New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-04-23
Private Letter from Gen. Taylor.

The New Orleans Picayune OF the 4th publishes
large portion of q private letter addressed by
esu. Taylor to Gen z. 6. w. Butler Of the Parish
dlbervie, La 1t is mainly devoted TO a descrip-
non Of the battle of Buena Vista. We make room
ra few passages which will be read with general
interest OF his nomination TO the Presidency he
thus speaks
was aware Of the report well statements in a
sss Of the public journals that il intended by
Tain individuals bring Gen. Butler forward As the
,essor 10 Mr.. Polk, which gave me no concern, and
would not had II been the case which did not
credit and which had been forgotten.
usy observe that have been also named
ddste for that high Office by few newspaper editors,
which has been done without my knowledge wishes or
consent
This have assured all who have written me on the
inject; assuring them had aspirations for that
NV other civil Office that my whole energies, mental
,sd physical, and had been absorbed In such a
vsy as thought best calculated TO bring this
needy and honorable close, believing 1t for the
st,re both countries the sooner it was done the
euer-s, any rate so far ours was concerned and
a President making should be lost sight of until this
vas secomplished
After a statement Of the principal events which
Immediately preceded the battle of Buena Vista,
md describing the position he had chosen for his
amy, Gen T. thus alludes to the severe conflict of
Feb ed:
u The morning at sunrise he renewed the contest with
An overwhelming force-wth artillery, infantry and
trseoons-which lasted with very slight intermissoss
uuu dark portion of the time the contest was much
the severest have witnessed, particularly toward
he after part Of the day when he (Sania Anna) brought
I'D bis reserve and In spite OF every effort on our part
After the greatest exertioDs have ever witnessed on
both sides drove by immense superiority OF mum
bes for some distance.
He had al least Ave to one at that point against US
Fortunately, at the most critical moment two pieces
Of artillery which had ordered up to support that part
OF our line met our exhausted men retreating when
they brought into battery end opened on the
enemy then within fifty yards in hot pursuit with can
iser and grape which brought him to halt and soon
compelled him 10 fall back.
10 this tremendous contest we lost three pieces OF ar
ulery nearly All the and horses having been Killed
or crippled which put il out OF our power TO bring them
Of nor did deem 1t advisable TO attempt to regain
ITEM.
The enemy made his principal efforts against our
snks He was handsomely repulsed In every attempt
an our sht but succeeded early in the DAY IN gaming
our left consequence of the giving way OF one OF the
volunteer regiments, which could not DC IHn'eu'
With but few exceptions, the greater poruoh re-
errs about a mile 10 large rancho or farm house
where our wagons and portion OF our stores were lett
These were soon after attacked by the enemy sca'ay
Who were repulsed with some loss'
For several hours the fate OF the day was extremely
doub,ful 40 much 40 that urged by some OF the
rOa experienced officers fall back and take up new
paiuou This knew II would never 90 10 attempt win
volunteers and at once dechnea H. me e ~" x a
al deem rayiues there portions OF lever lsno from
zoe 10 four hundred yards In extent which became al
nsey points of attack and defence alter our eii was
zned by both sides.
These extended along and the base oil the noun
ain for about two miles and the struggle for them may
avery appropriately compared TO a game Oh cness
Nht put stop 10 the contest and strange 10 say ooh
rnies occupied the same positions they ala Ia tne
norning before the battle commenced. Our sruuery
"a more than wonders- -
We Law ON our arms all night as we had done the TWO
preyinus ONES without TRES there being no wood 10 pe
I'D Asd the mercury below the freezing point ready
sad expecting the contest the next morning
lot we found at daylight the enemy had reueatea duI
ng The night leaving bis killed AMI many OF MS wound
"a es 10 10 take care o-csrrylng on everything else
Nd taking up position at this place.
We did not think Ii advisable TO pursue not knowing
whether he would renew the attack continue MS re
treat or wished 10 draw US from our strong poshon
bat eonten,ed ourselves with watching his movements
sOses.
hope the greater portion of the good people OF me
oJQny will be satisfied with what have done on this
occasion hstter myself that our compelling Mexicss
army Of more thsa 900 men completely organized ana
I'd BY their Chief Magistrate To retreat with less thsn
so regulars and about 1000 volunteers VIII meet ther
sPProvsi. hsd not single company oil regular In
iasuy The whole was taken from me
he road TO the City OF Mexico from here Is now open
ana We ohly few thousand OF good regulars In
sodos 10 the volunteers TO enable us to reach that
pace What effect our late battle will have Santa
Ahns and the Mexican Congress, time must determine
sa' sincerely hope it will lead peace One thing is
eer'sin their principal army has become demolished
nd VIII be very difficult tor them to raise and equip
goiker