The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-10-07


mates Ia the warm region terra ieDiplada'
"Ihe yaes here are fertile, and cultivated ia corr,
pumpkins, beans, and pepper, and the Indian villa
ges are seen embossed IN orange groves. The third
descent is called the channel and the last the cucha-
ras, the shortest but most precipltous, brings the
travellers level with the coast the 'terra cali
ente' Near the cucharas he fords the river Lee
mon, a rapid stream generally reaching to the sad
dle-grihs. From this.ryer is three days easy ride
70 the wreehed town Of Attamra, through rather
an arid country, divided into cattle farms few
hours row down small stream and across deep
basin where the shipping lie, lands him at Tanplco.
The river Panuco, which heads nS far from San
Luis, is nayigable for a short distance above Tam
pico, for boats light draught and there Is another
route passing TO il called the vale de maz But
the aspect of the country is similar TO that described,
and the same precpitous mountains have to be over
come on beth routes.
"The road from TampIco TO the capital distance
~ about 800 miles, presents still greater difficulties
IA portion Of il passes in the dry season along the
valley, 'Canader,' Of a small stream which Is
crossed some sixty or seventy umes. The ascenis,
especially that Of the mountain San Ammonlca, are
more preclpitous than any Oh the road we have de-
scnbed. This route Is rarely travelled during the
rainy season. Two roads conduct from San LUIS
to GuanOjuaO; the shortest by San Felipe, Is ard
and mountainous, the other by Aguas Calentes and
Leon passes through rich and fertile plains, the most
fruitful portion of the table lands. Il forms part
Of the country called Las Villas, the towns, from
the number of towns II supports. Aguas Galleries,
Leon, Apsseo, Zelaya, Sllao, Irspreaio, and Sala-
manca, with populations varying from five TO hf-
teen thousand souls, situated within short dir
lance Of each other, and not far from the cities q
Zaeateeas San Luis, GuadaIajara, and Guansjuato.
IL ID known too as The BajIo, (lowands,) Every
thing is abundant 10 this region except wood at all
times and water in the dry season. Guanajuato is
beautiful city Of between thirty and forty thous-
and inhabitants, to which may be added those Of
Nhaa H.
thousand The principal street is built along the
edge Of ravine, and the rest crooked and mar
row, terminating here and there in open spaces oc
eupied markets. Ii possesses many handsome
buildings public and private, fruits Of the rich mine
Of BalencIana, situated in its Immediate vicinity.
From GUIANA uato TO Queretsro, the road passes
through lrapuate, Salamanca, and Zelaya, towns
pleasantly situated in the fertile BaO.
'The valley Of Zelaya, especially, is dotted with
villages, with their neat churches and SPIRES seen
rising from among carefully cultivated fields and
gardens The river Laja 10 traVersed on a stone
bridge, Of fine arches, Zeaya, and in the rainy
season frequently overhows its banks and mandates
the surrounding country, but in winter its bed s
quite dry. Throughout the Baiio olive groves
abound, and wheat and barley are generally cult
waited where the land admits Of irrigation. The
principal culture, however, Is Indian corn, il
sttues the chief food of the people. II is cut down
when ripe close to the ground, it is generally
treated at the north, and stacked; the stalks and
blades together, called "Zacate," being fed TO the
cattle This portion Of the country, from the cir
cumsances Of its superior faithulness was the chief
seat OF war during revolutionary contest, and suffer
ed proportionaby.
"Quereiaro il large town, containing about 30 900
inhabitants II was formerly the principal seat Of
the Mexican manufactures. These establishments
suffered in common with every branch Of industry
IN Mexico, during the war of independence, and
have been since only partially restored.
a, al. ri
country only partially cultivated as il suffers for
Of water until It reaches Tula at the foot OF
the hills that shut in the valley of Mexico on this
side. From hence to the capital is u days travel
over country varied by low barren hills and rich
plains. The small towns Of Guantlan and Tene-
pantla are situated between Tua and Mexico; and
not far from the former is the celebrated Desagne or
drain of Huehuetoca, an account Of which will be
found in Gen. Thompson's work.
1--WE have thus led our readers from our frontier
to the city sf Mexico, by route fully described
as the limits of this work will permit. If our ad-
vance is contested, we fear il will be, every
portion may present scenes of deep interest. We
could have wished that different description Of
force had been used to invade Mexico In a country
40 VIGOROUSLY deficient in supplies, the invading
force ought to be concentrated as much possible.
We mean that it ought to be composed of wel-dis-
ciplined troops which are in efficiency, to say the
least, in proportion of one to two, when compared
with volunteers; and it ought to be provided with
we-traned artillersts, and the best ordnance and
ordnance officers. Who that has attentively con-
sdered tire details of the brilliant victories gained
by our gallant army on the bank Of the Rio Grande
will fail to perceive that they are due more to the
superior skill and science and materel Of that chosen
band than even TO their superior energy and cour- |
age If this decisive superiority in skill, science, |
discipline and maeriel were to be maintained during
the campaign, and carried through the long and ar
duous march that lies before them should feel as
nnuch con6dence aan onei in he IF
the invasion. But, under the most favorable circum-
stances, we should think it the part of wisdom to
provide at the of reinforcing our several
divisions with disciplined troops Such measure
may become necessary, even, although every blow
should prove victory; and ii such reinfureements
are to join the army after il has fairly entered the
Mexican territory, they must move forward with
all the organization of regular army; not rush into |
the field pel-mell, as may be done with impunity
within our own borders. At present, we are nearer
to orr own resources than the Moxicans are to
theirs; but every days march into the enemys
country will reverse this advantage.
"But it is time to bring this article to a close We
are embarked in war which we all desire should |
be terminated speedily, and as gloriousy as it
mcnced; and to produce these results we must con-
tinue to collect men and materials in such positions
rs may be most advantageous to recruit our forces
in the field, and supply our generals with the means
of maintaining their superiority, ard following up
their successes promptly and vigorously. We are
engaged in struggle with a weaker adversary and
must overcome him; but let take in doing so
TO exhibit continually and conclusivey our superb
Ority in science skill and force. We must conquer
a peace with Mexico; and let us put all our strength
to do so speedily. We ought not to count upon
their discussions means of terminating this war
The contending factions will unite their force against
US. We must not calculate upon compelling sub
mission by occupying their remote settlements and
harassing their commerce. Mexico would be less
injured by such a proceeding than the commercial
nations that traded with her, ourselves among the
number; and that government derive an advantage
from its distant possessions 1t will be hazardous
10 invade such country as we have endeavored to
describe in order to penetrate to the capital and die
tate peace there, without having foot thorough
y disciplined, well organized and perfectly appointed
army"