Glasgow Courier. — 1846-05-16 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

THE RIO GRANDE. General Taylor arrived a the Rio Grande on the 28th instant, having, as has already been reported, on his march met two bodies of Mexican troops, who threatened to impede his advance, but prudently abstained froin attempting to execute their threats. On his arrival there he was met by a deputation of civilians from the town of Matamoras, who protested against his "invasion of the Mexican Dep .rtment of Tamaulipas," and on the 11th, General Ampudia having arrived at Matamoras, General Taylor was notified by him to retire to the eastern bank of the Nueces. This notification was of a threatening character, and was regarded by General Taylor as of a belligerent nature, and accordingly he instructed the military commander at the Brazos to consider the Mexican army as in a hostile attitude. A Mexican yew!, or perhaps two, from New-Orleans, with supplies for the troops at Matamoras, was expected to arrive soon, and General Taylor had also ordered the naval commander at the Brazos to seize them the instant they appeared. To the notification of General Ampudia General Taylor replied that he was instructed by the President of the United States to occupy the territory east..cf the Rio Grande. He came there, he said, without any hostile inteutioh, either towards the Government or people of Mexico, but any attempt to dislodge him would be repelled by force; and furthermore, if General Ampudia attempted to cross the Rio Grande, It would he considered a hostile act, and would be resisted as such. Ampudia marched 2,500 men into Matamoras, 1,000 of which were cavalry. This augmented the army at Matamoras to 5,000 or 5,500. He started with a much larger force, but it was weakened by desertions during the march, to the number, it was reported, of 1,000. He was said to have a considerable force also in the rear of Matamoras. Previous to the arrival of Ampudia, the Mexicans had placed a battery:of 18 field pieces, all the available artillery in their possession, in such a position as to command the American ramp. To this Gen. Taylor paid no attention until he received Ampudia's communication. Then, as a measure of precaution, he placed the army beyond the range of the battery, by moving higher up towards a four gun battery, by which he had complete command of Matamoras. By this means he rendered the Mexican batteries useless, It was represented by, the Mexicans to the people on the eastern bank of the Rio Grande, that the destruction of the American lrioV was inevitable, and that if they remained they would in all probability share its fate. This induced a majority of the inhabitants to crosa the river. Still, the army was well supplied with provisions from both sides of the river. About thirty of the American troops had deserted, ten or twelve of whom were shot in endeavouring to make their escape. This had the effect of checking further desertions. On the 12th, General Ampndia fortified himself opposite to Gen. Taylor's position. Gen. Taylor also raised breastworks on the bend of the river, so as to command the river and the works raised by the Mexicans. So advantageously was Gen. T. situated. it it was evident no possible for at the command of the •iican General could dislodge him • and on the 13th General Tullis notified to General Taylor that he would not act farther, he received definite instructions from his Government. Rio -Grande, Camp near Matamoras, A &WS. The camp is in the greatest excitement. Col. Cross and thei Quarter-Master have either been murdered by banditti, or carried prisoners to Matamoras; if the latter is the case, we shall open. .our batteries immediately. We are every minute expecting a .battle to commence, and the last order from the General is to commence firing our eighteen pounders, if our picket guard is heard to fire a musket.  !‘lieatAl LII si, Aimpi  Itifint 4111  MItiCk.