The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-29
SKETCHES OF MEXICO.
To the Editor o5fhe Union:

BY the last arrival from Mdamotas il appears that
the Me&icans are embodying at that point for SOME
purpose; and as my knowledge Of that section Of
the Mexican republic enables me to correct some
inaccuracies into which editors have fallen, az
low me to correct them, and make some few re-
marks.
1t is stated, that there is general as yet APP
pointed to command in chief This is incorrect.
General Paroles at or near Monterey, when
last heard from he is undoubtedly communicating
chief-his rank is general of division, the highest
grade in the Mexican SERVICE and he is considered
as the most distinguished man Of his grade. He
commenced his services lieutenant, under the old
prest,s General Morelos, one Of the most able gem
erals and purest patriots that the revolution pro-
duced. Paredcs commanded for long time the
body of lancers, who formed the personal escort of
that chief and in the fatal battle of Cuantla Anil
pas lost his right hand, and saved the life Of his
chief After the execution Of Morelos, he retired
70 the mountains, where, among Incredible dangers
and hardshps, he concealed himself until lturbide
pronounced in favor of independence; when he inn
mediately put himself lind party under the orders
of that general, and contributed largely to securing
that independence which they have shown them
selves so incapable Of approaching.
He has been several times elected governor of the
State of Guadalajara, and his administration has
always been characterized by great moderation,
strict integrity and unwavering frmness. As a
military man, he is very popular with his soldiers.
About FIVE years since, General Moctenzoma pro-
nounced against the government and collected an
army of three or four Thousand men in the vicinity
of San Luis Potosi.t Parcdcs, who commanded
for the government being out recommending with his
staff and escort, encountered his antagonist, short
distance from the two armies, and defeated Mocten-
zoma, killing him in personal encounter with his
lance, which Ii his favorite weapon.
He also put down General Bustamente, the head
Of the Centraliss in Mexico, and has more recent
Iy triumphed ov, Santa Ana, being the first per-
: =. - IL -.s.- -fG IL
Paroles is now about fifty years of age, and has
always been liberal in his principles. He resided in
Philadelphia something like two years, having been
expelled from his own country.
General Don Mariana Arisia, who commands the
van of the army, already arrived seven miles from
Matamoas the 18th, is about forty years of age.
He is citizen of Nuevo Leon, of which Monterey
is the capital, one hundred and ninety miles west Of
Matamoras. He is n powerful man, being upwards
Of six feet, and very muscular. He is very much
devoted to agricultural pursuits having large sugar
plantations in the neighborhood where he has sue
cessfuly INTRODUCED all the recent improvements in
sugar-making and baking
Arisia is considered by his countrymen as the
most talented cavalry general that they have. He
was formerly expelled from Mexico when colonel
Of lancers; and finding himself in Cincinnati with
out resources he applied himself to the tin and cop
per-making business and became lin the FIVE years
that he spent in that city, frst-rate workman He
speaks English very well, and has always treated
the Ameri ans with great kindness, and, whenever
prisoners (Texians) have fallen into his hands, with
great humanity. He is readily distinguished by be-
ing remarkably fair, with sandy hair and NOUS
taches.
General Gaona, who appears to be behind these
two chiefs, is general of artillery and commanded
at San Juan de Ulloa when it was taken by the
French. He was tried by court-martia for that af-
fair.
The reason that the army is marching in three d.
visions, is undoubtedly owing to the scarcity Of
water. cannot understand why General Arista
has gone to Matarnoras; for Camargo, on the same
river, sixty miles above, is the place where they
have generally cautioned their neutrality-suspicious. be-
ing very abundant there, and exceedingly scarce in
the former place. Probably he may have gone TO
Matamoras with the intention of passing his bag
gage across at that place in the few boats which he
may find; there being none above that point, and
the fords in the river being very dangerous at this
Of the year, when the rans might be expected
every day. II we hear that he has gone to Reynoso
or Camargo, Gowns above we may calculate upon
his going into cantonmcnt until October or after the
rainy season.
| have seen the map made under Col. Aberts or
der. Ii is generally correct but he has omitted lay
ing down considerable number of important places
on the west bank of the river. ID.
Father of Col Almonte late minister from Mexico to
this country
tsan Luis Potos-wherc according to the last accounts
from Arkansas (o the lSth) General Paredes about
seven march from Monterey, where his artillery, in
Of the facility Of procuring water and
ling the wagonroad would have to pass From Monterey
to Matamoras, is about seven days more.