Tri-weekly journal., 1847-12-14
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
In CAMP, NEAR VERA CRUZ,


Mr.. CHANDLER--On yesterday nine companies ofthe
5th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under command
of Col Lane, dsembarked at this place, and now
arranging their encampment mile east of the
city. Our voyage from New Orleans was short but
very rough one. On the 18th Norther'' or severe
gale arose, that blew for twenty-four hours with
violence have never seen equaled. We all, how
ever, ''weathered" it through and now safe, at
least from the fury of the winds and waves" The
health OF the troops continues remarkably good
Our Regiment (5h) has lost but three men by death
since its organizations and at this time not severe
case Of sickness prevails in camp.
There has nothing new or important transpired at
Head Quarters since your last receipts. Two days
since train of several hunded wagons came down
from the Halls under escort Of Col. Harneys ORA
goons They report all quiet in the city and vicinity
The enemy perfectly discounted within late
disasters, so much that they utterly unable to
make the slightest array OF forces in any quarter of
their bleeding, dismembered country. Even the
Guerrillas those merciless blood-suckers, seem to
have partaken the general panic, and have left for
parts unknown" They never, in all their forays,
ceived so complete blasting they lately got from
the hands OF Gen. Lane whose late brilliant opera
tons between this place and Puebla has obtained for
that gallant officer the unqualified admiration of every
one here. By the way, Mr.. Editor, your readers
will recollec article that appeared in one of the
New Orleans papers some time since, headed News
| from the Army--Gen. Lanes Blunders," &c; this
infamous article was extensively copied by the press
throughout the States, and relied uPon doubt, as
being authentic. Gen. Lane was charged with hav.
ing taken up the line of march for the city and gone
TO the National Bridge with scant supply of subsls
tence and but eight rounds of ammunition tot the
that being attacked at the latter place he discover
ed the oversight and was compelled to send de-
tachment back to Vera Cruz for supply, &c. The
whole charge is a vile Islander, eminating from
know not whom, but, dare say, some contemplate
changer on to the army, whose reckless peryersior
of facts can be accounted for upon other GROUND
than desire to retaate upon that officer for som
fancied neglect. The facts simply these: Gen
Lane left Vera Cruz with command of near ., lo'
men, with an ample supply of subsistence for hi
command clear through to Mexico He had fOu
wagons loaded with ammunition, besides forty round
carried by each soldier On arriving the Nationa
: Bridge he met train of empty wagons route 70
Vera Cruz to obtain supply of subsistence for the be
sIeged garrisons at Perote, Jalapa and Puebla, VIII
were reported as BE- ng in a suffering condition 70
= want of provisions Gen. Lane, deeming the escor
hardly sufficient to ensure its safety, with his usua
: promptness, detailed Capt. Mcdonald with $50 me-
10 accompany il back. The train reached Vera Cruz
and loaded with provisions oioRe, not POuIlu (
which was intended for Gen. Lanes command, bu
3 .GEhssa apdc Mi hFe dow
with the train and assisted in obtaining the provis
ions. This, sir, is but one instance out of many
which the character ofthe Indianans have been mos
n toully aspcrsed by irresponsible sanderers On
troops have too quietly endured these Indignation.
so much so that it has almost became reproach an
certainly any further endurance would be dsgraceiu
We ask, therefore, the press of our State in behalf
acommon reputation, to assume more decided stand
and with us hold every attempt to impair the fai
fame of our beloved State personal and adminise
rebuke, where and whatsoever it may be necessary
f But have extended the limits ofmy communica tiol
TO greater extent than had intended Ihave writ
ten hurredly, and amid the noise and confusion of
half organized camp and must crave your indulgence
foranl Inaccuracies l may have committed
Yours truly,
R. NJ. EVANS.
Capt 9Th Reg't. Ind Vols