The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-17
From the Tsras Rio Bravo, Oct. 81.
The Rio Graudc Revolutions.


Letter from Captain Phelps.
The following correspondence between Cap
tain Phelps, commanding at Fort Brown, ano
Gen. Carvaja, commander-n chief Of the liber
ating army OF Mexico, will be read with the most
lively interest. 1t originated in a protest, adj
dressed to Captain Phelps by Gen. Carvajal
dated the Gath instant, against the use OF United
States government steamers for the purpose OF
transporting reinforcemenls from Brazos Santi-
ago, IN Texas, TO Matamoras, for Gen. Avalos
These troops came from Vera Cruz and Fampico,
under command of Gen. Garay, to aid Ayaos
IN defending the city OF Matamor.s. Ii was un-
derstood that permission had been given them to
land within the territory of the United States,
and that they were to be brought up TO Mata-
moras on the government steamer Mentoria. IL
is said and believed that they were embarked
on this steamer, with their cannon mounted, &C.,
and, after proceeding part of the way, that the
order was countermanded, and they were re-
turned on board their own steamer, the Neptune.
We know not how correct this information may
be, but il comes to us in a very authoritative
shape Captain Phelps replied verbally and in
writing that this communication was Of SO ex-
traordnary character hat he hardly knew how
to reply to it, even if Gen. Carvajal occupied a
recognized official position; and, in addition, he
states several specific charges which are respect
lively taken up, and answered by Gen. Carvajal
in his ace Jmpanying reply. Capt. Phelps con-
cludes by soemnly warning General c. in the
name of his government against the conse-
quences of these proceedings.
We give Capt Phelps letter, but are com
PEELED, by w,nt of room, to omit the protest of
General Carvnjal, and his brief note Of reply.
alluded to in the following answer The letter
of General Carvajal defines his true position be-
fore the word--and will satisfy all candid and
disrassionate men, that his object, and that Of
his men, is Of the highest and most patriotic ma
ture. The Americans, who are serving as their
auxiliaries, are placed on the right footing, and
have no cause to be ashamed Of their position
or their conduct We are glad to see this expo
sition; it will justify the liberating forces, and
silence the carping attacks of their traducers If
the national government can find any comfort in
this communication, they must be thankful for
small favors The style, facts, and spirit of
Carvajaps letter, are worthy of the occasion.
This is its highest praise.
Fort BRowN, CFexas,) Oct. 25, 1851.
To JOSE MARIA j. CARvAJAL:
SIR | received your note of the oath instant
this morning, informing me that you had learned
that vessel, belonging to the United States, is
at present en- route from the mouth of the Rio
Grande with reinforcements for General Avalos ;
and solemnly protesting against this open
outrage upon the rights of the people in whose
behalf you presume to speak.
To the person who delivered me this note,
gave verbal response to this effect--that to a
document of such peculiar character, should
hardly know how to reply, even though it should
emanate from one in a recognized official posi-
ton and this was the only action that ever
expected to have the honor to take in the case in
| connection with your movements.
But, sir, events, fraught with the most serious
consequences to the United States, as well as to
the interests of humanity itself, are Transporting
before my eyes. Since the receipt of youc note
] have come in possession of authentic informa
ton that renders it imperative upon me, for the
proper execution of the instructions with which
| am charged, enanatng from the government
| Of the United States, to ascertain what position
| it is you deem yourself now occupying before
the civilized world. | have learned, sir, that the
forces which are said to be under your command,
are not only attacking and destroying by fire the
property of peaceful American citizens, but that
they have desecrated the flag and fired upon and
wounded the consul Of the United States
against the fatal consequences of which now
solemnly warn you in the name of my govern
ment AS early reply is expected as is suit
able to your convenience.
| / am, sir, respectfully, your obed't servant,
]. w. PHELPS,
| Capt. Lit. Co. b, 4th Artillery, Cong the u
s. forces at Fort Brown.