American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-05-07


DlERS-BLOCKADE OF METAMORAS-RE-
VoLITION IN MEXICO, &c.
The steamship New York, Capt. Phillips,
arrived at New Orleans on the 29th ult. with
dates from Galveston to the eth, and from
the Army to the 22d. We are indebted to the
Tropic and Delta for extras, from which we
copy
The iollowingpersons came passengers in the
New York:
u S. .4rmy. Gen. Worth, Col. Coffin, Col.
Fisher, Col. Waite, Col. Watts, Major Van
Ness, Major March, Capt. Duncan, Capt. Nc
Lellard, Capt Whitehead and Capt. Coburn,
Lieut.. Root, DR.. Robinson, DR.. Kahn, and II
discharged U. S. soldiers.
The iron propeller Hunter, which sailed
from Brasos st. Jago in company with the
steamer Col. Harvey for this port, arrived off
Galveston Bar on the eth, eleven days out,
with loss of smoke-pipe and short of fuel
She had encountered very heavy weather, hav-
ing once been within twenty miles of the Pass
and was obliged to put back on account of
head winds.
The following is from the Galveston News
of the cath:
The steamship Telegraph arrived here on
Thursday evening, bringing accounts to Tues
day. Just before the Telegraph sailed news
arrived that Lieut.. Porter, son of Com. Porter,
and detachment of ten men who had been
sent out on daty not far fiom Gen'I Taylors
encampment, had been fired upon by SO Mexi-
cans, killing Lieut.. P. and three of his men,
The others succeeded in making their escape
and returning to camp. Whether the party
which made this attack were soldiers or rob-
bers is uncertain; but we believe the Mexican
officers say the latter. These officers had al
ready said to some of ours that every thickeL
was infested with bandtti who would kill a
man for fifty cents or his blanket, and that the
Mexican commander could not think of hold
ing himself accountable for any accident
which might happen to detached parties ven
turing incautiously too far from camp. 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 about the country with guns that
looltid not fire.
Gen. Ampudia denies all knowledge of the
fate, or whereabouts of Col Cross, but, as the
country in the vicinity where he disappeared
has heen thoroughly searched and no informa-
ton of him obtained, it is suspected by many
that he has been sent prisoner into the interi-
or of Mexico, instead Of having been murdered.
Impressions as to the probability of battle
are very much divided. 1t seems highly pro-
bable that the Mexican army does not contem-
plate general attack, inasmuch as it has al
lowed favorable opportunities for making one
to go unimproved, and in the present possession
and situation of his forces, Gen. Taylor is
much stronger than at any time since his re-
moyal from Corpus Christi. He has finished
mounting his heavy artillery, and fortified his
camp completely, SO that an attack from the
enemy would doubtless be the most welcome
event that could happen to our army.
Lieut.. Van Ness informs us that nothing
further had been heard of Colonel Cross up to
the 10Th, but that the general opinion is that
he is still a prisoner, though not at MatamorGs
About fifty ofthe American army have de-
serted and swan the river for the Mexican
camp, but number of them were shot as de-
serters while in the water. The whole num-
Der Of American troops is estimated at between
two and three thousand, and they are said to
be in excellent discipline, and eager for an en-
gagement with the enemy. Ampudla's forces
are reported at between three and four thou
sand. 1t is rumored that Arista is about to SUI
pcrcede Ampudia in the command
lieutenant from our army, short time
since, crossed the river, from what motive
seems to be uncertain, and was taken by the
Mexican forces, where he remained at the last
accounts 1t is reported, but we can find no
direct authority for the statement, that his lib
Grafton has been demanded by Gen. Taylor,
and refused
The two armies are encamped on opposite
sides of the river, in view and within some 200
yards of each other, and both have thrown up
fort 60 "A e, tlo pft THAR
positions.
The steamship Telegraph had arrived from
New Orleans with 200 additional troops for
the army under Gen. Taylor.
Gen. Taylor has used all diligence to
strengthen his position by throwing up breast
works, by intrenchments, Notifications, &C.,
and the Mexican General Ampudia has been
equally industrious in fortifying the town de-
fensively, keeping his soldiers employed night
and day. Gen. Taylor's heavy ordinance of
eighteen Founders, are said to be situated with
in point blank shot CT Gen. Ampudia's house
in the middle of the city, at distance of 800
yards. Thus, the two armies have been stu
ated for upwards Of two weeks up to our pre-
sent dates, neither having committed any posi-
tive act ofhostility upon the other.
from the Galveston News, Extra.l
We may here remark that it is now under
stood as fact that Ampudla is already super
seeded by Arista, from whom we may expect
the next proclamation. This General is adj
mitted to be an officer of character, good sense
and prudence, and whatever proceeds from him
will be entitled to some consideration.
In our summary of news by the steamship
Telegraph, we omitted to state what may be
OF some Importance, viz: that Gen. Ampudia,
in his answer to the inquiries of Gen. Taylor
concerning Col. Cross, expressly disavowed any
acts of hostility that might have been or might
hereafter be committed by Mexicans on this side
Of the riuer, stating that all such acts were I'M
authorised by him or his government.
Blockade Of .natanoyas. The schooners Flo
rnda, Captain Hopkins, and Equity, Place,
cleared from New Orleans for Matamoras on