Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-05-22
FROM TIE SEAT OF WAR.

By the arrival of tho Schooner Ellen &
Clara, Captain Griffin, from the Brazos St.
Jago, we have accounts from Point Isabel
to the morning of the 29th ullimo. The
news is only one day later, and of course not
very definite or satisfactory. The fact, how
ever, that no communication had been had
for three days between Point Isabel and the
Camp of Gen. Taylor, is alone sufficient to
keep anxiety on the ,ip-,oe.
We learn from Capt. Griffin, and DR.. N.
Briggs, passenges, who has been several
months with the army, that Captain Walker,
formerly Of the Texan revenue service, who
has been stationed between Point Isabel and
Gen. Taylor's camp, with body oftwenty-
'our Texan Rangers, found several of the
teams which had started from the Point for
the camp were returning, and reported that
tle Mexlcans were on the road. He started
from his camp on the 23ih with his whole
force 10 reconnoitre, and, if possible, open a
communication with Gen. TAYLOR lie had
proceeded as far as about midway between
FONT Isabel and the camp, when an over.
whclming Mexican force appeared very sud-
denly; portion of his troops were raw.
these he instructed TO keep on his right. and
|
OF a chdpardte in view.
| But his raw troops, panic stricken, scat
tered in confusion, and the Mexicans ad-
vancing in overwhelming numbers, he was
compelled to retreat. He was followed by
the Mexicans until within mile of Point
! Isabel, where he arrived with only two of
his men. Six others subsequently, came in.
Capt. Walker estimated the number Of
Mexicans he encountered at 1850, and he
supposes that at least 80 Of them fell during
the 10 minutes which he engaged them
This force is supposed to be portion of
that which had at the last accounts, crossed
the Rio Grande some 20 or % miles above
Matamoras, and which is estimated al 5000
men. 1t is believed that they had arr we'd at
the position they occupied BY taking a cir
cutOus route on the Eastern side Of General
Taylor's camp.
No communications had been had with
General Taylor al Point Isabel for three DAYS
previous TO the departure of the Ellen q.
Clara. At The las, accounts it was reported
that he had buttsn days provisions. Capt.
Walker Immediately after his arrival, gallant
~ rendered lis services TO Major Munroe,
the commander at Point Isabel, if four men
would accompany him, to make his way 10
General Tay Tor with dispatches, or die in
the attempt. His offer was accepted, and
acco rdingly he started at daylight on tho
morning of the 29lh ult.
During the nights of the 9Th and 2Sth,
the troops at Point Isabel were in conslan,
expectations Of being attacked, and DISPOSE
tons wero made accordingly. The masters
and crews of vessels 10 the harbor were cali
ed on the 2Sth, and spent the night under
arms. On that nigh 500 men we're furnish
ed with arms, Of which about so were sea-
men.
The works were as perfect as il was pos
sibe to make them under the circumstances,
and il was generally believed that should but
fifteen hundred MeNicans attack the pace,
they could be at least held a, bay until rein
torcemenls arrived. Messr,. Munroe and
Saunders, it is stated, deserve great praise
for the manner in which they have fortified
Point Isabel.
Capt. Griffin and DR.. Briggs inform Us
that the officers OF the army speak Of tho
Mcxicans, as being IN very high state Of
dlsciplne-the cavalry particularly. Be-
sides the three thousand who have crossed
the Rio Grande, it is estimated that there are
about five thousand a, Matamoras, and it is
supposed tlat the Mexican general has no,
ye, displayed his full strength, but has KEEP,
large reserve back of Matamoras.
1t is bel icved that the Mexicans have nos.
session OF an Island at the mouth of tho
Brassos, which commands the entrance. Ii
so, 1t is unprecedented that the troops by tho
New York will not be able 10 get in. The
island is laid down on some of the mans a.
"Brassos Village" It's a natural for,ifca.
ton.
small schooner. the Aurora. sailed from
Point Isabel on the 2Stb, for this port, with
dispatches. The weather has been vs,y
severe on The coast, and it is to be feared that
she has been driven ashore.-Vew Orlean,
Bulletin Extra, Hays.