The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-15
Major Gen. U States Army, Commando
Letters from the Army OF Invasion.


No. TX.
PoINr ISABEL, (Fort Polk,) !
Texas, July l6, 1885,
From the mouth Of the river, a smooth road
along the beach, ofseven miles, takes you to Bra
SOS Santiago. At the point of the island is now
the principal depot; and this place the Mexicans
had intended to fortiiy, if no reverses were en-
countered to disturb their plans. Had they sue
ceeded in their late operations, it is obvious thai
the recovery of the harbor and post would have
cost us vast amount in blood and treasure A
small battery would have commanded the inlet
Our works. ordnance, stores, provisions, all fallen
into the hands of the enemy, would not only have
left stain upon cur arms, but by encouraging.
the Mexicans, perhaps, ensured us war oil
years.
How changed is the scene now from that which
has been exhibited hitherto on this coast. Instead
ofan occasional craft tmidly approaching, or put
ting in over the bar, we now behold scores OF YES
sells, of every style and denomination. Lying out
side, as sentinels, cutters, and other national
ships. Steamers Of the largest class are arriving
and departing, while the smaller specimens are
ndustriously running about from vessel 10 vessel,
or between the Blasos and the Fo { The appear
ance OF every thing Is warlike; even theoargoes
wear belligerent aspect Siege pieces, OF large
calibre, on the beach, reveal some dire INTENT
while large encampment of volunteers threat
ems an active and discriminating warfare against
the rations which daily arrive. 1t is an anmating
scene-and very impressive idea is given of the
cost Of war when il is recollected that not a sail
is spread, not a wheel revolves, or hand moves,
but at the expense of the government. Ofcourse,
no honest individual is expected to come out to
the border of Mexico, and expose himself to the
perils of war, and an unhealthy climate, unless
he is well paid; and the kind old Uncle Samuel
encourages his ne phews in every exhorbtant de-
mand, consoling himself that war does not come
every year, and the boys are justifable in making
out Of it the largest profit.
1t was 20 the opposite point, the extremity Of
Padre Island, that Capt. Hardee, of the dragons,
came TO reconnoitre in February last. Here the
lamented Blake crossed TO Point Isabel, and held
parley with the Mexican official. The latter
was arrested and confined in Matanoras charged
with neglect OF duty in failing 10 seize and hold
the American officer. He escaped from prison,
and afterwards sought our protection al the place
OF his former official Importance. He looked,
and 1t is believed, felt, extreme kin Iness to-
wards the government which had thus attempted
his sacrifice.
The distance between the inlet and fort is about
five miles. Since our recent successful negocia-
ton for the free navigation of the river Point lsa-
bel has lost some Of It's relative importance as the
supplies are now principally landed at the Brasos,
and thence shipped direct for Comarga Yet
there is still great activity at the Fort mutudes
largest hotel in the State has been erected and
opened under the name of Palo Alto House.
Many distinguished and notorious persons are
met here Sitting at dinner, the other day. a dig
\ nified, conference.-the person opposite, with true