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vviiii thick “chapparral” or thorny bushes on
either side before it reached the ravine, and a
pond of water on either side, where it crossed
the ravine, constituting a complete defile.
They were 7000 strong, we 54 weaker than
the previous day. The General ordered au
immediate attack, by all the troops except the
First Brigade, which was kept in reserve, and
soon the rattling fire of musketry, mingled
with the heavy sound of artillery, announced
the commencement of the action. The ene-
my had chosen his position which he consicl-
ered impregnable—was vastly superior to us
in number, and had ten pieces of artillety,
planted in the defile, which swept the road
with o-rape, and which it was absolutely neces
sary for us to take before he could be beaten.
These pieces were flanked on either side by a
Regiment of brave veteran troops, from Tam
pico, and we were obliged to stand an awful
shower of grape and bullet bofure a charge
could reach °them. The battle bad lasted some
two hours with great fury on both sides, and
many heroic deeds had been d >ne, but no se
rious impression made, when Gen. Taylor
sent for Capt. May, of the 2d Dragoons and
told him lie must take that battery with Ins
Squadron of Dragoons if he lost every man.—
May instantly placed himself at the head of his
men, and setting off at full speed, with cheeis
and shouts dashed into the defile vvheie he
was greeted with an overwhelming discharge
of grape and bullets, which nearly annihilated
bis°first and second platoons; but he was seen
unhurt darting like lightening through this
murderous hail storm, and in a second lie
and his men drove away or cut to pieces the
artillerists. The speed of his horses was so
great however, that they passed through
the batterv, and were halted in its rear.—
There turning, he charged back, and was just
in time to rescue a Mexican General officer
who would not leave his guns, and who was
parrying the strokes of one of the men. He
handed his sword to May, announced himself
as General \ r ega, and gave his paiole. May
turned him over to an officer, and galloping
back to Gen. Taylor, reported that lie had
captured the enemy’s battery, and the gallant
Gen. Vega, bravely defending it, whose sword
he had the honor to present to his Command
ing officer. The General was extremely grat
ified, and felt doubtless that a blow had been
given from which it would be difficult for the
enemy to recover—and so it pioved, for a por
tion of the fifth Infantry finding that the ene
my had immediately re-occupied and commen
ced serving their pieces, gallantly charged and
brought off several, when the 8th, which had
just come up marched to the attack by its gal-
lan, commander. Col. Belknap, seconded no
bly by Captain Montgomery, and took off the
remaining pieces. Col. Belknap, leading his
Regiment in the thickest of the fight, seizing
a Mexican standard, and waiving it over his
head, dashed on in front of his men, until his
horse stumbled over some dead bodies and
threw him. Being a heavy man he was help
ed on his horse by a soldier who, in the act
received a ball through his lungs, and at the
same moment a shot carried away the Mexi
can leaving but the handle with the Colo
nel. He dashed ahead with that however,
and his regiment carried every thing before
it. At this moment the Mexicans gave way
entirely, and throwing down their arms, fled
in every direction, leaving all their stores, mu
nitions of war, arms, standards, See. The kil
led. wounded, and prisoners, including among
the killed those who were drowned in the Rio
Grande, do not fall short of 1500, so that the
enemy’s loss in two days amounts to at least
2000 men, something more than the number
we bad in our army.
When Lieut. Magruder introduced Gener
al Ve°a to Gen. Taylor, the latter expressed
his deep regret that such a misfortune should
have happened to an officer whose character
he so highly esteemed, and returned to him
his sword which he had won so bravely. It is
said also that the General gave the captive of
ficer an order on his private banker for a large
sum, for his use when he arrived in the Uni
ted States.
Immediately after the victory, a regiment
marched into this fort, and was received with
cheers and open arms. All had done their
duty—those who were left to defend our fort
—those who were marched to its relief. I
had nearly forgot to mention that no officer in
the battle of the 9th was more distinguished
than Lieut. Randolph Ridgely. His conduct
drew praises from the lips of every officer.—
But I shall never finish if I record the feats of
personal valour which occurred in this battle
where officers and men fought hand to hand
for hours with the Mexicans. I shall there
fore conclude with the hope that in a few days
we shall be in Matamoras.
THE RANCHEROS OF MEXICO.
A w riter in the Albany Atlas gives the fol
lowing description of the Mexican ‘Rancheros’
of which such frequent mention is made in war
reports from the Rio Grande:—This is an ap
pellation derived from their occupation and
mode of life, and is common to a similar class
of men who subsist on the Pampas of South
America. Half Indian half-Spanish in their
extraction, gaunt, shrivelled, though muscu
lar in their frames, and dark and swaitliy vis-
aged as they are, these men are the Arabs of
the American continent. Living half of tho
time in the saddle, for they are unrivalleti
horsemen, with lasso in hand, they traverse
those vast plains in search of the buffalo and
wild horse, who roam over them in countless
herds. The killing of these animals and the
preparation and sale of their hides istheirsola
means of livelihood, other than occasionally
lending a helping hand to some of the partizaus
in thecivii warsthatare being continually wag
ed around them. Their costume generally con
•ist of a pair of tough hide leggins, with sandal:-
ofthesame material bound with leather thongs,
over which is a blanket with a hole in the cen
tre large enough for the head to he thurst out,
and which falls not ungracefully over lliei.
shoulders, leaving ample room for the play ot
their arms. Add to this a broad straw sombrero
and the lasso hanging ready for use at his gir
dle and you may have the Ranchero as he ap
peors in the time of peace or in the pursuit o,
his occupation. Join to this a long lance with
a sharp spear head, ornamented with a strip
of red bunting, on a horse as savage and un
manageable as himself,and his belt plentifully
supplied with pistols and knives; and you have
the Ranchero a rr ember of the troops banditti
or as a soldier in a body of cavalry. Coward
ly as they generally are in the open field, ye;
in a conflict in the chapparela of Mexico, or i < t
an ambuscade, they are indeed a formidabh
enemy. Tlieir power of enduring fatigue ii
almost inexhaustible; and a scanty meal pet
diem of jerked beef and plantain suffices then?
during months. Such are Rancheros, and un
der disciplined control they would be the best
light troops in the world. These are the men
who comprise the great body oi the Mexican
cavalry, and they are to the army of that na
tion what the Cossacks are to the Russians— -'
ever on the alert, never to be surprised; and
untiring in the pursuit of the foe, when plun
der, no matter how trifling, is to be obtained.
If the party papers are the true representa
tives of the national mind, the military talent
' of this country is not in the army. The whig
editors by their own showing, are the true
Caesars after all. *The genius to command,
the skill to set squadrons in order, to raise pro
visions and direct an army, to plan a campaign
and invade and conquer a large territory, are
wasted to the world in the more obscure task
of marshalling types into columns of attack
upon the administration of the government.—
For want of the wisdom and courage, thus un
happy misdirected there is danger, at least
they say so—that this war with Mexico is to
languish, and the arms of our country a»e not
to be carried forward with the true military
brilliancy and dispatch. Accotdingly these
amateur Napoleons of the press spatter their
ink about in the flurry of impatience, and dig
their steel pens fiercely into paper, at the
slowness with which the invasion of Mexico
proceeds. They have had it all down on pa
per for more than a week, and there is
not a squadion yet on its way to the capito. 1
of Mexico. What can the President, the
Secretary of war, the Commander-in-chief,
and State Governors, and Adjutants, and Com
missaries and Quarter-masters have been a-
bout, that twenty thousand men are not now
marching on the praires of Santa Fe, ascend
ing the Red river for the cross timbers; and
pushing onward from Matamoras for Mexico.
Sure enough, what can they be doing! That
is what our neighbor across the way is special
ly anxious to know, for be asserts, and of
course he knows, that twenty thousand men
could be received & marched off from ibis, and
the neighboring states within two weeks after
the call had been made.
Of course lie has decided how he could have
j received, officered, mustered, clothed and pro-
i visioned them for starting. Certainly he knows
! how he would have obtained arms, atnmuni
! tioti, ordnance, the means of transportation,
j wagons, teems, forage and subsistence. He
I could have established communications be
tween them, settled his plans of operation and
' gone ahead. He knows exactly where he
i would go and how, the roads, the distances,
; the military points and how he can maintain
j his soldiers as he goes along, what places he
would occupy fiom time to time, and the
i points to which the whole scheme of co-opera-
j tions among the different corps of the army
i tends. With these indispensable requisites for
a campaign, without which no sane man would
move into an enemy’s country, our newspaper
1 general would in two weeks have been march
ing upon Mexico!
! The man who could Jo all this, has been
born in a wrong age and country to get the
reward he merits. In the days of the French
Empire, Napoleon would have made n;..- —...
shal on the spot. In this ungrateful republic
promotion is not so rapid, but even here U*
; he can show that all this ispracticable & how we
j think we might venture to promise him the
command of the expedition. Gen. Taylor
j who is only a Colonel, would, with his cltarac-
] teristic modesty, give way at once, and Scott
himself will be glad to take lessons.
[Mobile Register if Journal.
Gradual rise of Newfoundland above the Sea.
i —It is a fact worthy of notice that the whole
i of the land in and about the neighboihood ot
Conception Bay, very probably the whole is
land, is rising out of ihe ocean at a rate which
promises, at no very distant day, materially to
affect, if not to render useless, many of the
best harbors we have now on the coast. At
Port-de-Grave a series of observations have
been made which undeniably prove the rapid
displacement of the sea-level in that vicinity.
Several large flat rocks, over which schooners
might pass some thirty or forty years ago with
the greatest facility, are now approaching the
surface, the water being scarcely navigable
for a skiff. At a place called the Cosh, at the
head of Bay R»berts, upwards of a mile from
the sea-shore, and at several feet above its lev
el, covered with five or six feet of vegetable
mould, there is a perfect beach, the stones be
ing rounded, of a moderate size, and in all re
spects similar to those now found in the adja
cent land-washes.—Newfoundland Times.
AN IMPROBABLE STORY.
The correspondent of the New York Ex
press says, that an enterprising young man o'
that city, has Invented a machine which is
called "The Leviathan,” for the purpose o?
destroying the vessels of an enemy in the time
of war. It moves from ten to fifteen miles
per hour, far below the surface of the ocean.
Not a ripple is seen on the water, as it ap
proaches the vessel doomed to destruction.
No warning is given. No moving, living
thing, may be within the bounds of the ltorri-
zon. In a moment—“in the twinkling of an
eye” the work of destruction is accomplished,
and the strongest vessel on the ocean is scat
tered in ten thousand fragments. All on board
must inevitably perish. In a moment th.
“Leviathan,” insatiable as the “Giant King o
Terrors,” is on its way to another object o.
destruction. It is cheaply constructed, and
can be navigated with very few men, and those
as perfectly safe as if they were a thousand
miles from the scene of action. Each machine
is capable of destroying five vessels per hour
of any magnitude.
Philosophy of Marriage.—There is some
truth in a remark which we see going tho
rounds of the press, on the romance of women,
which says: ‘'Women in love always think
they can live on two pence a day, and bake
their husband’s bread, or mend their hus
band’s coat, by way of economy. However
desirables state of society maybe, in which
their devotions may be gratified and repaid,
and the two pence a day he found sufficient,
it is, nevertheless, (for the present) an impos
sibility. Those who marry on an income in
adequate to their natural wants are generally
reproached for the foolishness of the step they
have taken by the very man for whom all this
economical discomforture was incurred; and
those who do not marry in that way are usu
ally upbraided for refusing.”
A Trijle.—One kernel is felt in a hogshead
—one drop of water helps to swell the ocean
—a spark of fire helps to give light to the
world. You are a small man—passing amid
the crowd, you are hardly noticed; but you
have a drop or spark within you that may be
felt—felt through eternity. Do you not be
lieve it? Set that drop in motion—give wings
to that spark, and behold the results! It may
renovate the world. None are too small—too
feeble—too poor to be of service. Think of
this and act. Life is no trifle.
The Printers.—” he printers of Philadel
phia are forming a company to be composed
exclusively of typos, and when mustered to
be off for the war.
1 he printers of New York are “following
copy.”—N. O. Delta.
From the N. Y. Journal of Commerce, May 29.
Arrival of the Great Britain.
FOUR DAYS LATER FROM EUROPE
The steamer Great Britain, Captain .Hosken, arrived
here this morning from Liverpool, having sailed on the
9th inst.
The news is on the whole favorable, both politicly
and commercially. Cotton had advanced an eighth.
From the London Times, May 8.
THE OREGON QUESTION.
The resolutions authorizing the President of the U.
.Stales to give notice lor the termination of the Oregon
Convention of 1827, have uow received the sanction of
the Senate by n majority of 40 to 14 votes. Nine weeks
of continuous debate may be supposed to have exhaust
ed the most sturdy powers of Parliamentary endurance;
and, from the Senators of Massachusetts to the newly-
arrived representative of the State of Texas, not a mem
ber of this sedate assembly seems to have let this impor
tant topic pass in silence. The doubts and difficulty
which are commonly confined to a Cabinet on questions
of this nature have here been extended to species of pop
ular assembly, and aggravated by publicity aid party
spirit. But the result has been the same as if the resolu
tions had been introduced by Mr. Polk; and public opin
ion throughout the Union has beet: informed and invig
orated by the debate. In spite of the length of time du
ring which we have contemplated the approach of this
notice—the clear certainty of the result of the discussion
—the unanimity which we may be said to have arrived
at in both countries as to the expediency and necessity of
putting an end to the doubtful condition of the question
—and the impatience with which we desired dial this
preliminary step should be taken, in order that the defini
tive negotiation might he promptly resumed, il cannot
be doubled that the solemn act of the American govern
ment, which is about to assign a term to ~ne of tae most
important territorial conventions existing oetweeu Great
Britain and the U. States, must be a considerable, and
may become a momentous event. In America the de
bates on this subject have almost exclusively monopoliz
ed the time of the legislature and the attention of the
public since the commencement of the session of Con
gress. In this country, parliament and the nation have
been content to wait the course of events, and leave un
touched by premature controversy one of the most im
portant functions of the Executive government, and one
or ihe highest prerogatives orihe Crown. But, in spite-
ol the excessive discussion to which the Oregon territory
has given rise on the other side of ihe Atlantic, and the
extreme reserve which has hitherto been maintained ou
this, there is at bottom the same deep and earnest hope
in both countries that this question will be amicably set
tled, and we trust there is an equal resolution iu the gov
ernments of both countries lo make exertion consistent
with their true interests and honor, to terminate the con
troversy. It is in this spirit that we are willing to receive
the notice for the termination of the existing convention. '
In this spirit, and with an express recommendation to
that effect, the resolutions have been framed and carried
in both Houses of Congress; and, in the same spirit, we
do not doubt that the negotiation will be forthwith re
newed. *.
The alternative is now distinctly indicated. The ut
most term to which the peace of the woqld can be pro
longed is one twelvemonth, if indeed circumstances do
not bring about a much earlier rupture, unless the parti
tion of the Oregon territory be finally settled within that
period. Never was a heavier responsibility incurred by
public men; never was a graver question poised m the
balance of Providence. The provisional agreement un
der which our pacific relations with the United States
have subsisted for thirty years is to be superseded by a fi
nal definition of our respective rights upon the north
western coast of America, or to be succeeded by war.
The vessel is already loosened from the moorings at
jwhich she lay in peace. The convention of joint occu
pancy is virtually ended; and the destinies of these two
great nations—if, indeed, they can he called twain,
which have sc great a name, a language, and a freedom
in common with each other, are exposed to the fluctua
tions of adverse and conflicting claims. The emergency
is. doubtless, a most serious one; but, happily for the
honor oi j,. . ~nwe
feelings of excitement amongst ourselves which have so
often perplexed the affairs of the world, and it will be
met with the deliberate energy of men as conscious of
our duties as of our strength.
Thus far, then, and in more respects than one, the
American notice materially improves the prospect of a
speedy settlement. It recognizes, in general terms, the
basis upon which alone such a settlement can be attempt
ed, and, by putting an end to the period of joint occu
pancy, it prepares ns to maintain to the fullest extent the
rights we derive from present occupation. Whatever
be the fate of the provisional treaties, we presume that
no one will contest that the rights and interests which
have grown up by their protection and authority are sa
cred, both under the letter of those treaties, and under
the original rights to which we now reiert in all their
force. Our position as claimants upon an equal footing
with the United States for the partition of the whole ter
ritory in dispute, is rather strengthened than weakened
by the abrogation of the treaty, and we cannot doubt
that the M inisters of the Crown will be ready, upon the
receipt of the notice, firmly and explicitly to declare to
the Cabinet of Washington, what those rights are which
they have long been "resolved and prepared to main
tain.” Every incident which has occurred in the course
of these discussions has more and more fully convinced
us that whilst a compromise is necessary, and, indeed,
our own statement of our claims suggests a division, no
surrender of those claims can be attempted. We are
not conscious of having advanced any argument, or
made any assertion, which is not greatly within the strict
est limits to which British rights might have been carried;
and below the line which has been traced for the policy
of this country lies nothing but insecurity and disgrace.
To that pi. -ition we therefore adhere; we have no doubt
that the Ministers of the Crown will adhere to it no less
firmly, confident that in the maintenance of just rights, as
well as in securing peace, they are supported by the
unanimous resolution of the people of England.
Liverpool, May 9.
Six months ago fears of a rupture with the U. Stales
were general. Now they have disappeared. Not the
least commotion was visible yesterday, when it became
known that (he Senate had passed the resolution for
giving the notice, and. as we have intimated in another
column, it bad no visible effect on the cotton or any oth
er market. This is most gratifying. We are now in the
second act ofthe Oregon drama, tinder Mr. Polk’s man
agement—may the concluding one be as satisfactory and
pacific!—European Times.
From the Manchester Examiner.
Now that the long debate is at ail end, the field of ne
gotiation is again opened; and we hope and believe, that
both governments will enter into it withafuJl determina
tion to adjust a qttstion which, however really unimpor
tant to either country, has for some time given rise to
serious apprehensions, lest the peace of the world should
be disturbed.
GERMANY.
The delegates of the Zollverin are to meet short
ly at Berlin lo continue the negotiations commen
ced at Carlsrnbe. The question will be discussed
in this conference, whether to favor the importation di
rect of raw cotton from the United States, it wid be re
quisite to augment the import duty on English twists;
they will also take into consideration the propositions
made to the Zollverin lending to facilitate the means ofa
direct commerce with the translanlic States.
POLAND.
A letter from Cracow, dated April 26, states that
an attempt was made to excite the people to revolt
by means of religious fanaticism. A woman, dressed as
a peasant, was placed on the altar amidst cries of "See,
a saint appears during divine service!” The pretended
saint announced to the assembled multitude that the Ho
ly Virgin had appeared to her in a dream, and said to
her,” Poland is not yet lost; God the Father has resolv
ed to establish the kingdom of Poland in all its fullness.”
This scan<M«us scene did not escape the authorities,
and the Austrian commandant, Count de Castig inni,
rook the necessary measures for the maintenance of or
der. Neverihe'ess, potne police agents and the militia,
entered the church and arrested the modern saint, and
conducted her to the principal door. The crowd fol
lowed the saint, but soon dispersed at the sight of ihe
cannon and firmness of the soldiers.—The individuals
who got up this disgraceful scene have not been arrest
ed at present. The person who performed the part of
saint was recognized for an abandoned woman.
COTTON MARKET.
Liverpool, May 9.
Cotton is a little higher this week; indeed it can hardly
be otherwise, considering that each succeeding account
from the shipping ports of the United States reduces the
comparative amount of receipts. The failing off 1 is now
391,000 bales less than last year. Of the politics, as af
fecting the price of Cotton, vve take no account, having
the most confident reliance that all will go Dn peaceably.
The advance in prices, since our circular of Friday
last, is nearly Jd on all kinds of American, "fair” Orleans
now standing at 5d. and "fair” Mobiles and Uplands at
4|d. The sales to-dav. amount to about 6000 bales. The
total sales of the week amount to 39,800 bales.
Havre, May 6th, 1846.
By the packet Zurich, arrived this morning, we hitve
accounts from New York, to 16th April, the tenor of
which has re-aniniated our Cotton market, and about
2000 bales have already changed hands, but without any
alteration in prices.
Tite TJ. S. Gazette says the President
has a perfect model of the Castle at Vera
Cruz with its appendages, additions, floating
batteries, &c., &c., furnished to him or to the
American officer for him, by the very engineer
that superintended the work for Mexico.
Muskets.—There are a million and a half of
muskets in the various armories of the United
States—all ready to load and fire.
Prom the N. O. Picayune, May 31.
LATER FROM MEXICO.
The bark Theatus, Capt. Merrell, arrived
pt this port last night from Vera Cruz, which i
'place she left on the 20th inst. By her we j
have received full files of papers from Mexi- j
co and Vera Cruz, containing thirteen days j
later intelligence, and verbal news of great
interest.
We learn that the U. S. steamship Missis
sippi arrived off Vera Crus on the.ISth, bring
ing the intelligence of the glorious battles of-
the 8th and 9th inst., but very wisely the news
was only communicated to a few Americans j
in the city. The port was immediately block
aded by the Mississippi and the Falmouth.
Orders were received by the American cit
izens, from the city of Mexico, directing them
to leave Vera Cruz by the 24th inst., or re
tire into the interior. It was expected that
our Consul would go on board one of out-
vessels. From all we can gather the Govern
ment is making the greatest exertions, strain- j
ing every nerve to carry on the war with the j
utmost vigor, and by the most arbitrary meas
ures had replenished the treasury. «
The Castle of San Juan de Ulua, as our
last accounts state, was in a perfect state of de
fence, and the officers in command were con
fident of being able to repel an attack. They
will shortly have an opportunity of displaying
their skill in gunnery and forming an intimate
acquaintance with our naval force.
The Mexicans were in high glee at the va
rious gasconading despatches received from
the camp of Matamoras, which spoke with the
utmost enthusiasm of the brilliant condition
of their army, and predicted the most magnifi
cent .triumphs over the American forces. Tho
capture of Col. Thornton’s command was duly
paraded in the columns of El Diario Official
as “a great triumph of the Mexican arms,”
and the particulars of the capture of the party i
who had “entrenched themselves in the Cor
ral" as they were pleased to term the riding
of our dragoons into the farmer’s enclosure
where they were surrounded by such an over
whelming force; and the names of the officers
and men all placed in their columns.
The attack upon Capt. Walker’s little com
mand by the Mexicans under Don Rafael
Quintero, wa3 spoken of as another glorious
triumph, in which eight Texans were killed
and four taken pi isoners. Quintero was the
•only man tcounded, says the despatch, and he
was shot with a rifle-ball in the left arm. The
despatch says nothing about the number of
Mexicans killed in the action.
From El Locomotor of May 18th.
Ministry of War and Marine.—To the oltl inju
ries which the United States have for a number of years
inflicted oil the Mexican nation, violating and treating
with contempt the treaties which united the two Repub
lics, they have recently added to the invasion of the de
partment of Texas, Territories of Ntteva Leon andTa-
ntaulipas. by penetrating with an armed force and in the
pay of their Government, a part of Upper California,
and to threaten with her vessels of war Vera Cruz, Mata-
mnraa. Mazatlau, and other parts of both oceans. Oil
tne other na.nu, me picseuce or a*o
front of Matamoras is a measure of hostility, as they have
raised batteries against thrown and have blockaded the
Brazos St. Iago.
His Excellency the President pro tern, is nntliorized,
under these grave circumstances, to dictate all measures
of defence of the national territory, and compelled by
all the aggressions of a nation, which called herself
friendly, to take measures of security in conformity with
the practice of civilized nations, has decreed that in what
ever port vessels of the United States shall appear, or
might appear,the functions oftlie Consuls or Vico Con
suls of that nation shall cease, and the citizt-us of that
country shall be sent twenty leagues from the coast to
the interior within the space of eight days, unless they
prefer leaving the country, without being granted any
prorogation or delay.
The best interest of the nation being concerned in the
fulfilment of this supreme order, communicate it to your
Excellency, relying on your activity and patriotism.
God and Liberty, Mexico, May 12, 1846.
Tornel.
To the Commanders of the Divisions East, North and
to the Commanders Generals of the Department.—
Victor jd, capitol of the State of Tamaulip.is.
To show with what certainty the Mexicans
looked for victory, we give an extract from a
communication from the commander of the
corps of engineers to the Minister of War pri
or to the arrival of Ampudia:
Upon the arrival of Gen. Ampudia, we shall then
have, after leaving sufficient force in Matamoras, 3000
infantry, 10 guns, and 1300 cavalry with which to cross
the river. Our triumph is certain, and there is no dan
ger of the enemy’s beiug reinforced in time to save
them from destruction. The force of the enemy was
5000 men, but at present he has at the utmost 4000 men,'
and among them 250 artillery with 22 pieces offlying ar
tillery, the balance infantry, without spirit, without union
among themselves, and without any wish to fight. The
officers are good, but even among them there are many
who merely came because their Government ordered it.
If no disturbances break out in the interior they will ca
ptivate ill less than twenty days or be entirely destroyed.
War with Pie Cherokies.—We learn from
Gen. Morse of Natchitoches, that an express
had arrived at San Augustine and Sabine
Town, with orders from the local authorities
of Texas to raise a force to repel the incur
sion of the Cherokees upon the frontiers of
Texas, and that companies were being raised
for that purpose as well as under the requisi
tion of Gen. Taylor.
Serious apprehensions were entertained
that Mexican emissaries had been among
them, and that the whole tribe were in arms
against the U. States.
Some years since the Cherokees purchased
land in Texas for which they paid 830,009 to
the agent of a New York company, and the
authorities of Texas refused to allow them to
take possession of it.—Since that period they
have always been in a hostile attitude, and the
presumption was they would take advantage
of the first opportunity that presented to a
venge their supposed wrongs. Bowls, achiei
of the nation, together with some others, were
killed in an affair growing out of the same
cause, and Major Kaufman, now a member ol
Congress from Texas, was wounded in the
same battle.—N. O. Jaffersonian.
LOVE AND GLORY.
A rich planter, of East Feliciana, Louisiana,
was engaged to a young and beautiful lady
who, however, had no dower but her person
al charms and unsullied name. He felt the
call which his country was making upon him.
attd he was willing to obey it; but lie wished
to secure to his betrothed, his wealth and es
tate; she therefore accompanied him to the
city of New Orleans, where they were mar*
ried, aud in a few minutes she left for her new
home, and he proceeded with his fellow vol
unteer. Such examples must cause those who
are backward in the cause, to blush with
shame. May glory await the gallant husband,
and may he live to return to his home, there
to enjoy that happiness which he so richly
deserves.
Another Still!—Rev. R. A. Stewart, o
East Baton Rouge, has set a noble example
which it would be well for some of our milita >
ry heroes to imitate. Mr. Stewart was in N [
Orleans when the news reached there of Gen
Taylor's perilous condition. He immediate
ly proceeded home, and in a few days return
ed with a gallant corps of 100 volunteers, or
their march to the Rio Grande. Mr. Stewat
isa Methodist minister, and was formerly adis
tinguished lawyer and politician in Mississip
pi.—Selma Free Press. <
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Frem the If. O. Delta of May 28.
Late Arrival—Matamoras taken without op
position—Mexican Soldiers Deserting in
great numbers—Additional particulars of the
Action of 8th and 9th—Sft.
The steamship Telegraph is just in. From
the following synopsis of the latest news from
the seat of war, it will be seen that the Rubi
con, or rather the Rio Grande, is crossed by
the advance division of our army, and that the
enemyflies before them—deserting tbeirtowns
and forts and permitting them to fall into the
possession of our aTmy without a defensive
shot. The glorious and well-fought battles of
the Silt and 9th have struck terror into the
enemy; and decided, it would appear, the fate
of the campaign. This is not what our brave
fellows want: they would like to meet foetnen
worthy of their steel: but will they?
From the Galceston News, Extra. >
Thursday 7 p. M. $
MATAMORAS TAKEN !
The steamship Telegraph has just arrived
from Point Isabel. Through the politeness
ofher obliging clerk, vve have been furnished
with the following information:
Reports, that on the 17th inst., a detachment
of 301) Regulars and 350 Volunteers proceed
ed to Barrita and took possession of it, and es
tablished a military depot. In the night of
the 19th an express arrived from Gen. Taylor,
stating that he had crossed the Rio Grande
and taken the city ofMatamoras, without oppo
sition, the Mexicans having fled the city.
The Mexicans, from the last accounts were
deserting their ranks in battalions.
Two American regiments, with the excep
tion of about 350, having marched a few days
previous, were stationed at the Brazos Point,
awaiting the orders of Gen. T., and it was
thought they would leave on the 20th for Mat-
amoras. via the old Barrita road.
Col. McIntosh, Capt Page, and all the oth
ers that were wounded in the actions of the
8th and 9th, are at Point Isabel, and were re
covering.
The Telegraph is just 26 hours from Point
Isabel.
STILL LATER.
From the N. O. Pic., 30th idt.
ARRIVAL OF THE GALVESTON AND
JAS. L. DAY.
Eight Days Later from Rio Grande.
Matamoras taken—murder of one of
the McKLelvey Guards.
The steamship Galveston arrived last even
ing Irom Brasos Santiago, which place she
left on the 27th inst. She brings a confirma
tion of the news brought by the Telegraph.—
Gen. Taylor has obtained peaceable posses
sion of Matamoras. The Mexican army left
a large amount of ammunition in the city,—
which is of course a valuable acquisition to
our army.
T he Mextcaua «l©sti-oye.l an immense quan
tity of their ammunition by filling up the wells
and throwing other portions into the river.
Gen. Taylor gave most positive orders to
his men not to take the slightest article with
out giving a fair equivalent.
The citizens were told by Gen. Taylor to
continue their business operations, but pro
hibited from selling liquor to any of the army.
Commodore Connor with most of his squad
ron had left for Pensacola to refit and rein
force before making an attack upon Vera
Cruz. He intends taking with him three or
four line of battle ships.
The steam schr. Cincinnati, Capt. Smith,
was at Matamoras—the Mary Kingslund at
anchor off the bar N the Monmouth acting as
her lighter. The steamer Augusta was a-
groutul in the Bay. The Sea and Florida
were also engaged as lighters.
On her passage to the seat of war, the Gal
veston was the scene of a terrible murder, a
matt named Robert Mitchell, of the McKelvey
Guards, having stabbed one of his comrades
named William Malloy. The deceased was
buried at sea, Capt. Waddell reading the fu
neral service. The murderer was immediate
ly pul in irons and placed in close custody im
mediately upon their arrival at Point Isabel.
Gen. Taylor, immediately after having ta
ken possession of Matamoras, despatched two
companies of horse to follow the Mexican ar
my. They accordingly followed them about
fifty miles, but never approacheJ nearer than
six hours travel.
The amount of money found in the Mexican
army chest after the battle of the 9th contain
ed, it is said, 816,000 in gold.
The James L. Day, which sailed on the
evening of the 26th, arrived about 9 o’clock, a
short time after the Galveston. The only ad
ditional item of news she brings is that the
Mexican army had retreated to Camargo, a-
bout 200 miles from Matamoras, it is suppos
ed for reinforcements. A party of Colonel
Tvvigg’s Regiment of Dragoons, under the
command of Capts. May, Arnold and Carr,
arrived at Point Isabel on the evening of the
25th inst., for the purpose of recruiting their
horses.
Correspondence of the Picayune.
Fort Polk, Point Isabel, May, 26, 1S46.
Gentlemen:—I arrived here yesterday morn
ing on the steamer Florida, after a passage of
eight days, and find that the news of the tak
ing of Matamoras was carried from here a
week ago. There is nothing occurring here
now of stirring interest, the fighting having
ceased for some weeks to come at least, and I
am inclined to think that there will be no
more of it on the Rio Grande. Our army
must seek the enemy in their own country if
they desire to meet them in any considerable
bodies. Ampudia’s defeat on the 8th and 9th
has ruined the Mexican army now in the
North. They have lost everything, mules,
pack-saddles, amtinition, arms, and men e-
nough to strike terror to their hearts. Fort
Polk, as this point is now called, is a com
plete museum at the present moment, with its
Mexican booty—Mexican prisoners, mules,
lances, saddles curiously wrought, leather
pack-saddies, huge saddle-bags, muskets,
drums, ordnance, copper cannon-balls, grape-
shot, letters and all kinds of documents pick
ed up on the ground where Atnpudia was en
camped. One of the officers who was in the
two engagements, says that the supper which
the Mexicans had in their confidence prepar
ed for themselves, and which they were oblig
ed so suddenly to abandon, afforded a rich re
past to our tired and hungry officers and men.
He pronounces their liquors, chocolate, soups,
roast-beef, etc. etc., to have been first rate.—
Ampudia’s plate, which was valuable, was
promptly returned to him. Most of the wound
ed have been sent to Corpus Christi, but there
are still enough here to represent most pain
fully the sad results of war. Captain P a g e >
whose under jaw was completely sh^ away,
is in a fair way of recovering! Capt. Hove is
walking about with the stump of his right arm
dangling by his side, and appears to be in ex
cellent humor. Col. McIntosh, who was bad
ly wbunded, was stretched out yesterday in a
Mexican wagon trying to read. He was stab
bed iu the throat, or^her double throat ir\
the neck, and in other parts of his body and ^
was repeatedly knocked down in the fight
Lieut. Maclay, who was wounded in the°ac-
tion of the 9th, is here, with an awfully sore
shin, across which a Mexican grape-shot pas
sed, shaving a leetle closer than was safe, as it
carried with it a slice of bone and sinew! In
stances of individual heroism occurred at. those
two engagements, which would have immor
talized a Spartan.
The Volunteers are gathering here in
crowds. Yesterday theOndiaka, Mary Kittgs-
land, Florida and Orleans, arrived with troops
from New Orleans. A company of Texan
Rangers came down to Padre Island and
crossed over last evening. Some are encamp
ed near the Fort, on the prairie, and six com
panies of Louisiana Volunteers are encamped
on the Point, 3£ miles distant, at the Bar. I
had the pleasure yesterday of meeting Gen.
Memucan Hunt, of the Texan Volunteers.
The General looks well, and is anxious to be
on the field. His men are hardy looking fel
lows. All they pray for is to be permitted to
go out through the interior, as our army
marches on toward Mexico, and to take such
towns as they can reach. Their knowledge
of the country, their hardihood and experi
ence in fighting Mexicans, fit thorn peculiarly
for such service. There are more than twen
ty vessels lying here, inside and outside of the
Bar. One Frigate of War, and the balance
transports and trading vessels. The Florida
drew less than seven feet, and bumped heavi
ly on the Bar, as she came over, yesterday
morning. The Hon. Rice Garland is here,
and is about to establish a line of coaches be
tween this point and Matamoras. He will make
a fortune by the operation, if he commences
soon. The suttlers put the screws to the poor
soldiers here at a cruel rate, in the way of
charges.
The sea-bathing at this place is fine—the
sun excessively hot, not a solitary shade tree,
plenty of fish, -and a fine sea-breeze. The
Volunteers, as far as I have heard, enjoy ex
cellent health. Youts, K.
LATEST FROM THE RIO GRANDE.
From the N. O. Delta, 2d mst.
"The Mary Kingsland, Capt. Davis, arrived yester
day from the Brazos. She brings no later news from
the seat of war: and the letters of our invaluable corres
pondent “T.” &c. His description ofthe interview be
tween Gens. Taylor and Ampudia—the crossing of the
river—the meeting with the Alcaid, and, the taking
peaceable possession of Matamoras, will be perused
with pleasure.
The Galveston Gazette of Saturday, says:—
The sloop Tom Jack arrived from Corpus Christi on
Thursday.
A gentleman who came pessenger left Point Isabel on
Sunday, on the steamer Sea, which brought up a num
ber of w ounded men from the Point, to the Hospital on
St. Joseph’s Island, where there are now upwards of
sixty of our wounded—all who were able to bear remov
al from Point Isabel.
It is stated that Capt. May, with his command, accom
panied by Capt. Walker, and a small party of volunteers,
pursued the retreating Mexicans a considerable distance
beyond Matamoras, and took thirty prisoners, besides
killing a number. -Capt. M. lost one man killed, and
had a number wounded. The prisoners were brought
in to Gen. Taylor’s camp.
McGlister, who was supposed to have been killed by
the Mexicans, is alive at Point Isabel—severely wound
ed. He had started from Corpns Christi with a party
of fifteen men. two women and one child; they were
surprised by a detachment of Mexicans—surrendered on
a promise of being treated as prisoners of war; but they
tied them, aud cut the throats of the men, and treated the
women iu the most shameful manner. McGlister, when
his throat was cut, feigned to be dead, and so escaped.
Humphries and Rogers, of the same party, who were
supposed to have been killed, have also returned.
[correspondence of the “daily delta.”]
Fort Polk, Point Isabel, May 28, 1846.
To the Editor of the Delta:
Dear Sir—On the morning of the 17th, Gen. Tay
lor demanded an interview with Gen. Atnpudia, which
was grauted. Ampudia arrived at our camp, and a big
talk was to be had. I question very much if the wily
Mexican had any doubt in his own mind as to the nature of
the proposed talk, at any rate supposing that he had, the
policy pursued byour General in taking the utmost pains,
and with an air of the utmost nonchalance, to point out
to him all the preparations he had made, in the shape of
mortars and eighteen-pounders, to back any suggestions
he might make, must have told Ampudia plainly what
was to be the result of their interview.
Ampudia talked of an armistice: Gen. Taylordemand-
ed an unconditional surrender of the town. Ampudia
wished the armistice: Gen. Taylor told him that the time
for such things had passed; and that it was no use now
to talk about it, particularly since he had been put to the
trouble of transporting those heavy pieces of artillery.—
Ampudia still hesitated; at length he proposed to exclude
the public buildings and public property. “No,” says
the General, "I will have every thing.” Finally. Am
pudia agreed to return an answer by a certain hour that
day—and took his leave, casting a woeful look at the
heavy mortars as he passed them.
The hour at which the answer was to be given ar
rived but no answer came. Gen Taylor immediately
ordered preparations to be made for crossing the river;
parties were sent op and down the river, to secure all
the boats that could be seen on either side. That oight
just after dark, the army moved three miles up the
river, and encamped for the night opposite the cross
ing. Next morning, every thing being ready, the pas
sage of the river was commenced just after sunrise, and
the whole army landed on the opposite side without
the firing of a single gun. It was understood that the
Mexican army, after thtowing a part of their amunition
and cannon into the river, and concealing another
portion of the same, had commenced their retreat about
dusk on the evening before, by way of the main road
towards the interior, in number from 4 to 500 men.
Arista at their head.
After our troops had crossed. Adjutant Gen. Bliss ad
vanced towards the main fort in front of the town, and
sounded a peat. The principal Alcaid made his appear
ance, and a formal demand was made for the surren
der of the town, with a promise that all religious and
civil rights should be secured to them—all private prop
erty protected. The Alcaid wished to know if the
public buildings and property would be free. The an
swer was. every thing belonging to the Government
must he given up. The AleaiJ then said Gen. Taylor
could take possession as soon as he thought proper, and
that he would meet with no resistance. This was done,
our army encamping iu front of the town.
What could be more happier than this ? As our troops
approached the town they were greeted, it is said, by
tne loud huzzas of the citizens. The Mexican flag was
hauled down, giving place to the Star Spangled Ban
ner, which in a moment gracefully spread its wings and
was kissed by the same breeze that a moment before
wooed the flag of the haughty Don,
A party of Dragoons and Texan Rangers were im
mediately despatched iu Pursuit of Arista, but up to the
time of closing tbferiHMteiEs has reached tic of the re
sult.
It is supposed by eutxy ouo here, that the Mexicans
will make a stand at Rinosa ; but this is only, conjecture.
I am glad to be able to say that our sick and wounded
are doing welt Cols. McIntosh and Payne, and Capts.
Page and Hoe, are doii g very well, and bear their
wounds with greet fortitude. Yours, in haste, T.
From the Daily Union.
Some of the whig presses are defending
their own equivocal course behind the shield
of the warriors who are now defending their
country. They ask us why we are taunting
some of the whig papers with want of public
spirit; for, they say, is not General Taylor a
whig, and General Worth, and other distin
guished officers? We are not acquainted with
their politics. We have never looked to that
question. All we can say is, that be they
whigs or be they democrats, let them receive
the laurels which they win. The administra
tion does not grudge them the honors because
they may he whigs. If these distinguished
officers are not solicitous to show their politi
cal opinions, vve are not solicitous to look into
their opinions, and surely we do not wish to
deny them one atom of the honor to which
their distinguished services entitle them. The
Executive is the first to pay Gen. Taylor the
honor which he so gloriously deserves, what
ever be his politics. We have never yet
heard it asked, is General Taylor a whig or a
democrat; aLd it is a whig paper which is the
first to bring up that question.