The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-11-25

Fear nothing! Soon will the national
flag wave majestically over this entire
frontier, because you sustain 1t with an
arm that knows not how to give way
before foreign oppression; but knows
how to fall terribly upon those who try
to defile 1T, and also punish those who
undertake to cover their transgressions
under its folds, who outrage peaceful
inhaitants, or deprive them of the free
use of their property.
Forward, companions There are vet
thousands of Mexican hearts in heroic
MatamOros whose wishes are propi-
tious to you. 1t is there you will re-
ceive the congratulations of him who
with pride calls himself your General
and friend, MARIANA EscoBEDo.
| Headquarters in Santa Rosalia, Oct. 10
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Oct. %, 1865.
The forces of Escobedo are now in front
of Matamoros. Canales was at ST. Rosa
liza last evening, but he has doubtless
come up ere this. During last night
there was an occasional shot along the
lines, and at an early hour this morning
brisk firing OF musketry was heard, in
termingled with the rOarOf the artillery.
Although 1t was scarcely daylight, the
banks of the river were lined with peo-
pie in an incredibly short time, and it
was confidently anticipated that the at
tack had commenced. The firing con-
tinued for over three hours, with more
or less intensity. Its desultory and UNI
certain character, however, rendered it
evident to the practiced ears of the old
soldiers of the West and of the Army of
the Potomac that little more than a re-
| connoissance was taking place. The
only thing inconsistent with this idea
was the prolonged and heavy firing at
point below the city, and not far from
| the river banks.
From the best authority | have re-
celved the following explanation of the
affair General Escobedo had formed
his command and issued the requisite
| orders preparatory to making a recon.
noissance along the entire linesurround-
ing the city. Feints were to be made at
different points, but no attack, the only
object being to feel the enemy and learn
his strength and position. ~. y a'i''
General Hinojosa, who was i'm COM
niand south of the city, misapprehended
his instructions and charged upon the
fort in his front. The charge was led
by a number of Americans, who went
over the embankment in a twinkling,
driving the imperialists from their guns
and capturing them. The gunboat
Paisano, mentioned in my last despatch,
was stationed in the river within easy
range, and Immediately opened on the
fort; and, as no arrangements had been
made for hissuppOrt, Hinojosa was COM
PEELED to fall back. He was wounded
through the leg. Escobedo soon after
drew in his lines, and the relative po-
sition of the contending forces is as
before the affair commercial The
liberals are represented as in good spirits
and confident.
During the progress of the affair
number Of solid shot from the gunboat
passed over the heads of our soldiers,
who were standing in large numbers on
the banks of the river watching the
fight and at times cheering the liberals.
These shots were supposed to fall upon
the American side on account of bend
in the river near that point; but it is
confidently stated by both officers and
men that the gunboat deliberately fired
several shots at them. Gen. Wetzel has
ordered n commission to examine into
the affair, and should reinstatement prove
true he will demand the captain of the
gunbOat. 4 a.5
The loss of the liberals in killed and
wounded will reach fifty men. l have
this from the official report of Escobedo.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Oct 20, 5P. NJ.
[ have just returned from visit to
Matamoros. Most of the streets are bar
ricaded with cotton bales, pressed hay
and other materials, particular reference
being had to the holding of the Plaza,
which, in the numerous contests in
Mexican cities, has always been the
principal point of attack. This work
has been performed by body of citi-
zens organized for the defence of thecity.
They number about seven hundred and |
fifty, and are for the most part French. |
men. No Americans have Joined them. |
The streets are almost entirely deserted,
and though some few of the stores have |
their main door open no business is
done. Not soldier is SEEM save now
and then a cavalryman. They are all
within and outside of the forts. The
peace and good order of the place are at
tended to by the citizens,
Considerable skirmishing has been
going on outside during the day. The
skirmishers could be plainly seen from
the housetOps, to which assembled at
some risk ola bullet, as the strictest or
ders have been issued against any such
indulgence in curiosity, and the patriots
fire upon those seen there.
General EscobedO this morning sent
m application to General Weitzel for
tents for the use of his wounded. The
request was granted in the interest of
e-.n
The liberal wounded are for the most
part on this side of the river having been
crossed over above and below the city.
Dur surgeons are rendering every assist
'nce in properly providing for them.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, Oct. 81, 1865.
General Escobedo called upon General
Neitzel last evening to thank him for ,
lis kindness toward the wounded men
# his command. The interview was
hort, and but little was said. heliberal
intimated that it was his inten- !
ion to make desperate effort for the
possession of the city. Cortina is in +.
ommand of his left wing, and is doing !
veil. positively stated that Espinosa,
eported killed, was unhurt The only
eneral officer wounded was Hinojosa,
$ hereinbefore stated. -4F4yOal !
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, Oct. %; 1865.
he liberal forces moved forward last !,
light and are now within two hundred =
ards of the enemy outer works, or rifle . =
its. They are intrcnched, and this =
forming successfully resisted an effort =