The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-21

cORRE SIP ENcE
WAR DEPARTMENT AND GEN. TAYLOR.
tContnued)
This despatch intercepted by the enemyl
o., WAR DEPARTMENT WAsHIRoroN, Sept. ?. 1916.
Silt intended to make descent the gulf coast
Of Mexico the season shall have so far ad
vanced as to render safe in regard the health of
troops.
Our attention turned to Tampco as one Of the placss
for the attack II may be important to take that place
and hold possession OF and the surrounding country
information not so full and accurate as we desrs in
relation to the interior OF the country in the vicinity of
TamPico yet is such as induces US to believe that this
will be an important position to be occupied to facilitate
the future prosecution Of the The possession OF the
northern provinceso Mexico far south San Luis dc
fotos undoubtedly an important object with reference
to bringing the war to successful termination. The
difficulties you will encounter in pushing your forces
than any other San Luis de Potos is stated to be from
one hundred and fifty to hundred and eighty miles
these two some alege to Be- the case While
is questioned by othersit will be highly
country from that point in the direction Of san luis 'd dc
Potos with considerable force This matter under
consideration and will receive the attention deserves
adopted for movement on this point that you should
furnish the hore at the earliest period with
your opinion Of the progress you will be able to make on
your present line Of operations When you shall have
arrived at Monterey, you will be enabled to determine
important that should know whether you can reach
San Luis de rotos and your opinion this point par
ticularly desired The administration extent
aware Of the obstacles you will have to encounter OF
the difficulties OF sustaining so long line of commun
Snd Of ne to G force which will
raj points will enable you to form much more accurate
opinions.
Tampco of penetrating the enemys country from that
point of the amount and kind Of force to be assigned
that service, desired
II is not intended to weaken the force Of your advanc
ing column by any movements on tho coast It is sup
posed that fifteen hundred or two thousand will be
sufficient number OF troops to take and hold
of Tampco At least half of this force ought be Of
the regular army These, il is presumed be obtained
without withdrawing any OF that description offorce
with you.
The amount Of the volunteer force required for this
purpose be taken from the Rio Grande it presu.
ed, without too much weakening that line.
As you are in situation to obtain more full and
information in relation to all the matters touched on
in this communication, it is dssirable-ndeed quite i'm.
portant-that the Illustration should have your
views upon Them II unnecessary to assure you that
they will have an important influence upon its determ
nations
lam, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Secretary of War.
Major General u. Taylor, commanding U. s. army in
Mexico, Camargo, Mexico.
War DEPARTMENT, Washington Sept. ~, 1876
SIR-You will perceive by copy Of a despatch-here.
with conddentiaily communicated, from the Mexican
government in reply to one from our proposing to
open negotiations for terminating the existing by
peace just ard honorable to both the Next
authorities have declined to treat this time and de-
fer defntve action offer until the advice Of
Congress- to assemble on the 9th of December next
be taken.
This determination on the part Of our enemy has an
important bearing military movements, and sug
gess the prepriey of change Of policy in regard to our
dealings with the people Of the country occupied by
troops
upon the decision of that Congress The progress
OF our arms and the positions may occupy when that
body shall come together cannot fail to have effect
Its actsn in regard to our proposal negotiate Should
the campaign be successful and our troops be in posses
sion oil important departments OF the enemys country
the inducements for speedy peace will be greatly
strengthened
Il is far from being certain that our military occupation
OF the enemys country is not blessing to the nhabi
tans in the vicinity They are shielded from the bur
dens and exactons of their own authorities protected in
their persons and furnished with most profitable market
for most kinds Of their property state OF things so
favorable to their interests may induce them to wish the
The Instructions heretofore given have required you
to7 treat with great kindness the people, respect
private property and to abstain from appropriang to
tho pubic use winout purchase al air price, In some
respects this Is going Tar beyond the common require
ments Of civilized warfare An invading army has the
INCONSISTENCIES ISh 10 draw us Suppies from TIE enemy
without paying for the and require contributions for
its support may be proper, ana good policy requires
burdens Those who are friendly disposed or contribute
ana should 90 treoied win iberaiy vet the enemy may
be made to feel the weight the and thereby
interested to use their best efforts 10 bring about
state oil peace
Is also but Just that nation which is involved In
war; to obtain justice or to maintain its Just rights
should shit the burden of IT, far practicable from
itself, by throwing it upon the enemy.
upon the liberal principles OF civilized warfare either
Of hiee modes may be pursued in relation to obtaining
supplies from the enemy hrst to purchase them such
terms as the inhabitants OF the country may choose to
exact second to pay fair piice without regard to the
enhanced value resulting from the presence Of foreign
army ana third TO require them as contributions with
out paying or engaging to pay therefor.
Inc last mode Is the ordinary one, and you are in.
structed to adoptt II in that way you satisfied you
can get asundant supplies for your forces but should
you apprehend dncuty IN this respect then you will
aaoP. .he pocy OF paying the ordinary price, without
allowing 10 tho owners the advantages OF the enhance
msnt the prce resulting from thu increased demand
onoud you spprehend deficiency under thus last mode
Oh aeaiihg Win the inhabitants, you will be obliged to
suon,t 70 eI exacuohs provided by this mode GU can
supply wants on better terms than by drawing what
you may need from the United States. Should you at.
AZ.