American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-05-30

and so on throughout. This was the unani-
nous vote; "Defend the place to the death"
| General Arista was in thirty minutes replied
to as follows: That he had received his humane
communication but not understanding perfectly
the Spanish language, we we're doubtful if we
had understood exactly his meaning; but from
all we could understand, he had proposed that
we give him possession of this place or we
would all be put to the sword in one ho"r; if
this was the proper understanding, we would
respectfully decline the proposition, and "took
this opportunity to assure his Excellency of
our distinguished consideration" After the re-
ception of this by his "Excellency" it just
rained balls. The different mortars kept two
pair of "saddle-bags" in the air all the time,
varied only by their and Founders. But in
the midst of all the storm the Star Spangled
Banner still floats on our breast works, at the
point where they directed their strongest efforts;
and we took out our two regmental colours
and planted them on different parts of the wall.
This fire was kept up all night while their mus
kerry played on us from the rear, at the distance
of .fue hundred yards. We ordered our men
not to fire shot until they came within eighty
yards-but they did not approach. Their OBJ
ect was to exhaust US in ammunition. They
knew from deserters that it was scarce and Gen.
of fighting at long distances, but they cant stand
the cold steel.
Now for where left off on the night of the
sth; Gen. Taylor and the Mexican army were
IL miles from here-between this and Brazos.
The batteries at Matamoras and around us, and
in our fort kept up constant firing until dark,
when all ceased. We had no communication
from the General, but that he had to lick em or
die! The sound ofarms had not retrogaded but
advanced; besides there was no ringing of bells
in the city or signs of rejoicing, therefore we
Judged they had not the first cause for joliica-
ton. That night was the first sound mapping
that had been done in the fort for six nights
The next morning at daylight the enemy's bat
teries opened on us Us usual, we laying low, as
our cannon ammunition was nearly exhausted
giving them now and then "crowder" TO let
them know that the degenerate sons of Wash
ington" were not all dead yet. At o'clock
we heard Gen. Taylor open again, and from
that till A o'clock the battle ragged with fury,
and coming closer almost every shot. The
General was driving them before him in the
cha paral at the point of the bayonet. About
half a mile in our rear we saw their cavalry
retreating for the ferry, to recross the river to
Matamoras, and they were in utter confusion;
we turned one OF our Is FOUNDERS to bear on the
mass and gave them "blizzard" to help them
along.
Then you should have heard the loud huz-
zas that went up from this little spot. lsprang
upon the walls near our regimental flag and
requested silence. Every thing was as still as
death.-Says |, "three cheers, all together, for
the star spangled banner" 1t was given in
full blast; Matamoras heard the shout, and
then, and not till then every gun from the en-
envy ceased its fire.
The enemy say they had 5000 in the fight,
but from the returns of the regiments which
we have found on the field, there must have
been 1853 of them. We had 1900 engaged in
the battle, and 500 forming the reserve. All
Gen. Arista's papers and baggage have been
taken, silver plate in abundance. The loss
taken, wounded, and missingl of the enemy
amounts to about 1000; among the prisoners
were Gen. La Vega and II officers. Nine
pieces of cannon,-7 out of tho 9 were loaded;
this shows you how tight it was Gen. T. cap
tured more muskets from the enemy than we
had in the fight against them-the biggest pile
of ammunition you ever saw, 400 splendid
mules, and baggage of all kinds, enough to
load the steamer "Harney." We have lost a
bout $50 killed and wounded-4 officers killed,
wounded. Gen. t. left day before yester-
day for Brazos to bring up his mortars, which
we understand have arrived He will also or
ganise the volunteers expected. We look for
him tonight and so soon as he arrives we shall
commence operations against Matamoras, and
we will have it or faint in our traces. 1t is my
opinion that we have crippled them so by the
loss of their cannon, muskets and ammunition
that they will be forced TO retreat to Carnage
[6o miles from herc,l or Monterey, [lo8,] but
Loc al,
and preparing to give us street fight: let it be
glo-Saxon never can acknowledge the corn to
the cross of negro and Indian. Some of US
will get our pates cracked but it lie our profess
SION Nevertheless, mark what l say-unless
every thing we demand is granted, our banner
will in few days wave from the wallsof Mat
amoras.
AM