The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-21
From the Matamoras Flag
MONTEREY,


As the army Of occupation has commenced its ad-
vance upon the interior of Mexico, by pursuing the
Rio Grande up as high as Camargo, both by land
and water and this will be the place where per-
| manent depot will be established, and from which
the advancing army will leave the Rio Grande when
takes up It's general march upon Monterey, 1t will
naturally hold a conspicuous place in the estima-
Iion Of the American people Camargo is situated
immediately upon the banks Of the San Juan river,
three miles from its junction with the Rio Grande
IL is small, rudely constructed village, with some
few buildings, many built of mud bricks dried
in the sum- some constructed by driving stakes into
the ground, and then plastering them with
mud, and others formed of cane and plastered
in like manner. The number ofinhabitants will not
exceed two thousand; but the Mexican govern
ment has never thought her population worthy Of
enumeration, no positive statement can be made Of
the population of any Of their towns. The late ex-
traordinary rise Of the Rio Grande has caused the
San Juan to back up and literally inundate Camar-
go, to the great damage Of houses and other proper
ty; also to the sacrifice of several lives.
Camargo may be considered the head of naviga-
tion as above here the bed of the river is so filled
up with rocks that its navigation higher up has
never been attempted. The road upon leaving Ca
MARCO and crossing the San juan becomes higher and
less obstructed by swampy grounds and it then be-
comes an important inquiry what other obstacles
may present themselves in the distance between this
place and Monterey, which is 2l0 miles. The road
passes through a level country, thicky set with
small underwood, the largest timber being ebony
and the mesquite, neither Of which grow to the
height Of more than IL Is feet and IL to IA inch
es in diameter. So dense is this underground, ar
mics of 900 men each might march for half day
within mile of each other without the vicinity Of
one TO the other being known.
The literal meaning Of Monterey is the kings ipoods
but to those who have been raised in heavily tim
bered country, it would seem more appropriate to
call il a grove of brush. Ii is a common saying
with Texans who have travelled through the forest
that " it's SO id thick you can't shove a bowie.
knife into it." And what may appear somewhat
singular every bush and shrub is armed with thorns
curved in the shape of fshhooks, and the hold they
take upon the clothes and skin of travellers is not
easily shaken off the jackets Of the soldery will
testify to before they reach Monterey.
The whole distance is well watered from August
until March, plenty of wood, reasonable pasture,
many herds of cattle numerous hocks Of sheep and
goats, now and then small vlage-which all have
the appearance Of decay. Scattered along the road
are miserable huts, singularly picturesque from their
original construction, not quite equal to pen sta
bles built in the backwoods of Arkansas and Texas
for scrub ponies. Yet nature, in her mighty forma-
tons, has formed some positions on this road which,
if taken advantage of by skilful and daring enemy,
would prove a second Thermopyle to those who
might have the temerity to tread these formidable
passes. The American army will no doubt look
ahead before entering these dangerous and shady
pavilions The mazes of the labyrinth are beauti-
fully pictured out by meanderng paths and conflict
ing cross-t roads, leading to some farmers hut, some
watering place. or the willy lure Of some Mexican
bandit. 7'.'.' s-"..a.N .. ..N...
When in fifteen leagues of Monterey the village
Of Caiderete presents ITSELF enjoying the most lovely
situation standing upon perfectly level plain, sur
rounded with green groves, presenting everlasting
summer; the fields blessed with natural fertility.
The beholder Involuntary 'exclaims, Why should
q Mexican toll or labor? ... '... ...
1t is not indispensable that the army should pass
through Caidcrete, there other roads by
which Monterey can be approached, but we mem
ton this route as supplies can be obtained in Caide-
rete, and the direction is nearest straight line.
Immediately upon leaving this place you enter again
those shady, winding pavilions, and continue in
them until within sight of Monterey. Many little
streams and rivules intersect the road, and some
muddy lanes, which at times become impossible,
so that the army will be fortunate if able to proceed
in files of six deep; but, the vicinity to Mon
terey is somewhat opened, owing to the many fields,
small depression might be made to the right, and
intersect the road that comes from the mouth of ct
Canon de Salinas, it being the most open road of the
two. The creek that washes the southeast side Of
Monterey runs between these two roads, the fields
forming border on either side The road that leads
from Caiderete, when within a mile of Monterey,
has the appearance of a small village, the houses
being so numerous. Passing through this seeming
village, and arriving upon the bank of the creek,
you nave monterey IN view on the Opposite slue,
presenting a very handsome appearance. The city
is regularly laid out the Streets avenues, and squares
are shaded with numerous fruit and other trees and
the houses generally exhibiting much taste and reg
ularity in their construction. The city is well wa
tered and everything about it strikes the behoder
as grand and beautiful. passing view Of the city
would convey the idea Of large population, but
close inspection will show its large, case-lke edi-
fees, sometimes occupying whole square, shelter
ing but the members and servants Of single family;
therefore, from observation, we should not give the
city population Of more than 5000 souls, and it is
doubtful whether it is even so great.
Cast the eye beyond Monterey, and the sublime
presents itself IN lofty upreared pyramids OF ada
mantne stone, tinged with crimson red, where the
creeping vine cannot be found, and where the cedar
and pine-children Of the Alpine heights--have
never dared to rear their heads-the sides and sum-
mits Of these vast mountains presenting nothing to
view but the bare and glsening stone; but in whose
bosom lie concealed shining beds Of pure silver, and
sparkling beds Of virgin gold.
In the midway distance rises numerous table
mounds, commanding the town and all the entrances
from the northeast. Upon one OF these command
ing positions the devoted people endeavored to raise
a temple or dwelling for their bishop, but their zeal
was greater than their means, and the structure re-
mains unfinished. II THE Mexcans could Withstand
the double dealing havoc Of an American charge,
here might they plant the colors Of their unfortunate