Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-05-07
LATE FROM BRAZOs SANTIAGO.

The U. s. steamer Col. Harvey arrived in port
last evening from Brazos Santiago, whence she sail
ed on the 10th inst. She brings us advices from
Gen. Taylor's camp down to the 18th instant.
The accounts which have already been given of
Gen. Taylor's march to the Rio Grande, and of his
position opposite Matamoras are fully confirmed
The advanced guard of his forces were met some
seventy miles from the Rio Grande, and warned to
advance no further Again, upon the Arroyo Col
orado, written notice was received, that any fur
ther advance would be deemed an act of hostility.
Still Gen. Taylor continued his march, meeting
with no resistance. He himself was waited upon
mt Brazos Santiago, when in advance OF his army,
by deputaton of the civil authorities of Mata-
moras, and again warned to retire. We have had
all these facts in substance before In spite of all
these warnings, Gen. Taylor took up his position
on the 2Sth uIt directly opposite Matamoras and
within reach OF the Mexican batteries. Utterly
dlsregarding these, he proceeded to plant four lS
Founders, so that at any moment he could batter
down the city at pleasure
The affairs remained till the 18th inst, when Gen.
Ampudla arrived at Matamoras. The following
day. Gen. Ampudia sent written notice to Ger.
Taylor requiring him to retire at once to the left
bank Of the Nueces, and insinuating to him that
his position would be deemed an overt act of hos
tility. To this, Gen. Taylor replied substantially
that he had received orders from the President of
the United States to take up his position upon the
Rio Grande, and to see that no encroachment was
orders, and repel any hostile attempt to cross the
river. AT the same time, he assured the Mexlcans
that he had no hostile designs upon the people -
that they might remain in the undisturbed enjoy
ment Of their property and rights; and that his sole
business was TO resist aggression.
Gen. Taylor, however, thinking it possible that
Ampudia might attempt hostllties, changed his po-
silion somewhat on the 10Th inst and thereby with
drew his army beyond the reach of the Mexican
batteries, he still commanding the town with his
Is Founders, and the only practical fords. AT the
same time, he chose to regard Ampudia's letter as
so far hostile that he directed the commandant of
the force at Brazos Santiago to act as IN case Of
war, and he gave verbal intimation to the same
effect 10 the naval officer in command on that sta
ton. lie particularly enjoined upon the latter TO
seize vessels expected in the Rio Grande with sup
plies for the Mexican forces at Matamoras.
Gen Ampudia made no hostile demonstration af-
ter RECEIVING Gen. Tay lors letter, but, like the va
liant Mejia before him, determined to forward Gen.
Taylor's letter to his Government and await fur
ther orders.
We are assured by this arrival that Gen. Ampu-
da had but 5000 troops with HIM when he reached
Matamoras OF these, 1000 accompanied him from
the city of Mexico the rest joined him on the
march. He lost about 1000 more between San Luz
is and Matamoras, by mutiny and desertion He
found in the latter town about $500 troops, so that
the whole force there on the 18th was not far from
$500. The Mexicans have lS or 90 pieces Of ar