The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-22

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DEsRArcHEs FROM GENERAL TAYLOR TO THE
OFF. au s ADJuTAST GENERAL.
HGApsrARrERs Array OF occurArioS,
Corpus Christi, Texas, October 4, lS45.
SiK: beg leave to suggest some considerations
in relation 10 the present position Of our fores, and
the dispositions which may become necessary for
the more efeetnal prosecution Of the objects for
which IL has been concentrated. Ii viii be recol-
leeted thai the Instructions of june Is. issued by
Mr. Bancroft, then acting Secretary Of War; direct
cd me 10 'select and occupy, oaror near the Rio
Grsnde such site as viii consist with the health OF
the troops, and will be best adapted TO repel inva-
sion, DC Brazos Santiago is the nearest entrance
70 the mouth Of the Rio Grande; and Point Isabel
within that entrance, and twenty-one miles from
Malamoras, would have fulfilled more completely
than any other position the conditions imposed by
the Secretary. But We had artillery, no engineer
force or appliances, and but a moderate amount OF
infantry; and the occupation Of Point Isabel, under
these circumstances, and with at least the possible
ty of resistance from the Mexicans might have
Compromised the safety Of the command. there
fore determined TO take up the next accessible pc.
ston in the rear which is the mouth Of the Nueces
river. All the Information which | could obtain be-
fore leaving New Orleans seemed TO point TO Corpus
Christi as the most suitable point for concentration;
and, although before the Presdents instructions of
July ~ reached me, would have preferred posi-
ton on the len bank Of the river yet acarefu exam
nation Of the country had already convinced me
that none could be found combining many adyan-
nges as this. Every days experience has confirm
ed these Impressions. Corpus Christi is healthy,
easily supplied and well situated TO hold in obser-
walton the course oflhe Rio Grande from Matamo-
ras to LaIedo--beng about $50 miles from several
points the river. have reason To believe, more
over, that sauary moral effect has been exercised
upon the Mexicans. Their traders are continually
carrying home the news of our position and in
creasing numbers, and are confessedly struck by
the spectacle of large camp OF well appointed and
disciplined troops, accompanied by perfect security
to their persons and property, instead of the i'm
Pressment and Pillage to which they are sub.
ject in their own country. For these reasons,
our position thus far has, think, been the best
possible; but, now that the entire force will
soon be concentrated, 1t may well be a question
whether the views Of government will &c best
carried out by our remaining AT this point II is with
great Difference that make any suggestions on top
les which may become matter of delicate negotia-
tom but our government, in settling the question
Of boundary, makes the line OF the Rio Grande an
ultmatum, cannot doubt that the settlement will
be greatly facilitated and fastened by our taking
Possession at once Of one two suitable points on
or quite near that river. Our strength and state Of
preparation should be displayed in a manner not to
Be mis,aken. However salutary may be the effect
produced upop the border people by our presence
here we too far from the frontier to impress the
government Of Mexico with our readiness TO vindi-
cass, by force Of arms, il necessary our title to the
country as far as the Rio Grande. The "army OF
occupation" will in n few days be concentrated at
this point, in condition for vigorous and efficient
service. Mexico having yet made no positive
declaration of war, committed ANY overt act Of
hostites, do not feel at liberty under my instruc-
tons, particularly those Of Julys to make forward
movement to the Rio Grande without authority from
the War Department. ..
In case a forward rnnyemont sbonlI ha ordarod ~
authorized, would recommend the occupation of
Point Isabel and Laredo best adapted to the pur-
poses of observing the course of the river and COW
erng the frontier settlements Of Texas. Point Isa-
bel is accessible bwaer, and ran safely be occuai-
ed by two brigades of infantry, with a suitable
force of field artillery. On the arrival Of the steam.
er Harvey, shall order careful reconnaissance of
Brazos Santiago, as a necessary preliminary meas
ure to the occupation of Point Isabel. To occupy
Laredo will require land march from this point
Supplies may probably be transported by water as
the Rio Fro with the Nueces. / propose to es,ab-
lish depot on the Nueces river, probably at the
crossing Of the San Antonio and Loredo road, from
which to operate toward the Rio Grande. You will
perceive from my Especial orders" No. "a that re-
connoissance has been ordered in that direction. A
brigade Of infantry, with the cavalry, and battery
or two of field artillery, will be sufficient for the o.
cupation of Laredo. That town IS on the left bank
ofthe Rio Grande, and possesses the military adj
vantage of holding in observation the main route
from the interior Of Mexico, through Monterey, to
Matamoras. y '.F ..t.a. '.. .H ...
In case it should be found impracticable to es-
tablish suitable depot on the Nueces, the entire
force, after strengthening San Antonio might be
thrown forward to Point Isabel where il could be
readily supplied, and held IN readiness for any fur
ther service. " '4 1855 -.".
have deemed it my duty to make the above
suggestions. Should they be avorably considered
nd hasa han / ,ar,U
to send the latter in duplicate to Lieutenant Cnlone
Hunt--one copy to de despatched direct, without
delay; the other to be sent via Galveston, should
steamer be running to that pc from New Orleans.
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient SER
want, a.l
z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brigadier General U. 8. A. commanding.
The ADJUTANT GENERAL of the ARM,
Washington, d. G.
P.S. 1t is proper to add that should an auxiliary
force be required, propose to draw it wholly from
Texas. do not conceive that it will become ne
cessary, under any circumstances, to call for volun
teers from the United States.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Corpus Christi, Texas, Oct. ii, 1S45.
Sra respectfully report the arrival at ST. Jo-
seph's island on the 9Th instant, Of FIVE companies
ofthe 5th infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Nc
vs.
Captain Montgomery; and one company OF the 7th
infantry, under Brevet Major Seawell. Lieutenant
Colonel McIntosh's command (of II officers and
239 men) arrived here to-day. These troops are
in good health, and complete the entire number
ordered to this coast. feel a satisfaction which
cannot doubt will be shared by the department, In
being able thus to report the completion, without
disaster notable accident, Of the transfer Of so
many bodies Of troops from remote points to this
coast at an unfavorable season of the year.
Lieutenant Colonel Payne will he announced in
orders tomorrow acting inspectorgeneral Of the
army. shall assign Major Ewing to the command
of the field batteries, leaving Brevet Lieutenant Co
lionel Childs in command ofthe battalion Of artillery
companies in the LIST brigade.
In regard to the discharge OF the volunteer artie
ny from New Orleans, ! would respectfully remark
that their term Of service will soon be drawing TO
close; and as their service here has been most cre
table to them in every respect, and they would feel
notification in being summarfy discharged,
would ask leave TO retain them until such time as
will allow them to reach New Orleans by the expi
ration Of the period for which they were mustered
You will, | hope, readily appreciate the motives
Of policy which may, IN the long run, render their