The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-05
IMPORTANT WAR INTELLIGENCE.
Naval and Military Attack on Vera Cruz and
San Juan d'Ull0a.

We have the pleasure of presenting to our
readers this morning, some important informa-
ton connected with the contemplated attack on
the city OF Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan
dUlloa by the United States army and navy.
This information has been in our possession for
several days past; but inasmuch as its publication
before to-day would have had a tendency to en-
barrass the government, perhaps Illustrate to
acertain extent their plan of operations, we with
held it from the public until certain contingent
cy should have occurred that would'enabe us to
divulge it without prejudice to the public inte-
rests.
That contingency has occurred, and the sailing
of the United States line of battle ship Ohio, and
the sloop of war Decatur, from Norfolk, on the
lst instant, will make the intelligence clear to
our readers.
1t will be recollected by our readers that the
plan of operations Of the army and navy were
first published in this journal. 1t may be neces-
sary TO recapitulate them here, that the history
of the matter will be complete. Gen. Scott takes
command of the army, and will rendezvous at
the Island of Lobos. Thither the whole of the
army, with the exception of that portion left I'M
der the command of Gen. Taylor, for the purpose
of garrisoning Saltillo, Monterey, Camargo, &C.,
&c, which will be held by him, will be trans
ported from Tampico by the several vessels,
nearly hundred in number, which the
government has chartered here and in other
cities for the purpose. That island affords
an excellent harbor, and is only eight miles
distant from the main shore, and from its
abundance of water, Sc, is admirably adapted
for rendezvous. From this island the troops
will he canypved To the shoyc for This
duty that the great number OF launches were
ordered by the government. From the point Of
landing, Gen. Scott viii march Immediately to the
city of Vera Cruz, and by preconcerted ar
rangement between him and Commodore Perry,
the city Of Vera Cruz and the Castle OF San Juan
de Ulloa will be simultaneously attacked by the
army and navy.
Thus much we published on former occa-
sion.
The details Of the great programme have been
studously concealed by Gen. Scott and the i'd
minisIa,ion, as well as by all who were acquaint-
ed with them. Oar army officers received orders
rom day TO day, but tneir purpor was never
ivuged. The line ofbattle ship Ohio underwent
repairs recently, with the view, ostensibly, ofpro-
ceeding to the Pacific, and joining the bockaGing
squadron on that side Of Mexico, and sailed with
sealed orders from Hampton roads on the LIST in
slant These orders not 10 be opened until
she is into a certain latitude; but we will take
the liberty of making our readers acquainted with
their contents probably before Capt Stringham
himself will know them
This vessel has sailed ostensibly for the Pacific;
but before she will have reached there, she will
have taken part in the grand demonstration about
to be made on the enemy's strongholds. She
sailed in company with the soop-oiwar Deca-
tur, but she will not 90 in sight of Vera Cruz un-
til the morning of the day when General Scott
win attack that city The appearance of ves-
sci of her size and armament would reasonably
induce the Mexicans to suppose that attack
was contemplated Immediately, and it is to pre-
vent this suspicion that she will remain out Of
sight until the eventful time shall have arrived
The Decatur will act as an agent to convey from
the squadron there to her, and inform her OF the
proper time 10 take her place. Between General
Scott and Commodore Perry, who will relieve
Commodore Conner, signals have been arranged
that will enable Com. Conner to know the precise
day or hour that he will commence the attack
Oh the city. Commodore Perry will Immediately
communicate, by means of the Decatur, or one Of
the small steamers, to the Ohio, the commander
OF which will govern himself accordingly. The
moment that General Scott commences to attack
the city, the whole fleet will play on the castle,
for the purpose of preventing the garrison from
acting in concert with the Mexicans in Vera
Cruz. In this manner it is supposed that both
the city and the castle will be taken in a short
time.
The time appointed for this demonstration is
the 10th of this month, if Gen. Scott be ready
by that time; if not, soon after as possible At
all events, the Ohio and Decatur, which sailed on
the hrst, and the Mississippi, which will sail in a
day or two, with Commodore Perry are directed
to be IN that neighborhood by that time The
object OF secrecy has been to put Santa Anna off
his guard, and prevent him from commenting
with the troops in Vera Cruz He must remain
where he is, for fear that Gen. Taylor might ad.
vance towards San Luis.
he Castle Of San Juan d'Uloa will be for
time occupied by our troops after its capture, for
the purpose of testing the effect of the climate on
Them. II il prove unhealthy, it will probably be
iazed to the water, so that the enemy will not be