The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1846-05-29
CASTLE OF SAN JUAN DE uLuA.

LAS LIB Ut SAN u An DE tLU a.
The New York Courier gives the fol-
lowing facts, in order that an opinion may
be formed as TO The probable result Of an
assault upon Vera Cruz. Certainly moth.
ing can be done until a much larger force
is concentrated there than is al present, in
the vicinity.
"The fortress of San Juan de Ulul would
resist q very heavy attack-one cerninly
much more serious than that Of the French,
TO which il yielded few years since, the
French squadron then consisted Of three
large frlgates and four bomb vessels, the
former anchored but little over poinl.bank
distance from the eastern face OF the cas-.
tie, and the bomb vessels bat little further.
There were mortars in the castle, but none
in use, and not more than seventeen guns
could be brought TO bear on 4 single ship,
and, on the whole squadron, only twenty.
six, some Of which were carronades.
"Of the French vessels, the Cyclops
bad two mortars, and 10 two hours she
threw one hundred and eighty shells. The
others did their share. One Of the bombs
lodged in the magazine, which was blown
up, and about two hundred mon destroyed
After six hours fighting, the Mexcans
yielded. Since tina, time the fortress has
been thoroughly repaired, a new water
battery has been added thirty two and
forty.two Founders have been mounted in
place Of the twelvcs and eigh,cens from
twelve 10 twenty heavy mortars have been
introduced, with several Paixhan eight
inch guns, and every thing is in the very
best condition 10 resist an attack.
90
From the National Intelgencer, May -
The following is the latest Of the series
Of letters from General Tayl which we're
communicated to Congress on Monday last
in connexion with the PIesident's Mesa ge
on the subject Of our relations with Mexi.
co. IL contains, we believe, the latest Of
fetal intelligence from our army on the
Rio Grande
HeADauARrEas ARMY or OccupATloS,
CAMP NEAR MATAMoRAs (Texas,) April &c.
SIR: have respectfully to report tina,
General Arista arrived in Matamoras on
the oath instant, and assumed the chlei
command Of the Mexican troops. On the
same day he addressed me communica
ton, conveyed in courteous terms, but say.
ing that he considered hostilties cornmen
ced, and should prosecute them. A trans
laiion Of his note and copy of my reply vii
be transmitted the moment they can be
prepared. | dispatch this by an express
which is now waiting.
regret TO report that party Of dra,
goons sent out by me on the oath instant
to walch The course Of the river above on
TINS bank, became engaged with a very
large force OF the enemy, and, after n short
affair, 10 which some sixteen we're killed
and wounded, appear 10 have been sur.
rounded and compelled to surrender. Not
one Of the party has returned. excep, a
wounded man sen; IN this morning by the
Mexican commander, so that / cannot re.
port with confidence the particulars Of the
engagement or the fate of the officers, ex
cept that Captain Ilardee was known to be
prisoner and unhuu. Capt. ThorEtor
and Lieuienants Mason and Kane were The
other officers. The party was sixty three
strong.
Hostiiities may now be considered as
commenced, and | have this day deemed
IL necessary TO call upon the Governor Of
Texas for four regiments Of Volunteers
two 10 be mounled and two TO serve as foot.