The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-09
correspondence between the War Department and
General Scott.

We have already laid before readers that portion OF
the correspondence eceny called for and ordered TO be
printed by the House, which was furnished from the
Department of State, and which set forth the quarrel be-
tween General Scott and Mr.. Trist We have now the
whole document before us; and proceed TO extract
from those portions of the correspondence between the
War Department and General Scott, in which the topics
which have excited the most OF the public attention and
interest are discussed. We begin with the letters in
relation to the mission of Mr. Trst 1t will be remem-
bered, that while General Scott saw fiji to complain OF
this mission in derogaton of his due military author
ty the Secretary of State, in all his communications
Mr. Trst, expressly and repeatedly stated that all the
instructions of the government to General Scott were
sent to him through the War Department. and not
through Mr. Tnst, who in so far regarded these
instructions, merely bearer of dispatches Upon this
point, the question between the government and General
Scott in relation to this matter appears mainly to
turn This point, and indeed all the other points con-
neced with the controversy question, presented in
the following letters, in the cearest and most satisfactory
manner. They lay the whole case fairly before the
public Leaving the public to form its own Judgment
abstain from all comment. Yet we cannot forbear
to call attention to the last of the letters published
that from the Secretary of War; bearing date of the 18th
of July, ls47. This paper appears to us model OF
temperate, dgnied and conclusive statement 1t leaves
nothing forcibe, and, indeed nothing further to be
said, upon the topics which it treats.
WAR DEPARTMENT, April ~, ls47.
SIR: The gratifying intelligence of the bombardment
of Vera Cruz and of the capture of city and the strong
fortress of San Juan dUoa together with the surrender
of the Mexican army which garrsoned the two places,
effected by the joint and cordial operation OF the army
and navy, officially made known here by your de-
spach of the Goth utmo and others of previous date
The expedition, so far as IL embraced these important
Objects has been carried out in manner highly creda
bic to yourself, to the commander OF your squadron IN
the gulf and to the gallant officers and brave soldiers
and sailors, engaged in the difficult and danger
GUS enterprise.
In compliance with the direction of the President is
my pleasing duty to make known to yourself and through
YOU the army under your commando the high gatifca
ton which this additional instance of the eminent skill
and good conduct of our officers, and OF the endurance
and ntrepdity of our soldiers, has given him.
The signal triumph of our arms has called iorth re
joicngs throughout the nation, mingled with heartfelt
gratitude those who winning battles for their coun
try are everywhere securing glory and fame Tor them
selves That the possession Of important place in
the enemys country the city OF Vera Cruz, strong,
ly fortified and garrsoned by large body OF troops and
castle renowned for its strength and deemed mpregna-
BILE BY its defenders have been obtained at so small sac
rifce, is Just of admiration and while millions OF
our fellow citizens oyousy exut at this splendid achieve
ment it pleasing to reflect that so few among us have
occasion to mourn.
Though the sacrifice of life on part has been
paratvely small yet the nation has to regret the
loss of of the braves and best OF her gallant sons
The tribute of honor and respect rendered by grateful
people, will embalm their memories and assuage Inc grei
of their relatives and friends. .
have the honor to be- with great respect your obedl-
ent servant, w. L. MARCY,
Secretary of War.
Major General WINFIELD Scorr, commanding army Of
the u S., Mexico.