The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-23

""'A'SS " W. otuouS tu0 siA hivn H',
were killed by forcing their way through
the Mexicans to the United States
camp.
The subjoined account is from the
Galveston Civilian.
Gen. Taylor proceeded with the
main body of the army, in order to se-
cure the Point Isabel, which was men,
aceG, and open the communication,
leaving only 700 or 800 men in the
camp opposite Matamoras. The army
proceeded withoutinterruption, but the
Mexicans thought the diminished force
in camp offered a favorable opportuni-
ty for its capture-attacked it, and
were repulsed with severe loss, some
say several hundred. The loss on our
side not stated, but very insignificant.
Our batteries were opened on Mataino-
ras and reduced the place TO ruins, or
nearly SO. go la9 a g f 81
This was on the third, and the fight
ing continued until night. Walker,
the well known Texan soldier and spy,
then took forty men TO carry the news
to Gen. Taylor, at Point Isabel, during
the night. He lost six men on the way,
and had his horse shot under him, but
got in.
Our troops are in fine spirits. Gen.
Taylor was to leave with large force
on Thursday moraing, for the camp op-
posite Matamoras. M aaaj
The New York had this news from
the Cincinnati, which came out over
the bar to take of the troops carried
down. Firing was heard when the
New York left.
The main force Of the Mexicans is
probably this side of the river.
The Texian schooner Santa Anna
has been dispatched from Brazos San
tiago, with communications from Gen.
Taylor for the American squadron of
Vera Cruz.
The only written information we
have had from the seat Of war, comes
from Capt. Sumption, late of the Rev
enue service of Texas-now in the en-
ploy of Gen. Taylor. 1t is dated May
A. Capt. S. says:
The news was brought to Point lsa-
bel by our friend Walker, Of Major
Hays command. The Mexicans made
the attack on our works after General
Taylor came down here. The fight
continued the whole day. The United
States batteries knocked down Mata-
moras, killing two or three hundred
Mexicans-they killing only Que of our
men, by the explosion of a shell. The
works were so well completed, the
Mexican shot could not njure lheln.
Captain SIMPSON has written US
that he will furnish detailed account
of The action, and such other informa-
tion as he can collect, by the next
vessel.
GEN. TAYLoR.- We learn that when
Gen. Taylor left 'olnt Isabel, to re-
turn 10 the intrenched camp opposite
Matamoras, there was not the slightest
doubt entertained that he would have
to cut his way to his entertainments,
through vastly superior numbers OF the
enemy, who were knownto be posted
in large forces among the almost lmpas.
sable thickets of chaperal on the road
with determination to cut him off. il
possible, in his attempt to regain his
other forces. The number Of the Mex.
leans is entirely vague and uncertain
though all the statements agree in esli
mating at less than 10000; while many
accounts put it al $4,000 or 10000.
All accounts agree that the Mexican
forces are rapidly focking in from all
quarters. How many had crossed the
river could not be told, though it seem,
but reasonable to presume that large
part of their forces will be brought in,
to requlsition to dispute the march o.
Gen. Taylor. They could not but see
the Importance of cutting him of, and
would doubtless employ all their ad
vantages Of local knowledge, skill in
horsemanship, and all their acknowl
edged resources Of stratagem TO accom-
plish their object. Gen. Taylor anti
cipated a formidable and desperate op
position to his march, but determines
to accomplish it or perish. 1t seems
therefore, every way reasonable to sup
pose that a decisive and bloody battle
was fought on the 7th inst, and we wal
with almost painful anxiety to hear tn,
result by the next arrival. ts'
The steamship New York left herr
about 10 o'clock last Monday morning
after stopping about two hours. Sh,
reached Brazos Santiago Tuesday even
ing; anchored outside the bar in heav,
sea, sent the troops 1872 in number I,
point Isabel, where they arrived jus
in time to join Gen. Taylor on his re
turn to his encampment opposite Mat