The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-06-20
FROM THE ARMY.
A letter dated Matamoras, May %, shy

Col. Garland, with all the mounted force
disposable, about $50 Dragons and rangers
were started in pursuit otthe retreating force;
they followed for GO miles They had slight
brush with the rear guard, killed 3, captured
~, one wagon with ammunition and clothing
OF an artillery company, and the personal
baggage of the captain of the company, ep-
aulettes, &c. They returned to Matamoras
with their prisoners, and we have them now
in this fort They returned because their hor-
SEES pevious to leaving were much Iaded from
the arduous duties all the mounted force have
had to perform ever since we arrived. They
had pursued 66 miles, and from that point
there was no water for II mes-the enemy
at that time, no doubt, had possession ofths
wnter, with i pieces of artillery, and about
1000 strong.
From them. o. Picayune, June 5.
We understand that the next demonstra-
ton of Gen. Taylor will be upon the city of
Monterey. This place is about 90 leagues
from Matamoras, and is approached by diff
ficult road running through an arid and i'll
watered country. 1t is the principal city of
the province of New Leon, and commands
the entrance ofthe table lands, or the interior
of Mexico, through the passes of the Sierra
Madre.
To make the operations of the army upon
Monterey more secure, if not absolutely GER
tain, Gen. Taylor designs occupying the town
of Camargo, about $50 miles by water, above
Matamoras. TODD this securely it is neces-
sary for him to have transports Of draft sui
table TO the navigation of the Rio Grande.
Camargo will be the basis of his operations
upon Monterey, and this point must be first
made the depot of supplies, and entrenched
in style capable ofsustaining siege.
1t was the design of Gen. Taylor, as we
learn, to be at Monterey by the first ofJuly;
but the want oftransports to convey his stores
to Camargo, has compelled him to delay far
Their progress in the enemy's country till this
deficiency is removed. Canargo is situated
upon the Rio Grande, and presents an admir-
able foundation for display upon the interior,
and from Camargo to Monterey is about 40
leagues, or l20 miles, The country lying be-
tween that town and Monterey is more fer
tile than that between Matamoras and Mon
terey-consequently, it is altogether better
for the army 10 proceed from Camargo upon
Monterey than from Matamoras.
With aview TO eXpediting the march of
the army, Captain Sanders, who has distin-
gushed himself in the admirable defeuces he
has constructed about Point Isabel, has been
dispatched TO this city TO procure the neces-
sary transports. He is now in the city ofNew
Orleans, but will proceed up the river mme-
diately to supply the deficiency Ill transports
which his purchases here may leave.
Before reaching Camargo the army will have
TO take the town of Reynoma, which, is be-,
tween Matamoras and Camargo. 1t isnot
expected, however, that any defence will be
made of such villages.
Gen. Taylor designs now TO be at Monter-
oy as soon in July as possible. AT THAR place,
il is believed, the MeXicans will make a stub
born stand, if at all during the war. Ifthe
troops under Gen. Taylor occupy Monterey,
the whole of Mexico this side the Sierra Ma
Dire will be in the possession of the United
States, including the mining districts ofNew
Leon, New Mexico, SANTA Fe, Chihuahua
&c. &c. This calculation is based somewhat
upon the idea that the United States will or
der an expedition from the Missouri river up
on the Northern Provinces. II this be done
the whole of North Mexico will he in our pos
session. Such disposition ofthe forces of
the United States would end the war at once.
But fit did not, Our army would hold the key
to the whole of South MeXico,a and the gates
of the capital would, speaking in a military
sense, be in the possession of Gen. Taylor.