Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-06-04
Latest from
L I'll E SEAT OF WAR;
Correspondence OF the Picaytne.
La BURIrA, (MExIco,) May II, '46.

the first infantry and four companies of volunteers
with one piece of artillery, is under command of
Lieut.. Col. Wilson, Of the regular army The expo
dition up this river was originally planned by the
General and Commodore to be a combined movement
of the two services Some delays arising from rouo
weather, the military part of the expedition started
alone this morning, and after marching ssme ten miles
found themselves at this village-whch is situated on
the first high and dry land above the mouth of the
river; beautiful ridge with fine bluff escarpment
There being an engineer along, it is thought that
some Notifications will be planned, and that we shall
be initiated into the art and mystery of throwing dirt
out Of a ditch The gallant little army which we
have to emulate, dug bitches and threw up enrench-
ments for whole month.
The liver is very serpentine in its course, and
about ten feet in depth. Yours A B.
PoINT ISABEL, TEXAS, May Is, 1916.
| Gentlemen Yesterday 1t. Col. Wilson, LIST u S
Infantry, with four companies of that regiment, COL
Desha's Mobile volunteers and two companies of the
Washington Regiment of Louisiana volunteers
amounting to 400 men, crossed the Rio Grande at its
mouth and took up their line of march on its west or
right bank for the small town of La Burita eight
miles above supported by the U. S. Steamer, Neva
Capt Frederick, on board of which was a small de-
tachment with field piece
The command had arrived the day previous at the
river, marching from Brazos de Santiago on the Sea
Beach, expecting TO be Joined by detachment of sail
ors and marines from the squadron dying few miles
off the entance) to assist in crossing and to cooper
ate in their movements, but were disappointed until
the Neva entered the river and relieved them from
their difficulties, she having been despatched with
supplies, by that indefagable officer of the Quarter
masters Department, MAJOR c. Thomas, who was
present with Assistant Quarter-master, Capt NJ S.
Miller at the crossing.
To day an express was received from COL W., sta
ting his safe and unoppOsed into La Burita,
where he has taken up position.
| WAS last
evening, that he intended crossing Matamoras
early 10 day. Early In the morning a few cannon
were heard. | suppose he has taken the place with
out opposition, as the remains of the Mexican army
1000 men, two days since in active preparation
for retreat to San Fernando 30 leagues south-the
balance, not killed, drowned, or prisoners, having
scattered in utter confusion their homes. Never
was an army so panic stricken.
In the retreat from the battle field of the 9h Gems
Arista and Ampudia led the foot through the
chappora stripping off their clothes they ram and
when they arrived at the river had nothing on but
their shirts, streaming in the wind-they plunged
and swan across; many of their deluded followers
sinking into that sepulchre" that Melia had prom
Used to the degenerate sons of Washington Bet
ter far the situation of the gallant Gen. D. Daz de
La Vega, now prisoner In your city, who stood
manfuy at his post, doing his duty until captured,
than fly like coward.
The regiment of Louisiana Volunteers under Col.
Walton board transports, to be landed to
morrow morning on 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, same destination, to cross
the river and march up to Matamoras.
Yours, x.
P. S. The Mexicans lost 100 drowned on their re-
treat crossing the Rio Grande most of the wounded
who were delivered up to them by General Taylor,
have since died by neglect, and want of hospital
means and supplies.
"FoRT POLK" May Is, 1916
Gentlemen Last evening the steamship Alabama
arrived off the bar, and this morning General Smith,
his staff, and the remainder Of his brave band from
your ever gallant state landed, and encamp-
ing with their comrades the plain outside; but if
we are to Judge from the custom of war in like ca
ses they will have time to get comfortably
fixed" before they will be called upon to "pull up
stakes " and stake up march,"
However, trust the patriotic spirit which prompted
their coming has prepared them for the hardshps and
privations of the campaign. These may appear to
be great by those who noviccs, no doubt most
but with the exception perhaps of shelter, (and
| see your boys brought good new tents on with
them which very Fortunately think there can be
no great cause of complaint
On the whole, with our numbers, means, and mate
riel, think the campaign is destined to be short
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 'sodgering' has vanished
already with all who have set foot in Texas.
Justice alone prompts to say that the nlateri-
Ell" of the renforcements which have reached is
such inspire less confidence than respect and
the greatest of both,
General Desha's command has taken position with
the lst Infantry Burtas Ferry, some or 10 miles
from this place II is the lowest ferry the river,
and the place where most of Arista's army crossed
previous to the battle of the 9Th inst.
Word reached us from above yesterday that the
General with the army had commenced his demon
sration upon Matamoras and was to cross the river
at some point above to operate in the whilst the
garrison of Fort Brown would attack in the front.
Twas said most all the Mexican troops had left Mat
amoras but 1000 remaining.
We should not be surprised at any moment at hear
ing a cannonade Perhaps there will be surrender
without shot being 6red-such result would not
be surprising from what has been learned
am pleased to see the notice which you take oil
the "gallant Walker" Many of his daring adven-
lures remain unknown, at least untold. The I" Gu
test" one came off during the second BATTLE when,
having his horse shot under him, he fell and fegned
all the agonies of mortal wound. and when his adj
versary came upon him to despatch him with lance,
and strip him. Walker used his revolver with effect,
Jumped on the fellows horse, and "went ahead"
Your suggestion to your liberal citizens respecting
furnishing Walker with horse, &C., to replace the
one (by the by he has lost quite number ately) lost
in his adventure communicate with the fort, IS
very credtable one but in justice to US, beg you
will make it known that no sooner had Walker re-
turned and his loss was known, than subscription
was opened by the officers and order to purchase
horse and equipments sent to your city to be pre-
scented to him.
Again. petition has been circulated and signed
by the officers headed by General Taylor, praying
the President to commission him. Again yours In