The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-19
From the Tsras Rio Brduo, Oct. %.
The Rio Grande Revolution.
THE UNITED STATES OFFICERS AND GEN. cARvAJAL.
Letter from Captain Phelps

The following correspondence between Cap
tain Phelps, commanding at Fort Brown, and
Gen. Carvajal, commander-in- chief of the ber-
atng army of Mexico, will be read with the most
lively interest 1t originated in protest, ad-
dressed to Captain Phelps by Gen. Carvajal,
dated The Gath instant, against the use of United
States government steamers for the purpose of
transporting reinforcoments from Brazos Santi-
ago, in rexas, to Matamoras, for Gen. Avalos
These troops came from Vera Cruz and Tampico,
under command of Gen. Garay, to aid Avalos
in defending the city of Matamoras. 1t was I'M
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 it comes to US in very authoritative
shape. Captain Phelps replied verbally and in
writing that this communication was of so ex-
traordinary u character that he hardly knew how
to reply to it, even if Gen. Carvaja occupied
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 Impanying reply. Capt Phelps con-
cudes by solemuly warning General C. in the
name of his government against the conse.
quences Of these proceedings IT.. -. =.
~ We give Capt Phelps letter, but are com.
peeled, by want of room, to omit, the protest of
General Carvajal, and bis brief note of reply,
alluded DIN the following answer. The letter
Of General Carvajal defines his true position be-
fore the wofld-and will satisfy all candid and
disPassionate 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 placid on the right footing, and
have no cause to be ashamed of their position
or their conduct. q We are glad to see this expo
sion; il will Justify the liberatng forces and
silence the carping attacks Of their traducers. If
the national government can find any comfort in
this, decentralization, they must be thankful for
small favors The style, facts and spirit of
Caryajal's letter, are worthy of the occasion.
This Is its highest praise.
FoRr Baows, ('rsxas,) Oct Is, 1851.
To JosE MARIA ]. CARvAJAL; -
Sin ! received your note 81 re "a instant.
this morning, informing ne that you had learned
that vessel, belonging 20 tts United States, is
at present en- route from TIE mouth Of the Rio
Grande with achievements for General Avalos !:
and solemnly protesting against this open
outrage upon the rights Of the poopIe il whose
behalf you presume to speak. ~
To the person who delivered me this note. Il
gave verbal response TO this effect that to q
document of such peculiar charactef should
hardly know how to reply, eventhoug Oh itehould
emanate from one in arecognized 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 tothe United States, as well as to
the interests of humanity ITSELF are Transporting
before my eyes. Since the receipt of your note
have come in possession of authentic informs.
ton that renders it imperative upon me, for the
proper execution of the instructions with which
| am charged, emanating 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
sofemnly warn you in the name Of my govern
ment. AS early n reply is expected as is. suit.
able to your convenience.
am, sir respectfully, your ohedt servant,
J. w. PHELPS,
Capt 1t. Co. b B., 4th Artillery, Cong the U.
s. forces at Fort Brown.