The Express.
London, England, 1847-09-29 00:00:00

'AL OF THE CALEDONIA.

TWO GREAT BATTLES.

Let night, at alma debekt the Zoo* Cast
Mm•
mired at the Mersey, a
twelve days from Boston. She brings =tea
New York of the 15th, Boston of the 16th, Malik' Cir
the 18th inst, and news from the seat of war to the
22nd of August. The Caledonia brought forty pas-
onagers, among them Captain Hosken, but she brought
no gold.
The news is important ; two great battles had been
fought within eight of the capital of Mexico, and in
both General Scott bad proved victorious. The loss
on both sides was severe ; the Americans lost 1,000
men, among them 5 colonels, 3 majors, 22 captains,
51 lieutenants, and 1 adjutant. The Mexican loss is
set down at 5,000 men, and among the killed and
wounded were 13 generals. At the request of the
British embassy, as armistice was agreed to, and
commissioners were negotiating a
The following is the " officiallacaec.count of the
affair
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14.—Despatches for the government
have this moment been received. The intelligence hereto-
fore received is fully confirmed.
On the 20th alt. the American forces, consisting of 7,000
men, met the enemy at Charbuses, three or four miles from
the capital. The Mexicans were 32,000 strong, and posted
behind an immense battery of heavy artillery. After two
hours' bloody conflict, our gallant troops swept everything
before them, mainly at the point of the bayonet.
The American loss wee less than a thousand, while that of
the Mexicans is estimated at five thousand, and amongst the
killed are many distinguished men, bath generals end
The armistice was agreed upon, and five commissioners '
appointed on the Mexican side, at the head of whom was
WIHRT3. The commissioners had two meetings, and wens
to hold a third on Monday, the 30th.
Valencia escaped with two companies to Felies, and has
since pronounced against Santa Anna and peace.
It seems that General Scott left Puebla on the 7th
of August, and advanced on the capital of Mexico.
On the 15th a new line of operation was taken on the
southern and north-western of the city, and the
works on which Santa Anna placed most reliance
were completely turned on the 16th.
General Worth marched as far as the Patience of San
Oregon., when a halt was ordered by General Scott, as
General Twiggs had met a large force of the enemy near
Chalet. General Twigga promptly ordered the heaviest
trains to be unlimbered, and after • few discharges the
enemy was dispersed, with • loss of aim killed.
On the 17th General Worth resumed his march over a
terrible bad road, but by 8 o'clock in the morning he
was in sight of the domes and spires of the capital,
without opposition, except that rocks had been rolled
upon the road, and ditches dug, evidently showing
that General Scott had stolen • march on Santa Anna.
Oa reaching this point, however, an:altering tire was opened
on the head of his column, by • party stationed in en advan-
Merposition, which was soon silenced by Col. Smith's
tstattalion of the 2nd Artillery, under Major Galb;
another attack was shortly after made, but again the enemy's
Odltip were driven in without loss. At seven o'clock, on the
18th, General Scott arrived at San Augustine. At ten
o'clock General Worth was in full march fur the city of
Mexico, by the main road; Major Smith and Trumblol,
Captain Mason, and other engineer officers, were sent la
advance, supported by Captain !Bakes' squadron of Diu- I
goons, to reconnoiter, when a masked battery was opened'
on them, and the boll from an eighteen-pounder killed
Captain Thornton bf the 2nd Dragoon, betides se-
verely wounding a guide. Colonel Garland's brigade
was ordered to occupy a position in a plain in sight of the
enemy's batteries at San Antonio, whilst Col. Starke brigade
anti Duncan.' battery took their station in the rear, emcee by.
A party was then sent oat to reconnoiter, to ascertain the
practicability of finding • road by which the village of San
Angel might be reached, and the stronghold of San Antonio
could be turned. This party had a skirmish with the enemy,
killing ive or six and taking u many prisonees, without
lasing a man. The result of the reconnoissance was favour-
able, and it was ascertained that a road could be made. The
Mexicans were plainly seen in force near Bronteras.
At a comical held that night, it was determined to
attack them in the morning, While the reconnois-
sance was going on, General Worth had established him-
self at the Haciendo of Borate, from the window' of which
noontime numbers of the enemy could be seen at work upon
the batteries of San Antonio. About noon they opened
upon the Haciende with both round shot and shell ; nearly
every shot took effect, but did no damage, except to the
building,. Late in the evening they were again opened,
but were silent during the night. Had the firs haw
up, the Hacienda might have been torn to ram% solar
entire command have been compelled to retire.
At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 19th, the battereies
again opened on General Worth's position ,• so hot was
the fire that the troops were compelled to
shelter behind the buildings, but did not give up t ems
position. About 9 o'clock the divisions of 'reigns
and Pillow were ordered to march in the direction of Pun-
ters, and by one in the afternoon were in full sight of the
enemy's batteries, and within range of the heavier guns.
The brigade of P. W. Smith was ordered to a small village
towards the right, and thus cut off reinforcements which
might be sent by Valencia from the city.
An incessant fire wasopened onColonel Smith's command,
and soon the Rifles were engaged with the pickets of the
enemy, drivingtheen in. The twelve pounder batteries of
Captain Magruder, and mountain howitzer batteries, now
commanded by Lieutenant Callender, of the Ordniusca De-
partment, were premed forward and opened on the enemy,
but were so much exposed to • fire from heavier guns that
they were soon silenced.
Lieut.. Johnson and Callender were seriously wounded.
At three o'clock Gen. Cadwallader was ordered out to sup-
port Col. Riley, reinforcements being seen on their way out
from the city ; whilst Gen. Pierce was sent to sustain Col.
Smith.

The tiring from the enemy's batteries was incessant.
About four o'clock Geis. Scott arrived, and, seeing the im.
mense strength of the Mexicans, et once ordered General
Shields's brigade to support Riley and Cadwallader, and pre-
vent, if possible, •juncture of the forces coming out of the
city.
IVith those of Valencia but few of the movements of our
own troops could be seen, but every motion of the enemy
was visible. The order of battle of Valencia was most lin-
podng. The infantry was seen drawn up to support the
batteries, whilst long lines of the enemy's cavalry were
stationed in the rear, as If waiting the shock of the battle.
Two separate charges of the latter were distinctly seen to be
repulsed by Colonel Riley. Until night had fairly closed in,
the firing from the enemies batteries had not slackened. It
bad been a continuous roar for nearly six hours,
General Scott retired to San Augustine about 8 o'clock in
the midst of • hard rain, and GeneralreTwiggs and Pillow
cams in about 11 o'clock, completely exhausted, not antici•
plating the great strength of the works of the enemy. It
was thought that the batteries could be taken at a dash, and
that the troops would all be comfortably quartered at San
Angel for the niaht. Instead of this a large portion of them
were competed to bivouac without blankets, in the midst of
pi:iless storm.
On the 20th Worth was ordered to move with a part of
hU division, Garland', brigade, to aid in the attack on
Valencia; for to force this position was deemed indiepen-
saVe. At 7 o'clock a few discharges of cannon were heard,
a rattling of musketry, and some even said that in the die.
lance horses of the enemy could be seen flying towards the
city, yet few deems d that the batteries had been stormed and
carried yet.
It was so ; Gen. Scott himself SCO3Mcnnied Gen. Worth,
sod started for the steno of action, when they were met by
Capt. Mason with the 'joyful intelligence that Valencia had
been completely routed after a terrible struggle. The attack
'Von his works was planned by Gee. Smith, and resulted in
the capture of fifteen pieces of artillery and some 1,500 pri-
mers, among them Generals Blanco, Garcia. Hendon',
sad the notorious Sims. He also captured all the ammuni-
tion and ramp equipage, while the road over which they
who ramped fled, was strewed with mu,ksts. No less then
700 of the enenty—among them many officers—were left
dead on the field, whilst the number of wounded was far
Hester, and the works of Centers* completely in the power
M the American army. Gen. Scott at once ordered Gen.

Wrath to 611 bask on Sea Anton* to teen ass
work, sad then push on towards the (glad by-the -lash
t cad, whilst the main body of the mai moved on towards
Am Angel and Colloycara.
Gen. Twiggs bad scarcely awed half •s mile beyond the
latter village, when a rattily' Ire of musketry mamma
that it was actively copied whit the wren of the
sad the heavy Wash; al anus am Mina =LI
aided mated dividea had *Bea *mg volt : A,
fro mimes mem lei aUhaalli th:WveigliaM
node tt evident that ale Weeth's wee
enge He bad sempistely tented the smug works er
den *Mods hat while doing se the enemy bad abash:mod
the pines with a loss of three heavy gam, sad had Men
leek et a mend stamen Vas at works.
It wall/ MS Viimek it he afterneen. and about the
emumememat
and
ehe MUM; end 'soh • Wiling of fin•
anew las edam se ever lama beard on the continent of
Anemias aseenguided with /Mk hewing of artillery, and
thle was sandalled ever two beers when the seamy wane
rented ken every point, and those who wan
me sr taken were in full flight for the am
The it eM massy at this place was known I.
hene hem at lead Hein themeted, and many say twee,
lhoomad, all Ina beeps, ant in a position of
shaspposed 610 them were about Ma 11114:117=
and bask= down by marches and asumgmagebtle
sag seu. At Churnbasoo the Bleelmos my dens
Anna. eneememded in person, but that he retied early.
The men of the capital, front whoa **much was
aserly all fled, without firing a gun.
be en our aide bat fallen most heavily upon Ike
heath Carolina and New York Volunteers, the 6th Infantry,
sad Smith's Battalion, and the batteries of Capt. Magruder
sad Ta Icr. The South Carolina was nearly cat lb
plum klexlean generals were killed sod wane&
Wm munition was captured than Stott hie nod siesta
hem la the every.
The Mown/ are the terms of the armistice agreed apse,
wham s emenehdee
al ers of the two governmenta shall sego-
teemines
is " Neither army to be reinforced or build new defences
being the armistice, nor go beyond its present line • in
sheet, the two armies are in no way to interfere with 'sack
Ober without 48 hours notice."
This news does not appear to have proved quite
iatidactory in the states, for the New York Courier
and Zsquiror has a long article to show that it ought
to be ql&uite so. The belief was that ram was
rebe
Meantime the fate of Paredes is unamentained—ace
he has Dot been hosed of Mote his prompt and secret
evasion from Vets (ham.
POMO no ineedieseeire: The (brier Ned "-
faro— • - -
1111 tie general feeling of the ant-paying state Is manifestly
in favour of efforts to resume, and the aocension of wealth
which all have received from the late high prices of produce
will add strength to this feeling, and means for its gratifi-
cation. - - -

The state of Pennsylvania is Ramming a strong financial
position, and it is probable that the nett income this year
will exceed 1,000,000 dollar.
The commercial news is not devoid of interest.
There had been one and only one failure in New
York—that of Prime, Ward, and Co., the largest
exchange-house in Ameria. The Courier says that
they have only suspended payment. The Herald
says :
The saspamion of this extensive banking establishments,
will mg suds so much embarrassment in tinalcial circles as
first satialpene& The liabilities of the house or not near so
large as reported, and there is every probability of a resump-
tion taking piece immediately upon the receipt of advises by
the next stranger. Should the accounts from England be at
all favourable, every farthing of their debts will be promptly
paid. The surplus exhibited is very large, and it would
take • series of serious losses to make the concern bank-
rupt. A very large amount of their billsturve been
protested for non.acceptance, which places them in a better
position than if they bad been protested for non-pay-
ment, u the property upon which the non-accepted bills
were drawn falls again into their hands, and is appropriated
to their liquidation. Bills protested fur non-payment take
their chance amongst the liabilities of the house upon which
they are drawn.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW Yona, Sept. 15.-1 n respect to further exports of
bread-stuffi to Europe, there is a pause—and consequently
the stock is aectunulating ; for the old crop is far from ex-
pend:A, notwithstanding the large exports—and the new is
now fast coming into market. Flour from the wheat of this
year is arriving daily. Freights are low, and there is not much
activity in shipments of any sort.
Exchanges continuo to look up—and the rates for bills on
London may to quoted at 8j to 9. While it ranges below 10
per cent., our opals will not move—and nothing short of •
considerable Na ea the banks or their specie can apparently
disturb our mese, market, which is tranquil, steady, and ac-
tive, but notprented. 'I he banks are all at or near the limits to
which by law, they are permitted to carry their discounts.
They are strong in coin—and as the imports for the season
are nearly over end the duties at the Custom Hones con-
"VieatlY a» comparatively light, the operation of the Sub-
Treasury law exacting payments to those duties in coin is,
while foreign exchanges are not against us, of not much
account.
Bills on London to-day were at Bi, and some bits were
sold at 9. Before the clam the demand fell off, and, the sup-
ply being ample, rates declined to 81 to i.
Corrox.—There has been • speculative feeling since our
last, and on Saturday and Monday prices advanced le. to 10.
per lb. Yesterday the market was steady. The sates of the
lest days amount to 5,600 bakes, viz..
tipl..n.l3c Florida. Maine SOC.O.
3. SOO Wes. 1 000 boles.
- .

. .
Inferior tnoe. Wane.
Ordinary to good ertilseey
Middling to good alien ll/ to 121 11l to 12
NI ledger, fair to tar
Fully fir to good far
Fine
•

The accounts received at New Orleans, concerning the
cotton crops, were still conflicting, up to latest dates from
that city. It is not expected to exceed 2,000,000 bales.
Ftoon., &e.—ln consequence of the receipts being light,
holders are flint at previous rates. Sales of Gennessee from
new Wheat are made at b dole. 75c.; free ground old Wheat,
6 doh. 50c. to 5 doh. 624 c. ; Michigan and Ohio, 5 doh. 25c.
to 5 dole. 50c. Rye Flour, 4 dole. Southern Flour is doll,
at 6 dohs. Sales of mixed Corn have been made at 65c. to
66c., and of yellow, at 67c. to 89c. Wheat remains inactive.
Old Rye brings 73c. to 76c. ; new, 75c.
Famonro.—The rates of freight are, to Liverpool for cot-
ton, iti3 18 perlh. flour and turpentine 1.3 to 1-8 per bbl. ;
grain 6d. to 7d. per bushel. To London, 2-6 per bbl. for
flour, and other articles in proportion.

We have this morning news from South Africa,
with our usual files from Cape Town to the 24th July.
The accounts from the frontier are much as before.
The Kaffir, continued their accustomed depredations,
and the settlers were loud in their complaints at the
insufficiency of the means of protection which the
government afforded them. With reference to this
matter several deputations had waited upon Sir H.
Pottinger, which, it appeappear,, were at first unsuccess-
ful in obtaining an interview. One, however, was at
=granted, when his excellency excused himself by
that, such was the press of matters with which
bs was overwhelmed, that he was frequently com-
plied to decline the visits even of the Commander of
lb, FOFOIIII and Lieutenant-Governor, though calling

on business. Sir Beary's otasevatioes upon this oc-
casion are highly important, as they bring before us
at one view the present state of our relations with the
Kaffir tribes, and indicate the measures which it is
intended to pursue. He said he could assure the
deputation that no man could have the interest of
the frontier more at heart, and could be more
laboriously employed for its welfare than he; and
that no individual could tell him more regarding the
position of the farmers, their sufferings and losses,
than he had already written to her Majesty's Secretary
of State, so that the voice of the colonists would be
heard at home. Too much was, however, expected
from him ; and the frontier press had not done him
justice. Thelateaffair at Burris Hill hadbeen magnified
and misrepresented. People appeared to think that the
name of governor or high commissioner was sufficient to
enablehim to doanything. It must be clear to every one
who had looked into the subject, that he was not
dealing with a nation, but with hordes of robbers,
and that it was in vain to expect a total cessation of
robberies, or permanent peace, until the Kaffirs were
entirely subdued. The chiefs had no power over
their followers, except for evil—and until they
were brought to that state of subjugation, that we
oould punish them immediately upon the commis-
sion of any offence, there would be no perma-
nent peace. The Gaika tribes were the worst, and
Banding the worst of all ; the southern tribes were
not so bad. He (the high commissioner) conid con-
clude a peace to-morrow, if ho chose, but that would
not be a peace which would bring permanent security
to the frontier. Expense was no object—efficiency
was what he required—and this he was gradually
acquiring ; and when all his arrangements were com-
plete, the country would be informed of it. But he
had a difficult teak, and too much ought not to be ex-
pected of him. Ile must, however, be allowed to do his
work in his own way, and according to the means at his
disposal. He did not wish to conceal what must be
known that when Sir Peregrine Maitland lett the
colony ho made it appear that the Kaffirs were en-
tirely subdued, and that peace would soon follow.
Such, however, was not the case; the Kaffirs were
not yet sufficiently humbled to enable him to establish
a satisfactory peace with them. A ?Rift step in politics,
said his excellency, was as bad as in war ; and had
the wiser measures of Sir B.D'Urban not been subverted,
the present state of things would, in all probability,
sever have taken place, and the force which would
now be required to be legit up on the frontier world
be mach larger than the British government expected.
His excellency assured the deputation that he re-
quired no urging on ; he felt that his public Character
WAS at stake, and no exertions which he was capable

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