Daily national Republican., 1863-11-18

or two loaded pistols. Life is held cheap here.
A murder blows over in sweek sor two, after
which time the perpetrstor has no need Of keep
ing ont ofsight. "
Carriages arc very poor, the saddle being
the universal mode Of Conveyance. Mosqui-
toes sre not vay SsA, although Sesse than at
the North; but the heas are awful. They are
everywhere, and no one thinks of speaking of
so small and common ah annoy People
get used to fieas in Matamoras-rather.
III left New Orleans on the sth, anl arrisedst
the bar of the Rio Grande river night before
last, about dark. ~wsvan IN c1oeeto tho -tsry'
and inside of all the vessels lying there. We
passed the English ffigate Galatca, (steamer,)
which came to this port the day before from
Vera Cruz. We next passed the French steamer
Rohn. We were under the British flag. There
were at tho bar fourteen brigs and schoonere,
and four ships and barques, all loading with
cotton, which is brought over from ''Bagdad,p ?
a little settlement of shanties al the mouth Of
the river, which has been made sincc the war
began. No vessel drawing over three to four
feet water can cross the bar. -Isnrr
We came to anchor and next morning (ycs-
terday) were boarded by the French steamers
barge. Papers were demanded and vessel care
fully searched. Having satisfied himself We
had no contraband, the officer len, first noting
on the ships papers the blockade Of all Mexi
can ports, beginning ten leagues from Mata-
moras. Yet this port is fully blockaded, as
have described above, and two vessels have
been seized by this steamer within week or
two, aud taken down the coast. All the time
the French officer was on hoard large barge
of fourteen oars was rowing around us within
hailing distance, and when the ofhcers pulled
of, this barge. joined them, and both went to
the steamer Rohn. Then the British barge
caue alongside, officers very hostile, enquircd
what mad passed, and wanted to make few
purchases. No American Government vessel
In port.
On landing, our papers were again asked for
and luggage examined by the Mexican officials.
All scaled letters were taken by them and sent
to the Custom House, and at last we were
allowed to pass along. We engaged wagon
TO take us TO Matamoras, thirty.two miles, the
charge being IS for each passenger and IS for
each trunk. l. Had a good dinner at "Bagdad,S y
and started. About half way on wheel broke
down, involving some Professionalism and
good deal of delay, aud We arrived in Mata-
moras about 10 O'Clock p. m. We passed on
the way sixty-seven wagons loaded with cotton,
going to the beach for shipment. The loads
averaged six to seven bales.
In and about this city there is now about
20, 600 bales of cotton, selling at 30 cents, in
specie. Il costs one cent per pound TO get IL
TO the beach and on board ship. Freight to
New Orleans is 81 cents, and to New York )
cents per pound, for compressed bales. and
cargo enough for a large number of vessels.
Everything now taken up. Our captain was
engaged at once, as was also the captain OF a
brig who came up with us.
There il nothing but "secesh" here. Near.
ly all you see here are foreigners, and all look
for the success Of the Confederacy. The Mex
leans look hopefully toward the Union. have
had the pleasure Of conversins with the Gov
ernor Of this State, the collector, and with our
consul, Mr.. Pierce, and all fully expect soon
, to have glorious news from the East, as well
as Texas, or the west bank OF the Mississippi.
Very little is known here of army movements,
and things are made to read as favorable for
the Confederacy as possible ,....,.,,.-,
AT Brownsville the Confederate flag Is flying
and sccesh says it cannot be pulled down.
| The French seem not disposed TO make any
demonstration on this city. 1t would be easy
! for them to take possession, as all look for
them TO act entirely with the Confederaey.
learn that Senior Romero has returned 10
Washington as Mexican Minister. None more
valuable could have been accredited.
Gold aud silver Is the currency here entirely,
No paper will pass. TheConfcderatc currency
can he bought at 10 cents on dollar, but II il
difficult to dispose of It, even at this figure.
The name of the collector Of Matamoras ii
Don Francisco Arzamendi. He Is very gen
tlemanly person, speaks English and appear
ever ready to oblige in matters Of business ant
otherwise. .r .. ..-.' '.'
Looking with anxiety for mail from thu
United States, l remain, Dr.. ..
Yours truly,