Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1846-06-03


the first high aud dry land above the mouth of the
river; beautiful ridge with fine bluff escarpment.
There being an engineer along 1t is thought that
some tortiicatons Will be planned, and that shall
be initiated into the art and mystery Of throwing dir.
out Of ditch. The gallant little army which we
have to emulate, dug bitches and threw up entrench-
ments for whole month.
The liver is very serpcntine in its course, and
about ten feet in depth. Yours, A. B.
PoINT ISABEL, TEXAS, May Is, 1916.
Gentlemen " yesterday 1t Col Wilson, 1st IT, S.
Infantry. with four companies of that regiment Col.
! Deshas Mobile volunteers and two companies of the
Washington Regiment of Louisiana volunteers
amounting to 400 men, crossed the Rio Grande at lis
mouth and took up their line of march its
right bank for the small town of La Burita, eight
miles above; supported by the u. S. Steamer, Neva,
Capt Frederick, board Of which a small de-
tachment with field piece.
The command had arrived the day previous at the
river, marching from Brazos de Santiago the Sea
Beach, expecting TO be Joined by detachment of all
and marines from the squadron lying few miles
off the entrance) to assist III crossing and to cooper
ate III their movements bat were disappointed until
the Neva entered the river and relieved them from
their difficulties she having been despatched with
supplies, by that ndefatgabe officer of the Quarter
masters Department, MAJOR &. Thomas, who was
present with Assistant Quarter-naster, Capt. N. s.
Miller, at the crossing.
To day an express was received from Col. w, sta
La
where he has taken up position.
Information was received from Gen. Taylor last
evening, that he intended crossing to Matamoras
early to day. Early in the morning few
were heard. | suppose he has taken the place with
out opposition, the remains of the Mexican army
300 men, two days since in active preparation
for retreat to San Fernando 30 leagues s)uth-;he
balance not killed, drowned, prisoners, having
scattered in utter confusion 10 their homes Never
was army panic stricken.
In the from the battle field Of the 9th, Gems.
Arista and Ampudia led the on foot through the
capporal, stripping off their clothes they ran, and
when they arrived at the river had nothing on but
their Shirts streaming in the wind-they plunged i'll
E and swan across; many of their deluded followers
sinking into that sepulchre " that Mejia had prom
ised to ''the degenerate of Washington" Bet
ter far the situation of the gallant Gen d. Daz de
, La Vega, now prisoner III your city, who stood
manfulIy at his post doing his duty until captured,
than fly like Il coward.
The regiment of Louisiana Volunteers under Col.
Walton on board transports to be landed to
morrow morning Brazos Island thence take up
their line of march, viz Sea Beach, for mouth of the
, Rio Grande. The balance of Gen. Smiths command
leave Immediately after, destination, to cross
the river and march up to Matamoras.
Yours, Y.
p. S. The Aexicans lost 100 drowned their re-
treat crossing the Rio Grande; most of the wounded
who delivered up 10 them by General Taylor,
I have since died by neglect and want Of hospital
rAoolaS aud supplies
"FoRT POLK" Nay Is, 1916
Gentlemen Last evening the steamship Alabama
arrived of the bar, and this morning General Smith,
his staff and the reminder of his brave band from
your ever gallant state, landed, and encamp-
ing with their comrades the plain outside but il
4 we 10 ludre from - the custom OF like
ses they Will have time to get comfortably
fixed y before they viii be called upon TO pull ul
stakes - and take up march,
, However, trust the patriotic spirit which prompted
their coming has prepared them for the hardhIps anC
\ privatons of the campaign. These may appear tC
be great By those who nOvccs, no dDubt mos
are: but with the exception perhaps of shelter. (and
see your boys brought good new tents witt
them which very fortunlte) think there can be
no great cause of complaint.
i On the whole, with our numbers, means, and mate
rel, think the campaign is destined TO be shor
h one and that most of the blood which will be spilled
during it, has been already and think can safely
say that the poetry of sodgerng" has vanished
already with all who have set foot in Texas.
Justice alone prompts to say that the = aalieri
e." of the reinforcemens which have reached us Il
such inspire less confidence than respect, ant
; the greatest Of both,
ID General Desha's command has taken position will
the l>t Infantry at Burtas Ferry. or 10 mile
~ from this place 1t is the lowest ferry the river
- and the place where most Of Aristas army crosses
" previous to the battle of the Sth inst
- Word reached us from above yesterday that tn
General with the army had commenced his demon
Sraton upon Matamora>, and was t. cross the rive
at point above to operate In the rear, whilst tn
ne garrison of Fort Brown would attack IN the front
Twas said most all the Mexican troops had left Mat
n anoras but 1000 remaining.
Il We should not be surprised at any moment at hear
ne inc a cannonade Perhaps there will be surrende
Sc without SHOT being fired-such result would no
I'll be surprising from what has been learned.
Sc | am pleased TO see the notice which you take c
of the gallant Walker" Many of his daring adven
gh lures remain unknown at least untold. The - Gu
re test one came off during the second battle, wher
having his horse shot under him, he fell and fe gne
all the agones of a mortal wound, and when his ad
lie versary came upon him despatch him with lance
er and strip him. Walker used his revolver with eiec
TIA Jumped on the fellows horse, and Event ahead
~ Your suggestion your liberal citizens, re>pectln
furnishing Walker with horse, &c. to replace til
(by the by, he has lost quite number latey) io
in his adventure TO communicate with the Tort, is
very creditable one but, in u;tice to us. beg yo
will make it known, that no sooner had Walker r.