Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-04-01
CONFIRMATORY.

The steamer Palmetto, which arrived at New
Orleans on the evening of the l4th inst, from
Galveston the 18th, brings advlces from the Bra
EOS to The 9TH inst. The intelligence is one day
later, and as far as it goes is confirmatory of the
battle between Gen. Taylor and Santa Anna, and
the movements OF the Mexican troops into the
valley Of the Rio Grande. The news was brought
to Galveston by the schooner Mary and Elisa
beth, having LETT the Brazos on Sunday, 9TH, 4 p. NJ.
Col. Harvey and staff left on Friday the STU,
after having constructed Notifications at the Bra
EOS. From news received on Saturday, an ex-
press was despatched, to request him to disem-
BARK, but the ship had sailed. Maj Thomas ar
rived and took command on the 9th, and the Bra
EOS was declared under martial law. All citizens
were enrolled, armed, &c.
On Sunday morning, the 9TH, an express ar
rlVed from the mouth of the Rio Grandc, stating
that an armed force of the enemy were march
ing from San Fernando to attack that place, with
battery of two q Founders. They were 1900
strong, under Canales. There being not mus
kel at the mouth, guns and ammunition were
sent round on the 7th and Major Thomas accom-
panied them. Two companies of North Carroll
ma volunteers arrived on Saturday. 9th, which
caused much satisfaction at that port.
News had reached the Brazos that Gen. Tay-
Tor had made good his retreat TO Monterey, with
the loss Of SIX pieces of artillery at the Rincon-
to be overwhelming, and commanded by Santa
Anna in person. No doubt is entertained but
that Gen. Taylor can sustain himself in Monte
rey, while his supplies hold out but it is said
10 be beyond dispute that all communication with
him is now cut OIL
All the citizens of Matamoras are called upon
by the Malamoras Flag to take up arms and aid
in the common defence. They are addressed in
terms OF rebuke for their apathy in the face OF
approaching Danger All the detences possible
are being thrown up at the several towns, at the
mouth OF the river, and on the Brazos.
The enemy were said to be in considerable
force at different points about Alatamoras, & were
hourly expected IN that city. The military force
under Col Drake was entirely inadequate for the
defence of that city.
The Flag says there is an abundance of arms,
and 1t the citizens do not take them up, Colonel
Drake is advised TO give them free passage to
New Orleans, in order to get them out OF the
way. The opinion is expressed that before this
time several towns on the Rio Grande, and per-
haps Matamoras ITSELF are in the hands of the
enemy,
| The rumors are numerous and follow in rapid
succession. But little can be sta ed with GER
tainty, except that General Taylor having been
deprived Of the troops necessary to defend the
country he had taken, it will now fall back into
the hands of the enemy, at least temporarily.
Inc Alnencans residing IN Mer evacuated
the town on the approach Of the MeXcans Pre-
vious to leaving, they made surrender of their
goods to the acalde, and took a receipt therefor.
Col. Curtis was determined to make strong
defence a, Camargo. To make an opening for
the play OF his artillery on the approaches to the
town, he ordered two houses to be torn down.
The order was executed by setting fire to them.
strong wind arising, the flames were commu-
nlcated to other buildings and great many con-
sumed, principally gaeaieS Of no great value
by the annexed letter from Col. Curtis, COM
handing at Camargo, il will be seen that call
for large number OF volunteers is to be made
| for the defence OF the Rio Grande
HEAoQUARTg Rs, Cumargo, March =, l5i1
Sir: | send an officer to Headquarters, at
Washington, making requsltion on the Presi-
dent of the United States Tor fifty thousand six
months volunteers. All communication has for
several days been cut off between this place and
the army above, and see no adequate relief this
side of New Orleans. | request you, therefore,
TO call out ten thousand men Of this character Of