The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-07-25

was not unexpected by Gen. Taylor, who
wrote 10 friend IN his characteristic style
"lf the enemy meet me, In whatever force
| shall figh, him. The Mexican force
consisted of 5000 men, the American of
1900; they met on the field of PALo ALTO.
Here, let us for moment pause! Let
US revert to the period immedia ELY prece-
ding the battle of Palo Alto. An Ameri-
can General, as yet unknown to fame, an
American Army, as yet untried in the
midst of an enemy's country, confronted
by nearly three times their number, the
flower of the Mexican army, commanded
by an experienced Generaii How dared
we hope for success against such fearful
odds' OH what painful suspense was de-
picted in every American countenance!
how anxiousiy palpitated every American
heart! how many prayers assembled from
pure lips and faithful hearts 10 the God of
Battles, for the safety Of our gallant little
army!
But fear soon gave place TO joy-con-
dolence was followed by congratulations:
TAYLOR had triumphed, signally and glo-
riously. He had defeated the arrogant
enemy at PALo ALTo;-he had routed and
dispersed them at REsAcA de la PALMA.
Long and loud pealed the shout of Joy, as
these glad tidings, borne on the wings of
the wind, greeted the ears Of the American
people.
These ever memorable achievements
occurred on the 9Th and 9th days OF May,
1916. They followed each other in such
apid succession that it might almost be
termed the beginning and ending of the
same engagement; or rather, in the terse
language of Gen. Taylor himself, in speak
ing Of the two battles, ''the affair of to-
day may be regarded as proper supple
aae,h to the cannonade Of Yesterday" The
shattered remains Of the Mexican army re-
crossed the Rio Grande:-the American
forces marched in safety and in triumph to
Fort Brown.
These victories, achieved as they were
under the most unfavorable circumstances
gave an impetus to the American arms
and the American name. 1t was these
victories that lent our forces the charm oil
invinciaility: and was prestige of sue.
cess in all the subsequent engagements
1t was these victories that gave the army
of General Taylor confidence in his con.
summate skill, unfaltering courage, and In
domitable energy. In the language of ont
of his command, ''the standing of the ar
my is at its highest,-it can now accom-
plish anything, and they would all die fol
commander who does not ask them tc
go where he is not willing to lead, and il
whose judgment they fully concur
Within very few drys of this battle
our victorious General crossed the Ri,
!, Grande, took the City of Matamoras, ant
the stripes and stars are seen to wave 70
the first time on the western bank Of In
Del Norte.
iolioW we our victorious army ta. .MGe
the last victory. The Mexicans have i'm
| proved their time; new army has becl
raised; and within the fortified walls G
: Monterey are encamped 10000 storg.-
Thus garrisoned-thus armed and prepar
ed, they were in situation to defend them
selves against three times their number
: Iaylor's veterans present themselve
t six thousand strong-the attack is com
menced; and the result was not long doubt
4 full. The strongest wall-the most I'M
penetrable Notifications were no barri e
to the skill of the General commanding
f and the prowess Of the army. Monterey fel
] and from Bishops Palace the America
| Eagle is seen proudly floating over tn
conquered town.
But the tide of things is changed in Mex
leo and in the United States-a revolution
! had taken place III Mexico-a change O
t policy at home.
Santa Anna had returned from his ban
lshment at Havana, and assumed the rein
, OF the Mexican Government. He had in
{ fused life and vigor into the Mexican coun
sells; and renewed courage into the Mexi
can army. He had, out of his exhaustles
treasury furnished the s'sinews of war,
and revivcd the dropping spirits of tn
Mexican people. He had inspired then
with their won;ed enthusiasm; and theI
were impatient to wipe out the recent dis
Igrace in some well fought field. Yhey
were embodied tw enty thousand strong
the flower OF the Mexican army, at Angos
{ tura IN the neighborhood of BUENA VISTA
Nearly as great a change had takei
place in the Councils of our own country
f The government had changed its msethot
F of "conquering peace" with Mexico
determined to invade her territory, by Yer
Cruz, and make demonstration on he
capital city. She had entrusted the com
mand of the invading army to Gen. Win
field Scott.
Shortly after the capi,ulation of Monte
rey Gen. Taylor received despatch from
General Scott informing him of these fact
and, as Commander chief, addressing
ihip, f1lIO,yc.