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

they may have the same rights and privileges, which we,
ourselves, have enjoyed for years.
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES TO THE WAR AND
NAVY DEPARTMENTS.

Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Point Isabel, Texas, May 7, 1846.
Sir,-I respectfully report that I shall march this day
with the main body of the army, to open a communica-
tion with Major Brown, and throw forward supplies of
ordnance and provisions. If the enemy oppose my
march, in whatever force, I shall fight him. Occasional
guns are heard in the direction of Matamoras, showing
that everything is right in that quarter.
Yesterday the recruits under Lieutenant M'Phail ar-
rived here. After filling up the companies of the per-
manent garrison (A Ist artillery and G 4th artillery),
the remainder of the detachment, with its officers, was
placed under Major Munroe's orders to assist in the de-
fence of the depot. The men are yet too raw to take the
field, though efficient for garrison defence. They will
be permanently assigned as soon-as practicable.
The four companies of the first infantry are hourly
expected, and will be a seasonable reinforcement. The
first shipment of volunteers from New Orleans may also
soon be looked for. Their arrival will enable me to open
the river and free our communications.

Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A. Commanding.
The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington D.C.
Head Quarters Army of Occupation,
Camp at Palo Alto, Texas, 9, MaylB46
Sir,—l have the honour to report that -I ;as Met,
near this place yesterday, on my march from Point
Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and after an action of
about five hours, dislodged them from their position, and
encamped upon the field. Our artillery, consisting of
two 18-pounders and two light batteries, was the arm,
chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which
it was manoeuvred and served, is our success mainly due.
The strength of the enemy is believed to have been
about six thousand men, with seven pieces of artillery
and eight hundred cavalry. His loss is probably at least
one hundred killed. Our strength did not exceed, all
told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was compara-
tively trifling—four men killed, three officers and thirty-
seven wounded, seven of the latter mortally. I regret
to say that Major Ringgold, 3d artillery, and Capt. Page,
4th infantry, are severely wounded. Lieut. Luther, 2d
artillery, slightly so.
The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has re-
passed the river. I have advanced parties now thrown
forward in his direction, and shall move the main body
immediately.
In the haste of this first report, I can only say that
the officers and men behaved in the most admirable man-
ner throughout the action. I shall have the pleasure of
making a more detailed report when those of the different
commanders shall be received.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,

Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A., commanding.
The Adjutant General, U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Head-quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Resaca de la Palma, three miles from
Matamoras, 10 o'clock, p.m., May 9, 1846.
Sir,--I have the honour to report that I marched
with the main body of the army at two o'clock to-day,
having previously thrown forward a body of light in-
fantry into the forest, which covers the Matamoras road.
When near the spot where lam now encamped, my ad-
vance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had
been occupied by the enemy with artillery. I imme-
diately ordered a battery of field artillery to sweep the
position, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and
sth regiments, deployed as skirmishers to the right and
left. A heavy fire of artillery and of musketry was
kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's batteries
were carried in succession by a squadron of dragoons
and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground.
He was soon driven from his position, and pursued by
a squadron of dragoons, battalion of artillery, third in-
fantry, and a light battery to the river. Our victory has
been complete. Eight pieces of artillery, with a great
quantity of ammunition, three standards, and some one
hundred prisoners have been taken ; among the latter
Gen. La Vega, and several other officers. One general
is understood to have been killed. The enemy has re-
crossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us
on this bank.

The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe.
Our own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to
report that Lieut. Inge, 2d dragoons, Lieut. Cochrane,
4th infantry, and Lieut. Chadbourne, Bth infantry, were
killed on the field. Lieut. Col. Payne, 4th artillery,
Lieut. Col. Mclntosh, Lieut. Dobbins,‘3d infantry, Capt.
Hooe, and Lieut. Fowler, sth infantry, and Capt. Mont-
gomery, Lieuts. Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and
Jordan, Bth infantry, were wounded. The extent of our
loss in killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is
reserved for a more detailed report.
The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper sup-
plement to the cannonade of yesterday ; and the two
taken together, exhibit the coolness and gallantry of our
officers and men in the most favourable light. All have
done their duty, and done it nobly. It will be my pride,
in a more circumstantial report of both actions, to dwell
upon particular instances of individual distinction.
It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field
work opposite Matamoras has sustained itself hand-
somely during a cannonade and bombardment of 160
hours. But the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret
at the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander,
Major Brown, who died to-day from the effect of a shell.
His loss would be a severe one to the service at any
time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed irre-
parable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer
killed, and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties
incident to this severe bombardment.

I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a
large number of pack males left in the Mexican camp.
I am, sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR, Bt. Brigadier-
General United States army, Commanding.
The Adjutant-General of the army, Washington, D.C.
Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.
(Orders No. 59.)
1. The Commanding General congratulates the army
under his command upon the signal success which has
crowned its recent operations against the enemy. The
coolness and steadiness of the troops during the action
of the Bth, and the brilliant impetuosity with which the
enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th,
have displayed the best qualities of the American sol-
dier. To every officer and soldier of his command, the
General publicly returns his thanks for the noble manner
in which they have sustained the honour of the service
and of the country. While the main body of the army
has been thus actively employed, the garrison left oppo
site Matamoras has rendered no less distinguished ser-
vice by sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment
for many successive days. The army and the country,
while justly rejoicing in this triumph of our arms, will
deplore the loss of many brave officers and men who
fell gallantly in the hour of combat.
2. It being necessary for the Commanding-General to
visit Point Isabel, on public business, Colonel Twiggy
will assume command of the corps of the army near
Matamoras, including the garrison of the field work.
He will occupy the former lines of the army, making
such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his
command as he may deem advisable. He
,yvill hold him-
self strictly on the defensive until the return of the
Commander-General.

By order of Brigadier-General Taylor,
W. W. J. BLISS, Acting Adjutant-General.
Head-Quarters Army of Occupation,
Point Isabel (Texas), May 12, 1846.
Sir,—l am making a hasty visit to this place, for the
purpose of having an interview with Commodore Conner,
whose squadron is now at anchor off the harbour, and
arranging with him a combined movement up the river.
I avail myself of the brief time at my command to re-
port that the main body of the army is now occupying
its former position opposite Matamoras. The Mexican
forces are almost disorganised, and I shall lose no time.
in investing Matamoras, and opening the navigation of
the river.
I regret to report that Major Ringgold died in the
morning of the 11th instant of the severe wounds re-
ceived in the action of Palo Alto. With the exception
of Captain Page, whose wound is dangerous, the other
wounded officers are doing well. In my report of the
second engagement, I accidentally omitted the name of
Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d infantry, among the officers
slightly wounded, and desire that the omission may be
supplied in the dispatch itself. I am under the painful
necessity of reporting that Lieutenant Blake, topogra-
phical engineer, after rendering distinguished service in
my staff during the affair of the Bth instant, accidentally
shot himself with a pistol on the following day, and ex-
pired before night.
It has been quite impossible as yet to furnish detailed
reports of our engagements with the enemy, or even ac-
curate returns of the killed and wounded. Our loss is
not far from three officers and 40 men killed, and 13
officers and 100 men wounded ; while that of the enemy
has, in all probability, exceeded 300 killed ; more than
200 have been buried by us on the two fields of battle.
I have exchanged a sufficient number of prisoners to
recover the command of Captain Thornton. The wounded
prisoners have been sent to Matamoras—the wounded
officers on their parole. General La Vega, and a few
other officers have been sent to New Orleans, having de-
clined a parole, and will be reported to Maj.• Gen. Gaines.
I am not conversant with the usages of war in such cases,
and beg that such provision may be made for these pri-
soners as may be authorised by law. Our own prisoners
have been treated with great kindness by the Mexican
officers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
Bt. Brig.-Gen. U. S. A., com'dg.
The Adjutant General of the army, Washington, D. C.
Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Fort Polk, Texas, May 12, 1846.

[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 knows 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 the 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 his 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 flit-
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

L. 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 Crus,
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 thisoforce for any length of time in the field ;
indeed, there is not even now a dollar in the treasury.
Hence delay will 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'Ulioa,
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 aresaid to be nearly two
thousand men in the fortress, and about the same num-
ber in the townsinl am, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, D. CONNER,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the
Navy of Washington.
U. S. Ship Cumberland,
Off the Bar of Brasos Santiago, May 8,1846.
Sir,—As stated in my communication of the 3d, the
squadron left the Roads of Sacrificios 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.—l 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 with 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.,
lion. George Bancroft, •
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
United States Ship Cumberland,

Off Brasos, Santiago, ➢lay 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 andllexican forces, near Mate.
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 thousandpervfoelcutnteer
from New Orleans, has placed the army
in
Lawrence
thete
secu-
rity. It is my intention to dispatch such vessels of the
squadron, as are not in immediate want of water, to
blockade
cruiseports—leaving
v theng protectiont heL awr
neighbourhood,xican its
fvessels engaged in furnishing the army with supplies.
in thisthe Mexican
I am very respectfully,

ll: CONNER.
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. G. Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy.
Washington.
A. resolution to present General Taylor with a sword
was introduced into the Senate on the 28th of May.
The following is the resolution of thanks to General
Taylor and hiscarmy, unanimously passed by Congress:—
Joint resolution presenting the thanks of Congress to
Major-General Taylor, his officers and men.
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in 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 Bit).
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.

OREGON.
On the 21st of May, in the Senate, Mr. Wcstcott,
from the Committee on the Territories, to whom was
referred the Bill which has passed the other House to
extend jurisdiction, &c., &c., over the territory of Ore.
gon, reported that a majority of the Committee do not
agree that it is necessary, or in any way expedient, to
pass said Bill in its present shape at this session ; but
that the Committee, after full and free consultation,
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tion, he should move to postpone the who'e subject to the
first Monday in December next.
Mr. Benton intimated that, when the report came up
for consideration, he should have something to say or*
the subject.
Subsequently, on the 27th May, the Bill to extend'
jurisdiction over Oregon coming up, Mr. Westcott move',
to postpone the whole subject to the first Monday of
December next.
Mr. Benton then took the floor and spoke at length On
the subject of the Oregon boundary. He said it wag
his unpleasant duty to have to correct the errors of both
parties in this controversy,. He said our treaty with
Russia never intended the line for 54 deg. 40 min. as our
Western boundary, but was placed there by us as tht
Western boundary of England.
In the Senate, on the 28th May, the discussion of tll,
Oregon Jurisdiction Bill was still going on.
Mr. Benton on that day concluded his speech,
He said he had no APArdensiens of a war arising with