Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-06-18

has arrived from vera CFuZ, having le1t there
on the LIST inst She touched on the 4th at |
the Brazos, Contrary to the rumors and
the general apprehensions, the New Or
leans has made prosperous voyage.
Gen. Shields is doing well, we are most
happy to hear, and was shortly expected al
Vera Cruz.
We regret to say that Maj. R. Hammond,
Paymaster u. S. A., died on board the New |
Orleans at sea on the Cd inst, on his passage
from Vera Cruz
Gen. Scott left talapa on the 23d ult. for
Puebia, at the head of large body of troops.
We have the following brief note from Mr.
Kendall of very late date, but there is an in
oterval of nearly week Immediately prior to
this note, during which we have nothing from
him. The following note is the latest intell-
gence received from Puebla:
PUEBLA, MEXICO, May %, 1847.
The division OF Gen. Twiggs entered this
city to-day, all well. There were rumors in
the morning that Gems. Bustamente and Leon
were advancing to attack Gen. Scott with an
immense force, but so far we have heard no.
thing confirming the reports Almost every
one thinks that the Americans are to have
another grand battle, but when no one can
divine
The dligencia does not run between this
and the city of Mexico, and so far l have
found it impossible TO lay hands upon any
papers.
No one as yet knows what Gen. Scott in
tentions are as regards his future movements.
yet small as his force is, many think he will
advance upon the capital. We shall know
in day or two. G. w. X.
From Capt Lauman of the Pennsylvania
volunteers, who has kindly communicated to
MS various information, we learn that the work
of fortfying Rio Frio was going on rapidly
The English courier, who arrived at Vera Cruz
the night before the New Orleans left, states
positively there were 10000 Mexicans enga-
ged in the work Other accounts reduce the
number 10 ~ 900, but on this subject the ex-
PLANTATION, we take it, is that any number of
men can be raised TO defend the city-that
there is scarcely limit to the hosts that can
be concentrated, if the means of feeding them
can be procured But that these hordes are
cipline, we have no faith. Theirs very num-
bers will prove an encuTnbrance when the day
Of trial comes.
Although it is not mentioned positively, we
presume that Cen Scott reached Pnebla on
the goth ult. Captain Lauman estimates the
total of effective men whom Gen. S. could
muster at Puebla at 1900 men at the farthest.
This is of course Independent of the recruits
which have arrived IN such numbers lately al
Very Cruz.
We have before given the composition Of
the garrison left at Jalapa under COL ChiIds
AT Perote five companies of the 1st Pennsyl-
vania Regiment have been left, with some dra-
goons and artilery-about $50 in all.
The steamship Telegraph arrived at Vera
Cruz the morning of the 1st inst. with Gen
Cadwallader and portion of his command
There were three companies of infantry and
two of Dragons at Gen. Twiggs old camping
ground near Vera Cruz, awaiting Gen Cad
wallader's arrival. They would proceed uE
with him at once.
The Mexican guerrilla parties have laid
waste all the ranches on the road up, anc
driven off all Mexican proprietors disposed tc
be peaceable. The road is not deemed SAFE
for travellers unless under very considerable
escort.
o Special Correspondence OF the Picayune.
VERA Cruz, MAY %, 1847.
Gentemen-after several days of anxiet,
and suspense, occasioned by the capture O
the diligence by a band OF guerrillas, and tn
well known dangerous state of the road an
other train has arrived at last from Ja'apa
bringing us news from the army and the e
vents that have occurred on the road during
the last six days, the most important of whicl
is the murder of Col. Sewers and seven out 0
his escort of eight dragons, and Lieut.. Nc
Donald, of the Rife Regiment.
Col. S. arrived here about week ago wit
odespaches from Washington to Gen. Scott
He left this city last Saturday for Jalapa, an
was murdered three miles beyond the Nation
al Bridge. From all appearances, the part
must have been in ambush very near the roaC
and by a well directed volIey brought them t
the ground at once, without giving them tn
slightest opportunity for resistance. Thus
is again that dispatches, probably of no littl
importance, have fallen into the hands of tn
enemy, and perhaps may be used to good pu
pose against us. The bodies of three of I'll
party were found near the road, partially COY
cred with sand, and the others had been drag
ged into the chaparral. One American hor.
was found shot near the place where the pa
ty was assasslnated.
A gentleman from the city of Mexico, WI
was one of the American prisoners capture
by Urea between Camargo and Montere,
came down with the train, having been libe
ated by the English Minister, he having CLAIM
ed British protection. He reports all the !
mercan officers that were prisoners on parol
A wagon master by the name of Parker al
throp, both captured on the road from Cana
go to Monterey, and who were supposed
have been killed, were in prison in Mexico.
The diligence, the capture OF which h;
caused so much excitement, it appears, WI
robbed on its way from this place to Jalap
1t is said that no one was injured, but that Il
vehicle was partially destroyed and plunder
of everything it contained.
Gen. Shields was doing well and may
expected here on his way home in the cour
of ten days.
Strong suspicious were entertained at jail
pa of an attempt to retake the place, but CT
Chids is always wide awake for any thing
that kind, and will do them up brown if t
attempt is made.
Some Mexicans also came down yesterd;
from Jalapa. having been robbed on the ro
of everything they had of value; but t
highwaymen showed their generosity a.
kindness to the unfortunates afterwards,
returning them twenty-five cents each to p;
their expenses TO this place.
The force of the rancheros, robbers, &c. 1
the road, is estimated at 500 men, disposed
as follows 300 men near the road and 100
each side of it, ranging at sufficient distan
to prevent small parties from taking the b
paths.
Gen. Scott left Jalapa for PuebIa on t
23d inst, at the head of about 5000 men.
cannot hear of any later news than WI
has been forwarded to you, from Gen. Wortl
column at Puebia.
The train which came down was escort