The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-16
Before he returned the above answer

DclOIC NC ICtuiHCu IilC oUo'C oHS"Oi
to Ampudia, he ordered the blockade
of Matamoras, and directed the COM
manders ofthe Flirt and Lawrence to
enforce it strictly, which was acco rd-
ngy done. A vessel, with cargo Of
-four, having been waiting some time
ior fair wind to enter The port, was
the first to suffer from this measure, and
was compelled to leave the market,
where flour. is now worth $40 per bar
rel.
The Texas congressional election
was yet undecided. The Houston Star
thinks there is little doubt that Judge
Pilbury is elected. The Galveston
News thinks the chances are in favor
of Col. Williams.
FfUm the Galueston Ne,cs of the 24th.
The Telegraph, Captain Aud, arrived
last night from the Brasos St. Jago,
and four days later from the army of
occupation. This steamship left Bra
SOS st. Jago at 10 o'clock, a. M, day
before yesterday, being only twenty
eight hours out. The captain has kind
ly furnished us with some memoranda,
stating that on the 10th instant, Lieut..
Porter, of the 4th regiment, (son of the
late Commodore Por,er,) being out with
a fatigue party Of ten men, (some of
them wearing uniformly were fred up
on when within few miles of the
camp.
Lieutenant Porter and three of his
men were killed in the attack; the rest
of the party escaping, returned to the
camp next day. 1t is stated that the
guns of the Americans were wet and
would not fire. We see no explana-
ton given why this party of soldiers
should be ranging out the country with
guns that would not fire.
Lieut.. Van Ness informs US that
nothing further had been heard of Col.
Cross up to the 10th, but that the gen.
eral opinion is that he is still prisoner,
though not at Matamoras.
About fifty of the American army
have deserted and swan the river for
the Mexican camp, but number of
them were shot as deserters while in
the water. The whole number OF
American troops is estimated at be-
tween two and three thousand, and
they are said to be in excellent discip-
line, and eager for an engagement with
the enemy. Ampudla's forces are re-
ported at between three and four thous-
and. 1t is rumored that Arista sabout
to supersede Ampudia in the command.
| From the Washington Union, Mays.
The following details, extracted from
letter received by an officer of the
army stationed in this city, from broth.
er officer on duty in Gen. Taylor's ar
my, have been placed at our disposal.
The letter is dated Camp opposite Mat
amoras, April e9l:
"The body Of Col. Cross has been
found, stripped of all clothing, and was
yesterday noon brought into this place
1t will be inferred this day with militia
ry honors.
"Lieut. Dobbins. Sd infantry, anc
Lieut.. Porter, of the 4th infantry, sor
of the late Commodore Porter, left thi
; camp on the 18th instant, each with ;
detachment of 9 non-commissionec
; officers and 100 privates, to reconnitr'
the surrounding country from ten tt
5 twenty miles, in search Of band o
! robbers known TO have been'in tina
: vicinity, and who were supposed tt
have murdered Col. Gross, and also t.
] learn, if possible, something of his fate
The two parties took different direc
tions, it raining hard during the night
The second day after, Lieut.. Porter me
: party of Mexicans, one of whom snap
ped his piece at him. In return he dis
charged both barrels of his gun at tht
Mexican, who disappeared in the thor
) ny ;hicket. 1t. Porter took from the
maurauders' camp ten horses, sad
: dies, &c. r..
"Ths was about noon Of the 10th
about eighteen miles above Gen. Tay
} lor's camp, and about six miles from th'
Del Norte. He continued his search
t and about a p. M, of the same day, h'
: fell in with another party of Mexican
which had been probably joined BY
: thos, whom he had met before. Thu
rain continued. Lieut.. Porter's party
was fired on by these men, and on
, private of the party was killed. The.
: made an attempt to return it; the heav.
rains caused the guns to miss fire. Th'
t Mexicans continued their fire. Lieut.
Porter, as is reported by his sergeant
made sign with his hand for the mel
to extend to the right. The party wa
} thus separated in the thickets. The
) sergeant and four privates returned t.
) this camp on the Goth, and gave tn