Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-01-23
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DAILY COMMERCIAL
THE RIO GRANDE IMBROGLIe.

Threatened Trouble with the French
The Basdlad Ahair-Descent upon an
Imperial Camp by COlOred TrOOps-Gut-
rageOus Proceedings of the FIiIibusters
Preparations for C0Iiision-Meetins
between General Smith and General
Messias.
New ORLEANS Jan. 2l.-Brownsville accounts of
the 18th. give correct statement of the Bagdad af
fair as follows: -
party of one hundred and twenty-three men,
most of whom coored soldiers from l1Sth regi-
ment, under Colonel Reed crossed the rvera CIarks-
vile, and divided into three squads. The first squad
proceeded to camp. which they captured with about
four hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery
The second party proceeded to the Ferry at which
an Imperial guard of ten men were stationed. The
officer commanding the guard was shot down. where
upon the others surrendered. One Imperialist was
killed and another wounded
The third party proceeded to capture Col Rice
the post commander who escaped while the party
were in the house, but was afterwards captured.
squad of ten men were then detailed to take the
steamer Antonia and fired upon her, killing SER
geant and wounding several others. The Antonia
fired volley, killing two and wounding one
The attacking party then fred two shots from how
tzer, Of which passed through the steamer Just
above the water line.
On the morning of the 9th the French frigae lying
outside sheed the place, and shots were afterwards
freely exchanged between the howitzers of the Lib
erals on the beach and howitzer boat from the
French frgate
No damage however was done, except the creating
OF panic among the citizens, who crossed to the
American side of the river.
A detachment of 200 men from the l1Sth Colorcd
Infantry, sent to protect American citizens
and remained until the evening of the 7th, when
detachment Of the 46th Coored Infantry relieved
them, with instructions to withdraw in the I'm
perialists attacked Bagdad.
The town was nearly deserted and plunder and pill
Laying was unnterruptedly kept up.
large amount of goods has been crossed to Carks-
| vile. What arrived at Brownsville was seized and
returned to the proper owners.
After wrangling for several days with Gen. Escoba-
do regarding the command, Gen. Crawford left for
New Orleans, where he has since arrived
After reintorcements of supplies and sma II force
had reached the town. the fortifyng of Bagdad with
cotton bales and heavy guns was commenced.
Three French transports arrived off the bar on
the 18th, when General Messia commenced build
ng earthworks and mounting guns, two being
6i-pounders, between Matamoras and the river but
commanding Brownsville. General Messia notified
General WeitzeI, if he was attacked from the Amer
can side, that he would open fire and that most likely
some shots would lodge in Brownsville.
General Giles A. Smith was Immediately sent over
to ascertain Gen Messiass Intentions but the nature
OF the meeting is unknown Its believed that belli-
gerent communication has been received, and Gen
eral Weitzel has ordered the rebuilding of Old Fort
Brown, which is being mounted with 3O-pounder
Parrott guns. large pontoon train is also being
rapidly put in good order. General Messia, appre-
hendng, on the other hand, Liberal attack is try
ing to make another forced loan. which betokens
much uneaslness Several guerrillas, in attempting
to desert by crossing the river. were drowned.
American citizens visiting Matamoras were looked
upon distrustfuy, and officers and men were not al
lowed to cross the river. On the 14th Gen. Weitze
reviewed the troops in Brownsville, all in good health
and