American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper., 1846-08-18
From the St. Louis RovellIe,l
LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MOORE.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MOORE.
We have received from friend in Jefferson
City, for which he has our thanks, a private
letter received from Capt. Moore, commander
of the advance guard of U. S. Dragons, now
en- route for Santa Fe, from which we make the
following extracts:
HEAD Q'Rs ADVANCE GUARD, u. S. A,,)
Pawnee Fork, Santa Fo Trail, July 10, 1886
Dear Ffiend-Your kind letters have been
received by an express, and embrace this, the
first opportunity that has offered to write to the
United States. You know | was ordered, with
a squadron of Dragons, with only eight hours
notice. to proceed in pursuit of Speyers, the
Santa Fe trader, who had some wagons, load
ed with arms and ammunition, for New Mexi-
co; but from his having too much the start,
was unable TO oVertake him. When | left my
camp at Kansas river, on the 7th ult., and up
to the time Of my arrival at the crossing of the
Arkansas river, could not perceive that had
gained much on him, Judging from the age of
the sign he made, although followed in fore
ed march, reaching the crossing in eleven and
halfdays. Our march was the most disa-
greeable out Of many that have experienced,
in consequence of the drought, no rain having
fallen since last spring. The roads were ex-
ceedngly dry and dusty, and for several days
we marched % miles without water
On our arrival at the crossing, finding no
MeXicans, nor sign of any, and the grass scarce
and insufficient, fell back, with my command,
TO this point, about eighty miles from the cross
ing, IN toerable grass, where have remained
since; but tomorrow shall take up the line of
march for BenLs Fort on the Arkansas, with
FIVE companies under my command, three of
dragons and two of mounted volunteer rifle
men-the two latter companies, Captains Wal
do and Reed, having joined me yesterday. The
volunteer officers are clever fellows, and have
fine-looking set of men, who, although igno-
rant OF military matters, evince disposition
to learn highly creditable to them.
We have no news worthy of credit from San
ia Fe, but it is rumored that Gen. Urea, from
the Passo Del Norte, has marched to Santa
Fe, with an army of from three to four thou
sand troops; fso, we may meet with ,DGrm
rivalled in cordially. We will recprocate
their polteness-the American eagle will vie
with the Mexican in a hearty grip.
Lieutenant Colonel Ruff, of the Missouri
mounted volunteers, was about two days in rear
Of Captains Waldo and Reeds corps; he will
overtake us at Bent's Fort. The traders (all
of whom have retained at this place as they
arrved) have concluded to 60 by Bents Fort
instead Of tha Semarone, as they originally in
tended. Among the traders, and those accom-
panying them, have found some polite aud
courteous gentlemen; amateurs; some travel
ling for the sake of locomotion, some for plea
sure, and some in the pursuit of health. Among
the latter have met an old friend, George r
Clark, of St. Louis. | am glad to say, his
health is much improved. | have taken him
into my mess, and by the time he reaches the
base of the mountains, and enjoys the bracing
air, so celebrated for its efficacious influence IN
pulmonary and dyspeptc affections, hope to
see him perfectly well, and able to kill and
butcher t,0o bufaIoes, instead of one, (he mas.
tered one few days ago. OH hunt with me-
We are all well, and in fine spirits, in con-
temptation of "busiuess on hand" AS oppor-
tunites of communication with the United,
States will now be frequent, il shall write often
and hope. in future, TO have something more
inteTesting'to impart. Yours, truly,
BENJAMIN d. MOORE, u. S. d.