Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-11-05


few days since, not as many hundreds now
remain. Az one time so confident were
Ampudia and his generals OF success, they
sent Romano with fifteen hundred or two
thousand cavalry in rear of General Taylor
to cut off his retreat. The 'redeeming
game of the Texans and regulars on the
afternoon OF the 23d--digging through and
under houses, taking inch by inch, but
never giving one-and then the close
proximity of the 24-pound mortar so sue
cessfully worked by Major Monroe and
Lieut.. Lovell--all combined TO intimidate
the Mexlcans to degree that induced
them 10 sue for terms. Shells from the
mortar fell and exploded all around the
great Cathedral /; had one entered that es-
Enlistment, filled as it was with ammuni-
ton, every house on the main Plaza would
have been riven TO fragments, and the loss
Of life would lave been fearful To spare
the shedding of so much blood, and SO ter
rible an injury OF property, were some OF
1.-THE main causes that induced Gen. Taylor
to offer the Mexican commander the terms
he did.
saw Ampudia as he left town for Sal
tillo on the morning of the 26th-rode
along in bis escort for a mile or two. The
base and lying wetch--for every page in
his black history proves him such-looked
crest-iallen, nervous, and timid to a de-
gree. He was fearful lest some of the
Texan rangers, many of whom had deep
wrongs still TO avenge, might shoot him
from the way side; and as he rode through
the encampment, situated directly on his
route, he could not conceal his fears
They allowed him to pass, however, with
out even cry or shout of exultation.
Opinions are various in camp as TO
whether the Mexicans win now offer
peace. or make stout resistance at SAL
tillo, larger portion | believe inclinging
TO the latter opinion. A Mexican who ar
rived from that place yesterday reports that
they have already commenced fortifying
II on an extensive scale; but this should
be taken merely as rumor or story of a
Mexican-the most unreliable information
conceivable. Again, great many are
disconnected al the terms given the Mexi-
cans, and think they will certainly fight
again after being let off so easily. Had
the battle continued on the Oath three
hours longer the Mexicans would I'M
doubtedly have been on their knees cry
ing aud begging for their lives. A terri
BILE carnage would have ensued had not
Ampudia sent in proposals for surrender
of the town, for his forces were huddled,
/ i'll can use such term and all this
General Taylor well knew. To carry out
the known concilatory policy of our Gov
eminent, however, appears TO have been
his alm-to spare life and property, in
accordance with his instructions, his OBJ
Iject--and this should relieve him from all
censure in the matter. For myself, having
some knowledge of Mexican character,
believe the whole policy Of our Govern
ment is, and has been wrong for years.
Shower any quantity magnanimity upon
this people and it is entirely thrown away
they neither feel nor appreciate it, An
inherent pride, which grows upon them
with every step in downward and dis
graceful career. causes them 10 look with
pretended scorn upon every offer of
generous forbearance in their adversely,
and as well might Van Amburg attempt to
conciliate his tigers and hyenas by choice
bits of meat and love pats on the head as
these people by acts of kindness. The
policy has been tried all summer, and the
effects of its workings has been shown by
rascally extortions on the part of those of
whom our Government has attempted TO
purchase provisions, and by every exer-
ton on the part Of the military TO cut our
Army in pieces when it beleaguered this
place about. But enough of this for the
present--a word or two of news, such as
have to offer.
The two Texas regiments, under Coils.
Hays and Woods, will probably return
home in the course of a week, and should
hostiiities recommence fresh regiments,
mounted on the best horses that can be
procured, will at once be raised
An express has come in, stating, that,
Gen. Wool, with $500 men, was to leave
San Antonio yesterday for Chihuahua
What 10 the name of all that is reasonable
so large force is going that direction for,
is more than can make out. That whole
section is now in the hands of the Ca
manches, as il were, and the difficulty of
moving so large number of men, when
one quarter of the force is more than is ne
cessary TO subugate any army now there
or that can be sent, looks to me as almost
insurmounrable. With not double the
number, Gen. Taylor has marched upon
one Of the strong-holes Of the country and
driven off an army complete in all its ap-
polntments-lfGen. Wool goes to Chihua.
hua with the number stated, it seems to
me that he will have no other enemies to
contend with than the worst of album
ger and suffering. hope that he will
march this way, where his services may
really be needed.
Gen. Taylor is still encamped at the
old ground, three miles from here-Gens.
Worth and Smith are in town. The main
part Of the wounded officers are doing
well. Gen. Butler is recovering, while
Coils. McClung and Mitchell are also in a
fair way. G. w. X.
MONTEREY Sept 20, o'clock, P. Nj.
An express rider has this moment arriv-
ed from Salinas, which place he left this
morning. 1t is only days ride this side
of Saltillo, and he states on the authority