davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19
THE RIO GRANDE

our readers we presume know that the Ria
Grdnde, Rio BRAVO, and Rio Del Noyfs ara a.
many different names of the same great River
which rises in the southern slope of the Rocky
Mountains, and runs nearly due sou,h zbout 2OO0
miles into the Gulf Of Mexico. Its course is in
good part through thinly peopled desert, in
some places mountainous, in others composed Of
wide sterile plains. Valuable mines of Gold and
Silver exist in the provinces of Santa Fs. some
louO miles from its mouth. The River in gen.
orally rapid and rocky, rendering navigation
dangerous if not impossible but we believe that il
may be assembled by small steamers or 500 miles.
Matamoras is situated on the west bank Of the
lilo Grande, about 80 miles by water from its
junction with the Gulf of Mexico Point Isabel
is about 30 miles north of the mouth of the Rio
Grande, and some 20 miles in direct line, by
land, from the town Of Matamoras, opposite which
is Gen. Taylor's camp.
AT the mouth of the Rio Grande is bar on
which there is only seven feet of water at the
highest tide, and when there is heavy sea on
the bar 1t is very dangerous for vessels of light
draught of water to attempt to GO into tho river.
Vessels have often to lay four or five days waiting
favorable opportunity TO cross the bar, which
can be effectually commanded from the Mexican
shore. The current of the Rio Grande is very
rapid, running in some places at the rate of 10
miles per hour.
The entrance 10 Point Isabel. is accessible fer
ships OF large draught of water at all Seasons
The coast in that vicinity is lined with small Is
lands OF sand. thrown up by the sea, between which
and the main land are navigabIe sounds called
Lagunas. Point Isabel is high sand bluff pro-
jecting into the Gulf of Mexico
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19
THE " OLD MAN ELOQUENT" FLOOR

1t has been the delight of the universal wbo
party Of this Great Country, to style the Old
Thersites, John Quincy Adams, the "oId man
eloquent" and in the extract which we take from
the Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot, as
copied into the columns Of our very smiable cotem.
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19
DrtsnlOuth, Va.
OUR FLAG!

FREE TRADE-LOW DUTIES-NO DEBIT 81
TAXATION FROM --ECONOMY-RE-
IRENCHMENT-AND STRICT ADHERENCE
10 THE CONSTITUTION
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19

Captain Walker Of the Texan Volunteer, me-,
cd with "a men, BY Gen. Taylor between ~.
main camp and Point Isabel. was attacked h. '
large body Of Mexican troops and wa. eom,.i,.s
10 retreat, keeping only twelve men ,oge,h.,
who gaIlantly kept the enemy in check, knGnn
about 80 Of them, until 6 on, ofhi. II A,,;.s
iailen, he was compelled to retire to Point Ls,..,s
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19
NANsrMoND Cousrr, NAV a. 1916

- wv @%S'sW W tWc VfcW I<Jo.
SIR II find in your paper of the 25tb ult.,
the following piece in relation TO the late election
in this County -
" In .Nsnssn'ond-We feel gratified to an
nounce the fact that the Democratic candidate ia
this County has been elected by ,riumphant
majority OF 81 votes, not so much as a party tri-
umph, as a rebuke to those men, who with the
erocity OF tiger, thirsted for the blood Of fell
low creature, and most loudly denounced tho
Governor, for the exercise of his executive pre-
rogauve. Hunter Hills unfortunate renconire
with Msjor Smith was made the touchsione in
the present contest, and to sharpen the fanns Of
party. Kedar Hill was presented by the Grand
Jury for his selfdevotion to have justice done to
his brother. All has failed, one Of the most popu1
lar and genIlemanly men Of the Wing party HI .
been broken down on this very quesiion--tbo
course of Gov. Smith has been sustained and our
old friend and warm Democrat, Col. Hugh Kelly
is elected"
Now sir, ] must ask the favor of you to correct
the foregoing do not believe that Hill's case
was the iouchstone, &c., in tho late contest, nor
do believe that the prescntDuent alluded to, af-
fec,ea, in the least. the election in fact, very
little was said to me during the canvass in reIs-
tion to Hills case II is true, vas INTERCEPTED
The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-19
HUNTER HILLS CASE-THE LATE
ELECTIONS

we give place very willingly, to the following
letter from our friend, Col. Kelly, in correction
OF our remarks IN the result of the election, and
The causes which produced that result, in Nan
semond. we stated in our article what we bo-
iie'sd to be the facts; man is responsible for
that statement but ourself Whether the state
ment OF COL Kelly will produce different i'm
preston upon the public mind, than what we in-
tended to convey, and still adhere to, we do not
know We feel morally certain, that if Hills
case did not produce that result, for the sake of
justice and right it ought to have done 80. Hill
has SO tar suffered UNJUsrLY, and we regret that
the Colonel, should attempt to weaken the in
huence that gave him the victory over his poIi.i-
cal opponent.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28
HIGHLY IMPORTANT
FROM
MEXICO AND TEXAS.
Two Severe Battles.-several Hundred
Mexicans Killed.
GEN. YEJA TAKEN PRIsoNER.---AMERI-
CANS TRIUMPHANT.---DEA OF MAI.
RINGGOLD.


By the Daily Pcayune and M Extra from the Mo-
bile Advertiser, OF the 18th, we have news, The sub
stance OF which Is contained IN Inc lohowng from 'he
Baltimore Sun;
The u. S. steamer, Col Harvey, arrived this morn
ing just paper was going to press, iFom brazos
Santiago. She elt on the Slh inst
A great battle had been fought by Gen. Taylor, on
his return from Point Isabel TO the camp.
He encountered, il is said, from TO 1000 Mexieans
10 which he had out io0o men 10 oppose ana et win
that small force he cut his way through the Mexcans,
killing large body Of the enemy, capturing their can
non al the point oil the bayonel, and lukng Gen We
ga, one of the commanding generals, prisoner.
The battle was fought on the 1th, and our troops
weaTied and faiigued after action, slept on he field
They found, next morning. 200 Mexicans lying near
them, killed.
SevTal pieces oil artillery have been taken ny our
troops.
Major Rnggod Of Baltimore, we regret to say, was
moTtuly wounded in this action
ANOTHER RATTLE
AN' ''i''' % -.
Two battles, i appears have been iought inc sec
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

exchange, but it decided not to give him up save
in exchange for an officer ofequa rank whenever
should be taken
Gen. Vein was allowed to be accompanied by one
Of his Aids, a Lieut.. Colonel as a friend
The Mexican army was confident ofvictory, that
every preparation had been made to celebrate il, but
cans.
In their fight many Of the Mexicans took to the
fvet and were drowned in their attempts to swim it.
the action leaving there his whole army. He the next
morning lc Tor Point Isabel and arrived there on the
evening Of he 10th without mOlestalion.
On the morning Of the nth, he started back 20 the
camp, opposite Malamorus.
We need not say that he and his army are all in fine
spirits.
Further information has been received that the A.
merioan Consul and all the American residents al
Matamofns had been arrested aud sent 10 Satio,
small town some 80 miles from Malamoras,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28
Gen. TaYIor's Disnatches.

Official dispatches from Cen Taylor concerning. the
affair mentioned above, arrived at Washington on
Tuesday evening Of last week. The Union gives the
following account of their contents:
! FRoM THE GRAxDE.-We learn that dispatches
were received this evening from Gen Taylor dated
the 81 and 9th nst.-both Point Isabel and the fort on
the Rio Grande perfectly safe
On the LIST, the defence on the river being made
strong, (neary competed) Gen. Taylor left a gaIri-
son Of some 500 men, under Major Brown of the It'll
infantry, and marched with the reminder Of the army
u miles 10 Point Isabel Not an enemy was seen in
the whole distance. All apprehcnsons Tor the safety
oil that depot OF supplies were thus dissipated
But on the morning Is oclock) ofthe Sd, the enc
my, from the side OF Metamoras, opened heavy can
nonade upon our fort, which lasted, with little inter
mission, I'LL midnight. In the meantime the enemy,s
guns, Gall but one morlar) silenced by our fort
Major Brown lost one sergeant killed. and not another
man wounded. Our gallant little band expected an as.
saut from this side of the river at the same time and
was fully prepared 10 repei it. None was made
Matomoras was necessarily fired upon in the act of
sencing the enemey's batteries and also to kill or dis
perse the troops therein CHARTERED The buildings
were probably but little damaged. The inhabitants,
no doubt had mostly fled before the commencement of
the eannonade. What number Of Mexican troops were
Killed was only known by conjecture no doubt con-
siderable number.
Gen. Taylor at Point Isabel expected, on the 9Th
10 march on the next day with heavy train of sup.
pies Tor the fort the river and hence to assume Of
lsnsiye 99eTailQns ajnst The bpl ,-'s
river-ieaving 10 the chspparals only The tancheros
his irregular cavalry. IL is not likely that he will REIN
wade Texas, as Gen Il. had received, expected TO
receive on the 9th ins several deiachmenls Of troops
CIRCULARS and irregulars,) from New Orleans.
The affair with Capt. Walkers Texan rangers, as
was represented by rumor, was much exaggerated
In the temporary absence Of that gallant and enterprs
ing officer, his company lost, by surprise, but hand
ful Of mems or 10.
Captains Thornton and IIardee, and Lieut. Kane,
all of the % dragoous have arrived unhuf, prisoners
n n MniamOTas. renpfted themselves n,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

The Union IS giving lessons 10 Congress on the sub
jec, Of the Tariff. Hear il:
The existing war with Mexico can constitute no
reason for refusing 10 reduce the Tariff. We have
present surplus Of twelve millions Of dollars The ex-
penditure OF less than this sum, we trust will bring
the contes, TO a speedy and successful termination
Besides reduction Of duties and larer equalization Of
the Tariff do not necessarily imply a reduction OF The
revenue. On the contrary, the reduction Of the de-
ties that are nearly prohibitory increase the rev.
enue. The bill proposed by Mr. Walker brings ae-
coidng TO the estimates, twenty-lour millions oil mel
revenue that OF the comttee, nearly million more
which, together with the augmenting proceeds OF The
sales OF the public lands will yield abundant rev.
enue II is disgfaceu 20 the country TO suppose ihal
the contest with Mexico renders improper any Iedue-
hon oi the duties. The present is not revenue TaHh
and IN ease Of war the heavy duties will be rendered
more prohbitory. Let member OF Congress, there
lore, refuse to support the rights Of our country abroad
from any panic anticipation that il will arrest the IT.
duction Of The Tariff. Far liom il We must oouI
duty in both ways, boldly and unhesatingly. NOW
IS the time to strike at the Tariff system The coun
ny demands il. Justice requires it. The power IS
put into the hands ofthe Republican party TO consnn
mate this reform. We are waiting with great impa
Hence Tor the House TO act upon the Tariff question
How long will it be before Congress proceeds to ae,
and to act decsively, upon this great and eadpB
measure OF the present session.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28
VERMONT PHOENIX.
BrattlebOrO, Thursday, May rs, 1916.
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Battle on the Rio Grande-The Americans Yicto-
rious-Point Isabel safe-Yet Critical State Of the
Army.

After the publication Of our last paper we issued an
Extra, which reached many if not most of our sub
scrbers, announcing battle on the Rio Grande, in
which 700 Alexicans were killed, Matamoras laid in
ashes, and the Mexican batteries slenced, with the loss
Of only one American. The account though subsian-
italy true incorrect in particulars. The fol-.
lowing statement gives the substance of the affair as
corrected by later intelligence;
On the u instant Gen. Taylor made softie with a
detachment Of our troops determined to open a COM
muncation between Point Isabel and the enreuchment
About 500 men, under Major Brown Of the 7lh Infant
ry were left at the encampment the dcenccs Of which
had been nearly completed. On the morning Of the
4th, the Mexicans, thinking the camp so weakened BY
his absence that an attempt TO reduce il might be
cesslu, opened heavy cannonade from Matampros.--
The fire was speedily aud eiectuay answered from the
American batteries. In 80 minutes the Mexican guns
were senced and considerable damage done 10 the
city But one American was killed. How many Mex
leans were killed, is not known, but probably large
number-perhaps some hundreds.
The camp under the command Of Major Ring
gold, during the action and our men behaved CALAMITY
The Mexican forces around Matamoras were rapid
ly augmenting, and all communication between the
camp and Point Isabel was Immediately cut oh-so that
our encampment was leil in a critical condition.
Gen. Taylor anticipated desperate opposition to
his march, but arrived at Point Isabel without any dii
fculty On the 9th he left that place TO return to the
camp.
All the ports in the Nneces were under strict block
ade, and the American fleet in the Pacific was large
enough TO shut up every port that coast as
orders could be transmitted for that PURPOSE
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

bort of Vermont and Massachusetts
'estigating committee, it appears that
6selve miles of its line between Fitch
summit $2ls, 4l6, and for nine miles
b Roynlston and Athol, about $780,
\ required, making S36S, 4I9, for twen-
of which Sis ,295 have been paid
'perstructure it is estimated that about
4 hi be the cost Of the road from Fitch.
Dol, and the committee recommend
IDS now subscribed should be ex-
Voted to the entire completion Of
d the road between Fitchburgh and
! with Winchendon and Cheshire
Bad, and putting the road in ope-
h as Athol, the remainder of the
6ng a central point for travel. No
be made for grading or any consideru-
Incurred beyond Athol, until the road
to that point, or adequate subscrip-
IA. The committee say its compile
which can be effected with our pres
Fe consider as securing its immediate
, It's western termination.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

VoLUNTEERs.-The Union states that the appli-
cations to the President are so numerous tina, il il
impossible 10 answer them with nrnmo,,a.a III
President has deemed hest sa-Ass wa -.
-al.-.---- h. abe governors OF the STATES as
they are most competent to decide as TO the eicien-
cy of the different corps The officers are not APP
pointed at Washington, but by the authorities Of
the States in the manner prescribed by law and Of
fers of service should be rendered 10 the governors
therefore, and not the President The Union fur.
nishes these additional particulars:
Those who propose to tender their services,
should first be enrolled and organized into regiments
or battalions, where battalion is designated in the
quota called for from State. When this is done,
they will tender their services through the COVER
of the State, who will give notice thereof TO the
President or Secretary of war. They will be daily
informed Of the acceptance Of their offer by the
President, and notified 10 be ready to be called in.
TO service when the public exigences may require
Their pay will commence when actually called and
mustered into service and not before.
Volunteers are required by law TO furnish their
own clothing, and if cavarlry their own horses
and horse equipments but none under the rank of
commissioned officers will be received into the
service, who, in years, are under eighteen or over
forty-hve and no horses but such as perfectly
sound and in good condition to render effective
service. No particular dress is prescribed for
volunteers. They are at liberty TO adopt such an
uniform as they think proper, but il is advisable
that those entering the service adapt their dress, as
well as may be, to the nature of the service, and
the character Of the country and climate TO which
they may be called. When called into service,
they are armed and equipped at the expense of the
United States"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28
Abstract OF Probate Notices.
DISTRICT OF WESTMINSTER, s.

Cyrus Locke, Administrator Of the estate Of Hiram Yves
late Of Rockingham, will render his account of the adj
minsraon Of and present his against said estate
Court of Probate to be holden the Inn Of John Ayes
in Grafton, the last Wednesday in May.
Phebe Damon will render her account of the ndminisira
ton Of and present her against the estate Of Joseph
Damon late Of Rockingham, at Court Of Probate TO be
holden at the same place and time above
Daniel Chandler will render his account of the admins
traon Of and present his against the estate Of
Jepa T. Wood late of Newport N H., Court of Pro.
bate be holden the Inn Of Charles Dickinson in Rock
ingham, on the las. Wednesday in June.
Lucy Burgess has made application Tor assignment
her Of personal property from the inventory Of the estate Of
Erastus Burgess late Of Grafton deceased interstate and
hearing is be had at the Inn Of John Ayres In Grafton
the last Wednesday in May.
hearing will be had concerning the probate Of the will
Of Ebenezer Harwood late Of Brookne OF which Joel ar.
wood is Executor, at the time and place above,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

b hustle and activity now prevails ct
hvy Yard, which is quite refreshing TO
The dull calm which has existed there for
ID. Some two or three hundred mechan-
fs have been placed in active operation
y orders for fitting out, that were receiv-
N 1 and more are continually taken on.-
t-War PEBBLE, which was taken on Satur-
TO the dry dock, foot Of Pike street, New
pmlnatioA. returned TO the Navy Yard on
Fmng-no repairs being necessary upon
PIE Is now hitting out as rapidly as may
piston Is also undergoing repairs, among
le new set ofmast and rigging. Weeks
|p9ever, before any Of these vessels now
~, can be made ready for sailing = Brook
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

DIR EDro"'-Passng up Elliot street noticed the
eorPsfs OF number of robins sewed about promseuousv
Now would ask these gentleman Nimrods TO cease their
cruel sport upon these most uelu binds which make the
groves vocal with their morning songs besides
nnumefaoe worms and other Insects destructive to yeg
citation IL gentlemen, you must shoot please ha We the ,
may 10 n'e at aA~o target or if you feel particularly
muTdtrous, 60 right of to Texas where if vou have %
lent PUCK your appetite for blood will be fully eraued in
popping away a, the earike Me2cans This last will be
isr more honorable than killing harmless robins
trust The geHte7aH sporismen will consider this hint
sume'enii not the names Of the aggressors will appear
next time in BLACK LETTER.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

REeuslTIoN foR New YoRK TRoops-An order from
the secretary OF war received in this city Yesterday
morning Teoning this state TO furnish quota Of the So
OOO troops authorized 10 be raised by the law of con-
gress lhey are to he enrolled and held in readiness and
regiment The intelligence was Immediately conveyed
TO the governor who is on a visit in 81 Lawrence
county -.qibany Argus
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

YoLuNrEERs-The following ia the enrolment Of
troops ordered by the Executive in the several States
and mastering eighty-six regiments and half Al
the average Of five hundred men in regiment, this
will givei the number OF 4S,25O. If the companies
full, the force will be equal to, and beyond the If
ty thousand men ordered by Congress:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

I The foreign received by the Britannia is Of par
tcuar interest The Queen expected favor the United
Kingdom with another heir about the middle Of Msy.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

An immense meeting was held last evening IN lne
Park, to cooperate with the government, or perhaps
we should say with the country, in prosecuting Wv
eIs or REPRESENTATIVES of every political party in the city,
Wings, Democrats, aud Natives, all rallied toge'neI'
and laid aside or forget all party political differences,
and stood together for their common county, as ou
one man. There were three platforms raised N W.
Park, from each of which the leading orators Of the
different political parties addressed the people EaOn
and all oitheir speeches contained the same genera
sentiment, namely, that whether the war might has1
oeen avoided or not,-whether the general goyeTnne"a
had acted wisely or not-we were now actually ~ VS.
with Mexico and that the national honor must be VIM
die ated"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-05-28

The Galveston Civilian, spo'kug Of the baie Of the oh
says
at commenced by heavy cannoniing both sides Gen.
Taylor passing bis lines aceocd Capt May Of the ID da-
goous and told him. "iouf regiment has done nothing yoyoa
must take that battery lie said nothing but turned
command and sad'We take that baiicolloN % lie
made charge with three oompanesai least with remain.
der Of three companes-uppOed by the 9th and 9Th
Of Infantry They cleared the breast work rode The bat
terry wheeled and through tho cnemys line while the
Of The infantry deadly 10 IL effect carry all before
a. Capt May made cut ~ officer he charged through
on bis return be found him standng between wheels
lighting like hero. Tie ordered him surrender lie was
asked he Officer Capt May answered n the arma.
i've when he presened bis svord remakiug You receive
General Vega prisoner Of war"
tcn Taylor sent yesterday permission Cen AnEl
send doctors 10 klhg Of his woundedhey
last nght and reported ortyeight Of the Mexican
officers missing, while lost bat three.