The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-10-18

INVADING ARMY. --lhe WRITER Oh INC AOiio" 1e III
tsresting letter was killed on the 10Th September,
at the seigc of Monterey, whose youthful career,
/ thus unhappily shortened, was nearly terminated
| in the battles O. the Rio Grande where his horse
was shot from under HIM, while, in the absence
of senior officers, he was leading the 9Th regiment
of infantry, under the orders Of the gallant Col.
Belknap.
! The correspondence of the deceased, . very ac-
complished officer, has heretofore presented the
movements of the army with great perspicuity
and force, rendering his loss the more 70 be re-
gretfed, as the public will henceforth be deprived
of the benefit of his epistolay narrations, - pecu-
liarly descriptive and truthful in their representa-
tons. If he had survived the brilliant victory OF
Monterey, it is easy to anticipate what would
have been the charms of the letter he proposed
to write, and through it the world would have
been more perfectly satisfied that the command
ing General exercised as much distinguished wis
dom in agreeing to the terms of capitulaton, as
has bis military achievements given increased re-
nown to the American arms. To have reject
ed the terms of capitulation might have risked
the fate of brave army, and could not have fail
ed to have occasioned immense sacrifices on both
sides In the records of vaorous actions, there is
Monterey, where large garrison of well appoint
ed and disciplined troops were compelled to sur
render to a force scarcely half their numbers.
In the capture Of Bada]os, city OF less
size and weaker military importance, the Duke
of Wellington, with n, 900 men, in perfect arma-
ment, against 1900, remnant Of the French
army, left to sustain a forlorn station, lost, in
killed and wounded, 1900 of the pride of the Bri-
fish army. In the military circles Of Europe, the
conquest Of Monterey will be justly appreciated
as an almost unparalleled victory-through which
the officers and mon, regulars and volunteers,
have covered themselves with imperishable
glory.
If the administration are not blind-grossly in
differentto the important advantages we possess
they will not delay moment to make the most
powerful demonstrations about Tampco, that no
opportunity will be afforded to the Mexican gov
eminent to concentrate forces in the rear of our
invading army, cutting off from them the means
of subsistence, and the ability TO recruit their
strength without embarrassment. The army of
invasion is small, and the greatest care ought
therefore to be taken, that nothing should be al
lowed to occur which might in any manner retard
its movements, by weakening or impairing its
Commemorative power. We are advancing very far
in an enemy's country, amongst most treache-
rous people, from whom we have nothing to ex-
pect but deceit and assassination. We ought,
therefore, to look exclusively to our prepara-
tons, as the only sure guarantees for a success
full termination of the war
SERALvo, Mexico,
September Is, l846.
Mr. DEAR FRIEND - The army has commenced its
movement from this place upon Monterey. Gen Taylor
started this morning accompanied By the 6rst division,
under the command Of Gen Twggs the second division
the volunteers. making the third division under Gem
Butler, follow the next day
This town is situated in southwest direction from
Camargo on the Rio Grsnde, and distant seventy five
miles It 10 nearly central between Camargo and Mon
terey and selected temporary depot till the ar
RIGA and some fragments Of architecture are said
have been built by the Aztecs The buildings near
Spanish mode The people do not appear to be much in
advance Of our sem:civized Indians. They are very
suspicious Of Us, and in constant dread of the military
Camp rumors have been rife for some days, and the
speculaons on another battle have been Auctuating
We have but thousand troops and know nothing Of
the strength Of the enemy One report from Monterey
makes their army sixteen thousand ACKNOWLEDGEMENT the
pose that Gem + has the best infOrmstion and knows
best what to pursue. We have reuorted from
one mouth that the army is to thirty .Snr from
Another that five thousand Mexican troops await us at
the spot give us the first reception south OF the
Rio GIande The srmer would be an indication OF peace
the latter, of continued hostiltes
We begin to see the trouble Of moving an army in q
foreign country. We necessated to look to Next
for assistance not only in giving information Of the
country but in furnishing the OF transportation as
well as the of subsistence The policy seems to
be- bride the people by kindness They declare they
would rather have such war than the peace they have
been accustomed for army never disurbs them in
their dwellings and at the time by its wants and
demands fills theirpockets; whereas, when Mexican
force passes through town. notice is sent in advance to
have ready for them such things they may call for II
furnished the town is plundered and they never
think of paying for supplies thus furnished On the
other hand If they find individual in better crcum-
stances than others they compel him to pay tribute or
break into his premises This deters many from seeking
wealth. or ifthey possess it, compels them to conceal it.
We in sight of a beautiful range Of mountains, a
spur Of the Sierra Madre After travelling over fiat table
lands for such length Of time, the sight Of mountain
very pleasant, and il a great relief from monotony
We have the advantage of continued heath pure
mountain springs furnish clear cool water and the at
mosphere 10 pure We learn that 1t 10 sickly On the Rio
rande at Camargo Matamora both Of which places
have no roopswe may therefore esteem ourselves for
tunate in being marched the interior for now CON-
the for sickness in the country and espe
caly along large water coures The mountains are said
to be healthy the year round
Possibly may write you next from Monterey; but no
foresee the result four movement should be OBJ
structed.
Please remember me kindly TO -, and believe me,
Sincerely yours,
H. McKAvETT.