Newspaper Page Text
\
\ i
\V-
TIIE WAR BEirOiV. lroii
Americans taken prisoners, and Hi killed It i
by the Mexicans, precarious con lit ion of Tay
(Itn. Taylors army—requisition fur Vol
unteers, Sfc. i$*e.
Macon, Thursday, May 7, 1846.
By tills morning’s Southern mail we nro in
receipt of Galveston papers of the 30ili ulr.»
and New Orleans of the 21 insl«, from which
we make the follow! >g extracts. Great excite
ment prevailed at both these places, Mnj Bry-
ont commanding the Galveston Volunteer Bntal-
1 on hut issued the following order:
Head-Quarters, Galveston Volunteer I
JSatallion, 30lh April, 1S46. j
ORDERS.
The commissioned and non-commissioned
officers of the companies composing the GaU
veston Volunteer Batallion, are r» quested to
meet for consultation nt ten o'clock this morn,
ing, nt Mr. Crawford's store. The country
needs our services! no lime should ho lost in
immediately organizing the several corps of
this batallion. The commandant of the batnl-
lion has the fullest confidence in the patriotism
mid z-nl of the citizen soldiers of Galveston J
lie is sure they will not fuller nor hesitate in
this emergency! They have always desired
on opportunity of showing their prowess to
their Mexican enemies ! That opportunity has
now arrived ! It is expected tho young men
of Galveston will immediately rally ns volun
teers, nor wait for their sen ices to bo required
by draft.
A Rendezvous will l«e immediately opened
fur volunteers to increase the Ranks of each of
the volunteer corps of the city, and also to or
ganize an additional company of Infantry or
R iflemcn. A prompt attendance of the officers
is expeelcd nt the time anil placed appointed.
By Order of
C. G BRYANT,
Major Commanding Galveston Volunteer
Batnlbon.
If 150 or 200 men with the proper officers
can be raised by to-morrow morning at 8 o’
clock, they will lie supplied with arms and ac
coutrements, and will tnKC passage on board the
steamer Monmouth now bound for Point Isabel.
N. KINGSBURY,
Lieut. U. S. Army.
Gen. Memucon Hunt will leave this city
lato this evening by way of Velasco mid Vic
toria to rend' zvi.us at Corpus Chnsti, prepara
tory to marching fur the iciief of Gen. Taylor.
The Lnuisi&nna Legislature was in session
when thb news reached New Orleans, and
they immediately appropriated $100,000 lor
the purpose of defraying the expenses of vol
unteers, 800 of whom offered on the fi'st day,
end would le-.vo on toe 3d and 4ib inst.—and
Isabel of ft nr fall regiments of militia,
thought by the superior officers of Gen.
>r*s Army that 20,000 men will bo re
quired within a very short period, ns it is well
known that the Mexican army is daily receiving
large reinforcements from the interior. It was
supposed by the American officers that Gen.
Aristn reached Mata morns on tho evening of
the 22 J ult. with n brigade ; but up to the. pe
ri'll of the writer’s leaving camp, no enmmu.
mention had been received by by Gen. Taylor
from Gen. Arista.
[Subsequently to his leaving the comp oit
the 20th ult. Col. lloane learned that Gen. Aris.
la adJressed a polite note to Gen. Taylor infor-
: ming him that he, Arista, had assumed the com-
j maud of tho Mexican forces.]
! At Point Isabel great fears were entertained
of n night attack, which from the present ex
posed situation of that post conld not be other
wise than successful if conducted with energy.
The post is defended by Major Munroe, with a
detachment of 80 artillerists. There arc also
at the past about 200 armed- wagoners and 50
laborers under lh“ orders of the Quartermaster,
imd some 100 citizens furnished with arms by
the U. S. Ordinance officer, organized under
i tho command <f Capt. Perkins, and denomi-
I tinted the Pronton Guard*. A company of
j 50 -Mexican cavalry were seen on the night of
the 25th within fivo miles of Point Isabel.—
They were supposed to be a corps of okserva-
lion.
The body of Cob Cross was found on the
21st ult. about three miles from Camp, fright
fully mutilated and entirely destitute of clothing.
Tlie body of Lieut. Porter, v.ho was killed
some days previous by a party of bmd'tri, un
der the command of Ramon Talcon, had not
been found. ’
The principal officers known to l>e in com
mand of Mexican forces, are Generals Arista,
Ampudiu, Mezia and Canales, Cols. Orasco
and Ca raja be): «1! men of lab or.
Tim extra of tlic Galveston Nows says that
requisitions have been made upon the Govern
ors of Alabama and Mississippi for troops,
though our own inf umant says nothing of this.
The News supposes '.hat Gen. Taylor would
open his lire upon Matumoros ’lie morning of
lhe28ili ultimo.
Wo have also received en extra from the of
fice of the Galveston News, wherethe intelli
gence was received by the steamboat Mon
mouth, with Capt. Catlett on beard, n bearer of
despatches from Gen. Taylor to Gov. Hender
son, of T» x <s, calling upon him for aid. We
give the letter to the Galveston Committee, in
full, as it best shows the urgency of the call,
upon us all.
bor; schr. Ellen and Ciara, Griffin, for :N.
Orleans; steam sc'u. Florida. Clift, do. steam
schr. Ja?. Cage, Sherman, do; Mex. schr.
Juanita, lately arrived from N. Oilcans with
stores fjr the Mexican army, was taken pos
session of by order of Gen. Taylor, and or
dered to return to N. Orleans without discharg-
ing her cargo; U. S. brig of war Lawrence,
Commander Mercer, and U. S. schr. Fiirt,
Lieut. Sinclair, commanding, were blockading
the mouth of tho Rio Grande; schr. Bella del
Mar, stranded on the bar of Brassos Santiago,
was condemned and sold on the25ih ult. IT. S.
steamer Muntmonth was despatched, on the
evening of the 27th ult., for Port Lavaccaand
Galveston, with a requisition from Gen. Tay
lor on tho Governor of Texas for two regiments
of cavalry and two regiments of foot—militia.
WAR—TO ARMS! TO ARMS!!
The steamship Galveston arrived this morn
ing, bringing the certain intelligence that the U.
Slates army under Gen. Taylor, is completely
surrounded, and Ida communication with Point
Isabel entirely cut off'. Despatches have been
sent to the Governor "f Texas for an inttnedi-
ate reinforcement of 2400 men, and a special
messenger, Col. Doane, is row in this city
with requisition* upon Gov. Johnson for four
regiments. The emergency is Imminent, and
immediate steps should lie taken to send the
necessary force to-the relief of the army.
At Galveston, wi-hin an hour after the re
ceipt of Capt. Catlett’s letter, which will be
found in another column, there was a public
meeting, and was determined to despatch 200
men that evening in the Monmouth.
Gen. Taylor has fortiffed his position so
strongly that he can stand a si-ge, but his
communication with Point Isabel being cut off'
he is in danger of being compelled to take the
field with an inadequate force, on account of
the shortness of his provisions.
Matarnorns is almost deserted. The Amer-
can army could take the town at once, but un
der the circumstances of his position General
Taylor cannot divide his command or weaken
his camp by sending off'any considerable num
ber of men from it. '
A reconnoitering company of American cav
alry. under Cnpts. Hardee and Thurn'on, was
attacked on Friday, thc24>h ult., between the
Camp and Point Isabel. Lieut. Cain and 13
men were killed—Capt. Thornton missing, and
Capt. Hardee and 36 men were taken priso
ners.
The war has begun in earnest! The enemy
is upon our soil!! Louisiana Volunteers, the
hour lias arrived !!!
manv others wore preparing to fnilmv them.
* OFFICE OF THE PICAYUNE,)
Saturday, May 2,7j o’clock, A. M. I
Deplorable .Yews!
FROJi THE AiliUY.
Col. Charles Doane arrived in this city at an
paily hour yesterday morning, from Brazos
Santiago, which place he left on tlie 23lh ult.,
in the steam schooner Augusta. Sixty miles
west of the S. W. P.iss lie was transferred to
the steamer Golves’on. He is the bearer of
important despatches from Gen. Taylor; and
of a requisition upon thu Guveruoi of Louisiana
for four regiment*. The previous news recei
ved, that the Mexicans li d crossed the Rio
Grande, is fully confirmed, «md a detachment
of American troops has been cut off. Cut for
the details we refer to the following account of
operations kindly furnished us by Coi. Duane.
On Thursday evening, the 23d inst. Gee.
Tnylor received information that a body of the
Mexican army hod crossed to the cast side «<f
•he Rio Grande, at n point some 20 miles above
his encampment. Early on the following m *r
ring he despatched Captains Thornton mid
Hardee, of the 2d Regt. Dragoons, with a de
tachment of 70 n on to examine-the country
above, and Capt. Kerr of tlio same tcgimcn',
with a company to examine the country below
the encampment. The latter returned locimp.
wubnut having made any discovery of Mexi
cans.
The former, however, fell in with what he
considered to be a scouting parly of the cut ray,
but which proved to be tho advance guard of s
very strong body of the enemy, who were post
ed in the chaparral, immediately in the rear of
Gun. Taylors camp. *Capt. Thornton, contra
ry to the advice of Ids Mexican Guide, charged
upon the guard, who retreated towurds the
main body, followed by Capt. Thornton, when
in an instant ho found himself and command
surrounded by tlio rn'-my, who fired upon him,
killing, ns it is supposed, Capt. Thornton,
Licuts. Kane and Mason, and some iwenty-s:x
of tho men, nnd taking Capt. llnrd'-c and the
remainder of tin* command prisoner*. The
Mexican commander sent into Gen. Taylor’s
camp, a carl, with a soldier badly wounded,
with a message that lie had no travelling hospi
tal with him, and could hot, therefore; lender
the soldier (he assistance which Ids situation re
quired.
It is supposed that the detachment of the en
emy on tlio east side of the Rio Grande con
sists of at least 2500 mea, under the command
of Cols. Cams CO and Carrahojal, both old and
experienced officers, and that thulr object is to
ent off all communication between Gen. Tay
lor and Point Isabel, the depot of provisions.
In tho execution of this object, they have fully
succeeded,and liuvo thereby placed tlio Ameri
can army in a most dangerous position, as it
will lie utterly impossible for Gen. Taylor, wi ll
tho limited number of men now unuer Irs coru-
ra ,nd, say 2309, to foxu his wuy through the
dense chaparral, in which the enemy ore siren-
dy strongly posted.
Oa tho 22d, Gen. Taylor received from
Gen- Ajnpndin, by means of a ling of truee, a
communication m very offensive term*, coin
phoning of hi* having blockaded the Rio
Grande; o> " - .l> he replied, that Gen, Am-
pudia had I i nn If lajen tho cause of tho block,
a e, in bav ng expressly declared that unless
Gen. Tuy'or commenced his retreat behind
tho Nueces within 24 hours after his display,
ing his fl .g upon tho left bank of thu It o
Grande, ha would consider tear ns being de
clared, and would act accordingly. Genera
Taylor furthermore stated tb it Ik* would re
ceive no further communications from the Mex-
jca-i ooramauder, unless couched in language
more m—peclful ipwar.is the Govesnssent and
people of ihe United Si ales.
G Tavh r's position, in tlie n-ar < f M its-
nioms ii Milli- icntis *tro to w.tl;< tnd -tic-
cc-'-'lnIIY <)n It-t ick ol tin' wliolo MeM( hi I’M C**,
i.nd commands tho town, w hich, with tue bnt-
terii \ .-I’rciulv ni nu tod, could he i 1 z<■ < 1 to tiie
ground in nil hour's time. Gen. Lnvliir h;>*
:ii camp till, rations t >r 15 d.rys. w.111-:i he in m»s
can he m.rle In Iasi thirty days, hv which
time he i- n hop-s to reci-ivo i.iije it_-iiit”ice-
ments li-'r.i Texas and Lou s an ia, up >n «*.<cli
of which States it: has made a roj tisitaiii for 1
ii--. 'in.-v.e liatc'.qirpment trad 'r *»• - '■ * ■ tei !0
LETTER OF CAPT. CATLETT TO
THE PEOPLE OF GALVESTON.
Ok hoard Steamer Monmouth. 1
Off St. Josephs, April 23, 1846. /
Gentlemen: I am tlie bearer of a communi
cation from Gen. Taylor to Gov. Henderson,
requesting- to be immediately reinforced by
twenty companies of foot Riflemen. My des-
ti totioii is Victoria, nnd thence to Austin. I
was instructed by the General to send an ex
press from the former place hr land to your city
with communications to Lieut. Kingsbury, and
at the same time to spread tlie information
through the country. But it having Iteen left
discretionary with me, and the Monmouth being
availiable, I have determined to send the com
munications by her, and aiso to write to you, in
order to facilitate* us much as possible the
sen ling on of troops. Gen. Taylor is in a very
precar ous situation at his camp near Alatnmo
r os. nnd an attack is feared ou the post at Point
Isabel. I believe a leiiilbiccmeu of two hun
dred men would save that place; This is vastly
important, us a large amount of comissniiat
and ordnance stores are deposed there, mid if
that place should fall, Gen. Taylor will be left
without resources of uny kind
I was instructed bv Gen. Taylor to send out
from Victoria expresses in such direction as I
might deem must advisable, so as to liuve all
the men possible on their march to his rHi< f
without awaiting tiie orders of the Governor.
You wdi have it in your power to send to tlie
Lower Brazos, Houston and Montgomery soon*
or than an express can go fiorn Victoria. 1
therefore leave that to you, knowing that it will
be promptly attended to 1 sliaii send to Mata
gorda, Ttxanna, Richmond and San Felipe.—
If you liuve an opportunity, please send to
Wus'iii'gton. I shall aend tliere from La
Cinngc.
The place of rendezvous for the foot compa
nies is suggested by the General at Galveston;
at which place there will be provisions and fo
rage, No party less than 400 should think of
going through on the direct mid to Matanioros,
as there is n hirgu force of .Mexicans on tlie
Aroyo Colorado, for the purpose of cutting off
reiiifurcemcnis in that direction. Small par
ties can cross from Corpus Chrisii on to Pad-
ruV Islai.-d. A*Tangemtutsare made forcro-s-
ing from tho lower point of the Island to Point
Isabel.
If two hundred m<‘n coulJ bo raised eicti
temporarily at Galveston. I ant decidedly of
op nion it would be belter to send them forth
with by tho Monmouth—the securty of Point
l>abi*l is of the last importance.
From <he best information we could obtain,
the foice of the M- xicmis is set down at seven
ihous-uul ceilain, and reports go as high as
twelve thousand.
All communication is now cut off between
tho camp and Point Isabel, except by running
the gauntlet. I came out in tlio night of the
26th with a guide, and was prowling all uight
through chxmpurral, swamps and lakes.
Capt. Baker will be ab’c to give you all the
jviriicuhirs of what has happened, tlio situation
of Point Isabel, &e. &c.
Tiie old General is n« cool as a cucumber,
and Ins so strengiliened his position, that I am
of op nion nothing can move him hut storvaion.
In haste, your obedient servant,.-
W. G. CATLETT.
Messrs. Williams and others,
N. B —A propeller lias left for N. Orleans
with a requisition upon tlio Governor of Loui-
MtniM for tro-ips also, l have thought a steamer
might bo leaving G.ilvesion immediately for N.
Oi leans, and for fear {he propeller should
bu detmiied, would it not bo well to state the
biers to the Governor, that the troops might be
in readiness by the arrival of thu propeller,
there is no mistake us to tlie order, the captain
will explain. Yours, &c. W. G. C.
Report of the steam st/t inner Augusta, Cillct,
ordered to proceed to A'< ic Orleans by the
U. S. Quarter-Master at Po nt Isabel,
with important despatches.
From the Baltimore Sun.
EIGHT DAYS LATER FROM EUROPE
INTELLIGENCE BY THE STEAM
SHIP CAMBRIA.
The Cambria run aground on Cape Cod—
Crew and Passaingers saved—Great excite
ment in England on the Irish Coercion and
Corn Laws—I’robable retirement of Sir
Ilobcru Peel— Advance of cotton—Attempt
to assassinate Louis Philippe—Narvaez'
fight from Spain, dec, &c.
The steam ship Cambria on coming into
Boston on Sunday last, went ashore on Cajm
Cios-jo J the bar at Bi
go on Tues
day tho 2Sih ult, nt 6 o’clock, A. M. On Fri
day, 1st inst. whi n (in miles west cl’the S. \V.
Pass, at 12 o’clock. M.. was hulled by steam-
I or Galveston, iuid to ar.i] put Col. C. Duane,
: bearer of despatches, on board the Galveston.
J.- ii in port st< ;niii-r Cincinnati, Smith, just
arrived "ill), W'gga^c' and ;um:i fori;. S.
Array, from Aran- a: U, S, steirners Col.
Long si Ncvn, I ivlitmnr vessels in the lui-
Cod. The passaingers and mails were saved,
and it is thought the vessel will be got off.
The news brought by her i* down to the 19iii
ult, and is ol’a pacific character. Tie advices
that went out from tliis country by the llibi-r-
nia were considered ill England as tending to
preserve peace between tlie two countries.
The English people ure engrossed by their
oirn public affairs, and the axeitcmcut upon the
Corn Law* and the Irish Cierciun Bill had
reached «uch a p'ch that it was expected Sir
Roliert Pet-1 would have to retire from his posi
tion at the head of affairs.
The opposition to his measures was expected
to be h-d by Lord Stanley.
The Cotton market had advanced one-eight
of a penny, tlie Hibernia having carried out a
a confirmation of u short crop.
Business generally was d-dl. No improve
ment since tlie last advircs.
There was no change to note in the Flour
market which continues firm at former prices.
Wreck of the Cambria.—Tlie Roval Mail
Stiam Ship Cambria, Ctipt. Judkins, left Liver
pool on the 19ih of April lost at 4 p. m., and
arrived nt Halifax on the 1st inst. at noon, and
left again at 4 p. m. She bre ugin from 90 to
100 p;is*engers to Hiilifax, and lelt about thirty
there. On Saturday night, about 20 minutes
to 12, the weather being foggy, the boat running
nt half speed and just about being stopped for
the purpose of souudiug, she touclusd slightly on
the bottom.
She.thiti canted broadside to the beach. It
was then discovered by communica'ioti with
the shore, that she went ashore on tlie beach
off Truro, about five miles south of Highland
Light, Cape Cod, and heading south.
There was quite a swell at the time, but
fortunately very c3lm. Every effott whs made
to lu-avo her off. About J past 4 o’clock, tie
captain and passengers lauded, took horses to
Plymouth, and tliei ce came to Boston by an
express ensue. At the latest accounts slic
remained |ier(cci]y tieht.
Upon the arrival of Ihe news of the position
of the Cambria, at Boston, efforts were immpdi.
ntely made to send assis anco jo her. The
steam towboat Rohert B. Forbes commenced
“firing up” at 5 o’clock, and left for Truro at
about 7. it was expected that she ivnnld
reach the Cambria nt about 11 o’clock Sunday
night.
The General Lincoln was also despatched
for Truro early in the evening.
An express was sent immediately loHmgham
to direct thevstraoier Mayflower to proceed to
the scene uf tlie disaster, and - render such assis
tance as might ho ni'cetsn* y.
Parliamentary,—The House of Commons
met after the Easter Recess, on the evening of
Friday, when the Coercion Bill again came up.
Nothing ofinterrst resulted.
The Hibernia arrived out on the 14fb.
Tho packet Montezuma left on the Thursday
previous f<T New York, with 30 passengers.
Cotton has risen one eighth on the receipt of
tlie news of short crops here by the Hibernia.
England and the I’nited States.— The
Origon Question.—The Times any8, the ac
counts from the United States by the Hibernia,
to the beginning of April, have excited a good
deal of attention. Thu niessagb of Mr. J’olk
to Congress is not considered warlike. Indeed,
somd of the public writers profess to see the
heat guaranty for the continuance of [loacc, in
the expense to which the country will be put by
ann'un fur a confl ct. Seventy millions of Jol-
lars bestowed upon putting the array nnd navy
on a Ib-i.-ing fur commencing ilie enicrgeucv of
the ease, would induce every man who con-
tributed his quota to that astonishing sum to
inquire into it* necessity.
Correspondence on the subject, as printed by-
order of i’.ir liament:
The Earl of Aberdeen to Mr. Pakcnham.
Foreign Office, March 3.
Sir—I have much satisfaction in conveying
to you the entire approval by Her Majesty’s
government of ibe steps which, a* reported in
your despatch of the 29th of January, you
took, and of the letter which you addressed to
tho American Secretary of Staff*, for the pur
pose of ascertaining clearly and authoritatively
whether the United States government would
be disposed to admit the application of the
principle of an arbitration in the Oregon ques
tion on any other terms than those which they
had already rejected.
In thus acting, you have, in the most judi
cious and satisfactory manner, anticipated the
instructions which I was preparing to forward
you on this subject.
We have now nothing to do but to await
Mr. Buchanan’s reply to your appeal to him.
although I collect from yonr despatch that your
proposal will certainly be r< fused. Should
that reply, however, be of such nature as to
give any ground of hope that the matter in
dispute may be brought to an amicable t*sue by
means of direct negotiation, 1 shall gladly nvail
myself of such an o|>ening. If not, it will then
be for Her Majesty’s government to consider
what measure it may be expedient to adopt, in
older to meet any emergency wnicli may arise.
la m. &c., (Sgned) Aberdeen.
The Earl of Aberdeen to Mr. Paktnham.
Foreign Office, March 3,-6. P. M., 1846.
Sir—Since my preceding despatch of this
day’s date was written. I have received vour
despatch of tin* 5th of February, with its lit-
closure, by which you put ir.e in possession of
the fiuai rejection by the United States govern
ment of our pro|>osal of a reference of the
Oregon question to arbitration.
There is, of curse, no time before the de
parture of lire mail of this evening for the con
sideration of so serious a question as that which
is involved in tlie President’s decision as now
announced. I am. See.
(Signed) ABERDEEN.
The Oregon question continues to be a fruit
ful source of discussion with tlie British jour
nals. The speech of Mr. Webster, nnd the
propriety of settling the dispute upon tlie ba
sis of 49, were much commented on. The
London Times, by some called the org >n of
Lord Aberdeen, though it is more probably the
mouth piece of the Hudson’s Bay Company—
is as bitter as ever in deriding and opposing the
American title north o! Columbia river, and
states that laiitude 49 was ns fir as the origi-
i al cla in of the Unit d Sta es extended, and
that line bad never been Conceded by the British
st -tesm- n. If emended now, the Times claims
the freedom of tiie Columbia, the whole of
Vancouver's’Island ai d the Straits of Fuca,
with full indemnity to tiie Hudson Bay Compa
ny for resigning their posts.
THE RIGHT SPIRIT.
Tlie alacrilv with which the gallant Louisia-
! nians responded to the requisition of Ren. Tay-
| lor is worthy of the highest praise. The spirit
! of party was calmed down by the spirit of pa
triotism, as ii by the whisper of an angel.—
Whigs and democrats united as one man. The
legislature voted by acclamation one hundred
thousand dollars for the equipment of volun
teers ; and in the language of the Delta all was
ardor, enthusiasm, and excitement. Tlie Ala
bamians have responded in a manner equally
gallant.
“In Mobile, a very large and enthusiastic
meeting was held, on the 3d inst. Resolutions
of the right stamp were passed, and in anticipa
tion of a call from the Governor of Alabama,
volunteers were being ordered into companies,
according to the organization of tlie U. S. ser- i
vice.”
Here, we are gratified tn bear'testimonv that
the spirit which led the Georgian lo offer ud
his life in the remote wilderness of Texas in
het early struggles for independence, still lives
in the bosoms of the people. It will he remem
bered by our’readerg that upon the first blush of
danger last summer Capt. Holmes tendered his
command, the Macon Volunteers, to the Sec
retary of War; their services were not then
required. The same gallant company we arc
batteries shotted, and the off]
many instances,
The Legislature, immediately after meetiV
adopted measures for the raising forthwith of
four regiments of volunteers, and appropriated
3100,000. The bill for the purpose was pas*,
ed through both Houses by acclamation. I„
pleased tolearn are ready now at the shortest call j addition a joint resolution was passed givii,*
to march to the seat of danger, and twine anew j the Governor power to nnke such approprjj 8
the laurels that Georgians contributed so tions as he may consider necessary for the nr •
.U fO... T • . .-I.
cers and men in
waiting impatiently foVorde^
to apply the matches; yet nothing |, a3 be
done, to provoke the firing of a gun or anv ??
of violence. ^ nct
“ Matumoras, at tlie distance we •»»«
r • u nruv
Irom «, appears to cover a large extent f
ground, with some handsome buildings, Liit°r
would imagine the greater portion onii cm ,
be ind.ffcrent one story houses, with roofs °r
straw, nnd Walls mud, or unburnt brick. D™
ring peace the population is said to bo five *
six thousand, but it is now filled to overflo^
ing with troops. Report says from five m
thousand of ail sorts, regular and militia. T| ”
number I presume is very much overrated °
*• P. S.—Since writing the above, an enga’p,
ment has taken place between a detachment!of
our cavalry and the Mexicans, in which \°
were worsted. So tlie war has actually Cu l°
menced and the hard- st must fend 0/1.”'
The excitement (says the N. 0. Courier) i 5
this city on the receipt of the Texas neiv s «- aj
universal and intense. Cannons were fired-
drums beat, and flags waved through the streets’
as though the city was beleagued by a foreitrr
foe.
much to win at the battle of San Jacinto.
THE ’JELEGRAPH.
er r rw zz
Tuesday, III ay 12, SS1G. *
Tlie die is cast—tlie soil of the Union has
been polluted by the footsteps of an enemy—
blood lias been spill—and eie tins we think it
probable hostilities have commenced in earnest.
We published lust week in an extra iinpnrtant
and exciting news from the seat of war,
which will lie found in our columns to day.—
Sii.co then we have received no additional
news from tho army on the frontier to add to
the extracts in our columns this morning.
The crisis has come—the blow lias been
struck—our countrymen have borne long and
patiently insult and aggression from their Mex
ican neighbors : and now that the scabbard has
been thrown away, we trust tlwt the swurd will
not be returned until it has exacted retributive
justicefot tlie longtrain of igeressions, treachery,
and fai'hlcssuejs committed by that government
against this. All that can inspire the Ameri
can heart—every motive that can impel free
men to action, or excite them to deeds of valor
is on our side. The soldier^f the old States
has the honor of his *untry, and the rights of
his fellow-citizens to defend in this coi test-
The slaughter of tlie Aiamo and Gotiad calls
upon the Tex inn for justice and redress. Let
all do their duty..
The Mexicans may continue to bandy the
imposing langu-ige of “ magnanimity,” but
experience has demonstrated until forbearance
has ceased to be a virtue, that to violate tlie
most solemn obligations—to rob, to ravage,
and to murder are esteemed by them far
higher acts of civil policy. The sword is the
only arbiter left us now, and the only one that
such a people will likely respect. One thing is
certain: nothing can be gained by waiting any
longer, for justice to our citizens from Mexico ;
that must be extorted at tlie cannon’s mouth,
and the sooner it is done tlie belter it will' be
for the country.
THE GULP II FORCE.
We think it not unlikely tint by this time
the United States’ fleet has opened on Vera
Cruz. The celebrated Fort St. Juan De Ulioa
which protects that city it is said was hever in
a better condition to withstand bombardment
than it is nt present; but we have no fears, our
gallant commander and noble tars willgive a
good account of themsi Ives. The inhabitants
of that city will be furnished with quite as
good reasons to capitulate as they wen- a few
years ago by the French fleet under the Prince
de Jo'nville.
“The N. O. Bulletin says the following
American vessels of war .ire in the Gulf, in the
vicinity of Vera Crnz: “ The flag sli'p Cum
berland, Com. Connor, the Potomac, Raritaii,'
John Adam*. St. Mary’s. Lawrence, steamer
Mississippi/and schooner Flirt. There is also
(it says) quite u strong naval force on the Wes
tern const of Mexico; quite sufficient, we think,
with the aid of American set'lers in California,
to take possession ol that entire line—very
probably too, with the free consent of its in
habitants. \Ve trmt our vessels in the Gulf
did not allow the Mexican steamers of war,
recently pretended to have been sold to a mer
cantile bouse in Havana, lo-leave ihe ports of
M< x co. There is scaice a doubt that the sale
whs a ruse, intended to get the vessels out of
|K>ri without opposition, in order to fit them for
privateers.
THE
servation of the national honor.
This community is glowing with a spirit of
patriotism worthy of a-.icient Greece Beuja.
min Story*, Esq.,-President of the Bank of Lou-
siana made an offer this morning lo tlie Gov.
ernorto advance $500,000 for the use of ilia
State in the nresent crisis.
COLUMBUS VOLUNTEERS.
A company numbering fifty-seven men h M
been made up in Columbus. They have ten
dered their services to Gen. Gaines, as volun-
teers in the war against Mexico, and hold them,
selves in readiness to march to the assistance
of our gallant army on the Rio Grande, at a
moment's warning. J. 8. Calhoun, Esq., 0 f
the Culunibus Enquirer, heads the list.
The proceedings of Congress for the last
week are devoid of much general interest.
FOREIGN NEWS.
The news by the Cambria is eight days later
than that brought by the Great Western.—
’1 be commercial news is more favorable. Tlie
political intelligence is of uo great impoitance.
With respect lo American affairs gen; rally,
we find but little to add from any of ihe extracts
that we have seen diffeient from the previous
comments of tlie English press.
The accounts Curried out by the Hibernia
excited much interest in England,— but the
message i f Sir. Polk, on the subject of the
increase of ouj national defences, was not re/
gardc-d as warlike.
The cotton market had improved a shade,
and ihe news of the decreasing receipts of cot
ton at the great marts of tins country, com-
pared with former years, had begun to pro-
duel: its effects in England.
The reader is referred to tlie extracts under
our commercial head.
GEN. TAYLOR.
We have no sort of apprehension for Gen.
Taylor. Tnoso whd&htme him had better re
serve their rebukes for some oMier occasion.—
Let tlio administration do wliat it will, it will
be denounced by s'-mo of the whig press. If
under the clearest obligations of duty the Pres
ident recommends the adoption of measures to
protect our rights in Oregon, h« is assailed for
wantonly provoking a war; if on the other hand
every step consistent with nation 1 honor is ta
ken to avoid a rupture with Mexico the admin
istration is blamed for its faltering policy, mid
charged with bringing discredit on our arms.
■ We think it likely that wc will .have some
Into news from tlie army to-day. Gen. Taylor
is an able officer, and we repeat attain that we
have no sort of apprelumsion for him. He will
stick fast within Isis entrenchments, and with
arms in hand gallantly defy any force that Mex
ico can bring against him until lie receives ’the
rc-inforcemeuts he has colled for, and then we
think Arista and his magnanimous Dons will
be furnished with ample reasons to doff’ their
beavers to tlio *>degenerate sons of tlie north”
—and for a speedy retreat across the Rio
Grande.
Indian Cohn i.n
other good Americu
Kuropc, which are
timaicd, ie maize, (<
Paris.—A Puris letter says—A me
n things hitherto but ill opprc<dated
now beginning to be more properly
ur Indian corn.) I hear of several 1
i’b pro i —tion into bread a profitable businei
THE CAMP.
The New Orleans papers (the Tropic and
Billetiii) publish an engraving of the position
of Gen. Taylor’s camp. The Tropic says it
extends about four miles along the river bank—
two miles above, and two below Mutiuuonis.
The entrenchment to erect it rtquired twenty-
three hundred men for thirty days, it is made
of sand, and covered over »itli twigs., woven
together like basket work, surround’ d by a
very wide and deep ditch. The wails of the
magazine, in the interior of the fortification, are
formed of pork barrels filled with Sand, seven
tiers thick, four tiers high, covered over with
timber, on which sand is piled ten or twelve
feet. Twelve heavy pieces of ordnance are
so placed as to command llm town of Matn-
morns. Five hundred men could defend the
fortification against uny force tlie Mexicans
could bring against it at present.
The Tropic also publishes a letter from Gen.
Taylor to n friend in N* \v Orlean*, from which
the following extracts are made :
“ Strong guards of foot and mounted men
are established on tlie margin of tlie liver, and
this efficient means have been adopted on our
part to prevent all intercourse. While oppo
site to iis their pickets ext'-nd above and below
for s ev. rul milm, we are equally active in keep
ing up a strong and vigi ant guard to prevent
surprise, or attacks under dLudvantiigeous cir
cumstances. This is the more necessary,
whilst we have to act on the defensive, and
they at liberty to take the opposite course
whenever they think proper to do so Nor
have we been idle hi other respects ; we have
a field-work ujider wpy, besides baving erect
ed a strong buttery, and a number of buildings
for the security of our supplies, in addition to
some respectable works for their protection.—
We have mounted a respectable battery, four
pieces of which are long eighteen pounders,
with which we could baiter or burn down the
city of MatamoriS, should it become necessa
ry to do so. When our field work is comple
ted (which will soon he tlie case) and mounted
with its proper armament, five hundred m- n
could hold it against as many thousand Mexi
cans. Duj-mg the twenty-seven days, since
nnr arrival here, n most singular-state of things
has prevailed all through the outlines of tlie
two armies, which to n certain extent, have all
the feelings as if there wore actual war.
“ Fronting one!) other fur an extent of more
than two tndes and within musket rtn-o arc
SAVANNAH AND AUGUSTA.
We are nut much in the habit of volunteer
ing our advice to our neighbors of Savannah.—
They lire of age and can judge for themselves.
For that reason we have hitherto refrained
from making any reniaiks on the proposed
Rail Road from the eighty mile station to Au
gusta ; and we trust our friends of the seaboard
will appreciate our motives, aud receive iii a
proper spirit the few suggestions we intend of
fering here.
Savannah nnd Macon are identified by the
closest ties of business and interest. Tno
movements nt the one should be properly un
derstood as well as receive the heartiest cu-op
eration from the otlisr; to the utmost of our
power we have always endeavored to contrib
ute our humble aid in bringing about surii a
state of things. The proposed Rail Rond to
Augusta then, becomes a question of interest t;i
both cities. In wlmt manner will it benefit
Macon, and how effect Savannah? For our
own part wo conceive it a m uter of veiy little
consequence to M.icon whether it is built or not.
fts effects, should it have any nt all, would be
rather to oor advantage. To Savannah, how
ever, we think it would be a positive injury,
and we will rest our reason for saying *uai
present on a sing!*; f.ict. Should it he necessa
ry lieieafter we can add others.
It is 110 miles from Macon to the eighty
nnle station ; 55 miles Irom that station to Au«
gusto ; 136 miles from Augusta to Charleston,
making the whole distance frani Macon to
Charleston by Rail Road 301 mdes, should the
proposed road be built.
It is 192 miles from Macon to Savannah by
the Ceittru) Rad Road; 15 miles from Savan
nah to the bar at the mouth of tlie river; 100
miles from bur to bar; and 6 miles from the
Charleston bar in the city, making the whole
distance from M icon to Charleston by the Sa
vannah route 313 nules—or 12 miles further
than by Augusta- Now we will concede It*
boat line from Savannah to Charleston to he
equal lo any in the country—and the snkir
of passengers, unless in extraordinaryweath
er equal to that of the North river packet®.
will allow the fere to be tin* same oil both route®
and .ill tilings equal in this respect, yet it strikes
us that should the proposed work be completed,
it will loose Savannah all the travel west of the
eighty mile station, ns well as trial from Charier*
ton, without benefiting her in any other re
spect.
Wlieu the option of two such routes is offer
ed to passengers, it requires no prophet*• P
diet the choice of the traveller. Fe* P‘‘ rsoa ’
will encounter the uncertainty of a sieatub 03 *
connexion, nnd the chance of a rough
when they can avail themselves of the ce. t.---
and safe communication of a rad road to m* 9
the same trip. Especially, as in *****
when the-time will most certainly be in *
of the rail road, shuuldAbis line be buJ- ^
what way then is Savannah lobe benefit •
Dues she expect to draw from Cnaflestrin
busiueis that now passes ou the Georg ,a
road ? It is idle to expect it. An e!)u rt 1
c .unge the tides that dash upon ht‘ r s3 | l •
* . c i I et her
shores would be just as succession *-‘
citizens reflect upon these things before 1
flitter away their strength-upon such J° u
experiments.
FOR SALE.—The undersigned offers '
sale on accommodating terms, his one ^ 11 ,
est in the paper (Herald <$* TniimNE f .
To an enterprizeing business ,n:ul 01 j
investment, will he '
cal printer; the
most profitable an
terms,
TON,
ress
nbvantageous
LEWIS A.
midd