The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-12
To the Editor Of he Della:

FoRr PoLK,
Point Isabel, May 49, 1886.
To the Editor Of he Della;
pEAR sIR; embrace the earliest opportunity TO
give you the news of the fall of MataInoras. The
Decatur Capt. Peterson, leaves here to-day for
New Orleans, and will bear the glad tidings to you
all; and truly may say glad tidings for MatamOras
leii without the hiring of single shot. Glorious as
We're TIE days Of the 9Th and 9Th, on the fields Of
Paio .fAo and Rapina del Palaas their brightness il
clouded by the recollection thai so many gallant
spirits have fed but now the march of the Star of
Freedom, as lossioard il takes its course was UNI
checked, uneloudedt amid even the loud huzzas of
the citizens Of Malamons Ay, still more; when
the proud dag Of the Mexicans, which had so long
hoaled over their forts, was to give place 10 the
stars and Stripes" the hand Of the Mexican was
as eager TO aid In It's elevation it WAS few mo-
ments before prohered and used in the landing Of
our troops upon their own soil.
On the morning Of the l7th, Gen. Taylor de-
handed an interview with Gen. Ampudia, which
was granted. Ampudis arrived at our camp, and D
Big talk was to be had. question very much if the
wty Mexican had any doubt in his own mind as TO
the nature OF the proposed talk; al 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 nOnehaancs, TO point out TO him all the
preparations he had made, in the shape of mortars
and l5-Ponnders, TO back any suggestions he might
make, must have told Ampudia plainly what was
TO be the result ofthelr interview.
Ampudia talked Of an arTni,iiesi Gen. Taylor
demanded an UNCONDITIONAL surrender Of the town.
Ampudla wished the armistice: Gen. Taylor told
him that the time for such things had passed; and
that It was no use now 70 talk about it, particularly
since he had been put 10 the trouble Of Transporting
those heavy pieces OF artillery. Ampudia still hesi
lated; at length he proposed to exclude the public
buildings and public property. mo" says the
k.y IL.
pudia agreed to return an answer by certain hour
that day-and took his leave, casting woful look
at the heavy mOrars as he passed them.
The hour at which the answer TO be given
arrived but no answer came. Gen. Taylor imme-
daely ordered preparations to be made for crossing
the river parties were sent up and down the rver
secure all the boats that could be seen on either
side. That night, ust after dark the army moved
three miles up the river, and encamped for the night
opposite the crossing. Next morning, everything
being ready, the passage Of the river commence
ed Just after sunrise, and the whole army landed on
the opposite side without the firing Of single gun
IL was understood that the Mexican army, after
throwing a part Of their ammunition and cannon
into the river and conceAng another portion of the
same had commenced their retreat about dusk on
the evening before, by way Of the main road to-
wards the interior, in number from four to FIVE thou
sand men, Arista at their head.
Aler our troops had crossed, Adlutant General
Bliss advanced towards the main fort in front Of the
town. and sounded peal The principal alcalde
made hIs appearance, and a formal demand
made for the surrender of the town. with a promise
that all religious and civil rights should be secured
TO them-a private property protected. The al.
calde wished 10 know if the public buildings and
property would be free The answer was every
thing belonging to the government must be given up
The alcslde then said Gen. Taylor could take pos.
session as soon as he thought proper, and that he
would meet with no resistance. This was done,
our army encamping in front Of the town.
What could be more happy than this As our
troops approached the town. they were greeted it is
said by the loud huzzas of the citizens. The Mex
lean flag was hauled down. giving place to the star
spangled banner, which in a moment spread its
wings and kissed by the same breeze that
moment before wooed the flag Of the naughty Don.
party OF Dragons and Texan rangers were
Immediately despatched in pursuit of Arista, but up
to the time Of closing this, no news has reached US
of the result
have only moment to say a word about the
volunteers: for some days they have been arriving
very fast, but none of those from the States were
in time to share in the taking of Matamoras. Coils.
Walton and Marks have organized and, under the
command Of Gen. Smith, are on their way TO Mat
amorus ria Brazos Island Boca Chca, and Barita.
Col. Wilson, Of the lst infantry, with four COM
panies Of regulars, and several companies of volun-
teers, have taken possession Of Barita and COM
menced intrenchng.
1t is supposed by every one here, that the Mexi-
cans will make stand at Rnosa; but this is only
conjecture.
| have not as yet had time to write out an account
of the battle + RuUina del Palnas, as promised in
my last; in truth have had no time, every moment
being occupied in equipping the volunteers for the
field; but you shall have it at the earliest moment
possible.
| am glad to be able to say that our sick and
wounded are doing very we'll Coils Mcintosh and
Payne, and Capts. Page and Hooe, doing very
well, and bear their wounds with great forti-
tud.
Yours in great hnste II