Mississippi Democrat., 1846-06-17
The Taking Of Matamoras.
FoRr Polk, May 23, 1916


of Matam0rus-wlhout the firing Of a
single shot. Glorious as were the days
of the 6th and oh, on the fields OF Pdlo
Alto aud Rauiaa del PdlmaS, their bright
ness is clouded by the recollection that so
many gallant spirits have fled: but now
the march of the Star of Freedom, as
westward it takes its course, was uncheck-
ed, unclouded, amid even the loud huzzas
Of the citizens Of Matamoras. Aye, still
more. when the proud flag of the Mexi.
cans, which had so long flCated over their
forts, was to give place TO the Stars and
Stripes, the hand Of the Mexican was as
eager to aid in its elevation, as it was
few moments before proffored and used
in the landing Of our troops upon their
own soil.
On the morning Of the l7th, Gen Tay-
lor demanded an interview with Gen, AM
pudia, which was granted. Ampudia ar
rived at our camp, and big talk was to
be had. question very much If the willy
Mexican had any doubt in his own mind
as to the nature of the proposed talk; at
any rates, supposing that he had, the poll.
cy pursued by our General, in taking the
utmost pains, and with an air of the Ut
most nORchalance, to point out to him all the
preparations he had made, in the shape of
mortars and eighteen. Founders, TO back
any suggestions he might make, must
have told Ampudia plainly what was 10 be
the result of their interview.
Ampudia talked Of an armistice Gen.
Taylor demanded an unconditional sur
render of the town. Ampudia wished the
armistice: Gen. Taylor told HIM that the
time for such things had passed; and that it
was no use now 10 talk about it, particular
ly since he had been put to the trouble of
transporlings those heavy pieces Of arliI-
lery. Ampudia still hesitated at length he
proposed to exclude the public buildings
and property. "No,n says the General,
81 will have every thing" Finally, Am
pudia agreed 10 return an answer by a
certain hour that day--and took his leave,
casting woelui look at the heavy mortars
as he passed them.
The hour al which the answer was TO be
given arrived, but no answer came. Gen.
Taylor Immediately ordered preparations
to be made for crossing the river; parties
were sent up and down the river, 10 Sc
cure all the boats that could be seen on Ell
ther side. That night, just after dark, the
army moved three miles up the river, and
encamped Tor the night opposite the eros
sing. Next morning every thing being rea.
dy the passage of The river was commenced
Just after sunrise and the whole army land.
ed on the opposite side without firing of Q
single gun. 1t was understood that the
Mexican army, after throwing a part o
thier ammunition and cannon into the rivel
and conceaIing another portion Of the same
had commenced their retreat about dusk
on the evening before, by way Of the mair
road towards the interior, in number from
four 10 five thousand men, Arista at thei
head.
After our troops had crossed, Adjuton
General Bliss advanced towards the mali
fort in front of the town, and sounded I
peal. The principal Alcalde made hi
appearance and formal demand was madt
for surrender OF the town, with a promlst
that all religious and civil rights shoulJ
be secured 10 them-al private property
protected. The Acalde wished to know
If the public buildings and property woul
be free. The answer was, every thin
belonging 10 The Government must be gl
ven up. The AlcalJe then said Gen
Taylor could take possession as soon as ht
thought proper, and that he would NEE
with no resistance. This was done, ou
army encamping in front OF the town.
What could be more happy than this
AS our troops approached the town, the,
we're greeted, il is said, by the loud huz
zas of the citizens The Mexican fla
was hauled down, giving place to the Star
Spangled Banner, which in momen
gracefully spread its wings and was kisse
by the same breeze that moment bctor
wooed the flag of the naughty Don.
Il A party OF Dragons and Texan Ran
gers were Immediately dispatched in pur
suit OF ArIsta, but up to the time Of closin
this, no news has reached US oil the re
suit have only a moment to say
word about the volunteers for some day
they have been arriving very fast, bu
none Of those from the States were il
Il Vine to share in the taking of Matamoros
n Coils. Walton and Marks have organized
Z and under the command of Gen. Smith
are on their way to Matamoros, ria Brazo
n Island, Boca Chica and Berrita. Col
n wilson, of the lst Infantry, with fou
Companies Of Regulars and several con
panies of Volunteers, have taken pose;
sion Of Berrita, and commenced enrcnct
H Ing,
III Il is supposed by every one here tha
m The Mcxicans will make stand at Roinc
'' but this is only conjecture. ! hav
"A not as yet had time to write out accour
IN ctIhe Battle of Rdrina del Pdlmds as prC
msed in my last; in truth have had n