The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-23
HEAnouARrEns, USIrED STATES Forces,
Brow svnxs, Texas, Deos 81, 1863.

U too /otn the almost unbearable monotony OF this
place was disturbed and We were suddenly plunged
estate q unusual excitement by the hurried issuance
general order by which the whole command were di.
upoted 70 hold themselves readiness 10 march
~ moments notice. with days. ratiops in their
haversacks. Ta order Immediately gave rise TO thou
sand and ono absurd rumors Some, who pro.essed 10
- knowing, affirmed that they had received positive
formation from officials that to the
end asss Governor Serna repe attack from Ruiaz
who was not more than FIVE miles distant. The more
sensibio shook their heads at this wild report and
sAouent that II probable that IL the rebels
narccipe against this place. there werc samber OF
tungoss current throughout the town that there
large body Of rebels not great distance on The ferry
tss and all tho river steamers lying this sdo
ehoSy afterwards seized and from this fact the rstre
U0rt listened to with attention than formerly
None Of these however TO be correct and
he true Of this extraordinary animation
plained. appears that the sccaed Mexican Governor
srna, had levied tax upon all the citizens Of Matamoros,
On the pretex Of paying the expenses that would be in
Surrcd by attack from Rivas who then marching
a1ainst the town. On Christmas morning attache Of
che Governor walked into the store of Mr. j. Galvan
American citizen VOL known IN New York. and Informed
him that the GovcrAcr would like TO see him at the
palace a. soou possible. AS Mr.. Gavan was well nc
odanted with the officials been invited to the
talace frequently, he sent his compliments to the
Governor and accepted the invitation In the OF
Tho day called At the palace and inquired for thu
Governor. He politely informed that his Excellence,
was busily engaged but If he would step into
he could see the paymaster, with whom he coul
TRANSACT his business He was then informed by III,
paymaster that he required to pay tax Of 900
Ind, " not immediately paid, he might consider him
Sof prisoner Mr. Gaivan replied that under cir
vice. Tho paynaster nodded to the guards who were
present, and be was immediately conducted to
cell below, where he was shortly joined by
another merchant andl both placed under guard
Several attempts were made by them to commun
Del they unable r. Galvan, after being furnished
with writing materials, wrote short note TO the Amer
can Consul r Psrce) explaining how BIO had been
trapped and thrown in prison, and loyal American
csen demanded protection. This note reached les
After remsairg in prison some while be was sent for BY
his Excellency. Mr. Gsvan protested TO the Governor
against the Megay o. such proceeding and demanded
ply on the condition that he would pay half the tax
mis- condition was finally accepted and he was reeased
AMERICAN GENERAL
Mr. Galvan immediately proceeded TO the American
Dana, TO whom lie facts were stated By Mr. Pierce.
This gave rise 70 the following
CORRESPONDENCE BErwmy GEvERAL DANA AND GOVERNOR
HEADQUARTERS, THIRTEENTH Army CoRrs,
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Dec &c, 1868
Hh Excslency Don Jssrs IN Ia sERSA Govonnor Of Ia
inSvs this nsnen. been advised by she United states
Consul at MAtamorcs that yesterday you notified the
lsregn residents W city Of purpose to imprn
them by you for considerable Of money under the
preext Of paying the expenses Of defending tho town
against anticipated attack threatened by troops who
claim 10 he the troops Of the federal aud supreme govern
nsnt q Mexico
am now called on 20 protect the rights Of American
-sntire safety or every loyal man woman and child Of
the United States The traitors and rebes-ths cut
shroas and assassns from this side OF the river who
nsve found an asylum IN the states OF Tamaulpas and
Nuevo Leoo, not ociy safety aud protection to their
crsons, but 10 carry trade 10 cotton and military
Supplies, which feed and keep alive iobelon which Is
mining TO destroy government which the best friend
m vtecti0n.
~ iumby trust that .he report have received Of your
40 nd imagine that all the professions OF friendship
from sxco towards the United States are TO be consd
cred ma ELY as complimentary words.
~ one< thing viii your Excelency thai Atnerj
can citiSeA from forced loans in their own
conntrv an do not know how TO submit 10 them rom any
osher Power on earth at all events h win DO time for
IA nrosct h% nselves should the fears Of Americans Ia
Hataroros pr well founded your Exceency certain
y aware that q. 1der the peculiar oircumstancs which
rour sct might moi be guaranteed BY the responsibility OF
The Mexcsn govern uent 10 mne IN this instance could
not remain here u dler or uninteres,ed spcctsor,
and now mako peren ptory protest against any such
ton as forced loan o. loyal citizens Of the United states
request OF your Exco 'lcncy immediate information as
the right under which you claim to exercise any such
arbitrary power hoss who are under my protection
ard that Of my nation-nav more, demand that Il any
such measures have beef commenced they be forth
with discontinued SO far scid citizens interested.
aball hold yself In instant readiness for your Excel.
ency reply, and now reassurs your Exccency OF my
distinguished consideration vsSy respectfully, yours,
no., q. y. y DANA
To this unexpected episte his Excesncy Don Jesus re-
Piled 90 follows -
Major Gen. DANA, commanding thirteenth Army corps
In apever 10 your note dated 70 day, 10 which you
rsSss 70 forced loan made BY IBIS sovWpmept