Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1846-05-14

received. that the Mexicans had crossed
the Rio Grande, is fully confirmed, and
detachment Of American troops has been
cut off. But for the details we refer to
the following account of operations kind
ly furnished US by Col Doane.
On Thursday evening. the Odd inst,
Gen. Taylor received information that
body Of the Mexican army had crossed TO
the east side Of the Rio Grande. at point
some 20 miles above his encampmen,.-
Early on the following morning he des-
patched Capt. Thornton and Hardee, Of
the I'd Regt. Dragons. with detach
ment of 70 men 10 examine The country
above and Capt Kerr Of the same regi
ment, with company to examine the
country below the encampment. The
latter returned TO camp without having
made any discovery Of Mexicans.
The former, however, fell in with wha,
he considered to be scouting party Of the
enemy, but which proved 10 be the ad-
vance guard Of very strong body Of the
enemy who were posted in the chaparral.
Immediately in the rear of Gen. Taylor's
camp. Capt. Thornton. contrary 10 the
advice of his Mexican guide, charged upon
the guard, who retreated towards The main
body, followed by Capt. Thornton, when
in an instant he found himself and com
mand surrounded by the enemy, who fired
upon him. killing. as it is supposed, Capt.
Thornton, Lieuts. Kane and Mason, and
some twentysix of the men, and Capt.
Hardes and the remainder of the com
mand prisoners. The Mexican comman.
der sent into Gen. Taylor's camp, cart
with soldier badly wounded. with a
message that he had no travelling hospital
with him and could not. therefore. render
the soldier the assistance which his silua.
ton required.
1t is supposed that the detachment of
the enemy on the east side of the Rio
Grande consists Of al least $500 men IN
der the command of Coils. Carasco and
Carabajal. both old and experienced off.
GERS. and hat their object is to cut off all
communication between Gen. Taylor and
Point Isabel, the depot of provisions. In
the execution of this object, they have
fully succeeded, and have thereby placed
the American army in most dangerous
position, as it will be utterly impossible
for Gen. Taylor. with the limited number
of men now under his command, say
$500, TO force his way through the dense
in which the enemy are already
strongly posted.
On the 22d, Gen. Taylor received from
Gen. Ampudia, by means of flag of
truce, a communication in very offensive
terms, complaining of his having blockad
ed the Rio Grande;to which he replied that
Gen. Ampudla had himself been the cause
of the blockade, in having expressly de.
clared that unless Gen. Taylor commenc.
ell his retreat behind the Nueces, within
twenty-four hours after his displaying his
flag upon the left bank of the Rio Grande
he would consider war as being declared,
and would act accordingly. Gen. Taylor
stated that he would receive
no further communications from the Next
can commander, unless couched in Ian
guage more respectful towards the Gov
eminent and people Of the United States.
Gen. Tay lor's position, in the rear Of
Matamoros, is sufficiently strong TO with.
stand successfully an attack of the whole
Mexican force. and commands the town,
which. with the batteries already mounted
could be RACED to the ground in an hours
lime. Gen. Taylor has in camp full
ra'ons for l5 days, which he thinks can
be made 10 last 80 days. by which time
he is in hopes to receive large reinforce
nents from Texas and Louisiana, upon
each Of which States he has made reqni-
sition for the immediate equpmen, and
rans mission to Point Isabel of four full
regiments Of militia. Il is though, BY
he superior officers of Gen. Taylor's
army that 10000 men will be required
within very short period, as it is well
known that the Mexican army is daily
receiving large reinforcements from the
Interior. II was supposed by the Ameri
IAN officers that Gen. Arsta reached
Matamoros on the evening of The 22d uIt.
with brigade; but up to the period of the
writer's leaving camp, no communication
lad been received by Gen. Taylor from
Gen. Arista.
Subsequently to his leaving the Camp
On the 26,h ult., Col. Doane learned that
Gen. Arisla addressed polite note to
Gen. Taylor informing him that he, Arts
IA. had assumed the command of the
Mexican forces.
AT Point Isabel great fears were enter
aimed of a night attack, which from the
present exposed situation of that post
:ould not be otherwise than successful if
conducted with energy. The post is
defended by Major Munroe, with de-
achment of 80 artillerists. There are
also at the post about 200 armed wagon
,rs and so laborers under the orders of
he Qnartermaster, and some 100 citizens
furnished with arms by the U. s. Ord
rance officer, organized under the COM
nand of Capt. Perkins, and denominated
he Fronton Guards. A company Of so
Mexican cavalry were seen on the night
IF the 26h within five miles of Point Isa-
Del. They were supposed to be a corps
81 observation.
The body of Col. Cross was found on
he 2 lst ut. about three miles from Camp,
mutiated and entirely destitute
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