Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
From The Matamoras Flag, March 2.


Our town has been thrown into the most intense
excitement by the reports constantly reaching here
relative TO the perlouS situation of Gen. TAYLOR
division OF the army. They are so vague and con
fused that we hardly know how to commence an
abstract even. That 4 battle has been fought, nc
one here can doubt for moment, but how il has
resulted, what dangers mpend on the line of the
RIo Grandc, IS enveloped in the most perplexng
uncertainty. We give, however, what seems "a
be the hest authenticated statement received here
from the scat of hostiiities.
Cen. Taylor, while at Aqua Nueva, % miles
from Satillo, with 5000 men, was attacked on the
I'D ult by a Mexican force Of 5000 Findino
that he could not maintain his position, he made
good his retreat to Saltllo, covering his wagon
train. Here severe engagement took place in the
streets, in which the MeXicans suffered heavy
loss. After destroying what Of the public stores he
could not transport, he continued his retrogade
movement on Monterey until he reached the Rina-
conda pass, where he again attacked. but sue
cesslulIy defended himself Here all the rumors.
reports and letters leave him.
Once in Monterey, and he would be safe, but his
ability to accomplish this much altogether pro
blematlca, the Mexicans were swarming in
every direction. A merchant in Camargo, under
date OF 10Th ult., writes TO his friend in this place
'Ihree expresses to-day from Monterey; fighting
in Saltillo; Marin in Mexican possession large
train of wagons, l26, and $50 private mules taken
McCuIloch's company taken 5000 cavalry this
side the mountains, and things in general turned
upside down."-trOm another source we learn that
Col Morgan had abandoned Cerralvo DESTROYED
all property he could not take with him: that
courier from Monterey reported, at Camargo, 1860
MeXIcans between the two places. and that 5000
more were in the neighborhood of Victoria
This much we Gull from the mass of reports be-
fore us, without vOuching for its correctness The
destination of several boats have been changed
within the last few days on reaching this place. and
one (the Troy held in reserve at Camargo TO CON
vey dispatches. All the wagon trains for other
places have been stopped here and every one is on
the gu rirc.
We have strong confidence in Old lack, and be-
ileye II almost impossible to whip him. but should
harm befal his division Of the army, the consequen-
ces to those who have left him with such slender
will be terrible We will suffer all the
tortues Of doubtful suspense until we hear some
thing form our little army that can be relied upon
Capt Ilcnre, who recently effected his escape
in so gallant manner from the Mexcans. has ar
rived at Aatanoras, on his way to his home in
Texas
Six Companies of the Virginia Regiment have
passed through MatanOras and gone up to Camarpo.
They VIII see service sooner than they anticpa-
ted, but no sooner than they desire. Col. Ham
iramck leaves this city today on The Telegraph TO
DIN this battalion Of his command. The other six
n P"h''' VI wv are now AT sea on thCiT
way TO the seat Of war.
Many outIages and murders continue 20 be per |
'ctraied IN the vicinity Of Matamoras. The body !
If man. name unknown, apparently an American.
vas lately found short distance below Fort Brown,
The fragment Of lasso was around his neck. and .
ne had nine knife wounds in his body
A young Mexican was arrested on the ID inst
supposed TO have been a spy He endeavorcd TO
'scape, was fred at, and killed. As he had preyi
'usly borne good character, The Flag fears he was
InIustly suspected