Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-04-14
YPsILANTI, WEDNESDAY APRIL IA is47


The victory of Bucna Vista.
The following extract from letter of theTopo
graphical Engineer IN the army will be read
with interest. 1t will be seen that military
science had selected the spot where, if Santa
Anna advanced from San Louis, Gen Taylor's
5000 men could be made available against his
10000.
This description given before the hattie COR
roborates Santa Annals statement in regard to
the nature of the ground, and taking into con-
sidefatioii the restitution which prevailed in
the Mexican army, we can but regard the
chances of the contest as much more equal
than the mere mention of the disparity of num-
bers would imply. Our actual loss, in men,
and especially in the fall of so many officers is
proportionably greater than the Mexican
What then will be the effect O. this battle in
producing peace! We are sorry that We can
mol say that it will conduce to this desirable
end: but certainly, we do not think 1t will. If
there exists any national enthusiasm among the
people, and the means of subsisting and equip
ing our army can be found, the battle of Buena
Vista will awake the one and bring forth the
other to the defence of the country. 1t re-
mains to be .een what is to be done next in the
prosecution of the war.
''The city [Saltilo] is not defensible, being
situated in valley which is commanded on three
sides. The true battle field for its defence in
front, is Just beyond the hacienda of San Juan
de Buena Vista, and about four miles beyond
the town. On this approach is narrow detile.
occupied by the river, on the right hand Of
which rises high bluff hill, and on the left, is
wide, deep, and almost impossible arroya.-
This pass may be completely swept by con-
yerging fire of artillery: and can be turned on
y by light infantry OH the one hand, while on
the other side of the ravine lin which a running
stream Of water) no troops can pass without ex-
posing their flanks to the artillery; within point
blank range. To occupy the whole valley,
would demand about 1000 of all arms, with
powerful batteries of field artillery and it would
probably require some 800 to hold the town,
protect the depots, and guard the passes. These
forces could defend Satillo in that direction
from overwhelming numbers and superior guns.
The true position for the defence of the city in
the rear, from the direction of Monterey is at
| Los Mucrtos, 80 miles distant. one of the stron-
pest mountain gorges have ever seen. 1t is,
in fact, the portal to the whole inferior country.
/ The MeXicans seem to have contemplated ma
| king stand at this place, after the termination
of the armistice: and had half constructed sew
eral strong works, which were calculated to
command all the approaches within reach of
their guns. Why they should have abandoned
this apparently impregnable post is still "a mar
vel and a MYSTERY unless we may venture to
suppose that the known presence ola large col
umn at Monclova. which might have taken
them In reverse, impressed them with the idea
that the forward movement of that division
would render their position untenable, and
jcopardize the safety of their army"
The following short article contains pripci-
pie of political economy too often lost sight of
in our congratulations at what seems to be real
and permanent prosperity; but which after all
is, an unhealthy excitement, destined to be fol-
lowed by corresponding depression.
Commercial Reciprocity.
Many of the northern journals appear to think
that the scarcity OF food in Europe, and the con-
sequent acquisition TO our stock Of the precious
metals in payment thereof, is permanent ma
| tional pain This is not such view OF nation
al benefit as is fou .lded on the reciprociies OF
of commerce 1t is at most a temporary al
vantage. Mutual profit Is the only true basis
of commercial intercourse. This is particularly
applicable to two countries like the U. States
i and Great Britain. The closencss OF their mer-
camille relations renders injury to the one the
cause or occasion of reaction on the other
This is more felt should such injury have its
source In a scarity Of food. Subsistence, as II
is the first want of nature. so it is the faunda-
ton of all prosperous commerce. Full grsna-
flies are the most healthy stimulants TO trade
as large expenditures for food derange its regu.
lar course, choking some of its channels and
starving others.
Thus the flow of coin to this country furnish
es more than can be profitably employed. What
is gained BY us in the increased prices of ouI
J breadstuffs is lost in the large accumulation o.
an unproductive stock of specie: while our bes
customer is straitened in his means of purchas
ing some other products of our industry, his re
!, sources being so largely absorbed in expendi
lures ON articles of subsistence.
; If react on does not This year reach those pro
n Give classes in the United States who nov
obtain large gains from this cause, it must al
feet them before their account OF profit ant
: loss is finally closed. 1t were better that thu
European demand Sor the products of our sol
were so gradual and moderate as to Weld ordi
nary gains. 1t were more conducive to con
tinned intercourse that the exchange of thu
customary equivalents should stimulate enter
prise in both parties to such intercourse, thar
that the reciprocties of commerce shonld be ex
tinquished in the gain of the one party ana TINT
loss of the other.-CssrlestOn .N'eics.
Mexican General Orders.
/ The "General Orders" issued by Santa Anni
after the battle of Baena Vista, have arrived II
| aduance of the notification of the Official Re