Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-04-03

corps Of cavalry upon which had reckoned for important ser
vice in the interior has been intercepted without authority
and where it needed and where may lose many
of its horses Had the mounted raemen been back
Jefferson Barracks they could not have been completely
lost to the present operations
81 have assurance that any einforcemens sup
plies will reach through New Orleans The advice Of Gen.
Brooke or Johnson may divert and the
most important objects of supply to Tampco under the
principle of war; that the enemy, after destroying his heavy
guns will attack place which he dared not defend.
With such proceedings on the Rio Grande and in New
Orleans be held responsible for the efficient prosecu
ton of the objects of the Government here The departure
Of Gen. Patterson from the full and precise instructions had
given him u.s. in opinion, legitimate result Of the posi-
ton of quasi independence given TO that officer by the Depart
of War; against which have protested and again pro-
test As for the interference Of Gen. Brooke, the War De-
partmen cannot doubt will give that officer the most strn
gent orders stop divert the troops supplies
that may be destined for the army under my command
"While considered competent exercise the chief
command in the field, than reasonable that
bordnate and above ALL officers serving with the army
against Mexico, should be compelled keep in their proper
places and expose hazard by mschevous meddngs
the of military operations involving the reputation OF
the army and the country
And as Immediately connected with the preceding, give
the following letter from Gen. Patterson addressed directly
to the Secretary of War; II is dated Matamoros the
| 9Th Of December;
"SR On the I'D of November had the honor to inform
you that had been apprzed of the capture of Tampco, and
of the adoptedby me for occupying and holding that
place. and that intended to go there by and my
command regret say that the general commanding the
army Mexico has disapproved Of my proceedings Here
with send copies of the letter of dsapprova and of my
am ordered to by land from this point, and
using every exeion to obtain means OF transportation and
will leave here as those be obtained.
hope march in eight days. but transportation has
been provided for officers of the quaremastes de-
parmen assigned to time to procure sufficient amount,
do consider myself responsible any degree for delay
caused by want OF It,.
The enclosures consist first, of letter from Assistant Ad
uan General Bliss dated Headquarters the 18th No
vember, as follows
"SIR Your communication of the Gath instant has Just
been received and laid before the commanding general who
directs me TO express his entire dsapprova Of your orders
pecng the Illinois regiment of foot and the Tennessee horse
He directs that the of those corps towards
ampco the manner suggested be at suspended and
then carried out only in the mode prescribed by him in pre-
vous instructions is considered by the General that one
thousand men, of which say oneha regular troops are more
than sufficient defend Tampco, and not his purpose to
devote larger force to that object The battalion under Col
iaes, or Lieut. COL Bolton, together with regiment of
volunteer infantry, directed in the instructions by Major
McCa, intended to compose the garrison Of that place.
and may even be reduced circumstances require The Ala
bama regiment having already started will be recalled al
though different arrangement proposed The Tennes
horse and the Illinois brigade will march Mata-
moos, the former regiment being Immediately recalled that
point until march, supported by column of infantry
This march will be under ORDERS and the general
desires to be informed when will that he
regulate his march accordingly.
am directed further say that the general disapproves
of your order directing Captain Hunter proceed TO New
Orleans No officer in the field except the General himself
has any right to order officer Of the country and the
General sees nothing in the to Justify departure from
regulations and usage"
The next enclosure is copy of letter from Gen. Patterson
to Major Bliss in reply the above, in the following
"MAJoR have the honor acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 18th Of November In accordance with
have oil
embarcaion of the Illinois foot until have received the
struc,ons which you say by Major Mccall, who
hope will join desire to say that have given
orders TO the Tennessee regiment of horse for
provemen in police and discipline In my letter of the Oath
of November informed you that should order the regiment
Tennessee horse to proceed directed your letter Of
9Th Of the month. am therefore somewhat at loss to
understand why the commanding general should this case
direct you 10 express TO his entire disappova of nv
proposing TO do precisely what had heen ordered by him 10
do Although think had clear right order Captain
Hunter, I'd dragons, proceed New Orleans and bring
out the horses and equipments for companies and Of
that regiment that the may be mounted and
prepared for the field and that there has been departure
from the regulations of the army yet the commanding
general dsapproves Of this STEP and as Captain Hunter is
now on the boat with me- will order him back Camagc
As have been very anxious that all proceedings in Mex
leo should merit and receive the appreciation Of the general
commanding, cannot but regret that any act of should
meet with his disapprobation.
81 have also TO acknowledge hereceipt Of from
special orders No 49, the original of which sent direct
mand, and stationed at the place. have remark that
neither sent approved any application Of Col Bakers
to TO Washington that his correspondence with head
quarters direct and did pass through the usual chan
mel. Col Bakers regiment will march with only one
field officer 1.-THE major request that hereafter
all correspondence with officers under my command be pass
ed through the usual channel This courtesy due me-
and shall expect it.
On my arrival Matamoros will ascertain the means
Of transportation, and inform you when the column under
my command will move"
The correspondence Of consequence is the annexed
letters from and to Gen. Scott
HEADQUARTERS Army,
West Point, IN W September ~, 1916.
Sin In the letter had the honor address to you the
9th Of May last requested that might be take the
immediate command Of the principal army against Mexico
either "tOday, at any better time he he Presidency may
be pleased 10 Designate"
The horse regiments Twelve months volunteers destined
for that army, being suppose within fifteen twenty
marches Of the Rio Gande and the for consecutive
operations al hand respectfully ask remind the President
of that standing request do this without any hesitation
respect 70 Mao General Taylor, having believe
my presence at the head Of the principal army the field
accordance with rank neither unexpected undescd
by tina, gallant and distinguished commander
slight return Of chs and evers may deain here with
my family long enough to receive your reply TO this
Should the President yield wishes few hours in Now
York and Philadelphia would enable make certain ar
engagements and save the necessity Of return those cities
from ashngton suppose would be easy for reach
the RIO Grande by the end Of this month.
With high respect have the honor be, sir your
obedlent servant WINFIELD SCOTT.
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