The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-15 00:00:00

[Orders. NO. 60.]

As a mark of respect to the chief magistrate of the re-
public, the work constructed at this place, to cover the
main depot of the army, will be known as " Fort Polk.'
The commanding general takes this occasion to express
his satisfaction with the disposition made for the defence
and protection of this point, so vitally important to the
efficiency and security of the army. To Major Munroe,
the commanding officer, Captain Sanders of tho engi-
neers, Majors Thomas and Mc Ree, and Captains Sibley
and Hill of the Quartermaster's department, Captain
Ramsey of the Ordnance, and Lieutenant Montgomery
of the subsistence department, credit is especially due
for their zeal and activity. The General returns his
thanks to the numerous citizens who volunteered their
services in the defence of the depot. Their assistance
added materially to its strength and to bis confidence in
its ability to resist an attack. The reinforcement from
the brig Lawrence, under Lieutenant Renshaw, and the
large force of seamen and marines so promptly fur-
nished by the squadron on its arrival, require a special
acknowledgment to Commodore Conner and Commander
Mercy of the navy. The army; is deeply grateful

for this support and co-operation from a kindred branch
of the public service.
By order of Brigadier-General Taylor.
W. W. J. BLISS,
Acting Adjutant-General.
Head-Quarters Army of Occupation,
Point Isabel, Texas, May 12, 1846.

(Special Orders, No. 62,)

1. General La: Vega and the other Mexican officers,
prisoners of war, will be conducted to New Orleans
under charge of Lieutenant J. J. Reynolds, 4th artillery,
who will report on his arrival to Major-General Gaines,
for further instructions. The Quartermaster's depart-
ment will furnish a steamer for the transportation of the
party.

2. As many of the sick and wounded now at this
place as may be indicated by Surgeon Wood, will be
sent in suitable transports to St. Joseph's Island.
Assistant-Surgeon Byrne will accompany the detach-
ment, and will return with the convalescents that may
be in condition to leave the general hospital. The
Quartermaster's department will furnish the proper
transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Taylor,
W. W. J.- BLISS,
Acting Adjutant-General.
Extract of letters from Commodore Conner to the
Secretary of the Navy, dated
United Ship Cumberland, off Vera Cruz,
May 3, 1846.
The decided tone of the manifesto of the President of
_ _

the Mexican republic, in connexion with other indica-
tions, seems to leave no doubt that orders have been
given to General Arista to attack the American army on
the Del Norte, should a favourable occasion offer. Under
the belief that an attack is contemplated, I have consi-
dered it advisable, and have determined to sail to-morrow
morning for the Brasos Santiago with the Cumberland,
Raritan, Potomac, John Adams, and Somers. The Fal-
mouth will be here to protect our interests and to
watch the course of events. The appearance of the
squadron at that place, with a knowledge of the consi-
derable reinforcement it can afford to our army, will, I
think, cause the Mexican generals to pause, if not al-
together to abandon their design of attacking General
Taylor. All accounts concur in stating the Mexican
army to amount to nearly eight thousand men. I feel
assured the Government has not the means of main-
taining this force for any length of time in the field ;
indeed, there is not even now a dollar in the treasury.
Hence delay wilt either cause the army to disband, or
another revolution to take place ; either of which events
it is believed, cannot be otherwise than favourable to the
wishes of our Government in bringing about an amicable
settlement of our difficulties with Mexico. The latter
would undoubtedly contribute to that end, as it would
place in power men wholly opposed to the policy at
present pursued.
Considerable activity has prevailed at this place since
my arrival, in improving and strengthening the defences
of the castle and the town of Vera Cruz. As far as lam
able to ascertain, there are now nearly, if not quite, two
hundred guns mounted in the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa,
and as many as fifty in the two forts and walls of the
city commanding the anchorage. These guns are all
new, and of heavy calibre, most of them being thirty-two
and forty-two pounders, with a number of eight and
ten•inch Paixhan guns. There are said to be nearly two
thousand men in the fortress, and about the same num-
ber in the town.md am, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, D. CONNER ,

Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the
Navy of Washington.
U. S. Ship Cnmberland,
Off the Bar of Brasos Santiago, May 8,1846.
Sir,-.As stated in my communication of the 3d, the
squadron left the Roads of Sacrifieios on the morning of
the 4th, and has just anchored off the Bar of Santiago,
where I have just been apprised that hostilities have
actually taken place some days since.
As the opportunity by which I send this communica-
tion cannot be detained, I have only time to add, that
after communicating with General Taylor, and ascer-
taining the situation of affairs at Matamoras,
I shall remain here no longer than the pre-
sence of the squadron may be required; after
which it will be necessary for this ship, the
Potomac, and John Adams to repair to Pensacola to re-
plenish their provisions and water. In the meantime
orders will be given to carry into execution your in-
structions in relation to the blockade of the Mexican
coast, and to meet and repel, in the most decisive man-
ner, the hostilities of the Mexican nation.

Some more small vessels are required, also one or two
steam-boats of a draught of water not exceeding eight
feet. These vessels will be necessary to enforce a strict
blockade of the coast.-----I am, very respectfully, &c.,
D. CONNER,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. Geo. Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy.
United States ship Cumberland, off Brasos
Santiago, May 9, 1846.
Sir,—The arrival of the squadron at this anchorage.
of which the department was informed in my communi-
cation of yesterday, was most opportune. To obtain a
supply of provisions from the depot at Point Isabel,
General Taylor, after leaving Major Brown v.ith five
hundred men in charge of the works at Matamoras,
marched for the former place with the remainder of his
forces, consisting of two thousand men. On his return,
when within twelve or fifteen miles of Matamoras, he
encountered the enemy in considerable force, estimated
at from six thousand to seven thousand men, with a large
portion of cavalry. An engagement took place about
ten o'clock yesterday morning, which lasted until night.
A pilot in the employment of the United States at this
bar, who visited the army to-day, informs me that our
loss amounted to sixty killed, and that General Taylor
had offered the enemy battle again to-day, but
that it was declined. From the rapid and
incessant firing, particularly of artillery, through-
out the day, I should infer the loss of the enemy
must have been very considerable. No further particu-
lars have reached me. Shortly after the action com-
menced, I received a communication from Major Munroe,
commanding Point Isabel, requesting a reinforcement
from the squadron, for the defence of that post, where,
it appears, all the supplies for the army are deposited.
In:the course of yesterday afternoon and this morning,
five hundred seamen and marines, under the command
of Captain Gregory, of the Raritan, were landed from
the squadron—a force, it is believed, sufficient to defend
it against any attempt that the enemy can make. A re-
inforcement for the army is hourly expected from Gal.
veston and New Orleans.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. CONNER, Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. George Bancroft,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
United States Ship Cumberland,
Off Brasos, Santiago, May 13, 1846.
Sir,—ln my communication of the 9th instant, of
which a duplicate is enclosed, the department was in-
formed that a battle had been fought on the day previous
between the American and Mexican forces, near Mata-
moras. On the 9th, General Taylor continued to ad-
vance towards his works opposite that place, the Mexi-
can army under General Arista falling back before him,
until within two and a half miles from the American
works, when it made a stand, and a general action en-
sued, which ended in the complete route of the enemy.
All his artillery, several standards, nearly all his bag-
gage, ammunition, and stores, with a large number of
prisoners, among whom were General La Vega, and other
officers of rank, were captured. The enemy maintained
his position bravely, and did not abandon it without
very severe loss. Our loss is stated to be about sixty
killed and wounded. So signal has been the defeat, that
it is not believed that the enemy will be able to assemble
in any force for a considerable time. This event, with
the arrival to-day of nearly one thousand volunteers
from New Orleans, has placed the army in perfect secu-
rity. It is my intention to dispatch such vessels of the
squadron, as are not in immediate want of water, to
the t
blockade the Mexican ports leaving
theaving Lawrence
cruise in this neighbourhood,protection of
I am very respectfully,
D. CONNER,
vessels engaged in furnishing the army with supplies.
Commanding Home Squadron.
lion. G. Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy,
Washington.
A
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introduced resolution
no
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the G
Senateener al
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The following is the 'resolution of thanks to General
Taylor and his:army,unanitaously passed by Congress:—
Joint resolution presenting the thanks of Congress to

Major-General Taylor, his officers and men.
Resolved, by the Senate and Hope of Representa-
tives of the United States of Americain Congress as-
sembled—That the thanks of Congress are due, and
are hereby tendered, to Brevet Major-General Zachary
Taylor, commanding the army of occupation, his officers
and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage
which have distinguished the recent brilliant operations
on the Rio Grande.

And be it further Resolved—That Congress sincerely
sympathise with the relatives and friends of the officers
and soldiers of the army of the United States who so
bravely fell in the service of their country on the Rio
Grande.

Resolved—That the President be requested to cause
the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to Major_
General-Taylor, and through him to the army under his
command.