Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-06-18
MODE OF TAKING MATAMoRAs.

correspondent of the New Orleans Delta piyes
the following account of the capture of Matamoras
by General Taylor
''On the morning of the Eth, General Taylor de-
manded an interview with General Ampudia which
was granted. Ampudia arrived at our CAMP and
big talk was to be had question very much if
the willy Mexican had any doubt in his own mind as
to The nature OF the proposed talk at any rate, sup
posing that he had. the policy pursued by our Gen.
eral In taking the utmost pains, and with an air Of
the utmost nonchGd'tce, to point out to him all tho
preparations he had made, in the shape of mortars
and eighteen FOUNDERS. to back any suggestions he
might make, must have told Ampuda plainly what
was to be the result of their interview.
Anpudla talked OF an 0liniSticC; Gen. Taylor de-
manded an unconditional surrender of the town.
Ampudla wished the armisce Gen. TAYLOR told
him that the time for such things had passed, and
that 1t was no to talk about It., particu-
larry since he had been put to the trouble of trans
porting those heavy pieces of artillery. Ampudia
still hesitated. AT length he proposed TO exclude
the public buildings and public property. "No,"
says the General, Il will have every thing" FL
nally. Ampuda agreed to return an answer by
certain hou that day, and took his leave, casting
woetul look at the heavy mortars he passed them.
1.-The hour at which the answer was to be given
arrived. but no answer came. General TAYLOR inn
Inedaiey ordered preparations to be made for cross
Ing the river parties sent up and down the
river to secure all the boats that could be seen oh
either side That night, Just after dark. the army
moved three miles up the river, and encamped for
the night opposite the crossing. Next morning,
every thing being ready, the passage OF the river
was commenced inst after sunrise, and the whole
army landed on the opposite side without the firing
of single gun. 1t understood that the Mexi,
can army, after throwing part of their ammunition
and cannon into the river, and concealinp another
portion OF the same, had commenced their retreat
about dusk on the evening before, by way Of the
man road towards the interior in number from four
TO five thousand men, Arista at their head.
After our troops had crossed, Adjutant General
town, and sounded peal The principal alcalde
made his appearance, and formal demand waa
made for the surrender of the town, with promise
that all religious and civil rights would be secured
all private property protected. The alcalde wished
TO know if the public buildings and property world
be free. The answer was, every thing belonuine
TO the Government must be given up The aIcalde
then said Gen Taylor could take possession as soon
az he thought proper, and that he would meet witt,
no resistance. This was done, our army encanp.
ing in front of the town.
'What could be more happy than this As Our
troops approached the town, they were greeted, il
Is SAID, by the loud huZzas of citizens The hfexi-
can flag was hauled down, giving place 10 the star.
spangled banner. which in moment gracefully
spread lis wings, and was kissed by the same breeze
that moment before woocd the flag Of the hauph.
ty Don"