The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-03

thusiasm of the Mexicans. But by the terms OF the
caplulation3so FAR from the ardor of her troops and
her people being dampened by the occurrences
at Monterey, their pIide and arrogance became
the more inflated. Instead OF stealing off a
vanqushed aud Inundated enemy they proudly
marched forth with drums beating, banners flying, and
arms gtterng, and receiving military honos from the
same troops which would otherwise have been harassing
their retreat and cutting them TO pieces II will thus be
seen that the retreat of Ampuda far preferable TO the
terms OF capulaton. By the former course our forces
would have been left in possession of large portion of
their arms but, what was of still more Importance,
treat would have dampened the ardor and pased the
erges OF the enemy whereas the capuaon has ncreas-
ed their enthusiasm and given them confidence in their
own prowess not before possessed Not only did per
mt the enemy TO march out under arms, but bound
own troops not TO advance upon the Mexican army for
the space of two months
Such hasty, and it is believed an impartial glance
at the captuaton at Monterey. SO far from impugning
the motives OF General Taylor in agreeing to its terms
i is expressly stated that he is believed to have been
governed by none other than patriotic intentions. As to
his bravery that requires comment The fields of
Palo Alto Resacade la Palma and Monterey scarcely yet
dry from the blood of the enemy attest too strongly in
behalf OF his noble lntrepldy TO require support from
any quarter. But that he committed an almost rrepara
bic blinde and that after three days deyng the storm
OF bullets from the guns of the enemy, he entered
INTO capulaton which rendered comparatively barren
the victory he had been instrumental in achieving,
cannot be denied There has been desire to cast I'M
necessary censure upon General Taylor but some of his
ofclous friends having charged the administration (Which
has exhausted the catalogue of military titles to heap
honors upon his headD with defeating him the vigorous
prosecution OF the war, it would necessary,
act OF JUSTICE TO have said thus much upon the subject
The letter OF Gen. Taylor to Gen Gaines, which evinces
disposition to throw every failure and unfortunate &C.
currence upon the civil government, still more impera-
lively demands this notice. So far from the adminstra-
ton having wished to throw censurc upon General
Taylor, the reverse has been the fact 1t is believed
that objectionable omission in the articles of captulaon
has never been publicly animadverted upon AllIson
IS made to the TACT that no article introduced requr
ing the Dersoan general to surrender the american prs
oners then m possession Of the enemy! Had it not been
for the courtesy of Santa Anna those Americans would
now be prisoners in the Mexican camp But surely the
fruits OF victory, dearly purchased, should not have
been thus sported away. Lamentabe is it. indeed that
General Taylor did not adhere the terms he originally de-
manded; But, IN an unfortunate moment, he gave way,
son, and In the face of Ampudas declaration, that 81
hare mate all the defence of hich consider this city ca
pGbie" he entered into an agreement with the enemy,
which, In his own language scarcely warranted
by his Instructions, and which has resulted in placing
in the army OF foe, ten thousand choice troops all
armed and equipped, in readiness to meet gallant
soldiers upon another field!
The following extract of letter is here introduced as
bearing upon this subject:
"ExEcUTIvE OFFICE,
"Austin, Texas, November %, 1916.
my DEAR GENERAL: | was surprised upon my arrival
here on the 18th instant, in the Washington Union
OF the 18th OF October the following paragraph, contained
in your despatch OF the 18th of September the aduan
general, viz:
1T will be that the terms granted the Mexican gar
rson less rigorous than those first imposed. The gal
liant defence OF the town. and the fact of change OF
in Mexico believed to be favorable to the inter
ests ofpeace induced me with the commission
ers in these TERMS which WILL hope receive the approval
of government The latter consideration also prompted the
convention for a temporary cessation of hostilites.''
From the above may. and has been inferred that the
commissioners acted without having previously had in
suctons from yoursel which, feel assured you never
intended to be understood TO say received in
uctons from you on both occasions of retiring with
the Mexican commissioners daugh the articles capt.
ilaon now beg leave TO remind You of circumstance
which took place on that aston, which never intended
to speak of publicly, until that malicious print
in Texas had not only declared that You opposed
the terms granted the Mexcans but that General Worth
satisfied with he--thus endeavoring to con.
the whole eenspre upon myself for Colonel Davis
is unknown to him, and presume he did not wish particu
lary to injure him.
less recoect that when your mssioners immediately
after first instructions, returned and reported that they
to leave the roo your officers with you Some proposition
and appeal was made to you by General Ampuda be-
their muskes sabres, and other small arms. / saw dis
position in you TO grant the boon and then reminded You
der discretion, and added that if you persisted they
would not allow You leave the city before you would be
replied that yon did wish any risk shed
any bood,hat all you desired possession
replied that satisfied the government, of would
be conented Here the conversation terminated between
us on that point
the honor g. sefss"'
'Alaior General TAYLOR"
What candid man can now find fault with a majority
Of the House of Representatives. whilst cheerully award
ing TO General Taylor, his officers and men, their thanks
for the gaantry which they have exhibited and the glory
they have for having qualified their vote of thanks so
far he concerned, by Withholding their appreciation
OF so unfortunate military bunder, that which he
mitted in asserting to the terms of the capulaton
Here we have it from the commanding generals own
mouth, that he executed an important treaty with the
envy upon terms which his instructions did not warrant
the civil government to be held answerabe for the
authorized acts of military officer! Such will not be
the verdict OF the American people and while they APP
plaud General Taylor for his herosm they will not pass
euogiums upon act, which he admits not
ed by his instructions and for permitting escape from his
grasp ten thousand armed Mexicans, the and i'm
placable enemies OF our countrymen
"The Washington Union reproves for publishing a