The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-04-14
Army Of Occupation.

III is SlaIeQ III Lne w aSHlngtOn OnlOIl
thot Gen. Taylor, in an interview with
! several influential citizens of Ma!amoras
wno were at Corpus Christi with large
number of mules for sale, took occasion
to impress on them the pacific intentions
of the Uuited States government i'll oc-
cupying the Rio Bravo; that the army
would not in any case cross that river;
unless hostillties should be commenced
by the Mexicans; that the Mexicans on
the east side of the river would not be
disturbed i'll any way by the troops; that
they will be protected in all their rights
and usages; and that every thing which
the army may require will be purchased
at fair prices.
The New Orleans Bulletin, speaking
Of the importan. movement of Gen. Tay-
lor's forces 10 the Rio Grande, thus spec
ulates:
The troops under his command, in ''a
delicate SERVICE will take up position
on the Rio Grande, near to Matamoras,
almost within sight of the Mexican for
ces, cutting off their communication with
Santiago, the port where goods destined
for Matamoras are landed. Matamoras
is fortified though not strongly, and the
garrison at present is too weak to act a
galnst Gen. Taylor. But it may easily
be strengthened by the gradual accession
Of troops from Tampico, and from the
interior, SO that in very short period OF
time the numerical force of the Mexicans
will be SO augmented as to emboIden
them to attack, should their government
feel disposed to give the signal.
The situation of General Taylor may
thus become very critical, and it would
appear that he must necessarily be pla-
ced III false pasition should no aggres-
sive action on the part of the Mexicans
take place, which would authorize him to
act himself with yigor against them. Re
ceiving no reinforcements himself. whilst
the force OF his opponents is daily and
hourly increasing, leaving to them the
choice of the moment OF attack, whilst he
is at the same time debarred from acting
forced to fold his arms and look quiet
ly on, whilst the preparations of his OPP
ponents are completing and attaining all
the perfection Of which they are suscepti-
ble-would it be prudent, would it be
proper for him TO remain i'll a situation so
exposed! Yet he cannot retreat. The
moral effect of retrograde movement
would be worse than partial defeat in
the commencement of the conflict, pro-
vided such partial defeat were occasioned
exclusively by an inequality of forces;
and we feel persuaded that no other cause
could produce such result. No doubt,
however, all the contingencies and pos
sible pcrils TO which our troops may be
exposed in consequence of the movement
were fully considered by our government
before the order was given, and we have
no apprehensions of the result. So far
at least, the conduct Of the controversy
with Mexico and the occupation Of Tex
as, justify confidence in the foresight of
the Administration and in the skill and
prudence of the commander OF the troops !
in that quarter. However hazardous,
therefore, the present expedition may
seem, unless it were intended for active |
operations, we think no doubt need be |
entertained that provision has been made |
for whatever exigencies may arise
Bait. Amer.