The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-04-17
Correspondence Of the Picsyuns.
FROM THE ARMY or OCCUPATION.
CAar, NoRrH BANK oE the RIO GRAsDE,
Texas March % IaAG

| thOm 1hE Ahhi VI OttbfA1lONs
CAaP, NORTH BANK oE the RIO GHAspE,
Texas, March -, 1886.
Mr. DEAR FRIENDS: Yesterday, at about halfpast
III, the "star-spangled banner" unfurled to the
| breeze, was frm planted on this bank Of the Rio
Grande, opposite TO Matamoras, by the American
army OF occupation ofTexas," and around il were
gathered hearts as true beat in the breasts OF
any men. As gave its beautiful folds 10 the winds,
no brayado, or shouts, acelamatons rent the air;
out silently as firmly 1t took its place, while our band
struck up the "Starspangled Banner" and yankee
When we arrived we found the Mexican troops
had retired-it was said that few days since some
2,OOO were on this sde-to the city Of Matamoras,
previously collecting up the people living on this
side, and directing them To burn their houses But
TWO or three families remain. Their boats were all
on the other side, while crowds Of peops lined the
opposite bank, and companies of mounted men and
loot were seen marching in different directions
through the city andits skirts. Behind their fences
nearest the bank, we could discover pieces of arti-
lery. The Mexican flag was flying from three
Polnts-Gen Meia's quarters, the barracks Of sap
pers and miners, and the artillery barracks. When
our flag went up 1t was Immediately followed
by The British and French flags; but we looked in
vain for the flag of our consul he, no doubt had
some good reason for its absence
Zen. Worth was ordered by Gen. Taylor 10 cross
the river with dispatches for Gen. Mea and our
consul. He vent with his staff to the ferry. Some
little delay occurred before any response was made
finally boat came over and the General crossed
but Mejla sent Gen. de la Vega TO receive him, say
ing that he Gen. M. being the ehiefin-command
could receive none but our chieEin command. Gen
w. having been ordered to deliver his dispatches in
person, returned with them, and there believe all
| communication yet has ceased.
While there, Gen. de la Vega remarked TO Gen
| Worth, that "while the Americans held their pres
ent position with respect to Matamoras his genera
could not think Of treating or communicating" OF
words 10 that effect; that "ths army should retire
before they could think Of entertaining any PROPOSE
ton from u.s." Gen. Worth replied TO de le Vega
and requested the interpreter 10 be particular in ex
planning his language in lis full force that "the word
expressive Of the tenure by which we held the
north bank Of the Rio Grande was siernityn
Last night the Mexicans erected a small breast.
work, with bags filled with sand, and in the work
| placed l2-pounder This is near the ferry-cross
| ing. The river is about $50 yards wide, and not
fordable; but we don't want to cross. | understand
that Gen. Taylor Is going TO throw up a field
work here, and tomorrow sends to Brazos Santa
go for six l6pounders; and the first act of hostil
ties on their part will be the signal for the town u
be Thrown into fits" and our generals, are 9Th,
| devil on fits"
| And now you no doubt will asks there TO b,
hghH" | will answer you candidIy, ~ dom
know" They have let two beautiful opportunities
slip through their fingers the crossing Of tn,
Little Colorado; the other, as we came through tn,
belt of close underwood growth, which extendi
about four miles from this along the road as we ap
preached Matamoras. Should Ampudia arriv,
with his force, he may give US ball, but our gaan
! fellows will not be outdone in courtesy.
| The land here is splendid, and in appearance lik
the Mississippi bottoms The color of the rive
water is like that Of the Mississippi, and perfect,
| fresh. Yours truly.