The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-03-29

to Gen Taylor lollowsi
"Upon more full consideration of the subject it be-
leved that Vera Cruz may he taken, aud, having posses
sion of that city, the castle OF San Juan de uoa might pos
siby be reduced or compelled TO surrender Il the exPed
enemy is supposed that four thousand troops would be
the cooperation of our naval force in The gulf but at least
regular army and under the command of officers best cal
culated for such AN undertaking.
The Times quotes t5 passage and adds that The d deo
men ready to embark for Vera Cruz or such
may be given them, the earliest practicable PEE
Secretary of War, quote the whole passage the most
material parts OF which, IN italics, are omitted by the
! Times
"whs the government is anxious that nothing should
occur prevent the expedition Vera Cruz, regarding
Of great importance yet it, by whdra wing from your I'M
army ,oh yon may be placed "a danger this expedition
deeply be regretted On the spot, you will know the
strength OF the force advancing against YOU and the mum
The probable harard Of disaster 1t is desirable avoid
delay You WILL therefore, unless materially teteres
c,h your plan of operations, ,ceakn too much "a
your position make the arrangements for
thousand should be regular roopsready to embark
for Vera Cruz, such other destination may be given
them, al the earliest practicable period"
These qualifications are important to correct under
standing Of the facts they show that the language OF Mr.
Marcy ought be regarded in the light of SUGGESTIONS sub
ject TO the Judgment and discretion OF Gen Taylor
above letter OF the I'd October, deems The occupation OF
Salto important necessary outpost OF the main force
III
which leads from country The table land and also
the route TO Monterey controlling region from which
cattle, and 'he capital of Coahuila, which renders it
important in political point of view In regard to the at
will be force quite small for the purpose contem-
plated In my despatch Of October TO- stated 5000 troops
make descent in that quarter with view oil marching
He afterwards adds that whe 900 men cannot spar
ed from the occupation OF the line ofthe Sierra Made, 1000
may be dpeted from that object and ito these 5000 fresh
lpi he
time, the expedition might be undertaken with promise
Of popo heGso ea wih ar he pGep
phing everything that is TO be done in that quarter WILL
s rep eady to e pon on pa the
coast and effect junction with the additional force from the
States. The movement towards Iampco VIII not produce
any delay if my views are adopted and | consider it
quite mporanto occupy Victoria and the lower portion OF
amaupas after securing properly the line to be held In
Here them it will be seen that General Taylor expresses
no opinion against withdrawal of the regulars under his
command but the contrary, signifies his readiness
furnish them after the movement Tanpico. In the oifi
cal correspondence published we find nothing later on this
On the 2sd November, General Scott was appointed to
chief command in Mexico The letter ofcommssion is as
sswAn DEPARTMENT, Washington, Nov. %, 1916.
'SIR The President, several days since communicated
in person YOU his orders to repair 10 Mexico to take
command of the forces there assembled and paeuay 70
it, arriving at the theatre OF actions shall deem
By deeaie and postige instructions you W prose
cute them as yow judgments under h vew Of all The CIR
means provided provided for accomplishing it,
committed YOU in the full confidence that you will use
them TO the best advantage.
The objects which is desirable to obtain have been
Indicated and il is hoped that you will have the requisite
force 10 accomplish them.
Of this you must be the Judge when preparations are
made, and me time Tor action has arrived
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant
Nv. L. MARCY, secretary OF war.
MAJOR General WINFIELD SCOTT, commanding the army
Washington
| Could language express unqualified and general
discretion the jud gment of the commanding general
We deem unnecessary dwell this point; the
speaks for itself.
| Armed with this full power General Scott, in letter
General Taylor from New York. the 18th November,
says My dear general shall be obliged take from you