The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1851-11-22
THE WAR ON THE RIO GRANDE.

The New Orleans Picayune OF The 4th inst
publishes a Brownsville letter, dated Oct
goth, narratiug the events since the CON-
menccmcnt Of Caravaial's operations against
AHBm5Fae. Though brief, it gives an snteI-
ligcnt review Of proceedings thus far, aud We
therefore copy it with slight abridgement
Ion Monday, the qoih= 9rtnhrf, GiFaYA.
iAl's advance guard arrived and took possess
ion Of Fort Paroles without any resistance;
and on Tuesday, the 2lst, in the msrning.his
whole forre arrived, said TO be ono Thousand
strong. They were bualY engaged. with
slight diminishing on the outskirts oftbe town,
the balance Of the day. Canraial's loss WAS
killed and 2 woundcsl--all Americans On
the part Of Ayatss, killed, and a large num-
her wounded.
"Wednesday morning, The 22tl. was ushorcd
in with commanding from ChrnxaiAl,a- fnrce1
at Fort Paresies, which did great execution
in the city. About ~ o'clock an attack was
made upon the custoul-house by the revoln-
tionists, which was successful. although under
very heavy ERE from Avalos's batteries,
mounting six twelve Founders and two six
Founders. They maintained this position
until night and withdrew until morning
Capt. Alfred Norton, commanding the Tex
an Rangers MAS Severely wounded, ns were
On Thursday. tho 23d.the fight was renew
cd. with about ESQ Americans, under com
mand ofthe gallant Col. Ford, Of CamAneho
notoriety, who led them throughout the day
with un,launted zeal not retiring until long
after sunset. Col. Ford was slightly wound
ed In the head, but will be enabled in few
DAYS to attend his command. There wero no
Anne ricans killed in this action, but the loss
on Avalos's side must have been very severe.
The general himself was slightly wounded in 4,
the thigh rs was also Col. Zapato, his aid.
On Friday; the Path, there was very, little,
done, as " WAS contemplated 10 storm the CT
" that night. The attack began at nine o.
clock; but before commencing. n destructive
fire broke out, which burned some OF the
finest buildings in Matamoras. and caused
great loss OF property, as neither party would (;
allow the flames to he sobdued. Both parties
fought desperately during the night and the
loss must have been great, although i is i'm
possible for me to give the exact numSer.
Caravaial has now got possession on three.
fourths of the city, hut he hns vet tho hardest
part OF the battle TO fight Gen. AvaloS has
his position harricaded and entrenched hpon
all the streets leading to it, and before. he can
he taken, n great loss OF life must follow fnem
Caravaiars lines AS they are TO be the attack.
ing Marty whilst Avalos's men are fully pro
tected by the barrioades. sd.
On Saturday, the 25th, there was no 6Eht-
ing ofany consequencc.as both parties requir-
cd rest. On Sunday. there was an attempt
made by Canvaial's forces to gain a position
near the Grand Plaza, where AvAlos's quar-
tiers are situated, but with no success. There
was no loss Of life in this attack on the part
of Caravaial bot several were severely wound
ed. IL is impossible to state how many were
killed aud wounded on Avaloss side, as
they make away with them so rapidly after an
attack.
Monday, the 27th, Matnmoras has not yet
flllon into the hands of Oaravaial, although
there has been hard fighting all day There
is Reinforcement of Mexican troops looked
Tor hourly by the way Of Monterey, and
CarnxajAi Is not very smart he will be hem
med in. Theru wns Rnothsrfire.in Metamq.
rxz fonight, bat Il was not AZ DISASTROUS AZ ne
-hr<L natA. parties fuph, hrsNelY By ina