Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-09-16
CAMP NEAR MrER. Mexico. Aug. 10. 1sA7.

CAMP NEAR MIER, Mexico, Aug. 10, 1SA7.
Dear Strs,-But little of interest has transpired
since M former communication. This morning
Brlgadier General Lane, with escort Of one conf
pany Of Ohio Dragons and company of Infantry,
under Captain Owens Of Indiana, proceeded to the
Head Quarters of General Taylor for the purpose of
reporting himself and asceralning the wishes of Gen.
Taylor In regard to the future movement of troops
arrived and arriving at this place. There Is gene
raj desire throughout the encampmcnt, embracing
both officers and men, 10 escape from the oppressive
heat OF this position and 10 be stationed at Monterey
enjoying the mountain air and drinking from the
mountain springs that abound in that delightful re-
gon. To remain at this place for two months more,
which IS as soon as change of atmosphere can be
expected, would be unnecessary exposure of the
health Of the troops uniting them for future service.
On the return of Gelera Lane which will be in ten
days, we shall ascertain destination. lnasmuch
as upon the Mexican soil, and have en-
endured much danger and fatigue in getting here.
we are anxious to remain long enough to do the
State some service" also to try the quality of our
gun hlnts and percussion caps In regular set TO -
with the Mexicans. Indeed, in view of these con-
slderatons, tie establishment of peace; an homo
rable peace, however desirable in the abstract, would
be an event very much deprecated by The lately re-
cruited regiment
ratlons of General SCOTS Army, well to the
state Of negotiations now supposed to be in progress
between Mexico and the United States in regard 20
the terms OF treaty Ut peace But little confidence,
however, Is TO be placed in any of them. At all
events the appearance of thousand bayonets
gancng IN the Sun, the dazzling brilIancy of well
appointed and highly disciplined force moving and
portable battery in ITSELF with eetie of the
" grape and canister" will operate more efecually
upon the sage deliberations of a Mexican Congress
than any other argument capable of using
AT present, however, the work of drill and discipline
goes bravely on. The men when not on drill are
on fatigue duty; clearing up the chapPeral, building
arborS In front Of their tents erecting Kitchens and
making all kinds of improvements for their comfort
during their temporary stay at this rendezvous.
They have gone far to avail themselves of
very fine sulphur spring within two hundred yards
Of the camp ground; the water holds in solution
not only salpetre, but salt, and have dug and walled
up with limestone rock a very comfortable ba h
house | have frequently bathed in it. and derived
much advantage from the use of Its waters.
Col. German is assisted In and relieved of the
discharge of much Of his most difficult duty by that
excellent officer, Lieut. Colonel Ebenezer Dumont, of
Lawrenceburgh. Col. Dumont possesses in an emf
nent degree that rare combination of modesly and
talent, seldom meeting in the same person so
essential to officer and gentlemen securing the
respect and elicIng the favorable opinion, not only
of his fellow officers, but of the whole regiment.
Of Major w. W. Mccoy, formerly of Shelby county,
now of Laporte, to those who have had the pleas
of his acquaintance at home, it is needless to say
that he is general favurte. There are some men
upon whom office confers honor ard distinction ;
others confer honor and distinction upon the Office
they hold. OF this last class is Major Mccoy.
Zeal for the service, promptness in the discharge
all his duties, with a mind well balanced and in
slructed. and judgment ripe and well matured, are
traits which strongly mark and distinguish the char
acter of Major Mccoy.
With sentiments of great respect, yours truly,
ALEX. MCCLELLAND,
Reporter 4th Indiana FcrS