Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-02-11
From the Army.


BY the arrival of the brig Georgiana, at New
Orleans, from Tampico, which place she left on the
4th ult., we have from points of the
theatre of war.
/ Col. KINNEY, who has proved himself since the
commencement Of the TO be invaluable, from the
variety OF his information, and daring and adventur-
Gus spirit, reached Tampico the 18th nst straight
from Victoria. He with the first column of
troops under General Quitman in the advance on that
city, which they entered the 9th inst. The Next
cans seemed inclined to dispute the ground with Gen.
Quitman, only retreating the latter advanced, for
the last forty or fifty miles, toward Victoria, and
finally, only leaving that place in the rear, the
American force entered it in front. In consequence
OF there being no cavalry with Gen. Qutman's COL
umn, the enemy could not be pursued COL Kinney
left Gen. Taylor at Monte Morales, accompanying
the vanguard of Gen. Qutman in the advance on
Victoria. From hence, confding in his knowledge
OF the language and manners of the Mexcans, Col.
H. left Victoria for Tampico almost alone, and in
three days performed the almost incredible Journey of
two hundred and fifty miles, running the gauntlet as
1t were, through country studded with the enemys
partIzan followers, armed rancheros and others of
similar description. At Soto Ia Marina he fell in
with Company of sixty rancheros but all dis
mayed, he proceeded to the Acalde, and summoned
him TO prepare for the reception of Gen. Taylor who
had sent him forward to collect supplies The ran
cheros dispersed in CONSERVATION while he pursued
| his way unmpeded. At the racho of La Crox
twenty Mexican dragons under Sanchez were sta
toned here he passed the night and in the morning
moved of, effectuay deceiviDg the enemy. On his
route was stationed Ramano Falcon and his band
this is the individual charged with the murder of the
lamented Col. Cross-but Col. X. by courage ariice
and iron constitution able to elude this free
booter and all his followers.
| SALTILLo.- Generals Butler, Wool and Worth
were still at Saltillo the 1st inst; their united
forces rather than under six thousand troops
Small parties OF Mexican soldiers occasionally
seen in the vicinity but supposed TO be detach-
ments OF force amounting in all to one thousand
| five hundred two thousand men, who occupy the
desert country between San Luis and Saltillo, and
who have orders to destroy the water tank in the
event of an onward movement of the American army
| to Santa Annals head quarters. These the con-
lectures of men who have considerable means of
knowing how affairs progress among the enemy.
There are many, however, who suppose that the
sonal appearance of these soldiers indicates some
thing of more active character on the part of the
Mexican General.
TULA.-There was, from recent accounts, rather
large Mexican force assembled at lula, principally
cavalry, under the command of Gen. Valencia; in
the neighborhOod of this place were aso Gems Urea
Romero, and Fernandez, with troops, whose number
is varlously estimated.
AMBUscADE.-CoL MAY.-Ths gallant officer, in
a reconnaissance made by order of Gen. Taylor, had
the misfortune to lose eleven Dragons with their hor
ses, and seven pack mules. 1t appears that the Gene
mountains between Monte Morales and Linares, and
for this purpose sent out Col. May and eighty dra-
goons TO make the desired examination. In short,
Col May, in exploring a pass, not sufficient
10 admit two men passing abreast, had his guard,
consisting of a Lieutenant and twelve men, including
sergeant, cut off, with the exception of the commits
stoned and non-commissioned officers, by the enemy
This was done by the latters rolling in their path
quantity of stones forming kind of barrcade. The
Mexlcans then fell on them, and from their superior
numbers, as it is supposed, made easy capture.
The Lieut.. and Sergeant escaped. The Mexicans are
said to be rancheros banditt but nothing is posi-
lively known about the prisoners. Col. May, on
hearing OF the mshap, returned to the spot where the
path was encountered, but he could find no further
traces of his own men or the enemy. The ground
was found to be stained with blood in parts,
which gave rise to the belief that it had been the
scene of something like conflict.
VIcToRIA.-At the latest dates there were about
5000 men at Victoria, under the command of General
Taylor, who had with him the united divisions of
Generals Patterson, Twiggs, Quitman, and Pillow.
1t is said that Gen. Taylor will await the commands
of Gen. Scott at Victoria, before any movement is
made. The general impression at the head quarters
of Gen. Taylor IS, that the American forces will
centrate in or about Tampco, whence vigorous de-
mons:ration will be made against Vera Cruz
TAMPTco, Jan. lO.-An expedition, consisting of
hive companies OF regulars and five of the Alabama
regiment, is ordered to report for march at P. NJ
to-day 1t has been in preparation for several days.
and is destined for descent upon Tuspan. General
Shields will command in person.
The brig Foam wrecked on the bar of Tampico
during gale on the 9th ult
TAMPIco, Jan. Ill wrote you yesterday that an
expedition would leave that day for Tuspan but was
very confidently mised. The rumor for the past few
days allowed to spread that the force destined
for that place. and the Mexicans despatched couriers
carrying the intelligence. Renforcements were call
ed IN from the surrounding country, and we hear now
that there :, GOO men the qui for attack
The Government steamers commenced firing up yes
teday at noon and every preparation appeared to be
making to cross to Puebla VieJo, en- route for
Tuspan, when the commanding officer at the lines re-
ceived orders to march his towards Altamira. 1t
perfect surprise to every one, and whether any
good results from it not, Gen. Shields deserves
credit fer the ruSe.
am assured from head quarters that the object is
TO open a communication with Gen. Taylor at Veto
toria, and it is deemed expedient send the present
force to meet his advance. From 1000 to $1,000
Mexican troops are known to be between here and
there, and very possibly Gen. Shields will have an
opportunity to cope with them. But few of the regu
lars posted here have yet been in action in this
and all are DESTROYS of sharing the honors of their
companions in who have heretofore been more
fortunate. May opportunity offer-I need say no
more.
The number of men is about $50, which reduces
the force remaining there TO $780, but no attack is to
be expected this place, except by the very route
Gen. Shields has now taken; so that, although re-
duced in numbers, not weakened in strength.
TAMPIco, Jan. 12.-Orders and counter-orders. Col.
Kinney, of Corpus Christi arrived this morning with
dispatches from Gen. Taylor-he left Victoria on the
evening of the 9th ins having ridden over 200 miles
in three days. He was attended portion OF the way
by four Dragons, and came through with only two
attendants Gen. Shields received orders from Gen.
Il 4 IL