Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-06-03


Gen. Taylor intended to cross the river
at or near his camp, to take possession of
Matamoras, and the expedition was ordered
fora the double purpose of dislodging the
Mexicans from their position at Barrita,
and assisting Gen. Taylor in occupying
Matamoras, should he be opposed.
Gen. Taylor intended to cross the river
on a bridge formed of the boxes of his
wagons caulked tight. For this purpose he
had ordered all the oakum at Point Isabel
to be sent up to the camp. Capt. Griffin
heard nothing whatever Of the report that
Paredes was marching to Matamoras with
$4,000 men, nor was there any certainty
that the Mexicans had been reinforced; the
general opinion, however, was that they
had been.
There were none of the enemy between
the camp and Point Isabel; if any remain
on this side the river they are above the
camp.
From the N. o. Delta, Extra, we learn
that the force at Point Isabel has been in
creased to about 1900, by the arrival of
volunteers. All speak of the prospects of
Gen. Taylor as being in the highest de-
gree auspicious.
4 We make the following extract from a
letter in the Delta, dated Point Isabel, May
1873 O'Clock, p. M.
"The report prevalent in camp at this
time is, that the Mexicans are within our
immediate vicinity to the number ofsome 6
or 7000 strong. AS to its correctness l
cannot voueh but certain, it is, we are in
the neighborhood of the enemy, and an at
tack at any hour would surprise no one
here. Gen. Taylor left this place on the
morning of the 18th for his camp OH the
river above, accompanied by only one COM
, pany Of Artillery and one Of Dragons.
He was dressed in simple farmers apparel,
!, and his mode Of conveyancea light wagon,
+ driven by negro servant There seems
!, to be little doubt but he will reach his
d camp in safety-after which, the general
y supposition is the Mexicans will have to
s look out for squalls; his dander is up since
the last engagement, and he seems deter
: mined to start the ball. 49,.
When the ball is fairly opened the a.
musement must not cease until the tune is
played and the fiddlers paid.
From the Picayune Extra, we copy the
following paragraph:
8 "We leurn that about IT'S 900 rounds Of
$ musket cartridges, 500 pack mules with
. their saddles and camp oquipage, were ta-
f ken in the action of the 9th. The Ameri-
i. can soldiers drank the Mexican's liquor,
smoked their cigars, eat their bread and
, beef which they were just in the act of
cooking when the engagement took place."
Yer 'LATEn.-Since the above was
written, we have received the following
letter announcing Gen. Taylor's arrival
in camp:.
l CAMP OPPOSITE MATAMoRAs,
May l4th-1O O'Clock night,
} GENTLEMEN:-I would like to write
detailed account Of all that has occurred
since the 9Th, but have hope of getting
a few hours sleep tonight, for tomorrow |
fancy we shall have something to do. A
report is going around camp tonight, that
we will 20 over and take possession Of
Matamoras tomorrow or next day.
Gen. Taylor returned tonight from
Point Isabel. A party of Dragons since
his arrival have swan over and brought a
boat from the opposite side. The sentinel
over this boat left in haste. All the pris-
oners whom we had in Matamoras, were
exchanged day before yesterday, besides
which, we gave our enemy 81 wounded
men by way Of La Naip.
Yours, L.
P. S. The camp is hurraing Cor the pat
riotisn Of the citizens Of New Orleans,
having just heard of their reception of the
news Of our situation, and the promptness
with which they acted.
o. The New Orleans papors contain
advices from We're Cruz to the 9th inst.
We copy from the Bulletin and Picayune:
The inhabitants of Vera Cruz were in
constant apprehension Of an attack from
the United States, land the castle is said to
be kept in constant readiness. The COM
mencement ofhostiIities on the Rio Bravo
had not been heard of at Vera Cruz. The
Loconioter of the 4th inst, states that the
Government had Withdrawn the appoint
ment of Almonte as minister to Frlnce,
and intrusted the mission to the present
Mexicon Minister to Spain. The reason
of this curious movement is said to be some
discoveries which compromit Almonte with
the Government.
A letter was received ut Vera Cruz
from Tampico on the 7th inst, which an
nounced the death of Col. Cross of our ar.
my. The circumstances of his cruel fate
are detailed. "He was taken by an arm
ed party of R0nchsros, and hung ;mms-
dtately 10 tree" So says the letter from
Tampico.
The Mexicans remote from the seat Of
war were universally confident of victory
upon the Rio Grande. They founded their
hopes purely upon their numerical superb
ority. They set down the number of their