The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-09 00:00:00

Real del Monte, Unregistered .. , _
.... 3% .. • . to

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.-(THIS DAY.)
LONDON, JUNE 9.—Wind at noon, S.W., light airs, and fine.
DEAL, JUNE B.—Wind W.S.W.—Arrd. from the River, Maitland,
Gray, Port Philip ; Ganges, Walker, Bombay ; Melpomene, Hen-
derson, Monte Video ; Bolivar. Otter, St. Vincent's ; Lord Coiling-
wood, Renardson, Quebec. Arrd. from the River and sld., Avalanche,
Parsons, New York ; Dart, Newton, Madeira. Std. Triton, Olie,
Batavia; New Phcenix, Barton, Jamaica; Dale Park, Quebec.
PORTSMOUTH, JUNE B.—Wind W.—Sid. City
.of Derry, Veere,
Victoria, Macao and Canton.
FALMOUTH, JUNE 8. Wind SM., fresh.—Arrd. 7th, Penguin
packet, Rio Janeiro, sailed April 16 with 20,00'1. in gold and dia-
monds. The Adler, from Monte Video to Hamburgh, was scuttled
by the master previous to the Bth ult. and abandoned ; crew saved.
NEWPORT, JUNE 6. —A head board about seven feet long, marked
" Belle," in gilt letters, was picked up about three miles N. of St.
David's Head, 30th ult. by fhe Elizabeth Davies, arrd. at this port.
LIVERPOOL, JUNE B.—A ship's main deck and masts, apparently
newly broken up, were passed early yesterday morning, about 30
miles W. of Holyhead, by the Nimrod steamer, from Cork.
vfnurny, JUNE 7.—The Will Hill,
bouftSceaamtoenoffSlattniCdeg,
r oguent d eodn,
.Wpphaitrie)yntißyocwkisthloausttdaniinghagt
e. during a fog,

ARRIVAL OF THE ARCHDUKE
CONSTANTINE OF RUSSIA.

(From the Morning Post.)

A telegraphic communication has just been received at the
Admiralty from Gesport, announcing the arrival of the Rus-
sian ship of war, the Fugermannland, having on board his
Imperial Highness the Archduke Constantine of Russia.

At the moment the information was dispatched, the
Fugermannland was beating towards, and would soon come
to an anchor at Spithead.
A communication to the above effect was instantly for-
warded to his Excellency Baron Brunnow, at the Russian
Legation.

His Excellency left town for Gosport immediately to at-
tend upon the Grand Doke.
We trust that the present interesting condition of her
Majesty, which may probably occasion a few days' delay in
the reception of the illustrious traveller, will not have the
effect of preventing his Imperial Highness from honouring
the Metropolis with a visit, especially at the present moment,
when the Prince of Egypt is the honoured guest of the
country.

ARRIVAL OF IBRAHM PACHA.
testercia,,, before noon, Ibrahim Pacha, and the distin-
guished personages in his retinue, arrived iu Loudon from
Portsmouth.
The arrival of his llighiiess was somewhat later than was
originally contemplated ; for it was settled on Sunday that
the Pacha and suite would leave punctually at eight o'clock;
rn
but, from unforeseen eircustancet, hid departure from the
Gosport terminus did not take place until after nine o'clock.
The railway officers at the Vauxhall terminus bad every
preparation made for the reception of the Pacha and suite.
The platform was covered with crimson baize, aticlAbat por-
tion of the way kept clear from intrusion from the select
assembltige of spectators who had cdngregated from anxiety
to gain a glimpse of the Egyptian hero.
The train arrived precisely at half..past eleven, having
completed the distance from Gosport in two hours and ten
minutes. In the same carriage with his Highnesa were
Cta an. pTdhha The Earl
Dickson.t Effendi,arlinterpreteroifnat
Aeiiduhe es-de-camp
ls-edyn additiongcdabetmnpo
aCznoo
hoo
rnf
ae
`thebl B
theo
company,.
to f
Turkishmo r ,
a nl I .3,1.,.
Soliman Pacha, General Ibrahim Bey, and Captain Mus-
euptetheyte: acAbilaliorai
.svi
rEem. Highness ; and Major
le-lgieineenrda
el
r; s
011
ABi rri.g gTso,
Cabaret Effendi, and M. Noubert, the two latter secretary
Cc °Oil os un
wknesend, Mr. Hibbert, and Mr.
Smith, directors of the Company, were in waiting at the ter-
minus to receive his Highness, who almost immediately he
left the train entered his carriage.
The Pacha and Soliman Pacha, M. Cabaret. Effendi, and
Major Dickson then departed in an open carriage for Mivart's
Hotel, two other carriages conveying the remainder of his
Highness's suite to their destination.
In anticipation of the Pacha's early arrival, a large crowd
had collected in front of Mivart's Hotel, in Lower Brook-
street, but from the exertions of the police, not the least ob-
struction occurred.
Shortly after the Paella and attendants had arrived, they
partook of a sumptuous dijeuner, after which his Highness
retired to enjoy a brief repose, agreeable to the custom of his
country.
The Earl of Aberdeen, Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs, came about half-past two o'clock, and was conducted
to the presence of the Pacha, with whom the Noble Earl had

Colonel Campbell, formerly tritigh Consul resident at
Alexandria, was honoured with an audience.
Edib Effendi, the Turkish Chargé d'Affaires, was subse-
quently closeted with his Highness for nearly two hours.
His Excellency Sidi Ahmed, the Envoy Extraordinary
from his Highness the Pacha of Tunis, and the members of
his suite, were introduced to his Highness.
These were the only visitors received by the Pacha yes-
terday, the Introductions being in the state drawing-room of
the hotel.

Sir Robert Peel came on horseback about half-past four,
to inscribe his name in the call-book kept at the hotel. The
Right Hon, Baronet was recognised by the crowd of persons
assembled in the street, and was warmly cheered.
The Duke of Wellington made a hasty call at five o'clock,
on his way to dine with the Elder Brethren of the Trinity
Corporation.
We understand that his Highness, from the fatigues of the
day, was desirous of remaining private the rest of the evening.
His Highness, attended by the military officers of his re-
tinue, was present this morning at the inspection of the
Guards on parade at the Horse-Guard, as were his Roya I High-
ness Prince Albert, the Duke of ambridge, the Duke of
Wellington, Prince George of Cambridge, and the staff-officers.

OPENING OF THE BRIGHTON
RAILWAY TO LEWES AND CHICHESTER.
Yesterday, throughout the day, from an early hour in the
morning, much activity was manifested at the Brighton
Terminus, in consequence of the opening to the public of
the branch lines in continuation of the London and Brighton
lines to Lewes and Chichester. The first train to the former
town left the metropolis at 7 o'clock A.m., reaching Brighton
at 25 minutes past 9. The passengers then changed car-
riages, of which a long line, nearly filled, were in waiting.
Ten minutes were thus filled up, and the eight miles were
travelled by 50 minutes past nine, being just a quarter of an
hour from the time of starting. The beautiful viaduct
over the valley north of Brighton, which crosses the
London-road, was much admired. Some have thought
that its proportions are of too slender a character; bat
General Pasley having given in his report to the effect
that the whole of the works are completed in first. rate
style, and that the raised way is perfectly secure, so that the
public may now entertain no fear on that head. The sta-
tion at Lewes is neat and convenient, and the remainder of
the line is in such a state of forwardness that before the
close of the present month the whole of the railway from
Brighton to Hastings will be opened to the public. The
opening of the line to Lewes was celebrated yesterday by the
usual demonstrations of rejoicing. The Chichester extension
(29 miles in length) was also opened under the most favour-
able auspices. The whole of the line is in excellent condi-
tion, and there was no jumbling or oscillation felt, as is the
case usually upon newly-constructed lines. The way passes
along a level, touching at the Shoreham, Worthing, and Lit-
tlehampton ( Arundel) stations, all of which are substantial
erections. Throughout the ancient city of "seven churches"
the utmost hilarity was manifested during the entire day,
the event being celebrated as a general holiday. Several
" monster trains" were run, and all of them were well filled.
It is said that this line will be further extended (to Ports-
mouth) as soon as possible.

WILSON'S SCOTTISH ENTER-

TAINMENTS,

Last evening Mr. Wilson gave an entertainment, of which
the first part was formed from the songs and writings of the
famous Scotch poet, Allan Ramsay. There was a due ad-
mixture of sentiment and humour, and the melodies, which
are all old, rivalled each other in beauty. We can scarcely
conceive anything more exquisite than Wilson's delivery of
the old air, " An thou wert mine ain thing ;" the melody is
one of the most elegant and beautiful of all the old airs, and
Wilson does it full justice, He also sang Dr. Arne's fine
melody, which he composed to Ramsay's song of " The High-
land Lassie." It was needless to enumerate songs where all
were so good, but we cannot help mentioning the marked
delight which " The last time I cam ower the Muir " seemed
to give. The quaint old song of " The Carle he cam ower
the craft" called forth a hearty and unanimous encore. At
the commencement Mr. Wilson gave a short, but interesting
sketch of Allan Ramsay and his Times, and at the end
of the first part he recited, with great effect,
the first scene of Ramsay's famous comedy of
the Gentle Shepherd. The scene consists of a conversation
between the two shepherds, Patie and Roger, and is full of
poetic beauty. Mr. Wilson is very effective in his readings,
and on this occasion was as successful as ever he was. He
has a happy knack of making an English audience compre-
hend the meaning of the Scotch phrases; he gave every
point with effect, and made the two shepherds, the blythe-
some Patie and the sorrowful Roger, stand out in bold relief.
This part of his performance was hailed with genuine and
hearty applause. The second part of the programme was
made up of old favourite songs, which Mr. Wilson has ren-
dered popular. Ile introduced, by request, thevery humorous
song of " The Married Man's Lament," which brought
the risible faculties of the audience into full play. It is
strong proof of the power of Mr. Wilson that his entertain.
ments continue to be as attractive as ever they were, he still
remains in stutu quo. We beg to suggest that he may soon
give another scene from the Gentle Shepherd—the scene that
follows the one he gave, for instance, between Peggy and
Jenny. His readings afford a delightful variety in his per-
formances.

SHEFFIELD,

BUXTON, LEEK,

POTTERIES, AND CREWE RAILWAY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sin,—Believing that you would not through the medium
of your columns assail the character of individuals without
allowing them the privilege of reply, and feeling that the
remarks of your correspondent in your number of the 3d
instant, relative to the meeting of the above Company, im-
plicate each director, I beg to inclose you my name and
address as a pledge of the truth of flu following statement,
and I request you will give the same publicity to it as to the
statement of your correspondent.
The first meeting of the provisional committee was held
on the 18th of last September, when the committee of ma-
nagement was appointed. The same meeting, not the com-
mittee of management, passed the following resolutions :-
Ist. That the provisional committee have appropriated
150 shares each, if applied for.
2d. That to the provisional directors shall not be allotted
more than 250 shares, but that they shall be entitled to dis-
pose of the unappropriated shares in such manner as they
(the provisional directors) may think proper.
You will observe these resolutions were passed by the
provisional committee, not by the committee of manage-
ment.

At a meeting of the committee of management, held 2d
October last, it was resolved—" That the capital to defray
the expenses of this undertaking be increased to 1,100,000/.,
inclusive of a branch from the main line to Congleton,
deemed necessary in consequence of the formation of other
companies to establish a communication between Hull and
Holyhead, and that such a number of shares be allotted as
shall be deemed expedient."
In pursuance of the above resolution, 44,000 shares were
allotted, which, multiplied by 251., the amount of each share,
gives 1,100,0001., the capital required. No shares were then
allotted to the committee of management, in the belief that
the defaulters on so large a distribution would place a suffi-
cient number at. their.disposal. Of the 44,000 shares allotted
&posit was paid on 42,835, thus leaving only 1,165 shares
for landowners, the companies who sought to amalgamate
with this line, and the managing directors; how then could
the directors appropriate to themselves 250, 150, or even
100 shares?
It is a fact, proved by the advertisements at the time that
negotiations were pending with the Great Grimsby, Sheffield,
the Potteries, and Grand Junction Railway, and also other
companies, and In the instance of the former the basis of the
negotiation was that shares should be allotted to them. I
therefore leave it to the consideration of the shareholders
whether, had it been deemed advantageous to their interests
to have united with other companies, the directors would
have fulfilled their duty in taking to themselves all the few
shares not paid on?
It is true the capital of the Company has since been in-
creased to 1,200,0001., in consequence of a recommendation
from Mr. Vignules, the engineer. This augmentation of the
capital took place on the 27th day of January last, and was
merely nominal, as no issue of scrip in accordance therewith
was made, or indeed could be, as the Speaker's certificate to
pay the deposit to the Accountant-General had been applied
for previously.
The shares were allotted on the 2d October—inclosed is a
list of railway prices for Saturday, October n, 1845, in
which the Sheffield, Buxton, Leek, Potteries, and Crewe
Railway is quoted 1%, paid 31. 10s. per share, or 2/. 2e. 6d.
premium. I trust, sir, you will see, when I assure you the
directors of this line have not sold a single share but have
purchased to a considerable extent, that they were not ac-
tuated by selfish motives in " luxuriously occupying their
seats at the board."
Your correspondent has indulged sarcastic pen in de-
picting the events of the meeting; I can only aasure him
it was evident to every unbiassed mind that the fears of the
traffickers of shares, who had bought at a low price for the
sake of a wind-up, that their object would not be obtained
induced them to give a tone to the meeting, not in accord-
ance with a dispassiondte consideration of such a measure.
Notwithstanding the sneer of your correspondent at the
" obscure town of Leek,' I assure you that not only the
shareholders resident there almost to a Mtn Voted for the
carrying out of the project, but daily express their regret
that it is to be abandoned. I think theiropinion both as to the
merits of the line and the conduct of the directors is entitled
to as much respect as that of your correspondent. Whilst
convinced of the general merits of the line, surely it
cannot be a crime to endeavour to relieve the "obscure
town of Leek," containing a population of 10,000, and ac-
tively engaged in manufactures which are distributed over
all parts of the country, from the disadvantages it labours
under, and I cannot deem this line such a " scheme of ab-
surdity" when I consider that by forming a junction with
the North Staffordshire and the Manchester, Matlock, and
Ambergate (almost the only scrip lines now at a premium) it
will shorten the distance, to a very considerable extent in-
deed, between the eastern and western parts of the kingdom
and Ireland.

In conclusion, as I state nothing but what are facts, I
have no Objection to your furnishing your correspondent
with my tame and address, in case he will favour me through
you with um, sir) yours respectfully,
A DIRECTOR.
Leek, June 6.

ATTEMPTED THAlTElh—George May
Smith; the youth who on Weditesday last attempted to shoot
his motet; Mr. Warners ironmonger, of 'heated, was yes-
terday committed lot trial at the ensuing Essex assizes.
MADAME THILLON'S DEBUT AT THE HAYMARKET.—
This fascinating actress and delightful cantatrice, will positively Make
her datit to‘morrew evening at the Haymarket Theatre, in .Attber's
delightful opeild Domino Noir, The libretto has been translated
by Mr. Webster, and the rehearsals are completed. The orchestra
has been aiigthented in order that full justice may be done to this one
of the Most ildightful of the Comic operas of Auber. The scenery is
new, and the costumes art Obeli/. Tile Domino Noir wilaakt e asthe
great a hit at the Haymarket as it did on its first production'
Opera Comique.
CAVTURE DT A BD-EL-KADER'S DOG: iceatir
his
dog.nch
can, ;:lliCh
could not eaptttrb AbdLel-kadei the have at lengtha Ara
The faithful animal was found tied to a stabenien,
.n Noueediete de
was surprised and. put to flight
,by theoF n
Marseille, which gives 116 the busborntgi nor:of
16 the nevve that Abd-el-
the scattering of the
Arabs by the French troops, al t
Kader was actually seen flying
The officer Veliti wad
before the latter, surrounded, it is
true, by a few faithful mounted warriors.
entrusted with the mission of capturing the wandering Emir,
wisely thought it would be inviduous to do that which none of his
predecessors had done, for the last fourteen yeatst and magna.rii
motley sounding the halt, he took possession ot. .
canine furze)
and conducted hum within the French lines. The proverbial gal-
lantry of the French officer compel!ed him to pres€nt the animal to a
lady, who brought:him to France ; but even a dog cannot alter the
most civilised country in the world without the marks of gtlttliciOn
about him ! From the passport of Abd-el-Kader's dog the following
description is extracted :—" A beautiful greyhound, with a brilliant
eye, but bearing about him something of melancholy (for the loss of
hicmaster) • the right ear pierced, and the right foirmepole
sgsiabnled the
to left
be
hind leg tattooed with a reddish substance,
obliterated." If his fair jailer, should al'ow him to escape, this
description may serve to hasten his apprehension.
Mr. Lumley entertained yesterday at dinner, at his
villa, at Fulham, the Duke of Leinster, the Duke of Cleveland, his
Excellency the Baron de Brunnow, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the
Marquis of Sligo, the Earl of Westmoreland, General Sir Andrew
Barnard, Divarkanauth Tagore, Sir F. Trench, M.P., enry Broad-
wood, M.P., J. Stewart, M.P., Mr. C. B. Baldwin, M.P., his Excel-
Imen,cyr Count P‘oirl!ona,,,n Tudor, Count de Gonvello, Couso 6eAstorg,

AMERICAN NEWS.

THREE DAYS' LATER FROM THE
UNITED ESTATES.
(From the European Times.)
LIVERPOOL, MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1846.
We have just received, by Express, from Kinsale (Ire-
land), New York papers to the 19th—landed at that
port for us by Captain Bailey, of the New York Packet
Ship Yorkshire, to whom we tender our best thanks for
his polite attention for this and all similar favours. This
arrival furnishes news three days later than that brought
by the steam ship Cambria. The Yorkshire made the
passage to Kinsale in about sixteen days, notwithstand-
ing the light winds which are supposed to have prevailed.
. The ne s brought by the Yorkshire is of an important
character. Hostilities between the United States and
Mexican armies bad continued ; and by the arrival of a
ship at New Orleans on the 9th lilt:, intelligence was re-
ceived from the former up to the 29th of April, from
which it appears that a portion of the American soldiers
had suffered another defeat between Point Isabel and
Matamoros ; and that seventy volunteers, in attempting
to reach General Taylor's camp, were routed and en-
tirely destroyed. Preen the position of the two armies,
it appears that General Taylor is entirely surrounded by
the Mexicans, and his supplies cut off.
It would seem that there is not any desire on the part
of the citizens of Louisiana, to enrol themselves as vo-
lunteers in the glorious cause of the country. In fact
it was necessary to have recourse to a conscription, in
order to enable the executive authorities to raise the re-
quired number. Rumour also asserts that several who
at first consented to volunteer, have deserted just at the
time they should have marched for the scene of action.
We give below a proclamation, signed by the Mayor of
New York, calling upon the citizens within his civic
jurisdiction, to respond to the requirements of the Pre-
sident's proclamation. We observe that a large meet-
ing, on the same subject, has-been held in Philadelphia,
at which resolutions were adopted pledging the meeting
to assist the Government.
A rumour prevailed at Washington on the 14th, that
Mr. Pakenham had protested against the warlike opera-
tions of the United States against Mexico. We give
it merely as a tumour. The New York Herald is the
only paper which contains the rumour. We annex the
following extracts from the papers which have reached
our office :
FURTHER LOSSES TO THE AMERICANS.
(From the New York Ti ibune, of May 18.)
We are under the painful necessity of r ecording another
disastrious conflict between Point Isabel and Matamoros,
in which seventy volunteers, attempting to reach General
Taylor's camp from the former post, were routed and cut to
pieces by an overwhelming Mexican force. The worst of it
is, that our men appear to have behaved badly, which will
embolden the Mexicans in future encounters. Capt. Walker
himself, so far as we can gather from his accounts, did not
distinguish himself otherwise than in running, wherein he
approved himself a match for Stannard, or " the American
Deer" himself. He came in ahead of the remnant of his
flying corps, and there can be little doubt that his " time"
was about the best on record.
As yet we are not enabled to determine by what authority
a Captain of volunteers undertook with his company to re-
open General Taylor's communication with San Isabel, when
the veteran commander does not see fit to attempt it with
2,500 regulars. If captains of volunteers meditate proceed-
ing to the Rio del Norte to make war on their own hook, it
will be expedient to put them in straight jackets at once, and
set their men to planting potatoes at home. They can be of
far more use thus employed than in undertaking to manoeu-
vre and fight as partisans in a country of which they know
nothing and their enemies everything—they. fighting with-
out artillery, while half the hostile force is cavalry; and
the Mexicans, if indifferent soldiers, are notoriously good
horsemen.
The worst news we have from the South is that of the
departure of the steam-boat from Galveston for Brassos St.
lago with sixteen volunteers for the relief of General
Taylor, and the absolute failure of Louisians to raise four
regiments (two thousand five hundred men in all) for the
same purpose without a resort to the conscription. This is
most disgraceful to those who have so wantonly involved
the nation in its present responsibilities and perils. If
Texas does not rush to the rescue of General Taylor, we
Insist that she ought to be kicked out of the Union without
ceremony. For her sake our Government has set up an
unrighteous claim to the boundary of the Rio Grande ;
for her sake our little army is now surrounded on the
banks of the great Mexican river. We have to foot the
bill at all events, and it bids fair to be a heavy one. If,
in addition to this, we are to be subjected to conscripion, and
dragged from our homes to fight for her unrighteouspreten-
sions in that region of yellow fever, who among us win longer
look with favour on a connexion from which Texas re,..,ps all
the advantage, and we nothing but perils, calamities, and
crime?

(From our New Orleans Correspondent.)
The schooner Mary Clare arrived at New Orleans on the
9th inst., from Brazos St. lago, which place she left on the
29th. Captain Griffin and passengers report that Captain
Walker and seventy rangers were nearly all killed and taken
prisoners on the 28th ult., about twenty miles above Point
Isabel, by a large force of Mexicans.
Captain Walker succeeded in reaching the point at 4 P.M.
with only three men. He applied to Major Thomas for more
men, and announced his determination to proceed to General
Taylor's camp, or die in the attempt—his object being to
communicate full particulars of the attack to the commanding
officer.
He started from his camp on the 28th with his whole force
to reconnoitre, and, if possible, open a communication with
Gen. Taylor. He bad proceeded as far as about midway
between Point Isabel and the Camp, when an overwhelming
Mexican force approached suddenly. A portion of his
troops were raw recruits; he instructed them to keep on his
right, and gave orders to the whole to retire under cover of
the chapparel in view; but his raw troops, panic stricken,
scattered in confusion.
The Mexicans advancing with overwhelming numbers, he
gave orders to retire. He was followed until within a mile of
Point Isabel, where he arrived with only two of his men ; six
others subsequently came in. Capt. W. estimates the num-
ber of Mexicans he encountered at 1,500, and he supposed that
at least 30 of them fell during the 15 minutes which he en-
gaged them.
The force is supposed to be a portion of that which had, at
last accounts, crossed the Rio Grande some 20 or 25 miles
above Matamoros, and which is estimated at 3,000 men. It
is believed that they had taken a circuitous route on the
Eastern side of General Taylor's camp.
The post is very strongly defended. By the exertions of
Majors Monroe and Saunders, with 500 men to defend the
post, it is believed it can be made good against 3,009. There
are now about 5,0 Mexicans on the American side of the
Rio Grande, one 00
half above, and one half below General
Taylor's camp.
The greatest apprehension is now felt for the American posi-
tion, is that the Mexicans may raise fortifications which com-
mand Brasses Satiago. The natural formation of the ground
is mostly favourable for such a purpose; the men would be
effectually protected from any naval force by the natural
embankment, and the position could only be carried by
actual storming of the works.
A slip from the Tropic says that a gentleman passenger in
the Ellen and Clara informs us that General Taylor, on the
29th, had only six days' provisions. The Augusta was met
going out with troops. The Cage and Florida were left at
Point Isabel, loaded with goods. The night previous to the
Ellen and Clara leaving, an attack was expected on Point
Isabel. It was expected that General Taylor would cut his
way through, and come to the relief of Point Isabel.
The latest advices received at Vera Cruz from Matamoros
were to the 15th ult. Immediately after the arrival of Ge-
neral Ampudia, his notice to General Taylor to retire behind
the nieces was known, and the Vera Cruz people expected
to hear of hostilities. We have heard it reported that the
British Consul saw a letter from General Taylor to General
Ampudia, and that he approved of the same.
FROM THE RIO GRANDE DIRECT.
The report brought to this city yesterday by the schooner
Empire, which left the mouth of the Rio Grate on the
28th tilt, was, that a body of two or three hundred Mexi-
cans (two or three companies) had crossed the Rio Grande,
at a short distance above the city, and after an engagement
with a portion of our force, had captured 150 men: The
Empire also brought a report that twenty or thirty Ran-
cheros had crossed the river between the American camp
an&Point Isabel, and captured a waggon containing stores,
This is a Mexican report.
There are two ferries between Point Isabel and Matamoros,
one at Buchita and the other about eight miles below Mata-
moros. At intervals of some five miles there are places
where boats might land unobserved.
The captain of the Empire states that the report when he
left was that the Mexican army consisted of about 8,000
men—of which 5,000 were regulars and 3,000 Rancheros
and militia. There were nothing but Rancheros below
Matamoros.