The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-13
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camn near Monterey Dec s lSl


Camp near Monterey, Dec. S, 1916.
SIR: As expect to march in few days for Victoria,
consider the present proper occasion to explain some
what in detail the dispositions which have been made and
which are contemplated for the occupation and defence
of this frontier With this view enclose sketch
hibiting the line from Parras to Tampco, and shown ing
how portion Of that line is naturally marked by the
chain OF the 'Sierra Aladre:'
1t will be seen at once that San Luis Poos is a posi-
ton almost equally distant from the points of this line
This would give force at San LUIS very great adj
vantage over u.s. not for the nature OF the
try and the communications the regions between San
Luis and the mountains being seantlly supplied with
water and subsistence and the road by Sato and Mon
erey being the only practicable route for artillery across
the mountains. Without artillery, the Mexican troops
al all formidable and think have but little con
dence in themselves. therefore consider the position
of Saltio and Parras OF prime importance. With an
intermediate post at Paos and the means, by a good
road of rapidly uniting, if necessary, deem the col,
umns OF Brigaler Generals Wool anl Worth quite equal
to hold that flank OF the line. shall, however, rem
force the latter general particularly cavalry, and shall
establish reserve at this place to support the advanced
positions should the movements of the enemy require IT,
Brigader General Wool is understood 10 be now at
Parras with his column-say 2,ioo strong. with SIN
guns Brigadier General Worth has his headquarters at
Saltllo-his command consisting OF some 1900 regular
troops, with eight guns. ! propose to reinforce hun by
regiments OF volunteer foot, and portion Of the
Kentucky cavalry. Lieutenant Kearney's company is
aid the regular cavalry force can assign to HIM at pres
ent.
At Monterey will be the headquarters of Major General
Butler, commanding the reserve Two companies OF ar
ery and OF the weak infantry battalions th) will
compose the garrison OF the place The troops of Gen
Buffers proper division Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky
will be al this point and in echeon the route hence
to Camargo and the mouth OF the Rio Grande except
those which may be ordered to reinforce Gen Worth
above indicated.
Tampico is now garrisoned by eight strong companies
of artillery and the Alabama regiment of volunteers say
900 electives consider this force quite sufficient to
hold the place, controlling, do, the harbor
These considerations attracted my attention to
Victoria before the surrender OF Tampico; but now
deem more than ever important for have reason TO
believe that corps OF observation is in that quarter I'M
der the orders of General Ureahayng ITS headquarters
perhaps at lula, and sending forward advanced parties
Major General Patterson has accord
ngly been instructed TO march from Maamoras on Vic
oria, with three regiments OF volunteers from his dvl
sion, being the Tennessee horse propose to move
from this point say by the 18th instant, with the regular
troops here, under Brgadier General Twiggs lex
cept those 10 be left in garrison, above) and the reg
ments of General Patterson's division under Brgader
General Quitman. AT Montemoreos, IS mules from this,
shall effect junction with Riley, who Is now there,
and incorporate with the column, the ID Tennessee regi
men under orders Tor that place With this augmented
force expect to effect junction with Major General
Patterson before Victoria
You will perceive that one effect of the arrangements
above indicated will be to throw Major General Pater
with theroops OF his appropriate division trennes
see Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georga) the
left, and near the coast while Major General Butler
with his division, occupies the line OF communication
from the Rio (Irande to Salhllo.
Intelligence received this moment from Sato, repre-
presents all quiet in 'front.' We have reports OF revou-
ton in Mexico, embracing two three States and d.
rected against General Santa Anna; but the informant on
does moi come in authentic FORM
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedlent servant
Il. TAYLOR,
Major General L. s. A. Commanding.
The ADJUTAST GENERAL OF the ARMY,
Washington, ID. c.
We are indebted to the Adutant General for copy OF
the NIatamoros Flag OF December 26h, from which we
make the following extracts;
From the American Flag Dec 26,
Movement of Troops.
General Buffers command, by recent order, extends
TO all the posts from Monterey Camargo, and from
subsequently been issued from headquarters, at Monte
rev. dated 18th December, which makes the following
disposition OF the forces at the different points the line
The second Ohio regiment at Camago to proceed witt
TO Marin and Punta Aguda; second Kentucky infantry a
Cerralvo and Mier TO Monterey Brig Gen Marshall a
Camargo 10 report Immediately at headquarters, with
seven companies Kentucky cavalry Brig Gen. Lane
with the second and third Indiana regiments for the SAINT
destination third Ohio regiment at Matamoros to relieve
second Ohio at Camargo-sending two companies L
Mler SIX companies first Indiana at the mouth, TO reev,
third ONO at Alatamoros Tour companies to remain
the mouth Lieut. Col Garland, Of the third infantry re
Gently IN command oil The brigade formed OF the third
fourth, TO be governor OF Monterey
1t will be observed, from the above that the first Indi
ana regiment, commanded by Col Drake IS ordered I,
relieve the Ohio regiment under command of Col Curtis
but the order issued under the impression that tn
Indiana regiment at the mouth of the river Will
they were in fact their march from Camargo TO Mon
erey This appears strange and only be accounte
for bv the supposton that Brig Gen Lane took the res
possibility of moving the regiment forward without or
aers from Maj Gen. Butler, This movement, we shout