davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
8 ) 4 e = Il q q
From Havana and vera Cruz,

An arrived at New Orleans from Ha-
vana, brings news from Vera Cruz 10 the
24th Of February. Great preparations
were making to oppose the attack which
was daily expected from the American
squadron. A reinforcement of 1000
Mexican troops was hourly expeetedto ar
rive from Puebla. The Mexican papers
represent that the Commander in Chief is
very anxious for the commencement of
the attack, being confident that, with the
forces under his command, and the rein
forcements expected, he would be able to
give the besiegers hard battle. Irforma.
ton had been received there, that the A.
merican troops and number Of vessels
intended to engage in the attack, were at
the Island Of Lobos, awaiting the issue Of a
proposal on the part Of the government Of
the United States, in order to commence
the attack in case Of its rejection. =
It was reported in Vera Cruz that a
most fatal disease had made its appearance
among the crews Of our vessels; but very
little credence is given to this rumor.
A motion had been made for the remoy.
al of the Mexican Congress. on the 18th
of March, TO Celoya. 1t was generally
believed that this motion would prevail.
The authorities of Vera Cruz, in an,ic-
ipasioa of the bombardment, had called
upon the inhabitants, requesting them to
leave the city and remove to the interior.
1t was expected that there would soon
be some hard fighting at the castle of San
Juan de Ulloa.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
The President to Mr.. Benton.

f" ASHlNCTON, Mdfcn y. lS4I.
SIR-I have given TO your letter of the
7th inst, the consideration which its mpor.
lance demands In rendering to you the
appointment Of, Major General in the army,
| earnestly desired that the country should
have the advantage OF your conceded abili
ty and military knowledge, your intimate
acquaintance with The Mexican character.
and your Familiarity with their language and
poliucal condition.
lmme dIateiy after your nomination as Ma
jor General had been unanimously confirm
ed by The Senate. ! carefully examined the
question whether possessed the power to
designate you-a junior Major General
10 the chief command of the army in the
field The result Of This examination is,
am constrained TO say settled conviction
IN my mind that such power has mol been
conferred upon me by the existing laws
am fully sensible of the exal ed patriot
ism which could alone have induced You 10
make the personal sacrifices to which You
would be subjected in assuming even the
chief command Of the army in Mexico; ans
duly appreciate the reasons you have as
signed. and which may, fear, prevent you
from accepting your appointment as Major
General. IL, on further reflection, such
should be your decision, shall learn i, with
deep regret.
am. sir, with high consideration, very
respectfully, your obedient servant.
JAMES X. POKL.
To Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Benton. Wash
ington.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

Genera Cass, in his place in the L. S. Senate.
opposed the Wlmot Proviso that Slavery shall
never be introduced into the territory which
may be acquired from Mexico by means of the
S3,oO0,oGO appropriation, on the following
grounds, viz.
LIST. The present is no proper time for the in
PRODUCTION into the country and into CONGRESS
of an exciting topic, tending to divide US, when
our united eXertlons are necessary to prosecute
the existing war.
I'd. 1t Will be quite in season to provide for
the government of territory, not acquired from
foreign countries, after we shall have obtained
it.
3D.. The proviso can only apply to British
and Mexican territories, as there are on others
coterminous to us. Its phraseology would reach
either, though its application is pointed to Mex
leo. 1t seems to me, that to express SO much
confluence IN the successful result of this war.
as to legislate at this time, if not OVER this an
hcipated acquisition, at least FOR it, and to Law
down partial basis for its government would do
US no good IN the eyes Of the world, and would
irritate still more the Mexican people.
4th. Legislation would now be wholly nope
rative; because no territory hereafter to be ac-
CURED can be governed without an act of Con-
gress providing for its government. And such
an act on its passage would open the whole sub
]ect, and would leave the Congress called upon
to pass it, free to exercise its own discretion en-
tirely uncontrolled by any declaration found on
the statute book.
9th. There is great reason to think that the
adoption OF the proyso would, in all probability,
bring the war to an untimely issue, by the effect
it would have on future operations.
9th. Its passage would certainly prevent the
acquisition of territory, thus defeating measure
called for by vast majority of the American
people, and defeating t,too, by the very act pur-
porting to establish partial basis for its govern
ment.
7th. The progress of public opinion upon the
question of the adoption of this proviso, as the
circumstances Of the country have become more
and more difficult, seems to me to indicate very
clearly that, since its introduction at the past
session of Congress, convictien has been gaining
ground, that the present is no time for the agta-
ton of this subject, and as the foreign war be-
comes more embarrassing, in greater degree
than many anticipated, it is best to avoid do
nestle dispute, which would raise bitter uues-
tons at home, and add confidence to the motives
for resistance abroad.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
f,he El,Ciioa.


rrhe official returns of the vote in this county
have not vet been received; but from unofficial
returns received from several Of the townships,
appears that the cont est between Mr. Lee, the
.,cmocratc, and McCrory, the whig candidate
for county Fund Commissioner. IL very ciosc
and tho result uncertain, There is small i:ias
jority, perhaps twenty, against Judge Mason and
in favor Of Harlan, the Rcyd. Stump orator and
independent. secret circular, caucus federal
candidate for Superintendent Of Public insssec.
,ion--,hat same promising youth who was I'M
ported from the state Of Indiana within nine
months, which Stale he doubtless left to shun the
oyerpowering weight Of political honors that
were about to be forced upon him by the people
there who. according TO his own account, were
fully bert, If he remained, on sending him to
Congress within FIVE years from the memorable
ira in which he escaped from the walls Of col
lese, bid adieu 10 ALMA MATER, and made his
advent into the world.
In one Of the strongest democratic precincts,
having democratic mojority of at least twenty,
from some cause altogether inccmprehcnsible to
us, no election was held.
So far as we have heard, the vote was exceed
ing light. Many democrats remained from the
polls, while the most desperate efforts were
made by the feds to bring out their whole
strength This circumstance, together with the
diabolcal wholesale lies circulated in all direc-
lions BY leading members Of the church, and the
sectional prejudice invoked to aid them, has CIV
en- the wings temporary advantage over u.s.
A comparison of the poll books shows a fall
ing OF Of some sixty votes in Iowa City town.
ship alone, since last election. This township
gave Harlan IA, and McCrory 10 majority,
while Mr.. Carleton received 115 majority over
his .sindependent'' wing competitor. We are
heartily ashamed Of the result. For the first
and only time since our residence here. Iowa
City and the Capital county have disgraced
themselves. A full exposure Of the revolving,
dabolical appliances resorted to by our oppo-
nents, may be expected next week.
We have also, at the proper time, few words
to say TO such democrats as have permitted them
selves 10 be duped--LITERALLY DUPED-into
the support Of federalism There are, we are
happy to say, but few such. How do they like
the company in which they are found? Let them.
in the calm moments Of their leisure, reflect up
on this subject; and if they do not become asham-
ed Of the part which they have been induced to
bear, by playing into the hands Of their political
enemies, then we will concede that they have
done right.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
SANTA Annals ACCOUNT

The following is the statement of Santa
Anna with regard to the battle. Few will
be able TO read il without smlliag. 1t is We,
ry well tha, he left old lack 'rerrifed' be
fore he returned" 10 Aqua Nneva!
CAMP near Buena Vista, Feb %. az.
Excellent Sir--Aster two DAYS Of battle.
in which the enemy, with force Of S 10
5000 men, and &c pieces of artillery, LOST
five of his positions, three pieces of artillery
and two flags, have determined TO 60 back
to Aqua Nueva to provide myself with pro-
visions, not having single biscuit or a
grain of rice left. Thanks 10 the position
occupied by the enemy, he has not been
completely beaten, but be left on the field
about 1900 dead. Both armies have been
cut to pieces, but the trophies of war will
give you an idea on which side has been the
advantage. We ave struggled with hun.
ger and thirst during forty hours, and if we
can provide ourselves with provisions. we
will go again TO charge the enemy. The
soldiers under my command have done thei,
duty. and covered the honor of the Mexi
can nation with glory. The enemy has seen
,ha, neither his advantageous positions, MOI
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
HOW 1T WAS FOUGHT

The following letter. SAYS the .p,cayun. +,
was received at Malamoras, by a MEXICAN
merchan, Of that place, from, a Mexican Of
SaitIllo. 1t was dated on the 6 h March
AID gives the only account of the manner
IN which the battle Of Buena Vista w,s
sough'. tia, has been received
al O'Clock on the 90 uIt , the harle
commenced at Buena Vista. five miles fran
Sai'iilo. The light opened with ar,ller,
ana a destructive cannonide was KEEP, optn
until sunset. No decided advantage was
Obtained BY either slde-lhe loss on both
being very great. ......s
''Oa the :23d, at 10 o'clock, III. bau's was
again renewed and KEEP. up without inter
mission uni! half past in the aflern ION
Both armies were closely engaged DUNG
the whole lime. Gen Woo, advanced with
a strong detachment against the Mpxlc,,
lrmy, but was driven back with imm.us.
loss. The Mexican cavalry charged GA hnn
wnh drawn swords. aud did great ,xecu,up
AS Wool Tell back, Gen Taylor advanced
with fresh troops and replied Tie .Nericaus
~ith great slaughter rh's chang decided
me battle, which was no, AGAIN renewed -
The number killed and wounded was very
great on both sid.s
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
A LOCKER ON.
Pr0mptings of n Gu lty Consci.
ence.

ence.
Il solemnly believe that if the people Of
the United States knew the manner in
which the government is conducted, if
they could all be assembled here in the city
Of Washington in twenty -four hours, they
would excite a revolution, and tumble the
President, TIL heads Of departments, both
houses Of Congress, wings and democrats.
head over heels into the Potomac! and l
believe they would serve them right too"
The above is an extract from the speech
Of Mr.. Westcott, "Possum'' U. S. Sena.
tor from Florida. 1t is but an instance Of
the promptings Of guilty conscience, i'm.
pelling public servant who has been
tampering with the rights Of the people
and the honor Of the country, to make an
open confession Of his guilt and shame
No men know better the force and appli-
cation Of the expression made use of BY
Senator Westcolt in the same come ction,
than Calhoun, Butler, Westcott, Yulee,
and the wing Senator'S with whom they
have acted on some of the most important
questions of the day, to wit; that the peo-
pie edo not know one twentieth part ofthe
corruption-the freuient, reeking corrup-
ton ofthis government" They, aud they
alone, have a practical knowledge of its
application. But as guilt, like misery,
loves company, Mr.. Westcott strove 10
create the impression that the ''feculent
corruption" Of which he speaks, is univer-
sal in the several departments of govern.
ment, and not confined to himself and his
recreant associates ofthe Senate.
When criminal voluntarily comes forth
upon the stand as witness, his testimony,
as respects others, must be taken with
many grains Of allowance; but SO far as
his statements criminatc himself and his
immediate associates, they must be taken
as true. Senator Westcott spoke fee'inely
Of his own deserts, and the deserts Of those
with whom he was then acting, when he
said: I soiemn'y believe that if the people
could all be assembled here in f,ceaiy four
hours, they wouid tumble both houses Of
Congress, uhigs and democrats. hend ouer
heels into the Potomcc I" And in regard
to Calhoun, Westcott, & Co. which las,
branch Of the firm comprises every whiy
Senator-he pronounced righteous SEN
tence when he said, II bcliere then uould
scrrc them right too!'
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
Later from the BRACES.

.Aaother Fietory. Defeat of Gen. Urea.
The ]. NJ. White arrived at St. Louis
on the morning Of the Goth ult., bringing
the following heart cheering intelligence
from the army. We take our extracts
from The New Orleans Commercial Times,
extra, Of Wednesday, March 4,E:
The schooner Emma Norton arrived
from Brazos Santiago, having left Oh the
l4th inst. We have not yet received any
letters, but learn verbally from the pas.
sengers, that Gen. Urea, who had thrown
himself between Monterey and Camarso,
has been defeated by Col. Curtis, and driy-
en- off with great loss. aaH
The following is the account furnished
us by passenger:
Gen. Urea, with 5000 cavalry, was
between Camargo and Monterey, ON the
18th inst, and Col. Cnrlis, with Tic Oliu
regiment that was stationed at Camarco at
the time, marched out to meet and attack
them. The fight lasted for several hours,
and Col Curtis, having been met by SUI
perior numbers, Urea managed to sur
round him, and the Colonel was on the
point Of surrendering, as his retreat 10
Camargo was cut off, when he was encour-
aged by the timely assistance of CYL.
Drake. who commenced sharp fire Oh the
enemy's rear. As soon as tie firing was
heard by Col. Curtis, he made desperate
charge, and effected a junction with Col.
Drake, which enabled them to effect a &c.
cisive victory. Urea retrea,ed precp-
lately, and the line of communication Oh
the Rio Grande is now entirely reopen
ed.
1t is reported that Gen. Taylor had
reached Monterey, and was on his way 10
Camargo, with a force sufficient TO open
the communication between the tw points;
bu, this is mere rumor.
Mr.. Macready was never popular viii
stock actors. He annoyed them exceed
ingly at rehearsal BY giving every man
his particular place on tho stage, so that
in the picture presented he should be the
centre. This actor must stand here, that
oStoi tiiCIC--lt " dS HIS Will VII ohe VI
the nights Of his last engagement in NO"
when he was to play Hemlet, he W"
very particular at rehearsal in the DISPOSE
ton of characte rs at the fall Of the curtain
He had selected the mos, commanding
place on the stage, well down to the lights
and declared that there he intended to die.
1t so happened, that as the fatal moment
was approaching, just after Hamlet had
stabbed the king, his majesty took it into
his head TO die on the spot selected BY the
phiiosophic Dane. The poison was burn
ing in Hamlet's veins, he was in the
agonies Of death, but still he found timet0
say soto voce to his step-fa,her, "back,
back-Im going to die there" The blood
Of outraged royalty was up, and the STAB,
bed monarch replied, "I'm king, and III
die where d-n plea.e-pick out q
place for YOURSELF" and Hemlet was COM
PEELED to let his soul oM farther up The
stage.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

DAGuERREoTYPING THE MooN.--A Da-
guerreotypist in New York has, by means of an
accurate and costly lens, manufactured in
France, expressly to his order, succeeded in
getting Photographic representation of the
moon, which, OH being subjected to the action Of
apowerful microscope, it is said has disclosed
the most astonishing and beautiful phenomena
in relation to that planet. A full account of tho
experiments is promised as soon as they have
been completed.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

u Official notification Of the LORDS
Commissioners Of her Majesty's Treasury
has been sent to Messrs. Elihu BurlU'
and others at New York, that they will
be prepared "to pay the freight ofany pro-
visions or clothing which benevolent per-
sons in the U. States may send to lre!ano'
or to The distressed districts in Scotland
on proof being afforded that the articles
were purchased from the produce OF pr
vatc subscriptions, and have beea appF0'
pr:ated to charitable objects"
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
Federal T.orytsy,a.

Let every man read The following ex-
tract from an article in the Louisville
Journal, the leading federal organin Ken
lucky. This is an appropriate tim. for
every true American to reflect upon the
tendency Of such rank tory sentiments,
promulgated through the press Of that par
" which has assumed the name Of Whig :"
and Democratic Wing" and which arro-
gates TO itself all the decency, all the tall
ent, and oil the patriotism Of the country.
Comment npon the article is unnecessary,
except TO remark. in passing, that the blue
light tory sentiments uttered below, are
in strict keeping with those expressed and
acted upor by the leaders, (not the mas
SEES, Of the wing party in Iowa, as well
as in every other state in the Union.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
Board Of Iu,crnal Improvement.

This Board which was last winter created by
law, is to consist of President, Secretary and
Treasurer, and 1t is made their special duty to
supervise the sale of the lands donated for the
improvement Of the Desmoines river, and to
prosecute said Improvement according to law.
The wings and Possums ofthe General Assem-
bly, for long time stood out against the election
of these important officers by the people Of the
State, arrogatng to themselves the sole power of
appointing men to fill the Offices which they
themselves were about to create. They posi-
lively dcclared-perhaps we might with as
much propriety say they swoRE-that unless the
democrats Of the Senate would abandon their
principles and let the wing and possum demo-
gogues Of the Legislature have the selection Of
these officers, instead of leaving their selection
to the people, they would defeat the bill and let
the Desmoines river 60 unimproved.
But when they found that the democrats adj
hered steadiastly to, and would not abandon
their principles, some Of the federalists became
alarmed and did not dare put their threat in exc
cuton. A few Of their number receded from
their opposition, and the bill, with this demo-
cratic feature, was at length permitted to become
a law.
The members Of the Board are to be elected
on the first Monday of August next, prior TO
which time the democracy should nominate such
ticket, TO accompany our Congressional tick
ct, as will bring to its support the united strength
OF the party throughout the State.
We notice in the Keosauqua Democrat, the
name Of Hugh J. Sample, of Jefferson county,
announced as the democratic candidate for Pres
ident, and that of Doctor Ebert, of Van Buren,
county, as Treasurer Of the Board Their an
nouncement is made esubject to the decision of
State Convention, SHOULD ONE BE HELp.''-
How the impression could have got abroad in
that part of the State, that probably no conven-
ton would be held for the nomination of TIL Sc
officers, We are at loss to know. If any other
method can be suggested whereby the entire
democratic strength of the State can be united in
support Of candidates, it will receive our
hearty approval; but until this can be done, we
shall regard it as the duty Of the Central Com
mittee to call democs ratio State Convention for
that purpose, to meet, say some time in May or
the first of June; (which will in all probability be
done SO soon as the committee can be got togeth-
er for consultation. We hope to hear from our
brethren ofthe press upoA this subject.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

Will the editor Of the Journal go over
TO Tom Corwin, or will he wait for the
mountain to come to him. Corwin be-
l;eres.t this Mexican war war agains, God;
ergo, il ought be to stopped at all hazards;
and he will voe for neither men nor none;
to carry it on. Our neighbor believes it a
war against God, and yet he pre,ends to be
fierce Tor fighting il out. Which ought 10
Yield Corwin or the editor Of the Jour
nal?- Louisville Democrat.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
Mr.. Benton 10 the President
WAsHiNGroN. Marc

WAsHNGroN. March 9, lS47.
SIR-Your le,le- Of this days da'e is jus,
received: and seeing no reason for further
reflection, and wishing TO avoid all delay in
differing the army, have written note TO
the Adju,anl General. 10 be delivered at his
office in the morning, declining to accept The
appointment Of Major General in The army,
so kindly offered 10 me by you, and so hon
orably confirmed by the Senate.
| have The honor 10 be. sir, with great re-
spet, your friend and fellow citizen.
.s TEOS. II. BENTON
To the President.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

The Rev. w. H. T. Barnes deserted the
camp at New Orleans, after drawing three
months pay in advance Bait. Sun.
The Rev. gentleman, no doubt, came to
the conclusion, like our neighhor, that il
was war against God; SO he thought he
would just rob the Devil and leave
Louisville Democrat.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
Nine Cheers for Little Iowa,

The mail from Marengo, just in, brings the
cheering intelligence, that Iowa county, out OF
only forty-six votes polled, has given Judge
Mason majority Of thirty-six, over the secret
circular federal candidate.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

A New Orleans newspaper contains
this advertisement: "For sale, an exec,
lent young horse: would suit any tu l1."
lady or gentleman ,riM long silreF '0"'
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07
THE BATTLE OF THE TWENTY
SECOND

I
The following IS fro,a a later err, rs ill.,
N. y. licaynne. brought by the J NJ Whns.
Taylor has been reinforced since Inc ~ ~,
tie BY Col Morgan and his rpgimen,-o;v ua,,
him as macy as he has lost, saw 7O0-anS
also with Cap. Prentiss' battery. i, no, b,v
ing. as before stalled, met with a defea, =,
capture. "
! hear nothing Of Col May. seas-ass.
odd Rough AMI Ready has escap, 4
without scratch.
wounded. 'e' VI
The Riconada Pass between Mon,s,.,
and Sal,Illo has been KEEP, constantly Omen
aud the credit belongs 10 Gen. Tom NJ
shall, Of Kentucky. A1'''
The Adju,ant General Of The Mex,.,
army taken prisoner. ",o, "~""
Santa Anna commanded in oerson
This Express comes from Ma;or Ru,,h.
at Monterey. and was nine DAYS from ,h,,
place TO Camargo. All Gen TayIor,s ax
presses have been Gu, off, excpp, the one
bringing the Intelligence to d ul.r ms -
the l7.n day since he heard from Gen ~
ior
The battle was fought a, Ranchero Gallo,
'Buena VISTA SIX miles irom SalIllo"a
perfec. PLAIN.
Santa Anna retired in order. s-e. ,..
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

MEXICAN LOSS 1000 AMERI.
CAN 7OOl

a Bloody Bathe-.9mericm Ealor 7fi.
umphant SANTA .Anna's .Army Cut in
pieces by Gen. 7oylor-Loss Of Coils.
Yell, Mckee, Hardin, Clay, &C., SC.
Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-04-07

the troken nature Of the ground, ncr ,1a
rigor o. the season. Qcr il has been rauin.
during the ac,ion,) could proven, the ,err,
BILE charge with lie bayonets, which l.f,
him Terrified. 'e"