Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-12-09

Headquarters, CoAHuLLA, Mexico,
Near Preside, Oct. 18th, 1916. {

Near Presidio, Oct. 18th, 1916.
| SR:-I have the honor to report that arriy-
ed with about 1900 men at the Rio Grande on
the Sth inst, and crossed the river on the 9th
! 10th. and 18th inst, without any serious ACCT
dent. and encamped three miles west of the Pre-
| sidio. and nine miles from the river, which, at
the time of the crossing, was four feet threein in
ches deep. BY unloading and iaising the arti-
cles foot in the wagons, we We're enabled to
cross the ford. The infantry crossed in the
boats prepared at San Antonio.
Col. Hardin, with eight companies the LIST
regiment of Illinois volunteers, came up on the
evening of the 18th. Yesterday he crossed the
river, and will join us in the course of an hour.
We have been compelled to delay few days to
repair our train, 40 wagons, carrying hfty-fve
davis rations, and to recruit our horses and
mules, much reduced by long march, without
ANYTHING but prairie grass to feed on. I
A part of the train had travelled from La Vaca(
three hundred and thirty miles, without days
rest. We shall resume our march with about
1900 men, on the morning of the 10th inst. af-
ter leaving a company TO take charge of the
boats and the ford of the Rio Grande, until the
rear of my column under the direction OF Col.
Churchill arrives, which is expected in course
of ten days.
Unfortunately the quartermaster's department
is without specie. Treasury notes. are of no
use to US, as the Mexicans will take nothing but
gold and silver. With private means, and bor-
rowing, we shall be able to pay for half rations
of corn during our stay at this place. Whether
shall be able to succeed as well at other towns
is doubtful. My route to chihuahua will be
through San Fernando, Santa Rosa, and per-
haps Monclova. At this point | will endeavor
to open a communication with General Taylor,
count of supplies. As soon as the wet season
commences our communications with San An
tonic and the Preside will be, in great meas
ure, cut off-the route in many places, indie
pendent of the streams will be impassibIe.-
Hence, will be compelled to establish depot
of supplies at Monclova, or some other point,
in the interior, and on route leading to Gene
raj Taylor army, or depot of supplies. The
supplies in the country are limited. A partial
amount of flour aud corn, and raticns OF beet,
can be obtained. have ordered the quarter
masters department to forward, as fast as pos
siDle,all the subsistence he could obtain between
this and the middle of November, when it is
thought we may have cur communications in
terrnpted By wet weather.
Brigadier Gen. Shields arrived yesterday and
confrn:eI the previous intelligence of hard
battle between Gen. Taylor and Ampudia, and
also Of the capitulation. This morning was
informed by an intelligent Mexican, that Santa
Anna had arrived at Saltilo with 1900, and
with those Of Ampndia, making force of 10000
men. 1t is also stated that the government had
called out 10000 militia. In few days / shall
know the truth of the rumor. | herewith send
you copy of an order issued On the arrival of
the troops or the Rio Grande. Also report
of Lieut.. kingsbury's Of the route from San
Antonio to this place.
am. very respectfully,
Your obeiient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL.
Brigadier General.
To Brigadier Gen. JONES,
Admit Mt General Ill 9