davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

country, and loud in their laudations Of
those who have invaded and crimson.
ed its soil with the blood of its own
citizens. Verify, they shall receive
their reward in due season. For our
self, we say now, as we have said be-
fore, that we believe our country to be
right in this instance, as We believe
she has heretofore been, under similar
circumstances, but right or wrong, zoe
go for our country. These are our
sentiments, nor do we care what con-
struction may be placed upon them by
those who, true to the instincts of their
predecessors, are ever ready to vilify
and condemn their own government in
all disputes that arise between it and
foreign powers. "Honi soft qui NAL q
pense."
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

From the New Orleans Picayune, May 9.
Fight 6etaeeen Captain Walker, Of the
TEXAS Rangers, and large body Of
.Nericams Loss of Sr 1erams!-
Thirty .Mericans Killed!
The brig Ellen and Clara arrived
this morning from Brazos Santiago,
having sailed on the 29th ult. There
had been no fight between Gen. Taylor
and the Mexicans.
Captain Walker, a gallant Texan
volunteer and now a captain in the
service, had been driven into the post
at Point Isabel by the Mexicars. With
his small force he had sailed forth and
encountered the main body of the Mex
icans-not less than 1900 strong
Most of his men being raw recruits,
refused to stand by him ard made their
escape.
Twelve men, however, remained
firm, and with this little handful, WAL
ker kept the Mexicans in check for
half an hour. By this time, six of his
men he'd fallen by his side, when his
horse was shot under him, and he with
his surviving men effected their escape
and reached the post at Isabel in safe
ty. About thirty Mexicans were killed
in this engagement.
This engagement occurred on the
28th. Capt. Walker got into the post
about 5 O'Clock in the afternoon of that
day. His original force, known as
Texan Rangers, amounted to about Is
men.
The Mexicans pursued Capt. Walker
in his retreat till they came within range
of the guns Of the post, when they in
turn Immediately retreated. The post
is very strongly Observation-Disclosures to
the exertions of Majors Monroe and
Saunders. With 500 men to defend
the post, it is believed it can be made
good against 5000 Mexicans.
There are now about 5000 Maxicans
on the American side of the Rio Gran
de-one half above and one half below
Gen. Taylor's camp.
The greatest apprehension now felt
for the American position is, that the
Mexlcans may erect Notifications which
will command Brazos Santiago. The
natural formation of the ground is IA
vora5le for such purpose. The men
would be efec'ually protected from a.
ny naval force by natural embank.
ment of sand, and the position could
only be carried by actual storm of the
works.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
Blockade of tho Mexican
Ports on the Pacific.

The barque Home, from Havana.
arrived at New York on Thursday
night. An extract from the Republi.
can, of Vera Cruz, states that
"The American Government was
on the point of declaring a blockade
of the whole Pacific coast, and that
an American squadron had arrived for
that purpose, and was anchored in the
Earbor off Mazatlan. The Vera Cruz
journal, under date of April 18Th,
states that the national vessel sPalmo'
arrived at San Bias from Mazatlan
which place she left at nine O'Clock at
night, on the 28th, bringing the above
alarming account. All the Mexican
vessels in the ports of the Pacific had
received orders to make their escape
before the blockade was enforce! as
well as they could. The Palmo is rep !.
resented as having escaped out Of port
at night, with great difficulty. The
custom houses on the coasts were en-
gagged in packing up their archives. to
be removed to Rosario. This news,
which is sworn to before the captain Of
the port Of San Bias, has created a
great excitementin Mexico
From the RIO Gromde, direet-The
schooner Empire, Captain Collins. ar
rived at New York on SATURDAY. morn
ing from Matamoras, whence she sailed
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

and that no intelligence leading to the
discovery of the rider was known
The conclusion arrived at was, that
Mr.. w. had been drowned. We sim
cerely hope that the report may not
prove true.
@P. S.-Since the above was in
type, the sad news of Mr.. WIS death
has been confirmed. His body has
been found. We most sincerely SYM
pathise with his bereaved family.
The Southern Literary Messenger,
for May, IS on our table. 1t is most
excellent and interesting No., and fully
'sustains the high character which it has
always sustained among magazines Of
this country. The truth is, as Mes
semger of useful reading and choice lit
erary selections, it is worth more than
all the trashy monthly publications put
together. The subscription price is
So, in advance-Richmond, Va.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

measures, and the immediate appear
ance in arms of a large and overpower-
ing force, are recommended to Con-
gress as the most certain and efficient
means Of bringing the existing COLI
sion with Mexico to a speedy and
successful termination.
In making these recommendations, /
deem II proper TO declare that tits my
anxious desire not only to terminate
fhostiities speedily, but to bring all
matters in dispute between this gov
eminent. and Mexico to an early and
tamicable adjustment; and, in this view,
! shall be prepared to renew negotia-
tons, whenever Mexico shall be rea-
dy to receive propositions, or TO make
propositions of her own.
! / transmit herewith a copy of the
correspondence between our envoy 10
Mexico and the Mexican minister for
foreign affairs; and so much ofth cor
respondence between that envoy and
the Secretary of State, and between
the Secretary Of War and the general
in command on the Del Norte, as are
necessary to full understanding Of the
subject.
JAMES X. POLK.
WAsnINGToN, May II, 1916.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
four regimsn's ofinfantry as

command four regime MS of infantry as
required.
"Resolued, That as Americans. it
behooves usto forget al differences of
opinion, and only 10 remember that
our country's honor is in danger.
RESOLVED, That we point with
pride to the action Of our legislature in
the present crisis. and that We will do
every thing in our power to sustain its
appropriation, and TO carry out its, pa
triotic views.
"Papers were then handed about the
meeting, and a very large number Of
volunteers stepped forward. Each
name as announced was received by
three cheers. The enthusiasm was SO
great and the public mind so excited
that the usual preliminaries of adj
]ournment were not gone through
with
The same paper states as follows:
."The meeting was addressed in elo-
quent strains by Judge Bryan, Of RAJ
pides, and Messls. I. G. Hunt, Ran
dell Hunt, and Messrs. Taylor, senator
from Rapides, and Downs, U. S. attor-
ney.
"THE WORCESTERSHIRE cru is
still they come.'-The gallant Major
Hunt, we are glad to announce, has
raised the first company, which was
regularly inspected yesterday and de-
clared complete. This noble example
is being followed up.in every direction.
Our late contemporary, Major Kelly, of
st. Francisville, has already, aided by
Senator Marks, succeeded in enrolling
upwards of two hundred men, and ex-
poets in day or two to have the COM
plement for regiment under Major
Marks, ready for the field. Three vol
unteer corps from the Third Municipal
ity, have, through their officers, sent
in their names, almost to a man, TO
I'LL up the number of troops required
for the reinforcement of General Tay-
lor. We also learn that Captain For
no has his company of artillery now
full and in marching order. Thus, in
every direction, 'the work goes bravely
The "New Orleans Delta" of the
9th informs US that "about 1000 or
loo volunteers, able, ready, and will
ling, have already enrolled themselves
Tor service on the Texan frontier. In
reply 10 resolutions addressed to the
governor yesterday, he stated that he
was informed by the brigadier general,
enough of men, he believed, would
volunteer to fill up the call made on
the State, without having recourse to
drafting any portion of tEen from the
militia"
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
8Ge &e1tttuel:
w ooUSTOoN:
MAY 81, 1876.

WAR WITH MEx1co.-The reader
will perceive BY reference to the Mes
sage and Proclamation the President,
that nothing is wanting, SO far as GUS
tomary declarations and enactments
are concerned, to place Mexico and the
US. in belligerent attitude. "The
Rubicon is passed." blood has already
been shed, not by the soldiers belong
ing to Gen. Taylor's army, but by
Mexican subjects, upon American soil.
And Notwithstanding the wholesale
abuse of the policy which the Presi-
dent has pursued, by certain distin-
egu's|aed congressman and patriotic Ed
itors,we most sincerely believe the war
to be just and righteous one-one
which, ifthe honor of our government
would be sustained, could not have
been avoided. so far as the United
States is concerned. We have strong
confidence in the wisdom, 6rmness,
and patriotism ofthe existing Admins
tration; and We sincerely believe that
it has been, and is now, its ardent de-
sire to avert the dreadful calamities Of
war, in adjusting all disputes that have
arisen between the United States and
foreign powers. And we con6de in
the wisdom and patriotism of the Con-
gress Of the United States, and con-
gratulate the country upon the prompt
ness with which they have responded
to the call for soldiers and funds to
prosecute the war to a speedy termi-
nation. We envy not the position Of
those who have been 50 unblushing in
their vile denuncia,ions Of their own
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

on the 28th Of April-the same day
~ which our adyices via the Southern
nor,s came down. Captain Collins
rrsnorts that his pilot told him that en-
he 9Th company Of Mexican dra-
ICONS crossed the river, attacked
eeortion of General Taylor's troops, and
Captured $50 prisoners and 2 wagons
with stores.
This is probable only a version of
,be affair between the Mexicans
and Captain Thornton's little coin.
manG.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21


is a No. of extraordinary value, as will
be readily perceived BY the following
table of contents:
l. HE INDEPENDENT TREAsURY.-Ist.
House Bill; I'd. Report Senate Finance
arehousing Bll-Mints
In New-York and Charleston, S. c.
III. ADMINISTRATION OF IkD1AN AFFAIRS
LIST. Annual Report Of the Commmis-
sioners Of Indian Affairs, transmitted
with the Presidents Message, LIST. ses-
sion 29th Congress. L. Barnard.
ID. Notes on the Iroquois; or, Con
trlbutions to the Statistics, Aboriginal
History, Antiquities and General Eth
nology of Western New-York. By
Henry r. Schoolcraft New ork:
Bartlett s. Wexford. 1876.
Ill. CROMWELL AND HIS TMEs-lst. The
Letters and Speeches of Oliver Crom-
well. By Thomas Carlyle. 2 vols.
New-York: Wiley & Putnam.
"a. History Of the English Revolu-
ton in l64O. BY F. Guizot, Prime
Minister of France. New-York: APP
pleton s. Co.
~. The OLD ENGLISH PULPIr.-No. H.
Platonlc Diyines-Queen Anne's Di-
vines-Slerne.
V. HE FAvoRiTE. Translated from the
German of johanna Schopenhauer.-
By Nathaniel Greene.
vi. PAPERS OF AN OLD DARrMooR PRIso-
NER. Edited by Nathaniel Hawthorne
VI. HYMN. BY Hon. Caleb Gushing.
VIII. RosAs.-Struggle Of the Republican 1
gainst the Mon2rchcal Principle in the
Argentine Republic. By w. A. Flagg.
TX. CHINA AND IT'S PRospg GIVE Trade.
\. MAN AND THE EARTH. By Mary Orme.
XI. MONTHLY FINANCIAL AND ConMEpc1.1
ARTICLE
XII. New Books FOR THE MONTH.
XII. POLITICAL SrATIsT cs.-Csnsus of N.
York by Counties, and the new Appor-
tionment.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, the Congress Of the Uni
ted States by virtue of the constitu-
tional authority vested in them, have
declared by their act bearing date this
day, that, "by the act of the republic
of Mexico, state ofwar exists between
that Government and the United
States;''
Now, therefore, I, JAMES X.
POLK, President Of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim the
same to all whom it may concern; and
| do specially enjoin on all persons hol-
ding Offices, civil or military, under the
authority ofthe United States, that they
be vigilant and jealous in discbarging
the duties respectively incident there
to; md / do moreover exhort all the
good people ofthe United States as
they love their country, as they feel the
wrongs which have forced on them
the last resort of injured nations, and
as they consult the best means, under
the blessing of Divine Providence, of
abridging its calami.ies, that they ex-
ert themselves in preserving order, in
promoting concord, in maintaining the
authority and the efficacy Of the laws,
and in supporting and invigorating all
the measures which may be adopted
by the constituted authorities Cor OBJ
tanning speedy, just, and an hon.
orable peace.
In testimony whereof, l have here. .
unto set my hand, and caused the seal
L. S. of the United States to be af-
fixed to these presents. Done At the
city Of Washington, the thirteenth day
ofMay, one thousand eight hundred
and forty-six, and of the independence
of the United States the seventeen.
JAMES X. POLK.
BY the President:
JAMES BUCHANAN, Sec'y. Of State.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
THE WAR In TEXAS.
ANOTHER BATTLE!

From the New Orleans Picayune, May 9.
Fight 6etaceen Captain Walker, Of the
TEXAS Rangers, and a large body Of
.Mericams Loss of Sr Terans!-
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21

Mosr HoRRID MURDERi-A man
named William Hudson, formerly of
Page county, we understand, attempt
ed to murder his whole family, consist
ing of his wife, FIVE children and his
wife's sister. Horrid to tell his wife
and two of his children were murdered,
and the others dreadfully maimed:.-
The phrenzied murderer committed the
awful deed with an axe. He had in
tended to commit suicide, after killing
his family, but his heart failed him.
He attempted to escape, but was Ia
ken. He says that the "improper con-
duct" of his wife prompted hin. to
commit the horrid crime.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
LATE FROM MEXICO.
A letter to the New Orleans II.

letter to the New ONeanS EIo-
pic, dated Vera Cruz, April 81
savs:-
A gentleman informs US that he has
seen letter from the British Consul
at Matam oras, to the British Consul
here from which he gives me an ex-
tract.
"This letter indicates a degree Of
familiarity between the Mexican Gem
eral and the writer, that would justify
the conclusion, that upon him has fallen
the mantle of the man with tbs white
hat"
He says Ampudia showed him the
letter warning Gen. Taylor off the
banks of the Bravo, before it WAS for-
warded, and intimates, without asssr-
ting it, that nothing prevents an attack
from the Mexicans, but want of boats.
He also says that "Gen. Taylor has
plenty of thirty-two Founders pointed
at the town." which is of course an ex-
aggeratlon.
The latest information rec. iv.d in
Mexico from Matamoras, assigned Gen.
Ampudia force of 1000 men. The
Locomoter says tina, Ampudia had
"compelled the American Consult and
his countrymen to march into the .ls,e-
Nor, to Victoria"
0eE -aSe-
SPEECH OF MR.. PENNYBACKER
ON THE WAR QUESTION
The Union gives the subjoined brief notice
of the remarks CT Mr. Penny lSekss, upon the
question, whether war exists between The q.
States and Mexico, according to law ard the
past usage of nations. His speech, as it was
delivered, shall appear as soon IS completes
copy of it shall reach us.
s. Mr.. Pennybacker next addressed Tho Sem
ate at seine length. The princip al aim of hs
argument was to show that formal declar,-
ton was not essential 10 the existence Of war.
IN support of this, he cited number Of in
stances from modern history, and quoted from
Vattel, from Judge Kens's Commentaries. and
the decisions of the English admiralty, 10 the
same end. After settling this point. the honor
able Senator argued that, in the absence of a
declaration of war, it was competent to judge
from hostilities enacted, whether war existed
or not. Admitting that, he proceeded to review
the relations between Mexico and the United
States, the successive events that had led to
the present state Of things, all which proved
that war actually does exist between the two
countries. and although it nigh, be dispensed
with, declaration of war was desirable by the
people Of the United States. that the people
might all know their posi,ion that neutral ma
tons might conduct themselves suitably; and
that there might be an open and palpable occa'
sion shown Tor the voting of the supplies no.
cessary 10 Its energetic prosecution"
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
From the Union, of May IL.
FROM THE SOUTH.

Last evenings southern mail
brought us no later news from the
camp. We have received the New
Orleans papers Of the 9th, and they
tell us further of the patriotic spirit
and the military arrangements which
are prevailing in that city. The "Tro-
pic'' states, that on the evening of the
4th "the splendid Commercial Ex-
change was crowded by one of the
most enthusiastic meetings that ever
assembled in Louisiana. The events
ofthc last few days have raised spirit
in this community that can never be
witnessed, except when calls are made
by the stirring events Of actual war;
DR.. Ker called the meeting to order,
and Col. Christy was unanimously
chosen chairman; Maj. John Mount
ford, P. K. Wagner, A. lie Brand, S.
J. Peters, S. w. Downs, and w. C.
&c. Claiborne, vice presidents; D. l. Ri
cardo, and U. V. Wagner, secretaries.
After the meeting was organized, a
number OF speakers volunteered to adj
dress it, who were received with great
applause. The following resolutions
prepared for the meeting were then
offered and adopted unanimously.
"Whereas hostilities have actually
commenced between the United States
and Mexico; and whereas our army
p. occupation upon the frontier Of Tex
as, pressed BY embarrassments and
surrounded by superior force, calls
for immediate assistance; and whereas
Louisiana has ever been prompt in her
action on emergencies like the pres
ent-
"Resolved, That as Louisianians,
I've will Immediately respond TO the
call of Brigadier General Taylor, and
without a moments delay place at his
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
CAPTAIN THORNTON.

We find the following remarks relative to
this brave officer in the Enquirer of the 18th
inst, In letter written by the Senior Editor
OF that paper, from Washington:
" am delighted to inform you, that letter
was received tonight from CAPT. THoRsros.
who had escaped from the Mexcaus. and re-
turned to the camp. His escape, cutting his
way .hsough the hlexleans, was compared by
an oilicef Today to the perllous adventure of
Oeh. rutham before the Revolution, when hs
was let down by the heels into The den Of
VOL mat had been the terror of the whole eoun-
Try. with torch and his IA voriIe gun in his
hand. he descended head foremost. snd
having hred at the savage beast, was
drawn up by his companions. Capt. Thornton
Is represented as sort Of daredevil, fearless
OF danger. He has experienced some remaIka-
ole adventures. He was on the Inflated 'Pu-
iaski,' and for several days upon setiee IN
the ocean, until he was rescued. He has been
attacked by the yellow fever-was badly
wounded in the Florida war-and his late
gallant and extraordinary feat on the No
rrande, In cutting through the Mex'cans'
ieaping fences with his noble horse, and retur-
mig to the camp, will make up history full
" herolsni and romance. He is native our
ewn fredericksburg. and has done grea. horof
The Old Commonwealth"
ASSAGE OF THE BILL. MAKING
APPROPRIATIONS FOR PROSECU-
TING THE WAR WITH MEXICO.
This bill. which approprates $lo,d BOO
an makes provisions for prosecuting the war
dsinst Mexico, passed the Senate Of the L. ,
opn the lth inst, and has therefore become
'iielaw of the land For the information Of
outFoaders, the vote upon the passage Of the
bills given below
As-Messrs. Allen, Archer, Ashley, At
Epnlen, Anterior. Bagby, Barrow, Benton,
brese. Bright Cameron, Cass, John NJ. Clay
~: -olquitt, Corwin, Criuenden, Dayton,
DHc BISON, Houston, Jarnagn, Jenness, John
son olMd., johnson Of La, Lewis. McDufhc,
nmaIem, Morehead, Miles, Pennybacker.
Sush Semple, Sewer, Simmons, Speight.
S.ulgya, Iurney. Upham. Wcsteott, Wood
nfiogaad Yulee--4O
M Messrs. I. Clayton s Davis-o
oe'rs Berrien, Calhoun and Evans, be-
ing IN seats, did not vote. The other
senator Nv cse names are uetrecoraed above.
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21


MELANCHOLY AcC1DENr-Loss of
Lye.-The Romney Intelligencer of
Friday gives the particulars of a most
melancholy occurrence, which took
place at the mill of Mr.. David Gibson,
in Hampshire county, on the 9th inst.
Three gentlemen, A. J. Helphenstine,
j. Bennett, and Thos. P. Morehead,
attempted to cross the river above the
dam; and perceiving that the strong
current would take them over the dam.
Mr.. H. jumped into the stream, and
by the assistance Of gentleman on
the bank, succeeded in reaching the
shore; Mr.. M. jumped out when with
IN few feet of the dam, went over,
and sunk to rise no more the other,
Mr.. B., remained in the boat, went O.
yer the dam, and escaped unframed.
Distressing, # 7rue.-We learn
from gentleman who passed through
this place on Monday last, that it was
seported in Harrisonburg, that Mr..
WARD, Editor ofthe Republican, pub
llshed in that place, was drowned, while
endeavoring to cross New river in Au-
gusta county, a few days since. All
the information that we have been able
to gather upon the subject is to the ef-
feet, that Mr.. w. was known to have
attempted TO cross the river, near Port
Republic, and that his horse was
soon after caught, without the saddle,
Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-05-21
THE DEMOCRATIC REVIEW.

We acknowledge the receipt of this
popular and useful work, for May. 1t
is a No. Of extraordinary value, as will
be readily perceived BY the following
table of contents: