The Express.
London, England, 1847-03-25 00:00:00

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

THIS DAY, Four o' Clock.
By_ the arrival of the Garrick, Captain 'Trask, and
the Montezuma, Capt. Lowber, in the Ifersey, we have
NW York papers to the 6th inst.
The news from the seat of war promises • speedy
cowsian. While the army of General Scott was pre_
poring to march upon Vera Cruz, the Mexicans mid-
ace, appeared before Saltillo, and drove in the out-
postaof General Taylor. Goneral Taylor was, however,
exceedingly strong there, having with him (1,000 men,
who had marched with him from Monterey. Many
believed that when the Mexicans discovered his
streagth, they • ould retire ; and in the army it
was generally considered that Savta Anna meditated
no 'emus blow in that quarter, the movement
being a feint to mask his intentions of marching
his main body to Vera Cruz. Rumours, however, bad
reached New Orleans that a general engagement
bad taken place, but little credit was attached to it.
In the mean time, General lirrea had crossed the'
ammtains to threaten Matamoras. He had with him
4,000 men, one-half of whom were the best soldiers of
Mexico. Colonel Drake, commanding at Matamoros,
had provided muskets and ammunition for citizens in
mat of an attack, and had gent to Point Isabel for
several pieces of ordnance.
Troops were embarking at the month of the Rio
Grande as rapidly as possible. General Scott sailed
on the 13th.
General Worth had not left on the 10th, and would
not until the whole command was on ship-board. It
was not supposed that the army could move from the
Island of Lobos before the loth March.
. . .

A Tampico paper, of the 13th, contains extracts
from papers of the city of Mexico, of 2nd februsuy,
giving more full details of the capture of the
seventy Americans by General Minon. A
letter in a Mexican paper, dated San Lnis,
January 27, announces the arrival of the prisoners,
and the rejoicings over this bloody victory. It'
states that Nlinon's force was 2000. The same lettA
declares that the Americana were surprised early in
the morning at a watering place.
Gen. Minon reports his prisoners to be eighty-two
in all. Besides Americans taken, there was one
Mexican, named Gals no, who had been near our
troops as a spy or guide. lie was immediately put
to the sword, although Major Gaines interceded.
The capture of Capt. lbady, with 93 of his com-
mand, which consisted of 30 Arkansas and 103 Ken-
tucky troops, is confirmed. The camp was surrounded
the night after they had marched 40 miles.
It is reported that Cassius M. Clay would have
forced the ranks, but could not induce the others to
anent, oa account of the Mexicans greatly out-
numbering them.
The late Henry Mier, prisoner, acting as interpreter
for the Arkansas troops, escaped from the Mexican
camp on Major Gaines's horse.
The New Orkans Pirap'ne gives the following'
particulars of the troops wrecked in the Ondiaka:
The Cayuga has arrived in the river. She left Tampico
on the morning of the 13th inst. Our readers will rek,ice
to learn that the four companies of Louisiana volunteers,
wrecked on the Ondiuica, see all safe, with the exception of
six, whom the colonel was constrained to leave behind.
They reached Tampico city on the morning of the 9th inst.,
y speaking in good health, but very much exhausted
tayatlT:iisit forced m.rches. Seven were abondoned a few miles
from their first camp, being unable to march, and the men
finding it impossible to carry them through the sand on
litters. One of thee overtook the main hotly before they'
reached Tampico ; the remainder will probably fall into the
hands of the enemy.
The following is from the Washington Maim:
We understand that letters have been received from
Major-General Scott as late as the 14th of February at the
Bruce. Ile won making every arrangement to remove t' e
beeps to the island of Lobos; but, contrary to his expecta-
tion, the ten transports which had been engaged at New
Orleans, and the others which had been despatched from
the northern ports, had not yet arrived. It is certain that
they must have arrived there from both porta before this
time. The ordnance, too, had not got to its place of desti-
nation. . . . . .

Amounts hod been received that the Mexican troops
were pouring into Vera Cruz, principally in consequence of
the despatches which had been intercepted on the person of
Lienteoant Richey, of the Infantry.
It is also said, on highly respectable authority, that a
Preach merchantman had just found its way into Vera Cruz
with 10,000 stand of arms and 20 tons of gunpowder on
board. It remains to be seen in what manner this vessel
eluded our bl'elsading squadron.
It is said that Commodore Perry, who left Washington
hw days saw to embark in the steamer Mississippi (lately
repaired at Norfolk), within a week goes to the Gulf to take
the command of our squadron.
The New York Courier and Enquirer says:
We entertain the thorough conviction that General Scott
will reduce both the city of Vera Cruz and the castle of San
lean de Mos by the 15th of this month—and then leaving
the city to the protection of the nary, which, with care on
the part of the officers, need not suffer from yellow fever—
and a small garrison in the castle, which is built on a reef of
reeks, and being entirely separate from the land, would be
more exempt from malady than a station on shore—the ge-
neral would probably march for the higher region—the
table land of Mexico—and there maintain himself until
safaciently reinforced to push for the capital, unless peace be
Mantises negotiated.
The New York Herald states that the United
States line-of-battle ship Decatur has sailed, ostensi-
bly for the Pacific; but before she will have reached
there, she will have taken part in the grand de-
monstration about to be made on the enemy's strong
holds.

She sailed in company with the sloop-of-war Decatur, but
she will not go in sight of Vera Cruz until the retuning of
the day when General Scott will atta, k that city. The ap-
pearanee of a vessel of her size and armament would
reasonably induce the Mexicans to suppose that an
attack was contemplated immediately, and it is to
prevent this suspicion that she will remain out of eight until
the eventful time shall have arrived. The Decatur will act
as an agent to convey from the squadron there to her, and
Inform her of the proper time to take her place. Between
General Scott and Commodore Perry, who will relieve Corn-
Mcdore Conner, signals have been arranged that will en-
able Commodore Conner to know the precise day or hour
that he will commence the attack on the city.
The time appointed for the demonstration, it ap-
pears, was the 20th hut. :
lithe attack be made on the 20th, an express will, we
andentand, be immediately sent to Washington, or to the
nevelt point to that city, and the news will reach us about
the OM of April. In the mean time, however, it is 'not im-
probable that a grand battle will be fought between the
troops under Santa Anna and those under General Taylor.
Two great battles at the same time would be a serious blow
to Mexico.
The New Orleans Pieayune of the 25th ult. says :
We have conversed with an intelligent Spanish gentle-
lian, who left Durango on the 15th of January—Senor
Benito, Velez. a nephew, we learn, of Peter Harmony, of
New York. Senor Velez confirms all that we have said of
the action near El Pala on the 26th of December. Tho loss
of the Mexican in that affair was about 180 men.
No news had reached Durango of the fall of Chihuahua
Vital our informant left there.
On the 10th of January Gen. Heredia left Durango for
Chihuahua at the head of 790 men, of whom 150 were
cavalry. He took with him 1,500 muskets and two pieces of
When he reached Cuencame, in the north part of the
Mate of Durango, he beard the news of the action near El
Paso, and leaving there his infantry, he make/ on to Chi-
buhaah with his cavalry, with the view to assume the corn-
aund of the government forces them.
The cavalry of Cuilts, which was in the action of the 25th
tale:ember, and which protected as far as poacible the re-
but of the Mexicans upon El Paso, and afterwards Curiae!,
bin dwindled down to a handful of desertions, which took
PIM tt the different ranchos on the route.

News bad maelesd Darsago that about the 6th se 6th et
January two English ships entered the port of Maxatan,
having evaded the blockade. They are supposed to have
been laden with ammunition and other munitions of war.
Santa Annahas left San Luis Potosi with his whole
force, and his plan is said to be briefly this :
16,000 men to occupy the mad between Saltillo and Mon-
terey ; 1,500 to march upon Monterey ; 1,500 to proceed to
Victoria, and thence to Matamoru.
Notwithstanding all these hostile demonstrations,
the Nrso York Sun says it has good rectums for be-
lieving that the Mexican government will soon sue
for peace.
Previous to leaving San Luis Potosi, Santa Anna
issued the following address :
Head-quarters, Sen Luis Potosi, Jae. 27, 1847.
The General-in-Chief of the Army of Operations of the
North, to his Subordinates.
Companions in Arlo! The operations of the enemy
demand that we should move precipitately upon his principal
line, and we go to execute it. The independence, the honour,
and the destiny of the nation depend at this moment upon
your decision. Soldiers! the entire world observes us, and
will expect our acts to be as heroic as they are necessary.—
Privations of all kinds surround us, in consequence of the
neglect shown towards us for more than • month by
those who should provide your pay and provisions.
But when has misery debilitated your spirits, or
weakened your enthusiasm ? To-day we shall un-
undertake a march over a desert eountry, without succour or
provisions. But be assured that we shall be immediately
provide 1 from those of the enemy, and with them you will
be sufficieutly reimbursed. My friends! we go to open the
campaign. What days of glory await us! What a flattering
future for our country! How satisfactory when we contem-
plate that we have saved its independence !—How the world
will admire us!—How the nation will bias! And when in
the beeoms of our families we shall relate the risks and fa-
tigues which we have endured, the combats with and tri-
umphs over a daring and presumptuous enemy,and hereafter,
when telling our children that we have saved our
country • second time, the jubilee will be complete, and
theta sacrifices will then appear to us as nothing. Soldiers ! !
hurry forth in the defence of your country. The cause'
we sustain is a holy one ' • never have we struggled with more
justice, because we fight fin the land of our forefathers, and
of our children, the honour and religion of our wives and
children! What sacrifice, then, can be too great for objects
so dear? Let our motto be—" Conquer or die !" Let us
swear before the Great Eternal that we will not wait an in.
scant is stas!isg ear Ile of the stranger who has slued to
proton it with his presence. No treaty—nothing which
may not be heroic and proud !
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.

Santa Anna, however, has his difficulties, if there
be any truth in the following extract of a letter, said
to be written by him :
I am in despair at this very moment, for it is now the
2nd day of the month (January), and the different chiefs are
almost mad, looking after provisions for their men. And
still there are some writers who will inquire why our army
does not move. This express has no other object thnn to
snake known our sad condition ; and if the government does
not send quick supplies, I cannot say how this will end."
The spirit of opposition to the confiscation of the
property of the church, by the clergy, appears to in-
crease rather than diminish. The clergy have issued
a solemn protest, which we annex :
Pretest of the Venerable Archbishop's Chapter against the

taking Possession of the Church Property.
This chapter haying been .o 'ormed from an undoubted
source that the sovereign congress have this morning ap-
proved of an act for the taking possession of the church pro-
perty, wr hoot losing a moment for the preservation of
those sacred rights charged upon them by the solemn canons
of the church, have determined to direct to your excel-
lency this communication, with the object of making
known that they cannot in any manner coincide with the
measures entertained in the above named set, not daring to
incur the ecclesiastical censures and penalties emitted at the
end of the 11th chapter of the 22nd session of the Sacred
Council of Trent, and reiterated in the third Mexican; and
in consequence they hereby enter the most solemn pro-
test against the act now about to be sanctioned, only
expecting, from the piety of the supreme government,
that the afore-named disposition of the Sacred Council
of Trent, which comprehends all whatever may be
the dignity invested in them, and which inflicts
the highest punishment upon those who disregard
it, may be fully respected ; obeying likewise the
fundamental law now reigning through the republic,
which guarantees the property of our ecclesiastical corpora-
Vona.
May it please your excellency to make known to the most
excellent Senor Vice-President, that these are the sentiments
entertained by this Arehbiahop's Chapter.
We present to your excellency the assurance of our di--
tinguished consideration and esteem. God guard you many
years.
Hall of the Sacred Church of the Archbishop', Chapter of
Mexico, January 10th, twelve o'clock, M.
FELIX OSORES,
FELIX GARCIA SERALDE,
Jose M. GUZMAN,

To the Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

The following is the latest from Yucatan : —By
way of Ilavannah news from Merida has been re-
ceived at New Orleans to the 6th instant. The forces
of Campeachy had entered Merida, the city having
capitulated. Senor I). Domingo Barret has been
nominated Governor of Yucatan. The Government
and Council of State are transferred to Campeachy.
The blockade of Laguna and Campeachy had been
suspended so long as the most absolute neutrality
should be observed, and vessels could come and go
freely which should not attempt to carry by stealth
munitions of war.

The sittings of congress terminated at Washington
on the 4th. _

The Sub-Tresaury Act was defeated.
The. Military Bill pawed, omitting the appointment
of a Lieutenant-General.

A bill to establish a line of five new steamers be-
tween New York and Liverpool, as well as a line of
five from New York to New Orleans, touching at
Savannah and Havannah, was passed, and the con-
tract for the Liverpool line was taken by E. K. Col-
lins, Esq., a gentleman well known in the Liverpool
trade.
A bill, providing for the construction of additional
war steamers was also passed.
The intended renewal of the attempt to impose a
duty on tea and coffee has expired.
The proviso against slavery having been rejected,
the Three Million Bill finally passed. 'like following
is its principal provisions : To enable the president
to conclude a treaty of peace, limits, and boundaries,
with the republic of Mexico, the sum to be used by
him in the event that said treaty, when signed by the
authorised agent of the two governments, and duly
ratified by Mexico, shall call for the expenditure.
Congress has rejected the appointment of Mr. C. J.
Ingersoll, as Minister to France. Richard Huak has
been nominated ; the same gentleman who so dis-
tinguished himself as Minister to England.
David Tod, of Ohio, who has run several times for
governor, and is a very popular man, was nominated
to Brazil, and confirmed. Mr. Wise comes home.
Major-general Benton has been appointed to
the chief command of the army ; a proceeding which
appears to be exceedingly unpopular, as he has
never seen any service. It is probable, however, that
his office will be more of a civil than of a military
nature.
Senators Houston and Rusk were both offered the
major-generalship at the latest hour, and declined.
The vote of thanks to General Taylor and his army
passed the Senate on the Ist March. It includes the
presentation of swords to the General and his princi-
pal officers.
The President, in presenting the correspondence
with Gen. Taylor, accompanied it with the following
message
To the House of Representatives of the United States.—
I communicate herewith a report of the Secretary of War,
with the accompanying documents, in answer to the resolu-
tion of the House of Representatives of the lot inst., request-
ing the president " to communicate to the House of Repre-
sentatives all the correspondence with General Taylor since
the commencement of hostilities with Mexico, which has net
yet been published, or which may not be deemed detrimental
to the public service; also the correspondence of the quarter-
mantergeneral in relation to transportation for Gen. Taylor's
army ; also the reports of Brigadier-Generals Hamer and
Quitman of the operations of their respective brigades en
the 21st of Septembm last.
As some of these documents relate to military operations
of our forces, which may not have been fully executed, I
might have deemed it proper to withhold parts of them,
under the apprehension that their publication at this time
would be " detrimental to the public service," but I era sa-
tisfied that these operations are now so far advanced, and
that the enemy has already received so much information
from other sources in relation to the. intended movements of
our army, as to render this precaution unnecessary.
James K. Pox'.
Washington, February 27, 1847.
IRISH RELIEF' FUND.—The amount already contri-
buted is pot down as follows : New York, 78,414 dollars ;
Now Jersey. 5,228; Rhode Island, 7,669 ; 3,287
North Car, 1,350; Alabama, 760; District of Col., 600;
Maine, 429 ; Pennsylvania, 29,483 ; Massachusetts, 31,577 ;
Maryland, 7,500; Ohio, 12,000: Georgia, Missouri,
1,7507 Louisiana, 13,000; Connecticut, 1,050. In all about
1911,239 dollars.
The Washington Union gives the following sum-
mary of the proceedings of the last, the twenty-ninth
Congress :
This 29th Congress has left a broad and strong mark on
the foreign and domestic policy of the country. Events and
acts which will make an important part of the history of the
country, have rapidly followed one upon another through
both its sessions. During the sessions of this congress, three
new states—Texas, lowa, and Wisconsin—have been ad.
raided into our union, and a new territory, under the name
of Minesota, has been organised. The territorial bill for
Oregon has failed to become a law ; but the great Oregon
question no longer hangs gloomily over the foreign relations
of the country. The eatablubment of an equitable and de-
in the tariff of 1846, has thus far
us:antic revenue ',Sten,