Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

! ces, for which extensive military prep
arations had been made. The inva-
sion was threatened solely because
Texas had determined, in accordance
Will solemn resolution Of the Con-
gress Of the United States to annex her
self to our Union; and, under these
circumstances, it was plainly our duty
TO extend our protection over her citi-'
zens and soil.
This force was concentrated at Ger
pus Christi, and remained there until
after ! had received such information
from Mexico as rendered it probable, if
not certain, that the Mexican govern
ment would refuse to receive our en-
lvoy.
| Meantime, Texas, by the final ae-
ton Of our Congress, had become an
Integral part Of our Union. The Con-
gress Of Texas by its act Of December
18th, 1886, had declared the Rio Del
Norte TO be the boundary ofthat repuo-
lie. Its jurisdiction had been extern
ded and exercised beyond the Nueces.
The country between that river and the
Del Nor,e had been represented in the
Congress and in The convention of Tex
as, had thus taken part in the act of
annexation itself, and is now included
within one of our Congressional dis
tt.icts. Our own Congress had, more
over. with great unanimity, by the act
approved December 31st, 1S45, recog'
nised the country beyond the Nueces
as part of our territory by including it
within our own revenue system; and
revenue officer, to reside within that
district, has been appointed by and
with the advice and consent Of the
Senate. It became, therefore, of urgent
necessity to provide for the defence Of
that portion of our country. Accor-
DINGHY, on the thirteenth Of January
last instructions were issued 10 the gen.
eral in command Of these troops to oc-
cupy the left bank Of the Del Norte.-
This river-which is the southwestern
boundary of the State of Texas-is an
exposed frontier. From this quarter
invasion was threatened; upon it and
in its immediate vicinity, in the judg-
ment Of high milithry experience, are
the proper stations for the protecting
forces of the government. la addition
to this important consideration, several
| others occurred to induce this move
ment. Among these are the facilities
afforded By the ports At Brazos Santa
90 and the mouth of the Del Norte for
| The reception Of supplies by sea. the
stronger and more healthful military
positions, the convenience for obtain
ing ready and more abundant sup
ply Of provisions, water, fuel, and the
advantages which are afforded by the
Del Norte in forwarding supplies TO
such posts as may be established in
the interior and upon the Indian FROM
tier. f-3 |
The movement of the troops to the
Del Norte was made by the comman-
ding general, under positive instruc-
tions 10 abstain from all aggressive
acts towards Mexico, o: Mexican cit
liens, and to regard the relations be-
tween that republic and the United
States as peaceful, unless she could
declare war, or commit acts of hostility
indicative of state of war. He was
specially directed to protect private
property and respect personal rights.
The army moved fom Corpus Chris
ii on the In of March, and on the
28,h of that month arrived on the left
bank oftLe Del Norte, opposite to Mat
amoras, where it encamped on com.
| manding position, which has since
been streng ,hened by the erection OF
field works. A depot has also been
established at Point Isabel near the
Brazos Santiago, thirty miles in rear of
the encampment. The selection of-hls
position was necessarily conhded TO the
Judgment of the general in COM
mand.
The Mexican forces at Matamoras
assumed belligerent attitude, and ON
the 18th of April, Gen. Ampndia, then
in command, notified Gen. Taylor 10
break up bis camp within twenty-four
hours, andto retire beyond the Nueces
river, and in the event ofhis failure 10
comply with these demands, announc-
ed tina! arms, and arms alone, must de-
eide the question. But no open act of
hostility was committed until the Gath
Of April. On that day, General Arista,
who had secceeded to the command OF
the Mexican forces, communicated 10
General Taylor that she considered
hostilities commenced, and should
prosecute them. A party Outrageous
Of GO men and officers were on the
same day. despatched from the Amefl-