Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-02-19
THFIssTgE'TEI CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION..
U. S. SENATE, Monday, Jan. 8

U. S. SENATE, Monday, Jan. 81.
The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Sen
ate message from the President of the
United States, transmitted in compliance
with resolution of the goth January, ask
ing whether the general order No. 376 was
issued under instructions from the War De.
partment, &c.
The Secretary of War says that "no
particular instructions have been given to
Gen. Scott for issuing the order referred to,
but it is presumed that he has taken that
step in consequence of the general instruc-
tons given to him on the subject of levying
contributions, and of making the resources
of the enemy's country available as far as
may be within the rules of civilized war
fare, for the maintenance of our troops in
Mexico, and defraying the expences Incl
dent to the present state of hostilities."
The Secretary gives an extract from
Gen. SCOTS despatch dated 18th Septem-
Der, 1S47, wherein the Commanding Cen
era submits certain suggestions to the
Government, which are in effect as follows:
Promising that he has no official informa-
ton as to the number oftroops ordered since
the march of Gen. Pierce's detachment,
but assuming the force en- route at $500,
and that 1000 more are soon to follow, the
General.in chief states that he can hold the
capitol, garrisoned by 1900 men, against
anyexternal attack or combined with an
internal instruction. and have an ample
surplus force to occupy Puebla, Perote, jail
apa, the National Bridge, the Paso de Obe-
| Jas, Santa Fe. and Vera Cruz.
As modification of this plan, it is added
that, with a total of 10000, the principal
mining district of the country may also be
occupied, and secure transit given to gold
and silver bullion, which, paying the cus'o-
mary duties, would cover considerable
part of the expences of occupation.
Gen. Scott further suggests that, to aug
ment the army to $4,000, would enable il
to occupy all the State capitols and princi-
pal cities, to drive guerrillas and robbing
parties from the great highways of trade,
to seize into our hands all the revenues of
the country, and to keep the Central Gov.
eminent in constant motion and alarm until
constrained to sue for peace.
To withdraw the army from the interior
of the country, and occupy the strong
points within the boundaries which the U.
States intend to hold permanently, and in
the act of retiring, to blow up the citadel
in the capitol, the fortresses of Chapultepec.
Perote, San Juan de Ulua, and the walls of
Vera Cruz, (unless it be preferred TO garri-
son he last two) destroy all iron guns cap
tured and carry off all made of brass, with
all ordnance stores of value (he only can
non foundry in the republic we have already
destroyed.) and strict blockade of the
posts not garrisoned by our troops, would
of course be essential in the conquest of a
peace.
The VICE PRESIDENT also laid before the
Senate from the Secretary
of War, in answer to resolution of the
oath instant, calling for copies of letters
reports, and other communications referred
to in the letter of General Taylor dated a,
New Orleans, goth July, lS45. This CON-
munication gives n number of letters ad
dressed by Gen. Taylor to the Adjutan,
General, some of which are headed conf
dental.
Also, message from the President Of
the United States, communicating report
of the Directors of the Mint, showing the
operation of the Mint and branches during
the year ls47. From this document it ap
pears that there have been deposited during
the year ls47. at the Mint and its branches
S23,O6s, 6O3 in gold and silver, while there
has been coined during the same period il
gold, s2O,2 1856; in silver, $2,374,45O; to
tai of gold, silver and copper coin, s22,657,
GIL 90.
MEMORIALS AND PETITIONS.
The following memorials and petitions
we're presented and appropriately referred