True Democrat. (Paulding, Miss.) 1845-18??, 1846-05-13
Correspondence ofthe 1ropic. |
BRAssos ST. IAco, April 81.

ground here that the imbecility ofthe Mex
leans has been greatly overrated. This i.
the theatre OF real war, not paper squabIes,
but is the seat of the commencement OF
sangulnary conflict, and one it is feared OF
more Importance and longer duration than
has been anticipated; but the farce is at an
end, and the curtain has risen bloody with
carnage the opening of drama almost
unexpected, and our country already
mournS the loss of some of her finest and
bravest officers. On Thursday, the 23d,
Gen. Taylor received information that a
body otthe Mexican Army had crossed the
Rio Grande some distance above the en-
camPment. Earl the following morning.
Capt Thornton and Harden of Cd LIGHT
Dragons, with Company of 20 men were
dispatched by Gen Taylor TO reconnoitre
above, end Capt. Kerr of the same regiment
with Company to reconnoitre below the
Encampment The latter returned with
out having made any discovery.
The former division fell in with he con-
sdered to be scouting party oftheenemv.
but which proved TO be the advanced guard
off strong body ofthe enemy, who held
situation IN the chappare Immediately in
the rear of Gen Taylor's camp. Capt.
Thornton charged upon the guard, contra
~ to the advice of his Mexican guide, and
on following the enemy Capt Thornton
found his command surrounded by the
enemy who fired on him, killing as is sup
posed Capt. "ThOrnton, LieutS Kane and
Mason, and some 90 oflhe men. aud taking
Capt Hardee and the remainder of the
command prisoners.
The Mexican commander sent in cart
TO Gen. TayIor's camp with soldier badly
wounded with a message that he had no
travelling hospital with HIM and could not
give him the assistance his situation rcunir
ed. There is no doubt the detachment of
the enemy east Of the Rio Grande consists
of fully 25OO men commanded by Col,
CaraSco and Carrajabe, bold and intrepid
officers Of experience and ability, and were
the whole army differed by such men as
CaraSco, as | know him personally we
should not be upon an unequal footing
There is no doubt their object is to cut off
all communication with Point Isabel, this
being the general depot OF provisions for
the American army; they have succeeded
and consequently placed the American
army in precarlons situation. 1t will be
utterly impossible for G, H. Taylor to force
his way along the dreary choparelS in
which the enemy are strongly pusled.-
His command cannot exceed 2300 men.
Gen. Taylor has an excellent position
in the rear OF Matamoras; and can hold his
position against the whole Mexican army
combined, and his batteries can range the
city in an hour. Most Of the citizens have
left MatamoraS, and Gen. Taylor has said
that when the regular soldiers of Mexico
were seen on The east side of the river. lie
would destroy the city. His batteries are
TO be ready on the 9Th, complete. Gen. |
Taylor has in camp full rntionS for | ) DAYS |
which he thinks can be made 10 last 80, by |
which ume he is in hopes TO receive large
reiulorcemenS from the States. He has
madea rcquisidoL for the equipment and
transmission TO Point Isabel of four full
regiments OF Militia.
1t is thought by the superior officers Of
Gen. Taylor's army That 10000 men will
be required within very short period, as
il is well known that the Mexican army is
ially receiving large reinforccments from
he interior. Ii was supposed by the
American officers that Gen. Arista reached
Ilalamoras on rhe evening of the 23d. with
large Brigade, but up TO the period ormy
Informant leaving The Camp no communi-
alton had been received by Gen. Taylor
rom Gen. ArlSla. On the 22d Gen. TAYLOR }
cccived from Gen. Ampudia, by the means j.,
ia flag of truce, n communication IN VERY
FFENSIvE TERMS, complaining of having !
Iockaded the Rio Graude. TO which he :
pp.ied, that he, Gen. Ampudia, had been
ne cause of the blockade, he having ex- 4
resSly declared that UNLESS GEN TAY. :,
OR COMMENCED HIS RETREAT beyond
le NueceS WITHIN TWENTY FOUR HOURS !
FTER ms DISPLAYING ms FLAG UPON \
HE BANKS OF THE RIO GItANDE, he
ould consider wARas being declared, and 4
lould act accordingly. Gen. Taylor ),
rther more stated that he would receive
D further communication from the Next 4
~ Government aud People ofthe United n
ates. At FONT Isabel great fears were 81"
tertained Of night attack, which, from =,
c exposed situation of that point, could NJ
u be Otherwise than successful, If con. -
lcted with energy. -
This post is defended by Major Nunroe d.
with a detachment Of 50 auilleTisls.-- 10
here are also at the post about 200 armed
aud so laboTers under the or. 4,
rs Of the Quarter Master: some 100 eli ~