Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-07-08
GEN. TAYLOR AND THE BATTLE OF
BUENA VISTA.

A correspondent OF the New Orleans Bulletin
writes as follows:
Superb as the battle Of Buena Vista was in all its
details; skilful as the selection of the ground !;
devoted as Were those who laid down their lives
g" face to the enemy distinguished as was every
man who bore arms that day yet all these gories
iade In comparison with the determination Of that
cain Old man, who was called upon to decide be-
tween retreat and assured security within the
wall OF Monterey, or battle with four times the
number ne could bring into the field.
he reasoned thus: here are six thousand men
ei' 70 hold oaltllio and our positions at ngosura
win the alternative of retreat upon Monterey,
where there are provisions frsiX months Circum-
stances justify retreat. There are precedens for
II, and the order Of Gen. Scott. If the army re-
treats, the consequences are certain. 1t will be
safe IN Monterey until reintorcemens can reach it,
but before these renforcemens can arrive, the nu-
merous enemy, falling by our flank, will occupy the
Ro Grande from Camargo to the Brazos, destroy
Ing the garrsons magazines, and cutting off the
communications. The result will be most disas
trous. 1t is inevitable. If the army remains in
Its present position, there is chance of success and
supposing it happily realized, everything is saved.
but the chances are in favor of the triumph of 90
oOOmen led on by the hope that our small forces of
uhoisclpllned troops must give way in the attack
and In the expectation Of great booty
In the first case then, the consequences retreat
are certain.
In the second case, the consequences of defeat
would be no less disastrous than in the first case
but TO the latter must also be added the inmoaton
OF our army. But still it affords chance of sue
cess. We will take that chance! So deciding
Zen. Taylor quietly gave his orders, and after the
days work was done, sat down on the night Of the
list February, just seven hours before he was at
tackled by Santa Anna and wrote to his relative and
friend describing his situation, and speaking plainly
but with dignity, OF the treatment he had received
from his superiors; also of his arrangement to meet
the approaching crisis; of his confidence in his little
army Of his hopes, but not of his fears One sheet,
and the page of another, as record were thus de-
voted. The remaining pages We're given to his
private affairs, directing the management of his es-
tate, aud expressing affection for his family.
! The writer of this communication has been ho-
nored with perusal ofthat letter. He marked the
bold character in which it was written the even
lines, and the unhloted pages. giving evidence that
1t was written as calmly rs if the writer had been
seated by the firesides of his own happy home 1t
was written in simple but easy style, without effort
as one wishes to write to relatives and friends But
still it bore evidence, as all his writings do, of
clear judgment and pure thought
This excellent man, after this task was perform
ed, must give nature her rights, and seeking repose
for few hours, slept as the honest man, who
strives to he void of offence toward God and man,
alone can sleep!