Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-08-25
From the N. o. Picayune
LETTER FROM MAJOR GAINES.
MEXICO, July %, lS47.

MENIco, July Is, lS47.
Dear Bro,her-l have been lately favored with
the perusai of letter in the Picayune, dated New
Orleans, May Ia, lS47, and signed Enreque Meta
representing himself as the aid of Cen La Vega.
and undertaking to vindicate that officer against tho
charge Ut ngrattude towards the American prison.
confined in this city.
In this letter it is stated that the Palace during
the revolution was besieged by the ssparty of the
church and its adherents, and that not ono left it for
many days who was not shot down by the populace.
That three days before the arrival of Santa Anna
the revolution being still active) they left in haste
10 meet the Americans, and the castle of Santa.
go, where the prisoners were confined, was within
the lines OF the enemy, no Intercourse could be held
with It," have rarely read so short paragraph
containing so many fasehoods. The Palace was
never besieged by the revolutionary party-their
position boing near the church called 'rho Profess
sor," some four five hundred yards distant; not
more than two or three persons were shot near it;
operations had ceased before La Vega left in haste
the castle of Santiago no more within the enc
mys lines than any other part of the city, and the
intercourse with 1t was uninterrupted being visited
believe, every day during the fight by our friends
sent several messages TO La Vega which feel
sure ne received but, whether he did or not the
damning crime ofingratitude must forever adhere
to his roton carcass with the tenacity Of Ncssuss
shirt of old. dismiss him to the torlnen,ug stings
Of an abused conscience f he has any, and the mer-
| tied contempt of his race.
Our army is still reposing at Puebla, and why it
does not advance upon the city excites the astonsh-
nent of all. That there is some good reason for
this (to me) extraordinary inactivity, fondy hope
Facts yet To be learned will demonstrate, but with
the lights have. the delay is inexplicable Had
our army marched forward directly after the battle
OF Cerro Gordo they would not have encountered an
enemy; as it is an army of 10000 men have been
concentrated here.
That we shall gain another glorious victory
should the Mexicans show fight, there is not the
slightest doubt and perhaps, after all, peace will
be more certainly ''conguered'' and more speedily
Than If there had been no delay.
| have heard nothing from home since A.'s letter
OF the 18th of March, incosed in yours of the 2it
OF the same month. | need not speak of my great
anxiety to learn something from you, but | must
bide my time. negotiation is now pending be-
tween Gen. Scott and Santa Anna for our exchange
and see TO doubt It's success. | hope
You will write to often to Vera Cruz which
will follow the army; and if never receive then,
| you will only lose your time. | have written you
so fully concerning my business that need say no
thing that subject.
Ii you have ever heard anything of Harry or my
horse Black Hawk, let me know. Harry was a
faithful servant and Black Hawk was n favorite
horse Of the majors. They were not with him a,
Encarnacion. Yours affectionately
| JOHN Z. GAINES.
| MIR. A. l.. GAINES, New Orleans