, a commu- 
 nication from General Ampudia, proposing 
 to evacuate the town; which with tiie an- 
 swer, were forwarded with my first disp-.itch. 
 I arranged with Colonel ]\loreno a cessation 
 of lire untd twelve o'clock, at which hour 1 
 ^ would receive the answer of the Mexican 
 general at General Worth's headquarters, to 
 which I soon repaired. In the meantime. 
 Genera! Ampudia had signified to General 
 I Worth his desire for a persomd interview 
 j with me. to which I acceded, and which ii- 
 ' nally resulted in a capitulation, placing the 
 town and the material of war, with certain 
 exceptions, in our possession. A copy of 
 ! that capitulation was transmitted with my 
 first despatch 
 
 Upon occupying the city, it was discov- 
 ered to be of great strength in itself, and to 
 have its approaches carefully and strongly 
 fortified. The town and works were armed 
 with forty two pieces of cannon, well sup- 
 plied with ammunition, and manned with a 
 j force of at least 7,000 troops of the line, and 
 j from 2,000 to 3,000 irregulars. The force 
 j under my orders before Monterey, as exhib- 
 ited by the accompanying return, was 425 
 olTicers. and 0,220 men. Our artillery con- 
 sisted of one 10 inch mortar, two 24 pounder 
 howitzers, and four light field batteries of 
 finir guns each — the mortar being the only 
 piece suitable to the operations of a siege. 
 
 Our loss is twelve olTicers and one hun- 
 dred and eight nnm killed; thirty-one oflicers 
 and three hundred and thirty seven men 
 wounded. That of the (Uicmy is not known, 
 but is believed considerably to exceed our 
 own. 
 
 I take pleasure in bringing to the notice 
 of the government the good conduct of the 
 troops, botli regulars and volunteers, which 
 has been conspicuous throughtnit the opera- 
 lions. 1 am prcjud to bear testimony to their 
 coolness and constanc)' in battle, and the 
 cheerfulness with which they have submit- 
 ted to exposure and privation. To the gen- 
 eral oflicers commanding divisions — Major 
 (ienerals Butler and Henderson, and Briga- 
 dier Generals 'i'wiggs and Worth — 1 must 
 express my obligations for the efficient aid 
 which they have rendered in their respective 
 commands. I was unfortunately deprived, 
 early on the 21st, of tlie valuable services of 
 Major General Butler, who was disabled by 
 a wound received in the attack on the city. 
 
Major General HenJerson, commanding the 
 Texan volunteers, has given me important 
 aid in the organization of the command, and 
 its subsequent operations. Brigadier Gen- 
 eral Twiggs, rendered important services 
 with his division, and, as the second in com- 
 mand after Major General Butler was dis- 
 abled. Brigadier Gen. Worth, was intrusted 
 witii an important detachment which ren- 
 dered his operations independent of my own. 
 These operations were conducted witii abil- 
 ity, and crowned with complete success. 
 
 I desire also to notice Brigadier Generals 
 Hamer and Quitman, commanding brigades 
 in General Butler's division. Lieutenant 
 Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding 
 brigades in Gen. Twiggs' division. Colonels 
 Mitchell, Campbell, Davis and Wood, com- 
 manding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, 
 and 2d Texas regiments, respectively, and 
 Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie, com- 
 manding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of 
 infantry ; all of whom served under my eye, 
 and conducted their commands with coolness 
 and gallantry against the enemy. Colonel 
 Mitchell, Lieut. Col. Mc Clung, Mississippi 
 regiment. Major Lear, 3d infantry, and Ma- 
 jor Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were 
 all severely wounded, as were Captain La- 
 motte, 1st infantry, Lieut. Graham, 4th in- 
 fantry. Adjutant Armstrong, Oiiio regiment, 
 Lieutenants Scudder and Alien, Tennessee 
 regiment, and Lieut. Howard, Mississippi 
 regiment, while leading their men against the 
 enemy's position, on the 21st and 23d. After 
 the fall of Col. Mitchell, the command of the 
 1st Ohio regiment, devolved upon Lieut. Col. 
 Weller; that of the 3d infantry, after the I'all 
 of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon 
 Capt. Bainbridge and Capt. Henry, the 
 former being also wounded. The following 
 named officers have been favorably noticed 
 by their commanders : Lieut. Col. Anderson, 
 and Adjutant Heiman, Tennessee regiment ; 
 Lieut. Col. McClung, Captains Cooper and 
 Downing, Lieutenants Patterson, Calhoun, 
 Moore, Russell, and Cook, Mississippi regi- 
 ment ; also Sergeant Major Hearlan, Missis- 
 sippi regiment, and Major Price, and Capt, 
 J. Smith, unattached but serving witli it 
 beg leave also to call attention to the good 
 conduct of Captain Johnston, Ohio regiment, 
 and Lieut. Hooker, 1st artillery, serving on 
 the staff of Gen. Hamer, and of Lieutenant 
 Nichols, 2d artillery, on that of General 
 Quitman. Captains Bragg and Ridgely, 
 served with their batteries during the opera- 
 tions under my own observation, and in part 
 under my immediate order.s, and exhibited 
 distinguished skill and gallantry. Captain 
 Webster, 1st artillery, assisted by Lieuten- 
 ants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good 
 service with the howitzer battery, which was 
 
 (18) 
 
 much exposed to the enemy's fire on the 
 
 21st. 
 
 From the nature of the operations, the 2d 
 dragoons were not brought into action, but 
 were usefully employed under the direction 
 of Lieut. Col. May, as escorts, and in keep- 
 ing open our communications. The 1st Ken- 
 tucky regiment was also prevented from par- 
 ticipating in tlie action of the 21st, but rend- 
 ered highly important services under Col. 
 Ormsby, in covering the mortar battery, and 
 holding in check the enemy's cavalry during 
 the day. 
 
 I have noticed above, the officers whose 
 conduct either fell under my immediate eye, 
 or is noticed only in minor reports which 
 are not forwarded. For further mention of 
 individuals, I beg leave to refer to the reports 
 of division commanders herewith respect- 
 fully transmitted. I fully concur in their 
 recommendations, and desire that they be 
 considered as a part of my own report. 
 
 From the olhcers of my personal staff and 
 of the engineers, topographical engineers, 
 and ordnance associated with me, 1 liave de- 
 rived valuable and efficient assistance during 
 the operations, ('ol. Whiting, assistant quar- 
 termaster general. Colonels Croghan and 
 Belknap, inspectors general. Major Bliss, as- 
 sistant adjutant general, (Japtain Sibley, as- 
 sistant quartermaster. Captain Waggaman, 
 commissary of subsistence. Captain Eaton 
 and Lieut. Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Major 
 Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, 
 served near my person, and were ever prompt, 
 in all situations, in the communication of my 
 orders and instructions. I must express my 
 particular obligations to Brevet INlnjor Mans- 
 lield and Lieut. Scarritt, corps of engineers. 
 Tlicy both rendered most important services 
 in reconnoitering the enemy's positions, con- 
 ilucting troops in attack, and strengthening 
 the works captured from the enemy. Major 
 Mansrteld, though wounded on the 21st, re- 
 mained on duty during that and the follow- 
 ing day, until conlined by his wounil to 
 camp. Capt. Williams, topograpliical engi- 
 neers, to my great regret and the loss of the 
 service, was mortally wounded while fear- 
 I lessly exposing himself in the attack of the 
 21st. Lieut. Pope, of the same corps, was 
 active and zealous throughout the operations. 
 Major Munroc, chief of the artillery. Major 
 Craig and Capt. Kamsay, of the ordnance, 
 were assiduous in the performance of their 
 proper duties. The former superintended 
 their mortar service on the 22d. as particu- 
 larly mentioned in the report of Gen. Worth, 
 to which I also refer for the services of the 
 engineer and topographical officers detached 
 with the second division. 
 
 Surgeon Craig, medical director, was ac- 
 tively employed in the important duties of 
 
(19) 
 
 hJ8 department, and the medical staff generally were unre- 
 milting in their attention to the numerous wounded— their 
 duties with the recjular reeiments being rendered uncom- 
 monly arduous by the small number serving in the field. 
 
 I respectfully enclose herewith, in addition to the rpport4 
 of division commanders, a field return of the force before 
 Monterey on the 21st of September— a return of killed, 
 wounded, and missing during the operations — and two topo- 
 graphical sketches — one exhibiting all the movements 
 
 around Monterey—the other on a large scale illtisirating 
 more particularly the operations in the lower quarter of the 
 city— prepared reipectively by Lieut. Meade and I'opo, to- 
 pograpliical engineers. 
 ! am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Major General IT, S. A. commanding 
 The Adjutant GENEitAL of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C, 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 THE BATTLE FIELD OF BUENA YISTA. 
 
 From a drawing, (furnished ihe Baltimo e 
 Sun,) made on ihe spot by a distinEjuished officer 
 of Ihe Topographical Engineers, sufficiently 
 large to show the disposition of the opposing 
 forces Gen. Taylor's Despatches confirm its 
 accuracy. 
 
 
 A, Buena Vista, 3 miles from Saltillo. B, 
 Agua Nueva, 18 miles from Saltillo. C, Road 
 from San Luis Polosi. D, Road and mountain 
 pass of Zacatecas. E, The famous battle ground, 
 seven miles wide^nd ten long. F, San Juan La 
 Vacarea, the camp ground of Gen. Wool from 
 the 21st to 28lh December, fit rouie to Saltillo. 
 G G, Route of Gen. Wool from Paras. I, Encan- 
 tada, the encampment of Sanla Anna on Ihe 
 morning of the baltle, three miles and a half from 
 Gen. Taylor's encampment. 
 
 BUENA VISTA. 
 
 GENERAL TAYLOR'S OFFICIAL DE-PATUHES. 
 Hc*ri-QuiRTEttS, Armt of Occupatiow. 
 Camp on the field of balile, Buena Vista, 
 
 Meiico, February 24, 1847. 
 
 Sm: — I have the honour to report ihat, having 
 ecome assured on Ihe 20th inst.,that ihe enemy 
 
 had assembled in very heavy force at Encarna- 
 cion, thirty miles in front of Agua Nueva, wiih 
 the evident design of allacking my posiiion, I 
 broke up my camp at the latter place on ihe 21si, 
 and look up a strong line in front of Buena Vista, 
 seven miles south of Sallillo. A cavalry force 
 left at Agua Nueva for the purpose of covering 
 the removal of supplies was driven in during the 
 night, and on the morning of the 22d ihe Mexi- 
 can army appeared immediately in front of our 
 position. At 11 o'clock A. M. a flag was sent, 
 bearing from General Santa Anna a summons of 
 unconditional surrender. To which I immedia- 
 tely returned a negative reply. — The summons 
 and my reply are herewiih inclosed. 
 
 The aclioE was commenced late in the after- 
 noon between ihe light troops on the left flank, 
 but was not seriously engaged until the morning 
 of the 23d, when ihe enemy made an effort to 
 force the left flank of our position. An obstinate 
 and sanguinary conflict was maintained, with 
 short intervals, ihroughout the day, the result be- 
 ing ihat the enemy was completely repulsed 
 from our lines. An atlack of cavalry upon ihe 
 rancho of Buena Visla and a demonstration upon 
 the city of Saltillo itself were likewise handsome- 
 ly repelled. Early in ihe night Ihe enemy with- 
 drew from his camp and fell hack upon Agua 
 Nueva, a distance of twelve miles. 
 
 Our own force engaged at all points in this ac- 
 tion fell somewhat short of five thousand 
 four hundred men, while that of the enemy, 
 from the slalement of General Santa Anna, may 
 be estimated a> twenty thousand. Our suc- 
 cess against such great odds is a sufTicienl 
 encomium on the good conduct of our troops. 
 In a more detaileil official report,! shall have the 
 salisfaclion of bringing to the notice of the 
 government the conspicuous gallantry of parti- 
 cular officers and corps. I maybe permilted here, 
 however, to acknowledge my great obligations 
 to Brig Gen. Wool, the second in command, to 
 whom I feel particularly indebted for his valuable 
 services on this occasion. 
 
 Our loss has been very severe, and will not 
 probably fall short of 700 men. The Mexican 
 loss has been immense. I shall take the earliest 
 opportunity of forwarding a correct list ol the 
 casualties of the day. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obed'i. serv'i., 
 ' Z.TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. General U. S. Army commanding. 
 The Adjutani General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. 0. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 (Summons of Gen. Sanla Anna to Gen. Taylor.) 
 You are surrounded by twenty thousand men, 
 and cannot to any human probability, avoid suf- 
 fering a rout, and being cut to pieces with your 
 troops; but as you deserve consideration and 
 particular esteem, I wish to save you from a 
 catastrophe, and for that purpose give you this 
 notice, in order that you may surrender at discre- 
 tion, under the assurance thai you will be treated 
 with the consideration belonging to the Mexican 
 character, to which end you will be granted an 
 hour's tune to make up your mind, to commence 
 from the moment when'my flag of Iruce arrivei 
 in your camp. 
 
 With this view, I assure you of my particular 
 coDsideratioD. 
 
( 21 ) 
 
 God and Liberty. Camp at Encanlada, Feb- 
 ruary, 22d, 1847. 
 
 AN rONIO LOPEZ DE S.VNT.V ANNA. 
 To Gen. Z. Taylor, 
 
 Commanding the forces of the U. States. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Army of Ocnipatiim, 
 Near Biiena Vista, Feb. 22, 1847. 
 Sir: In reply to your note of this date, sum- 
 moning me to surrender my forces at discretion, 
 I beg leave to say that I decline acceding to your 
 request. 
 
 With high respect, I am, sir. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. Army, commanding. 
 Senor Gen. D. Antonio Lopez De Santa -Anna, 
 Commander in Chief, La Encantada. 
 
 Head-Quahters AR>rT of Occitpattox, 
 
 Saltillo, Feb. 25. 1847. 
 
 Sir : I have respectfully to report that the main 
 Mexican force is yet at AguaNueva. Our troops 
 hold the positions which they have so well de- 
 fended, and are prepared to receive the enemy, 
 should he venture another attack. 
 
 An arrangement has been made with Gen. 
 Santa Anna for an exchange of prisoners, by 
 which we shall receive all, or nearly all, of those 
 captured fromus at different times, besides the 
 few taken in the action of the 23d. Our wounded. 
 as wellas those of the Mexicans, which have 
 fallen into our hands, have been removed to this 
 place, and are rendered comfortable. 
 
 Our loss in the recent actions, so far as ascer- 
 tained, amounts to two hundred and sixty-four, 
 killed, four hundred and fifty wounded, and twen- 
 ty-six missing. One company of the Kentucky 
 cavalry is not included in this statement, its 
 casualties not being yet reported. I respectfully 
 enclose a list of the commissioned otBcers killed 
 and wounded, embracing manj' names of the 
 highest merit. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obed't serv't, 
 Z.TAYLOR. 
 Maj. General, U. S. A. comd'g. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 HEAn-QuAiiTERS, Army or Occupation, 
 
 Agua Nueva, March 1, 1847. 
 
 Sir : I have the honour to report that the troops 
 of my command occupied their original camp al 
 this place on the 24th of February, the last of the 
 Mexican army leaving the morning of that day 
 in the direction of San Luis. It is ascertained 
 that the enemy is in full retreat, and in a very 
 disorganized condition ; the men deserting and 
 dying of starvation in great numbers. I despatch 
 a command this day as far as Encarnacitm to 
 harass his rear and secure whatever military 
 supplies may be found there. 
 
 From the statements of Mexican officers, par- 
 ticularly of the medical staff left to succor the 
 wounded, there seems no doubt that their loss in 
 the recent action is moderately estimated at 
 one thousand five hundred, and may reach two 
 thousand men. killed and wounded; besides two 
 thousand or ihree thousand deserters. Many 
 officers of rank were lost. I enclose a list 
 of the names of our own killed and wounded, 
 made as complete as practicable at this time. 
 
 One regiment (Kentucky Cavalry) is not includ- 
 ed, its return not being rendered. 
 
 The enemy had fully reckoned upon our total 
 rout, and had made arrangements to intercept 
 our retreat, and cut ofl" the army, stationing for 
 that purpose, corps of cavalry, not only imme- 
 diately in our rear, but even below Monterey. I 
 regret to report that they succeeded near the 
 village of Marin in deslroying a train of supplies, 
 and killing a considerable number of the escort 
 and teamsters. Colonel Morgan, 2d Ohio regi- 
 ment, on his march from Ccrralvo to Monterey, 
 was infested by the Mexican cavalry, with which 
 he had several rencontres, but finally dispersed 
 iheni with small loss on his own part. Captain 
 Graham \. (j- M., Volunteer service, was mortally 
 wounded in one of these affairs. I have no doubt 
 that the defeat of the main army at Buena Vista 
 will secure our line of communication from 
 further interruption, but I still propose in a few 
 days to change my headquarters to Monterey, 
 with a view to make such further arrangements 
 as may be necessary in that quarter. 
 
 The dispositions made to harass our rear, 
 vindicate the policy and necessity of defending 
 a position in front of Saltillo, where a defeat has 
 thrown the enemy far back into the interior. No 
 result so decisive could have been maintained 
 by holding Monterey, and our communications 
 would have been constantly in jeopardy. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant. Z TAYLOR, 
 
 Major General, U. S. Army Commanding. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 Washington, D.C. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 
 
 On the morning of the 2d, intelligence reached 
 Gen. Taylor at his camp on the hdl overlooking 
 Saltillo from the south, that Santa Anna, whose 
 presence in our vicinity had been reported for 
 several days, was advancing upon our main 
 body, staliimed near the Kancho San Juan de 
 Buena Vista, about seven miles from Saltillo. 
 The General immediately moved forward with 
 May's squadron of Dragoons, Sherman's and 
 Bragg's batteries of Artillery, and the Missis- 
 sippi regiment of Riflemen, under Col. Davis, 
 and arrived at the position which he had selected 
 for awailing the attack of the enemy about 11 
 o'clock. 'I'he lime and place, the hour and the 
 man, seemed to promise a glorious celebration 
 of tho day. It was the 22d of February, the an- 
 niversary of that day on which the God of Bat- 
 tles gave to freedom its noblest champion. 
 
 In the choice of his position. Gen. Taylor had 
 exhibited the same comprehensive sagacity and 
 masterly coup de ceil, which characterized his 
 dispositions at Resaca de la Palma, and which 
 crowned triumphantly all his operations amid the 
 blazing lines of Monterey. 
 
 During the night, a Mexican prisoner was 
 taken, who reported Santa Anna's force as con- 
 sisting of fifteen pieces of artillery, including 
 some 24 pounders, six thousand cavalry, and 
 fifteen thousand infantry, thus confirming the 
 statement of his superior. 
 
 The firing on our extreme left, which ceased 
 soon after sun set, on the 22d, was renewed on 
 the morning of the 23d. at an early hour. This 
 was also accompanied by quick discharges of 
 artillery from the same quarter, the Mexicans 
 
( 22 ) 
 
 having established during thenighl a 12 pounder 
 on a point at the base of the mountain, which com- 
 manded any position which could be taken by us. 
 To counteract the effect of this piece, Lieut. 
 O'Brien, 4lh artillery, was detached with three 
 pieces of Washington's battery, having with him 
 Lieut. Bryan, of the Topographical Engineers, 
 who, having planted a few shells in the midst of 
 the enemy's gunners, for Ihe time elTectually 
 silenced his fire. 
 
 From the movements soon perceptible along 
 the left of our line, it became evident that the 
 enemy was attempting to turn that llank, and for 
 this purpose had concentrated a large bixly nf 
 cavalry and infantry on his right. The base of 
 the mountain around which these troops were 
 winding their way, seemed girdled with a belt of 
 steel, as their glittering sabres and polished 
 lances flashed back the beams of the morning's 
 sun. Sherman's and Bragg's batteries were im- 
 mediately ordered lo the left; Col. Bissel's regi- 
 ment occupied a position between them, while 
 Uol. McKee's Kentuckians were transferred 
 from the righlof our line,so as to hidd a position 
 near the centre. The second Indiana regiment, 
 under Col. Bowles, was placed on our extreme 
 left, nearly perpendicular to the direction of our 
 line, so- as lo oppose, by a direct fire, the flank 
 movement of the enemy. These dispositions hav- 
 ing been promptly effected, the artillery of both 
 armies opened its fires, and simultaneously the 
 Mexican infantry commenced a rapid and ex- 
 tended discharge upon our line, from the left, to 
 McKee's regiment. Our artillery belched forth 
 its thunders with tremendous effect, while the 
 Kentuckians returned the fire of the Mexican in- 
 fantry, with great steadiness and success; their 
 field ofiicers, McKee, Clay and Fry, passing 
 along their line, animating and encouraging the 
 men, by precept and example. The second 
 Illinois regiment, also received the enemy's 
 fire with great firmness, and returned an ample 
 equivalent. While this fierce conflict was going 
 on, the main body of Col. Hardin's regiment 
 moved to the right of the Kentuckians, and the 
 representatives of each iSiate, seemed to vie with 
 each other in the honourable ambition of doing 
 the best service for their country. Both regi- 
 ments gallantly sustained their positions, and 
 won unfading laurels. — The veterans of Auster- 
 litz, could not have exhibited more courage, 
 coolness and devotion. 
 
 In the meantime the enemy's cavalry had been 
 stealthily pursuing its way along the mountain, 
 though our artillery had wrought great havoc 
 among its numbers, the leading squadrons had , 
 passed the extreme points of danger, and were : 
 almost in a position to attack us in rear. The j 
 artillery was advanced, its front extended, and ; 
 different sections and pieces under Sherman, \ 
 Bragg, O'Brien, Thomas, Reynolds, Kilburn, '■ 
 French and Bryan, were working such carnage j 
 in the ranks of the enemy, as to make his col- j 
 umns roll lo and fro like ships upon the billows. 
 
 Washington's battery on the right, had now 
 opened its fire, and driven back a large party of 
 lancers, advancing in that direction. Along the 
 entire line, the battle raged with great fury. — 
 Twenty-one thousand were arrayed against five 
 thousand. The discharges of the infantry follow- 
 ed each other, and the volleys of artillery re- 
 verberated through the muuniains like the thun- 
 ders of an Alpine storm. 
 
 The Mexican cavalry still pressed forward on 
 our left, and threatened a charge upon the Mis- 
 sissippi rifles under Col. Davis, who had been 
 ordered to support the Indiana regiment. Col. 
 Davis immediately threw his command into the 
 form of a v., the opening towards the enemy, and 
 awaited his advance. On he came, dashing with 
 all the speed of Mexican horses, but when he 
 arrived at that point from which could be seen 
 the whiles of his eyes, both lines poured forth a 
 sheet of lead ihat scattered him like chaff, felling 
 many a gallant steed to ihe earth, and sending 
 scores of riders to the sleep that knows no 
 waking. 
 
 While the dispersed Mexican cavalry were 
 rallying, the 3d Indiana regiment, under Colonel 
 Lane, was ordered to join Colonel Davis, sup- 
 ported by a considerable body of horse. About 
 this time, from some unknown reason, our wag- 
 on train, displ.iyed its length along the Saltillo 
 road, and offered a conspicuous prize for the 
 Mexican lancers, which they seemed not unwil- 
 ling to appropriate. Fortunately, Lieutenant 
 Rocker, with a squadron of the 1st dragons, 
 (Capt. Sieene having been previously wounded 
 and Capt. Eustis confined to his bed by illness,) 
 was present, and by order of Gen. Taylor, dashed 
 among them in a most brilliant style, dispersing 
 them by his charge, as effectually as the previous 
 fire of the Mississippi riflemen. May's dragoons, 
 with a squadron of Arkansas cavalry, under 
 Capt. Pike, and supported by a single piece of 
 artillery, under Lieutenant Reynolds, nowclaimed 
 their share in the discussion, and when the Mexi- 
 cans had again assembled, ihey had to encounter 
 another shock from the two squadrons, besides 
 a fierce fire of grape from Reynolds' 6 pounder. 
 The lancers once more rallied, and directing their 
 course towards the Saltillo road, were met by the 
 remainder of Col. Yell's regiment and Marshall's 
 Kentuckians, who drove them towards the moun- 
 tains on the opposite side of the valley, where, 
 from their appearance when last visible, it may 
 be presumed, they are still running. 
 
 All this time the Mexican force was much 
 divided, and the fortunes of the day were with 
 us. Santa Anna saw the crisis, and by craft and 
 cunning sought to avert it. He sent a white flag 
 lo General Taylor, desiring to know " what he 
 wanted?" This was at once believed to be a mere 
 ruse lo gain time and recollect his men, but the 
 American General thought fit to notice it, and 
 Gen. Wool was deputed to meet the representa- 
 tives of Santa Anna, and to say to him that we 
 "wanted" peace. Before the interview could be 
 had, the Mexicans themselves reopened their 
 fires, thus adding treachery of the highest order, 
 to the other barbarian practices which dis- 
 tinguish their mode of warfare. The flag how- 
 ever, had accomplished the ends which its wily 
 originator designed, for though our troops could 
 have effectnally prevented the remainder of his 
 eavalry from joining the main body, it could 
 only have been done by a fire, which, while the 
 parley lasted, would have been an undoubted 
 breach of faith. Although a portion of the lan- 
 eers during this interim had regained their origi- 
 nal position, a formidable number still remained 
 behind. Upon these Ihe infantry opened a brisk 
 fire, while Reynolds' Artillery, hailed the grape 
 and canister upon them with terrible effect. 
 
 The craft of Santa Anna had restored his 
 courage, and with his reinforcement of cavalry, 
 
( 23 ) 
 
 he determined to charge our line. Under cover 
 of their artillery, horse and foot advanced upon 
 our batteries. These, frotn the smallness of our 
 infantry force, were but feebly supported, yet by 
 the most brilliant and daring efforts nobly main- 
 tained their positions. Such was the rapidity of ' 
 their transitions, that officers and pieces seemed 
 empowered with ubiquity, and upon cavalry and j 
 infantry alike, wherever they appeared, they 
 poured so destructive a fire, as to silence the ene- 
 my's arlillery,compel his whole line to fall back, 
 and seem soon to assume a sort of sauvc qui pent 
 movement, indicating any thing but victory. 
 Again, our spirits rose. The Mexicans appeared : 
 throughly routed, and while their regiments and 
 divisions were flying before us. nearly all our 
 light troops were ordered forward, and followed 
 them with a deadly fire, mingled with shouts 
 which rose above the roar of artillery. In this 
 charge the 1st Illinois Regiment and .McKee's 
 Kentuckians were foremost. The pursuit was 
 too hot, and as it evinced too clearly our defi- 
 ciency in numbers, the Mexicans, with a sudden- 
 ness which was almost magical, rallied and re. 
 turned upon us. For a while the carnage was 
 dreadful on both sides. We were but a handful 
 to oppose the frightful masses which were hurled 
 upon us, and could as easily have resisted an , 
 avalanche of thunderbolts. We were driven ' 
 back, and the day seemed lost beyond redemp- , 
 lion. Victory, which a moment before appear- ! 
 ed within our grasp, was suddenly torn from our 
 standard. There was but one hope, but that 
 proved an anchor sure and steadfast. 
 
 While our men were driven through the ra- 
 vines, at the extremities of which a body of Mexi- 
 can Lancers was stationed to pounce upon them 
 like tigers, — Brent and Whiting, of Washington's 
 battery, gave them such a torrent of grape as to 
 put them to flight, and thus saved the remnants 
 of those brave regiments, which had long borne 
 the hottest portion of the fight. On the other flank, 
 while the Mexicans came rushing on the artillery 
 was left unsupported, and capture by the enemy 
 seemed inevitable. But Bragg andThomas rose 
 with the crisis, and eclipsed even the fame they 
 won at Monterey, while Sherman, O'Brien and 
 Bryan, proved themselves worthy of the alliance. 
 Every horse with O'Brien's battery was killed, 
 and the enemy had advasced to wuhin range of 
 grape, sweeping all before him. But here his 
 progress was arrested, and before the showers of 
 iron hail which assailed him, squadrons and bat- 
 talions fell like leaves in the blasts of autumn. 
 The Mexicans were once more driven back with 
 great loss, though taking wiih them the three 
 pieces of artillery which were without horses. 
 
 The battle had now raged with variable success 
 fornearten hours, and by asortof mutual consent, 
 after the last carnage wrought among the Mexi- 
 cans by the artillery, both parties seemed willing 
 lo pause upon the result. Night fell, and the 
 American General, with his troops, slept upon 
 the battle ground, prepared, if necessary, to re- 
 sume operations oil the morrow. But ere the sun 
 rose again upon the scene the Mexicans had dis- 
 appeared, leaving behind them only the hun- 
 dreds of their dead and dying. 
 
 Throughout the action, Uen. Taylor was where 
 the shots fell hottest and thickest, two of which 
 passed through his clothes. He constantly 
 evinced the greatest quickness of conception, 
 fertility of resource, and a cool unerring judg- 
 
 ment not to be baffled. Gen. Wool was wherever 
 his presence was required, stimulating the troops 
 to activity and exertion. The operations of Gen. 
 Lane were confined to his own brigade, and his 
 efforts were worthy of better material for their 
 application. Major Bliss bore himself with his 
 usual gallantry; having his horse as at Palo 
 Alio shot in the head. Mr. Crittenden, a 
 son of the .Senator from Kentucky, was conspi- 
 cuous in the field, as volunteer Aid to General 
 Taylor, and the Medical Director's assistant Sur- 
 geon, Hitchcock, could be seen, where the balls 
 fell fastest, with true professional zeal. 
 
 In this, as in every case of arbitrament by the 
 sword, the laurel is closely entwined wiih the 
 cypress, and the lustre of a brilliant victory, is 
 darkened by the bicod at which it has been pur- 
 chased. 
 
 Other and abler pens will do justice to the 
 character and memory of the illusirious dead, 
 whose devotion to the republic, they have written 
 with their blood and with their lives. Lincoln 
 was a gallant officer and accomplished gentle- 
 man, of pure heart and generous impulses, and 
 worthy of his revolutionary lineage. Yell was a 
 warm friend and gallant man, quick to see the 
 right and ready to pursue it. Hardin was one of 
 nature's noblest spirits, a soldier tried and true, 
 a rare union of ihe best qualities of the head and 
 heart. McKee was wise in council and brave 
 in the field, wiih a heart moved by the tenderest 
 sympathies and most noble impulses. And what 
 shall I say of Clay — the young, the brave, the 
 chivalrous — foremost in the fight — the soul of 
 every lofiy sentiment? — devoted to his friends 
 and generous to his enemies, he fell in the 
 flower of his age and usefulness, and has left no 
 worthier name behind him. If he was not the 
 " noblest Roman of them all," few will deny that 
 in him, 
 
 "Were the elements 
 
 So mixed, that Nature might stand up and say 
 
 To all the world — this was a man." 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. 
 
 Col. Yell, was lanced to death. His horse be- 
 came restive, his bridle broke, and he carried 
 him into ihe midst of the enemy, where a lance 
 pierced him through the head. 
 
 Col. Hardin, before being killed, captured a 
 flag from the enemy, which, with his horse, he 
 requested should be sent home as a last memento 
 to his wife. 
 
 Nothing could contrast more strongly than the 
 humanity of the American soldiers and the cow- 
 ardly ferocity and roguish propensity of the 
 Mexicans, 'fhe Americans shared their biscuit 
 and water with the wounded Mexicans, and were 
 often seen to lay them in a position least painful 
 to them. The Mexicans, on the contrary, cow- 
 ardly killed our wounded men when they met 
 them, as in the case of Col. Clay; they stripped 
 and robbed several of our oBicers and many of 
 their own. 
 
 Among the prisoners taken, were two who 
 were deserters from our own ranks. They were 
 brought before Gen. Taylor, who ordered the 
 wretches to be drummed out beyond the lines. 
 Such rascals, he said, might do for Santa Anna — 
 I hey would not suit him — and it would be wasting 
 powd<.-r and shot to shoot them. They were 
 
( 24 ) 
 
 therefore drammed out to the tune of the Rogue's 
 March. 
 
 A bullet having passed through the breast of 
 Gen. Taylor's jacket, he remarked that the balls 
 were becoming excited. 
 
 The broken nature of the ground divided the 
 forces, so that instead of one general engagement, 
 the regiments were compelled in agieat measure 
 to fight on their own hook. Our ollicers were 
 always in the advance, leading their troops— 
 hence the great moriality among them. In this 
 general melee, one of our small regiments, of four 
 hundred men, would be attacked by a whole 
 Mexican brigade of several thousand. Thus the 
 Kentucky infantry was attacked at the loot of a 
 hill, in a deep ravine, by an immense force of the 
 enemy. A large number of the officers were killed 
 here, among them was Col. McKee, who fell badly 
 wounded, and was immediately despatched by the 
 enemy, who pierced him wilh their bayonets as 
 he lay on the ground. liieut. Col. Clay was shot 
 through the thigh, and being unable to walk, 
 was taken up and carried some distance by some 
 of his men, but owing to the steepness of the 
 hill, the men finding it very difficult to carry him, 
 and the enemy in great numbers pressing upon 
 them, the gallant Lieut. Col. begged them to 
 leave him and take care of themselves. Forced 
 to leave him on the field, the last that was seen 
 of this noble young officer he was lying on his 
 back, fighting wilh his sword the enemy who 
 were stabbing him with their bayonets. The 
 veteran Capt. Wm. S. Willis, of the same regi- 
 ment, at the head of his company, with three 
 stalwart sons who fought at his side, was badly 
 wounded, but still continued the fight, until he 
 was overcome with the loss of blood. 
 
 In the meantime, the Indiana brigade, who 
 were drawn out and ordered to charge the enemy, 
 were seized with a panic, and displaying some 
 hesitation, Assistant Adjutant General Lincoln 
 rushed to their front, and whilst upbraiding them 
 for their cowardice, was shot, several balls pass- 
 ing through his body. In justice to this brigade, 
 it should be stated, that they subsequently rallied, 
 and fully redeemed their reputation by the most 
 gallant and effective fighting. 
 
 Col. Hardin led the Illinoisians in very hand- 
 some style, and they fought like lions. Their 
 intrepid Colonel fell wounded, and eiperienced 
 the fate of Colonels McKee and Clay, and was 
 killed by the enemy — not, however, before he 
 had killed one of the cowardly miscreants with a 
 pistol, which he fired whilst lying on the ground. 
 Col. Yell led, the foremost man, a charge of 
 his mounted volunteers against a large body of 
 lancers, and was killed by a lance, which entered 
 his mouth and lore off one side of his face. 
 
 The Mississippians, the heroes of Monterey, 
 after doing hard duty as skirmishers, were or- 
 dered into line to receive a charge of cavalry, 
 which they did with their rides, delivering at the 
 same time a most destructive lire among the 
 crowded columns of cavalry. The enemy were 
 completely repulsed. The distinguished com- 
 mander oi" this gallant regiment. Col. Jefferson 
 Davis, was badly wounded, an escopette ball 
 having entered his foot and passed out of his 
 leg. He was, however, doing well when last 
 heard from. The chivalrous Lieut. Col. Mc- 
 Clung was prevented from doing his share of 
 the brave deeds of this brilliant fight, by the grie- 
 vous wound received at the battle of Monterey. 
 
 Col. Humphrey Marshall's splendid regiment 
 of Kentucky cavalry were impatient for an op- 
 portunity of showing their mettle, and avenging 
 the capture of their brethren, then in the hands 
 of the enemy. They were soon favoured with 
 the desired opportunity, by the approach of a 
 force of more than two thousand lancers and 
 hussars, who gallantly charged them. The Ken- 
 tuckians stood their ground wilh immovable 
 steadiness, and receiving the enemy with afire 
 from their carbines, charged in the most gallant 
 style through the column on the right, and wheel- 
 ing fell nn their left, dispersing and killing a 
 great many of them. A like charge was made 
 by Col. May, at the head of a squadron of dra- 
 goons, and one of Arkansas cavalry, against a 
 large body of the enemy's cavalry with like re- 
 sults. 
 
 During the engagement on the right, Santa 
 Anna, seeing that Gen. Taylor's force was not 
 well protected on the left flank, sent a large force 
 of cavalry around that point, and outflanking 
 Taylor, succeeded in throwing two thousand 
 men in his rear; but Gen. Taylor immediately 
 sent Capt. Bragg, with his artillery, against this 
 force, who succeeded in cutting them off flora 
 the main body. Lieut. Crittenden was despatched 
 with a flag of truce, to demand the immediate 
 surrender of this force. The Mexican officer, 
 pretending not to understand the character of 
 his mission, insisted that he should be blind- 
 folded, according to the rules of war, and thus 
 had the lieutenant carried into the camp of Santa 
 .■\nna himself. This was a ruse to get time to 
 e.xtricate the Mexican cavalry from their danger- 
 ous position, and pending this truce they were 
 all drawn off by a different road from that by 
 which they had gained this position. 
 
 Lieut. Crittenden was conducted blindfolded 
 to the tent of the Mexican General-in-Chief, 
 which he found a long distance from the scene 
 of action, and which he thought the safest place 
 he had been in during the whole day. As he ap- 
 proached Santa Anna's tent he was greeted with 
 a most tremendous flourish of trumpets, which 
 might have been heard a mile oft', but produced 
 no great terror in the mind of the Keiituckian. 
 His blind was taken off, and he found himself in 
 ilie presence of the famous Mexican Chief, sur- 
 rounded by a brilliant Staff of bedizened, gilded 
 and moustached officers. Santa Anna apologized 
 to ihe Lieutenant for the act of his officers, in 
 having him blindfolded, saying, that so far from 
 having any desire to conceal his situation, he 
 was desirous of exhibiting to Gen. Taylor the 
 utter, folly of resisting so powerful an army as 
 he had under his command. To which the Lieu- 
 tenant replied that his simple message was to 
 demand his (Santa .\nna's) immediate surrender 
 to Gen. Taylor. When this extraordinary de- 
 mand was transl.ued to the Mexican, he raised 
 his hands and eyebrows in utter astonishment at 
 the temerity and presumption of such a message, 
 and replied, that he would expect Gen. Taylor to 
 surrender in an hour, or he would destroy all his 
 forces. Lieut. Crittenden's reply, which we have 
 already given — "Gen, Taylor never surrenders!" 
 tertuinated the interview, and the battle recom- 
 menced, and was continued until night. 
 
 A\[ the officers on our side, in this hard fought 
 battle, distinguished themselves. The details of 
 the battle were confided to Gen. Wool, who nobly 
 justified the confidence in his commander and 
 
( 25 ) 
 
 brother veteran, by the most active, zealous, effi- 
 cient anil gallant conduct. Throughout the whole 
 action he was constantly engajed in the disposi- 
 tion of our forces, and in rallying them to the 
 onset. It was a miracle that he escaped the 
 thick flying balls which thinned the ranks he 
 was marshalling. There was but one complaint 
 made against him, and that wa.s, that he exposed 
 himself too much. Brig. Gen. Lane also showed 
 himself to be a brave and capable officer. Al- 
 though wounded early in the action, he kept his 
 horse until it closed, and never for a moment 
 left his post. 
 
 The old General-in-Chief reir^ained at his ori- 
 ginal and much exposed position, supermlending 
 the battle and narrowly watching its events. An 
 escopette ball passed through his overcoat — that 
 same old brown, so familiar to all the officers 
 and men who have ever been under his com- 
 mand, and which has seen several campaigns in 
 Florida, in Texas, and in Mexico. 
 
 On the night of the 22d, both armies drew ofl' 
 from the field of battle. Our men were engaged 
 all night in bringing in the wounded and taking 
 care of them — the Mexicans as well as their 
 own men. There were, however, but few of our 
 men found on the field wounded. They were, to 
 use Santa Anna's significant words, in his des- 
 patch, "all dead," the cowardly miscreants hav- 
 ing killed every man whom they overtook, 
 wounded and helpless on the field. With like 
 turpitude and treachery, they left their own dead 
 unburied and their own wounded uncared for, on 
 the field where they fell. The latter were carried 
 to Sallillo, in our own wagons, the ft)riTier were 
 buried by the alcalde, under the orders of Gen. 
 Taylor. 
 
 INTERESTING DETAILS. 
 
 General Wool greatly distinguished himself in 
 the action, and all the officers fought like heroes. 
 After the battle. Gen. Taylor demanded of Santa 
 Anna an unconditional surrender of his whole 
 army, which the latter declined ; but in return re- 
 quested Gen. Taylor t» surrender immediately. 
 Immortal be the reply of Old Rough and Ready, 
 as delivered by the gallant Lieut. Crittenden — 
 "Geneiiai. Taylor Never Surrenders." 
 
 Colonels Yell and Hardin were both talented 
 and honoured members of Congress for several 
 years, the former from Arkansas, the latter from 
 Illinois. Lieut. Col. Henry Clay is the son of 
 the illustrious statesman of Ashland. His son 
 had given proof of the most brilliant qualities, 
 and the promise of his youth filled his aged 
 father's heart with joy and pride. Col. McKee 
 belonged to one of those old families whose gal- 
 lant deeds form part of the stirring history of the 
 infancy of his gallant Kentucky. Adj. Gen. Lin- 
 coln is the heroic descendant of that old Revolu- 
 tionary slock of patriots who fought at Lexington 
 and Bunker Hill. But we have not lime to dwell 
 upon the character and history of all who fell in 
 this bloody strife. History will do them justice. 
 
 On the 22d Santa Anna began the battle, by 
 various maniEuvres, atlempting to outflank and 
 terrify old Rough and Ready. On that day the 
 battle was confined to skirmishing and cannon- 
 ading, without much effect on either side. 
 
 In the meantime Santa Anna had sent a large 
 force to Taylor's rear, but our artillery opened 
 
 upon them with great effect, and they were soon 
 compelled to withdraw. On the 23d the battle 
 commenced in real earnest, and raged with great 
 violence during the whole day. 
 
 The Americans did not wait to be attacked, 
 but with the most daring impunity charged on 
 the enemy with loud huzzas, their officers lead- 
 ing them gallantly. General Taylor was every 
 where in the thickest of the fight. He received 
 a ball through his overcoat, but was not Injured. 
 
 The result of this battle will shed additional 
 glory upon the American arms, and when it is 
 recollected that it has been an open field fight, 
 by a force almost exclusively composed of raw 
 volunteers, who have only been embodied a few 
 months, and against an army of regular troops, 
 four fold their own number, it has no parallel in 
 the military annals of modern warfare. 
 
 The volunteers, whose fame is now resound- 
 ing through the extent of the land, were in- 
 structed in the art and science of warfare by 
 officers capable, in every respect, of teaching 
 them the way in which their bravery and patriot- 
 ism might avail in the cause in which they had 
 so willingly enlisted. Thanks to the fostering 
 care which our government has bestowed on the 
 West Point Military Academy. 
 
 The Matamoras Fhg of the 13th March, states 
 that the Mexican force engaged in the late battle 
 at Buena Vista, consisted of — 
 
 Infantry 13,000 
 
 Cavalry 6,000 
 
 Artillery and Sappers .... 2,000 
 
 21.000 
 
 The list of the killed and wounded at Buena 
 Vista is sad evidence of American valour. The 
 Kentucky Regiments suffered awfully, as out of 
 a force of eight hundred men, one hundred and 
 sixty-three, or near one-fourth, fell in armour. 
 
 This result has been obtained by volunteers, 
 without material assistance from regulars. And 
 this, while it does not detract from the just fame 
 of the regular army, must afford convincing 
 proof of the efficiency of a volunteer force. 
 
 The ardour of our volunteer ojficers ted them into 
 the hottest part of the fight, and eonser/uenlly the num- 
 ber nf field officers kilted and wounded is lamentably 
 great. Every volunteer colonel but one was either 
 killed or ivounded. 
 
 A good story is told of Rough and Ready, who 
 accompanied Gen. Worth's Brigade to Saltillo in 
 connection with the march into that place. As 
 they approached within a few miles of it they 
 were met by a courier from the Alcalde, or chief 
 governor of the city, who presented to the General 
 a very formidable looking despatch. A halt was 
 called, and the General's interpreter was ordered 
 to give a translation of the document. It opened 
 with an expostulation of the injustice of the war 
 on the part of the Americans — alleged that it 
 was prosecuted for the purpose of conquest, 
 rapine and plunder — protested against the fur- 
 ther advance of the General's forces — threatened 
 him with the retribution that must tbllow and — 
 but the General stopped the translator in the 
 middle of a sentence with — .\re you through sir! 
 No, was the reply, I have not read half of it yet ! 
 
 O, I'll hear no more of it, said the General — 
 march. He ordered the bugler to sound the ad- 
 vance, and again the column was in motion. 
 
 A letter from Washington, says: — " There is 
 no doubt that the great victory of Gen. Taylor at 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 Buena Vista contributed most powerfully to the 
 easy reduction of Vera Cruz and the castle. The 
 news was received there while the circumvalla- 
 tion was in progress ; and the elTect of the disas- 
 trous overthrow of the invincible Santa Anna in 
 his first demonstration, could but exert a most 
 depressing influence upon the enemy. Had Tay- 
 lor been annihilated, Scott might have had a 
 bloody task to accomplish; but the battle fought 
 by Old Rough and Ready, and the men it cost to 
 win it, saved a great sacrifice on the part of Gen. 
 Scott." 
 
 VERA CRUZ. 
 
 Official Despatclies of Gen. Scolt and Com. Perry. 
 
 Giving an account of the fall, surrender, and uncon- 
 ditional capitulation of the City of Vera Cruz, and 
 the Castle of San Juan D'Ulloa. 
 
 HBAD-QciRTEIH OF THE AnMT, 
 
 Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, 
 
 March 23d, 1847. 
 
 Sir: Yesterday seven of our ten inch mortars 
 being in battery, and the labours for planting the 
 remainder of our heavy meial being in progress, 
 I addressed at two o'clock, p. m., a summons to 
 the governor of Vera Cruz, and within the two 
 hours limited by the bearer of the dag, received 
 the governor's answer. Copies of the two 
 papers, (marked respectively A. and B.,) are 
 herewith enclosed. 
 
 It will be perceived that the governor, who, it 
 turns out. is the commander of both places, chose, 
 against the plain terms of the summons, to sup- 
 pose me to have demanded the surrender of the 
 castle and of the city — when, in fact, from the 
 non arrival of our heavy metal — principally 
 mortars — I was in no condition to threaten the 
 former. 
 
 On the return of the flag, with that reply, I at 
 once ordered the seven mortars, in battery, to 
 open upon the city. In a short time the smaller 
 vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron — two 
 steamers and five schooners — according to pre- 
 vious arrangement with him, approached the 
 city within about a mile and an eighth, whence, 
 being partially covered from the castle, an essen- 
 tial condition to Iheir safety, they also opened a 
 brisk fire upon the city. This has been con- 
 tinued, uninterruptedly, by the mortars, and only 
 ■with a few intermissions by the vessels, up to 
 nine o'clock this morning, when the commodore 
 very properly called them off" from a position 
 too daringly assumed. 
 
 Our three remaining mortars are now (twelve 
 o'clock, M.,) in battery, and the whole ten in ac- 
 tivity. To-morrow, early, if the city should con- 
 tinue obstinate, batteries Nos. 4 and 5 will be 
 ready to add their fire: No 4 consisting of four 
 24 pounders and two 8 inch Paixhan guns, and 
 No. 5 (naval battery) of three 32 pounders and 
 three 8 inch Paixhans — the guns, officers, and 
 sailors landed from the squadron — our friends 
 of the navy being unremitting in their zealous 
 co-operation, in every mode and form. 
 
 So far, we know that our fire upon the city 
 has been highly effective, particularly from the 
 batteries of ten inch mortars, planted at about 
 eight hundred yards from the city. Including 
 the preparation and defence of the batteries from 
 the beginning, now many days, and notwithstand- 
 ing the heavy fire of the enemy from city and 
 
 castle, we have only had four or five men 
 wounded, and one officer and one man killed, ia 
 or near the trenches. That officer was Captain 
 John R. Vinton of the United States 3d artillery, 
 one of the most talented, accomplished and 
 effective members of the army, and who was 
 highly distinguished in the brilliant operations 
 at .Monterey. He fell last evening in the trenches, 
 where he was on duty as field and commanding 
 officer, universally regretted. I have just at- 
 tended his honoured remains to a soldier's grave, 
 in full view of the enemy, and within reach of 
 his guns. 
 
 Thirteen of the long-needed mortars — leaving 
 twenty-seven, besides heavy guns, behind — have 
 arrived, and two of them landed. A heavy norther 
 then set in (at meridian) that stopped that opera- 
 tion, and also the landing of shells. Hence the 
 fire of our mortar batteries has been slackened, 
 since two o'clock to day, and cannot be invigo- 
 rated uniil we shall again have a smooth sea. 
 In the mean time I shall leave this report open 
 for journalizing events that may occur up to the 
 departure of the steam ship of war, the Princeton, 
 with Commodore Conner, who, I learn, expects 
 to leave the anchorage off Sacrificios, for the 
 United Stales, the 25th instant. 
 
 March 24. — The slorm having subsided in the 
 night, we commenced this forenoon, as soon as 
 the sea became a little smooth, to land shot, 
 shells, and mortars. 
 
 March y5. — The Princeton being about to start 
 for Philadelphia, I have but a moment to con- 
 tinue this report. 
 
 All the batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and ."i, are in 
 awful activity this morning. The efl^ect is, no 
 doubt, very great, and I think the city cannot 
 hold out beyond to-day. To-morrow morning 
 many of the new mortars will be in a position to 
 add their fire, when, or after the delay of .some 
 twelve hours, if no proposition to surrender shall 
 be received, I shall organize parties for carrying 
 the city by assault. So far the defence has been 
 spirited and obstinate. 
 
 I enclose a copy of a memorial received last 
 night, signed by the consuls of Great Britain, 
 France, Spain, and Prussia, within Vera Cruz, 
 asking me to grani a truce to enable the neutrals, 
 together with Mexican women and children, to 
 withdraw from the scene of havoc about them. 
 I shall reply the moment that an opportunity 
 may be taken, to say— 1. That a truce can only 
 be granted on the application of governor 
 Morales, with a view to a surrender. 2. That 
 in sending safeguards to the different consuls, 
 beginning as far back as the 13ih instant, I dis- 
 tinctly admonished them, particularly the French 
 and Spanish consuls, and, of course, through the 
 two, the other consuls, of the dangers that have 
 followed. 3. That, although at that date I had 
 already refused to allow any person whatsoever 
 to pass the line of investment either way, yet 
 the blockade had been left open to the consuls 
 and other neutrals to pass out to their respective 
 ships of war up to the 22d instant; and, 4th, I 
 shall enclose to the memorialists a copy of my 
 summons to the governor, to show that I had 
 fully considered the impending hardships and 
 distresses of the place, inchuUng those of women 
 and children, before one gun had been fired in 
 that direction. The intercourse between the 
 neutral ships of war and the city was stopped at 
 the last mentioned date by Commodore Perry, 
 
( 27 ) 
 
 with my concurrence, which I placed on the 
 gronnd that that intercourse could not fail to 
 give the enemy moral aid and comfort. 
 
 It will be seen from the memorial, that our 
 batteries have already had a terrible elTect on 
 the city, (also known through other sources,) 
 and hence the inference that a surrender must 
 soon be proposed. In haste. 
 
 I have the honour to remain, sir. with high 
 respect, your most obedient servant, 
 
 WINFIELD SCO IT. 
 
 Hon. Wm. L. Miner, Secretary of War. 
 
 A. 
 
 HEiD-QuAUTrns or the Armt Or the 
 
 United States of Ametiica, 
 
 Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, 
 
 March 22a. 1817. 
 
 The undersigned. Major General Scoit.general- 
 in-chief of the armies of the United States of 
 America, in addition to the close blockade of Jhe 
 coast and port of Vera Cruz, previously estab- 
 lished by the squailrnn under Commodore Con- 
 nor of the n.Tvy of the said Stales, having now 
 ful y inve.'^ied the said city with an overwhelm- 
 ing army, so as to render it impossible that its 
 garrison should receive from without succor or 
 reinforcement of any kind; and having caused 
 to be eslablislied batteries competent to the 
 speedy reducii^in of the said city, he, the under- 
 sijned, deems ii due to the courtesies of war, in 
 like cases, as well as the rights of humanity, to 
 summon his e.xoellency, ihe governor and com 
 mander-in-chief of the city of Vera Cruz to sur- 
 render the same to the arms of the United .States 
 of America, present before the place. 
 
 The undersigned, anxious to spare the beauti- 
 ful city of Vera Cruz from the imminent hazard 
 of demolition, its gallant defenders from a use- 
 less effusion i>[ blood, and its peaceful inhabit- 
 ants, women and children inclusive, from the 
 inevitable hornirs of a triumphant assault, ad- 
 dresses this summons to the intelligence, the 
 gallantry, and patriotism, no less than to the 
 humauity of his excellency the governor and 
 commander-in-chief of Vera ('ruz. 
 
 The undersigned is not accurately informed 
 whether both the cilv of Vera Cruz and the 
 castle of San Juan d'Ulloa be under the command 
 of his e.'tcellency, or whether each place has its 
 own independent commander; but the under- 
 signed, moved by the considerations adverted to 
 above, may be willing to stipulate that, if the 
 city should by capitulation be garrisoned by a 
 part of his troops, no missile shall be fired from 
 within the city or from its bastionsor walls upon 
 the castle, unless the castle should previously 
 fire upon the city. 
 
 The undersigned has the honour to tender to 
 his distinguished opponent, his excellency the 
 governor ami commander-in-chief of Vera Cruz, 
 the assurance of the high respect and considera- 
 tion of the undersigned. 
 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 
 B. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 The undersigned, commanding general of Ihe 
 free and sovereign slate of Vera Cruz, has in- 
 formed himself of the contents of the note which 
 Major fJeneral Scolt, general-in-chief of the 
 forces of ihe United States has addressed to him 
 under date of to-day, demanding the .surrender 
 
 of this place, and the castle of Illloa; and in an- 
 swer has to say, that the above named fortress, 
 as well as this place depend on his authority; 
 and it being a principal duty, in order to prove 
 worthy of the confidence placed in him by the 
 government of the nation, to defend both points 
 at all cost, to effect which he counts upon the 
 necessary elements, and will make it good to the 
 last; therefore his excellency can commence his 
 operations of war in the manner in which he 
 mav consider most advantageniis. 
 
 The undersigned has the h.uiour to return to 
 the general-in-chief of the forces of the United 
 States the demonstrations of esteem he may be 
 pleased to honour him with. 
 
 God and liberty ! 
 
 Veiia Chuz, March 22d, 1847. 
 
 .lUAN MORALES. 
 'I'o Major General Scott, general-in-chief of the 
 
 forces of the United States, situated m sight 
 
 of this place. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 Veha Cni'z, March 24th, 1S47. 
 The undersigned, consuls of iliirerent foreign 
 powers near the republic of Mexico, moved by 
 the feeling of humanity excited in their hearts 
 by the frighiful resuU.s' of the bombardment of 
 the city of Vera Cruz during yesterday and Ihe 
 day before, have the honour of addressing col- 
 leciively. General Scott, commandi'r-in-chief of 
 the army of the United States of ihe north, to 
 pray him to suspend his hostilities, and to granta 
 reasonable truce, sufficient to enable their re- 
 spective compatriots to leave the place with 
 their women and children, as well as the Mexican 
 women and children. 
 
 The request of the undersigned appears to 
 them too conformable to the existing ideas of 
 civilization, and they have too high an opinion 
 of Ihe principles and sentiments of General 
 Scott, not to be full of confidence in the success 
 of this request. They pray him to have the 
 goodness to send back his answer to the parle- 
 mentaire, who is the bearer of this, and to ac- 
 cept the assurances of their respectful considera- 
 tion. 
 
 T. GIFFORD, 
 Consul de sa Majeste Bniannique. 
 A. GLOUX, 
 Le consul de sa Majesle le Rni iles Francais. 
 FILLIPE G. DE ESCAI.ANTE, 
 
 El consul de Espana. 
 HENRI D'OLEERE, 
 Consul de S. M. le Roi de Prusse. 
 A true translation of the original paper for the 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 E. P. SCAMMON, A. A. D. C. 
 
 Proposition for the appointment of Commissioners. 
 I have the honour of transmitting to your ex- 
 cellency Ihe exposition which has this moment 
 been made to me by the Senores Consuls of 
 England, France, Spain, and Prussia, in which 
 they solicit that hostilities may be suspended 
 while Ihe innocent families in this place who 
 are suffering the ravages of war, be enabled to 
 leave ihe cily. which solicitude claims my sap- 
 port; and considering it in accordance with the 
 rights of afflicted humanity, 1 have not hesitated 
 to invite yourexcellency to enter into an honour- 
 able accommodation with the garrison, in which 
 case you will please name three commissioners 
 
( 28 ) 
 
 who may meet at some intermediate point to 
 treat with those of this place upon the terms of 
 the accommodation. 
 
 With this motive I renew to your excellency 
 my attentive consideration. 
 
 God guard your excellency, &c. 
 
 On account of the sickness of the commanding 
 general, 
 
 JOSE JUAN DE LANDERO. 
 
 Major General Scott. 
 
 Copy for the Hon. Secretary of War. 
 
 E. P. SCAMlViON, A. A. D. C. 
 
 Credentials of Commissioners on the part of the 
 United Stales. 
 
 In consideration of the proposition the under- 
 signed has received from Senor General Lan- 
 dero, the actual commander of the city of Vera 
 Cruz, and its dependencies, that three commis- 
 sioners be appointed on the part of each bellige- 
 rent to treat of the surrender of the said city, 
 with its dependencies, to the besieging army 
 before the same — the undersigned, Major General 
 Scott, General-in-chief of the armies of the Uni- 
 ted Slates of America, has appointed, and does 
 hereby appoint, Generals W. J. Worth and G. J. 
 Pillow, with Colonel J. G. Totten, chief of Engi- 
 neers — all of the army of the said States, com- 
 missioners on the part of the undersigned to meet 
 an equal number of commissioners who may be 
 duly appointed on the part of the Senor General 
 Landero, to treat of the surrender of the city of 
 Vera Cruz, and its dependencies, to the arms of 
 the said Stales. 
 
 Done at Camp Washington, the Head-Quarters 
 of the Army of the United Stales of America, 
 this 26ih day of March, in the year of our Lord, 
 1847. 
 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 
 Gen, Landero^s letter notifying the appointment of 
 Mexican Coriiniissioncrs. 
 
 In virtue of your excellency's having accepted 
 the proposition of accommodation which I pro- 
 posed to you in my despatch of to-day, and in 
 accordance with the reply I have just received, I 
 have the honour to inform you ihai I have named, 
 on my part, the'Senores Colcmels D. Jose Gutier- 
 rez Villanueva, D. Pedro Miguel Herrera, and 
 Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers, D. Manuel Ro- 
 bles, to whom I have intrusted the competent 
 power to celebrate said accommodation, having 
 the honour to enclose you a copy of the expressed 
 power. 
 
 I reiterate to your excellency the assurances of 
 my high consideration. 
 
 God and Liberty. Vera Cruz, March 26lh, 1847. 
 JOSE JUAN DE LANDERO. 
 
 Head-Quartehs of the .\rmt, 
 
 Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. 
 
 Sir : The flag of the United States of America 
 floats triumphantly over the walls of the city, and 
 the castle of San Juan de Ulloa. 
 
 Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 
 o'clock. It is now noon. Brigadier General 
 Worth is in command of the cily. 
 
 Articles of capitulation were signed and ex- 
 changed at a late hour, night before last. I en- 
 close a copy of the document. 
 
 I have heretofore reported the principal inci- 
 dents of the siege up to the 25th inst. Nothing 
 
 morning of the next day, when I received over- 
 tures from Gen. Landero, on whom General Mo- 
 rales had devolved the principal command. A 
 terrible storm of wind and sand made it difficult 
 to communicate with the city, and impossible to 
 refer to Commodore Perry. I was obliged lo en- 
 tertain the proposition alone, or to continue the 
 fire upon a place that had shown a disposition to 
 surrender; for the loss of a day, or perhaps 
 several, could not be permilted. The accom- 
 panying papers will show the proceedings and 
 the results. 
 
 Yesterday, after the norlher had abated, and 
 the commissioners appointed by me early the 
 morning before, had again met those appointed 
 by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent 
 ashore his second in command. Captain -Aulick, 
 as a commissioner on the part of the Navy. 
 .Allhough not included in my specific arrange- 
 ment made wilh the Mexican commander, I did 
 not hesitate, with proper courtesy, to desire that 
 Captain Aulick might be duly introduced and 
 allowed to participate in the discussions and acts 
 of the commissioners who had been reciprocally 
 accredited. Hence the preamble to his signature. 
 The original American commissioners were Bre- 
 vet Brigadier General Worih, Brigadier General 
 Pillow, and Colonel Tolten. Four mere able or 
 judicious officers could not have been desired. 
 
 I have time to add but little more. The re- 
 maining details of the siege: the able co-opera- 
 lioii of the United Stales Squadron, successively 
 under the command of Commodores Connor and 
 Perry; the. admirable conduct of ihe whole army 
 — reeulars and volunteers — I should be happy to 
 dwell upon as they deserve; but the steamer 
 Princeton, wilh Commodore Connor on board, is 
 under way, and I have commenced organizing an 
 advance into the interior. This may be delayed 
 a few days, waiting the arrival of additional 
 means of transporialion. In the meantime, a 
 joint operation, by land and water, will be made 
 upon Alvarado. No lateral expedition, however, 
 shall interfere with the grand movement towards 
 the capital. 
 
 In consideration of the great services of Colo- 
 nel Tolten, in the siege that has just terminated 
 most successfully, and the importance of his 
 presence at Washingion, ai the head of the En- 
 gineer bureau, I intrust -his despatch to his per- 
 sonal care, and bes to commend him lo the very 
 favourable consideration of the department. 
 
 I have the honour to remain, sir, with high 
 respect, your most obedient servant. 
 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 Hon. W. L. Marct, Secretary of War. 
 
 Fi,AR-sHiP Mississippi, 
 Off Vera Cruz. March 2.5lh, 1847. 
 
 Sir: The sailing of the Princeton this day for 
 the United States, offer.- me an opportunity of in- 
 forming the department that Gen, Scott had, on 
 the 22d instant, the day after I assumed the com- 
 mand of the squadron, so far completed the erec- 
 tion of his batteries in the rear of Vera Cruz as 
 to authorize the summoning of the city, and on 
 the refusal of the governor to surrender, of open- 
 ing his fire at three o'clock of that day. 
 
 In conformity wilh the arrangements made in 
 the morning wilh General Scott, I direcieil a flo- 
 tilla of small steamers and gun-hnals of the 
 squadron, led by Commander J. Tainall, in the 
 
 of striking interest occurred till early in the Spitfire, to take a position and commence a si 
 
( 29 ) 
 
 miillaneoiis fire upon the city. Th3 order was 
 promptly and gallantly executed, and the fire was 
 kept up with great animation until late in the 
 evening. 
 
 On visiting them at their position, I found that 
 the two steamers had nearly e.xhausted their am- 
 munition, but having received a fresh supply 
 during the night from this ship, they at sunrise 
 moved to a more favourable and advanced point, 
 and resumed and continued their fire until re- 
 called by signal. 
 
 At the earnest desire of myself and officers, 
 General Scott generously assigned a position in 
 the trenches, to he mounted with guns from the 
 squadron, and worked by seamen. Three eight- 
 inch Pa i.xhans, and three long ihirly-two-pounilers, 
 (all that were required,) were consequently land- 
 ed, and after immense labour in transporting 
 them through the sand, in which parties from the 
 divisions of Generals Patterson, Worth, and Pil- 
 low, respectively detached by those officers, 
 cheerfully participated, the pieces were placed in 
 position, and opened upon the city about ten 
 o'clock yesterday, iinmediately drawing upon 
 them a sharp fire from the enemy, which in a 
 short time killed and wounded ten of the detach- 
 ment from the squadron. 
 
 In order to give all a chance to serve in the 
 trenches, for the honour of which there is a great 
 though generous strife, I have arranged that de- 
 tachments from each ship in charge respectively 
 of lieutenants, and the whole commanded hy a 
 captain or commander, shall be relieved every 
 twenty-four hours. Captain Aulick, assisted by 
 Commander Mackenzie, and several lieutenants, 
 had the direction of mounting the guns and open- 
 ing ihe fire, and well and bravely was the duty 
 performed. Captain Mayo is now in charge and 
 will be relieved in turn. 
 
 The Ohio arrived on the 22d instant, but in con- 
 sequence of a norther, did not reach her proper 
 anchorage until yesterday afternoon. Detach 
 ments of boats from all the vessels are employed 
 night and day in landing from the transports the 
 stores and munitions of the army. 
 
 Enclosed is a list of the killed and wounded 
 ascertained up to this hour, (12 meridian,) with 
 the report of Captain Aulick; also a list of the 
 small vessels, comprisinir the flotilla of the 
 squadron, all of which were engaged on the 22d 
 instant. 
 
 I have the honour to be, your most obedient 
 servant. 
 
 M. C. PERRY, 
 Commanding Home Squadron. 
 Hon. JoHM Y. Masox, Secretary of the Navy, 
 
 Washington city, D. C. 
 
 IJ. S. Flag-ship, Mississippi. 
 At anchor near Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. 
 
 Sin: It is with infinite satisfaction I announce 
 to you that the city of Vera Cruz, and Ihe castle 
 of San Juan de Ulloa, were this day occupied by 
 garrisons of United Stales troops. Detachments 
 from the army and navy, with the flotilla, were 
 in motion early in the morning, and the Ameri- 
 can colours were hoisted on the forts of the city 
 and castle, at twelve o'clock, under a simulta- 
 neous salute from all the large vessels of the 
 squadron. 
 
 Enclosed is a copy of the articles of capitula- 
 tion. 
 
 I have the honour to be, most respectfully, 
 your obedient servant, 
 
 M. C. PERRY, 
 Hon. .foHtr Y. Masos, Secretary of 
 
 the Navy, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Cue, p. M., March 29. 
 
 Within the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. 
 I write this within the castle. The batteries in 
 the city are now saluting. The American flags 
 are already hoisted on two forts of the city. 
 The American colours will next be displayed on 
 the Castle. 
 
 M. C. PERRY. 
 
 Memoranda furnished by Col. Tottcn. 
 
 March 9, 1847. — The disembarkation com- 
 menced. 
 
 March 13, 1847. — The investment is complete 
 — two mortars landed. 
 
 March 17, 1847. — Ten or twelve mortars were 
 on shore to-day. 
 
 March 18, 1847. — Trenches opened at night. 
 
 March 22, 1847. — City summoned at two P. M,, 
 to surrender; and, on refusal, the fire was begun 
 from seven mortars — afterwards increased to 
 nine mortnrs. 
 
 March 24, 1847. — The naval battery of three 
 thirtj'-two-pounders.and three eight-inch Paixhan 
 guns begun its fire this morning. 
 
 -March 25, 1847. — A battery of four twenty-four- 
 pounders, and two eight-inch howitzers opened to- 
 day. 
 
 March 26, 1847. — The enemy, early this morn- 
 ing, commenced the negotiation for a surrender. 
 
 March 29, 1847. — Possession taken of both city 
 and castle — the garrison marching out and lay- 
 ing down their arms. 
 
 At eight o'clock, the castle saluted the Mexican 
 flag, and crossed to the ciiy. At ten, the whole 
 Mexican army marched -out and slacked their 
 arms on the road near the cemetery. Our army 
 then marched on each side of the Mexican lines 
 into the town. Colonel Belton took possession 
 of the castle, saluted the American flag, and then 
 fired a salute to Commodore Connor, as the 
 Princeton left. General Scott, from the govern- 
 ment house, reviewed the troops as they marched 
 through the public square. He is now quartered 
 in it. All the best part of the inhabitants had ■ 
 left the city before the attack. On our entry it 
 looked like a deserted city. The city is very 
 much injured by the shot and shell. Nine thou- 
 sand Mexican troops were within twelve or fif- 
 teen miles of the city on the night of the 28th, 
 and were driven back by Colonel Harney, of the 
 dragoons. 
 
 The trenches were open seven days. 
 
 The fire from our batteries was continued 
 three and a half days. 
 
 During the sixteen days that intervened be- 
 tween the disemb.irkation of the troops, and the 
 opening of negotiations, there were five days of 
 violent " northers," in which all landing of stores, 
 &c , was interrupted. And during the seven 
 days of open trenches, there were two days and 
 two nights, in which it was impossible to under- 
 take any new works; or even, by clearing the 
 trenches and batteries of large quantities of drift- 
 ing sand, to arrest the accumulating damage. 
 
( 30 ) 
 
 The map of Vera Cruz and San Juan de Uloa. 
 
 THE POSITIONS OF OUR FORCES. 
 
 ,,...EaM.uc.^«- -Hms^,^ 
 
 THE REFERENCES. 
 
 A & C. — The position of the steamers Spitfire and Vixen. B, D, E, and F.-~ 
 The positions of the ^nboats. G. — American line of entrenchments, established 
 March 13th — extending from Pt. de la Catita to a point opposite B. H. — A Mexi- 
 can redoubt, captured by our forces The sloop of war John Adams was anchored 
 on the south side of Sacrificios, opposite F. 
 
 Articles of capitulation of Ihe city of Vera Cruz, and 
 the castle of San Juan de Ulloa. 
 
 PoEiCTI n HuRNOS, 
 
 Without the walls of Vera Cruz, 
 Saturday, March 27, 1847. 
 
 Terms of capitulation agreed upon by the com- 
 missioners, viz: 
 
 Generals W. J. Worth and G. J. Pillow, and 
 Col. J. G. Tolien, Chief Engineer, on the part of 
 Major General Scott, General-in-chicf of the 
 armies of the United Stales; and Colonel Jose 
 Gutierrez de Villanueva, Lieutenant Colonel of 
 Engineers Manuel Robles, and Colonel Pedro de 
 Herrera, commissioners appointed by General of 
 Brigade Don Jose Juan Landero, commanding 
 in chief. Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan de 
 Ulloa, and their dependencies — for the surrender 
 to the arms of the United States, of the said fiirts, \ 
 with their armaments, munitions of war, garri- ) 
 sons, and arms. 
 
 1. The whole garrison, or garrisons to be sur- 
 rendered to the arms of the United States, as pri- 
 soners of war, the 29lh instant, at ten o'clock, A. 
 M.; the garrison to be permitted to march out | 
 with all the honours of war, and to lay down , 
 
 their arms to such officers as may be appointed 
 by the General-in-chief of the United States 
 armies, and at a point to be agreed upon by the 
 commissioners. 
 
 2. Mexican officers shall preserve their arms 
 and private effects, including horses and horse 
 furniture, and to be allowed, regular and irregu- 
 lar officers, as also the rank and file, five days to 
 retire to their respective homes, on parole, as 
 hereinafter prescribed. 
 
 3. Coincident with Ihe surrender, as stipulated 
 in article 1, the Me.\ican flags of the various forts 
 and stations shall be struck, saluted by their own 
 batteries; and, immediately thereafter. Forts 
 Santiago and Conception, and the caslle of San 
 Juan de Ulloa, occupied by the forces of the Uni- 
 ted States. 
 
 4. The rank and file of the regular portion of 
 the prisoners to be disposed of, after surrender 
 ar.d parole, as their General-in chief may desire, 
 and the irregular to be permitted to return to their 
 homes. The officers, in respect to all arms and 
 descriptions of force, giving the usual parole 
 that the said rank and file, as well as themselves, 
 shall not serve again until duly exchanged. 
 
( 31 ) 
 
 CASTLE OF SAN JUAN DE ULOA. 
 
 » 
 
 u 
 
 K 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 G 
 
 £ 
 
 
 G 
 
 Wall in front of the City of Vera Cruz. 
 
 A. A. Open courts. B. Light house. C. Observatory and magazine. D. D. Piers 
 E. E. E. Outposts. F. New \v:iU with traverses (bomb proof.) G. G. Wall 
 
 5. All the material oC war, and all public pro- 
 perty of every description found in the city, the 
 castle of San Juan de Ulloa, and their dependen- 
 cies, to belons; to the United Slates: but the 
 armament of the same (not injured or destroyed 
 in the further prosecution of the actual war) may 
 be considered as liable to be restored to Mexico, 
 by a definitive treaty of peace. 
 
 6. The sick and wounded Mexicans (o be 
 allowed to remain in the city, with such medical 
 officers and attendants and officers of the army 
 
 as may be necessary to their care and treat- 
 ment. 
 
 7. Absolute protection is solemnly guarantied 
 to persons in the city, and properly, and it is 
 clearly understood that no private building or 
 property is to be taken or used by the forces of 
 the United Slates, without previous arrangement 
 with ihe owners, and for a fair equivalent. 
 
 8. Absolute freedom of leli^ioiis worship and 
 ceremonies is solemnly guarantied. 
 
 (Signed in duplicate.) 
 
MEXICO. 
 
 This extensive territory, occupying 915,270 
 square miles, embracing aiinosl every variety of 
 climate, excepting the extreme cold of our own, 
 was conquered by the Spaniards, under Cortez, 
 about 1521. It had been the most powerful of 
 all the native empires. In 1821 it declared its 
 indepenilence of Spain, since when Mexico has 
 been little else than a scene of successive revo- 
 lutions, turmoil, bloodshed and anarchy. Even 
 at the moment when the American forces have 
 taifen possession of nearly all their principal 
 cities, subjugated Iheir entire seacoast, and 
 threaten, with speedy capture the capitol, instead 
 of the undivided front which such an emergency 
 calls for, the Mexican citizens have been slaugh- 
 tering each other in a domestic, civil war. The 
 Roman Catholic has always been the supreme 
 religion of the state, to the exclusion, by law, of 
 all other. The people, notwithstanding the luxu- 
 riance of the soil and the richness of its mines 
 are poor, ignorant and degraded. Mexico is 
 divided into iwenty-one states, containing, with 
 the territories of New Mexico and the Califor- 
 nias, a population of 7,824,774. Of which Mexico 
 has 1,397,000, its capital city* 218,000. Puebla 
 667,000, its capital city* 80,000. Vera Uruz 257,- 
 000, its city' 10,000. San Luis Potosi 323,000, 
 its capital' 54,000. New Leon 103,000, its capital 
 city Monterey, about 16,500. 'J'amaulipas 97.000, 
 Victoria, its chief town, 3,400. Yucatan 563,000, 
 its chief city, Merida 27,000. The territory of 
 New Mexico, 67,800, Santa Fe, its capital 4,600. 
 The two Californias about 34,000. 
 
 The population of Mexico is composed of 
 whites or Creoles, Indians and the mixed races. 
 
 The number of priests, of all orders, exceed 
 14,000. The standing amusements of the people 
 of Mexico are similar lo those of its mother 
 country, Spain, most prominent among which 
 are bull fights and religious processions, many 
 of which are upon an extensive aad imposing 
 scale. Guanaxualo, Zacatecas, and San Luis 
 Potosi abound in mines of the precious metals, 
 one of which aliine, in less than forty years, has 
 yielded over one hundred and seventy millions 
 of dollars. 
 
 Distances. — From Vera Cruz lo the city of 
 Mexico, is to Jalapa 50, to Perola 43, to La Pu- 
 ebla 72, 10 Mexico 90, total 225 miles. From 
 Point Isabel to Matamoras 25, to Monterey 150, 
 thence to Saliillo42,toSan Luis Potosi 315, thence 
 to San Felipe 62, to Guanaxuato 30, to Salamanca 
 25, to Queretaro .'■|2, to Mexico 120, total from 
 Point Isabel, 931 miles.f 
 
 The churches in Mexico are upon the most 
 cosily and magnificent scale. The great cathe- 
 dral in the city of Mexico occupies the site of 
 the great temple, which was dedicated to the 
 Sun, and destroyed by Cortez in 1521. This 
 was an immense structure, a place for worship 
 and human sacrifice, upwards of seventy thou- 
 sand persons having been offered upon its bloody 
 altars. The interior of this stupendous temple was 
 large enough to contain four hundred houses, 
 and was enclosed by a massive wall, crowned 
 with battlements, having four gales, over each 
 of which was a military arsenal. This struc- 
 ture was erected by the father of the celebrated 
 MONTEZUM.V, King of Mexico, dethroned by 
 Cortez, and died in 1521. 
 
 • Of the same name. 
 
 t These distances are according to recent Geographers, Other accounts make them still greater. 
 
SANTA ANNA. 
 
 PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF MEXICO 
 
 The son of an exiled Spanish Nobleman. Born in Mexico, 1803. 
 
 Made Dictator in 1835. Banished in 1845. Recalled in 1846. 
 
 He is five feet eleven inches in height. 
 
OFFICIAL DESPATCH'ES, 
 
 As published puTSiiaiit to the call of the House of Representatives of 
 February 1, 1847. 
 
 CORKESPONDENCE 
 
 BETWEEN GEN. TAYLOR AND THE WAR DEPARTMENT, PRECEDING 
 AND AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 
 
 ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO GENE- 
 RAL TAYLOR, FROM MAY 28, 1845, TO 
 MARCH 2, 1846. 
 
 [Confidential] War Department, 
 
 May 28, 1845. 
 
 Sib : I am directed by the President to cause 
 the forces now under your command, and those 
 which may be assigned to it, to be put into a po- 
 sition where they may most promptly and effi- 
 ciently act in defence of Texas, in the event it 
 shall become necessary or proper to employ them 
 for that purpose. The information received by 
 the Executive of the United Slates warrants the 
 belief that Texas will shortly accede to the terms 
 of annexation. As soon as the Texan Congress 
 shall have given its consent to annexation, and a 
 convention shall assemble and accept the terms 
 offered in the resolutions of Congress, Texas will 
 then be regarded by the executive government 
 here so far a part of the United States as to be 
 entitled from this government to defence and pro- 
 tection from foreign invasion and Indian incur- 
 sions. The troops under your command will be 
 placed and kept in readiness to perform this duty. 
 
 In the letter addressed to you from the Adjutant 
 General's office, of the 21st of March, you were 
 instructed to hold a portion of the troops under 
 your immediate command in readiness to move 
 into Texas under certain contingencies, and upon 
 further orders from this department. In the 
 treaty between the United States and Mexico, the 
 two governments mutually stipulated to use all 
 the means in Iheir power to maintain peace and 
 harmony among the Indian nations inhabiting the 
 lands on their "^borders, and to restrain by force 
 any hostilities and incursions by these nations 
 within iheir respective boundaries, so that the one 
 would not sutler the Indians within its limits to 
 attack, in any manner whatever, the citizens of 
 the other, or the Indians residing upon the terri- 
 tories of the other. (See the 33d article, a copy 
 of which is herewith transmitted.) The obliga- 
 tions which in this respect are due to Mexico by 
 this treaty, are due also to Texas. Should the 
 Indians residing within the limits of the United 
 States, either by themselves, or associated with 
 others, attempt any hostile movement in regard to 
 Texas, it will be your duty to employ the troops 
 under your command to repel and chastise them ; 
 and for this purpose you will give the necessary 
 instructions to the military posts on the upper Red 
 river, (although not under your immediate com- 
 mand,) and, with the approbation of the Texan 
 authorities, make such movements, and take such 
 
 position, within the limits of Texas, as in your 
 judgment may be necessary. You are also di- 
 rected to open immediate correspondence with the 
 authorities of Texas, and with any diplomatic 
 agent of the United States, (if one should be re- 
 siding therein,) with a view to information and 
 advice in respect to the common Indian enemy, 
 as well as to any foreign power. This commu- 
 nication and consultation with the Texan authori- 
 ties, &c., are directed with a view to enable you 
 to avail yourself of the superior local knowledge 
 they may possess, but not for the purpose of 
 placing you, or any portion of the forces of the 
 United States, under the orders of any functionary 
 not in the regular line of command above you. 
 1 Should the territories of Texas be invaded by a 
 foreign power, and you shall receive certain in- 
 telligence through her functionaries of that fact, 
 after her convention shall have acceded to the 
 terms of annexation contained in the resolutions 
 of the Congress of the United States, you will at 
 once employ, in the most eflective manner your 
 judgment may dictate, the forces under your com- 
 mand, for the defence of these territories, and to 
 expel the invaders. 
 
 It is supposed here that, for the mere purpose 
 of repelling a common Indian enemy, as above 
 provided for, it may not be necessary that you 
 should march across the Sabine or upper Red 
 river (at least in the first instance) with more 
 than the particular troops which you were desired 
 in the instructions before referred to, of the 21st 
 March, to hold in immediate readiness for the 
 field, but it is not intended to restrict you posi- 
 tively to that particular amount of force. On the 
 contrary, according to the emergency, you may 
 add any other corps, or any number of companies 
 within your department deemed necessary, be- 
 ginning with those nearest at hand ; and in the con- 
 tingency of a foreign invasion of Texas, as above 
 specified, other regiments from a distance may be 
 ordered to report to you. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. MARCY, 
 
 General Z. TATion, Secretary of War. 
 
 Fort Jesiip, Louisiana, 
 
 [Confidential.'] War Department, July 15, 1845. 
 Sin : On the 4th day of July next, or very sooti 
 thereafter, the convention of the people of Texas 
 will probably accept the proposition of annexa- 
 tion, under the joint resolutions of the late Con- 
 gress of the United States. That acceptance will 
 constitute Texas an integral portion of our 
 
 country. 
 
 (33) 
 
(34) 
 
 In anticipation of that event, you will forthwith 
 make a forward mavemetit with the troops under 
 your command, and advance to the mouth of the 
 Sabine, or to such other point on the gulf of IVIex- 
 ico, or its navigable waters, as in your judgment 
 may be most convenient for an embarkation at 
 the proper time for the western frontier of Texas. 
 
 In leaving to your judgment to decide the 
 route, it is intended that you choose the most 
 expeditious, having due regard to the health and 
 efficiency of the troops on reaching the point of 
 destination. 
 
 The force under your immediate command at 
 and near Fort Jesup to be put in motion on the 
 receipt of these instructions, will be the 3d and 
 4th regiments of infantry, and seven companies 
 of the 2d regiment of dragoons. The two absent 
 companies of the 4ih infantry have been ordered 
 to join their regiments. Artillery will be ordered 
 from New Orleans. 
 
 It is understood that suitable forage for cavalry 
 cannot be obtained in the region which the troops 
 are to occupy; if this be so, the dragoons must 
 leave their horses and serve as riflemen. But it 
 is possible that horses of the country accustomed 
 10 subsist on meager forage may be procured if it 
 be found necessary. You will therefore take the 
 precaution to order a portion of the cavalry 
 equipments to accompany the regiment, with a 
 view to mounted service. 
 
 The pouit of your ultimate destination is the 
 western frontier of Texas, where you will select 
 and occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del 
 Norte, such a site as will consist with the health 
 of the troops, and will be best adapted to repel in- 
 vasion, and to protect what, ill the event of annex- 
 ation, will be our western border. You will limit 
 yourself to the defence of the territory of Texas, 
 unless Mexico should declare war against the 
 United States. 
 
 Your movement to the gulf of Mexico, and 
 your preparations to embark for the western 
 frontier of Texas, are to be made without any de- 
 lay ; but you will not ell'ect a landing on that 
 frontier until you have yourself ascertained the 
 due acceptance of Texas of the proffered terms 
 of annexation, or until you receive directions 
 from Mr. Donelson. 
 
 I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, GEORGE BANCROFT. 
 
 To Brig. Gen. Z. Taylor, 
 
 U. S. Army, Cuni'g \st Dept., Fort Jesup, La. 
 
 P. S. — The revenue cutters Spencer and Wood- 
 bury have been placed by the Treasury Depart- 
 ment at the disposition of Mr. Donelson. 
 
 Will Depautment, July 8, 1845. 
 
 Sir: This department is informed that Mexico 
 has some military establishments on the east side 
 of the Rio Grande, which are, and for some time 
 have been, in the actual occupancy of her troops. 
 In carrying out the instructions heretofore re- 
 ceived, you will be careful to avoid any acts of 
 aggression unless an actual state of war should 
 exist. The Mexican forces at the posts in their 
 possession, and which have been so, will not be 
 disturbed as long as the relations of peace be- 
 tween the United States and Mexico continue. 
 WM. L. MARCY. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Z. Taylor. 
 
 War Depahthest. 
 Washington, July 30, 1845. 
 Sib : Your letter, from New Orleans, of the 
 
 20th instant, addressed to the Adjutant General, 
 has been received and laid before the President, 
 and he desires me to express to you his approval 
 of your movements. 
 
 He has not the requisite information in regard 
 to the country to enable him to give any positive 
 directions as to the position you ought to take, or 
 the movements which it may be expedient to 
 make. These must be governed by circum- 
 stances. While avoiding, as you have been in- 
 structed to do, all aggressive measures towards 
 Mexico, as long as the relations of peace exist 
 between that republic and the United States, you 
 are expected to occupy, protect, and defend the 
 territory of Texas to the extent that it has been 
 occupied by the people of Texas. The Rio 
 Grande is claimed to be the boundary between 
 the two countries, and up to this boundary you 
 are to extend your protection, only excepting any 
 posts on the eastern side thereof, which are in 
 the actual occupancy of Mexican forces, or 
 Mexican settlements over which the republic of 
 Texas did not exercise jurisdiction at the period 
 of annexation, or shortly before that event. It 
 is expected that, in selecting the establishment for 
 your troops, you vvill approach as near the bound- 
 ary line — the Rio Grande — as prudence will dic- 
 tate. With this view, the President desires that 
 your position, for a part of your forces at least, 
 should be west of the river Nueces. 
 
 You are directed to ascertain and communicate 
 to this department the number of Mexican troops 
 now at Matamoras, and the other Mexican posts 
 along the border, their position, the condition of 
 them, and particularly the measures taken or 
 contemplated to increase or strengthen them. If 
 you should have any reason to believe that the 
 government of Mexico is concentrating forces on 
 the boundaries of the two countries, you will not 
 only act with reference to such a state of things, 
 but give the earliest information to this depart- 
 ment. 
 
 Very respectfully, &c., 
 
 WM. L. MARCY, 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Z. Taylor, 
 
 Commanding the army of occupation in Texas. 
 
 War Department. 
 
 Washington, August 23, 1845. 
 Sir: The information hitherto received as to 
 the intentions of Mexico and the measures she 
 may adopt, does not enable the administration 
 here to give you more explicit instructions in re- 
 gard to youf movements than those which have 
 been already forwarded to you. There is reason 
 to believe that Mexico is making efforts to assem- 
 ble a large army on the frontier of Texas, for the 
 purpose of entering its territory and holding forci- 
 ble possession of it. Of their movements you 
 are doubtless advised, and we trust have taken, 
 or early will take, prompt and efficient steps to 
 meet and repel any such hostile incursion. 
 Should Mexico assemble a large body of troops 
 on the Rio Grande, and cross it with a considera- 
 ble force, such a movement must be regarded as 
 an invasion of the United States, and the com- 
 mencement of hostilities. You will, of course, 
 use all the authority which has been or may be 
 given you, to meet such a state of things. Texas 
 must be protected from hostile invasion, and for 
 that purpose you will of course employ to the ut- 
 most extent all the means you possess or can 
 command. 
 
(35) 
 
 An order has been this day issued for sending 
 one thousand mt're men into 'J'exas to join those 
 under your conin.and. When the existing orders 
 are earned into effect, you will have with you a 
 for^e of four thousand men of the regular army. 
 We are not enabled to judge what auxiliary force 
 can, upon an emergency, be brouglit together 
 from Texas, and as a precautionary measure you 
 are authorized to accept volunteers from the 
 States of Louisiana and Alabama, and even from 
 Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Should 
 Mexico declare war, or commence hostilities by 
 crossing the Rio Grande with a considerable 
 force, you are instructed to lose no time in giving 
 infoimation to the authorities of each or any of 
 the abovementioned States as to the number of 
 volunteers you may want from them respectively. 
 Should you require troops from any of these 
 States, It would be important to have them with 
 the least possible delay. It is not doubted that at 
 least two regiments from New Orleans and one 
 from Mobile could be obtained and expeditiously 
 brought into the field. You will cause it to be 
 known at these places what number and descrip- 
 tion of troops you desire to receive from them in 
 the contemplated emergency. The authorities of 
 these States will be apprized that you are author- 
 ized to receive volunteers frt_pm them, and you 
 may calculate that they will promptly join you 
 when it IS made known that their services are re- 
 quired. Arms, ammunition, and camp equipage 
 for the auxiliary troops that you may require, 
 will be sent forward subject to your orders. Vou 
 will so dispose of them as to be most available in 
 case they should be needed, at the same time 
 with a due regard to their salety and preserva- 
 tion. Orders have been issued to the naval force 
 on the gulf of Mexico to co-operate with you. 
 You will, as far as practicable, hold communica- 
 tion with the commanders of our national vessels 
 in your vicinity, and avail yourself of any 
 assistance that can be derived from their co-op- 
 eration. The Lexington is ordered into service 
 as a transport ship, and will sail in a few days 
 from New York wiih a detachment of United 
 States troops for Corpus Uhristi. She will be 
 employed as the exigency of the public service 
 may require. In order to keep up a proper com- 
 munication between the army in Texas and the 
 United States, the On-ka-hy-e, the Harney, and 
 the Dolphin will be put into service as soon as 
 they can be made ready as despatch vessels to 
 convey intelligence, supplies, &c. You will 
 avail yourself of these vessels and all other 
 proper means to keep the government here 
 advised of your operations, and of the stale of 
 things in Texas and Mexico. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with ereat respect, yours, 
 WM. L. MARCY. 
 
 Hecrttary of War. 
 
 General Z. Tatloh. 
 [Sent to the quartermaster at New Orleans.] 
 
 War Dli'aut^if.nt, 
 Washington, August 25, 1845. 
 Sir : General Taylor, to whom has been com- 
 mitted the command of the army of occupation in 
 Texas, is authorized to draw any auxiliary force 
 he may need from Texas. If such aid should be 
 wanted, it is not doubted that the patriotic 
 citizens of that State will rally to his assistance 
 'ffith alacrity, in sufficient numbers to enable him, 
 in conjunction with United States troops, to 
 repel the invasion of Texas by Mexico, should it 
 
 be attempted. Though our information as to the 
 force Mexico may bring into the field for such a 
 purpose is not very accurate, yet there is reason 
 to apprehend that it is more numerous than that 
 under the command of General Taylor; and may, 
 perhaps, exceed his efl'eciive force when aug- 
 mented with the auxiliary aid he may derive 
 from Texas. Besides, he may need additional 
 troops to a greater number, and sooner than they 
 can be furnished him from that Siate. Should he 
 need assistance from your State, he is directed to 
 signify to you the number and description of 
 troops he may deem necessary to receive as 
 Volunteers into service. Relying upon the zeal 
 and public spirit of the gallant militia of Ala- 
 bama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, the govern- 
 ment here do not doubt that he will be promptly 
 furnished with such and so many as he may ex- 
 press a desire to have mustered into the service 
 of the United Stales ; and it has the most perfect 
 reliance upon your countenance and co-operation 
 in organizing and sending into Texas such a 
 volunteer force from your State as he may 
 desire. It is necessarily left to his judgment to 
 designate the number. It is proper to observe, 
 that the emergency rendering such assistance 
 from the militia of your State necessary, does not 
 appear to have been foreseen by Congress, and 
 consequently no appropriation was made for pay- 
 ing them : but it is not to be doubted that such a 
 provision will be promptly made when Congress 
 shall again assemble. In order to be paid, the 
 State troops must be mustered into service. In 
 organizing companies and regiments for that 
 purpose, the number of officers must be propor- 
 tioned to that of the privates. Enclosed 1 send 
 you, from the Adjutant General, a statement of 
 the number and rank of officers for each company 
 of men, as well as the regimental and staff ofii- 
 cers, should a regiment of volunteers be called 
 for. From the known patriotism and military 
 ardor of the militia of your State, it is presumed 
 that volunteers to the number that may be 
 required will readily tender their services to their 
 country in the contemplated emergency. Should 
 aid from your State be required by the command- 
 ing general in Texas, it will be of the utmost im- 
 portance that the troops should be sent into that 
 State without delay. This consideration will 
 render it proper that ihey should come from such 
 part of the State as can most promptly furnish 
 them. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your 
 obedient servant, 
 
 WM. L. MARCY, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 His Excellency Bknjamix Fitzpatiuck, 
 Governor of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 
 
 His Excellency A. G. Biiowx, 
 
 Governor of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi. 
 
 His Excellency Alexasueb Mouton, 
 
 Governor of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana. 
 
 Letters were also addressed on the 28th of the 
 same month, to the governors of Tennessee and 
 Kentucky, on the same subject, and in the same 
 words as the above. 
 
 Wak Department, 
 
 Washington, August 30, 1845. 
 
 Sib : Only one letter has been received from 
 
 you since you entered Texas, and that was 
 
 written the day after you arrived at Aransas 
 
 Bay. Permit me to urge upon you the im- 
 
(36) 
 
 portance of availing yourself of every opportunity 
 of communicating with this department. It is 
 desirable to have early and correct information 
 from you, to enable the government to form a 
 true judgment of the designs and movements of 
 Mexico, founded on ascertained facts. It is pre- 
 sumed that, in pursuance of previous instructions 
 from this department, you have taken special 
 pains to become acquainted with the proceedings 
 of Mexico, particularly in regard to the number 
 and kind of Mexican troops at Matamoras, Monte- 
 rey, and other places, as well as those which are 
 on the march towards them, and may be brought 
 to act against your forces or pushed across the 
 Rio Grande, either in the vicinity of Matamoras 
 or at distant points on that river. You will not, 
 I trust, underrate the impoi;tance of such infor- 
 mation, or fail to use the proper and necessary 
 means for acquiring it. You are directed, should 
 you deem it expedient, to employ competent and 
 trustworthy persons to obtain such intelligence. 
 
 The instructions heretofore issued, enjoin upon 
 you to defend Texas from invasion and Indian 
 hostilities; and, should Mexico invade it, you will 
 employ all your forces to repulse the invaders, 
 and drive all Mexican troops beyond the Rio 
 Grande. Should you judge the forces under your 
 command inadequate, you will not fail to draw 
 sufficient auxiliary aid from Texas, and, if there 
 be need, from the States, pursuant to your pre- 
 vious instructions. It is not to be doubted, that 
 on your notification, volunteer troops, to the num- 
 ber you may require, will rally with alacrity to 
 your standard. You have been advised that the 
 assembling a large Mexican army on the borders 
 of Texas, and crossing the Rio Grande with a 
 considerable force, will be regarded by the Execu- 
 tive here as an invasion of the United States, and 
 the commencement of hostilities. An attempt to 
 cross that river with such a force will also be con- 
 sidered in the same light. There may be other 
 acts on the part of Mexico which would put an 
 end to the relations of peace between that republic 
 and the United States. Should depredations he 
 committed on our commerce by her public armed 
 vessels, or privateers acting under her authority, 
 this will constitute a state of war. 
 
 ventured on under circumstances presenting & 
 fair prospect of success. 
 
 Very respectfully, &c., 
 
 WM. L. MARGY, 
 Secretary of War, 
 Brig. Gen. Z. Tatioh, 
 Commanding the U. K army in Texas. 
 P. S. — Herewith you will find a copy of the 
 order of the Navy Department to Commodore 
 Connor. 
 
 War Dkpartmkjjt. 
 Washington, October 16, 1845. 
 
 Sir : The information which we have here, ren- 
 ders it probable that no serious attempts will at 
 present be made by Mexico to invade Texas, al- 
 though she continues to threaten incursions. Pre- 
 vious instructions will have put you in possession 
 of the views of the government of the United 
 Stales, not only as to the extent of its territorial 
 claims, but of its determination to assert them. In 
 carrying out these instructions you will be left 
 very much to your own judgment, by reason of 
 your superior knowledge of localities, and the 
 earlier notice you may receive of ihe probable 
 views of Mexico, and the movements of her troops. 
 
 On the supposition that no active operations on 
 your part will be required during the approaching 
 winter, an important question to be decided is the 
 position or positions to be occupied by your forces. 
 This must be determined mainly with reference 
 to the objects for which the army under your 
 command was sent into Texas. You will ap- 
 proach as near the western boundary of Texas 
 (the Rio Grande) as circumstances will permit; 
 having reference to reasonable security; to ac- 
 commodations for putting your troops into winter 
 huts, if deemed necessary; to the facility and 
 certainty of procuring or receiving supplies ; and 
 to checking any attempted incursions by the 
 Mexican forces or the Indian tribes. Ought your 
 present position to be changed? the force's which 
 are, or soon will be, assembled under your com- 
 mand, be kept together or divided? and, if divided, 
 what positions are to be taken, and how are they 
 to be divided? These are questions which must 
 be in a measure left to your judgment, or, at least, 
 the decision upon them here, : 
 
 r» J u u ■ J , , ,. , "•" "--•-*"" ui^^ii iiiriu iiiric, if there be time, will 
 
 Order^s have been issued to the vessels of the be influenced in no inconsiderable degree b^ ,he 
 
 information and views which you may furnish 
 the department. You need not. therefore, wait for 
 directions from Washington, to carry out what 
 you may deem proper to be done. Upon all the 
 points above enumerated, and others not suggested, 
 your reports and views in full are desired, not 
 only with reference to the continuance of the 
 present aspect of affairs between the United Slates 
 and Mexico, but in the contingency of your se- 
 lecting, or being directed to take, a position on the 
 
 United States in the gulf, to furnish you with in 
 formation of any hostile proceedings of Mexico, 
 and the state of things in that republic. You will 
 embrace every occasion that may present, to for- 
 ward to the commanders of these vessels such 
 intelligence as you may possess concerning the 
 movements of the military forces and the state 
 of things in Mexico and Texas, and to suggest to 
 them such assistance and co-operation as you 
 may desire to receive. 
 
 In case of war, either declared or made mani- 
 fest by hostile acts, your main object will be the 
 protection of Texas; but the pursuit of this object 
 will not necessarily confine your action within 
 the territory of Texas. Mexico having thus com- 
 menced hostilities, you may, in your discretion, 
 should you have sufficient force and be in a con- 
 di'ion to do so, cross the Rio Grande, disperse or 
 capture the forces assembling to invade Texas, 
 defeat the junction of troops uniting for that pur- 
 pose, drive them from their positions on either 
 side of that river, and, if deemed practicable and 
 expedient, take and hold possession of Matamoras 
 and other places in the country. I scarcely need 
 10 say that enterprises of this kind are only to be 
 
 banks of the Rio Grande near its mouth, or places 
 above, or even in the event of open hostilities. It 
 is expected that the officers of the Engineer and 
 Topographical Corps, who have been sent into 
 Texas, will examine, as far as practicable, under 
 your direction, the country, with a view to select- 
 ing eligible positions for permanent or temporary 
 occupation, for depots of supplies, arms, and mu- 
 nitions of war. It is extremely desirable that the 
 seacoast, or at least that part of it which will be 
 likely to be visited by our vessels in aid of any 
 contemplated military operations, should be better 
 known here than it now is ; as well as the char- 
 acter of the several rivers which may prcseiii 
 obstacles to the movements of our forces, or fur- 
 
(37) 
 
 ruih facilities for transporting supplies. You 
 are requested to avail yourself of all proper occa- 
 sions, and employ the means you possess, to col- 
 lect information in regard to ail these matters, and 
 forward it to this department. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. MARCy, 
 
 Hecrttary of War. 
 Brig. Gen. Z. Taylor. 
 
 Commanding army of occupation in Texas. 
 
 Wak Department, 
 Washington, January 13, 1846. 
 
 Sin: I am directed by the President to instruct 
 you to advance and occupy, with the troops under 
 your command, positions on or near the east bank 
 of the Rio del Norte, as soon as it can be conven- 
 iently done with reference to the season and the 
 routes by which your movements must be made. 
 From the views heretofore presented to this de- 
 partment, it IS presumed Point Isabel will be con- 
 sidered by you an eligible position. This point, or 
 •some one near it, and points opposite Matamoras 
 and Mier, and in the vicinity of Laredo, are sug- 
 gested for your consideration ; but you are left to 
 your better knowledge to determine the post or 
 posts which you are to occupy, as well as the 
 question of dividing your forces with a view to 
 occupying two or more positions. 
 
 In the positions you may take in carrying out 
 these instructions and other movements that may 
 be made, the use of the Rio del Norte may be very 
 convenient, if not necessary. Should you attempt 
 to exercise the right which the United States have 
 in common with Mexico to the free navigation of 
 this river, it is probable that Mexico would inter- 
 pose resistance. You will not attempt to enforce 
 this right without further instructions. 
 
 You are requested to report to this department, 
 without ilelay, what means you may require, if 
 any, beyond those you now possess, to enforce 
 and maintain our common right to navigate this 
 river, as well as your views of the importance of 
 this right in the defence and protection of the 
 State of Texas. 
 
 It is not designed, in our present relations with 
 Mexico, that you should treat her as an enemy ; 
 but, should she assume that character by a 
 declaration of war, or any open act of hostility 
 towards us, you will not act merely on the defen- 
 sive, if your relative means enable you to do 
 otherwise. 
 
 Since instructions were given you to draw aid 
 from Texas, in case you should deem it neces- 
 sary, the relations between that Stale and the 
 United States have undergone some modification. 
 Texas is now fully incorporated into our union 
 of States, and you are hereby authorized by the 
 President to make a requisition upon the execu- 
 tive of that State for such of its militia force as 
 may be needed to repel invasion or to secure the 
 country against apprehended invasion. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great respect, your 
 obedient servant, 
 
 WM. L. MARCY. 
 
 Secretary nf War. 
 Brig. Gen. Z. Taylor. 
 
 War Department, 
 
 Washington, January 20, 1846. 
 
 Sir: You will perceive by a letter which has 
 
 been addressed to General Taylor, commanding 
 
 the United States troops in your Slate, a copy of 
 
 which I send to you herewith, that the President 
 
 has authorized him, in case of hostilities between 
 the United States and Mexico, and an invasion or 
 threatened invasion of your State, to make a 
 requisition for such militia force as in a possible 
 state of things may be required from Texas. 
 
 By the request of the President I hereby 
 apprize you of the directions which have been 
 given to General Taylor, and express to you the 
 confidence here entertained, that, should he make 
 a requisition, it will be promptly responded to. 
 WM. L. MAKOY, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 His Excellency James Henderson, 
 
 Guvernor of the Stale if Texas. 
 
 DESPATCHES FROM GENERAL TAYLOR 
 TO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL 
 
 HEAUat'AUTERS IsT MilITaRY DkPARTMENT, 
 
 New Orleans, La., July 20, 1845. 
 Sin; I respectfully acknowledge your commu- 
 nication of July 8, covering the instruclions of 
 the Secretary of War of the same date, relative 
 to the Mexican settlements on this side of the 
 Rio Grande. Those instructions will be closely 
 obeyed ; and the department may rest assured 
 that I will lake no step to interrupt the friendly 
 relations between the United States and Mexico. 
 I am gratified at receiving these instructions, as 
 they confirm my views, previously communicated, 
 in regard to the proper line to be occupied at pre- 
 sent by our troops. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The AnjL-TANT General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 HEADat^'ARTERS ArMY OF OCCUPATION, 
 
 Steamship Alabama, Aransas Pass, 
 
 Texas, July 28, 1845. 
 
 Sin : I respectfully report iny arrival at this 
 place on the 25th instant, with eight companies 
 of the 3d infantry, it having been found necessary 
 to leave two companies of that regiment, to be 
 brought over in other transports. 
 
 The troops are temporarily established on St. 
 Joseph's island. I am wailing the report of a 
 boat expedition sent to Corpus Chrisli bay before 
 I determine on the site of an encampment. I 
 hope to receive the necessary information in the 
 course of the day, when I shall immediately com- 
 mence the removal of the 3d infantry to the point 
 selected. The position will probably be "Live 
 Oak Point," in Aransas bay, some ten miles from 
 our present position. I am very anxious to es- 
 tablish myself at the mouth of the Nueces, but the 
 extreme shoalness of the water will, I fear, pre- 
 sent an insuperable obstacle, unless we can pro- 
 cure lighters of much lighter draught than those 
 we have at present. 
 
 The dilficulties of effecting a debarcation on 
 this coast, and of establishing depots for supply- 
 ing the army, are much greater than I anticipated, 
 and will render our operations at once embarras- 
 sing and expensive. Between Pass Cavallo and 
 Brazos Santiago, there is no entrance for vessels 
 drawing more than seven or eight feet; and the 
 prevailing winds render the operation of lighten- 
 ing extremely uncertain and hazardous. We 
 have been favored with fine weather, and, should 
 it continue, the other transports, which may now 
 be expected, will be enabled to discharge without 
 difficulty. 
 
(38) 
 
 We had a very favorable run from New 
 Orleans; and I am happy to slate that the health 
 of the command was greatly improved by the 
 voyage. Tlie eight companies have scarcely any 
 sickness at this time. 
 
 The day before leaving New Orleans, I re. 
 ceived from Major Donelson a communication 
 dated at .Austin, on the 7th of July, informing me 
 that the convention had unanimously accepted 
 the proposuion ol anne-xation, and suggested that 
 two companies should be posted at .\ustin. I still 
 deem it best to concentrate my force until our re- 
 lations with Mexico shall become settled, and 
 until the country can be ctammed, and the best 
 mode of supply ascertained. 
 
 I hear nothing important from the Mexican 
 frontier. Some Indian depredations are com- 
 mitted from time to time near Corpus Chnsti, 
 and will claim my first attention after I can get 
 established. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The AnjL'TAST CiE.NtiiAL of the Army. 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Hf.AiiauABTEns .\nMT or OcccrATiojr, 
 
 Corpus Chrisli, Texas, August 19, 1845. 
 Sir: I respectfully enclose for the information 
 of the department, a copy of a letter addressed by 
 me to the President of Texas, and forwarded to 
 him by special express on the 17th instant. 1 
 have deemed it proper to make this communica- 
 tion to President Jones, in consequence of the de- 
 sire manifesled by the authorities of Texas to 
 have a garrison established at once at .Austin. 
 As 1 cannot consent to detach any portion of my 
 command while a superior Mexican force is pro- 
 bably concentrating in my front, and as I still 
 feel bound to extend every assistance compatible 
 with a successful prosecution of the main object 
 of the expedition, towards putting the frontier in a 
 suitable stale of defence, I have judged it prudent 
 to make the suggestions and recommendations 
 which you will find in the enclosed letter. Trust- 
 ing that they will meet the approbali(m of the 
 War Department, 
 
 I remain, sir, very respectfullv. your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the .4rmy, 
 
 Washington, D. C 
 
 HEADaCARTERS ArMT Or OcCrPATIOX, 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, .\ugust l.*), 1845. 
 Sir: I have the honor to report that, by New 
 Orleans papers of the 7th instant, I have received 
 intelligence of the preparatory steps taken by 
 Mexico towards a declaration of war against the 
 United Stales. I shall spare no exertions to meet 
 suitably this probable change in the relations be- 
 tween the two countries; and the additional force j 
 ordered to join me, as announced in your commu- 1 
 nication of July 30, will, I trust, enable me to do 1 
 something more than maintain a merely defensive 
 attitttde on the Nueces. This will depend upon 
 the demonstrations made by Mexico along the 
 Rio Grande, in regard to v.hich the Secretary of 
 War has solicited a report. 1 am enabled to say, 
 upon information which is regarded as authentic, 
 that General .\risla was lo leave Monterey on the 
 4th of this month for Matamoras with 1,500 men — 
 500 being cavalry. I learn, from the same 
 source, that there are 500 regular troops at 
 Matamoras. In regard to the force at other points 
 on the Rio Grande, except the militia of the coun- 
 try, 1 have no information ; nor do I hear that the 
 reported concentration at Matamoras is for any 
 purpose of invasion. I have but jusl arrived at 
 litis place, and hope in a few days to be able to 
 obtain more full and precise intelligence concern- 
 ing the movements of the Mexicans. I shall not 
 fail to communicate promptly to the department 
 all such intelligence upon which I think reliance 
 can be placed. 
 
 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 P. S, — I enclose a sketch prepared by Lieut. 
 Eaton, of Aransas and Corpus Christi bays, 
 showing our intended depot, and also our present 
 position — Fort Marcy. Z. T. 
 
 HKAnaVARTERS .^RMY OF OCCUPATION. 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, August 30, 1845. 
 Sir: I respectfully report the arrival at this 
 point of seven companies of the 7th infantry 
 under Major Brown, and two companies of volun- 
 teer artillery under Major Gaily. Major Seawell's 
 company, I am informed, was ordered back to 
 Baton Rouge by General Gaines, and some small 
 detachments of that regiment were also left at 
 several posts. I have retained one company as a 
 guard for the depot at St. Joseph's island. 
 
 The battalion of volunteer artillery has a fine 
 battery of eight pieces — two twelves and six 
 sixes, completely equipped in every respect. The 
 officers are zealous, and the men seem to he quite 
 well instructed in their duties. In case of need, I 
 look for valuable service from this battalion. 
 
 I have just received a communication from 
 President Jones, under dale of the 23d instant, 
 notifying me lh.it he had taken preparatory steps 
 towards organizing a volunteer force of 1,000 
 men to assist me if necessary. This matter will 
 form the subject of a special communication to 
 your office in a few days. 
 
 Apprehending that the erroneous impressions 
 current in New Orleans in regard to our situation, 
 might induce General Gaines to order the muster 
 of a battalion or brigade of infanlry, I addressed 
 a communication to his staff officer by the steam- 
 ship Alabama, expressing my thanks for the 
 reinforcement of the volunteer battalion of 
 arlillery, hut with the hope that no more volun- 
 teers would be sent without a requisition from 
 me. That communicalion will reach New 
 Orleans to night or to-morrow, in time, I trust, to 
 stop the employment of any more volunteers. 
 
 We have no news from the Rio Grande. Idle 
 stories are brought in from that quarter, but with 
 the means of accurate information which we now 
 possess, I do not deem it necessary to repeat 
 them. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The AiijuTANT General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
(39 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation, 
 
 Corpus Cliristi, Texas, October 4, 1845. 
 Sin: I beg leave to suggest some considera- 
 tions in relation to the present position of our 
 force, ami the dispositions which may become 
 necessary for the more effectual prosecution of 
 the objects for which it has been concenlrateii. It 
 will be recollected that the imstruciions of June 
 15, issued by Mr. Bancroft, then acting Secretary 
 of War, directed me to "select and occupv, on or 
 near the Rio Grande, such a site as «lil consist 
 with the health of the troops, and will be best 
 adapted to repel invasion," &c. Brazos Santiago 
 is the nearest entrance to the mouth of the Rio 
 Grande; and Point Isabel, within that entrance, 
 and twenty-one miles from Matamoras, -tt-ould 
 have fulfilled more completely than any other po- 
 sition the conditions imposed by the Secretary. 
 But we had no artillery, no engineer force or ap- 
 pliances, and but a moderate amount of infantry ; 
 and the occupation of Point Isabel, under these 
 circumstances, and with at least the possibility of 
 resistance from the Me.xicans, misht have com- 
 promised the safety of the command. I therefore 
 determined to take up the next accessible position 
 in the rear, which is the month of the Nueces 
 river. AU the information which I could obtain 
 before leaving New Orleans, seemed to 
 Corpus Christi as the m 
 ceniration; and, althoug 
 instructions of July 30 reached me. I would have 
 preterred a position on the left bank of the river, 
 yet a careful examination of the country had al- 
 ready convinced me that none could be found 
 combining so many advantages as this. Every 
 day's experience has confirmed these impressions. 
 Corpus Christi is healthy, easily supplied, and 
 n-ell situated to hold in observaiirm the course of 
 ihe Rio Grande from Matamoras to Laredo — being 
 about 150 miles from several points on the river. 
 I have reason to believe, moreover, that a salutary 
 moral effect has been exercised upon the Mexi- 
 
 rleans, seemed to point to i jrtillery 
 nost suitable point for con- 1 T-jaredo. 
 gh before the President's ,*^''','^,"'^^' 
 
 war, or committed any overt act of hostilities, I 
 do not feel at liberty, under my instructions, par- 
 ticularly those of July S, to make a forward move- 
 ment to the Rio Grande without authority from 
 the War Department. 
 
 In case a forward movement should be ordered 
 or authorized, I would recommend the occupation 
 of Point Isabel and Laredo, as best adapted to the 
 purposes of observing the course of the river, and 
 covering the frontier settlements of Texas. Point 
 Isabel is accessible by water, and can be safely 
 occupied by two brigades of infantry, with a suit, 
 able force of field artillery. On the arrival of the 
 steamer Harney, 1 shall order a careful reconnois- 
 sance of Brazos Santiago, as a necessary prelimi- 
 nary measure to the occupation of Point Isabel. 
 To occupy Laredo will require a land march from 
 this point. Supplies may probably be transported 
 by water as high as San Patricio, and possibly to 
 the jnnclion of the Rio Frio with the Nueces. I 
 propose to establish a depot on the Nueces river, 
 probably at the crossing of the San Antonio and 
 Laredo road, from which to operate towards the 
 Rio Grande. You will perceive from my '■ special 
 orders" No. 24 that a reconnoissance has been 
 ordered in that direction. A brigade of infantry, 
 with Ihe cavalry, and a battery or two of field 
 artillery, will be sufficient for the occupation of 
 That town is on the left bank of the Rio 
 and possesses the military advantage of 
 holding in observation the main route from the in- 
 terior of Mexico through Monterey to Matamoras. 
 
 In case it should be found impracticable to es- 
 tablish a suitable ilepot on the Nueces, the entire 
 force, after strengthening San Antonio, might be 
 thrown forwani to Point Isabel, where it could be 
 readily supplied, and held in readiness for any 
 further service. 
 
 I have deemed it my duty to make the above 
 suggestions. Should they be favorably considered, 
 and instructions based upon them, I will thank 
 you to send the latter in duplicate to Lieut. Colo- 
 
 cans. Their traders are continually carrying ! "'^' '^""'—""'' <="P>' '" ^^ 'J<=*P^"^*>'^'1 ''"■'''''• "'"^ 
 
 ome the news of our position and increasing 
 numbers, and are confessedly struck by the spec- 
 tacle of a large camp of well-appointed and disci- 
 plined troops, accompanied by perfect security to 
 their persons and property, instead of the impress- 
 ment and pillage to which they are subject in 
 their own country. For these reasons, our posi- 
 tion thus far has, I think, been the best possible; 
 but, now that the entire force will soon be con- 
 centrated, it may well be a question whether the 
 views of government will be best carried out by 
 our remaining at this point. It is with great de- 
 ference that I make any suggestions on topics 
 which may become matter of delicate negotiation ; 
 hut if our government, in settling the question of 
 boundary, makes the line of the Rio Grande an 
 ultimatum, I cannot doubt that the settlement will 
 be greatly facilitated and hastened bv our taking 
 possession at once of one or two suitable points | from Commodore Conner, commanding the home 
 
 out delay; the other to be sent via Galveston, 
 "hould a steamer be running to that port from 
 New Orleans. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, ' Z.TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The Anjt-TANT Gf.nkral of the Army, 
 
 Wash.ington. 1). C. 
 P. S. — Ii is proper to add, that should any aux- 
 iliary force be required, I propose to draw it 
 wholly from Texas. I do not conceive that it 
 will become necessary, under any circumstances, 
 to call for voUinteers i'rom the United States. 
 
 Z. T. 
 
 Hv \nq.VARTrns, Army of Occupation, 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, November 7, 1845. 
 Sir : I respectfully enclose a copy of a letter 
 
 on or quite near that river. Our strength and 
 state of preparation should be displayed in a 
 manner not to be mistaken. However salutary 
 maybe the effect produced upon the border people 
 by our presence here, we are too far from the 
 frontier to impress the government of Mexico with 
 our readiness to vimlicate, by force of arms, if 
 necessary, our title to the country as far as the 
 Rio Grande. The " army of occupation" will, in 
 a few days, be concentrated at this point, in con- 
 dition for vigorous and efficient service. Mexico 
 having as yet made no positive declaration of 
 
 quadron, which I received by the " Saratoga,' 
 sloop of war, on the 5th instant. 'I'he intelligence 
 communicated by the commodore will, doubtless, 
 reach the seat of government long before the re- 
 ceipt of this letter. 
 
 'Phe communication from the Secretary of War, 
 dated October 10, was received and acknowledged 
 on the 1st and 2d instant. 1 purposely deferred a 
 detailed reply to the various points embraced in 
 that communication until I could receive an an- 
 swer to mine of October 4, which covered (at least 
 in part) the same ground. The intelligence from. 
 
(40) 
 
 Mexico, however, tends to modify, in some de- 
 gree, the views expressed in that communication. 
 The position now occupied by the troops may, 
 perhaps, he the best while negotiatione are pend- 
 ing, or at any rate until a disposition shall be 
 manifested by Mexico to protract them unreason- 
 ably. Under the supposition that such may be 
 the view of the department, 1 shall make no move- 
 ment from this point, except for the purpose of 
 examining the country, until further instructions 
 are received. You will perceive, from my orders, 
 that reconnoissances are almost constantly in the 
 field, the officers of engineers and topographical 
 engineers rendering valuable service on those du- 
 ties. I refer you to the reports made by those 
 officers to the chiefs of their own bureaux for the 
 information which is thus procured in relation to 
 the country. An examination of the harbor of 
 Brazos Santiago will be ordered in a few days — 
 as soon as a proper vessel shall become disposa- 
 ble for that service. 
 
 In case no movement is made this season to- 
 wards the Rio Grande, I may find it necessary to 
 detach a portion of the army a short distance into 
 the interior, where wood can be more readily 
 procured than here. But in no case do I deem it 
 necessary to hut the troops. Sheds, with plat- 
 forms, on which to pitch the tents, were exten- 
 sively used in cairips of position in Florida, and 
 will, I cannot doubt, form a sufficient protection 
 here. 
 
 On the hypothesis of an early adjustment of the 
 boundary, and the consequent establishment of 
 permanent frontier posts, I cannot urge too strong- 
 ly upon the department the necessity of occupying 
 those posts before the warm v.-eather shall set in. 
 A large amount of sickness is, I fear, to be appre- 
 hended, with every precaution that can be taken ; 
 but the information which I obtain leads me to 
 believe that a summer movement would be at- 
 tended with great expense of health and life. As 
 in Florida, the winter is the best season for ope- 
 rations in Texas. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser-, 
 vant, 7,. TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding 
 'I"he Adjutant Genehal of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation. 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, February 4, 1846, 
 
 Sin : 1 respectfully acknowledge the communi- 
 cation of the Secretary of War, dated January 
 13th, and containing the instructions of the Pres- 
 ident to move forward with my force to the Rio 
 Grande. I shall lose no time in making the ne- 
 cessary preparations for carrying out those in- 
 structions. 
 
 The occupation of Point Isabel or Brazos San- 
 tiago as a depot will be indispensable. That 
 point and a position on or near the river opposite 
 Matamoras will I think answer all present pur- 
 poses. At any rate, I shall not separate iny force 
 further until the position of affairs shall render it 
 entirely safe to do so. 
 
 I propose to abandon this position entirely, as 
 soon after our march as the stores, hospital, &c., 
 can be tranferred to St. Joseph's island. It will 
 be necessary to keep up an establishment at that 
 point for the present, although our supplies will 
 come to Point Isabel direct from New Orleans. 
 
 In reply to the call of the Secretary for infor- 
 mation as to what means, if any, will be required 
 
 " to enforce and maintain our common right to 
 navigate" the Rio Grande, I would respectfully 
 state that, until I reach the river and ascertain the 
 condition of ihmgs in the frontier States of Mexi- 
 co, temper of the people, &c., I cannot give any 
 satisfactory answer to the question. I have every 
 reason to believe that the people residing on the 
 nver are well disposed towards our government 
 Our advance to the Rio Grande will itself pro 
 duce a powerful effect, and it may be that tht 
 common navigation of the river will not be dis 
 puted. It is very important to us, and will be in- 
 dispensable when posts are established higher up, 
 as must ultimately be the case. 
 
 I shall not call for any militia force in addition 
 to what I already have, unless unforseen circum- 
 stances shall render its employment necessary. 
 
 I beg leave again to call the attention of the de- 
 partment to the necessity of having our movement 
 and position at Brasos Santiago covered by a 
 small armed vessel. I deem this vitally important, 
 and hope it will meet with favorable consider- 
 ation. 
 
 We have no news from the interior of Mexico 
 more recent than that derived from the New Or- 
 leans papers of the 26th January. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, ■ Z. TAYLOR. 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding 
 The .\n,TCTANT General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. G. 
 
 HEADaVARTKRS, ArmI OF OCCUPATION, 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, February 26, 1846. 
 
 Sir: I have to report that the preparations for 
 a forward movement of this command are now 
 nearly completed. The examinations spoken of 
 in my report of the 16th instant have shown the 
 practicability of both routes — by the main land 
 and by Padre island. The reconnoissance of Pa- 
 dre island extended to its southern extremity, and 
 included the harbor of Brazos Santiago and Point 
 Isabel; that of the main route reached to a point 
 near the Little Colorado. A depot, with four days' 
 forage, and subsistance for the army, will be 
 thrown forward some forty miles, to the Santa 
 Gertrudes. A detachment of two companies, to 
 establish and cover this depot, will march, on the 
 28th, under Brevet Major Graham. In about a 
 week thereafter, say the 7th of March, the cavalry 
 will march, to be followed, at intervals of one day, 
 by the brigades of infantry. By the 25th of 
 March, at latest, I hope to be in position on the 
 Rio Grande. 
 
 I have taken occasion to represent to some citi- 
 zens of Matamoras, who were here with a large 
 number of mules for sale, and who are represented 
 to have considerable influence at home, that the 
 United States government, in occupying the Rio 
 Grande, has no motive of hostility towards Mexico, 
 and that the army will, in no case, go beyond the 
 river, unless hostilities should be commenced by the 
 Mexicans themselves ; that the Mexicans, living 
 on this side, will not be disturbed in any way by 
 the troops; that they will be protected in all their 
 usages ; and that everything which the army m.ay 
 need will be purchased from them at fair prices. 
 I also stated that, until the matter should he finally 
 adjusted between the two governments, the harbor 
 of Brazos Santiago would be open to the free uso 
 of the Mexicans as heretofore. The same views 
 were impressed upon the Mexican custom-house 
 officer at Brazos Santiago by Captain Hardee, who 
 
(41) 
 
 commanded the escort which covered the recon- 
 noissance of Padre island. 
 
 We are entirely without news of interest from 
 the frontier, or the interior of Mexico, our latest 
 date from the capital being the 21st of January, 
 and the same from Vera Cruz. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The Adjutant Genebal of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C 
 
 Headquarters, Aruiy of Occupation, 
 
 Corpus Christi, Texas, March 8, 184G. 
 
 Sir : I respectfully report that the advance of 
 the army, composed of the cavalry and Major 
 Ringgold's light artillery, the whole under the 
 command of Colonel Twiggs, took up the Ime of 
 march this morning in the direction of Matamoras, 
 its strength being 23 officers and 378 men. The 
 advance will be followed in succession by the 
 brigades of infantry, the last brigade marching on 
 the 11th instant. The roads are in good order, 
 the weather fine, and the troops in excellent con- 
 dition for service. 
 
 Major Munroe will embark for Brazos Santiago 
 in season to reach that harbor about the time the 
 army will be in the vicinity of Point Isabel. He 
 talies with him a siege train and a field battery. 
 Captain Sanders, of the engineers, the officers of 
 ordnance, and the pay department, accompany 
 Major Munroe. 
 
 The movement by water, to Brazos Santiago, 
 will be covered by the revenue cutter " Wood- 
 bury," Captain Foster, whose commander has 
 kindly placed her at my disposal for this service. 
 
 All proper arrangements have been made by 
 the staff departments for supplying the army on 
 the route, as well as establishing a depot for its 
 further wants at Point Isabel. 
 
 I have deemed it proper to cause my " orders" 
 No. 30, to be translated into Spanish, and circu- 
 lated on the Rio Grande. Sixty copies have al- 
 ready been sent in advance of the army to Mata- 
 moras, Camargo, and Mier. This form of giving 
 publicity to the spirit which actuates our move- 
 ment in occupying the country, I thought prefera- 
 ble to a proclamation. I trust the order itself will 
 meet the approval of the department. A few 
 copies of the translation are herewith enclosed. 
 
 I shall again communicate with general head- 
 quarters before I march, and I expect to do so at 
 least once on the route. 
 
 My headquarters will march with the rear 
 brigade, but will soon pass to the advance of the 
 army. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, I 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 [TVanslatioit.J 
 
 Hr.ADaCAHTERS ArMT OF OCCUPATION, 
 
 Order No. 30. Corpus Christi, March 8, 1846. 
 
 The army of occupation of Texas being now 
 about to take a position upon the left bank of the 
 Rio Grande, under the orders of the Executive of 
 the United States, the general-in-chief desires to 
 express the hope that the movement will be ad- 
 
 vantageous to all concerned ; and with the object 
 of attaining this laudable end, he has ordered all 
 under his command to observe, with the most 
 scrupulous respect, the rights of all the inhabi- 
 tants who may be found in peaceful prosecution 
 of their respective occupations, as well on the 
 left as on the right side of the Rio Grande. 
 Under no pretext, nor in any way, will any inter- 
 ference be allowed with the civil rights or reli- 
 gious privileges of the inhabitants; but the 
 utmost respect for them will be maintained. 
 
 Whatsoever may be needed for the use of the 
 army will be bought by the proper purveyor, and 
 paid for at the highest prices. The general-in- 
 chief has the satisfaction to say that he confides 
 in the patriotism and discipline of the army under 
 his command, and that he feels sure that his 
 orders will be obeyed with the utmost exactness. 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 
 HEADaUARTERS ArMT OF OCCUPATION, 
 
 Camp at " El Sauce," 119 miles from Corpus 
 Christi, March 18, 1846. 
 
 Sir: I avail myself of a chance opportunity to 
 Corpus Christi to report that 1 have advanced to 
 this point with the cavalry and 1st brigade of in- 
 fantry. The 2d brigade encamps to-night about 
 7 miles in my rear; the 3d brigade about 19. I 
 shall concentrate all my force on reaching the 
 Little Colorado, 13 miles in my front, so as to be 
 prepared for any contingency. I am happy to 
 say that all the corps of the army are in fine con- 
 dition and spirits, equal to any service that may 
 be before them. 
 
 Within the last two days, our advance has met 
 with small armed parties of Mexicans, who 
 seemed disposed to avoid us. They were, 
 doubtless, thrown out to get information of our 
 advance. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 HEAnaUARTERS ArHY OF OcrOPATION, 
 
 Point Isabel, March 2.5, 1846. 
 
 Sin : I respectfully report that I marched on 
 the morning of the 23d instant with the entire 
 army frmn the camp, near the Colorado, in the 
 order prescribed in my order No. 35, herewith en- 
 closed. After a march of fifteen miles, we 
 reached, on the morning of the 24th, a point on 
 the route from .Matamoras to Point Isabel, 
 eighteen miles from the former and ten from the 
 latter place. 1 here left the infantry brigades 
 under Brigadier General Worth, with instructions 
 to proceed in the direction of Matamoras until he 
 came to a suitable position for encampment, 
 where he would halt, holding the route in obser- 
 vation, while I proceed with the cavalry to this 
 point to communicate with our transports, sup- 
 posed to have arrived in the harbor, and make the 
 necessary arrangements for the establishment and 
 defence of a depot. 
 
 While on my way hither, onr column was ap- 
 proached by a party on its right Hank, bearing a 
 white flag. It proved to be a civil deputation 
 from Matamoras, desiring an interview with me. 
 I informed them that I would halt at the first sui- 
 table place on the road and afford them the 
 desired interview. It was, however, found 
 
(42) 
 
 necessary, from the want of water, to continue 
 the route to this place. The deputation halted 
 while yet some miles from Point Isabel, declining 
 to come further, and sent me a formal protest of 
 the prefect of the northern district of Tamaulipas 
 against our occupation of the country, which I 
 enclose herewith. At this moment, it was dis- 
 covered that the buildin£;s at Point Isabel were in 
 flames. I then informed the bearer of the protest 
 that I would answer it when opposite Matamoras, 
 and dismissed the deputation. I considered the 
 conflagration before my eyes as a decided evi- 
 dence of hostility, and was not willing to be 
 trifled with any longer, particularly as I had 
 reason to believe that the prefect, in malfing this 
 protest, was but a tool of the military authorities 
 at Matamoras. 
 
 The advance of the cavalry fortunately arrived 
 here in seasim to arrest the fire, which consumed 
 but three or four houses. The port captain, who 
 committed the act under the orders, it is said, of 
 General Mejia, had made his escape before its ar- 
 rival. We found two or three inofiensive Mexi- 
 cans here, the rest having left for Matamoras. 
 . I was gratified to find that the water expedition 
 had exactly answered to our land movement — the 
 steamers arriving in the harbor only two or three 
 hours before we reached Point Isabel, with the 
 other transports close in their rear. The " Por- 
 poise" and " Lawrence," brigs of war, and cutter 
 " Woodbury," are lying outside. I have thought 
 it necessary to order Captain Porter's company 
 to this place to reinforce Major Munroe. Our 
 great depot must be here, and it is very important 
 to secure it against any enterprise of the enemy. 
 The engineer officers are now examining the 
 ground with a view to tracing lines of defence 
 and strengthening the position. 
 
 As soon as a suflicient amount of supplies can 
 be thrown forward toward Matamoras, I shall 
 march in the direction of that town and occupy a 
 position as near it as circumstances will permit. 
 
 I enclose a sketch prepared by my aid de camp, 
 Lieutenant Eaton, exhibiting the route of inarch 
 since leaving the Colorado, and the bearings of 
 important points. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The AnjUTANT Gewehal of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Oi 
 
 TFICE OF THE PHEFECT OF THE NOnTHEllM 
 DrSTniCT OF THE DEPAHTMENT OF TaMACLIPAS. 
 
 God and LiBEnTv ! 
 
 Santa Rita, March 23, 1846. 
 SiH : Although the pending question respecting 
 the annexation of the department of Texas to the 
 United States is subject to the decision of the 
 supreme government of Mexico, the fact of the 
 advance of the army under your excellency's 
 orders, over the line occupied by you at Corpus 
 Christi, places me under the necessary, as the 
 chief political authority of the northern district 
 of Tamaulipas, to address you, as I have now the 
 honor to do, through the commissioners, who will 
 place this ;n your hands, and to inform you that 
 the people, under this prefecture, being justly 
 
 alarmed at the invasion of an army, which, with 
 out any previous declaration of war, and without 
 announcing explicitly the object proposed by it, 
 comes to occupy a territory which never belonged 
 to the insurgent province, cannot regard with in- 
 difference a proceeding so contrary to the con- 
 duct observed towards each other by civilized 
 nations, and to the clearest principles of the law 
 of nations ; that, directed by honor and patriotism, 
 and certain that nothing has been said ofiicially 
 by the cabinet of the Union to the Mexican 
 government, respecting the extension of the 
 limits of Texas to the left bank of the Rio Bravo, 
 trusting in the well-known justice of their cause, 
 and using their natural right of defence, they (the 
 citizens of this district) protest, in the most 
 solemn manner, that neither now nor at any time 
 do they, or will they, consent to separate thetr.' 
 selves from the Mexican republic, and' to unite 
 themselves with the United Stales, and that they 
 are resolved to carry this firm determination into 
 eff'ect, resisting, so far as their strength will 
 enable them, at all times and places, until the 
 array under your excellency's orders shall recede 
 and occupy its former positions ; because, so long 
 as it remains within the territory of Tamaulipas, 
 the inhabitants must consider that whatsoever 
 protestations of peace may be made, hostilities 
 have been openly commenced by your excellency, 
 the lamentable consequences of which will rest 
 before the world exclusively on the heads of the 
 invaders. 
 
 I have the honor to say this to your e.xcellencv, 
 with the object indicated, and to assure you of my 
 consideration and esteem. 
 
 JENES CARDENAS. 
 
 JcAX JoSE PiNEIlA. 
 
 To General Z. Taylor, &c. 
 
 [Extract.] 
 
 Camp oy the left bank of the Rio Ghande, 
 
 Opposite Matamoras, March 29, 1846. 
 
 Sin: I have the honor to report that I arrived 
 at this camp yesterday with the forces under my 
 command, no resistance having been offered to 
 my advance to the banks of the river, nor any act 
 of hostility committed by the Mexicans, except 
 the capture of two of our dragoons, sent forward 
 from the advanced guard. I deem it possible that 
 these two men may have deserted to the enemy, 
 as one of them, at least, bears a bad character. 
 Our approach seems to have created much 
 excilemeni in Malamoras, and a great deal of ac- 
 tivity has been displayed since our arrival in the 
 preparation of batteries. The left bank is now 
 under reconnoissance of our engineer ofhcers, 
 and I shall lose no time in strengthening our 
 position by such defensive works as may be 
 necessary, employing for that purpose a portion 
 of the heavy guns brought round by sea. 
 
 The attitude of the Mexicans is so far decidedly 
 hostile. An interview has been held, by my direc- 
 tion, with the military authorities in Matamoras, 
 but with no satisfactory result. 
 
 Under this state of things, I must again and 
 urgently call your attention to the necessity of 
 speedily sending recruits to this army. 
 
 The militia of Texas are so remote from tha 
 border » • . » {^^j ^,^ cannot 
 depend upon their aid. 
 
 The strength gained by filling up the regiments 
 
(43) 
 
 here, even to the present feeble establishment, 
 would be of very great importance. 
 
 I respectfully enclose a field report of the force 
 row in this camp. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
 vant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 The AnjUTANT General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 HEADaUAKTERS AT MaTAMORAS, 2 O'ClOck P.M. 
 
 God and Liberty ! 
 
 April 12, 1846. 
 
 Fourth Military Divisio.v 
 General-in- Chief. 
 
 To explain to you the many grounds for the 
 just grievances felt by the Mexican nation, 
 caused by the United States government, would 
 be a loss of time, and an insult to your good 
 sense ; I therefore pass at once to such explana- 
 tions as I consider of absolute necessity. 
 
 Your government, in an incredible manner — 
 you will even permit me to say an extravagant 
 one, if the iisuage or general rules established 
 and received among all civilized nations are re- 
 garded — has not only insulted, but has exasper- 
 ated the Mexican nation, bearing its conquering 
 banner to the left bank of the Rio Bravo del 
 Norte ; and in this case, by explicit and definitive 
 orders of my government, which neither can, 
 will, nor should receive new outrages, I require 
 you in all form, and at latest in the peremptory 
 term of twenty-four hours, to break up your camp 
 and relire to the other bank of the Nueces river, 
 while our governments are regulating the pend- 
 ing question in relation to Texas. If you insist 
 in remaining upon the soil of the department of 
 'I'amaulipas, it will clearly result that arms, and 
 arms alone, must decide the question; and in that 
 case 1 advise you that we accept the war to 
 which, with so much injustice on your pirt you 
 provoke us, and that, on our pari, this war shall 
 be conducted conformably to the principles es- 
 tablished by the most civilized nations; that is to 
 say, that the law of nalions and of war shall be 
 the guide of my operations ; trusting that on your 
 part the same will be observed. 
 
 With this view, I tender you the considerations 
 due to your person and respectable otTice. 
 
 PEDRO DE AMPUDIA. 
 Senor General-in-Chief of the U. S. Array, 
 l)oii Z. Taylor. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation. 
 
 Camp near Matamoras, Texas, .\pril 12, 1846. 
 
 Senoh ; I have had the honor to receive your 
 note of this date, in which you summon me tc 
 withdraw the forces under my command from 
 their present position, and beyond the river 
 Nueces, until the pending question between our 
 governments, relative to the limits of Texas, shall 
 be settled. 
 
 I need hardly advise you that, charged as I am, 
 in only a military capacity, wilh the performance 
 of specific duties, I cannot enter into a discussion 
 of the international question involved in the ad- 
 vance of the American army. You will, how- 
 ever, permit me to say that the government of the 
 United States has conslantly sought a settlement, 
 by negotiation, of the question of boundary ; that 
 an envoy was despatched to Mexico for that pur- 
 pose, and that up to the most recent dates said 
 envoy had not been received by the actual 
 Mexican government, if indeed he has not 
 received his passports and left the republic. In 
 ihe mean time, I have been ordered to occupy the 
 country up to the left bank of the Rio Grande, 
 until the boundary shall be definitely settled. 
 In carrying out these instructions I have care- 
 fully abstained from all acts of hostility, obeying, 
 in this regard, not only the letter of my instruc- 
 tions, but the plain dictates of justice and hu- 
 manity. 
 
 The instructions under which I am acting will 
 not permit me to retrograde from the position I 
 now occupy. In view of the relations between 
 our respective governments, and Ihe individual 
 suffering which may result, I regret the alterna- 
 tive which you otl'er; but, at the same time, wish 
 it understood that I shall by no means avoid such 
 alternalive, leaving the responsibility with those 
 who rashly commence hostilities. In conclusion, 
 you will permit me to give the assurance that on 
 my part the laws and customs of war among 
 civilized nations shall be carefully observed. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfullv, your 
 obedient servant. Z. TAYLOR. 
 
 Senor General D. PEDRO DE AMPUDIA. 
 
 In the preceding pages, we have given the Despatches and correspondence which will enable our 
 citizens to form their own estimate of the nature and origin of the present hostilities. From a mass 
 of voluminious documents, we have presented the orders of the Administration, and (he Despatches 
 of Gen. Taylor from the period immediately preceding the commencement of the war against 
 Mexico. 
 
 It is not our purpose to offer any comments upon these. They are before the reader, and our duty 
 is discharged in furnishinu the authentic evidence by which correct conclusions can be made upon 
 points of the utmost importance, to the .\dministration, and to Gen. Taylor, involving momentous 
 consequences, upon which the public mind has been much divided. The letters, for the most part, 
 clear and perspicious, leave no room for doubt or misapprehension. Their import Is plain. While 
 we leave lo partizan presses the conflicting opinions and harsh animated veisiuns, on the grave 
 questions which this war has presented to the country, the facts, which this documentary evidence 
 furnishes, will be not the less acceptable to the serious and sober enquirers after truth. In connec- 
 tion with the other matters, which these pages furnish, we trust our brief, but comprehensive work 
 will be considered as furnishing .a popular and correct record of the most startling events of the 
 age ; events which have cast a lustre upon the history of the country. 
 
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES, 
 
 (Cojitinued.) 
 
 On the 1st of February the House of Re- 
 presentatives passed a resolution calling on 
 the President for copies of " all the corres- 
 pondence with General Taylor since the 
 commencement of hostilities with Mexico," 
 not heretofore published ; also, the corres- 
 pondence of the Quartermaster General's 
 Department in relation to transportation for 
 General Taylor's army, and the reports of 
 Brigadier Generals Hainer and Quitman of 
 the operations of tiieir brigades in the attack 
 on Monterey. 
 
 The President answersd this call on the 
 27th of February, and the papers thuscommu- 
 nicated are now presented in pamphlet form. 
 
 The Message from the President, accom- 
 panying the Documents, merely says that it 
 lias not been thought necessary to withhold 
 any of this correspondence on the ground 
 that its publication would be " detrimental 
 to the public service," because he is satisfied 
 that the operations to which it alludes " are 
 now so far advanced, and that the enemy 
 has already received so much information 
 from other sources in relation to the intended 
 movements of our array, as to render this 
 precaution unnecessary." 
 
 The following is the essential portion of 
 the note from the Secretary of War, covering 
 the correspondence : 
 
 " The documents are numerous, and an attempt 
 has been made so to arrange them as lo bring to- 
 gether letters relating to the same subjects; but it 
 has been found impracticable to carry this out to 
 the fullest extent. In regard to the correspon- 
 dence with General Taylor, from one to two 
 months usually intervened between the letters 
 written by and to him, and the receipt of the an- 
 swers ; and within that period several other letters, 
 upon difl'erent subjects, were sent and received. 
 Had a strictly chronological order of the corres- 
 pondence been observed in the arrangement, many 
 different subjects would have been introduced be- 
 tween the letters and the replies to them. An at- 
 tempt has been made to bring together the letters 
 and the replies, and it has been done to a consid- 
 erable extent in regard to those which have refer- 
 ence to the campaign and to military movements. 
 Those which relate to transportation have also 
 been brought together as far as practicable. 
 
 "Among the letters embraced in the call, seve- 
 ral, merely formal, such, for instance, as enclosed 
 returns, proceedings of courts-martial, &c., have 
 
 not been copied ; but the dates are given, and theii 
 contents briefly stated in the accompanying syn- 
 opsis." 
 
 Tlie first letter is from the President to 
 General Taylor, dated 
 
 Washington City, May 30, 1846. 
 
 Sir: I transmit to you herewith a commission 
 as major general by brevet in the army of the 
 United Slates, conferred upon you for gallant con- 
 duct and distinguished services in the successive 
 victories over superior Me.xican forces at Palo 
 Alto and Resacade la Palma, on the 8th and 9th 
 days of May, 1846. 
 
 It gave me sincere pleasure, immediately upon 
 the receipt of official intelligence from the scene 
 of your achievements, to confer upon you, by and 
 with the advice and consent of the Senate, this 
 testimonial of the estimate which your govern- 
 ment places upon your skill and gallantry. To 
 yourself and the brave officers and soldiers under 
 your command the gratitude of the country is 
 justly due. Our army have fully sustained iheir 
 deservedly high reputation and added another 
 bright page to the history of .American valor and 
 patriotism. They have won new laurels for them- 
 selves and for their country. My confidence in 
 them never faltered. The battles of Palo Alto and 
 Resaca de la Palma rank among our most brilliant 
 victories, and will long be remembered by the 
 American people. When all the details of these 
 battles and of the noble defence of the camp op- 
 posite to Matamoras shall have been received, it 
 will be my pleasure, as it will be my grateful duty, 
 to render to the officers and men under your com- 
 mand suitable testimonials for their conduct in 
 the brilliant victories which a superintending 
 Providence has enabled them to achieve for their 
 country. 
 
 In transmitting to you this commission, and in 
 communicating to the officers and soldiers under 
 your command my profound sense of their meri- 
 torious services, I but respond to the patriotic en- 
 thusiasm manifested by the people in behalf of 
 their brave defenders. Whilst my warmest thanks 
 are tendered to the survivors, the nation mourns 
 the loss of the brave officers and soldiers who fell 
 in defence of their country upon the field of vic- 
 tory. Their names also shall be remembered and 
 appropriate honors be paid to their memory by a 
 grateful country. 
 
 You will cause this communication to be made 
 known to the army under your command. 
 
 JAMES K. POLK. 
 
 To Brevet Major Gen. Z. Tailob, commandiug 
 U. S. army on the Rio Grande. 
 
 (44) 
 
(45) 
 
 The first letter from General Taylor is i will be necessary to establish a large depot 
 dated May 20, 1846, at Matamoras, men- , at Cainargo, whirli I shall lose no time in 
 tioning that he had called on the Governors doing as soon as proper transports arrive. 
 
 of Louisiana and Texas for eiglit rcgMncnls, 
 (5,000 men,) and requested General Gaines 
 tn assist in organizing this force ; that Gene- 
 ral Gaines had called for many more volun- 
 teers than he (Gen. Taylor) deemed ne- 
 cessary, &c. ; also asking for 1,000 tents, to 
 be sent immediately to Brasos Santiago. 
 
 On the 21st of May, Genera! Taylor wrote 
 again soliciting further instructions. He says : 
 
 " (Jur future movements must depend, in 
 a great degree, on tiie extent to which the 
 Kio Grande is navigable for steamboats, and 
 1 fear that my expectations in tiiis particular 
 will not be realized. Though at times navi- 
 gable as high as Camargo or even Mier, it is 
 doubtful whether a boat can now be pushed 
 higher than Reynosa. Indeed, the ' Neva,' 
 which is in the river and accompanied the 
 expedition under General Smith, has not yet 
 reached this place, though hourly expected. 
 Could we establish and keep up by water a 
 depot at Camargo, operations might be car- 
 ried on in the valley of the San Juan toward 
 Monterey, the first city of importance in that 
 direction. A direct movement from this 
 point to Monterey would require vast trans- 
 portation, chiefly by pack mules, and would 
 moreover be hazardous in summer on ac- 
 count of the scarcity of water, part of the 
 route being supplied by wells only. The 
 country between this and Monterey, by 
 whatever route, cannot support an army. 
 
 " I shall lose no time in ascertaining the 
 practicability of the river for steamboats, and 
 shall occupy Reynosa and such other points 
 as a boat may be able to reach." 
 
 HEADQUAnTERS, AuMV OF OCCUPATION. 
 
 Matamoras, June 3d, 1846. 
 
 Siu: I respectfully enclose herewith a 
 field return of the forces in and near Mata- 
 moras, both regular and volunteer. The 
 corps known to have arrived at Point Isabel, 
 of which no returns have yet been received, 
 will carry the entire force under my orders 
 to nearly eight thousand men. 
 
 I am necessarily detained at this point for 
 want of suitable transportation to carry on 
 oflensive operations. There is not a steam- 
 boat at my command proper for the naviga- 
 tion of the Rio Grande ; and without water 
 transportation, I consider it useless to attempt 
 any extensive movement. Measures have 
 been taken to procure boats of suitable 
 draught and description, and one or two may 
 be now expected. In the mean time, I pro- 
 pose to push a battalion of inl'antvy :is far as 
 Reynosa, and occupy that town For any 
 operations in the direction of Monterey, it 
 
 unless I receive counter instructions from 
 the department. 
 
 I trust the department will see that I could 
 not possibly have anticipated the arrival of 
 such heavy reinforcements from Louisiana 
 ' as are now here, and on their way hither. 
 I Without large means of transportation, this 
 force will embarrass, rather than facilitate 
 our operations. I cannot doubt that the de- 
 partment has already given instructions, 
 based upon the change in our position since 
 my first call for volunteers. 
 
 Our last accounts of Arista represent his 
 force to be halted at Coma, an extensive 
 hacienda on the Monterey road, about one 
 hundred miles from this point. He has 
 pickets covering the roads leading to Mata- 
 moras, with a view to cut of!" all communi- 
 cation with the interior. The departmental 
 authorities have issued a decree denouncing 
 as traitors all who hold intercourse with us, 
 or with those who do so. I am nevertheless 
 disposed to believe that in some quarters, at 
 least, our presence is not unfavorably viewed. 
 We have no intelligence from the city of 
 Mexico. 
 
 Ordnance stores, and other munitions of 
 war are continually discovered in the town. 
 Five pieces of cannon, and a very large 
 amount of balls, shells, and amunition gene- 
 rally, have been brought to light. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, 
 
 j"0ur obedient servant, 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Bt. Br. Gen. U. S. A, comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 On the 8th of June, the War Secretary 
 wrote to Gen. Taylor at length. He says : 
 
 '■ In my lettei' of the 28lh ultimo you were left 
 to your own iliscretion and judgment as lo the 
 measures to be pursued before the end of the un- 
 favorable season shall be passed, and it is not 
 now intended to control that discretion. You best 
 know what amount of force you will have under 
 your commaiRi, and what can be best accomplish- 
 ed with that force. 
 
 "It is presumed yon will hold both banks of the 
 Rio Grande to a considerable distance from its 
 mouth, and secure the uninterrupted use of that 
 river for the transportation of supplies. I hope 
 you will be able to take and hold in possession 
 all places on it as high up as Laredo. 
 
 "It is proper that I should advise you that a 
 considerable force, which will be also under your 
 command, will soon assemble at San Antonio de 
 Bexar. The ultimate destination of this force is 
 Chihuahua, if it should be determined that such 
 an expedition would have a favorable operation 
 in the coiiduot of the war; but it might be at once 
 used lo take and secure the several places on the 
 
(46) 
 
 Rio Grande. Though we have no despatch from 
 you since those givin? an account of the battles 
 on the 8th and 9th of Maj-, we have such informa- 
 tion as induces the belief that you arc in posses- 
 sion of Malamoras, and that you are not now 
 threatened with any cun'-iderable Mexican force. 
 It is desirable that you should find yourself in 
 sutlicient strength to capture and hold Monterey 
 with your present force. You are apprized that 
 large reinforcements are preparins to join you. 
 Besides the regular forces now under "our com- 
 mand, and which will be speedily augmented, you 
 will soon have nearly twenty thousand volunteers, 
 (including those to rendezvous at San .\ntonio de 
 Be.xar,) who are to serve for one year. Your de- 
 termination as to immediate mnvements will there- 
 fore be somewhat intluenced hy the consideration 
 nf tlie additional force %vhich will soon join you. 
 
 "The President is desirous of receiving and 
 hopes soon to be favored with your views and 
 suggestions in relation to the fall campaign. His 
 determination is to have the war prosecuted with 
 vigor, and to embrace in the objects to be compass- 
 ed in that campaign, such as will ilispose the ene- 
 my to desire an end of the war. Shall the campaign 
 be conducted with the view of strilcins at the city 
 of Me.Kico, or confined so far as regards the forces 
 itnder your immediate command to the Northern 
 provinces of Mexico 1 Your views on this point 
 will doubtless have an important influence upon 
 the determination of the Government here. Should 
 our army penetrate far into the interior of Mexico, 
 how are supplies to be obtained? Can they be, 
 to any consitlerable extent, drawn from the ene- 
 my's country, or must they be obtained from the 
 United States'! If the latter, what are the facili- 
 ties and difficulties of transportion ? These are 
 very important questions, and the answers to them 
 will have an essential bearing in settling the plan 
 and objects of the campaign ; and it is desired that 
 you should express your views fully in regard to 
 them. 
 
 "Again: it is important to know your opinion 
 of the description of troops best adapted to opera- 
 tions in the interior of Mexico ; what proportion 
 should be infantry, artillery, and cavalry, (fee? A 
 peace must be conquered in the shortest space of 
 time practicable. Your views of the manner of 
 doing it are requested. It is not doubted that you 
 will push your advantages to the utmost extent, it 
 can be done with the means at your command." 
 
 Headqu-ivrters, Army of Occipation, 
 Matamoras, June 10, 1846. 
 
 Sir: I beg leave earnestly to invite the at- 
 tention of the department to the following 
 points : 
 
 1st. The great influx of volunteers at 
 Point Isabel. Five regiments certainly from 
 Louisiana, numbering, say 3,!)00 men ; two 
 regiments or battalions from Louisville and 
 St. Louis, numbering, say 1,200 more ; seve- 
 ral companies from Alabatna, and I know 
 not how many from Texas, the latter now 
 beginning to arrive. The volunteer troops 
 now under my orders timount to nearly 
 0.000 men. How far they may be increased 
 without previous notilioation to me, it is im- 
 possible to tell. 
 
 2dly. The entire want of the proper kind 
 
 of transportation to push my operations up 
 the river. The boats on which I depended 
 for this service were found to be nearly de- 
 stroyed by worms, and entirely unlit for the 
 navigation of tiie river. At my instance, 
 Major Thomas, on the 18th of May, re- 
 quired from Lieut. Col. Hunt a boat of the 
 proper description, and followed it up in a 
 few daj-s by a requisition for another. At 
 the last dales from New Orleans, no boat 
 had been procured. Capt. Sanders, of the 
 engineers, was despatched by me to New 
 Orleans, to assist in procuring suitable boats, 
 but I have yet received no report from him. 
 
 As I have previously reported, my opera- 
 tions are completely paralyzed by the want 
 of suitable steamboats to navigate the Rio 
 Grande. Since the 18lh of May, the army 
 has lain in camp near tliis place continually 
 receiving heavy reinforcements of men, but 
 no facility for water transport, without 
 which, additional numbers are but an em- 
 barrassment. 
 
 I desire to place myself right in this mat- 
 ter, and to let the department see that the 
 inactivity of the army, results from no ne- 
 glect of mine. I must express my astonish- 
 ment that such large reinforcements have 
 been sent forward to join the army, without 
 being accompanied by the means of trans- 
 portation, both by land and water, to render 
 them efficient. As matters now stand, what- 
 ever may be the expectations of the depart- 
 ment, I cannot move from this place ; and 
 unless Capt. Sanders shall succeed in pro- 
 curing boats of the proper kind, I can give 
 no assurance in regard to future operations. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. 'TAYLOR, 
 
 Bt. Br. Gen. U. S. A. Comdg. 
 The Adjutant (General of the army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Endorsement by the Adjutant General. 
 [Rr.MAiiK. — "How far the volunteer force will 
 be increased without previous notification to me, 
 it is impossible to tell." With regard to the force 
 called out by Gen. Gaines, and pushed forward by 
 him. Gen. Taylor, no doubt, was not informed, as 
 he could not be from this office, because the 
 amount was unknown. Of the twclvC'^umtli's men, 
 authorized by the Executive, the General was 
 timely and specially notified. See the general- 
 in-chiefs instructions of June 13, and adjutant 
 general's of June 16.] R.J. 
 
 Endorsement hy Major General Scott. 
 
 Respectfully laid before the Secretary of War, 
 who is requested to look at my circular (memo- 
 randa) sent round to chiefs of staff, including 
 quartermaster general, dated Mav I'''. 184fi. 
 
 JoNE 37, 184B. VVINFIELD SCOTT. 
 
 On the r2th of June General Scott wrote 
 to General Taylor as follows : 
 
(47) 
 
 "Recruits to fill up the ranks of the regular 
 companies which are with you, or ordered to join 
 you, to (say) about seventy men each, shall be 
 sent forward as fast as practicable, so as to give 
 you, we hope, in a short time a total force of 
 about 23,070 men. 
 
 "Without waiting for the arrival of that amount 
 of force, but before, and as soon as you shall deem 
 it safe in respect to the relative numbers and po- 
 sitions of the enemy, your knowledge of the 
 country, your supplies and means of transporta- 
 tion, it is the wish and expectation of the Presi- 
 dent that, with your accustomed energy, you take 
 up lines of march beyond the Rio Grande, and 
 press your operations toward the heart of the 
 enemy's country ; that is, upon such important 
 points as you may deem necessary to conquer and 
 to hold. 
 
 Headquarters, Armv op Occupation. 
 Matamoras, May 28, 1846. 
 
 Sir : With a view to expedite the procuring of 
 small steamboats for the navigation of the Rio 
 Grande, which is indispensable to future opera- 
 tions, the commanding general directs that you 
 oroceed without delay to New Orleans, and there 
 assist Lieut. Col. Hunt in procuring boats of the 
 proper draft and description. 
 
 Four boats will be required, and you may give 
 assurances that they will receive employment at 
 good prices, in transporting military stores on the 
 river. Should any change in the condition of 
 afl'airs render it necessary to discharge them at an 
 earlier period than is now contemplated, you will 
 assure the proprietors that they shall be remune- 
 rated for the time so lost. 
 
 In executing this service, you will please com- 
 municate with Lieut. Col. Hunt, to whom you will 
 show this letter of instructions, and also with Col. 
 Winthrop, who has promised his aid in this 
 matter. 
 
 The proper draught of the boats, and the de- 
 scription best adapted to the purpose, you have 
 already learned from the commanding general. 
 
 After the completion of this service, you will 
 please return to headquarters. 
 
 If the requisite number, or indeed none of the 
 proper kind of boats can be procured at once in 
 New Orleans, you will proceed up the Mississippi 
 and Ohio rivers unlil you fully accomplish the 
 object of your mission. 
 
 The commanding general deems it preferable 
 to make arrangements for compensating the boats, 
 by giving the owners assurances of their receiving 
 liberal prices for freight; but the boats must be 
 procured if they have either to be bought or char- 
 tered. 
 
 As expedition is essential to this business, ar- 
 rangements must be made to have at least the first 
 boats you engage or procure, towed round the 
 coast by some good sea boat of sufficient power, 
 to prevent any unnecessary detention or delays. 
 
 lam sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 W. W. S. BLISS, 
 Assistant Adjutant General. 
 Capt. Jno. Sandess, Corps of Engineers, 
 
 Matamoras. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation, 
 Matamoras, June 17, 1846. 
 Sir : I deem it proper to report that no 
 advices have been received from general 
 
 headquarters since the 10th instant — "gen- 
 eral orders" No 13, and " special orders" 
 No 45, both of May 20lh, being received on 
 tliat day. Our dates from the iiortli tlirough 
 the newspapers are some days later. 
 
 No steamboats have been sent out from 
 New Orleans for the navigation of the Rio 
 Grande, and in the absence of all informa- 
 tion on that point, or respecting the views 
 of the government, I am altogether in tlie 
 dark as to our future operations. I must 
 think that orders have been given by su- 
 perior authority, to suspend the forwarding 
 of means of transportation from New Or- 
 leans. I cannot otherwise account for the 
 extraordinary delay shown by the Quarter- 
 master's Department in tliat city. Even the 
 mails containing probably important de- 
 spatches from the government, arc not ex- 
 pedited. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Wilson has occnpied 
 Reynosa, without opposition. What re- 
 mains of the Mexican army is understood 
 to be still at Linares, and has snffered from 
 disease. General Torrejon has died, and 
 Col. Carasco, at last advices, was very ill. 
 I learn that Generals Arista and Ainpudia 
 have gone to Mexico, probably for the trial 
 of the former or both. 
 
 Volunteer regiments have arrived from 
 Louisville and St. Louis, making with those 
 from Louisiana, eight strong and organized 
 battalions — mustering over 5,000 men. 
 
 In addition, we have seven companies of 
 Alabama volunteers, and twelve or tifteen 
 companies from Texas — others from Texas 
 are continually arriving. A portion of these 
 volunteers has been lying in camp at this 
 place for nearly a month, completely par- 
 alyzed by the want of transportation. Ex- 
 posed as they are in this climate to diseases 
 of the camp, and without any prospect, so 
 far as I can see, of being usefully employed, 
 I must recommend that they be allowed to 
 return to their homes. 
 
 I have despatched Captain McCulloch, a 
 good partisan officer, in the direction of 
 Linares, with his company, to gain infurnia- 
 tion, touching the numbers and position of 
 the enemy, and the resources of the country. 
 
 I enclose herewith the descriptive roll of 
 tlie detachment of recruits, brought out by 
 Lieutenant McPhail. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Bt. Br. Gen. U. S. A. Comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 War Department, 
 Washiugtoii, July 1, 1846. 
 Sib: It gives me sincere pleasure to transmit^ 
 herewith a commission, issued to you by the 
 
(48) 
 
 President, of major general in ihe army of the 
 United States, pursuant to the first section of the 
 act of Congress passed 18th June last, a copy of 
 which is also herewith enclosed. 
 
 On receiving your despatch No. 51, stating your 
 want of means for transporting troops, supplies, 
 &c., on the Rio Grande, I desired the quartermas- 
 ter general to inform me what measures had been 
 taken on that subject. 1 herewith send you his 
 reply. I trust that the steps taken by your orders, 
 and those of the quartermaster general here, will 
 have furnished the means to enable you to prose- 
 cute active operations, as suggested in my letters 
 of the 28th of May and Slh of June. 
 
 I anticipated the embarrassments of which you 
 complain, by the accumulation of troops before 
 accommodations could be possibly provided, and 
 arrangements made for the employment of them. 
 The only relief which can be applied to the case, 
 is that contained in my previous communications 
 to you on the subject, and in that from the adju- 
 dant general on the 25th of May. 
 
 The atrocious murder of Col. Cross has created 
 a general anxiety that the guilty perpetrator of it 
 should be brought to punishment. It is generally 
 understood here that he is Romano Falcon, and 
 that the crime can be proved against him. If this 
 be so, allow me to express a hope that you may 
 be able to get him into your custody, to the end 
 that he may be dealt with as he deserves. Any 
 fair and proper means you may deem fit to effect 
 this, will be approved and sanctioned by this de- 
 partment. Very respectfully, your 
 obedient servant, 
 W. L. M.\RCY, Secretary of War. 
 Maj. Gen. Z. TATLon,comdg Army of Occupation 
 
 on the Kio Grande. 
 
 General Taylor to the Secretary of War. 
 
 HEADCtllAliTERS ArMY OF OCCUPATION. 
 
 Matamoras, July 2, 1846. 
 
 Sir : In reply to the communications of 
 the Secretary of War, dated May 28th, and 
 June 8th, and to that of the general-in-chief, 
 dated June 12t]i, I have the honor to submit 
 the following views in regard to the opera- 
 tions against Mexico from this quarter. I 
 will remark that my constant efforts to pro- 
 cure information in relation to the nature of 
 the country, amount of supplies, &c., have 
 not been as satisfactory as I could wish, the 
 various accounts often differing even in im- 
 portant particulars. Either from the igno- 
 rance or interested motives of those who 
 profess to give information, it is extremely 
 difficult to obtain any upon which we can 
 implicitly rely. 
 
 In calling upon the States of Louisiana 
 and Texas for an auxiliary force of about 
 5.000 men, it was my expectation with that 
 force to be able to clear the course of the 
 Rio Grande as high as Laredo, and to occupy 
 or control the country to the foot of the 
 mountains, capturing and holding Monterey, 
 if circumstances permitted. With the pro- 
 per river transportation this could have been 
 easily done, a depot would now have been 
 
 established at Camargo, and our operations 
 pushed up the valley of the San Juan. The 
 difficulties and embarrassments that I have 
 experienced for want of such transportation 
 have already been sufficiently made known. 
 These difficulties have been increased by the 
 great excess of volunteers that have been 
 sent out — say 3,000 men beyond my origi- 
 nal call. I nevertheless propose, upon the 
 arrival of the steamers now hourly expected, 
 to throw forward this force, with the regular 
 troops, to Camargo, and established there a 
 depot and base from which to operate 
 towards the mountains. My reasons for 
 retaining these six-months' volunteers in 
 service have been set forth in another com- 
 munication ; and I desire, from motives of 
 health and other considerations, to keep 
 them employed as actively as possible. 
 The twelve-months' volunteers can, in the 
 meantime, form camps at healthy points in 
 my rear ; and, while receiving instruction, 
 await the season for more extensive opera- 
 tions. The above dispositions can be made 
 in the rainy season perhaps better than at 
 any other time, as the river is then in a good 
 navigable state. For operating with a heavy 
 force — say 6,000 men from this point — 
 towards Monterey and Saltillo, through 
 wJiich passes the only artillery route across 
 the mountains, it is indispensable to employ 
 the river as a channel of supply, and the 
 valley of the San Juan, on one of the heads 
 of which Monterey is situated, as a line of 
 operations. The direct land route from this 
 point to Monterey is much longer than the 
 line from Camargo ; in wet weather impass- 
 able for artillery or heavy wagons, and in 
 dry scantily supplied with water. Assum- 
 ing, then, Camargo as the depot, and the 
 valley of the San Juan as the line of opera- 
 tions, the question arises, what amount of 
 supplies can be obtained, and how can a 
 column be subsisted on this route ? It is 
 pretty well determined that we cannot de- 
 pend upon any considerable supply of bread- 
 stuffs short of Alonterey, or perhaps Saltillo, 
 seventy-five miles further south. Beef in 
 abundance, it is believed, may be procured, 
 and on this, with perhaps occasional issues 
 of mutton, we must mainly depend for the 
 meat part of the ration. From Camargo to 
 Saltillo, then, we must expect to depend 
 upon our depot for bread ; and I am of 
 opinion, from all I can learn of the resources 
 of the country in pack mules and means of 
 transportation generally, that a column ex- 
 ceeding 6,000 men cannot be maintained in 
 bread alone as far as Saltillo. Saltillo 
 itself is at no great distance from two or 
 three fertile gram-growing districts, but how 
 far the production in those districts may 
 
(49) 
 
 exceed the supply I cannot with any cer- 
 tainty determine. 
 
 The above calculations, in regard to sub- 
 sistence, are made on the suppositions that 
 we shall tind the people of the country, if 
 not friends, at least passive and willing to 
 part with their produce to the best advan- 
 tages. I believe we shall find such to be 
 tlieir temper on this side of the mountains ; 
 whether tliis neutrality or indifference ex- 
 tends beyond, may well be a question. 
 Should they prove hostile, destroy their 
 crops, and drive away their stock, it will be 
 an extremely difficult matter to sustain a 
 column at Saltillo — stdl more so to pass be- 
 yond that city. 
 
 Supposing a column of the above strength 
 — say 6,000 men — able to maintain itself at 
 Saltillo, it will become a question, depend- 
 ing for its solution upon the elements above 
 indicated, how far that force may be in- 
 creased, or what amount of the twelve- 
 months' volunteers may be safely and profit- 
 ably tiirown forward from the rear, with a 
 view to future operations. 
 
 From Camargo to the city of Mexico is a 
 line little if any short of 1,000 mdes in 
 length. The resources of the country are, 
 to say the best, not superabundant ; and, 
 over long spaces of the route, are known to 
 be deficient. Although the road, as we ad- 
 vance south, approaches both seas, yet the 
 topography of the country, and the conse- 
 quent character of the communications, for- 
 bids the taking up a new line of supply, 
 either from Tampico or the Pacific coast. 
 Except in the case (deemed improbable) of 
 entire acquiescence, if not support, on the 
 part of the JVIcxican people, I consider it im- 
 practicable to keep open so long a line of 
 communication. It is therefore my opinion 
 that our operations from this frontier should 
 not look to tlie city of Mexico, but should 
 be confined to cutting off the northern pro- 
 vinces — an undertaking of comparative 
 facility and assurance of success. 
 
 With the view of cutting off the northern 
 provinces, the projected expedition from 
 San Antonio to Chihuahua may be of great 
 importance. From the best information, 
 however, whii-h I now possess, I would 
 suggest mounted troops alone for that ex- 
 pedition. I am satisfied tliat the route from 
 that point to Chihuahua is not practicable 
 for artillery or wagons, and infantry would 
 rather embarrass tlie movement of a mounted 
 expedition. Mountain howitzers, to be 
 packed with tiieir carriages on mules, might 
 be advantageously employed on that service, 
 and indeed with the column designed to 
 penetrate to Saltillo. There may be great 
 difficulty in supplying any considerable force 
 
 between San Antonio and Chihuahua, al- 
 though the line is not very long, probably 
 not exceeding 300 miles. 1 hope to procure 
 better information than any I now possess 
 in regard to this route. 
 
 It will be perceived that my remarks on 
 the line of operations from the Rio Grande, 
 southward, have been confined to the ques- 
 tion of subsistence, which is certainly the 
 most important one to be considered. 
 There are military obstacles on the route, 
 particularly in the space between Monterey 
 and Saltdlo, where the defile of " La Rin- 
 conada" is represented to be of great 
 strength. This point, and perhaps others, 
 if fortified, may give us some trouble; but 
 if they can be turned by light troops, and 
 such I believe to be the case, they wUl not 
 long impede our march. 
 
 In regard to the " description of troops 
 best adapted to operations in the interior of 
 Mexico," I am scarcely prepared at this time 
 to give a definite reply. The facility or 
 difficulty of obtaining forage must necessar- 
 ily control to some extent the amount of 
 cavalry employed. At the Estate of the 
 Conde de Jarral, some forty leagues from 
 Saltillo, there wdl, I understand, be no 
 difficulty in obtaining a remount when 
 necessary and forage for the cavalry. The 
 field artillery under my orders (four batter- 
 ies, including Washington's) will, particu- 
 larly if fiUed up to the complement of guns, 
 be quite sufficient for any operations in this 
 quarter. We may have occasion for 
 heavier guns, and I have directed two 12 
 pounders field guns to be procured, which, 
 with the 2-1-pounder howitzers now in depot 
 at Point Isabel, will constitute an efficient 
 battery. We shall have two, perhaps three 
 regiments of horse from Texas under my 
 original call. They are now organizing 
 under the Governor's directions at Point 
 Isabel. These are six-months' men. Should 
 I find it necessary to increase the cavalry 
 force, I can draw certainly one regiment 
 from San Antonio, and still leave quite 
 enough for the expedition to Chihuahua. 
 
 I have given my views on most of the 
 points connected with the operations from 
 this frontier, purposely abstaining from any 
 reference to movements against 'J'ampico or 
 Vera Cruz. Tlie former place, I am 
 induced to believe, could have been easily 
 taken a month since, and could be so even 
 now ; but the yellow fever would not have 
 permitted us to hold it, and I deemed it best 
 to undertake no movement in that direction 
 at this season of the year. Should we ad- 
 vance as far as San Luis Potosi, which has 
 a communication (though not for wheels) 
 
(5o; 
 
 with Tampico, the possession of the latter 
 place would be important. 
 
 I am awaiting with utmost impatience the 
 arrival of steamboats suited to the navigation 
 of this river, to establish a depot at Camargo, 
 and throw the troops gradually forward to 
 that point. The rainy season has com- 
 menced, and the river is now in the best 
 possible condition for navigation. Several 
 small boats were to leave New Orleans 
 about the 20th of June. If not wrecked in 
 the recent severe gales, tliey may be hourly 
 expected here. 
 
 I have the honor to be, respectfully, 
 general, your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Bt. Mag. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 Wasliington. D. C. 
 
 Secretary of War to General Taylor. 
 War Department, 
 [Confidential.] Washington, July, 9, 1846. 
 
 Sin : The proclaraalion which you were di- 
 rected to spread among the Mexican people will 
 have put you in possession of the views of the 
 Government in relation to the mode of carrying 
 on the war, and also in relation to the manner of 
 treating the inhabitants. The war is only carried 
 on to obtain justice; and the sooner that can be 
 obtained, and with the least expenditure of blood 
 and money, the better. One of the evils of war 
 is the interruption of diplomatic communications 
 between the respective authorities, and the conse- 
 quent ignorance under which each party may lie 
 in relation to the views of the other. The natural 
 substitute of these interrupted diplomatic com- 
 munications is the military intercourse which the 
 usages of war allow between contending armies 
 in the field, and in which commanding generals 
 can do much towards reopening negotiations, and 
 smoothing the way to a return of peace. 
 
 The President has seen with much approbation 
 the civility and kindness with which you have treat- 
 ed your prisoners, and all the inhabitants with 
 whom you have come in contact. He wishes that 
 course of conduct continued, and all opportuni- 
 ties taken to conciliate the inhabitants, and let 
 them see that peace is within their reach the 
 moment their rulers will consent to do us justice. 
 The inhabitants should be encouraged to remain 
 in their towns and villages, and these sentiments 
 be carefully made known to them. The same 
 things may be said to officers made prisoners, or 
 who may visit your headquarters according to the 
 usages of war ; and it is the wish of the President 
 that such visits be encouraged, and also that you 
 take occasions to send officers to the headquar- 
 ters of the enemy for the military purposes, real 
 or ostensible, which are of ordinary occurrence 
 between armies, and in which opportunity may 
 be taken to speak of the war itself as only carried 
 on to obtain justice, and that we had much rather 
 procure that by negotiation than by fighting. Of 
 course, authority to speak for your Government 
 will be disavowed, but a knowledge of its wishes 
 will be averred, and a readiness will be expressed 
 to communicate to your Government the wishes 
 of the Mexican Government to negotiate for hon- 
 orable peace, whenever such shall be their wish. 
 
 and with the assurance that such overtures will 
 be met in a corresponding spirit by your Govern- 
 ment. A discreet officer, who understands Span- 
 ish, and who can be employed in the intercourse 
 so usual between armies, can be your confidential 
 agent on such occasions, and can mask his real, 
 under his ostensible, object of a military inter- 
 view. 
 
 You will also readily comprehend that, in a 
 country so divided into races, classes, and parties 
 as Mexico is, and with so many local divisions 
 among departments, and personal divisions among 
 individuals, thare must be great room for opera- 
 ting on the miiWs and feelings of large portions 
 of the inhabitants, and inducing them to wish 
 success to an invasion which has no desire to in- 
 jure their country, and which, in overthrowing 
 their oppressors, may benefit themselves. Be- 
 tween the Spaniards, who monopolize the wealth 
 and power of the country, and the mixed Indiau 
 race who bear its burdens, there must be jealousy 
 and animosity. The same feelings must exist be- 
 tween the 'lower and the higher orders of the 
 clergy, the latter of whom have the dignities and 
 the revenues, while the former have poverty and 
 labor. In fact, the curates were the chief authors 
 of the revolution which separated Mexico from 
 Spain, and their relative condition to their superi- 
 ors is not much benefited by it. 
 * * • • * * • 
 
 If, from all the information which you may 
 communicate to the Department, as well as that 
 derived from other sources, it should appear that 
 the difficulties and obstacles to the conducting of 
 a campaign from the Rio Grande, the present base 
 of your operations, for any considerable distance 
 into the interior of Mexico, will be very great, the 
 Department will consider whether the main inva- 
 sion should not ultimately take place from some 
 other point on the coast — say Tampico — or some 
 other point in the vicinity of Vera Cruz. This 
 suggestion is made with a view to call your atten- 
 tion to it, and to obtain from you such information 
 as you may be able to impart. Should it be de- 
 termined that the main army should invade 
 Mexico at some other point than the< Rio Grande 
 — say the vicinity of Vera Cruz — a large and 
 sufficient number of transport vessels could be 
 placed at the mouth of the Rio Grande by the time 
 the healthy season sets in — say early in Novem- 
 ber. The main army, with all its munitions, 
 could be transported, leaving a sufficient force be- 
 hind to hold and occupy the Rio Grande and all 
 the towns and provinces which you may have 
 conquered before that time. In the event of such 
 I being the plan of operations, your opinion is 
 desired : what increased force, if any, will be re- 
 quired to carry it out with success 1 We learn 
 that the army could be disembarked a few miles 
 distant from Vera Cruz, and readily invest the 
 town in its rear, without coming within the range 
 of the guns of the fortress of San Juan d'U'oa. 
 The town could be readily taken by land, while 
 the fortress, being invested by land and sea and 
 all communication cut off, must soon fall. The 
 distance from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico is 
 not more than one-third of that from the Rio 
 Grande to the city of Mexico. Upon these impor- 
 tant points, in addition to those mentioned in my 
 letter of the 8lh of June, your opinion and views 
 are desired at the earliest period your duties will 
 permit you to give them. In the meantime, the 
 Department confidently relies on you to press 
 forward your operations vigorously to the extent 
 
(51) 
 
 of your means, so as to occupy the important 
 points within 5'our reach on the Rio Gramle and 
 in the interior. It is presumed, that Monterey, 
 Chihuahua, and other places in your direction 
 will be taken and held. If in your power to give 
 the information, the Department desires to be in- 
 formed of the distance from Chihuahua to Guay- 
 mas on the Gulf of California. Whether there be 
 a road over which ordnance and baggage wagons 
 could be taken, and whether it be practicable for 
 an arnny to march from the former to the latter 
 place, and what time would probably be required 
 for mounted men, and what time for infantry or 
 artillery to do so t This information is desired 
 before the Department can be prepared to decide 
 upon the propriety of sending forward such an 
 expedition. 
 
 Your answer to this communication you will 
 please to address directly to the President of (he 
 United Slates. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your 
 obedient servant, W. L. MARCY. 
 
 Major Gen. Z. Tailob, Comd'g, &c. 
 
 He.\dquarters Army of Occupation. 
 Matamoras, July 22, 1846. 
 
 Sir : I have respectfully to report that the 
 city of Camargo, was occupied without op- 
 position ou the 14th inst., by a detachment 
 of two companies of the 7th infantry, under 
 command of Captain Miles. The captain 
 was joined the next day by the remainder 
 of the regiment, two pieces of artillery, and 
 a company of irregular cavalry. He has 
 since been reinforced by the 5th infantr)', 
 and the 1st brigrade of infantry under Gen- 
 eral Worth is now in route to Camargo, ex- 
 cept a guard of two campanies, left to escort 
 the train by land — the main body proceed- 
 ing by water. The 3d brigade will imme- 
 diately follow, and in a few days all the 
 active regular force will be at Camargo, or 
 in motion thither. I am unavoidably com- 
 pelled, much to my regret, to leave several 
 companies of the artillery regiments to guard 
 the ditl'erent depots in my rear. 
 
 We have now several steamboats in the 
 river, and tlie business of sending up troops 
 and supplies is urged as much as possible. 
 I find the difficulty of throwing supplies up 
 the river to be very great, in consequence 
 of the rapidity of the current and the entire 
 absence of dry steamboat fuel. But every 
 effort will be employed to overcome these 
 difficulties, and 1 have no doubt that we 
 shall be able to keep up a depot at Camargo, 
 quite sufficient for any operations from that 
 point. 
 
 As yet the land route to Camargo is im- 
 passable for wagons, owing to the recent 
 rains and freshets. As soon as it shall be- 
 come practicable, the field artillery and train 
 of the army, will move forward to Camargo. 
 
 As soon as I can complete the necessary 
 arrangements for throwing forward the vol- 
 unteer troops to Camargo, I propose to es- 
 
 tablish my headquarters at that point, and 
 organize, without delay, a marching column 
 to move on Monterey. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 IMajor Gen. U. S. A. Comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the anny, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 General Taylor to the President. 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation, 
 
 Matamoras, August 1, 1S46. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the 
 receipt of the confidential communication of 
 the Secretary of War, dated July 9th, and 
 to present the following remarks in relation 
 to the several points embraced in it. Agree- 
 ably to the injunction of the Secretary, this 
 communication is addressed directly to the 
 President of the United States. 
 
 1st. As to the intercourse with the enemy 
 and means of obtaining information with re- 
 gard to his movements, &c., I fear that no 
 very satisfactory results will be obtained in 
 the way proposed. The Mexican generals 
 and other officers have exhibited, since the 
 commencement of hostilities, a determina- 
 tion to hold with us as little intercourse as 
 possible. A most rigid non-intercourse has 
 been observed throughout; and, since the 
 17th of June, no communication whatever 
 has passed between the headquarters of the 
 two armies. I shall not fail to improve such 
 occasions when they present themselves, in 
 the manner pointed out by the Secretary. 
 Since crossing the Rio Grande, it has been 
 my constant aim to conciliate the people of 
 the country, and I have the satisfaction of 
 believing that much has been done towards 
 that object not only here, but at Reynosa, 
 Camargo, and other towns higher up the 
 river. The only obstacle I encounter in car- 
 rying out this desirable policy arises from 
 the employment of volunteer troops. Some 
 excesses have been committed by them upon 
 the people and their property, and more, I 
 fear, are to be apprehended. With every 
 exertion, it is impossible effectually to con- 
 trol these troops, unaccustomed as they are 
 to the discipline of camps, and losing, in 
 bodies, the restraining sense of individual 
 responsibility. With increased length of 
 service, these evils, it is hoped, will di- 
 minish. 
 
 2d. In regard to availing ourselves of in- 
 ternal divisions and discord among the Mexi- 
 cans, it is hardly time yet to say how far 
 this may be relied upon as an element of 
 success. I have good reason to bclive that 
 the country lying between the Rio Grande 
 and Sierra Madre is disposed to throw off 
 the yoke of the central Government, and 
 will perhaps do so as soon as it finds a 
 
(52) 
 
 strong American force between it and the 
 capital. I shall do all in my power to en- 
 courage this movement, of wliich I received 
 indications from many quarters, and shall 
 comply fully with the instructions of the 
 Secretary on that point. 
 
 3d. As to the military operations best cal- 
 culated to secure an early and honorable 
 peace, my report of July 2cl, will have put 
 the Department in possession of my views 
 touching operations in tliis quarter, and I 
 have now little to add to that report. Whe- 
 ther a large force can be subsisted beyond 
 Monterey, must be determined by actual ex- 
 periment, and will depend much upon the 
 disposition of the inhabitants towards us. 
 If a column (say 10,000 men) can be sus- 
 tained in provisions at Saltillo, it may ad- 
 vance thence upon San Luis Potosi ; and, I 
 doubt not, would speedily bring proposals 
 for peace. If, on the other hand, a column 
 cannot be sustained beyond Monterey, it 
 will be for the Government to determine, 
 from considerations of state, whether a sim- 
 ple occupation of the frontier departments, 
 (including Chihuahua and New Mexico,) or 
 in addition to such occupation an expedition 
 against the capital [by way of Vera Cruz] 
 be most expedient. I cannot give a positive 
 opinion as to the practicability of an expedi- 
 tion against Vera Cruz, or the amount of 
 force that would probably be required for it. 
 The Department of War must be much bet- 
 ter informed than I am on tliat point. From 
 the impracticable character of the routes 
 from Tampico, particularly that leading to 
 Mexico, I should judge an expedition against 
 the capital from that point to be out of the 
 question. The simultaneous embarcation 
 of a large body of troops at Brasos Santiago, 
 as proposed in the Secretary's communition, 
 would be attended with great difficulty, if 
 we may judge from the delay and danger 
 which accompany the unloading of single 
 transports, owing to the almost perpetual 
 rouglincss of the bar, and boisterous charac- 
 ter of the anchorage. It may also well be 
 questioned whether a force of volunteers, 
 without much instruction more than those 
 now here can receive in season for such an 
 expedition, can prudently be allowed to form 
 the bulk of an army destined for so delicate 
 an operation as a descent upon a foreign 
 coast, where it can have no proper base of 
 operations or supplies. 
 
 I have already had occasion to represent 
 to the Department that the volunteer force 
 ordered to report to me hero is much greater 
 than I can possibly employ, at any rate in 
 the first instance ; the influx of twelve- 
 months' volunteers has even impeded my 
 forward movement, by engrossing all the re- 
 
 sources of the Quartermaster's Department 
 to land them and transport them to healthy 
 positions. This circumstance, in connection 
 with the possibility of an expedition against 
 
 , leads me to regret that one division 
 
 of the volunteers had not been encamped — 
 say at Pass Christian — where it could have 
 been instructed until its services were re- 
 quired in the field. 
 
 These embarrassments, however, are now 
 mostly overcome ; the regular force is nearly 
 all at Camargo ; and all the arrangements 
 are made to tlirow forward the volunteers to 
 the same point. The President may be as- 
 sured that no one laments more than I do the 
 inevitable dithculties and delays that have 
 attended our operations here, and that no 
 exertion of mine has been or will be wanting 
 to press forward the campaign with all pos- 
 sible vigor. But I deem it indispensable to 
 take such amount of force and observe such 
 precautions as not to leave success a matter 
 of doubt. 
 
 In answer to the inquiry relative to the 
 route from Chihuahua to Guaymas, I have 
 the honor to submit a memorandum derived 
 
 from , an American gentleman residing 
 
 in this place, who has lived in Chihuahua, 
 and travelled over the routes. The distances 
 on the mule route are probably overrated, as 
 it is a direct route across the mountains. 
 The wagon road, by the city of Arispe, is 
 the only one practicable for artillery. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. Army, commanding. 
 To his Excellency the Hon. James K. Polk, 
 President of the United States, Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 [The "memorandum" referred to gives 
 tlie distances from point to point, by the 
 wao-on route and the mule route — the aggre- 
 gate by the former being 795 miles, and by 
 the latter 810.] 
 
 Headquarters .'Vrmy of Occupation, 
 Camargo, September 1, 1846. 
 
 Sir : Before marching for the interior, I 
 beg leave to place on record some remarks 
 touching an important branch of the public 
 service, the proper administration of which 
 is indispensable to the efficiency of a cam- 
 paign. I refer to the Quartermaster's De- 
 partment. There is at this moment, when 
 the army is about to take up a long line of 
 march, a great deficiency of proper means 
 of transport, and of many important sup- 
 plies. 
 
 On the 26th .\pril, when first apprizing 
 vou of the increased force called out by me, 
 i wrote that 1 trusted the War Department 
 
(53) 
 
 would " give the necessary orders to the 
 staff department, for the supply of this large 
 additional force ;" and when first advised of 
 the heavy force of twelve-months' volunteers 
 ordeied hither, I could not doubt that such 
 masses of troops would be accompanied, or 
 preferably preceded by ample means of 
 transportation, and all other supplies neces- 
 sary to render them efficient. Uut such has 
 nut been the case. Suitable steamboats for 
 the Rio Grande, were not procured without 
 repeated efforts directed from this quarter, 
 and many weeks elapsed before a lodgement 
 could be made at this place, the river being 
 perfectly navigable. 
 
 After infinite delays and embarrassments, 
 I have succeeded in bringing forward a por- 
 tion of the army to this point, and now the 
 steamers procured in Pittsburg are just ar- 
 riving. I hazard nothing in saying, that if 
 proper foresight and energy had been dis- 
 played in sending out suitable steamers to 
 navigate the Rio Grande, our army would 
 long since have been in possession of 
 Monterey. 
 
 Again, as to land transport. At this mo- 
 ment our wagon train is considerably less 
 than when we left Corpus Chrisli, our force 
 being increased Jivv-fold. Had we depend- 
 ed upon means from without, the army 
 would not have been able to move from this 
 place. But fortunately the means of land 
 transport existed to some extent in the 
 country, in the shape of pack mules, and we 
 have Ibrmed a train which will enable a 
 small army to advance perhaps to Monterey. 
 1 wish it distinctly understood that our abil- 
 ity to move, is due wholly to means created 
 here, and which could not have been reckon- 
 ed upon with safety in Washington. 
 
 I have adverted to the grand points of 
 water and land transportation. Of the want 
 of minor supplies, the army has suffered 
 more than enough. The crying deficiency 
 of camp equipage has been partially relieved 
 by the issue of cotton tents, of inditterent 
 quality. Our cavalry has been paralyzed 
 by the want of horse shoes, horse shoe nails, 
 and even common blacksmith's tools, while 
 many smaller deficiencies are daily brought 
 to my notice. 
 
 I respectfully request that the above state- 
 ment, wiiich I make in justice to myself and 
 the service, may be laid before the general- 
 in-chief and Secretary of War. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Major Gen. U. S. A. coradg. 
 The Adjutant Genebal of the army, 
 Wasliington, D. C. 
 
 Following the forgoing portion of the cor- 
 respondence between General Taylor and 
 the War Department which we have 
 already published, comes the subjoined des- 
 patch, which was intercepted by the enemy : 
 
 " War Department, 
 Washington, September 2, 1846. 
 
 "Sin: It is intended to make a descent on the 
 Gulf coast of Mexico as soon as the season shall 
 have so far advanced as to render it safe in 
 regard to the health of our troops. 
 
 " Our attention is turned to Tampico as one of 
 the places for the attack. It may be important to 
 take that place, and hold possession of it and the 
 surrounding countrj-, with reference to your line 
 of operations. Though our information is not so 
 full and accurate as we desire in relation to the 
 interior of the country in the vicinity of Tampico, 
 yet it is such as induces us to believe that this 
 will be an important position to be occupied, to 
 facilitate the future prosecution of the war. The 
 possession of the northern provinces of Mexico as 
 far south as San Luis de Potosi, is undoubtedly an 
 important object with reference to bringing the 
 war to a successful termination. The ditficulties 
 you will encounter in pushing your forces thus 
 far, can be much better appreciated by yourself 
 than any other. San Luis de Potosi is staled lo be 
 from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and 
 eighty miles from Tampico; and if there be a 
 good road between these two places — as some 
 allege to be the case, while it is questioned by 
 others — it will he highly advantageous to have 
 possession of Tampico, and to penetrate the 
 country from that point in the direction of San 
 Lusi de Potosi with a considerable force. This 
 matter is under conrideration, and will receive 
 the attention it deserves. It is important, in 
 respect to the plan of operations to be adopted for 
 a movement on this point, that you should furnish 
 the Government here, at the earliest period, with 
 your opinion of the progress you will be able to 
 make on your present line of operations. When 
 you shall have arrived at Monterey, you will be 
 enabled lo determine as to the practicability of 
 your furiher progress. It is imporlant that we 
 should know whether you can reach San Luis de 
 Pol(Jsi, and your opinion on this point is particu- 
 larly desired. The Adminislralion is, to some 
 extent, aware of the obstacles you will have lo 
 encounter, of the difficulties of sustaining so long 
 a line of communication, and of the uncertainly 
 as to the force which will oppose you; but your 
 better information on these several points will 
 enable you to form much more accurate opin- 
 ions. 
 
 "Your views also as to the effect of taking posses- 
 sion of Tampico, of penetrating the enemy's 
 country from that point, of the amount and 
 kind of force to be assigned to that service, are 
 desired. 
 
 "It is not intended to weaken the force of your 
 advancing column by any movements on the 
 coast. It is supposed that fifteen hundred or two 
 thousand men will be a sutficient number of 
 troops to take and hold possession of Tampico. 
 At least half of this force ought to be of the 
 regular army. These, it is presumed, can be ob- 
 tained without withdrawing any of that descrip- 
 tion of force now with you. 
 
 "The amount of the volunteer force required 
 for this purpose can be taken from the Kio 
 
(54) 
 
 Grande, it is presumed, without too much weak- 
 eDing that line. 
 
 " As you are in a situation to obtain more full 
 and accurate information in relation to all the 
 matters touched on in this communication, it is 
 desirable — indeed quite important — that the Ad- 
 ministration should have your views upon them. 
 It is unnecessary to assure you that they will 
 have an important inliuence upon its determina- 
 tions. ■' I am, with great respect, 
 
 your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. MARCY, 
 Secretary of War, 
 
 HEAri<n;AnTF.ns OF the Army, ) 
 West Point, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1846. \ 
 
 Sin: — In the letter I had the honor to address 
 to you the 27th of May last, I requested that I 
 might be sent to take the immediate command of 
 the principal army against Mexico — either " to- 
 day, or at any better time he (the President) may 
 be pleased to designate." 
 
 The horse regiments (twelve months' volun- 
 teers) destined for that army, being, I suppose, 
 now within fifteen or twenty marches of the Rio 
 Grande, and the season for consecutive operations 
 at hand, I respectfully ask to remind the President 
 of that standing request. I do this without any 
 hesitation in respect to Major General Taylor, 
 having reason to believe that my presence at the 
 head of the principal army in the field, in ac- 
 cordance with my rank, is neither une.xpected nor 
 undesired by that gallant and distinguished com- 
 mander. 
 
 A slight return of chills and fevers may detain 
 me here with my family long enough to receive 
 your reply to this note. Should the President 
 yield to my wishes, a few hours in New Yoik and 
 Philadelphia would enable me to make certain 
 arrangements, and save the necessity of a return 
 to those cities from Washington, I suppose it 
 would be easy for me to reach the Rio Grande by 
 the end of this month. 
 
 With high respect, I have the honor to be, sir, 
 your most obedient servant, 
 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 Hon. W. L. Mahcy, Secretary of War. 
 
 War Departmext. 
 Washington, Sept. U, 18-16. 
 
 Sin: — I have received your letter of the I2th 
 instant, and submitted it to the President. He re- 
 quests me to inform you that it is not within the 
 arrangements for conducting the campaign in 
 Mexico, to supersede Gen. Taylor in his present 
 command by assigning you to it. 
 
 I am, with great respect, your obedient ser- 
 vant, W. L. MARCY. 
 Major Gen. W. Scott. 
 
 The next despatch is dated on the 22d Septem- 
 ber, and is also from the Secretary of War. It 
 informs General Taylor that the Mexican authori- 
 ties had declined the proposal of this Government 
 to negotiate, and referred the question to their 
 Congress, which would assemble in December. 
 This determination of Mexico, the Secretary says, 
 " has an important bearing on our military move- 
 ments, and suggests the propriety of a change of 
 policy in regard to our dealings with the people 
 of the country occupied by our troops;" and he 
 then instructs Gen. Taylor as follows : 
 
 " Upon the liberal principles of civilized war- 
 fare, either of three modes may be pursued in re. 
 lation to obtaining supplies from the enemy : first, 
 to purchase them on such terms as the inhabitants 
 of the country may choose to exact ; second, to pay 
 a fair price without regard to the enhanced value 
 resulting from the presence of a foreign army; 
 and, third, to require them as contributions with- 
 out paying or engaging to pay therefor. 
 
 "The last models the ordinary one, and you 
 are instructed to adopt it, if in that way you are 
 satisfied you can set abundant supplies for your 
 forces; but should you apprehend a difficulty in 
 this respect, then you will adopt the policy of 
 paying the ordinary price, without alknving to the 
 owners the advantages of the enhancement of the 
 price resulting from the increased demand. Should 
 you apprehend a deficiency under this last mode 
 of dealing with the inhabitants, you will be 
 obliged to submit to their exactions, provided by 
 this mode you can supply your wants on belter 
 terms than by drawing what you may need from 
 the united States." 
 
 The Secretary then recurs to the contemplated 
 movement on Tampico, as follows: 
 
 " It is proposed to take possession of the De- 
 partment of Tamaulipas, or some of the principal 
 places in it, at the earliest practicable period. la 
 this enterprise it is believed that a co-operation of 
 our squadron in the Gulf will be important if not 
 necessary. It is presumed that a force of about 
 three or four thousand men will be sufficient for 
 this purpose — one-third of which should be of the 
 regular army. 
 
 "We have not now sufficiently accurate 
 knowledge of the country to determine definitively 
 as to the manner of conducting this enterprise." 
 
 Next follows a letter from the Secretary of War, 
 giving instructions to Gen. Patterson, from which 
 we make the following extracts : 
 
 "With this you will receive a copy of a des- 
 patch forwarded to Major General Taylor. In that 
 despatch you will find the views of the Govern- 
 ment in relation to an expedition to be fitted out 
 to take possession of the southern part of the de- 
 partment or State of Tamaulipas. Unless Gen. 
 Taylor has made arrangements to employ you 
 otherwise, it is designed that this expedition shall 
 be under your immediate command. We have 
 not the requisite information to enable us to de- 
 termine whether it shall be conducted by land or 
 by water, or in part by each. It is very impor- 
 tant that the Department here should be put in 
 possession of all the information which can be 
 collected on the subject at the earliest period. 
 You are therefore directed to forward to this De- 
 partment, with the least possible delay, all the 
 facts you can collect on this subject. 
 
 " The Rio Grande is regarded the base of 
 operations, and that must be firmly maintained. 
 It is left to General Taylor to determine what 
 force is necessary for that purpose. But the 
 movement of the expedition is not — as you will 
 learn from my letter to Gen. Taylor — to be delay- 
 ed for further direction from this place as to the 
 mode of advancing into the enemy's country. 
 As soon as you shall learn from General Taylor 
 that a sufficient force for the enterprise can be 
 spared, and receive his directions in regard to it, 
 you will lose no time in putting them in execu- 
 tion. If General Taylor should not give directions 
 as to moving by land or water, the choice will 
 then be left for your determination. As soon as 
 
(55) 
 
 you have settled this point, you will at once make | comply at present with the instructions of 
 known to the officers of the several branches of ; t|,g Secretary. I cannot doubt that on re- 
 the public service, now on the Kio Urande, what , • • »i • . n- <- ^i . c 
 
 may be required. They will be instructed to I «;'^-'ng "^'^ mtelhgence ol the capture of 
 comply with your requisitions as expeditiously as j Monterey, moditied instructions were issued 
 practicable. Measures will be adopted, by direc- by tlie department. 
 
 tion from this Department, to have them prepared j I siiall, with as little delay as possible, 
 to answer the requisitions you may make on | reply at length to the Secretary's communi- 
 cation, and present my views in extenso on 
 all topics connected with tlie campaign. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. army, commanding. 
 The Adjutant General of the army, Wash- 
 ington, D. C. 
 
 them.' 
 
 On the 25th of September, Gen. Taylor 
 wrote to the Department from Monterey, 
 announcing the capitulation of that place, 
 and enclosing all the documents in relation 
 thereto. These papers have Iicretofore been 
 published, but we copy the material part of 
 Gen. Taylor's letter covering them : 
 
 " It will be seen that the terms granted 
 the Mexican garrison are less rigorous than 
 those first imposed. The gallant defence 
 of the town, and the fact of a recent change 
 of Government in Mexico, believed to be 
 favorable to the interests of peace, induced 
 me to concur with the commission in these 
 terms, which will, I trust, receive the ap- 
 proval of the Government. The latter con- 
 sideration also prompted the convention for 
 a temporary cessation of hostilities. Though 
 scarcely warranted by my instructions, yet 
 the change of affairs since those instructions 
 were issued seemed to warrant this course. 
 I beg to be advised, as early as practicable, 
 whether I have met the views of the Go- 
 vernment in these particulars." 
 
 War Depaiitvent, 
 Washington, October 1, 1846. 
 Sin : I have the honor to enclose herewith for 
 your information, a copy of an application of the 
 Quartermaster General, for orders to proceed to 
 New Orleans to direct in person the operations 
 of his department in the southwest, and a copy 
 of the communication which has this day been 
 addressed to him, complying with his request 
 upon that subject. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. MAKCV, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 Major General Z. Tatlor, United Stales army, 
 CamarfTo, Mexico. 
 
 IIeadqi'arters Army of Occipation, 
 
 Camp near Monterey, Oil. 13, 1810. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge 
 the communication of the Secretary of War, 
 with enclosures, dated the 22d ultimo : also 
 one from your office of September 21st, re- 
 lative to the resignations of volunteer otficers, 
 and "General Orders" No. 41, all of which 
 were delivered by Lieut Armistead on the 
 10th instant. 
 
 It will be seen at once, that under the 
 terms of the capitulation of Monterey, I can- 
 not detach a force south of a line from Li- 
 niiros to San Fernando, and cannot, there- 
 fore, even were there no other obstacles, 
 
 On the 15th of October, in further re- 
 sponse to the same communication, Gen. 
 Taylor writes as follows : 
 
 "Headquarters Army of Occupation, 
 Camp near jMonterey, Oct. 1.5, 1840. 
 
 " Sir : In my acknowledgement, dated the 
 12th instant, of the instructions of the Sec- 
 retary of AVar, of September 22d, I brieflv 
 stated that the detachment to Tampico could 
 not be made without contravening the con- 
 vention of INIontcrcy. Other reasons and 
 more detailed views on this point and the 
 general question of the campaign I left to a 
 subsequent communication, which I have 
 now the lionor to submit for the information 
 of the General-in-cliief and Secretary of War. 
 Such a point lias been reached in the conduct 
 of the war and the progress of our arras as 
 to make it proper to place my impressions 
 and convictions very fully before the Gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 " I wish to remark, first of all, that I have 
 considered Brigadier General Wool, though 
 formally under my orders, yet as charged by 
 the Governinciit with a distinct opera'ion, 
 with wliich I was not at liberty to interfere. 
 Though greatly in doubt as to the practica- 
 bility of his reaching Chihuahua with artil- 
 lery, and deeming the importance of the ope- 
 ration at any rate to be not at all commen- 
 surate with its dilliculty and expense, I have 
 accordingly refrained from controlling his 
 movements in any way. His force, there- 
 fore, forms no element in my calculations, 
 particularly as it is now, or soon will be, 
 entirely beyond my reach. 
 
 " The Mexican army under General Am- 
 pudia has left Saltillo, and fallen back on 
 San Luis Potosi — the last detatchment, as 
 I understand, being under orders to march 
 to-day. General Santa Anna reached San 
 Luis on the 8ili instant, and is engaged in 
 concentrating and organizing the army at 
 that point. Whether the withdrawal of the 
 forces to San Luis be intended to draw us 
 into the country far from supplies and sup- 
 port, or whether it be a political movement, 
 
(56) 
 
 connected with Santa Anna's return to power, 
 il is impossible to say ; it is sufficient for ray 
 present argument to know tliat a heavy force 
 is assembling in our front. SaltiUo, the 
 capital of Coahuila, is virtually in our pos- 
 session, and can be occupied, if necessary, 
 the moment the convention is at an end. 
 The occupation of SaltiUo will lengthen our 
 line 75 miles, but, on the other hand, may 
 enable us to draw at least a portion of our 
 breadstutis from the country. San Luis is 
 about 300 miles from SaltiUo, perhaps more. 
 "San Luis is a city of some 60,000 in- 
 lialiitants, in a country abundant in resources, 
 and at no great distance from the heart of 
 the Republic, whence munitions of war and 
 reinforcements can readily be drawn. It is 
 at the same time nearly 600 miles from the 
 Rio Grande, which must continue to be the 
 base of our operation, at least until we reach 
 San Luis. 
 
 "In view of the above facts, I hazard 
 nothing in saying that a column to move on 
 San Luis from SaltiUo, should, to ensure 
 success, be at least 20,000 strong, of which 
 10,000 should be regular troops. After much 
 
 official returns, I am satisfied that 500 men 
 per regiment would be a large average of 
 effectives among the volunteers. This would 
 give, including the cavalry, a force a little 
 short of 9,000 men, or, adding 4,000 regu- 
 lars, (our present strength is not 3.000,) a 
 total force of 13,000. Leaving the very 
 moderate number of 3,000 to secure our rear, 
 I should not be able to march from SaltiUo, 
 with present and expected means, at the 
 head of more than 10,000 men— a number 
 which, from considerations above stated, I 
 deem to be entirely inadequate. 
 
 " And I now come to the point presented 
 in the Secretary's letters. A simultaneous 
 movement on San Luis and Tampico is tiiere 
 suggested; but it will readily be seen that, 
 with only half the force which I consider 
 necessary to march on one point, it is quite 
 impossible to march on both, and that nothing 
 short of an effective force of 25,000 to 30,000 
 men would, on military principles, justify 
 the double movement. And it is to be re- 
 marked that the possession of Tampico is 
 indispensable in case we advance to San 
 Luis, for the line hence to the latter place is 
 
 reflection, I consider the above as tlie small- entirely too long to be maintained perma 
 est number of effective troops that could be nently, and must be abandoned for the short- 
 employed on this service without incurring er one from Tampico, the moment San Luis 
 the hazard of disaster and perhaps defeat, is taken. 
 
 There would be required, besides, to keep " I have spoken only of the number of 
 open our long line, protect the depots, and troops deemed necessary for the prosecution 
 secure the country already gained, a force ' of the campaign beyond SaltiUo. It wiU be 
 of 5,000 men — this, without including the understood that largely increased means and 
 force necessary to send to Tampico to take material of every kind will be equally ne- 
 or hold that place. I cessary to render the army efficient, such as 
 
 " The above estimate may seem large eavalry and artillery horses, means of trans- 
 
 ivhen it is remembered that im'portant results 
 have been gained with a much smaller force. 
 But we have hitherto operated near our own 
 base, and the Mexicans at a great distance 
 from theirs. SaltiUo may be considered 
 
 port, ordnance stores, &c. 
 
 " The Department may be assured that 
 the above views have not been given without 
 mature reflection, and have been tlie result 
 of experience and careful inquiry. It will be 
 
 about equidistant from the Rio Grande and for the Government to determine whether 
 San Luis. Every day's march beyond it j the war shall be prosecuted by directing an 
 
 lengthens our already long line and curtails 
 theirs — weakens us, and gives them strength. 
 Hence the movement should not be under- 
 taken except with a force so large as to ren- 
 der success certain. 
 
 " In the above calculation I have supposed 
 the Mexicans able to concentrate at San Luis 
 a force of 40,000 to 50,000 men. With 
 tolerable stability in die Government, I 
 doubt not their ability to do this, and it is 
 not safe to assume any less number as a 
 basis. 
 
 " The force of twelve-months' volunteers 
 has sufl"ered greatly from disease. Many 
 have died, and a great number have been 
 discharged for disability. So much has their 
 effective strength been reduced by this cause 
 and present sickness that, in the absence of 
 
 active campaign against San Luis and the 
 capital, or whetlier the country already gained 
 shall be held, and a defensive altitude as- 
 sumed. In tlie latter case, the general line 
 of the Sierra Madre might very weU be taken ; 
 but even then, with the enein_y in force in my 
 front, it might be imprudent to detatch to 
 Tampico so large a force as 3,000 or 4,000 
 men, particularly of the description required 
 for that operation. If the co-operation of 
 the army, therefore, be deemed essential to 
 the success of the expedition against Tampi- 
 co, I trust that it will be postponed for the 
 present. 
 
 " I have not been unmindful of the impor- 
 tance of taking Tampico, and have at least 
 once addressed the Department on the sub- 
 ject. Nothing but the known exposure of 
 
(57; 
 
 the place to the ravages of the yellow fever 
 prevented me from organizing an expedition 
 against it last summer. I knew that, if taken, 
 it could not willi any certainty be held, and 
 that tlie cause would not be removed before 
 the last of November or the first of De- 
 cember. 
 
 '• It may bo expected that 1 siiould give 
 my views as to the policy of occupying a 
 defensive line to wiiich I have above alluded. 
 I am free to confess that, in view of the 
 difficulties and expense attending a move- 
 ment into the heart of the country, and par- 
 ticularly in view of the unsetded and revo- 
 lutionary character of the Mexican Govern- 
 ment, the occupation of such a line seems to 
 me the best course tliat can be adopted. The 
 line taken might either be that on which we 
 propose to iusist as the boundary between 
 the Republics — say the Rio Grande — or the 
 line to which we have advanced, viz. the 
 Sierra .Madrc, including Chihuahua and Santa 
 Fe. The former line could be held with a 
 much smaller force than the latter; but even 
 the line of the Sierra Madre could be held 
 with a force greatly less than would be re- 
 quired for an active campaign. Monterey 
 controls the great outlet from tiic interior ; a 
 strong garrison at this point, with an advance 
 at Saltillo, and small corps at Monclava, 
 Linares, Victoria, and Tampico, would ctlcc- 
 tually cover the line. 
 
 " I have limited my remarks to the posi- 
 tion of the arjny on this frontier, and the re- 
 quirements of a campaign against San Luis 
 Potosi ; the suggestions in the Secretary's 
 letter being confined to this general theatre 
 of operations. Should tlie Government de- 
 termine to strike a decisive blow at Mexico, 
 it is my opinion that the force should land 
 near Vera Uruz or Alvarado, and, aflcr es- 
 tablishing a secure dejiot, march thence on 
 the capital. The amount of troops required 
 for this service would not fall short, in my 
 judgment, of 25,000 men, of which at least 
 10,000 should be regular troops. 
 
 " In conclusion, 1 feel it my duty to make 
 some rem;\rks, which I would gladly have 
 been spared the necessity of submitting. I 
 feel it due to my posidon, and to the service 
 to record my protest against the manner in 
 which the Department has bought to make 
 an important detachment from my command, 
 specifically indicating not only the general 
 olficers, but to a considerable extent the 
 troops that were to compose it. While I 
 remain in command of the army against 
 Mexico, and am therefore justly held respon- 
 sible by the tiovernment and the country for 
 the conduct of its operations, I must claim 
 ilie right of organizing all detachments from 
 it, and regulating the time and manner of 
 
 their service. Above all do I consider it 
 important tliat the Department of War should 
 refrain from corresponding direcdy with my 
 subordinates, and communicating orders and 
 instructions on points which, by all military 
 precept and practice, pertain exclusively to 
 the general-in-chief command. Confusion 
 and disaster alone can result from such a 
 course. The reason alleged, viz. the loss 
 of lime in communicating with Gen. Patter- 
 son, has no application ; for the Secretary's 
 despatch came from that officer to my head- 
 quarters in sixty hours, and he could not 
 move, at any rate, without drawing largely 
 upon this column for artillery and regular 
 troops. 
 
 " I beg it may be understood that my re- 
 marks have no personal application. It is 
 quite probable that, in the event of making 
 such a detachment, I would have placed it 
 under Major General Patterson ; but I con- 
 ceive that this mode of regulating details, and 
 ordering detachments direct from the De- 
 partment of War, is a violation of the integ- 
 rity of the chief command in the field, preg- 
 nant with the worst evils, and against which 
 I deem it my duty respectfully but earnestly 
 to protest. 
 
 "I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Major Gen. U. S. A. Comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 On the 22tl of October, the Secretary of War 
 addressed a long communication to General Tay- 
 lor, the material part of which we copy. The 
 Secretary says : 
 
 " It is apprehended here that the recent change 
 in the pohtical affairs of Mexico will have an im- 
 portant bearing upon our military movements, and 
 may render it necessary to modify, in some re- 
 spects, the plans of operation. 
 
 "Santa Anna is at the head of the war party, 
 and appears to have entered with zeal upon his 
 duties as general-in-chief of the Mexican army. 
 It is not improbable that he may succeed in col- 
 lecting and keeping together a considerable force ; 
 but the promise of change in the form of Govern- 
 ment is probably a more important consideration 
 in regard to the prosecution of the war. The 
 northern departments of Me.icico were opposed to 
 the central and in favor of the federal system. 
 The former was forced upon them and maintained 
 hy military power. This undoubtedly produced 
 throughout these provinces considerable disaffec- 
 tion to the Central Government. 
 
 "The existence of this disaffection was net 
 overlooked either by yourself or the Government 
 here in the plan of the campaign designed to be 
 principally confined to these provinces, and it was 
 presumed that it would materially affect the extent 
 to which our operations in them could be safely 
 carried. 
 
 " The views presented in your communications 
 of the 2d of July, and 1st of August appeared to 
 be sound, and were fully concurred in by tiis 
 
(58) 
 
 Government.- According to these views, the ex- 
 tent to which you couIJ penetrate the enemy's 
 country in the direction of Monterey would depend 
 mainly upon the facility of obtaining supplies and 
 of keeping open the line of communication with 
 the Rio Grande. In both these respects, it was 
 forseen that much would depend upon the dispo- 
 sition and feelings of the Mexican people. Though 
 there was, when you wrote your letter of the 1st 
 of August, as you state, good reason to believe 
 that the country lying between the Rio Grande 
 and the Sierra Madre was disposed to throw off 
 the yoke of the Central Government, and there 
 was then a hope that it would do so when there 
 should be a strong American force between it and 
 the city of Mexico, the aspect of things in this 
 particular appears to have since changed. The 
 new rulers of Mexico have declared in favor of 
 the federal system, and. thus gratified the wishes 
 cf the northern provinces. It is, I apprehend, no 
 longer reasonable to expect from them even neu- 
 trality, and our measures must be taken on the 
 assumption that they will co-operate with the 
 enemy in carrying on the war, and do all they can 
 to impede our movements. 
 
 "In your communication of the 1 st of August, you 
 state that ' whether a large force can be subsisted 
 beyond Monterey must be determined by actual 
 experience, and will depend much upon the dis- 
 position of the inhabitants towards us.' We are 
 led to believe, from all the information we have 
 received„that the inhabitants are not only hostile, 
 but will be active in obstructing our march into 
 the interior; and that it will not be safe to pro- 
 ceed beyond Monterey, with a view of taking and 
 holding a permanent position. The risk of ex- 
 tending your line beyond that point, or such posi- 
 tions as you may occupy for its defence and se- 
 curity, would probably counterbalance the advan- 
 tages of proceeding further into the interior, unless 
 you have an adequate force, and could command 
 ample means to reach San Luis Potosi with a 
 view to its secure occupation. It is believed you 
 are not in a condition to do this, if the disposition 
 of the Mexican people is such as has been indi- 
 cated. Indeed, serious doubts are entertained 
 here whether you ought to extend your line be- 
 yond the place you have reached and its neces- 
 sary dependencies. Should you concur in this 
 view, as it is presumed you will from the tenor 
 of your despatches, you will then turn your atten- 
 tion to securing your position at Monterey, keep- 
 ing open your line of communication with the Rio i 
 Grande. I refer you to what was said on this , 
 
 This, however, is left altogether to y^;ur own 
 
 judgment. 
 
 *^ * * ** » « 
 
 The Secretary then enjoins the utmost caution 
 and secrecy in the organization of the expedition 
 against Vera Cruz, and advises the encourage- 
 ment of the belief, at the time prevalent, that it 
 was to be directed against Tampico. This des- 
 patch concluiles as follows : 
 
 " .■is it was suggested in former communications 
 that Major General Patterson should he placed 
 in command of the expedition against TamaulipaS; 
 it is deemed proper that he should still occupy 
 that position in the expedition fitted out against 
 Vera Cruz. I have no further suggestions to 
 make as to a Brigadier General to command of 
 volunteers. In regard to the commanding officer 
 of the regular force, it would meet the views of 
 the Government if you should select Brevet Brig- 
 adier General Worth. In that event you are di- 
 rected by the President to assign him to that 
 command by virtue of his brevet rank. 
 
 "It IS proposed that Col. Totten, the chief engi- 
 neer, Major Baker, of the ordnance corps, and 
 some officer of rank and experience of the topo- 
 graphical corps, shall accompany the expedition, 
 with others of inferior rank in these respective 
 branches of the public service. Such of these 
 officers as are not now with the army will be or- 
 dered to proceed to the Rio Grande, and report to 
 the commander of the expedition." 
 
 Headquarters Army of Occupation, 
 Camp near Monterey, Oct 26, 1846. 
 Sir: In reply to so much of the commu- 
 nication of the Secretary of War, dated 
 September 22d, as relates to tlie mode of 
 supplying the army, 1 beg leave to submit 
 the following remarks : 
 
 It would have been impossible hitherto, 
 and is so now, to sustain the army to any 
 extent by forced contributions of money or 
 supplies. The country between the Rio 
 Grande and Sierra Madre is poor, furnishing 
 only corn and beef. These articles we ob- 
 tain at moderate rates; but if a different 
 system had been adopted, it is certain that 
 they would not have been procured at all in 
 sufficient quantities. The prompt payment 
 subject in my letter of the 13ih instant. It is not | in cash for the few articles of supply we 
 intended by what is here said that you should be ! have drawn from the country has neutralized 
 restrained from making excursions beyond Mon- | ^^ygh of the unfriendly feeling with which 
 terey and the department of New Leon, if you j regarded, and has contributed 
 should see occasion to do so. I he enemy should " e -,-. . <• ■ri,„ 
 
 be impressed with the belief that you intend to ' greatly to facditale our operation*. fhe 
 move forward, to the end that they may not with- people have it in their power, at any time, 
 draw their forces and employ them on other points, j to destroy their crops, and would undoubt- 
 Should the force assembled to resist you be with- j gj|y jg g^^ rather tlian see them taken forci- 
 drawn, or ascertained not to be in sufficient nuin- , |^[ ^jj ^^ which they would have no in- 
 ber to oppose serious obstacles to your turther | j • ^_ _^ „i„.,t ;„ 'ri,„ ,^,.;„o= itiot 
 
 n discretion, diicements to plant again. The prices that 
 
 oppo 
 
 advance, you will exercise your ow.. , .- - i i i • 
 
 under all the circumstances, in regard to any for- have been paid arc reasonable, being in aU 
 ward movement ; but it is not thought here that most all cases the prices of the country, 
 this can be done with a view to take a permanent j Should the army, in its future operations, 
 
 _ on of the country which may 
 
 be made' to supply the troops with advan- 
 ta^e, I shall not fail to conform to the wishes 
 
 position much beyond that you now occupy, un- ^g^^-jj ^ porti 
 less you should deem it proper, for your own se- j^^ n-,.,,lp tn 
 curity at Monterey, to advance so far as to occupy 
 the difficult passes between that city and Saltillo. 
 
(59) 
 
 and instructions of the department in this 
 
 particular. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. Gen. TJ. S. army, commanding. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the army. Wash- 
 ton, D. C. 
 
 In a letter dated on the 8th of November, 
 Gen. Taylor thus replied to the Secretary's 
 last recited despatch to him : 
 
 " Headquarters Army of Occipatiox, 
 " Camp near Monterey, Nov. 8, 1846. 
 
 " Sir : In reply to so much of the com- 
 munication of the Secretary of War, dated 
 October 13, as relates to the reasons which 
 induced the convention resulting in the 
 capitulation of Monterey, I have the honor 
 to submit the following remarks : 
 
 " The convention presents two distinct 
 points. Firsl, the permission granted the 
 Mexican army to retire with their arms, &c. 
 
 and even our own people, had we pressed 
 
 the attack. 
 
 " In regard to the temporary cessation of 
 hostilities, the fact that we are not at this 
 moment, within eleven days of the termina- 
 tion of the period tixed by the convention, 
 prepared to move forward in force, is a suf- 
 ticient explanation of the militarj' reasons 
 which dictated (his suspension of arms. It 
 paralyzed the enemy during a period when, 
 from the want of necessary means, we could 
 not possibly move. I desire distinctly to 
 state, and to call the attention of the author- 
 ities to the fact, that, with all diligence in 
 breaking mules and setting up wagons, the 
 first wagons in addition to our original train 
 from Corpus Christi, (and but one hundred 
 and twenty-five in number,) reached my 
 headquarters on the same day with the 
 Secretary's communication of October 13, 
 viz. the 2d instant. At the date of the sur- 
 render of Monterey, our force had not more 
 
 Secondly, the temporary cessation of hostili- ! ",?" ^*'" ''^>'"' '"''''''"'' =*"'• '''"'" "°'^' ''''^^ 
 
 ties for the term of eight weeks. I shall re- 
 mark on these in order. 
 
 "The force with which I marched on 
 Monterey was limited by causes beyond my 
 control to about 6,000 men. With this 
 force, as every military man must admit, 
 who has seen the ground, it was entirely 
 impossible to invest Monterey so closely as 
 to prevent the escape of the garrison. Al- 
 tliough the main communication with the 
 interior was in our possession, yet one route 
 was open to the Mexicans throughout the 
 operations, and could not be closed, as were 
 also other minor tracks and passes through 
 the mountains. Had we, therefore, insisted 
 on more rigorous terms than tiiose granted, 
 the result would have been the escape of 
 the body of the Mexican force, with the de- 
 struction of its artillery and magazines, our 
 only advantage being the capture of a few 
 prisoners of war, at the expense of valuable 
 lives and much damage to the city. The 
 consideration of humanity was present to my 
 mind during tlie conference which led to the 
 convention, and outweighed in my judgment 
 the doubtful advantages to be gained by a re- 
 sumption of the attack upon the town. This 
 conclusion has been fully confirmed by an 
 inspection of the enemy's position and 
 means since the surrender. It was dis- 
 covered that his principal magazine, contain- 
 ing an immense amount of powder, was in 
 tlie cathedral, completely exposed to our 
 shells from two directions. Tiie explosion 
 of this mass of powder, which must have 
 ultimately resulted from a continuance of 
 the bombardment, would have Iieen infinitely 
 disastrous, involving the destruction not only 
 of Mexican troops, but of non-combatants, 
 
 all our endeavors, we have not more than 
 twenty-five. The task of fiohtinc. and 
 
 BEATING the ENEMY IS AMONO THE LEAST 
 DIFFICULT THAT WE ENCOUNTER the great 
 
 question of supplies necessarily controls all 
 the operations in a country like this. At 
 the date of the convention, I could not of 
 course have foreseen that the Department 
 would direct an important detachment from 
 my command without consulting me, or 
 without waiting the result of the main oper- 
 ation under my orders. 
 
 "I have touched the prominent military 
 points involved in the convention of Monte- 
 rey. There were other considerations 
 which weighed with the coinmissioners in 
 framing and with myself in approving the 
 articles of the convention. In the confer- 
 ence with General Ampudia, I was distincUy 
 told by him that he had invited it to spare 
 the further effusion of blood, and because 
 Gen. Santa Ainia had declared himself 
 favorable to peace. I know that our Go- 
 vernment had made propositions to that of 
 Mexico to negotiate, and I deemed that the 
 change of Government in that country since 
 my last instructions, fully warranted me in 
 entertaining considerations of policy. My 
 grand motive in moving forward with very 
 limited supplies had been to increase the in- 
 ducements of the Mexican Government to 
 negotiate for peace. Whatever may be the 
 actual views or disposition of the Mexican 
 rulers or of Gen. Santa Anna, it is not un- 
 known to the Government that I had the 
 very best reason for believing the statement 
 0f Gen. Ampudia to be true. It was my 
 opinion at the time of the convention, and it 
 has not been changed, that the liberal treat- 
 
(60) 
 
 ment of the Mexican army and the suspen- 
 sion of arms wouUl exert none but a favora- 
 ble influence in our behalf. 
 
 " The result of the entire operation has 
 been to throw the Mexican army back more 
 than three hundred miles to the city of San 
 Luis Potosi, and to open the country to us 
 as far as we choose to penetrate it up to the 
 same point. 
 
 " It has been my purpose in this commu- 
 nication not so much to defend the conven- 
 tion I'rom the censure which I deeply regret 
 to find implied in the Secretary's letter, as 
 to show tiiat it was not adopted without 
 cogent reasons, most of which occur of 
 themselves to the minds of all who are ac- 
 quainted with the condition of things here. 
 To that end I beg that it may be laid before 
 the General-in-Chief and Secretary of War. 
 
 " I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedi- 
 ent servant, " Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 "Maj. Gen. U. S. A., comdg." 
 
 In reference to the concluding sentence 
 of the foregoing letter, it is proper to remark 
 that the correspondence of General Taylor 
 is addressed to the " Adjutant General of the 
 Army," at headquarters, in Washington. 
 
 On the day after the date of the above let- 
 ter (that is, on the 9th of November,) Gen. 
 Taylor again wrote to the Department, 
 saying — 
 
 " I have formally notified the Mexican 
 general-in-chief that the temporary suspen- 
 sion of arms agreed upon in the convention 
 of Monterey will cease on the 13th instant, 
 the date at which the notice will probably 
 reach San Luis de Potosi. This notification 
 was sent by Major Graham, topographical 
 engineer, who left on the 6th instant. 
 
 " You will perceive from my 'orders' No. 
 139, what arrangements have been made for 
 the occupation of SaUillo at the earliest mo- 
 ment by our troops. Whether our opera- 
 tions are pushed forward towards San Luis 
 or not, the occupation of Sallillo is important 
 — politically, as the capital of Coahuila, and, 
 in a military view, as covering an important 
 region from which we may draw supplies. 
 
 " Brigadier General Wool, with a portion 
 of his force, arrived at Monclova on the 29tli 
 of October, and is now joined by the rear 
 division. He reports no practicable route 
 to Chihuahua, except the one by Parras, 
 which will bring him within a few leagues 
 of Saltillo. He inquires what is to be gain- 
 ed by going to Chihuahua ? And I am free 
 CO answer, nothing at all commensurate with 
 the excessive length of his line of operations. 
 Chihuahua, moreover, is virtually conquered, 
 and can be occupied at any moment, while 
 we hold Saltillo and Santa Fe. I shall in- 
 
 struct General Wool to remain at Monclova, 
 where there are supplies, until I can deter- 
 mine what disposition to make of his 
 column, which cannot be done until I 
 visit Saltillo. 
 
 " I have taken the first steps towards or- 
 ganizing the expedition on Tampicn, and 
 propose to accompany it, for the purpose at 
 least of commanding a covering force. 
 There will be some delay for the want of 
 means of land transport. 
 
 " The information received since my coni- 
 municaUon of October 15th, relative to the 
 route hence to San Luis, renders it more 
 than probable that from the want of perma- 
 nent water, it will be impossible to march a 
 large force from Saltillo to that city. I hope 
 to acquire certain information on this point 
 in a few days." 
 
 Gen. Taylor replied from his camp near 
 Monterey, on the 12th of November, as 
 follows : 
 
 " The communication of the Secretary of 
 War of October 22, with its enclosures, by 
 the hands of Major McLane, was received 
 this morning. You will have seen by my 
 orders and my despatch of the 9th, what 
 measures have been taken to conclude the 
 armistice and to occupy Saltillo. Being ad- 
 vised by special express from Matamoras 
 of Major McLane's approach, I had post- 
 poned my intended departure this day for 
 Saltillo, until his arrival. As I deem it still 
 important to occupy that posiUon, for rea- 
 sons to be explained below, I shall march 
 thither to-morrow, according to my first in- 
 tention. On my return — say by the 20th 
 instant — I shall probably be able to inform 
 the Department more fully on certain im- 
 portant points connected with our opera- 
 tions ; but I now avail myself of the return 
 of Major McLane to Washington, to state 
 briefly my views on some of the topics em- 
 braced in the Secretary's communication. 
 
 " Without active operations towards San 
 Luis Potosi from this quarter, I still deem 
 the occupation of Saltillo important for three 
 reasons : First, as a necessary outpost of 
 the main force at Monterey, covering as it 
 does the important defile which leads from 
 the low country to the table laud, and also 
 the route to Monclova ; secondly, as control- 
 ling a region from which we may expect 
 considerable supplies of breadstufls and cat- 
 tle, viz. the fertile country around Parras ; 
 and, thirdly, as the capital of Coahuila, 
 which renders it very important in a po- 
 litical point of view. 
 
 " I have already represented to the De- 
 partment the difficulties to be encountered 
 in a forward movement upon San Luis, and 
 
(61) 
 
 the amount of force which would be neces- 
 sary to ensure success. Those reasons 
 only apply to the country beyond Saltillo. 
 I consider the occupation of that point as a 
 necessary complement to our operations, 
 and to the policy of liolding a defensive line, 
 as tiie Sierra Madre, and trust the Depart- 
 ment will concur with me in this view. 
 
 " As already reported, Brigadier General 
 Wool is now at Monclova, having found no 
 practicable route to Ghiiiuahua, save the 
 well-known but very circuitous one by Par- 
 ras. I fully agree with the Department that 
 no commensurate benelit is likely to result 
 from tiie marcli on Chihuahua of General 
 Wool's column, and shall accordingly direct 
 him to suspend his movement in that direc- 
 tion. The occupation of Saltillo in force 
 renders it still less necessary that Chihua- 
 hua should be occupied. I cannot )'et de- 
 termine specifically what disposition to 
 make of Gen. Wool's column. Meanwhile 
 I have directed him to remain in his present 
 position until further orders. 
 
 " In regard to the expedition against Vera 
 Cruz, after a good deal of rellection upon 
 tlie subject, I feel bound to express my con- 
 viction that 4,000 men will be a force quite 
 too small for the purpose contemplated. In 
 my despatch of October 15th, 1 stated 35,000 
 troops, of which 10,000 to be regulars, as 
 the least force that should make a descent 
 in that quarter, with tlie view of marching 
 on the capital. I now consider that, simply 
 to invest and take Vera Cruz, and of course 
 hold the position, we should have 10,000 
 troops, of which 4,000, if possible, should 
 be regulars. It is quite probable that a 
 smaller force, even 4,000, might eflisct a 
 landing and carry the town; but could they 
 sustain themselves until the castle of San 
 Juan de Uloa should be reduced by famine? 
 The country lying between Vera Cruz and 
 the city of Mexico is populous, and at least 
 one portion (Puebla) understood to be very 
 loyal. Would not a force be brought against 
 us, before the castle could be reduced, suf- 
 ficiently strong to endanger our safety, cut 
 off as we should be from succor ? When 
 to these considerations we add the uncer- 
 tainty of weather during the winter season, 
 rendering our communications with the fleet 
 liable to interruption, I think it will be seen 
 that the force should be large enough not 
 only to land and invest the town, but also to 
 hold itself secure against any attack from 
 the interior, and for such purpose I consider 
 10,000 men quite as small a force as should 
 be ventured. 
 
 " A force of 10,000 men cannot be spared 
 from the occupation of the line of the Sierra 
 Madre ; 4,000 may be diverted from that ob- 
 
 ject; and if to these 6,000 fresh troops 
 from the United States were added at the 
 proper time, the expedition migiit be under- 
 taken with a promise of success. I propose, 
 therefore, to proceed with tlie preparation 
 for a movement on Tampico, and, after ac- 
 complishing ever)- tiling that is to be done in 
 that quarter, I will, if the Department ap- 
 prove, hold 4,000 men, of which perhaps 
 3,000 regulars, ready to embark at some 
 point on tlie coast, and effect a junction with 
 the additional force from the States. The 
 movement towards Tampico will not pro- 
 duce any delay if my views are adopted ; 
 and I consider it quite important to occupy 
 Victoria and the lower portion of Tamauli- 
 pas, after securing properly the line to be 
 held in this quarter. 
 
 " I conceive it all important, having in 
 view the Mexican character, that as little 
 should be left to accident as possible, and 
 that we should be careful, as far as human 
 foresight can provide, to avoid the smallest 
 liability to disaster. A descent upon a 
 hostile coast, notoriously dangerous, and in 
 an inclement season of the year, is an opera- 
 tion requiring the most careful preparations 
 and exact management, and possessing, un- 
 der the most favorable circumstances, more 
 or less elements of failure. It seems the 
 part of prudence, therefore, to take a suffi- 
 cient force to meet any contingency that 
 may arise. 
 
 " Being pressed for time I have given my 
 views briefly, and perhaps somewhat crudely, 
 on the most important points presented in 
 the despatch of the Secretary. There are 
 other topics which will probably claim my 
 attention, but which must be now passed 
 over. I would only suggest that in the 
 event of an expedition to Vera Cruz, the 
 heavy ordnance, engineers, stores, &c., 
 should be shipped direct from the North." 
 
 WaU DEPAnXMF.NT. 
 
 Washington, Nov. 23, 1S4G. 
 
 Sir: The Presiilent, several days since, com- 
 municated in person to you his orders to repair 
 to Mexico, to take command of the forces there 
 assembled, and particularly to organize and set on 
 foot an expedition to operate on the Gulf coast, if, 
 on arriving at the theatre of action, you shall 
 deem it to be practicable. It is not proposed to 
 control your operalions by definite and positive 
 instructions, but you are left to prosecute them as 
 your judgment, under a full view of all the cir- 
 cumstances shall dictate. The work is before 
 you, and the means provided, or to be provided 
 for accomplishing it, is committed lo you, in the 
 full confidence that you will use them to the best 
 advantage. 
 
 The objects which it is desirable to obtain have 
 been indicated, and it is hoped that you will have 
 the requisite force to accomplish them. 
 
 Of this you must be the judge when prepara- 
 
(62) 
 
 tions are made, and the time for action has 
 arrived. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. MARGY, 
 
 Secretary uf War. 
 Major Gen. WiuriELn Scott, com'ding the army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Headquarters Army of Occupation. 
 Camp near Monterey, Nov. 24, 1846. 
 
 Sir : I reported briefly from Saltillo, on 
 the ]6th inst., tlie occupation of that city by 
 our troops. A duplicate of tliat report is 
 transmitted herewith. I seize the first op- 
 portunity, after my return from tliat place, to 
 report more in detail the circumstances of 
 its occupation, and also to refer to the posi- 
 tion of Brig. Gen. Wool, and the orders 
 which I have given to that officer. 
 
 V/hile in route to Saltillo on the 4th inst., 
 I was met by a white flag, conveying a des- 
 patch from Gen. Santa Anna in reply to the 
 notice given him of the cessation of the ar- 
 mistice. Copies of these letters, and of my 
 final repl)-, arc forwarded by this mail. 
 
 On approaching the city of Saltillo, a 
 messenger placed in my hands a document, 
 herewith enclosed, protesting, in the name 
 of the State of Coahuila, against the occupa- 
 tion of the city. The individual signing the 
 protest had been elected governor the day 
 previous, and left the city the morning of 
 the day on which we took possession. The 
 troops of Gen. Worth's division were im- 
 mediately quartered in the town, and arrange- 
 ments were made before I left for procuring 
 a supply of breadstuff and forage at reason- 
 able rates. 
 
 A reconnoisance was also made of the 
 country some twenty-five miles in front, 
 and one projected, to be executed after my 
 departure, of the Parras route as far as Patos 
 — a rich hacienda about thirty-five miles 
 from Saltillo. I left a squadron of the 2d 
 dragoons, to serve under Gen. Worth's or- 
 ders until relieved by other cavalry, pro- 
 posing to assign Lieut. Kearney's company 
 1st dragoons and a squadron or two of the 
 Kentucky horse to his division as soon as 
 they can be brought forward. I shall also 
 reinforce hiin by a volunteer force, probably 
 a brigade. 
 
 The division at Saltillo covers the direct 
 route from San Luis Potosi. The other 
 route would be covered by a force at Parras, 
 which would at the same time control the 
 abundant supplies to be drawn from the 
 neighboring country — the richest of the north 
 of Mexico. Brig. Gen. Wool being in posi- 
 tion at Monclova, and it being now fully as- 
 certained that he cannot march thence on 
 Chihuahua, even were it desired, I have or- 
 dered him to move on Parras. The State 
 
 of Coahuila will then be completely occupied 
 and covered, and in case active operations 
 towards the interior should hereafter be de- 
 termined on, we shall be in position to 
 march on San Luis, Zacateeas, or Durango. 
 Brig. Gen. Wool will at once abandon his 
 communications by San Antonio and Lavaca, 
 and adopt that by the Rio Grande and Mon- 
 terey. 
 
 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. A. Comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of the army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 [translation.] 
 
 The movement you are making with the 
 forces under your command leaves no doubt 
 that your object is to invade this city, as 
 have been the greater part of the towns of 
 Coahuila by the troops which have advanced 
 to Monclova. The want of arms in this 
 State leaves me no means to oppose force 
 to force, and will enable you to occupy this 
 capital without opposition, an3 compel me 
 to retire from it ; but in doing so, I ought, 
 and I desire to place upon record, in the 
 most authentic manner, this protest, which 
 I solemnly make, in the name of the State 
 of Coahuila, against the government of the 
 United States of the North, for the usurpa- 
 tion of the territory occupied by tlieir arms 
 — for the outrages and damages which may 
 accrue to the persons and property of the 
 inhabitants of these defenceless towns — for 
 the injuries the public interests may suffer 
 — and for all the evils consequent upon the 
 most unjustifiable invasion ever known to 
 the world. 
 
 God and liberty. Saltillo, Nov. 16, 1846. 
 JOSE MARIE DE AGUIRRE. 
 Major General Taylor, General-in-chief of 
 the army of the United States. 
 
 [Private and confidential.] 
 
 New York, Nov. 25, 1846. 
 
 My Deah Gexeral: I left Wabhinglon late in 
 the day yesterday, and expect lo embark for New 
 Orleans the 30ih instant. 13y the 13ih of Decem- 
 ber I may be in that city, at Point Isabel the 17lh, 
 and Camargo say the 2.3d— in order to be within 
 easy corresponding distance from you. It is not 
 probable that 1 may be able to visit Monterey, and 
 circumstances may prevent your coming to me. 
 I shall much regret not having an early opportu- 
 nity of felicitating you in person upon your many 
 brilliant achievements ; hut we may meet some- 
 where in the interior of Mexico. 
 
 I am not coming, my dear general, to supersede 
 you in the immediate command on the line of 
 operations rendered illustrious by you and your 
 gallant army. My proposed theatre is difier»nt. 
 Y'ou may imagine it, and I wish very much that it 
 were prudent, at this distance, to tell you all that 
 I expect to attempt or hope to execute. I have 
 
(63) 
 
 been admonished that despatches have been lost, 
 and I have no special messenger at hand. Your 
 imagination will be aided by the letters of the 
 Secretary of War, conveyed by Mr. Armistead, 
 Major Graham, and Mr. Mc'Lane. 
 
 But, my dear general, I shall be obliged to take 
 from you most of the gallant officers and men 
 (regulars and volunteers) whom you have so long 
 and so nohly commanded. I am afraid that I 
 shall, by imperious necessity — the approach of 
 yellow lever on the Gulf coast reduce you, for a 
 time, to stand on the defensive. This will be 
 infinitely painful to you, and for that reason dis- 
 tressing to me. But I rely upon your patriotism 
 to submit to the temporary sacrifice with cheer- 
 fulness. No man can better afford to do so. 
 Recent victories place you on that high eminence, 
 and I even flatter myself that any benefit that 
 may result to me, personally, from the unequal 
 division of troops alluded to, will lesson the pain 
 of your consequent inactivity. 
 
 You will be aware of the recent call for nine 
 regiments of new volunteers — including one of 
 Texas horse. The President may soon ask for 
 many more, and we are not without hope that 
 Congress inay add ten or twelve to the regular 
 establishment. These by the spring, say April, 
 may, by the aid of large bounties, be in the field — 
 should Mexico not earlier propose terms of ac- 
 commodation; and long before the spring (March) 
 it is probable you will be again in force to resume 
 offensive operations. 
 
 I am writing at a late hotir of the night, and 
 more than half sick of a cold. I may despatch 
 another note before I embark ; but from New 
 Orleans, Point Isabel, &c., you shall hear from 
 me officially and fully. 
 
 It was not possible for me to find time to write 
 from Washington, as I much desired. I only re- 
 ceived an information to hold myself in prepara- 
 tion for Mexico, on the 18th inst. Much has been 
 done towards that end, and more remains to be 
 executed. 
 
 Your detailed report of the operations at 
 Monterey and reply to the Secretary's despatch, 
 by Lieutenant Armistead, were both received two 
 days after I was instructed to proceed South. 
 In haste I remain, my dear general. 
 Yours faithfully, 
 WINFIELD SCOTT. 
 
 Major Gen. Z. Tatlor, United States Army, 
 Commanding, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 War Department, 
 
 Washington, Nov. 2-5, 1846. 
 Sin : You will have perceived by my despatch 
 of the 13th ultimo, that the government appre- 
 hended at that lime that you would be likely to 
 encounter many and serious diffi'cullies in extend- 
 ing your line of operations as far as San Luis 
 Potosi. These apprehensions are confirmed by 
 your despatch of the 15th ultimo, which was re- 
 ceived on the 20th instant. In the belief that it 
 might not be advisable, unless circumstances fa- 
 vored, to push forward in that direction, it be- 
 came more important that operations should be 
 undertaken upon the gulf coast. In case that it 
 should be decided not to attempt at present to take 
 any place beyond Monterey or Saltillo with a view 
 of holding permanent possession, it was believed 
 that a sufficient force would be detached from the 
 troops now in the field (with such additions as 
 can be soon made) for a successful attack upon 
 
 the most important points on the coast, still leav- 
 ing enough to hold the positions you have gained 
 and menace the enemy with a forward movement. 
 
 By intercepting my despatch of the 2d of Sep- 
 tember (a copy of which I herewith transmit) and 
 probably through other means, the enemy has al- 
 ready become aware of our intention to operate 
 in that quarter, and undoubtedly will he prepared 
 to make a vigorous resistance. It has become 
 quite evident that a larger force than that indi- 
 cated in my communication of the 13th ultimo, 
 will be required for that expedition. The Presi- 
 dent having decided to send Major General Scott 
 to the seat of war, communicated this determina- 
 tion to him on the 18th instant. Since that time 
 the general has been engaged in making prepa- 
 rations here, principally with a view to military 
 operations on the shores of the gulf, and left yes- 
 terday for the Rio Grande. 
 
 The competence of a military tribunal to take 
 cognizance of such a case as you have presented 
 in your communication of the Uth ultimo, viz: 
 the murder of a Mexican soldier, and other 
 offences not embraced in the express provision 
 of the articles of war, was deemed so questionable 
 that an application was made to Congress at the 
 last session to bring them expressly within the 
 jurisdiction of such a tribunal, but it was not 
 acted on. I am not prepared to say that, under 
 the peculiar circumstances of the case, and par- 
 ticularly by the non-existence of any civil author- 
 ity to which the offender could be turned over, a 
 military court could not rightfully act thereon; 
 yet very serious doubts are entertained upon that 
 point, and the government do not advise that 
 course. It seriously regrets that such a flagrant 
 offender cannot be dealt with in the manner he 
 deserves. I see no other course for you to pursue 
 than to release him from confinement and send 
 him away from the army, and this is recommend- 
 ed. It is intended to invite the attention of Con- 
 gress again to this subject in order to have pro- 
 vision made for such cases, but it cannot be so 
 done as to operate ex post facto, and of course will 
 not embrace the case in question. 
 
 I refer, with reluctance, to your remarks upon 
 that part of my despatch of the 22d of September, 
 which relates to the Tampico expedition. As you 
 have misconceived the views of the government 
 and made the course pursued here the ground of 
 a formal protest, it seems to be proper that I 
 should notice your animadversions upon it. I 
 think you have erred in regarding what was put 
 forth as suggestions, in the light of peremptory 
 commands. It was intended to leave the whole 
 subject, as well the organizing and sending forth 
 the expedition, as the designation of the officers 
 to command it, to your approval and final judg- 
 ment. Such I think the fair import of the lan- 
 guage used to manifest this intention. Consider- 
 ing the large number of troops on the Rio Grande 
 and on the way there, it was presumed here, 
 that a part of them could be spared for the Tam- 
 pico expedition, but you were expressly informed 
 that none would be withdrawn from that line, if, 
 in your opinion, it "would interfere with your 
 operations;" and it was not then suggested that 
 any should be taken from your advancing column. 
 So in relation to the general officers, proposed for 
 the command of the force, they were not to be 
 taken, if "it should interfere with your previous 
 arrangement in regard to these officers." They 
 were presented to your consideration for that ser- 
 vice, because they were not employed with the 
 
(64) 
 
 column advancing into the enemy's country, but 
 were with the troops on the Rio Grande, from 
 which most of the force for the expedition, it was 
 presumed, would be detached. 
 
 Certamly no disrespect was intended towards 
 you, as commanding general; nothing was pro- 
 posed which could deprive you of the means of 
 securing success to your own plans of operation. 
 After a respectful consideration of your remarks, 
 and a re-examination of that part of my despatch 
 which you deem e.-;ceptionable, I cannot regard it 
 as an incroachment upon your just rights, or "a 
 violation of the integrity of the chief command in 
 the field." 
 
 You must be aware that in my otBcial commu- 
 nications, I am only the medium of presenting the 
 views of the President, and you will not question 
 his right, as commander-in-chief, to malre sugges- 
 tions as to the movements of the forces under 
 your command, or as to the officers to be employ- 
 ed in these movements. Having, in this instance, 
 carefully qualified his suggestions so as to pre- 
 vent them from being regarded as positive direc- 
 tions or corpmands, and expressly disclaimed the 
 intention of employing any part of the troops 
 which, in your opinion, "would interfere with 
 your operations," he is entirely unconscious of 
 having given any just cause for protestor com- 
 plaint. 
 
 The reason offered for communicating directly 
 with General Patterson, and instructing him " to 
 make preparations for the movement, (the Tam- 
 pico expedition,) so far as it can be done without 
 disturbing your present arrangements on the Rio 
 Grande." .Sec, was, " to prevent delay. ' This you 
 declare to be inapplicable. Your language is : 
 "The reason alleged, viz; the loss of time in 
 communicating with General Patterson, has no 
 application, for the Secretary's despatch came 
 from that officer to my headquarters in si.\'iy hours, 
 and he could not move without drawing largely 
 upon this column for artillery and regular troops." 
 To vindicate the good faith with which this reason 
 was assigned, I deem it proper to apprize you 
 that it was not known here that General Patterson 
 was at Camargo; but as he was in command on 
 the Rio Grande, it was reasonable to conclude that 
 my communication would reach him at Matamo- 
 ras, or in that vicinity; neither was it known at 
 what place in the enemy's country my despatch 
 would reach you. The casualities of sending 
 communications to and from you, after you had 
 penetrated far into it, was not overlooked. The 
 fact that the one from this department of the 2d 
 of September, having relation to the Tampico ex- 
 pedition, was intercepted by the enemy, shows 
 that it was not unreasonable to apprehend delay 
 from this cause. 
 
 There were causes for delay in the contemplated 
 expedition other than that suggested in your re- 
 marks, viz : the concentration of troops. By my 
 letter to General Patterson, it will be perceived 
 that it was here considered important that he 
 .should be at once engaged in acquiring accurate 
 information as to the routes, whether by land or 
 sea, and in forwarding it with the least possible 
 delay to the department. The early receipt of 
 this information was deemed important for the 
 seasonable preparation of transports, and collect- 
 ing needful supplies," &c. 
 
 With the diposition which, I am sure you pes 
 
 the reason alleged for a direct communication 
 with General Patterson was not an idle one; and 
 perhaps you may regard it as it was, and still is, 
 here regarded, as of sufficient importance to jus- 
 tify the course adopted. 
 
 In conclusion, I assure you that nothing could 
 be further from the views of the department than 
 any intention to interfere with, or derogate from, 
 the authority belonging to you by right or usage 
 as commanding general; and allow me to add, 
 that after full consideration of the part of the des- 
 patch deemed by you exceptionable, I am unable 
 to convince myself that either in the manner or 
 matter, all circumstances considered, it furnishes 
 just grounds for your animadversions. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 WM. L. M.\RCY. 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 Maj. Gen. Z. Tatlor, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occup.ation, 
 Camp near Monterey, Nov. 26, 1846. 
 
 Sir : I have to report that I received offi- 
 cial iiifonnation last evening of the occupa- 
 tion of Tampico on the 14th instant, by the 
 naval forces uniler Commodore Perry. I 
 had before learned from the Mexican news- 
 papers that the Harrison had been withdrawn 
 on the 27tli of October. 
 
 On the requisition of Commodore Perry, 
 who brought the first intelligence of the oc- 
 cupation to Brazos Santiago, Major General 
 Patterson promptly gave orders for Lieut. 
 Col. Belton's battalion (si.\ companies) to 
 proceed to and garrison Tampico ; and also 
 took measures to ship thither a sufficient 
 supply of heavy ordnance and provisions. 
 These orders have been fully approved by 
 me, and I have directed a regiment of volun- 
 teers lo be added to the garrison, the whole 
 to be under the command of a brigadier 
 general, probably Brigadier General Shields, 
 who is now here, and will soon report to 
 Major General Patterson. 
 
 I propose still to tlirow forward a force as 
 far as Victoria, with the view of examinmg 
 the country, and particnlarly the passes 
 which lead from Linares and other points 
 towards tlie interior. 
 
 I shall take the earliest occasion to reply 
 to the communication of the Secretary of 
 War, dated October 29, but am obliged to 
 postpone it for a day or two. 
 
 I am, sir, very respecll'ullv, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYl-OR, 
 
 The Adjutant General of the army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occipation, 
 
 Camp near Monterey, Dec 8, 1846. 
 Sir: As I e.xpect to march in a few days 
 for Victoria, I consider the present a projier 
 occasion to explain somewhat in detail the 
 sess, to judge fairly on the subject J allow myself I'l'spos't'ons which have been made, and 
 lo hope that, on reflection, you will perceive that I witich are contemplated, for the occupation 
 
(65) 
 
 and defence of this frontier. With this view 
 I enclose a sketch, exhibiting the line from 
 Parras to Tampico, and showing how a por- 
 tion of that line is naturally marked by the 
 chain of the " Sierra Madre." 
 
 It will be seen at once, that San Luis Po- 
 tosi is a position almost equally distant from 
 tile points of this line. This would give a 
 force at San Luis a great advantage over us, 
 were it not for the nature of the country and 
 the communications ; the region between 
 San Luis and the mountains being scantily 
 supplied with water and subsistence, and the 
 road by Saltillo and Monterey being the only 
 practicable route for artillery across the 
 mountains. Without artillery the Mexican 
 troops are not at all formidable, and I think 
 have but little conlidenee in themselves. I 
 consider the positions of Saltillo and Parras 
 as of prime importance. With an inter- 
 mediate post at Patos, and the means by a 
 good road of rapidly uniting if necessary, I 
 deem the columns of Brigadier Generals 
 AVool and Worth quite equal lo hold that 
 llank of the line. I shall, however, rein- 
 force the latter General, particularly in cav- 
 alry, and shall reserve at this place to sup- 
 port tlie advanced positions, should the 
 movements of the enemy require it. 
 
 Brigadier General W ool is understood to 
 be now at Parras with his column — say 
 2400 strong, with six guns. Brigadier Gen- 
 eral Worth has his head quarters at Saltillo 
 — his command consisting of 1200 regular 
 troops, with eight guns. I propose to rein- 
 force him by two regiments of volunteer 
 foot, and a portion of the Kentucky cavalry. 
 Lieut. Kearney's company is all the regular 
 cavalry force I car. assign to him at present. 
 At Monterey will be the head quarters of 
 Major General Butler, commanding the re- 
 serve. Two companies of artillery, and 
 one of the weak infantry battalions {4th) 
 will compose the garrison of the place. The 
 troops of General Butler's proper division 
 (Oliio, Lidiana and Kentucky) will be at 
 this point, and in echlon on the route hence 
 to Camargo and the mouth of the l\io 
 Grande, except those which may be ordered 
 to reinforce General Worth, as above indi- 
 cated. 
 
 Tampico is now garrisoned by eight 
 strong companies of artillery, and the Ala- 
 bama regiment of volunteers, say 1000 ef- 
 fectives. I consider this force quite suffi- 
 cient to hold the place, controlling, as we 
 do, the harbor. Between Tampico and this 
 place, Victoria offers itself at once as an ira- 
 potant position to be held by us, It is the 
 capital of the State of Tamaulipas ; it is 
 situated at the debouche of a pass through 
 the mountains, and it has a port, Soto la Ma- 
 
 rina, where we sh.all probably be able to es- 
 tablish a convenient depot. It also threatens 
 the flank of the Mexican army, should it ad- 
 vance from San Luis. These considerations 
 attracted my attention to Victoria, before the 
 surrender of Tampico ; but I now deem it 
 more than ever important ; for I have reason 
 to believe that a corps of observation is in 
 that quarter under the orders of Gen. Urrea, 
 having its head quarters perhaps at Tula, 
 and sending forward advanced parties as far 
 as Victoria. I have tlierefore changed no- 
 thing in my original purpose of moving on 
 Victoria, believing it important lo occupy 
 that point, and knowing that any surplus 
 force would then be in position for the ulte- 
 rior views of the government, should any 
 further operations on the gulf coast be or- 
 dered. Major General Patterson has accord- 
 ingly been instructed to march from Mata- 
 moras on Victoria, with three regiments of 
 volunteers from his division, one being the 
 Tennessee horse. I propose to move from 
 this point, say by tlie 12th inst., with the 
 regular troops now here vmder Brigadier 
 General Twiggs (except those to be left in 
 garrison as above,) and the regiments of 
 General Patterson's division under Brigadier 
 General Quitman. At Montemclos, 08 miles 
 from this, I shall effect a junction with Ri- 
 ley, who is now there, and incorporate with 
 the column the 2d Tennessee regiment, un- 
 der orders for that place. With this aug- 
 mented force, I expect to effect a junction 
 with Major General Patterson before Vic- 
 toria. 
 
 After establishing a depot, if it be found 
 practicable, at Soto la Marina, examining the 
 passes of the mountains, and making such 
 dispositions as may be found necessary for 
 the security of the position, it is my inten- 
 tion, unless otherwise instructed, to return 
 with a portion of the regular force, and es- 
 tablish my headquarters in advance of Sal- 
 tillo, whicii after all I cansider to be our 
 most important point. 
 
 You will perceive that one effect of the 
 arrangements above indicated will be to 
 tJirow Major General Patterson with the 
 troops of his appropriate division (Ten- 
 nessee, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama and 
 Georgia) on the left, and near the coast, 
 while Major General Butler, widi his divi- 
 siou, occupies the line of communication 
 from the Rio Grande to Saltdlo. 
 
 Intelligence received this moment from 
 Saltillo represents all quiet in front. We 
 have reports of a revolution in Mexico, em- 
 bracing two or three States, and directed 
 against General Santa Anna, but the informa- 
 tion does not come in an authentic form. 
 
(66) 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Major Gen. U. S. A. comdg. 
 The Adjutant General of tlie army, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 In Gen. Taylor's letter of the 14th De- 
 cember, he mentions the inconveniences re- 
 sulting to him from the orders of the Depart- 
 ment above referred to. AVriting from his 
 camp near Monterey, under the above date, 
 he says : 
 
 " In my communication of the 8th instant, 
 I alluded to the occupation of Tampico, and 
 the force which I considered sufficient to 
 hold that place. I fully approved of the first 
 measures taken by Maj. Gen. Patterson to 
 garrison Tampico, and after giving him in- 
 structions to despatch thither a regiment of 
 volunteers in addition to the battalion of ar- 
 tillery, was not a little surprised to hear 
 from him that he had beside ordered the Illi- 
 nois brigade by water, and proposed going 
 there himself to assume the command. The 
 proceeding I considered not only wholly un- 
 necessary, but as a direct and unwarrantable 
 interference with the plan which I had al- 
 ready communicated to Gen. Patterson for a 
 combined movement upon Victoria ; for 
 while the Illinois regiments were to proceed 
 by water to a place where their services 
 were not needed, the Tennessee regiment of 
 horse was to be compromitted by marching, 
 unsupported by infantry, from Matamoras to 
 Victoria. By special express I succeeded 
 in arresting this fatal misdirection, and I 
 have now hopes of concentrating a. respecta- 
 ble force at Victoria, as first intended. 
 
 " I wish my report of interferences could 
 stop here ; but another of the gravest char- 
 acter has been brought to my notice, to 
 which I beg leave to invite the earnest atten- 
 tion of the General-in-Chief and the Depart- 
 ment of War. In an otTicial letter, addressed 
 under date of November 26th, to the com- 
 manding othcer at Point Isabel, Com. Perry 
 of the navy, writes thus : 
 
 '• ' Since I wrote you by Lieut. Anderson, I have 
 « visited New Orleans, conferred with Gov. John- 
 ' son and Generals Jesup and Brooke, all of whom 
 ' unite with me in placing great importance upon 
 ' the immediate possession, by a military garrison, 
 ' of Tampico. 
 
 "'I have on board this ship eight pieces of ar- 
 'tillery with all the requisite appurtenances and 
 'munitions, borrowed from the State arsenal of 
 ' Louisiana, by Gen. Brooke. Also, Lieut. Crit- 
 ' tenden, with forty-five infantry (recruits.) Gen. 
 ' Brooke assures me that four hundred mounted 
 'riflemen, hourly expected at New Orleans, will 
 ' be immediately despatched in the steamer ' Mas- 
 'sachusetts,' so soon as they arrive, but I fear 
 ' there will be difficulty in landing the horses on 
 
 ' account of the roughness of the sea at the bar 
 'of Tampico.' 
 
 " It is hardly necessary to make any com- 
 ment upon the above. It will be seen at 
 once, that by the advice of officers at a dis- 
 tance, totally ignorant of my views, and in- 
 curring no responsibility for the failure of 
 operations, a large and efficient corps of cav- 
 alry upon which I had reckoned for impor- 
 tant service in the interior has been inter- 
 cepted without authority, and sent where it 
 is not needed, and where it may lose many 
 of its horses. Had the mounted rillemen 
 been sent back to Jeft'erson Barracks, they 
 could not have been more completely lost to 
 the present operations. 
 
 " I have now no assurance that any rein- 
 forcements or supplies will reach me through 
 New Orleans. The advice of Gen. Brooke 
 or 'Governor Johnson' may divert recruits 
 and the most important objects of supply to 
 Tampico, under the new principle of war, 
 that the enemy, after destroying his heavy 
 guns, will attack a place which he dared not 
 defend. 
 
 " With such proceedings on the Rio 
 Grande and in New Orleans, I cannot be 
 held responsible for the efficient prosecution 
 of the objects of the Government here. The 
 departure of Gen. Patterson from the full 
 and precise instructions I had given him is, 
 in my opinion, a legitimate result of the po- 
 sition of quasi independence given to that 
 officer by the Department of War, against 
 which I have protested and again protest. 
 As for the interference of Gen. Brooke, the 
 War Department, I cannot doubt, will give 
 that officer the most stringent orders in no 
 case to stop or divert the troops or supplies 
 tliat may be destined for the army under my 
 command. 
 
 " While lam considered competent to ex- 
 ercise tlie chief command in the field, it is 
 no more than reasonable that subordinates, 
 and, above all, officers not serving with the 
 army against Mexico, should be compelled 
 to keep in their proper places, and not to 
 expose to hazard, by mischievous meddlings, 
 the success of military operations involving 
 the reputation of the army and the country." 
 And, as immediately connected with the 
 preceding, we give the following letter from 
 Gen. Patterson, addressed directly to the 
 Secretary of War. It is dated at Matamoros 
 on the 8th of December 
 
 " Sin : On the 22d of November I had the honor 
 to inform you thai I had been apprized of the 
 capture of Tampico, and of the measures adopted 
 by me for occupying and holding that place, and 
 that I intended to go there by sea and assume my 
 command. I regret to say that the general com- 
 manding the army in Mexico has disapproved of 
 my proceedings. Herewith I send copies of the 
 
(67) 
 
 letter of disapproval and of my answer. I am 
 ordered to move by land from this point, and 
 amusing every exertion to obtain means of trans- 
 portation, and will leave here as soon as those 
 means can be obtained. I hope to march in 
 eight or ten days, but as transportation has not 
 been provided for me, or officers of the quarter- 
 master's department assigned to me, in lime to 
 procure a sufficient amount, I do not consider my- 
 self responsible in any degree fur delay caused by 
 want of It." 
 
 The enclosures consist, first, of a letter from 
 Assistant .\djulant General Bliss, dated at Head- 
 quarters on the '28th November, as follows : 
 
 " Sin : Your communication of the 24th instant 
 has just been received and laid before the com- 
 manding general, who directs me to express his 
 entire disapproval of your orders respecting the 
 Illinois regiment of foot and the Tennessee horse. 
 He now directs that the movement of those corps 
 towards Tampico in the manner suggested be at 
 once suspended, and then carried out only in the 
 mode prescribed by him in previous instructions. 
 It is considered by the General that one thousand 
 men, of which say one-half regular troops, are 
 more than sufficient to defend Tampico, and it is 
 not his purpose to devote a larger force to that 
 object. The battalion under Col. Gates, or Lieut. 
 Col. Belton, together with one regiment of volun- 
 teer infantry, as directed in the instructions by 
 Major McCall, are intended to compose the garri- 
 son of that place, and may even be reduced if 
 circumstances require. 'I'he Alabama regiment 
 having already started will nlit be recalled, 
 although a different arrangement was proposed. 
 The Tennessee horse and the lllinoise brigade 
 will now march from Matamoras, the former 
 regiment being immediately recalled to that point 
 until it can march, supported by a column of in- 
 fantry. This march will be under your own 
 orders, and the general desires to be informed 
 when it will commence that he may regulate his 
 own march accordingly. 
 
 '•I am directed further to say that the general 
 disapproves of your order directing Captain 
 Hunter to proceed to New Orleans. No officer in 
 the field, except the General himself, has any 
 right to order an officer out of the country, and 
 the General sees nothing in the case to justify a 
 departure from regulations and usage. 
 
 The next enclosure is a copy of a letter from 
 Gen. Patterson to Major Bliss, in reply to the 
 above, in the following terms : 
 
 " Majoii : I have ihe honor to acknowledge the 
 receipt of your leiier of the 2Sth of November. In 
 accordance with the orders of the commanding 
 general, I have suspended the embarcatiim of the 
 Illinois foot until I have received the instructions 
 which you say were sent by Major Mc'Call, who 
 I hope will soon join me. I desire to say that I 
 have given no orders to the Tennessee regiment 
 of horse except for its improvement in police and 
 and discipline. In my letter of the 24th of 
 November I informed you that I should order the 
 regiment of Tennessee horse to proceed as 
 directed in your letter of the 5th of the same 
 monih. I am therefore somewhat at a loss 
 to understand why the commanding general 
 should, in this case, direct you to express to me 
 'his entire disapproval' of my proposing to do 
 precisely what I had been ordered by him to do. 
 
 .Although I think I had a clear right to order 
 'Captain Hunter, 2d dragoons, to proceed to 
 New Orleans and bring out the horses and equip- 
 ments for companies H and K of that regiment, 
 so that the men may be at once mounted and 
 prepared for the field,' and that there has been no 
 departure from the regulations of the army; yet 
 as the commanding general disapproves of this 
 step, and as Captain Hunter is now on the boat 
 with me, I will order him hack to Camargo. As 
 I have been very anxious that all my proceedings 
 in Mexico should merit and receive the approba- 
 tion of the general commanding, I cannot but 
 regret that any act of mine should meet with his 
 disapprobation. 
 
 " I have also to acknowledge the receipt of ex- 
 tract from special orders No. 179, the original of 
 which was sent direct to Col. Baker. Although 
 he was under my immediate command, and 
 stationed at the same place, I have to remark 
 that I neither sent up nor approved any applica- 
 tion of Col. Baker's to go to Washington ; that 
 his correspondence with headquarters was direct, 
 and did not pass through the usual channel. 
 Col. Baker's regiment will now march with only 
 one field officer, (the major.) I venture to 
 request that hereafter all correspondence with 
 officers under my command be passed through 
 the usual channel. This is a courtesy due me, 
 and I shall expect it. 
 
 " On my arrival at Matamoras I will ascertain 
 the means of transportation, and inform you 
 when the column under my command will 
 move. 
 
 Headquarters Army of OccupAxron, 
 Camp near Monterey, Dec. 22, 1846. 
 
 Sir : Agreeably to the plan announced in 
 my despatch No. 122, I left this place on 
 the 15th instant for Victoria, having pre- 
 viously put in motion the troops destined 
 for that point. At Montemorelos a jnnction 
 was effected on the 17th witli the 2d in- 
 fantry, and 2d regiment of Tennessee foot 
 from Camargo, and it was intended with the 
 whole force (say 3,500 men) to march on 
 the 19th for Victoria. But the very evening 
 of my arrival at Montemorelos a despatch 
 arrived from General Vv'ortli, commanding at 
 Saltillo, with the intelligence that Santa Anna 
 designed to take advantage of the diversion 
 of force towards Victoria, and by a rapid 
 movement to strike a heavy blow at Saltillo, 
 and if successful, then at General Wool's 
 force at Parras. Under these circum.stances, 
 and with no means of judging how far this 
 information niiglit be well founded, I deemed 
 it proper to return to this point, with the 
 regular Ibrce, and thus be in a position to 
 reinforce Saltillo if necessary. The volun- 
 teers under Brig. Gen. Quitman, reinforced 
 by a field battery, were ordered to continue 
 their march, and effect a junction with Gen. 
 Patterson at Victoria, while I returned hither 
 with General Twigg's division, now in- 
 creased by the 2d infantry. 
 
 In the meantime, Major General Butler 
 
(68) 
 
 and Brig. Gen. Wool beina^ advised by Gen. 
 Worth of a probable attack upon his posi- 
 tion, moved rapidly to join him with all 
 available force at Parras and Monterey, 
 while orders were despatched by Maj. Gen. 
 Butler to hasten up troops from the rear. 
 The latter general proceeded in person to 
 Saltillo, and assumed the command, agree- 
 ably to instructions which I had given before 
 my departure to meet a case like the pre- 
 sent. 
 
 I had proceeded beyond this point on my 
 way to Saltillo, when I was met on the 20th 
 by a despatch from the front, announcing the 
 early arrival of General Wool's column, and 
 also that the expected concentration and 
 movement of the Mexican troops upon that 
 position had not taken place; indeed, that 
 their advance posts had rather been witii- 
 drawn. Deeming the force now and soon 
 to be at Saltillo quite sufficient to repel any 
 demonstration at this season from San Luis 
 Potosi, I have not thought it worth while to 
 throw forward Gen. Twigg's division to that 
 place, and after resting it^ to-day, I shall, to- 
 morrow, put it again in march for Victoria, 
 moving forward myself to that point. 
 
 Major General Patterson is supposed to 
 be now well on his march from Mataraoras 
 to Victoria, where his division, except the 
 Alabama regiment, (in garrison at Tampico,) 
 will be brought together. With a force 
 holding in observation the passes from Tula, 
 the garrison at Tampico may be much re- 
 duced with advantage to the service. I 
 shall withdraw from that place at once the 
 mounted riflemen and recruits that had been 
 sent there. 
 
 I respectfully enclose a letter received 
 yesterday from General Santa Anna in reply 
 to my communication of December 4, a 
 copy of which has been forwarded. 
 
 My last official date from Washington, is 
 Nov. 10th. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Major Gen. U. S. A. Coradg. 
 The Adjutant General of the army, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 [translation.] 
 
 General — The communication of your ex- 
 cellency of the 4th inst. and the enclosed 
 printed sheet, inform me the government of 
 the United States have ordered the release 
 of Gen. Dias de la Vega, and of the Mexican 
 officers who accompanied him, thus carry- 
 ing into effect an exchange for the prisoners 
 of the brig Truxton, as agreed upon between 
 the commanding general of Vera Cruz and 
 Commodore Conner. I shall give notice of 
 this event to my government. 
 
 I shall also make known to it the mea- 
 
 sures your excellency has taken for the 
 liberation of the Mexicans who were detain- 
 ed near Matamoras, and in the name of the 
 republic, I give you most sincere thanks for 
 this trait of liumanity and generosity which, 
 to a certain extent, alleviate the distresses 
 consequent on a state of war. 
 
 I have the honor to offer to your excel- 
 lency my esteem and high consideration. 
 
 Headquarters San Luis Potosi, Dec. 17, 1846. 
 
 ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 
 Gen. Z. Taylor, Major General command- 
 ing the army of the United States. 
 
 Headquarters, Army of Occupation, 
 Montemorelos, Dec. 26, 1846. 
 
 Sir : — Your communication of November 
 30th, with enclosures relative to the occupa- 
 tion of Tampico, has beeii received. 
 
 The prompt, and, in my opinion, sufficient 
 measures taken to garrison Tampico, the mo- 
 ment that Commodore Perry arrived at the 
 Brazos, were duly reported to the depart- 
 ment ; and I regret that it should have been 
 considered necessary to give orders from 
 Washington to garrison a place voluntarily 
 abandoned by the enemy, and within the 
 theatre of my operations ; but, above all, 
 that the diversion of a large body of regular 
 troops to that point by the orders of Briga- 
 dier General ]5rooke should be approved, 
 as seems to be the case. Those troops are 
 not required at Tampico, but are much 
 wanted at other points. 
 
 Li regard to the direct correspondence 
 with Major General Patterson, I have no- 
 thing to add to what has been said in former 
 letters, except that confusion and embarrass- 
 ment have resulted from tliis unusual course; 
 and I must again insist, while invested with 
 the chief command, upon being left perfectly 
 free to employ the officers and the troop's 
 under my orders as may, in my own judg- 
 ment, seem most expedient for the public 
 service. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. army, commanding. 
 The Adjutant General of the army, Wash- 
 ington, D. C. 
 
 Headquarters Army of Occupation, 
 Camp near Victoria, Mexico, Jan'y 7, 1847. 
 
 Sir : — I have the honor to advise you 
 that on the 29th ultimo, Brigadier Gen. 
 Quitman occupied, without resistance, the 
 city of Victoria, capital of the State of 
 Tamaulipas. The enemy had a body of 
 some 1,500 cavalry in the town, with its 
 advanced picket at Santa Engracia, but it 
 fell back as General Quitman approached, 
 
(69) 
 
 and is understood to be now at Jaumave, in 
 the direction of Tula. At Tula there is a 
 strong division of observation, under the 
 command of Gen. Valencia. 
 
 An examination of the mountain pass 
 leading to Tula shows that it is entirely im- 
 practicable for artillery or wagons. Sucli 
 is also believed to be the character of the 
 Santa Barbara pass, which opens in the di- 
 rection of Tampico. 
 
 I arrived here with the division of Brig. 
 Gen. Twiggs on the 4th instant, and was 
 joined on the same day by the force which 
 Major Gen. Patterson conducted from Mata- 
 nioras. The force now collected here is 
 over 5,000 strong, and, I am happy to add, 
 in excellent healtli, and in good condition for 
 service. 
 
 I am unofficially advised that Major Gen- 
 eral Scott is now in the country, under 
 orders from the government. I propose to 
 remain at this point until I can hear from 
 him, and determine what disposition to 
 make of the troops now here. I am con- 
 stantly expecting despatches from his head- 
 quarters. 
 
 The reconnoissance of the mountain 
 passes leading to Labradores, alluded to in 
 my communication of December 26, was 
 completely successful, so far as to determine 
 the character of the routes, &c. ; but regret to 
 report that on the return of the party to Li- 
 nares, the escort was attacked in a difficult 
 pass of the mountain, and the baggage and 
 ten men of the rear guard cut oft". It is 
 hoped that the rear guard mav have effected 
 their escape, and will yet join us. The of- 
 ficer and non-commissioned officer of the 
 rear guard are in arrest, and the former un- 
 der charges. I am liappy to say that no 
 blame can attach to Lieut. Col. May, who 
 commanded the escort, for this unfortunate 
 occurrence, llis detailed report will be for- 
 warded hereafter. 
 
 We have newspapers from the city of 
 Me.xico to the 19th of December, at which 
 date the Congress had taken no action in re- 
 gard to the war or the election of President. 
 The country seems to be in a very distract- 
 ed condition, and the tone of the public press 
 more desponding than heretofore. 
 
 I have tiie honor to be, very respectfully, 
 sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. Army, commanding. 
 
 HzinaCAiiTEns Abmt of Occupatfos, 
 Saltillo, Feb. 25, 1847. 
 
 Sir : — I have respectfully to report that 
 the main Mexican force is yet at Agua 
 Nueva. Our troops hold the positions 
 which they have so well defended, and are 
 
 prepared to receive the enemy, should he 
 venture another attack. 
 
 An arrangement has been made with Gen. 
 Santa Anna for an exchange of prisoners, 
 by which we shall receive all, or nearly all, 
 of those captured from us at ditferent times, 
 besides the few taken in the action of the 
 23d. Our wounded, as well as those of the 
 Mexicans which have fallen into our hands, 
 have been removed to this place, and are 
 rendered comfortable. 
 
 Our loss in the recent actions, so far as 
 ascertained, amounts to 264 killed, 450 
 wounded, and 20 missing. One company 
 of the Kentucky cavalry is not included in 
 this statement, its casualties not being yei 
 reported 1 respectfully enclose a list of the 
 commissioned officers kdled and wounded, 
 embracing many names of the highest merit. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, 
 
 Z. TAYLOR, 
 Major General U. S. A., comdg. 
 
 The Adjutant General of the Army, 
 Washington. D. C. 
 
 Headquarters Army of Occipation. 
 
 Agua Nueva, March 1, 1847. 
 
 Sir : — I have the honor to report that the 
 troops of m^' command occupied their origi- 
 nal camp at this place on the 27th of Febru- 
 ary, the last of the Mexican army leaving 
 the morning of that day in tiie direction of 
 San Luis. It is ascertained that the enemy 
 is in full retreat, and in a very disorganized 
 condition ; the men deserting and dying of 
 starvation in great numbers. I despatch a 
 command this day as far as Encarnation to 
 harrass his rear, and secure whatever mili- 
 tary supplies may be found there. 
 
 From the statement of iMexican officers, 
 particularly of the medical stafl' left to suc- 
 cor the wounded there seems no doubt, that 
 their loss in the recent action is moderately 
 estimated at 1,500, and may reach 2000 
 men, killed and wounded ; besides 2000 or 
 3000 deserters. Many officers of rank 
 were lost. I enclose a list of the names of 
 our own killed and wounded, made as com- 
 plete as practicable at this time. One regi- 
 ment (Kentucky cavalry) is not included, its 
 return not being rendered. 
 
 The enemy had fully reckoned upon our 
 total rout, and had made arrangements to in- 
 tercept our retreat, and cut off the army, sta- 
 tioning for that purpose corps of cavalry, not 
 only immediately in our rear, but even be- 
 low Monterey. I regret to report that they 
 succeeded near the village of Marin in de- 
 stroying a train of supplies, and killing a 
 considerable number of the escort and 
 teamsters. Col. Morgan, 2d Ohio regiment 
 on his march from Cerralvo to Monterey, 
 
(70) 
 
 was infested by the Mexican cavalry, with 
 which he had several rencontres, but finally 
 dispersed them with small loss on his own 
 part. Capt. Graham, A Q M., volunteer 
 service, was mortally wounded in one of 
 these affairs. I have no doubt that the de- 
 feat of the main army at Buena Vista will 
 secure our line of communication from 
 further interruption, but I still propose in a 
 few days to change my headquarters to 
 Monterey, with a view to make such further 
 arrangements as may be necessary in that 
 quarter. 
 
 The dispositions made to harrass our rear, 
 vindicate the policy and necessity of defend 
 ing a position in front of Saltillo, where a 
 defeat has thrown the enemy far back into 
 the interior. No result so decisive could 
 have been obtained by holding Monterey, 
 and our communications would have been 
 constanUy in jeopardy. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. A., comdg. 
 The AtijcTA^T General of the Army, 
 
 Washington, D. U. 
 
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SANTA ANNA. 
 
 PRESIDENT AND COMMANDEE IN CHIEF OF MEXICO; 
 
 The son of an exiled Spanish IVoblenian. Born in Hexico, 1803. 
 
 Made Dictator in 1835. Banished in 1845. Recalled in 1846. 
 
 He is five feet eleven inches in heighth 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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