Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-07-08
EDITORS CORRESPONDENCE.
Burs. vrsrA, (Mexico,) June 9, ls47

carry through dispatches to Gen TAYLOR, and that
we arrived at Monterey on the Goth. On the same
day, received orders to proceed to this place with
three other companies-Capt. Fairax's (Va..) and
two North Carolina companies, Capt. Henry's and
Capt. Blalock's. We took up the line Of march a.
bout an hour before sunset, and arrived here at
O'Clock yesterday. As you may well suppose, we
are all pretty well jaded, particularly the Augusts
boys, who have had a continuous march of ten
days The distance from China to this place is
but about las miles, though the marches each day
are or necessity very irregular, account of water
One day we had to GO twenty -four miles, twenty of
which is without water. The sufferings of the
men were very great, but do not see that any of
them have sustained material injury. Most of the
miserable catch-penny tin canteens which were is
sued to us have given out-many of them indeed
leaked from the first, and tried at Monterey to get
others, but none were to be had, nor could | even
get kegs to haul water.
The five other companies of the End Battalion
which we left at China, presume are by this time
on their way to JOIN us. The LIST Battalion, now
garrsonng Monterey, will also be up i'm few DAYS.
being about to be relieved by the Massachusetts re-
gment. There are not many troops here at pre-
sent, and there is considered to be necessity for
them.
The scenery about this place is quite picturesque,
though lido not exactly recognlZe,is claims u the
name 1t bears, unless il be account of the more
CAteHueu view WHICH IL AFFORDS OF the mountains.
More sublime and elevated peaks are met with at
many points along the road. The mountains in
this part of Mexico of singular character.
They seem to be Of solid rock, rising hundreds of
Feet IN sharp cones, without particle of vegetation.
unless it may be scraggy bush, or patch Of moss
There is nothing like timber on any of them that
have seen, and at this place, although there is
considerable stretch OF plain intersected with deep
ravines. between the mountains we have to send
mn FOR fi,nI
The water though is excellent, the hest lhave met
with In Mexico, and the temperature moderate.
There is generally fine breeze in the day. and at
night, II Is cool enough sometimes for overcoats and
blankets. The probability is that we shall remain
here for some time, and the MeXicans have opened
quite market at our camp. We had green peas
salad, onions, apricots, and other things This morn
ing. ate green corn the day was in Monterey
have not yet gone over the battle field. Ii
lies just before our camp, and looking over it, it
seems pretty much like plain, though it is cut
up with deep hollows, and somewhat undslated by
spurs OF the mountain running into IL Whether
the Mexicans will try the fortune of war on the
same theatre again, remains 10 be seen. Ii is said
that communications have been made from Salto
to them of the great reduction which has taken
place In force, but hope by the time they are
ready we shall be SO also.
The country which we traversed on the march
from China to this place is pretty much of the same
character Of that have heretofore descrbed--dry
sterile, and uninviting, with here and there bot
tom OF few thousand acres that are rendered fer
tile by irrigation. Sereno's hacienda Is miles east
OF Cadareita, is splendid place dincd with that
gentleman, and found he had in store the best of
wines and liquors. The most inviting spot, how
ever, that have met with in Mexico, is the town
OF Cadareita. is truly beautiful place, and eve
ny thing about it is indicative Of cleanliness and
taste. The houses are neat and comfortable, and
the gardens filled with the fruits of the country
oranges, lemons, lines, figs, pomegranates, sc.
could but wonder, however, at the spirit Of peo-
pie who could suffer single company to march
through their great plaza as enemies, in all the
pomp and circumstance of war. Weencanped just
outside the town, On the bank OF the river and
made requisition on the Alcade for wood, which
he promptly complied with | afterwards called
upon him, and found him to be very affable and
9entemanly in his manners. | enuuired Of him
The population of the town, and he told me, that
within the district over which he presided, there
were ten thousand inhabitants
In the march from Monterey TO this place there
were few objects worthy Of special note. Our first
encampment was at the Mills, six miles this side.
was not in them, having arrived in the night and
leaving at daylight. Isaw enough externally how
ever, to impress very favorably with the works.
The race or aquaduct is splendid piece of mason
ry, faced inside with clear hard cement. as hard
as the rock itself. There is also
beautiful basin reservoir just beside the MILL about
100 feet square and three four feet deep, con-
sfructed of stone and plastered with the same ce-
ment at the sides and bottom. What special use it
was intepded to serve, did not learn. There was
no water in it at the time.
The Rinconada Pass was our next encampInent.
Here, or rather just below the pass there are several
houses, mostly unoccupied, and the remains of
splendid garden filled with fruits, and fowers.-
There saw apples, Npeaches, some of the largest
fig trees had met with loaded with fruit, and
pomegranates, &c. Unfortunately none of the
fruits were ripe, however. The flowers were the
bunch and velvet roses, ~hise lilies, and several
other kinds that was not acqufoled with, thouph.
none of them very handsome. Ire garden was ir
rigated throughout. AS | walked ai,no its broad
avenues, could not but think Of the g.y and hap
py scenes doubt often enjoyed by tho Youthful
within its pleasant bowers, and perhaps eTsu noyv
anxioUsly longed for but to which wal had sut at
least temporary stop. IT is probably the sunlf,er
retreat Of some wealthy family, | grieved to ser.
here and there, the smoth trunk Of some beautiful
fig tree made the mark of some needless riflemen.
The Kinconada Pass is one Of the strongest
and most easily defended against approach from the
East that could well be conceived, and Gen. Tay-
lor showed his wisdom in securing it TO himself in
the capitulation Of Monterey. Against approach
from this side, il would be of little value, Buena
vista ~ MUCH DetIer In tDal IespoCt' hlS, pre-
sume is the reason why Gen. Taylor made his
stand here instead Of falling back upon the pass,
many, who did not know the nature Of the ground,
thought ne ought to have done.
The health Of the company has suffered very
little since last wrote. We left one in a bad way
at China, preston Brown though he was some
what on the mend We had also to leave four at
Monterey, two, merritt and Taylor,) with sore
legs. and two others with injuries (Ciarke and
Noon.) We have three or four sick with us,
but in this healthy location they must soon get we'll
We are now at the very out post 1--WE may sny,)
&C fnns In this quartet and the chance u com