The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-12

over which not more than four feet Of water can be
carried. Should, however, future Investigations
exhibit good connection, inland, between the
Nueces and Espiritu Santo bay, then the trade Of
that river can avail itself Of the deeper water of the
Caballo pass.
From the mouth of the Nueces, called Corpus
Christi pass, there is long bay parallel to the coast
extending due south about one hundred miles, APP
preaching, at its southern extremity, to within
miles of the mouth of the Rio del Norte.
The Rio del Norte is the great river of Texas
forming its western boundary, and extending
through about fourteen degrees of latitude. Its
course is northweserly from its mouth, making the
longitude of its head waters about twelve degrees
west of that of its connexion with the Gulf Of
Mexico. Its total length is about 200 miles, and
it has been already navgated by steamboats, as high
up as Loredo. II connects itself with the gulf by
a bold current, and without the intervention of
bay; but the connection is not deep. The bay
however, which we have just described as approach
ing within ten miles of the mouth of the Rio del
Norle, is spoken of as having deep bar at its
southern extremity, called the Brasos Santiago.
Should this be the case, there would probably be
great difficulty in turning the Rio del Norte into
this bay; and thus by the aid of its waters, form
ing one Of the best entrances from the gulf, upon
that coast through the pass of Brasos Santiago.
These views of the coast of Texas present three
important ponts--the Galveston pass, the Caballo
pass and the pass of Brazos Santiago which will
probably have to be fortified.
The inland frontier is exposed to depredations
from numerous hordes of savage and warlike In
dams, against which the inhabitants must be pro-
tected with forts of the usual character against In
dams
Now, we believe that all men will agree with us,
that forts are useless without supplies Of ordnance,
ammunition, and men; and, therefore, conse-
quence, the necessity for these forts implies in.
crease of the war estimates for constructing the
forts, and for supplies ofmen and munitions of
war.
The increased commerce on the gulf, which the
annexation of such long line of coast and of such
productive country will occasion, will require pro-
lection on the ocean; or, other words, will require
gulf squadron, and consequent increase of the
navy estimates.
We do not see how these considerations can be
neglected, without neglect of great national inter-
ests. We have taken our stand among the nations
of the world-among great and leading nations;--
we have opened new chapter of national law,
pregnant with the most important consequences,
casting its broad shadow over this western world,
and not without its evident penumbra the des-
TIMES of theeasern. We have, years since, avowed
our determination in reference to encroachments by
European powers upon this continent We have
now, therefore, to show to the world whether we
are in earnest or not--whether we are willing and
able to maintain our position--whether we are
ready to meet unavoidable contingencies and conse-
quences--whether the national mind has expanded
with the, expansion of our territory. We must
let it be understood that we aware of our desti-
nies--that we are willing to meet them--that we
are ready to place the country in a position ade-
quate to meet probable contingencies, and COM
mensurate with its just expectations, and its emf
nendy involved and important interests.
X.
l5T We are much indebted TO the author of the
preceding communication for the useful geographic
cal statistics, and the bold and manly views which
he exhibits of the character and prospects of our
country. We shall be happy, at all times, to
hear from s'X.n-UNIoN.