Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-04-09


Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, 7
March 18th, lS47
SIR The colors OF The United States we're
lriumphanlly planted ashore in foil view OF this
city and lis castle, and under the distant fire OF
both, in The afternoon Of the 9th instant. Brewer
Brgader Gen. Worth's brigade Of regulars led
he descent, quickly followed by the division 0!
United States volunteers under Major Gen. Pat
terson, and Brigadier Gen. Twiggs's reserve
brigade Of regulars. The three lines successive
ly landed in si1tyseven surt boats. each hoal con-
Quoted by naval officer, and fowed by sailors
from Commodore Corners squadron
lighter vessels hanked The boats 50 as 10 be ready
to protect The operation by their cross fire. The
whole army reached The shore in fine style, and
without directopposilion, (on the beach, accident,
or loss, driving The enemy from the ground 10 be
occupied.
The line of investment, according to General
Orders, No. Al, was partially taken up The same
night; but has been only completed to-day-owlng
10 the most extraordinary difficulties: !, The
environs of the city, outside OF the FIRE OF lis guns
and those Of the Castle, are broken into innumer-
able hills of loose sand, from twenty 10 two hun
dred and fifty feet in height, with almost impas.
sable forests OF chappara between; and, I'd. Ofali
our means Of land ansporIalion-wa carts,
pack-saddles, horses and mules, expected 10 Join
but fifteen carts and about one hundred drausht
horses, have yet arrived. Three hundred pack
mules are greatly needed TO relieve the troops IN
taking subsistence alone, along the line OF invest
menl OF more than FIVE miles, as al present. our
only depot is south Of the city. On the cessation
Of the present raging norlher, which almost shines
the troops with sand-sweeping away hills ana
creating new-I hope to establish second depot
norlh of the city, which will partially reievethe
left wing Of the army.
In extending the line of investment around The
city, the troops for three days, have performed
the heaviest abors 10 getting over the hills and
cutting through the intervening forests-all I'M
der The distant fire OF the city and castle-and IN
the midst Of many sharp skirmishes with the en-
envy. In these operations we have lost in killed
and wounded several valuable officers and men.
Among the killed, have 10 report Brevel Capt.
Alburis, of the United States I'd Infantry, much
distinguished 10 The Florida war, and most e1-
cellenl officer. Ele fell on The lllh inst; and
Lieut.. Col. Dickiu son, OF The South Carolina re-
giment was badly wounded in skirmish the
day before. Two privates have been killed in
these operations and four or five wounded. As
yet have not been able 10 obtain their names.
As soon as the subsistence of the troops can
be assured, and their positions are we'll establish
ed, | shall, by an organized movement, cause
each brigade Of regulars and volunteers TO send
delachmenls, with supports, 10 clea. lis 'front.' in
clndlbg sub-boufss, Of The enemys parties. SO as
10 obllge them TO conhne themselves within the
walls Of The city.
have heretofore reported that but ,wo-sevenlhs
oil the siege train aud ammunition mad reached
me. The remainder is yet unheard OF. We shall
commence landing The heavy metal as soon as the
storm subsidies, and hope that The live.seyenths
may be up IN lime.
The city being invested, would, no doubt, carly
surrender bu, for the fear that ifoccupied by US,
il would Immediately be fired upon BY The castle.
am not altogether without hope Of finding the
means OF coming 20 some compromise with Inc
city on This subject.
So far, The principal skirmishins has fallen 10
the ot oil Brgadier Generals Pillows and Quit
mans brigades. Both old and new volunteer re-
giments have conducted themselves admirably
Indeed, the whole army is full of zeal and conf
dence, and cannot fail TO acquire distinction in the
impending operations.
To Commodore Conner, the officers and sal
lors OF his squadron, the army is indebted for
great and unceasing assistance, promptly and
cheerlully rendered. Their cooperation is the
constant theme Of our gratitude and admiration.
handsome detachment OF marines, under Capt.
Edison, of that corps, landed with The first line,
and is doing duty with the army.
March l3.-Ihe enemy, at intervals, contln-
ues the fire Of heavy ordnance, # ON the city and
castle, upon our line OF investment both by day
and night, but with liule or no effect.
The norther has ceased, which has renewed
our communication with the store ships al an
Choir under Sacrihcios. We shall Immediately
commence landing The few pieces Of heavy ord
nance, with ordnance stores, al hand, and hope
soon 10 have the necessary drausht mules 10 take
them 10 their positions. Any further delay in the
arrival Of those means OF transportation will be
severely felt in our operations.
have the honor 10 remain, sir, with high res
peel, Your most obedent servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Hon. WIN. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.