Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-05-12

till the question between his country and her enc
mics shall Be- settled. This spontaneous, prompt
and voluntary act harmonizes with the ehivalry
OF his character, and all are delighted who have
heard OF it No man in the army possesses more
OF the confidence Of the country. heve heard
several anecdotes about HIM, tina, show an enlhu-
siasm and ardor of temperament, which, com
bned with his known intelligence and beroism
make him The man for the crisis. When that
part OF The letter now send you, relating TO Cap
tain ThoIn,on's cutting his way through the enc
my with his own hand, was read to him, he e1-
claimed, "That was my sword-I knew ii would
never disgrace its country in that noble fellow,
Thornton's, hand. As left The camp, he asked
me Tor il. buckled it on him, and noby and
calamity has he used it"-hs manner, much more
hanhis language, indicating the generous warmth
of his feelings.
have also been much interested in another
incident in his history. As his brigade approach
ed the Colorado Of the West, he was warned BY
the Mexicans no, 10 cross-that they would re-
gard the attempt as declaration Of war; and fire
upon them Instantly. Hereplied, he had been or
cred TO take position on the Rio Grandc, and
should do so, regardless OF consequences. Ma
ny Of The Mexicans lined the Western banks,
and larger body was represented 10 be in the rear
Gen. W., in speaking OF it to friend of mine,
said, 81 never saw brigade display finer sp-
ril; yet knew but few Of them had ever been in
action, and that the bravcst were often appalled,
when first going into battle; knew the import
OF avoiding the slightest disaster, and that il
would have good effect for an officer of rank
to sci the example. | babe the men TO follow me,
and took 20 the water. The brave fellows follow
ed in perfect order, with their carlrdge-bcxes
lied to their heads, and their mnskels raised
above The best troops Of Europe could not
have acted better. But as we took to The wa
Ter, the Mexcans took 10 their heels" "fes,"
as his Aid subsequently, repeated the story in his
absence, "he directed US 10 carry orders 10 re-
mote point OF the brigade, and then, on his fine
charger, plunged into the water-we soon saw
his object was 10 send US out OF danger, while
be placed himself in front Of il, and Of course We
soon returned TO him."
confess this little incident has added much in
my eyes TO the beauty Of this gallant officers
character, and unless am much mistaken, you
will not reproach me for this detail, imperieclly
and tediously given as it Is. got most OF It from
his interesting Aid, who will pardon me, trust,
for sending il to you. In great hasle,
W.FR
PoiNT ISABEL, Texas,
April 2Slh, ls4G.
Dear: b. the time you receive this you
will have heard OF the sad fate OF the lamented
Col Cross His body was found within four
miles Of camp, bearing upon it the marks Of not
only being shot, but that the assassin's knife had
done it, work. Not vesige Of clothing was
found upon his person, and were it not for Sin
gle shouder-strap found near him, there would
still be some doub, as 10 his tate. Sad as is The
fate of COL g., other things have subsequently,
transpired which consider far more distressing,
if We take into consideration the moral effect
Lieut.. Porter with ten men and sergeant was
sent, some twelve or thirteen days since, on Sc.
cret expedition up The Rio Grande, Qhe object
believe was the capture OF party ofmarauders.)
On his route he observed sentinel on the border
Of the chaperelle, Ia thicker of lhorns.l The
sentinel snapped his gun and retrealed. Porter
followed, and came upon the camp Of party Of
Mex;cans, who Immediately retreated, leaving
nine horses. These Porter mounted and pursued
his march. On his return some FIVE or six days
since, he was overlaken BY an overwhelming
force and ordered to surrender Porter faced his
men about and gave the word fire" but not
gun would go Off Porter was wounded in the
groin, but not, however, before lie had fired
both barrels Of his gun with effect. After firing
his gun, he called 10 soldier near him 10 hand
him musket. He was seen 10 stsgger and fall,
and remarked to his faithful ioower-"Never
mind he gun, am wounded, do The best you
can" Blu, his advice was too late. This man,
(he only one that remained with him, vas seen
to fall, when the Mexicans rushed on him and
despatched him with their knives Porter shared
The same fate. You knew Porter. Poor fellow,
he was cool as he was brave. The Mexicans
have done him the honor to say ne was the bra
vest man they ever saw.
Thornton was sent out with a squadron oil
Dragons tour days since. Observing party Of
Mexicans, he ordered the charge, when, to his as
constituent he found that it was trap laid for
him, and he was actually surrounded by about
two thousand men, Thornton, nevertheless Gu,
his way through them with his own hand
Lieutenant Mason and himself were the only
two who passed through The ranks of The ens-
my. Captain Hardee, with forty men, were
captured. Lieutenant Kane was killed in the
charge. None have yet returned 10 Camp, save
one wounded man, sent in by The Mexicans.-
Thus. you see, the ball has opened at last
Gen. Taylor despatched messenger 10 this place
las, night. The steamer Monmouth will leave
this place in half an hour with requsilion for
len thousand volunteers. Three thousand Me1l-
cans are on This side OF the river. Their object
is no doubt 10 cut of the supplies from Genera
Taylor's Camp. Lieut.. Montgomery informs
me that there is bu, ten days provision. with the
army. If SO, am afraid that they Wi, be COM
PEELED to hgt, very hard for their grub.
l sincerely hope tina, Gen. Worth's friends
have persuaded him 10 withdraw his resignation
We cannot lose him in our present situation
particularly SC, when tell you that, out OF Sc
ven regiments, there are not six field officers with
the amy Write me- my dear -, and let
me know what Gen. w. has done. write you
in haste, as the Monmouth is now firing up
With my kindest regards to The General, whom
hope shall have the pleasure OF seeing soon
among US. remain, very truly, &C.