The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-03-18
THE UNION.

IN l. OIN.
ply, and the valley of the San JUAN on OF the heads
OF which Monterey is situated, line OF operations.
The direct land route from this point to Monterey Is
much longer than the line from Camargo IN wet wealth
impossible for artillery heavy wagons, and IN dry,
scanly supplied with water Assuming, then, Camargo
as the depot and the valley of the San Juan the line OF
operations the question arises what amount OF supplies
can be obtained, and how column be subsised on
this route II pretty well determined that cannot
depend upon any considerable supply of breadsus short
OF Monterey, perhaps Sato, seventy five miles fur
Their south. Beet in abundance il is believed, may be
procured, and this with perhaps occasional issues OF
mutton, we must mainly depend for the meatpa OF the
ration. From Camargo TO Satllo, then, must expect
to depend upon depot Tor bread and am of opinion,
from all can learn OF the of the country III
pack mules and means of transportation generally that
column exceeding 5000 men, cannotbe maintained In
bread alone as far Salullo Salhllo itself is at no
great distance from two three fertile grain
districts, but how far the production in those districts
may exceed the supply cannot with any certainty deter
nine.
The above calculations in regard to subsistence, are
made the suggestions that shall find the people of
the country not friends at least passive and willing to
part with their produce TO the best advantages. be-
eve shall find such to be their temper this side OF
the mountains whether this neutrality Indifference
tends beyond may well be question Should they prove
hostile destroy their crops, and drive away their stock
ii will be extremely difficult matter TO sustain col
umn at Sallo-stll more to pass beyond that city.
Surprising column OF the above strength-say 5000
menabe to maintain itself at Salhllo, it will become
question, depending for its solution upon the elements
above Indicated how far that force be increased
what amount OF the IL months volunteers may be safe
iy and probably thrown forward from the rear, with
view to future operations.
From Canargo the city of Mexico a line, little il
any short OF 900 miles in length. The resources Of
the country are say the BEST superintendent and
long spaces of the route known to be deficient
Although the road, advance SOUTH approaches
both seas, yet the topography of the country, and
the consequent character OF the communications for
bids the taking up new line of supply, either
from, Tor D,,,f
(deemed improbabe) of entire acquiescence if not support
on the part OF the Mexican people, consider it imprac
cable to keep open SO long line of communication. Il
is therefore my opinion that operations from this
frontier should not look to the city of Mexico, but should
be confined cutting off the northern provinces-an
dertakng OF comparative facility and assurance of sue
cess
With the view of cutting off the northern provinces
the projected expedition from San Antonio to Chihuahua
may be OF great Importance From the best information
however which now possess, would suggest mounted
troops alone for that expedition am satisfied that the
route from that point Chihuahua, is practicable
for artillery or wagons, and infantry would rather en-
barrass the movement OF mounted expedition. Noun
tain howitzers to be packed with their carriages mules
might be advantageousy employed that service, and
indeed with the column designed 10 penetrate to Saltilo
There may be great difficulty in supplying any consdera
bic force between San Antonio and Chihuahua although
the line is not very ong-probaby not exceeding BOO
miles. hope to procure better information than any
now possess regard to this route
1t will be perceived that my remarks the line OF
operations from the Rio Grande, southwark, have been
cOnfneQ TO the question subsistence, winch certainly
the most important one to be considered. There mil
itary obstacles the particularly in the space be-
tween Monterey and Satlo, where the deile of Ella
RnconaIa" is represented to be OF great strength This
point, and perhaps Others il fortified, may give
trouble, but they be turned by light troops and
such believe be the case, they will not long impede
our march.
In regard 10 the description of troops best adapted to
operations in the interior of Mexico" am scarcely pre-
pared at this time to give deinitve reply The facility
or difficulty of obtaining forage must necessarily contro
| n cOrppp yp he ry he
Estate OF the Condo de Jarra 40 leagues from Sal
tllo there WILL understand, be difficulty obtaining
remount when necessary, and forage for the cavalry
The field artillery under my orders Qour batteries ncu
ding Washingtons) will, particularly if filled up TO the
compliment of guns, be quite sufficient for any operations
in this quarter We may have occasion for heavier guns
and have directed two Founders field guns be pro-
cured which, with the 2-pounder howitzer. in depo
at Point Isabel will constitute an efficient battery Wesha
under my original call They are now organizing unde
the governors directions at Point Isabel These six
months Should find it necessary to increase the
cavalry force, | draw certainly regiment from
San Antonio, and still leave quite enough for the exped
ton to Chihuahua.
have given my views most of the points connected
with the operations from this frontier purposely abstain
ing from any reference to movements against Tampco
Vera Cruz. The former place. am induced to believe
could have been easily taken month since and could be
so but the yellow fever would not have per
med to hold it, and deemed it best undertake nc
movement in that direction at this of the year
Should we advance far San Luis Potos which has
a mmunlcalion--though not for wheels-wh Tam
pco the possession OF the latter place would be mpor
| tant.
| | am awaiting with the utmost Impotence the arrival
OF steamboats, suited to the navigation OF this river, TO
tablish depot Camargo and throw the troops gradu
ally forward to that point The rainy season has com.
menced and the river is in the best possible cond
ton for navigation Several small boats were to leave
New Orleans about the goth of June II not wrecked ir
the recent gales, they may be hourly expected
here.
have the honor to be- respectfully General your ODE
dent servant, Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Major Gen. IT, S. A. Comd'g.
| To the ADJUTANT GENERAL of the Army,
Washington, d. C.