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

idt w 40 FNhSbuiSs we lcdin iIotH al
rivals yesterday. the country is in COM
motion. A considerable number Of
volunteers were ready at Baton Rouge,
and waiting for transportation. AT
Alexandria (Rapides) company was
forming among the best citizens of the
parish. They will be down, we think,
to-day or Tomorrow. ur4ff
A detachment Of United States troops
being portion of the first infantry, ar
rived Yesterday from Jefferson Bar
racks, Missouri. They number 249.
From the Neto Orleans Bulletin extra, Mays
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR,
BY the arrival of the schooner Ellen
and Clara, Capt. Griffin, from the Bra
zos st. Jago, we have accounts from
Point Isabel to the morning Of the 29th
ultimo. The news is only one day la
ter, and of course not very definite or
satisfactory. The fact, however, that
no communication had been had for
three days between Point Isabel and
the camp ofGen. Taylor, is alone sufi-
cient to keep anxiety on tip-toe.
We learn from Captain Griffin and
DR.. N. Briggs, passenger, who has
been several months with the army,
that Captain Walker, formerly Of the
Texan revenue service, who has been
stationed between Point Isabel and
General Taylor's camp, with body Of
twenty-four volunteer Texan rangers,
found several of the teams which had
started from the Point for the camp
were returning, and reported that the
MexIcans were on the road. He start
ed from his camp on the 2Sth with his
whole force, to reconnoitre, and if pos
sible, open a communication with Gen.
Taylor. He had proceeded as far as
about midway between Point Isabel
and the camp, when An overwhelming
Mexican force appeared very suddenly.
A portion of his II oops were raw; these
he instructed to keep on his right, and
gave orders 10 the whole to retire un-
der cover ofa chaparelle in view.
But his raw troops, panic-stricken,
scattered in confusion, and the Mexi-
cans advancing in overwhelming num-
bers, he was compelled to retreat. He
was followed by the Mexlcans to with
in mile Of Point Isabel, where he ar
rived with only two Of his men. Six
others subsequently came in.
Captain Walker estimated the num-
ber of Mexicans he encountered at IL.
500; and he supposes that at least 80
of them tell during the fifteen minutes
which he engaged them. This force is
supposed 10 be a portion Of that which
had at the last accounts crossed the
Rio Grande some 90 or 25 miles above
Matamoras, and which is estimated at
5000 men. 1t is believed that they
had arrived at the position they occu-
pied by taking circuitous route on the
eastern side Of Gen. Taylor's camp.
No communication had been had
with General Taylor, at Point Isabel.
tor three days previous to the depar-
ture of the Ellen and Clara. At the
last accounts it was reported that he
had but ten days provisions. Captain
Walker, Immediately after his arrival.
gallantly rendered his services to Major
Munroe, the commander at Point lisa.
bel, if four men would accompany him.
to make his way to General Taylor
with dispatches, or die in the attempt.
His offer was accepted, and according.
y he started at daylight on the morn
ing of the 99th.
During the nights of the 9th and
9Sth. the troops at Point Isabel were
in constant expectation OF being at
tackled, and dispositions were made ac-
cordingly. The masters and crews o
vessels in the harbor were called on on
the 28th, and spent the night under
arms. On that night 500 men were
furnished with arms, Of which about sc
were seamen.
The works were as perfect as it was
possible to make them under the cir
cunstances, and it was generally be-
ieved that, should but fifteen hundred
Mexicans attack the place, they coulc
BE- at least held at bay until reinforce
ments arrived. Messrs. Munroe and
Saunders, it is stated, deserve greai
praise for the manner in which they
have fortified Point Isabel.
Captain Griffin and DR.. Briggs in
form us that the officers of the army
speak of the Mexicans as being in Q
very high state Of discipIine-the cav
airy particularly. Besides the thret
thousand who have crossed the Rlc
Grande, it is intimated that there are
about FIVE thousand at Matamoras, ane
it is supposed that the Mexican genera
has not yet displayed his full strength