Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-05-27
From the New Orleans Picayunc.
GUERILLA WAR
ON Il III f. RIO GRAN


An attentive correspondent at Camargo has en-
closed to us the following order issued by Canales
1t was found upon the Alcalde of Guerrero, who
was at the time in company with one Of Canaless
captains and in conjunction with him, as was sup
posed, taking measures to carry it into effect
Lieut., Bee, of Capt. Lamar's company of rangers.
happened to come upon them, arrested them both
and brought them to Camaryo.
From this order it is manifest that the guerilla
mode of warfare is to be enforced all along the val
ley of the Rio Grande. 1t is notifying to reflect
that few dsorderly men, such as fled from the
field of battle at Buena Vista and hid themselves in
the quarries before Monterey have, by theft murder
Gus conduct given color to the charges with which
Canales commences and lards his order nevertbe
less, 1t Is almost certain that the system would have
been put In practice opon the Rio Grande as it has
been In the central States, had not these outrages
happened.
We have had full measure of the glories of war.
but, should the guerilla plan continue any length of
time, Its butcheries will be appalling. The perpe-
traitors OF acts OF violence have heretofore sought
to Paae their guilt by pleading the assassination
OF their comrades an excuse for retaliation-
There has been too much of this already. But
what will be the scenes Of havoc and blood when
'swar without pity'' is the recognized gauoe of
battle on both sides
| The order OF Canales is peremptory. 1t COM
mahds his followers to spare neither age nor condi-
ton. Every American found within the territory
OF Mexico, whether armed or unarmed must be
put to the sword. This is more savage even than
the guerilla proclamation of Salas. Canales is
graduate of sangunary school. Arobber chief by
profession and cut throat by nature he is Just the
man to gloat over such war. That he will find
excuses to plumber his own countrymen we have no
doubt, and we regret to think he will be the last to
suffer from the mode Of warfare he has atlopted
| The defence of the Rio Grande should be, under
the circumstances, an object of primary considera-
tlon That more troops are needed there is appa.
rent, without taking into consideration the necess-
ties OF other divisions Of the iuvasons--
FRONTIER BRIGADE OF CAvALRY,3
camp in San Augustin, April a, lS47.
this day send to the Adjuant Inspector of the
National Guards the following instructions
learn, with the greatest indignation, that the
Americans have committed most horrible massa-
ere at the rancho of Guadalupe. They made pris-
oners, In their own houses and by the side of their
FAMILIES, twenty live peaceable men, and immedi-
ately shot them. To repe this class of warfare,
which is not war but atrocty in all its fury there
Is no other course left us than retaliation and in
order to pursue this method. rendered imperative
by the fatal circumstances above mentioned, YOU
will Immediately declare martial law, with the I'M
derstanding that eight days after the publication Of
the same, every individual who has not taken up
arms (being capable of doing) shall be consider
ed traitor and instantly shot,
Martial law being in force, you are bound to give
no quarters to any American whom you may meet
or who may present himself to you, even though
he be without arms. You are also directed to pub
lSh ths 10 all the towns in the State forciby i'm
pressing them with the severe punishment that
shall be inflicted for the least omission OF this order
we have arrived at that state in which our coun-
try requires the greatest sacrifices her sons should
glory In nothing but to become soldiers, and as
brave Mexicans to meet the crisis Therefore, if
the army OF invasion continues and our people re-
main In the towns which they have molested, they
deserve not one ray of sympathy nor should any
one ever cease to make war upon them. You will
send copy of this to each of your subordinates
and they are authorized to proceed against the
chiefs OF their squadrons against their colonels
or any other, even against me, for any nfaction of
this order-the only mode of salvation left. The
enemy wages war against us and even against those
Peacea5le citizens who, actuated by improper i'm
pulses, desire to remain quiet in their houses
Even THESE they Kill, without quarter and this is
the greatest favor they may expect from them
Inc only alternative left us, under these circum-
stances, Is retaliation, which is the strong right OF
the offended against the offending To carry this
into effect attach yourself to the authorities Your
failing 10 do this will be considered crime of the
greatest magnitude. All the officers of the troops
are directed to assist you in carrying out this ORDER
and 1T Is distinctly understood there shall be no ey-
cePtions Neither the clergy, military citizens nor
other persons shall enjoy the privilege of remaining
peaceably at their homes. The whole of the cor
poration shall turn out with the citizens, leaving
solely as authority of the town one of the members
who Is over the the age of sixty years at the same
time, If all of the members are capable of bearing
arms, then none shall be excepted leaving to act
some one who is incapable Of military service
You yourself must be an example for others, by
conforming to this requistion. And send this to
you for publication, and charge you to see it executed
In every particular, and communicate also to the
commanders Of the squadron in your city, who will
aid you In carrying into effect these instructions
and in fact you are directed to do all and every
thing which your patriotism may prompt. God
and Liberty ANTONIO CANALES.