Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-10-24
THE ARMISTICE.

Much is said in the public prints, pro and con-
on the SUBJECT OF tie armlstice and terms OF captu
lation which General TAYLOR granted to the Mexi
cans at Monterey. 1t is not subject on which we
eelcompeent to pronounce an opinion; but we doubt
not that when he shall communicate to the Govern
ment all his for the step, we shall find him
fully justified In the mean time the best con-
sruction should be put the conduct of officer
TO whom the country owes so much, and who is
engaged in the discharge Of duties so arduous, so
perilous, and so critical We, therefore, in Justice
to the brave old General, copy the annexed article
from highly intelligent contemporary, the Proui-
dence Journal:
here much discussion upon the terms granted 10 the
Me1cans by General Tay the equalization of Monterey
Many gallant soldiers who have service stormy pa
rade day. condemn the bealy of the captuaton and do
not hesitate what they would have done under similar
circumstances and how much better they would
ed the fruits Of victory and sustained the honor Of the Ame
arms II is certainly great pity that Of these
there and General Taylor greatly in need of
renforcements they might their country by going his
relief when they would be certain TO find employment
capacity which should be equal their Abilities if their
aspirations Even reasonable will sit down after dinner
comfortably their wine and cigars and point hun
bred in the plans and operations Of the American
General Such things remind Of the reply made by
veteran captain to the president of Office
who was dissatisfied with partial loss which the former
had sustained in violent gale. After listening much very
excellent advice from the andsman upon nautical affairs and
hearing all his objections the which had been pur
sued board the vessel the time Of the disaster the ship
master spoke cit is very pleasant and comfortable thing
Tor you TO SIT here with your feet this Lehgh fire. and
work ship off lee shore. Perhaps if you had been
deck you might have found il rather difficult
Some things should be taken for granted, and when
have displayed the courage, forude and prudence which
have distinguished Gen Taylor and his army it should he
presumed in the absence Of the full particulars that
venon agreed upon by him and approved by all his principal
officers altogether the best thing that could have been done
IT, when all the circumstances known this opinion should
not be sustained, will then be time TO reverse it, For our
own part the more reflect upon the terms Of the conve
ton the more we satisfied that they reflect the highest
DIT upon the prudence and sagacy and conduct General
Taylor showing that he is not only brave and kfu
der IN battle but that he possesses those higher qualities
which demanded in the nagement of n campaion
Gen. Taylor had marched Monterey with insufficient means
Of transportation, and with inadequate supplies at the head
Of 5000 men, Of whom he lost in killed and wounded about
500. The Mexcans still held position from which thew
could not have been driven but at equal expense of life
This would have reduced him s. 600 men Leaving be-
hind him force sufficient to garrison Monterey keep in
subsection the surrounding country and guard 900 pr-
he might have advanced upon Sao city contain
ing IL, 600 inhabitants Surprising that he should with
opposition there he would leave garrison, and being
continually compelled TO weaken himself keep up his com
muncsions, would probably find himself at the head Of two
thousand men, in the heart Of the enemys country and adj
vancng upon Santa Anna, who would I've ready him
at San Luis with 80 900 These the considerations
conceive, which induced General Taylor to content him
self with the possession Of Monterey and the public property
there The same considerations think, will deain him
at Monterey until the arrival Of renforcements and additional
means OF transportation shall enable him take the field with
the assurance Of success"