The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-06-02
DIFFICULTIES OF A MEXICAN
CAMPAIGN.

| FROM THE RICHMOND WING.
The New Orleans 'Reiormer' profers oul
Government and those in authority some ex
cclIent counsel in regrd 10 the approaching
Mexican campaign. Alter referring 10 the
universal delusion which has heretofore pre-
vailed as 10 the bravery and powess oil The
Mexcans. it points out the difficulties TO be
encountered and the obstacles obe overcome
in the prosecution of war Of conquest in The
following language:
The events which have transpired since
Gen. Taylor reached the frontier have caus
ed men TO reflect on this subject more pro
foundly than they have hitherto done, and to
estimate in more rational manner the re-
sources OF Mexico and the resistance she is
able 10 present in a conflict with foreign
Power. If stable Government existed in
that country, and its whole strength, NOR
al physical, could be brought into requisition
it would require. so admirably is lis territory
adapted 10 defensive operations, unusual and
extensive preparations 10 ensure speedy and
satisfactory results.
'As she is. however, torn and distracted by
internal discussions, and the sport of every
/ dtDDlllUuS "iO yet dNhiN
and available materials enough in her bosom
to render the work of sub]eciion arduous and.
proiracied and 10 develope no small share OF
The military, tact and proves orthe U. s.
When one looks carefully at all the resour
ces of Mexico-its population Of millions
the salubrty of its climate and the fertility
of its soil affording comparatively without
labor substance to its people-the bravery
and heroism of the old Caslilian race, OF
which many remains are yet 10 be found in
Mexico-and The physical conformation of
country, IFS mountain passes, and lis narrow
defiles, and IFS hidden retreats when all
things are mutually considerable will be read
lily seen, altL ough Santa Anna, and Busia-
mentc, and Paroles nay by turns 'revel in
the halls of the Montezumas.' an American
General whoever he NAV be, and however
well supported by powerful army attains
that luxury only through blood and toll, and
perils beset,ing him on every side.
Mexico, too, it must be recollected, is 10 Us
an unknown country Americans who have
here and there visited it, see nothing but
what the eye took in as they passed over
few OF the principal highways and through
the large towns. The ambush by the road
side. and natural Qualifications within few
yards of them, made by rocks and precipices
were as a dead letter TO them. AND where
one o: our countrymen has remained for
years, the entire dissimiarity Of language
opinions, and customs, and the great insecu-
riIy of travelling: have rendered it impracti-
cable Tor him TO obtain any extended and &C
curaie knowledge of some of the most inter-
esIing portions even ofMexico. We know
in fact nothing Of the country. Probably il
would be difficult. if not impossible, 10 find
an American who could guide an army en-
tcring ut Matamoros by the safest and best
route from that point 10 the capital of the Ma
tion-ihe route opposing the fewest Obstacles
by an invading force ard the best supplied
with water Relying upon a Mexican guide,
whose treachery and duplicity are proven
bal. what risks would be encountered, what
rers endured, what sacrifices perhaps
made?
The Government of the United States
if we are in tact TO have war withMexico-
must not over look all nor any of these con-
siderations. No American General mnst be.
permitted to penetrate The Mexican territory
unless he is well provided and properly Sc
cured in every respect; and the point from
whence he shall leave American soil and
the direction he is to go must be determined
only after careful, and prolonged, and most
mature consideration. The United States
must commit no blunder in this particular
orr lc;est, disaster, and disgrace await their
arms