The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-10-03
THE MEXICAN WAR
Extract 2t q letter from IN officer of The arm,
published in q .Nep Or[enns nnner !

CAMARGo, August &c. 1916.
"A word or two about the policy ofthe uovern
ment in prosecuting the war with Mexico. Gen
eral Taylor has been instructed TO carry on what
Is cailed a war OF reconciliation ) that is, To make
all me e,ttzehs OF Mexico our friends by paving
them a high price for everything, and not appro-
prla'ing any OF their property to our use without
remuneraiIng them thus, as we proceed into the
interior, occupying the towns on our way. it is
thought that, by pursuing this reconciliation
policy, we will gain the friendship of these peo
pie, and win them over to our cause, by TELLING
them that we are not making war upon them. but
upon the usurpers of power, their oppressors ; or,
IN a word, upon The government Of yWe1ico only,
for the injury it has done US! BY pursuinu his
reconciliation policy, it is thought that we will
greatly cripple and enfeebIe the forces of Mexi-
CO. and IN this way soon make them sue for
peace and, IN case of a retreat, that these peo-
pie VIII favor and cover usi Ii remains TO be
seen how this aOar Of reconciliation will work
for my part, what little | have seen of It's one
ratlons, | am perfectly disguised with it. and am
totally opposed to it, as being unwise, inpolitic.
and imbecile.
This policy of pursuing a ,car of reconciI,a-
non is unparalleled and unprecedented in the
history OF warfare. What do YOU suppose the
people of the United States would think, in case
England was al war with us, if it were told MS
mat England did not wish 10 make war with the
people of the United States. but with The Presi
oent and Congress only and that they would nav
us Inc highest price for everything, in order 10
facilitate the war, and make US their friends q
would 1t not be Insulting to us? Is it not insult.
ing 10 the Mexican people, then? To give Won
an ioea now this war of reconciliation is WORKING.
ihave only to tell you that this policy has turned
.he mexlcans into extortIoners, and that the Amer
lean volunteers and soldiers, with the little nit
lance OF pay which they receive from the govern.
tHpDt InF nnnnFf ora arA EokI- ..
position whenever they are forced to buy from these
%"~fetches. For instance, they charge a bit for
Jour eggs. and frequently a ~picayune a piece ;
washing two dollars per dozen and everything
else IN proportion. And strange to say. loo. these
"eacheTous devils, who, before the arrival of our
pIny' never saw a cent once in a month. are now
becoming TIch at the expense Of the poor soldiers.
pufgovernment certainly cannot know the ctarac.
"f OF these people, or il would never pursue such
course IN the prosecution of this war. The
s"ea' i"r instance. of payinga " citizen" fifty Gems
'' d melon, when three months ago he -wonld
gfaoiy have accepted three cents, or a quarter.
VI order to obtain his friendship, is ridicuIous fur
u ne should know that you had fifty cents more
~ yohr pocket, and that il could only be obtained
" cutting your throat, and a good opportunity
m2nefed' he would do il 10 a certainty. General
Taylor and the government are mistaken if thew
MINK to gain The support of this people in this
way And in case of a forced retreat on our part
'rey would be the first to massacre us for the sake
y P'unner. The TACT is, that robbing and snug.
Shng is a part of their education and they are mo
oe.'er than so many Arabs. Now, if if he the
UpJect OF our government to buy a peace. WHY. in
ne name ot God, not do so at once, and save fur
'her loss of life2 For | do assure You il could no
purchased at one half the price trhich III. ,,or
ton. ''"'''
Inc Mexican soldiers never dress in uniform
eeere' and we cannot distinguish them. of course.
rom citizens, which give them a double adyan.
age over us. They come into orr camps. SOW
oul an our movements, and keep the enemy con
HhuaIy advised of all our operations. Thus il is
.n,poSSlole TO go on any expedition, or to under
'9Ae any secret service without their knowing all
aoouI II, and taking methods to defeat Us. Tins
was poor Captain Thornton ambnscaded and
s.us' TOO, have many other expeditions fallpd
"lany have become so disgnsted with this tardv
curse OF a war Of reconciliation that they are
returning TO their homes, and il will vet he tbe
cause OF many more serviceable men leaving the
army. In Heavens name, If we are al war. and
"''ehd carrying it on, let us act like warriors, and
pursue the proper course on such occasions as ia
acknowledged by all nations-make the enenv
support US, and find US in supplies. Let them feel
s"a' we are here to fight, aud not tn conciliate.
u''eSs u come from Mem-nOt from US. Lei
t"e'n ieel that we are their enemies to the knife :;
ou' mat tor all who chuOse To- join our cause, we
ere willing TO receive them then we shnuld
ssnow who are our enemies and who are our
n,ends; or, in other words, we would be able To
ven a soldier from a citizen. But by continuing
.nls concitatory policy, we are buying no our
rnnemIes to keep them from fighting against us
nus enriching the people, and of course the gov.
ernm1ent, and actually paying the people for Der
WWt'u!ng US TO make war upon the government Of
"exico! 1.-THE United States continues the war