New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-05-18
DISPATCHES FOR THE TRIBUNE
BY MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR /!
SEVENTY MEN
Gut to Pieces by the Mexicans !!

PHILADELPHIA Sunday, a. NJ.
The schooner Mary Clare arrived at New Orleans
on the 9th inst. from Brazos 81. Iage which place
she left on the 29lh Capt. Griffin and passengers
report that Capt. Walker aud 20 rangers were
nearly all killed and taken prisoners on the 2sth ut
about 90 miles above Point Isabel by large force
Of Mexicans.
Capt. Walker succeeded in reaching the Point at
P. NJ. with only three men. He applied to Major
Thomas for more men, and announced his deter
nipahon TO proceed TO Gen. Taylors camp or die
ia the atiempt-his object being to communicate
full particulars of the attack to the commanding
officer.
He started from his camp on the 2sth with his
whole force to rcconoiter, and, if possible, open
communication with Gen. Taylor. He had proceed
ed as far as about midway between Point Isabel and
the Camp, when IN overwhelming Mexican force
approached suddenly. A portion of his troops were
raw recruits he instructed them 10 keep on his right
and gave orders to the whole TO retire under cover
of the chapparel in view, but his raw troopa panic
stricken, scattered in confusion.
Tho Mexicans advancing with overwhelming mum.
bers he gave ordera to retire. He was followed I'M
I'll within mile of Point Isabel, where he arrived
with only TIVE OF his mon ak others subsequently,
came in. Capt w. estimates the number of Mexi
CAM he encountered at 1900. and he supposed that
at least 80 OF them fell during the fifteen minutes
which he engaged them.
This force 10 supposed to be a portion of that
which had. last accounts crossed the Rio Grande
some 90 or e5 miles above Matanoros, and which
is estimated at 5000 men. 1t Ia believed that they
had taken circuitous route on the Eastern side OF
Gen. Taylors camp.
The pos. is very strongly defended By the ex-
ertions Of Majors Monroe and Saunders with 500
mon 10 defend the post Is believed /, be made
good against three thousand, There are now abou,
Eve thousand Mexicans ON the American side ofthe
Rio Grande. one half above end one half below
Gen. Tsy ior camp.
The Picayuue says, tho greatest apprehension
now felt for the American position is that the Mex
icans may raise Notifications which command Bras
SOS Santiago. The natural formation Of the ground
is mostly favorable for such purpose the mer
would be efsctualy protected from any naval force
by the natural embsnkment. and the position could
only DO carried by actual storming of the works.
A slip from the Tropic says that gentleman, pas
senger In the Ellen Clara, informs us that Gen Tay
io, on the 4ssh had only elk days provisions. The
Augusts was met going out with troops. The Cage
and Florida were left at Point Isabel loaded with
goods The night previous to tie Ellen X Clara
leaving an attack was expected on Poin, Isabel /,
was expected that Gen. Taylor would cut his way
though and come TO the relief Of Poin, Isabel
Tho latest advices received at Vers Cruz from
Matamoros were to the 18th nit Immediately after
the arrival OF Gen. Ampudia, his notee TO Genera
Taylor to retire behind the Nueces was known, and
thevera Cruz people expected to hear OF hostii,es
We have heard ii reported that the British Consul
saw letter from Gen. Taylor to Gen. Ampudis
and that he approved Of the same