Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-06-16


orders 10 occupy the left bank OF the Rio Bravo
il was my earnest desire TO execute my inslruc-
tons in pacific manner; 10 observe The utmost
regard TOR the personal rights OF all citizens resi-
ding on The left bank OF the river, and 10 take care
that The religion and customs ofthe people should
suffer no violation With this view, aud TO quiet
the minds of the inhabitants, | issued orders 10
the army, enjoining strict observance Of the
rights and interests of all Mexicans resd
ing on the river, and caused said orders to
be translated into Spanish and circulated
10 The several towns on the Bravo. These
orders announced the spirit in which we pro-
posed 10 occupy the country, and am proud
10 say that, up 10 This moment, The same spirit
has controlled The operations of The army. On
reaching the Arroyo Colorado, was informed
by Mexican officer that The order in question
had been received at Matamoras, but was told
al The same time that il attempted to cross The
river il would be regarded as a declaration OF
war. Again, on my march lc Frontene was
met by deputation Of the civil authorities OF
Maiamoras, protesting against my occupation OF
portion the department OF Tamaulipas, and
declaring that if the army was not at once with
drawn, war would result. While this commu
nicaton was in my hands, it was discovered that
the village OF Frontone had been set on fire and
abandoned. | viewed this as 4 direct acl OF war,
and informed the deputalion that their communl-
calionwouldb be answered by me when opposite Ma
tamoras, which was done in respectful terms. On
reaching the river, dispatched an officer, high in
rank, 10 convey 10 ,he commanding general in Ma
amoras The expression OF my desire for amicable
relations, and my willingness 10 leave open 10 the
use of the citizens Of Matamoras the port OF Bra
xos Santiago until the question OF boundary
should be definitely settled. This officer received
for reply, from the officer selected to confer with
L he
sideIed as veritable act of war, and he was alb
solu,ely refused an interview with the American
consul, in itself Incompatible with a state oil
peace. Notwithstanding these repeated assuran-
ces on the part Of the Mexican authorities, and
Notwithstanding the most obviously hostile prepa
rations on the right bank OF the river accompa-
MED by rigid non-iniercourse, | carefully alb
stained from any act OF hosliliiy-determin-d lhai
the onus OF producing an actual state Of hostili-
ties should mol resi- on me. Our relations remain
ed in this slate until had The honor 10 receive
your note of the 18th instant in WATCH You de-
nounce war as the alternative OF my remaining
in this position. As | could not, under my in.
structions, recede from my position, accepted
the alternative you offered, and made all my dis
positions 10 meet il suitably. But still willing 10
adopt mi!der measures before proceeding 10 9th
ers, conIcnted myself, in The first instance. with
ordering blockade Of the mouth of the Rio Bra
vo hy the naval force under my orders-a pro-
ceedins perfectly consonant with the state Of war
so often declared 10 exist, and which you acknow-
ledge in your note Of the 10th instant relative 10
the late Colonel Cross. II this measure seem op-
pressive wish il borne in mind, tha, il has been
forced upon me hy The course you have seen fl 10
adopt. | have reported this blockade 10 my 60
vcinment and shall not remove ii until receive
instructions to that effect unless, iniecd, you de-
~: no Ena al nc
the question between the governments, or until
war shall be formally declared by either; in which
case will cheeriully open the river. In regard
10 the consequences you mention as resulting
from a refusal TO remove The blockade, beg you
10 understand that am prepared for them, be
they what they may.
In regard 10 the particular vessels referred TO
in your communication, have The honor 10 ad-
wise you that, in pursuance OF my orders, TWO
American schooners, bound to Matamoras, were
warned of on The 18th instant when near the
mouth of the river, and put 10 sea, returning pro-
badly TO New Orleans. They were not seized or
The cargoes disturbed in any way, nor have they
been in the harbar oil BraZos Santiago 10 my
knowledge A Mexican schooner, understood to
be the "Juanita," was in or OF that harhor when
my instructions TO block the river were issued,
but was driven TO sea in gale, since which time
have had no report coneei ming her. Since the
Tecclpt OIL }Oul udfC lSdiHCu
thai two persons sent 10 the mouth OF the river
to procure information respecting this vessel pro-
ceeded thence 10 Brazos Salago. when they were
taken up and detained by the officer in command,
until nv orders could be received | shall order
their immediate release. A letter from one Of
them TO The Spanish vice-consu is respectfully
transmitted herewith.
In relation 10 the two Mcxicans said TO have
been dried down The river in boat ana 10 ne
prisoners al this time in my camp nave 'hs
pleasure 10 inform you that no such persons nave
been taken prisoners, or are new detained Dy my
authority. The boa, in question was carried down
empty by the current Of the river, and drsd
ashore near one of our picleets and was secured
by the guard. Sometime afterwards an attempt
was made TO recover The boat under the cover oil
the darkness; The individuals concerned were
hailed by The guard, and failing 10 answer, were
fred Hpon as matter Of course. What became
OF them is not known, as no trace Of them could
be discovered on the following morning. The
officer OF the Mexican guard directly opposite
was informed the next day, lha! the boat would be
returned on proper application 10 me, and have
now only 10 repeat that assurance.
In conclusion | take leave to state that cohsl-
der The tone OF your communication highly ex'
&C, tonabIe where you sligmalizs the movement
Of the army under my orders as ''ma:ked with The
seal of universal Ieprotation." You must be
aware thai such language is not respectful 10 u
sell, either TO me or 10 my government: and while
I observe in my own correspondence The courle-
sy due to your high position, and to the masnl-
tude of the interests with which We are rcspec-
lively charged, shall expect the same in return.
have the honor TO be- very respectfully, your
obeden, servant, II. TAYLOR,
Breve, Brig Gen. U. s. Army, Commanding.
Senior Gen d. PEDRo DE AMPuprA,
Commanding in Matamoras.
E,,om f1c Union ri yy,dusSlov ereninr