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productive country ofthe New World—with a
nation intimately connected with us, not only
by ties of blood and friendship, but also by sym
pathizing feelings, which are kept alivo by a
cons'nnfly increasing emigration, as well as by
tbo existing great German population in (bo
United States, amounting to neatly four mill
ions of estimable citizens.
«♦. It is a great political and highly praisewor
thy measure on the part of the present admin
istration of the United States, thus to break
down tho monopol zing influence of third na
tions, injurious to the direct intercourse with
the European continent. It will, at the same
time, prove the menus to free the inland trade
of Chflmany from many existing incumbrances
of interchange, by which tho consumption of
American produce will he increased to a great
extent; and finally it will induce tho different
German governments to adopt joint measures
beneficial to commntce, and to complete that
great commercial union wiiich has but too long
been counteracted by powerful neighboring na
tions, checking, the development of the d reel
commerce t f the United States with this con
tinent.
“We think ourselves justified in supposing
that Congress will share the views of the ad
ministration, and that both Houses will not hes
itate to make tho stipulated appropriations for
the mail service accordingly.”
THE GEOGRAPHY OF MEXICO, Ac.,
from the hattle ground.
Tho Now York Sun contains the following
deactiption of Mexico, from Matamoras to the
HaJJs of tho Montezumas, which cannot hut
prove interesting at the present ti no :
“ The U. S. Army is posted on tho 1; ft bank
«>f the Rio Gran Je, opposite Matamoras, at a
«i-tunccof ninety miles from the coast by the
circuitous channel of the river, but only thirty
or forty* miles by the route to Point Is <b d. a
liurhor on the coast of Texas about ten miles
north of the Rio Grande. Tho latter river is
the Iwunda’y between Texas and Mexico, as
claimed by tho United States. Mexico con
tends that the River Nueces is the boundary,
and that river icat the boundary of the former
State of Texas before the revolution. Rut
Texas claimed to the llio Grande, as people of
t hat district joined her in defending the Mex.
ican Constitution of 1824. and in the war of
independence which they waged so successful
ly against the despots of Mexico. From Mat-
amotas to the city of Mexico there is n good
road, with five or ten military posts along the
route.
crossing the R o Grande at Matamoras, coul J
tcadily march through the country to tlie city
of Mexico. Yucatan, on the south, is already
in arms against the military despots governing
at the Capitol; ami the people of Vera Cruz
tmd other States of C n'ral Alcx eo, are clamo
rous for the recall i f*S«nta Anna (who is now
in Cuba) and the restoration of tl c Republic.
Tho facil ties for intercourse with our anny,
and with the Mexican people, are favorable to
the rapid execution of military operations.—
From Galves'on to Point Isabel, is 320 miles
by water. New Orleans to Poii.t Isabel 802
milrs. New Orleans to Vera Cruz, 1500
niiies. Yucatan to the city of Mexico, 000
miles. The population of the city of Mexico
is about ISO 000. High mountains rise in the
distance on oil sides of the city, but the location,
although under the Tropic of Cancer, is re
markable for its-salubrity, and in summer the
ex’remc heat is less sever© than in New York
or Philadelphia. The city is approacited by
excellent mads which branch out in every di.
n ction, 'and on which are transported the sil
ver ores and bullion front an hundred of tho
richest mines in the world. The magnificence
of the principal edifie s—some being furnish-
i d with gold and s Ivor ornaments valued at
many millions, arid containing rich treasures
hid away by the avaricious—has excited the
admiration ol all travellers. Yet, with all her
riches, Mexico is poor. Her people are kept
in ignorance by the tyranny of a few. and their
wealth is curried off to other lands to swell the
gains of trade and commerce which they are
not permitted to enj »y. The poor Mexican
crawls lisllo3>ly over neglected silver mines,
lost in thecontcmp'ation of his own abject con.
dition. The iron baud of despotism is upon
him !
CASTLE OF SAN JUAN DE ULUA.
The New York Courier gives the following
facts, in order that an opinion may bo formed
i— iU* j.rol»uli|o result of* an assault upon Vc-
ra Cruz. Certainly nothirg can be done un
til a much larger force is concentrated there
than is at present in the vicinity.
M The fortress of San Juan de Ulna would
res'St a very heavy at nick —one certainly modi
snore serious than that of the French, to which
it yielded a few years sii.ee. The French
squadron then consisted of three large frigates
rflid four bomb vessels: tl.o former anchored
but little over point blank distance from the
eastern face of the ramie, and ilie bomb vessels
but little further. There were morlars in the
castle, but none in use, and not more thin sev
enteen guns could bo brought to bear on a sin
gle ship, and, on the whole squadron, only
twenty-six, seme of which were cannonades.
•“•(if the French vessels, the Cyclops hud
two mortars, and in two hours she threw; ono
hund'ol nnd eighty shells. The ottv-rs d'd
their share. O -e nf the bombs lodged in the
magazine, which was blown up, and iihoultwo
hundred men destroyed. After six hour's
lighting, the Mexicans - yielded. Since tli.it
time the fortress has been thoroughly repair'd;
n new water battery has b»*eiv added ; thirty-
two and forty-two p Minders have been mount-
cd in place of tho twelves and eighteen* ; from
twelve to twenty heavy mortars have been in
troduced, with several Paixhan eight inch guns,
and everything is in the very best condition to
•resist an attack.”
GEN. TAYLOR JN HIS TEXT.
A c ii respondent of the Philadelphia Inqui
rer, wiitingfrorn the Brazos de Santiago, says:
“On the 2Gt’n,a friend of mine visited Gen
eral Taylor in the camp at Poiut Isabel, where
lie had established his depot for stores in the
army. On landing, the scene presented was
quite a wild one, and reminded one of the ac
counts wo have received of an Arab Encamp-
,n>cnt. There were three or four hundred
dragoons in tho camp, with their horses pick
eted about; besides an immense) numb-i of
wagons, mub-a uud oxen. On stopping ashore,
.mi officer conducted my friend; to the Gcncr-
tent.- lie was introduced Vo a very plain
shubb ly dressed old gentleman, of* rather
small stature, about sixty years of age; and
•who looked by his hardy appearance, us if lie
.had been camping out all his life.
•“ This was t|ie comnnindcr-in-chief of the
Army of Occupation. He has beon 38 years,
in service on tho front : ers of our country.—
One of his officers remarked that “old as he
is. lie bears the fatigues and privations of the
.cumjvign better than any one under him.”—
He was . affable, dignified, and in exc-llen!
spirits. His tent was no larger and no better
than thoso of the other officers, and his table
Was Ida camp chest, in which be carried his
cooking utensils, &c. His plates were tin pan",
and bis cups (uo saucers of course) tin panni
kins. A small supply of brown sugar was
kept in a tin canister, and not n piece of crock
ery was to be seen., A party of six was thus
entertained in homely style, und they all seem
ed to enjoy it abundantly.
PRIVATEERING.
The President of the United States being
authorized by law to fit out vessels now in or
dinary, and plso to purchase sucli merchant
vessels or steamers as may be fitted for war.
like purposes, it will doubtless occur to the
Government that much may be done to defeat
the purposes of Mexican privateers by sending
out numerous fast sailing clippers, commanded
by junior officers of tho Navy, and provided
with an armament adupted for this specific do
ty. Such n marine policy would be very ef
fective. Our swill little cruisers, traversing
the Gu ! f ar.d the Atlantic, in the neighborhood
of the West Indies nnd the South American
coast, would carry terror to all marauders, and
afford protection to our merchant vessels along
all the usual routes of trade.
. Baltimore can furnish fast sailing vessels of
this description—clippers that could overhaul
any privateering cruft on the ocean. We can
not doubt but that the attention of the Govern
ment will be directed to this mode of shielding
our commerce from depredation. Mr. Sucre-
taiy Bancroft may thus find employment for
his superfluous naval officers.—Baltimore Am.
From ilie Mobile Herald and Tribune.
PUEBLA.
Most people, when they talk of nn invasion
of Mexico, think of the pleasure of sacking its
magnificent capital. They may go a less d’s-
tuucc nnd fare as will. Puebia has some
curiosities, which would gratify the eye of a
Yankee, and lies only one hundred and twenty-
five miles west by south of Vora Cruz. From
nil accounts it is a very elegant city. The
population is about 50,000; the streets are
wed-paved, with broad nnd clean pavements
for foot passengers on eacli side. The houses
are mostly of stone, with flat roofs nnd galler-
ie-; and fountains tf excellent water conducted
by earthen pipes. Tue inter ors are paved
with porcelain; their fronts inlaid with tiles nr
fantastically decorated; and the walls adorned
with painting iu fresco.
According to the best authorities, Puebla is
wU-r» U-.1 mC ■■»•.■»*. ■•limn U
not fewer than sixty cine churches, nine m n-
asteries, thirteen nunneries, and twenty-three
colleges. “Those,” say a traveller, “ of Milan,
Genoa,and Rome, are built in better taste;
hut in the expensive interior decorations, the
quantity and value of the ornamentsof ilia altar,
and the r.cl)ness of the vestments, they are far
surpassed by ihe churches of Puebla nnd Mexi
co.” The cathedral is particularly rich.—
What the amount of weqitb is which lines lli’rs
handsome capital is variously estimated; but
all agree that it is full of treasure. Its people
arc luxurious and rich, and it lies among high
hills in a pure atmosphere which would furnish
capital summer quarters.
COL. TRUEMAN QROSS.
Tiro Marlboro* Va. Gazette notices the
death of Col. Cross ns follows :
The death of Co 1 . Cross, under such ciicum-
gtanccs, |iu <|>ruuil a glixun ovaf thin enmmuni.
ty. Every man who knew the deceased, loved
and respected him. His high-minded and gen
tlemanly deportment, and his brave and liberal
spirit, endeared him to a large circle of acquuiu-
ces. Col. Cross was a native of Prince Geor
ge’s county. He commenced life iu humble
circumstances, hut by groat industry and appli
cation bad amassed a large fortune, and won
his way to a high post in the army. Col. Cross
served years under General Jackson, and was
highly esteemed by that distinguished man for
his indomitable courage and bravery. May he
rest in peace? And may Ids Iriends he condo
led by the reflection that be left a name pure
and unsullied.
' “ flow sleep the brave who sink to rest.
By all their couotr.v’a honors blest."
The Washington Union speaking of the
health of that porii m of the country occupied
by the American and Mexican armies, remarks
“We are informed by an intelligent physic an.
who was a nailvo of this city, but who resided
for several years to the west of the Rio Grunde,
who married a Mexican lady, who was an Uni-
ted States consul, practised physic several
years in the vicinity of Matamoroa, and is imi-
timatdy acquainted with the climate, as well as
the habits of the Mexicans, that although at a
certain season of the year it is unhealthy a*
Matamoras and on the immediate borders of
the i iver, yet tint several miles from it the ague
atid fiver is unknown. The climate for seve.
r.J miles beyond, away off to the west is re
markably healthy, and iliat no such humbug
ought to prevent the troops of the United States
from visiting this interest ng region of the
earth.”
MR. MADISON’S VIEWS OF A CASUS BULLI.
'I he Washington Unit n of the 1G h inst. says:
To those who are troubled about the proprie-y
nf nn act of Congress reeogiirzng a war with
Mexico, and preparing to meet it, we offer the
following precedent. Wo suppose no man
will d»-ny that the case of Mexico now is quite
ns b id a* was the case of Algiers in 1815 :
Confidential Message of Mr. Madison. Feb. 23,1813,
‘•To the Senate
mid House of Representatives nf the U. S.
‘-Congress will have seen, by the communi
cation of the consul general of the United States
at Algiers laid before them on the 17th of No-
vember, 1812, the hostile proceeding* ,,p tho
Dey against that functionary. These have
been followed by acts of more overt and direct
warfare against the citizens of the United States
trading in the Mediterranean, some of whom
are still detained in captivity, notwithstanding
the attempts which have been tna'do to ransom
them, nnd are treated with the rigor usual on
the coast ofllnrbary.
“ The considerations whlcliren<tod it unne
cessary and unimportant to commence hostile
preparations oi: the part of the United Suites
-being now terminated by the peace with Great
Britain, which opens the prospect of an active
Bud valuable trade of their citizens within the
rai'ge of the Algerine cruisers, I recommend to
Congress the expediency of an act declaring
the existence of a stato of war between the
United States and the Dey and regency of Al-
gieis, and of sucli provisions as may be requi
site for a rigorous prosecution of it to a success
ful issue.”
LATOTKOU TUG 'ARMY.
From the Moitg^^ry'Journal Extra. I’Jlh imt.
There have been two engagements between
Gen. Taylor and tho Mexican troops, the first
occurring on the 7th in3t. f when Gen. Taylor
was returning from Point Isabel to Irs Camp,
opposite Ma'anioras. In this the Mexicans,
from 5,000 to 7,000, were repulsed, our army
sleeping on the field of battle, on which next
day were found 209 Mexicans dead, several
pieces of artillery, stores, See.
Maj. Ringgold died subsequently from
wounds in this action.
Of the second battle we can only'give the
following particulars from the Picayune:
Tho U. S. s'.eamor Colonel Harney arrived
ibis morning, just as our paper was going to
press, from Brazos Santiago, having left on
the 13ih inst. Her news is glorious to our
arms.
Site brings official accounts of a second bat
tle between the Mexican and American force-’,
wiiich took place on tho 9th, commencing at
half past 3 o’clock P. M. within three miles of
Camp Taylor. The action was upon tho edge
of u ravine, and one mile from the chnpparrel,
which was here about 12 miles in width.
The Mexicans commenced the action with
their artillery, which was posted so ns to sweep
the narrow pass by which Gen. Taylor was
advancing, there being a swamp on either band.
Gen. Taylor immediately ordered a charge in
the teeth of the enemy’s destructive fire, nnd
the troops promptly responded, nnd carried tho
enemy’s guns at the poiut of the bayonet.
So sudden and impetuous was the attack,
and so successful, that Aris’a bad nortime to
save his papers, which, with all bis conespou-
dence, f II into the hands of Gen. Taylor.
The action lasted one hour and a half, in
which time G00 Mexicans Were either killed or
wounded, and the A ntercans took 309 priso
ners and 8 pieces of artillery. The American-
loss was but G2, killed and woun led.
Among the -killed were Col. Mclnto-h,
Lieut. Cochran, Col. Brown (by the bursting
of a shell.) Lieut. Eng, anJ one or two others,
whose names are not given. Col Payne, L's.
Gates, Burbank, Ilooe, Luther and otheis
Were wounded.
We regret to say that Major Ringgold, who
was so severely wounded iu tlr; action of the
8di, died on the 10.ii inst,, and was buiied next
day with the honors f t war.
The total loss of tho Mexicans in the two
actions of the 8;h and 9tli was at least 1,2(10.
The Mexican force amounted to at least 0,000
men, while that of.the Americans on the ground
'.*!'? not exceed 1-GOO iuou.
An exchange of prisoners took plica be
tween the t.vo aimies subs quent to the action,
by which Capts. Tliornto.i and Hardee and
L'eut. Kane have been returned to the anny.
Lieut. Deas was nut demanded and still remains
a prisoner. Among the prisoners taken by
Gen. Taylor was Gen. Vr-j.-r. Fm him two
American officers were offered in exchange,
but it was declined to give him up, save in ex
change for un American Officer of equal rank,
whenever one should he taken.
Gee. Veja mid two Mexican Lieutenants
were sent over by Gen. Taylor on the C'd.
Harney ns prisoners of w«r. Gen. Veja was
allowed to he accompli ied by one of his aides,
a Lieut. Colonel, as a fiieud.
The Mexican army was so confident of vic
tory that’every preparation had been made to
celebrate it—but all iheir preparations fell into
tlie hands of the Americans. In the r flight
many of the Mexicans took to the liver and
Wufdi im iWr<iUciu;*t H w—iw-e*,—
Gen. Taylor reached his c nip the afternoon
of the action. Leaving there Ids whole tore -,
he started the next morning f >r Point Isaiah
and arrived there tho evening ofthe 10 h with-
out molestation. The morning of the 11th he
stared back for hi- cantp opposite Matamoros.
We need not say that lie and h.s army are in
the highest spi: its.
Tlie steamer Dallas took off from til s | lnce
(Montgomery) lust-night, the “Pin'l >la \ n-
guards,” numbering seventy hardy fellows; tlie
Selma will take die “Blues,” to-day,.about SI);
and to-morrow the ‘-Rifles,” about the same
number, wdl leave f >r Mobile. Montgomery |
will have sent a Battalion when all these have
got off.
id fall buck in confusion
The prevalent notion that Mexico is backed
by some powerful European nation, wo have
no doubt, is very ubsurd. All wo have .to do,
is to flog her, without looking behind tho cur-
tain.—Mobile ; Herald Sy Tribune.
Wo nro indebted to the courtesy of n com
mercial house in tins city for a slip from the of-
fice ofthe N.Orleans DailyCommerci.il Times
of the 18th inst., from which we rnukn the f >!-
lowing additional extracts in regard to the late
engagement between the Army of Gen. Tay
lor and (lie Mexican forces on the Rio Grande.
Later from the Seat of Wur.
Arrival of the Sttamship Galveston.
ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF THE'EN
GAGEMENTS OF THE 8li <fc 9ih INST.
By tlie arrival of the steam-hip Galveston,
wiiich cime in this morning about 11 o’clock,
we have intelligence fro n Brazos Santiago up
to 6 P. M., the 13 h instant.
The following full, details c<f the glorious ac
tions between tlie hostile armies, on the 8th
and 9lh inst., we find in the Gdveston papers
of tlie loth. They were furnished by mi eye-
wi'ness-nn actor in the scene—Cupt. Jus. J.
Tod, laic ofthe Texan navy.
Ak:>)y-—Gen. Taylor arrived at Point Isa
bel on the 2d inst., with a part of Ids command,
numbering 1800 men to assist in placing the
Point in a proper s'ale of defence. The works
were completed on the 6:h, and on tlie next day
at 3 P. M. he took uu Ids line of match f«r Ids
camp opposite Matamoras, and came to -u halt
fur the night at the water hole, about 8 miles
distant from Point Isabel. T|, e ,. ex t morning
the spies and scouts came in and-reported that
the Mexican force, believed to be all their ar
my, had taken up a position in the chapparal,
aliout nino mi'es distant, and bad-thrown works
across the road, wldcli was well fortified with
cannon.
General Taylor sent back a part of h : s wag
on train, as he could uut well afford a sufficient
guard to protect it all. Ilia entire force consis
ted of 2300 men. The Mexican force, from all
that could be learned by our scouts und spies
for some days previously, was believed to be
between 5000 and 0030 men ; 1300 of whioli
was composed of cavalry and llunclieros, tlie
Liter being considered tlie most effective troops
in Mexico.
Gen. 'Pa ylor put bis army in morion, and on
reaching tlie enemy, it was found they were oc
cupying tho chapparal, ond had thrown up
breast-works ulong thu ro ul, with several pie
ces of camion planted so'as to sweep the rontl.
No time was lost iu arranging the o’rjer of bat
tle, and advancing upon the enemy, the latter
opening their artillery, winch was speedily re
turned by our farces- The Mexican Cavalry
undertook to charge our lines under cover of
the .-moke, the 5tb Regiment of Infantry hav
ing formed a square, received them with n dead
ly fire. Major lliuggold and Capt. Duncan’*
corps of Flying Artillery opened their fire and
mowed ilium down in solid columns, which
made them stagger
to their lines.
The battle was now principally confined. to
Artiljery on both sides. The M -xicans aiming
too high, which prevented much loss on our
side. Otr Flying Artillery was very destruc
tive to the hopes of the enemy, the rapidity and
despatch with which it Was brought to bear on
different points of the enemy’* fine created
great havoc. Maj. Ringgold received a shot
through both thigh's,”kilfiiig his horse under him.
Cupt. Page-had his lower jaw shot off.
The cannonading continued from about 3 P.
M.) until sundown, and could be beard distinct
ly at Poiut Isabel. The Mexicans .ietreated
and left one piece of cannon on the field. Sev
eral prisoners wete taken. Tlie latter were
asked why their cavalry did not charge. I hey
answered it was impossible to get them to do
su after the first repulse, the filing was too hot,
the men could not be kept to tiieir arms, but
would break and run ; the order to charge was
repeatedly given ; a few of tlie cavalry would
advance, hut not finding th'-mselves supported
l»v their comrades would full back again to the
ni .in body. They stated that one of tlie offi
cers of the cavalry was so indignant at Ins
corps disobeying his orders, that lie rushed in
among them, cutting right and left, and that
one of his men drew a pistol and shot him dead.
We lost some 45 in kl'ed and wounded.—
They left about 130 in*killed and wounded on
the field, a large portion of the latter being car
ried off.
The next morning Gen. ^Tayloi left with tlie
train a few pieces ot artillery and a guard to.
pro'ect themselves and the wounded ; and
pushed cm with 1800 effective men in pursuit of
tho enemy. He fojnd they bad retreated some
eight miles off and taken up a position a few
miles below ti e camp, opposite Matamoras,
occupying some ofthe trenches which had beon-
thrmvn up by our forces previous to their mar
ching to Point Isabel.
The battle commenced by heavy cannona
ding on both sides. Gen. Tay(dr,Jn passing
bis line*, accosted Capt. May, of the 2d drag
oons, and told him: “Your regiment has nev
er done anything yet—you must take that bat
tery.” He said nothing, but turned to his com
mand and sa d : “ We inns' take that battery
—follow !” He made a chaYge with three
companies—hit least, with tlie remainder of
three companies—supported by the 5ih and
8:ii regiments, of infantry. Tney cleared the
breastwork, rode over tlie battery, wheeled
and came tlir.-uali the enemy’s line, whilst toe
fire of the infantry was so deadly in its effect
as to cany al! before it. Captain May made a
cut a: an officer as he charged through—on his
rcti.ru he f«ui)d him standing between Ihe
wheels of a cannon, fighting like a hero. lie
ordered’ him to surrender. He was asked if he
was an officer? Capiam May answered him
in the affirmative, when he presented hissword,
rent irking: “You receive General Vega a
prisoner «.f war.”
Capt. May gave hint in charge of one of tiis
sergeuuls wtio had lost his horse in the charge,
ord ting him to conduct him to General T. out
of his lines.
Lieut. Inge, a brave and gallant officer of
the 2J Dragoons fell in this charge. A com
plete panic and route ensued on the'part ol the
enemy; they fled iu every direction for the
river, many were drowned in attempting to
cross. Eight pieces of artillery fell into our
liuuds, and innumerable quantity of small arms,
munitions, baggage, cairp equipage, military
ches',, contaimug a large quantity ol gold ;
General Arista’s Carriage, baggage. pm Uo io,
with all Trs official corresponuenco with the
Government, with full plans of tne campaign,
and instructions from the Mexican Government,
authorizing hint to scad Gen. Taylor tmd lit*
army, when taken prisoners, to the city of Mex
ico ; to Heat Gen. Taylor and his officers■ with
such caro and attention as becomes the magna
nimity ofthe gieat M~-.\ic n nation. Four or
five hundred head ol" mules, etc., with a targe
number of stands of colors.
The plan qf-tlie campaign, and the instruc
tions Ir an his government, ordered -him to take
possession ot Point Isabel; this was to be the
Li f act of'hostility; t o was to furi.fy it a*
strongly as possible. Me was likewise order
ed to lake possession of me mouth of the liver
and fortify it at once.
After tlie louto Gen. Taylor despatched
Capt. Carr, of the Dragoons, with a guard, to
convey tlie intelligence.. They boie so many
of the enemy’s colors with them, that they pre
sumed in tue Furt that it was tbe Mexicans
coming up to make an assault, it being dark,
and the Fort fired upon them, but fortunately
injured no one,
8o ne 400 Mexicans were buried at <>ur last
accounts, but doubtless hundreds are iyiug
dead in tue ehappuiuj; and in the river.
Captain Walker and his,Rangers pursued
up tho enemy, and gave a parting salutation
to many in tho river.
We lost in killed and wounded about 62.—
Capt. ilooe lost an arm.
Cupt. May’s charge is spoken of as being
one of those splendid efforts wiiich would have
adorned the brightest feather ill the plume of
Murat in the palmiest days of lii-s gl jy. It
cost him >oiuc id horses with a few ol tlie gal
lant riders. *
This victory entirely belougs to ilie U, S.
Army, no volunteers having unived ill lime to
share-in the lionois ofthe day. It tviJI convince
our country tint West Point affords the mute-
rial of exhibiting the courage und bravery of
tho American soldier!
I trust we will hear no more of dismounting
our gailaut Dragoons; the affair of the 9th
show* them lo be ihe arteries of our defence.
Their conduct on both occasions speaks
highly to the credit of their gallant commander,
taut old “War boss” and time worn vemran,
Col. Twiggs.
Maj. Riuu'gold died on tho morning of tlie
1 lili at Putin "Isabel, much regretted by all;
bis braveiy and gallant conduct endeared him
to the whole Army.
Tnut redoubtable boro, Gen. Ampudia, com
manded tho 2d division of the Mexican army.
It is said lie was thu first man to igukq good Ins'
escape to Muiamoras. where lie reported that
Arista bad betrayed ibo army.
As soon us Gen. Arista arrived in Mutarna-
rns lie sent ul once a flag lo exchange such pris
oners uS lie hud in Molatnoras. He showed
great anxiety to get back Gen. Vega, offering
to exchange two or three officers tor him, but
Gen. Taylor had sufficient to make the ex
change without giving up Gen. Vega. It lius
bueri said Gen. Taylor offered the latter bis pa
role of Honor, which be declined accepting, on
tho ground that if lie returned be would be for
ced to bear arms again by bis Government.- 1 -
This disiinguts.ued officer, witli Col. Murtiniz
and two others, sailed in thu Col. Hargey on
the 13th for New Orluaus. Geo, Vega is the
Col. Vega that was captured by the Texan for
ces at .tlie slaughter of Suit Jacinto, lie - was
also at the Fall of tbe Alamo, and is a brave
unil accomplished officer.
Gen. Puredes is at the head of 15,000 troops,
og his way to Matamoras. It may possibly be
that the fresh troops arrived at Matamorus, is
We have the name and dates for
s. which we
A'. Y. Herald.
*****
all th eso .
m -otif
tho advance division of his army. No dnufct facts, which we suppress for the present 650
the enehty were fully advised that Geii. Tav- v
lor had left for Point Isabel, and their plan is-
lo try and capture him on his return, whilst'a
strong force crossing above is to come down
upon bis urmy. General Taylor appeared
highly pleased wiih the intelligence: for since
the war has opened ancHno mistake, the-excite
ment and activity attending operations opens a
new era to his vigorous achievements, and all
have marked how much better lie looks than
when cot fined to the “masterly inactivity'* of
e Corpus Chrisli Campaign.
If our few volunteers from Galveston had
been joined by a suffi ’ient number to form a
company, it is more than probable that they
would have borne a part in the honor of tbe
battles of the 8th and 9th. They applied to
accompany the army up, but they were too
few in number to "be placed in tbe line, and
were left for the defence of Point Isabel.
Gen. Taylor arrived at Poiut Isabel on the
evening of the ltili with his staff, having previ
ously started the train with the wounded and
prisoners. TJie latter got in about meridian
the following day. On the morning of the 13th.
General Taylor and staffi with the guard that
had brought dovyn the train, etc. started for his
camp. Ho was met by an express a few miles
from Point Isabel, inf"rming him that S000
fresh troops bad arrived in Matamoras, 2000
of which crossed over, and 1100 more had
crossed the Rio Grande nt Burita, m ar the Bo-
cachica, not more than 8 miles from Point Is
abel. General Taylor returned to Point Isabel
at i»noe, and made preparations to leave the
r.ext day with such forces as. were arriving.—
The steamship Galveston landed 450 infa hry,
(logulars uud volunteers); tbe Augusta landed
about 250. Ciipt. Price arrived vju Padre Is
land, from Corpus Christie, with his company
of 70 mounted Rangers, they all reached the
Point on the 13th. Tlie Telegraph nnd James
L. Day wiil doubtless land their troops, amoun
ting to upwards of 800 at Point Isabel on the
14th. Great credit is due to Capt. Jeremiah
Smith of the steamship Cincinnati, for the en
ergy and promptness shown in the m inagemsnt
of their boats in transporting Troops and sup
plies across the B ir at the Brazos Santiago.
The Fort.—The Mexicans bad Continued
their firing into the Fort oppns te M itamcras
. - , , . , ; ,s iz*d number of troops will be immediately mns.
nearly ever sin o Gen. fay hr left the WO-ks. { ^ ; nt(>8ervice . True economy and a d ue
Sijt (Scoroia
MACON. TUESDAY MORNINGrMAY~267Tair'
We throw our own pen- aside h-dayTanJ
yield our columns to the interesting esinic-j
connected with the war, which we find
New Orleans and other exchanges.
THE SPIRIT OP THE COUNTRY
It will be seen by reference to the proceed
ings of a meetirijj held in Perry, on Sating
and a call for another on the 30th inst, p u {,'
fished in our cohi.ains this morning, that Hou*
ton is determined not to be hindmost in th f
race of patriotism in the present emergency of
the country. We can assure such ofo< r
friends in the adjoining counties, as are desirous
of serving their country in ihe war a g a ; nj ,
Mexico, that those interested in getting up a
volunteer corps in Houston are just the rn er
for the service. They are not only anxious to
go, but after they get ther.e wi l give a g0lx j
account of themselves, should they have an 0 p
poriunity of measuring weapons with the en
emy.
The promptness and vigor of the Admin,
istratiun in the present crisis of our relatiooi
with Mexico cannot be too much commended
Tlie following, from the Union of last
will show that there is no want of energy h,
that quarter:
“ During the week the most active prepara,
lions have been made to give effect to the meas.
ures of Congress for a vigorous prosecution of
tbe war with Mexico. We do not dxibttfor
the large discretion given to the President *ij
be found to be in safe hands. While the puh.
lie may t est assured that the utmost c?re wili
be used to consult economy, and to secure a
forcu competent to the protection of the nation,
a 1 honor, and to a speedy termination of tlie
war, we do not apprehend that half iheamhor-
The brave and gallant Major Brown died
on tho lOtli from a wound received iu his thigh
by tbe explosion of one of the enemy’s shells—
his wound was not considered dangerous’, but
ns lie was placed in one of the b >mb proof bur
rows mortification ensued from the want of
fresh air. Hi* death is deeply deplored by the
Army; bis intrepid conduct in foiling every
attempt of the cnemv to reduce l ! ie fort, pre
pared them, in a measure, to anticipate the re
sult of this conflict with our brave army. The
strength of the fort, and skill with' which it is
defended is inco^npiehensible to the Mexicans
and indeed well it might be, for they have
thrown up wards of 1100 shot an I shell into the
works, and every morning I hey present th-;
same appearance ; our loss lias only been two
or three in the Fort, The;constant practice
the enemy have had in firing at it, has taught
them the proper bearing to g ve to tlr ir guns,
and uliiiost every shot fills within the works.
The Fort is never idle, and ihe ramparts and
dwellings of Matahior-is exhibit rums as plainly
as those of a hundred Centuries wheti gaping
forth their lamentation oflo! uud belidld wfiat j
desolation is hero!
c riTr"poITa l .
The word CJtapporal occurs iii the news
from Texas which we publish tin’s morning.—
A* that is rather a new word with our readers,
and as : t may occltr again, and is important as
illustrating the .“seat of war,” we think it prop
er Lo any that a Ciiapporal is a term ajip!i> d to
a species of evergreen ilfcket, composed of
the mu-qait bush m :tted with vires. It gener
ally gro » s about six or seven, feet high. The
whole country between the Nueces River nnd
tlie Rio Grande, is mure or less covered by
ill's ciiapporal, interspersed w'tli salt lakes.—
There is very mile fresh water or grass to be
had iu any portiou of the whole iotermediute
distance, averaging one hundred and fifty mile*
wide.—Philadelphia f. S Gazette
MEXICAN PRIVATEERS.
A pamphlet from the pen of Aim-son Nash,
Esq., of New York, on the subject of piracy
and pri vateering, is noticed in the Herald of that
city. From this puhl cation we learn that bv
the 24th- article of the treaty between the Uni
ted States and the government of Central Am
erica, ma le December 5, 1825, it is declared
that whenever one of the contracting powers
shall be engaged in war with another State, no
citizen of tho oilier contracting party shall ac
cept a commission or letter of marque for the
purpose of assisting or co-operating in hostili
ties with the enemy against the party at war,
under pain of being treated as a pirate, Tne
same provision is contained in t>m treaty be
tween the United States and Sweden, made
June 13.1839; also in tho treaty wiih Colum-
ba. Venezuela, Brazils, the Nethei lauds,
France, the Peruvian and Bolivian confedera
tions, Chili, Spain, D-nmark, Prussia, England
and most other continental nations in Europe
Inasmuch as almost the whole world are
bound by treaty with the United Stules not to
permit their subjects or citizens to accept of
letters of murqae from any nation at war with
us, those of Mexico, herself, cannot do much
damage.
It is said that, tho packet ship Henry Clay is
lo be armed oil her next voyage to Liverpool.
—Baltimore. American.
regard to tho highest national interests, howsv.
er, make it indispensable that a fmee shall ba
al once put into active service, extraordinary
for us in point of numbers, and so large that
officers of the highest rank wiH of necessity be
in command. From the itnxed character of
the corps—partly of regular tioops, and more
largely of volunteers—it seems natural that tl«
General-in-Chief of the army should take the
field—arid we presume that General Scott will,
ns a matter of course, assume the command.
“ Wt- understand th >t tho vi lunteer troops
to be immediately calico into service "ill be ta
ken from the Slate* nean-st urthe scene of op.
era ions, agd for them the necessary orrirm
have b--en issued* Measures have also beei
taken to have tlie residue <>f the authorized
force organiz d, to lie called into tlie servip!
of their country at the shor'e-t noiice, if ik-
public exigencies requ're. We understand that
pardons will be called for from each Slate aid
Territory, so that an opportunity will be afford,
ed to all her gallai t sons to participle in the
defence of their country.’"’
THE t»riBIT OF THE PEOPLE.
The Government, fsavs Thursday night’s Union,) •*isu
suming (m use Mr. Madison's celebrated language) the at*
mor anrl the auiiode deraawJeJ by the crisis-” The Prr?i
dent and hts Cabinet are now actively engaged io orgtui*
zing its military and uavpl forces under the recent a t of
C »tigress. He is iu constant communication with hisSrrrt*
tnries, ana infrequent consultation*, ingot end day, wiih bit
Cabinet. Arrangements are miking which will be innear-
ced in due season ; and we entertain liitle doubt that the?
wit! be found satisfactory to the country. The plan of tb*
campaign will develope itself.
The count*vis rousing up. “Westward. Hnl” i« be
coming tlie rallying sign. The newspaper* are coming M
us charged with tlie i icing excitement of the people. Mrrt-
ings are called—meetings are held—companies nrgin’xinj
—*Tilitary equipments are preparing. In twenty daviifw
ihe fiery torch is passed through the land, we shall !>**•
the 50,000 volunteers offering to Jake the field. Thoigwha
live near the scene «»f action will probably be firat called
on ; but the more distant volunteers wit* be held in rewrrt
to bide their time, if they are wanting.
MEXICAN tllEPA RATIONS.
Wo aro informed, from a reliable source,
that vv-itliiti the List year audit haU’or two
years, tlie Mexican Government Inis bet n re
ceiving, from time to lime,, sell oners, powder,
cannon und bull, from.the city of New York.
Within this period there have been built by our
shipmasters, twelve strong schooners, of suffi
cient strength nnd capacity to net as privateers
or vessel* of war. These vessels, were built
with au eye to strength, combined with swift
ness of sailing. These vessel* were despatch
ed to Mexico under American colors and under
the captainship of Americans, from time to
lime, as they were built, and wqrc paid for by
an extensive Mexican liou.-e in .ibis city. Facu
of these vessels carried, likewise, from eight to
te.u togs of gunpowder as cargo, and likewise
a number of guns, amounting to one hundred
and eighty in all, which were cast in a found
ry in tnis city, and proved by an American of
skill in sucli matters
At onetime^ it is said, tbe Mexican Govern
ment were indebted to this Mexican bouse in
half a million of dollars,'“for these supplies.-r-
A shipmaster lately from Vera Cruz, reports
that when he was there lie inspected the ogstle
of St. Juan de Ulloa, and saw a enunog of 1S2
pound* calibre, which, witli forty or fifty l’ai^-
liun guns, are now- mounted on that fortress.—
The beach where ihe French landed is like
wise completely fortified.
Tho New Ynrk Coctmorci d says dial Capt
Stockton’s big gu i still rem fins in one of the
ship houses, having been brightly polished and
varnished to prevent rusting. We understand
that it is waiting for the arrival of the ytea">r f
Princeton, now at Charlestown uavy yard.- -
It ought lo bo lv f >re Vera Cruz.
We would direct attention to die cnl*, ia
another column, for a public meeting al t ‘"
Court House, this evening. If Macon would
not fall.behind the spirit manifested generad)
throughout tlie length and breadth of the Lnion,
when tlie honor of the country is at stake—
the present is the auspicious pinment,-» nl l n
hope to see a large meeting this evcuifg.
CAPT. MAYS’ CHARGE.
Tho editor of the New Orleans Courier m
seen a letter from Capt. May to his
that city, dated Point Isabel, May 1«*> •
captain tells his brother that tlie squ* -ron a,t
bead of which fie charged the enemy * ball**!
contained S2 men; and of these he lost on®
idea
office? nnd ten privates killed and 13 woun .
—28 horses killed and Id) wounded—th® 11 ’
nearly ono-third of his men, and alm" sl
bis horses hors du combat. The captain ^
self was not touched, which
-stance was owing to his being -about ten J
in advance of hi* squadron in the cha,g c -
T HE AD M IN | STRATI ON:
The following just tribute to th® a ^ n,inl
lion, from the Baltimore Sun, a gf;yt ra ^-^
will rpe’t with a response in the heart o
patriotic Am'-rican : „„
••THE WAIl—THE COURSE Ot TB*
“ In a national point of view, ft < J ""f^jotk
to suggest unyilimg more appropriate, F ^ e ,_
unfi consistent as adapted to t,hep' tS relatin' 1 * *
gency. growing out oi ourdistur e ,
with Mexico, than tlie course P u, j. sl !f • gtates-
President, und Congress ol the
Tue disposition of that rn a " Is c* 1 ® 01
than querulous; it is mischievous, ■. ^jt
unite in the wanmst comnaeudaU. () j- t ’ n e
prompt, vigorous, and decisive a ^
executive and legislative auihori I j suc
tion, "hereby it is proposed to relt bf |P J
com- pur gallant Ijltfc army "> *** - j Sia-*
prosecute the war into which the lc rabj e
lias been reluctantly--frr i c ? rta 'l~ 1 |, vJ s 1?
reasons—reluctantly inveigled- , yi’O u Y
existence; and not to recognize t •