The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-06-23
WAR NEWS.
Gen. Taylor's Official Dispatch
eS,
DATES TOTHE Oath INST.
no,,.nrsr Anvy OF OccUPArIoy.

HEpouARrER ARMY OF OCCUPATION.
Cry OF MArAMeRos. May Is, 1876.
SlR: have the honor to report that my
very limited means for crossing rivers proven
ted complete prosecution Of the victory OF
the 9th instant. poDtooI train, the necessi-
ty Of which exhibited 10 the department last
year. would have enabled the army to cross
on the evening of the battle, take this city,
with all the artillery and stores Of the enemy,
and great number of prlsoners-in short,
TO destroy entirely the Mexican army. But
was compelled TO wait the arrival Of heavy
msrtars, with which 10 menace Tho town from
the left bank, and also the accumulation Of
small boats. In the mean time the enemy
had somewhat recovered from the confusion
OF his flight, and ought still, with the 5000
men left him, 10 have made a respectable de
fence.
| made every preparation TO crossthe river
above the town, while Lieut.. Col. Wilson
made a diversion oil the side of Barita, and
the order of march was given out for o.
clock yesterday, from the camp near Fort
Brown, when was waited upon by General
Resuena, empowered by General ArisIa,
commanding i'll chief the Mexican forces, to
treat tor all arnistice until the governments
should finally settle the question. replied
TO this, that an armisticO was out oil the ques>
lion that month since had proposed one
to General Ampudia, which was declined j.;
that circumstances were now changed; that
| was receiving large reinforcements, and
could not now suspend operations which
had not initiated or provoked; that the pos
session of Matamoros was a sine quapsn
our troops would occupy the town; but that
! General Arista might withdraw his forces,
leaving the public property Of every descrip-
ton
An answer TO the above was promised in
the afternoon, but none came, and | repaired
at shutdown to join the army, already in posi-
ton at a crossing some twenty miles above
the town. Very early this morning the bank
was occupied by our two 16-pounders and
three batteries of field artillery aud the cross
ing commenced the light companies fall the
| battallions were first thrown over, followed by
the volunteer and regular cavalry. No re-
sistance was made, and was soon informed
from various troops the evening before, leav-
ing only the sick and wounded. | immedi-
ately despatched staff officer to the project
to demand surrender, and in the mean time
a commission was sent by the prefer 10 con-
] fer with me on the same Print.
gave assurance that the civifrights OF the
citizens would be respected, and our troops
at once dropped down opposite the town and
crossed at the Upper Ferry the American
flag being displayed at Fort Paroles, Mex
lean redoubt near the crossing. The differ
ent corps are now encamped in The outskirts
of the city. Tomorrow shall make suita-
BILE arrangements for the occupation Of the
town, and for taking possession of the public
property.-More than three hundred of the
enemy's wounded have been left in the hos
pitals. Arisia is in full retreat toward Mon
terey with the fragments of his army.
deeply regret to report that Lieut.. George
Stevens, was accidently drowned this morn
ing willis attempting 10 swim the river with
with his squadron.
am, sir, very respectfully. your obedient
servant, u. TAYLOR.
Brsvet Brig. Gen. U. S. A. COmd'g.