Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1860-03-31


The steamship Arizona, Captain Smith, from
Brazos Santiago ODD instant. via lndianola 9th,
arrived nt New Orleans ON Manday. afternoon.
The Brownsville Flag, in postscript dated sun
day. March 18th. gives tho following account of tho
crossing the Americans into Mexico, the fight by
mistake, Ne, Nc:
When our edition was about half worked of yes
terday, courier arrived from Capt Ford's camp
on the Aqua Ncgra, stating that the Ranger force
under Capt Ford aud Lieut.. pugh with tho two
companies of United Stntcs Cavalry under Capt.
Stoncman and Lieut.. kimmel. had crossed tho
Rio Grandc for tho purpose Of attacking CortinNs
Mt tho Rancho de Ia Mesa. only six miles from the
scene OF the last action Mt Bolsa, and that firing
had been heard in that direction before day. from
our baggage camp on this side. We Immediately
stopped the press to await for further information
aud are now able to give the particulars.
On the night of the 10th the officers IN command
of the American forces, having previously recey-
ed official information from the officer in command
nt Matamoros, that Cortna was nj the linncho de
la Mesa with considerable force. crossed over
and marched towards that rancho, having prcyi-
ously procured guide from the Mexican slic ui
the river. Their intention was to leave their
horses in the chnpnricl and surround tho rancho
ON FOOT then wait till daylight to mako the at
tack When they had arrived within half nHle
oi the rancho they surprised II picket guard who
Immediately gave tho alarm.
The guide assur"g them that thcy were mt Cor
tina's cncampmcnt, nn attack was nt once made
upon it from three sides. the back being covered
By dense chnparrnl. Several shots were cxchan.
gcl and twn persons wounded, one Mexican sol
der, the other woman. who was trying to shut
the door, out of which Mexican officer was shoot.
ing ut our cavalry; before it was discovered that
the surprise party claimed to be Mexican Nation
nj Guards, upon which the firing Immediately y
ceased.
bpn nItrtr hran 81. npl
the rancho. IA body of about one hundred and fifty
Mcxicans horse aud foot, made their appearance
and desired conference, which beng granted,
they stated that they were Mexican National
Guards, and in search ul Cortina, but could give
no information respecting his whereabouts, and
that the llrly surprised was part Of their own
force, guarding their baggage, and concluded by
requesting cur Off 10 takn further action in
the matter till they could communicate with tho
authorities OF Maiamoros. which our FORCES did
not seem inclined To do, replying that they were
pursuing Corina and should ndopt such mrnsU-
res to take him us circumstances might heem to
require,
1t was subsequently, learned that these National
| Guards had been watching nur forces during tho
previous day and light, and the conviction that
they were only prevented from attacking our troops
though fear is very strong.
Although they denied all knowledge Of Corlinn's
whereabouts. the women and boy at the rancho
assert that he there when the alarm was given,
and officers convinced that their statements
are true and believe that he escaped when the
alarm was tirsi given.
Our forces are encamrel on tho other side,
about thirtv-iisc miles above this city and intend
t. remain in Mexico Till they take Cortna, or are
ordered bnck.
Major IIcintzleman. with his usual promptucss.
has dispatched n company ofarillery witha long
twelve and twenty-pur pound howitzor To that
virnty 10 he in readiness shoul! their service be