The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-03-22
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camp near Monterey, November IL, lS47

Oilclal IL. y. GARNEfT, LII anu A "A u
HEApouARrER ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camp near Monterey, November ~, ls47
SIR: The communication of the Secretary OF War OF
October 90 with its enclosures by the hands OF MAJOR
McIane, was received this morning You WIN nave
seen BY my orders and my despatch OF the eth what
have been taken to conclude the anIshce anu
to occupy Saltllo Being advised by special express
from Niatamoros of Major McLane's approach, had
postponed my intended departure this day Tor Salho
until his arrival AS deem stll important TO occupy
that position for to be explained below, shall
march thither Tomorrow, according to my hrs men
ton On my return-say by the goth INSTANT shall
probably be able to inform the department more iuiy on
certain important points connected with our operations
but now avail myself OF the return OF MAJOR Mciane
to Washington to briefly my views on some OF the
topics embraced in the Secretarys communication.
Without active operations towards San Luis Potosi
from this quarter, still deem the occupation OF SatIo
important for three reasons:
First As necessary outpost OF the main force at
Monterey covering it does the important dee which
leads from the low country to the table land, and also
the route to Moncova.
Secondly As controlling region from which we may
expect considerable supplies OF breadstuts and cattle,
viz: the fertile country around Paras; and thirdly, as
the capital of Coahuila which renders very important
in political point of view have already represented
TO the department the difficulties to be encountered in
forward movement upon San Luis, and the amount OF
force which would be necessary to insure success Those
reasons only apply the country beyond Saltllo con
slider the occupation of that point as necessary compll-
men to our operations, and to the policy OF holding
defensive line the Sierra Madre, and trust the depart
As already reported Brgadier General Wool is now at
Monclova having found practicable route to Chihua
hua, save the well known but very crcuItous one by
Parras fully agree with the department that COM
mensurae benefit is likely to result from the march on
chihuahua of Gen Woo's column and shall accordingly
direct him to suspend his movement that direction The
occupation of Sato in force renders it still less
sary that Chihuahua should be occupied. l cannot YET
determine specifically what disposition to make of Gen
Wools column. Meanwhile have directed HIM to re-
main in his present position until further orders
In regard to the expedition against Vera cruz after
good deal of reflection upon the subject feel bound to
express my conviction that 1000 men will be force
quite too small for the purpose contemplated. In my
despatch of October Is, | stated $4,000 troops, Of
which 900 be regulars the least force that should
make descent in that quarter with the view OF march
ing the capital. now consider that SIMPLY to invest
and take Vera Cruz and OF course hold the poslton we
should have 10000 troops, of which 1000, if possible
should be regulars IS qae andD and ' tb
town but could they sustain themselves until the castle
OF San Juan de Uoa should be reduced by famine The
country lying between Vera Cruz and the CITY OF Mexico
is populous, and at least one portion lPueba under
stood to be very loyal Would not force be brought
against us before the castle could be reduced sufficient
" strong to endanger safety cut off should be
from succori When TO these considerations we add the
uncertainty of weather during the winter season. render
ing communications with the fleet liable to INTERRUPT
ton think it will be that the force should be large
enough only to land and invest the town. but also 10
hold itself against any attack from the interior
and for such purpose consider men quite small
a force should be ventured.
force of 10000 cannot be spared from the occu-
patton of the line of the Sierra Madre 1000 may be
diverted from that object; and if to these 5000 fresh
troops from the United States added at the proper
tme the expedition might be undertaken with promise
of | propose, therefore, 10 proceed with the
preparation for movement on Tampico, and after &C
complshing everything that is to be done In that quarter
will, if the department approve, hold 1000 men, OF
which, perhaps 1900 regulars, ready to embark at some
point the coast and effect junction with the ad
ditiona force from the States. The movement towards
Tampico will not produce any delay if my views are
adopted and consider quite important to occupy Vic
ora and the lower portion Of Tamaupas, after securing
properly the line to be held in this quarter.
| conceive it all important, having in view the Mex
lean character that little should be left to accident
possible, and that should be CAREFUL far as human
foresight can provide, to avoid the smallest liability tc
| disaster decent upon hostile coast, VIGOROUSLY
dangerous, and in ncemen season OF the year. is an
operation requiring the most careful preparations and ey
act and possessing under the most favorable
circumstances, more or less elements of failure: II
the part of prudence, therefore, to take sufficient
force to meet any contingency that may arise
| Being pressed for tme have given my views briefly
and perhaps somewhat crudey the most important
points presented in the despatch OF the Secretary There
other topics which will probably claim my attention
but which must be passed over. would only sug
gest that the event OF expedition to Vera Cruz the
heavy ordnance engineers stores &c should be shipped
| direct from the north The additional force from the
Atlantic seaboard might embark, say by the 10th OF
! January.
am sir, very respectfully your obsdept servant,
Major General U. s. army Commanding
The ADJurANT GENERAL of the army, Washington, d. c.
HEADou ARTERs ARMY OF OccupATroN
Camp near Monterey Nov. "a, 1916
SIR reported briefly from Satllo, on the 10th inst
the occupation of that city by our troops. duplicate OF
that report is transmitted herewith seize the first OPP
portuny after my return from that place. to report more
in detail the circumstances of its occupation and also to
refer to the position of Brig Gen Wool and the orders
which have given to that officer
While in route to Salto on the 4th inst, met
BY white flag conveying despatch from Gen Santa
Anna in reply 10 the notice given him of the cessation of
the armistce Copies of these letters, and of my final
ply, are forwarded by this mail.
On approaching the city OF Saho, messenger placed
my hands document, herewith enclosed, protesting,
in the name of the State of Coahua, against the occupa-
ton of the city The individual signing the protest had
been elected governor the day previous and left the city
the morning Of the day which took possession.
The troops of Gen Worth's division Immediately
quarered in the town, and arrangements made be-
fore left for procuring supply of breadstu and forage
at reasonable rates.
reconnaissance was also made of the country some
twenty five miles in front, and projected to be
rich hacienda about IS miles from Saltio. left
squadron OF the I'd Dragons, TO under General
Worhs orders until relieved by other cavalry, proposing
to assign Lieut. kearnys company lst Dragons and a
squadron two of the Kentucky horse to his division
they be brought forward shall also rein
force him by volunteer force, probably brigade.
The division at Saltllo the direct route from
San Luis Potos The other route would be covered BY
force at Parras, which would at the same time control
the abundant supplies to be drawn from the nelghboring
countryside richest of the north of Mexico. Brig Gen
Wool being in position at Monclova, and il being
hua, it desired, have ordered him to move
on Parras The State of Coahula will then be COM
pleely occupied and covered, and in active opera
lions towards the interior should hereafter be determined