Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-07-08
Correspondence Of the NJ o. Commercial Times.
VERA CRuz, June IIth, IS47,


small party from the train which had halted, and
was hourly expecting renewal of the attack from
the Mexicans, who were gathered in the road and
chapparal ahead in large force.
The attack was made suddenly, and Ivy small
party, upon an advanced party Of Dragons who,
with Col. Mcintosh the commander of the escort,
were half a mile ahead Of the wagons This party
well mounted aud well armed, retreaIed or fell back
upon the main body, before an inferior force of
Mexcans, an occurrence. the FIRST Of its kind during
this war, aud | sincerely hope il may be the last.
The gueras thus inspired with confidence, took
advantage Of the confusion produced, and avoiding
the troops as much possible fell upon the wagons
aud mules, which we're stretched along distance
OF some four miles, aud were guarded along their
whole line by number OF troops exceeding
four hundred-many Of these, OF course, rushed Tor
ward for their share in the fight leaving sections OF
the train entirely unprotected. The consequences
was, that twenty.eght wagons and between one hun
dred and two hundred pack mules became the prop
erty Of the gueras
The train left Santa Fe with one hundred aud
thiriy-two wagons, aud from five to six hundred
packed mules-so you will observe the loss forms a
very large per centage. | glad TO learn by let
ter which have seen from Mai, Bennett, paymas-
ter, who had charge of the money that went up in
the train, that none Of the wagons containing the
government funds we're taken, although considera-
bic sum belonging 10 officers was taken in the dit.
ferent baggage wagons.
The most important Of our losses were the ord
nance stores with which some of the captured wag-
ons we're loaded. About six or eight of our men
had been killed, and some fifteen twenty wound
ed, during the engagement, aud the Mexican loss
was supposed TO be much greater. What has hap
pened since Col. Banks left, and before Gen. Cad
waader reached the ground is matter Of deep
interest, not TO say apprehension. The confidence
naturally springiug from the discovery that the
Americans not invncible has doubtless induced
early renewal Of the attack in which case am
not without hope that the reputation OF the Ameri-
can arms will be fully maintained
A great fault has been committed with reference
10 the train. Ii left the city with insufficient
cori, while two hundred cavalry were living here
ready, or nearly ready, to move on the same road
II not exactly ready, their preparations couldhase
been fastened at least tweniy.four hours, and the
train could have been detained at least an equal
length OF time. That this was not DONE WILL fan
cy become matter of future accountability
Unpleasant stories, too, are current. touching the
habits asd condition at particular uncture, Of an
important parsonage attached TO the escort. This
with other matters, will, presume, form subjec,
for the investigation Of courlmlrtia, aud more
direct reference to il in my letter would be improp
er. The attack was made at Ell Paso de las Oyea
this side Of the National Bridge, not beyond it.
1t is said that the road is now to be fortified, and
occupied in all its more difficult passes, by the Mex
Ger Of the old Mexican stamp, well known for his
gallant defence Of Ayarado, is reported to have
eight hundred men under him, with whom he in.
tends to occupy Cerro Gordo again, assisted he
expects TO be, by guerlIlas. who can be gathered
around him al few hours notice in case Of emer-
gency. But If these reports prove true, that
road cannot be closed by Mexican troops.
General Scott can detach a division at any hour
which would sweep all such obstacles away for the
no had he strh irb finn M
satisfactorily in the Adjutant Generals report he
could guard the road effectively by occupying with
his own men the passes referred TO. This il is
true, require good many soldiers, but it is
ter ofvery great Importance, and the service suffers
from inability TO do it.
am inclined to believe that the General intends
to open the road to Pueba leading through Orizaba,
and Cordoya, as it seems TO offer some advantages
over that via Jaapa. BY taking possession Of these
two cities he would strike at the root Of the guerilla
evil, controlling, TO great extent, the mountain
hordes from which this class Of soldiers is princi.
paly taken.
Ii is believed that the best results would follow
the opening and occupation Of this road and the
General has received assurance that the feeling Of
the farmers and wealthy citizens is strongly fayora-
BILE 10 the Americans, having been rendered so by
the depredatons Of the native band OF guerillas.-
The country along this road is extremely rich and
its products most varied and cheap. The climate
IS healthy and delightful, alter leaving San Juan
and Panillas; aud the roads good at all sea-
sons OF the year. 1t is shorter rout 10 Puebla
than that through Jalapa.
great quantity Of Tobacco is produced in the
neighborhood of Cordoya and Orzaba, the manu-.
facture Of which, into cigars, is government mon
opoy, the leaf being purchased of the growers at
fixed price This season, the quantity taken by the
government officers at Cordoya, amounted 10 eight
thousand bales, bot, government property, it is
liable TO seizure by the Americans while private
property is held sacred.
The Tobacco has been returned 10 the produc.
ers 10 hold until its manufacture can be safely com
menced These eight thousand bales are worth
nearly half million of dollars and would find a
ready sale. they are bona fde Government prop.
eriy, and such would be legal prize TO our arms.
In Orizaba, too, is an immense quantity of paper,
very valuable, aud, like the tobacco the property
of the Government. Thus you will observe that
Gen. Scott might pick up million Of dollars, or
so, incidentally, BY changing slightly his line Of
communications, while such change would secure
permanent advantages over that at present open.
There is report Just in from the mule pens, that
party Of guerillas have made descent upon them.
seized and hanged the keeper. and made of with
one hundred mules. | have not time to 90 out and
ascertain the truth Of the matter, the Edith is
nearly ready to move, and must get my letter on
board as possible. The pens are not half
a mile from the city walls
TROPHIES OF Waive have now hanging up
in our office Mexican coat, with bulIethole on
the breast and there are numerous other trophies
from the war in other places in this city AT Har.
fishuru the Executive Chamber is decorated with