Our army on the Rio Grande. Being a short account of the important events transpiring from the time of the removal of the "Army of occupation" from the Corpus Christi, to the surrender of Matamoros; with descriptions of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, the bombardment of Fort Brown, and the ceremonies of the surrender of Fort Brown, and the ceremonies of the surrender of Matamoros: with descriptions of the city, etc., etc

Front matter

*tl«l

A 1

O V

Preface

The events treated of in this work, are of too recent occurrence, and of an interest too absorbing, to require a preface. The author was among those who were deeply excited by the stirring incidents connected with our little army on the Rio Grande, in the months of

^April and May, 1846, and he was on the battle fields, and among the heroes, almost immediately after the occurrences that have rendered them immortal in the histoiy of the country. The idea of writing

#he following little volume, was suggested by the accumulation of materials, collected for the transient purpose of varying the columns of a daily paper, and urged on by the honorable wish to record some of the noble deeds of our soldiers, that might otherwise be forgotten. The author is indebted to several officers of high standing in the army for facilities of obtaining information, among whom he would mention, in the most respectful terms, Major Gen. Gaines and Gen. Worth.

The illustrations of the work are from nature, save the one representing the death of Major Ringgold; that is an attempt to embody the scene from descriptions of eye witnesses. At the time the author visited Major Ringgold's grave, at Point Isabel, there was nothing, exkept the freshness of the sod, to distinguish it particularly from the three or four about it. Some time afterwards, his brother officers

protected it by a significant railing, which the author is happy to

n

learn, will be sent to Baltimore with the hero's remains.

Louisiana, August, 1846.

Chapter I

Army leaves Corpus Christi — Face of the country — Deceptive appearances

' v —Fresh water — Arrival at the Colorado— Crossing disputed — Prairie —

Camp intruders— Point Isabel — Deputation dismissed — Fanques del Ra-

minero 11

Chapter II

The army arrives opposite Matamoros — Our flag raised on the Rio Grand e —

Gen. Worth passes over to Matamoros — Interesting interview — Shooting

*• deserters — Run-away slaves — Social intercourse between the two armies '

suspended — Ampudia's proclamation - - - - - 17

Chapter III

Fort Brown commenced — Col. Cross disappears — Gen. Ampudia arrives in Matamoras — A parley — Gen. Ampudia's Letter — Gen. Taylor's answer — Lieut. Porter — Blockade of the Rio Grande — Reasons for so doing — Hostile appearances — Gen. Arista's advice to the soldiers of the United States — Discovery of the murdered body of Col. Cross 26

Chapter IV

The Mexicans commence crossing the Rio Grande — Col. Cross's funeral- Prospect of hostilities thicken — Arrival of Gen. Arista in Matamoros — His letter to Gen. Taylor — Captain Thornton's command captured — Parti culars of his surprise — Death of Lieut. Mason — Communication with Point Isabel cut off 3fe

Chapter V

Brazos Santiago — Incident in its history — Entrance in the bay — Point Isabel —

j Don Roderiguez — His conduct — Retreat from Point Isabel — Col. Twiggs

takes possession of it — Made a depot of military stores — Major Munroe takes

command — Stirring incidents — Capt. Walker leaves for Fort Brown 45

Chapter VI

Gen. Taylor, with the army, march out of Fort Brown — The Fort — Mexican account thereof — Mexican valor— Sorrow at not meeting Gen. Taylor —

CONTENTS.

Bombardment commenced — Incident — Death of Sergeant Weigart — Mexican account of the first day's bombardment — Triumph of their arms — Bravery of the people of Matamoros — Additional particulars — Bulletin of Northern Division — Glory of the Mexican arms — Their future prospects with posterity -----------49

Chapter VII

Bombardment — Point Isabel — Capt. May attempts a communication with Fort Brown — Incidents connected therewith — Major Brown's orders to his men — Appearance of the enemy — Bombardment resumed — Mexican reconnoisance — Anecdote 59

Chapter VIII

Gen. Taylor's orders to Major Brown — Signal eighteen-pounders — Bomb-proof shelters — Manner of escaping from the bursting shells — Anecdote of a dodger — Mexican on the look out— Major Brown mortally wounded — White flag — Correspondence between Gen. Arista and Capt. Hawkins — Infantry attack — Bombardment at night — Mexicans fired into — New batteries opened — Interference with music — Mexican forlorn hope — Excitement in Fort Brown — Distant cannonading — Anticipations - - 65

Chapter IX

The army leaves Point Isabel — Encamps for the night — Plains of the Palo Alto — Preliminaries of battle — Lieut. Blake's reconnoisance — Battle of the 8th commences — Churchill's batteries — Ringgold's batteries — Duncan's batteries — Mexican charge — Repulse — Ridgely's batteries— Ringgold's — Duncan's — The prairie on fire — Action suspended 73

Chapter X

Action resumed — New line of battle — A brave soldier — Capt. Page wounded — Ringgold's battery — Ringgold's fall — Mexican charge — Repulse — Duncan's battery, its movements — Close of the battle — The wounded — Council — Result — Gen. Taylor's despatch — Gen. Arista's despatch - 79

CHAPTER XL

Morning of the 9th — The train parked — A dead cavalry officer— Evidences of the battle of the 8th — Interesting incident — Advance guard under Capt. McCall — Fatal accident to Lieut. Blake — Burial of the dead — Evidences of a murder — Enemy discovered — Resaca de la Palma — Lieut. Dobbins— Ridgely ordered forward — The battle begins — It becomes general - 89

CONTENTS.

Chapter XII

Gen. Taylor's order to Capt. May — Ridgely's coolness — May's charge — Its effects — Fall of Lieut. Inge — The capture of Gen. Vega — The Fifth charges — Capt. Hooe wounded — Lieut. Col. Payne wounded — The Eighth — Lieut. Col. Belknap's charge — Lieut. Lincoln — Fall of Lieut. Chadbourne — Lieut. Jordan wounded — The Third — The Fourth — Capt. Buchanan — Lieutenants Woods and Hays — Capt. Barbour — Gallantry and death of Corporal Chisholm — Lieut. Col. Mcintosh wounded — Charge of Duncan's battery — Incident — Arista's camp — Charge of Mexican cavalry — Death of Lieut. Cochrane 96

Chapter XIII

The fort — The flag — Death of Major Brown — Intense excitement — Speculations on the battle — Evidences of defeat — Retreat — Pursuit — Mexicans- Col. Curasco— Gen. Ampudia — Death of Father Leary — Consternation in Matamoros — Terrible effects of the defeat — Gen. Taylor's despatch from Resaca de la Palma 105

Chapter XIV

Burial of the dead on Resaca de la Palma — Lieut. Inge — Lieut. Chadbourne — Lieut. Cochrane — Affecting Incident — Exchange of prisoners — Mexican sergeant — Gen. Vega — Prisoners of war — Wounded — Gen. Taylor starts for Point Isabel — Com. Conner — "Jack ashore" — Meeting — Major Ringgold — His death — Official despatch 112

Chapter XV

Gen. Taylor starts for camp — Returns — Lieut. Col. Wilson's command — Taking of Barita — Appearance of it — Proclamation — Preparations for taking Matamoros — Armistice proposed — Ceremonies thereof— Death of Lieut. Stevens — Raising of the flag — Disposition of the army — Head quarters of Gen. Taylor — Governor of Matamoros — Prefect — A plain talk — Lieut. Col. Garland pursues Arista — Is fired upon — Anecdote — The Rio Grande after the battles — The battle fields 120

Chapter XVI

Early history of Matamoros — It becomes important to the government — Its situation — Appearance from Fort Brown — Red tower — The ferry Anaciiita — Its attendants — Ferrymen — Ranchero — Cattle driving — Sudden order — Suburbs of Matamoros — Mexican hedge — Sand-bag fort battery — Changes — Commander-in-chief 129

CONTENTS.

Chapter XVII

The bridge — Change in the country — Private residence of a wealthy citizen — Newspaper in Mexico — Interior of the city — Plaza — Cathedral — Its front — Chapel— Its worshippers — Halls of justice — Head quarters of our troops — Mexican prison — A prisoner free — Court room — Military stores — The rich widow — Her mules 139

Chapter XVIII

Chapel de la Capilla — Its use by Gen. Arista — Its ornaments — Its worshippers — Incident — The grated house— Suburbs of the town — The ruined barracks — The red tower — Scene suggested — Mexican hospitals — Treatment of the sick— Their appearance — The artillery — Musket wound — Market square — Its commodities — Queer dogs — Mexican exquisite - - 147

Chapter XIX

Abandoned public stores in Matamoros — The copper shells — Mexican imposts — Large gun-carriages — Saddles — Evidences of hasty retreat — Revolutions in Mexico — Their effects on the business of Matamoros — Its prospects under a settled government — Number of men engaged in the battles — Arista's statements — French consul's statement — Alcade Gomez — Probable number of troops — Conduct of our soldiers — The moral effects of the battles 155

Chapter XX. Anecdotes And Incidents

The Generals in Camp — Hard to whip — A chivalrous soldier — Case of army cruelty — Mexican lieut. col., a la Gen. Vega — A perfidious Mexican — A sufferer by the bombardment — Amusing scene in Matamoros — Mutilating the dead — Mexican exaggeration — Unexpected attack — A gratified Mexican — The Smith family in Mexico — Rio Grande deer, largest on record — Mexican soldiers — The trophies of the war — A boxing Irishman — Young Mcintosh — A fighting clergyman west of the Rio Grande — Commerce on the Rio Grande — A brave Mexican — Sergeant Vandenhoof — A bold act— Capt. Bliss's horse — A death avenged — A Mexican's eye to business — A Jersey boy — Dogs in the battle — Gen. Taylor's frankness — Winning a saddle — The force of a ball — Mexican rations — Craniological curiosity — A squadron of disappointed lovers — Mexican cruelty — Beautiful remark — Chivalrous act 160

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXL

Translations from Mexican papers found in Matamoros — An editor speculates on the propriety of anniversaries — He glories in the great days of the Mexican nation — Some doubt comes on his mind about the unsullied character of his national flag — Glorious prospects, if certain things come to pass — Ampudia's resignation to Arista — Canales threatens to exterminate the Anglo-American nation — Ampudia's proclamation against illicit trade — Arista's report of the Mexican killed and wounded on the 8th and 9th — Parrode to the troops of the department of Tamaulipas - - - 177

Chapter XXII

Major General Z. Taylor — His military History 184

OBITUARY.

Major Jacob Brown — Major Samuel Ringgold — Capt. John Page — Lieut. J. E. Blake — Lieut. Theodore Lincoln Chad bourne — Lieut. Z. M. P. Inge — Lieut. R. E. Cochrane } - 189

BATTLES ON THE RIO GRANDE.

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

Reports of General Taylor — Col. Twiggs — Lieut. Col. Garland — Major Allen — Capt. Robert C. Buchanan — Capt. L. N. Morris — Major T. Staniford — Lieut. Ridgely — Capt. May — Lieut. Col. Belknap to Gen. Taylor — Capt. Duncan — Capt. McCall to Gen. Taylor — Capt. Smith — Capt. Hawkins — Capt. Mansfield — Inventory of captured property - - - -197

Despatches of Gen. Taylor previous to Actual Hostilities - 241

OUR ARMY

ON

THE RIO GRANDE.

Chapter I

Army leaves Corpus Christi — Face of the country — Deceptive appearances — Fresh water — Arrival at the Colorado — Crossing disputed — Prairie — Camp intruders — Point Isabel — Deputation dismissed — Fanques del Ra-

After a long and uninteresting sojourn at Corpus Christi, the "Army of Occupation" received orders to march, and take up its position on the Rio Grande. A change even for "worse" would have been a relief to both officers and men ; but a change so evidently for the "better" was hailed with the greatest pleasure by all. On the 11th day of March, 1846, the army broke up its encampment, and commenced winding its way over the desert country that lies between the river Nueces and the Rio Grande del Norte. That apparent suspension of vegetation, and every other blessing that makes a de-

Note. — In the spring of 1844, pending the negotiation for the annexation of Texas, two regiments of infantry, and one of dragoons, constituting a corps of observation, were concentrated near the Sabine, by order of President Tyler. The command of this corps was intrusted to Gen. Taylor, who was instructed, in general terms, to protect Texas from Mexican invasion, during " the negotiation." In the midsummer of 1845 the " army of observation" was augmented by an artillery company, from Charleston, S. C, and the army was then denominated the "Army of Occupation," consisting of two regiments of infantry, one of dragoons, and a single company of artillery, the whole force amounting to fifteen hundred men. On the 26th of June, 1845, an artillery company, equipped as infantry, sailed from Charleston, S. C, to New Orleans, under orders from the secretary of war. Gen. Taylor sailed from New Orleans, on the 23d of July, with three ships and two steamboats, for Aransas bay. On the 3d of August the whole "Army of Occupation" had landed at St. Joseph's island, in Corpus Christi bay, near the mouth of the Nueces. About the middle of August a document was found among some wrecked sirable habitation for man, has been alluded to by certain statesmen, as particularly suited for a division line between two great nations. The country over which the army passed was mostly rolling prairie ; the barrenness of which was only relieved by the wiry grass which affords grazing for cattle. The quality of the soil, together with the total want of woodland, and wholesome water, will ever keep it from becoming permanently occupied by man. As they proceeded toward the Rio Grande, the face of the country gradually lessened in interest, and after a wearisome march of seven days the army found themselves in a barren, Sahara-like desert. The suffering now became intense ; not only were the necessary fatigues of a march to be encountered, but to this was added the deprivation of water, life's greatest blessing, while the appearance of every thing around was calculated to depress the mind, and cause it to suffer equally with the body.

Suddenly the scene changed. Islands of stunted green forests became scattered over the landscape, crystal lakes glistened in the sun, and reflected, as mirrors, the clear, blue sky above. But, alas, the green clumps that at a distance had promised so delightful a shelter from the scorching sun, were composed of the jagged thorn tree, and unpenetrable cactus ; and the fairy lakes, so beautiful to the eye, as if to tantalise, were filled with salt, thirst-creating water. The ground seemed heated ashes, in which the foot would sink at every step. Human nature sunk, exhausted, while the cattle dropped in their tracks. The Spanish bayonet alone seemed luxuriant, and

goods on the shores of Aransas bay, which proved to be a war proclamation of the Mexican government. Deceived by its belligerent tone, Gen. Taylor announced to his army that war had been declared. At this time a small portion of the army was west of the Nueces, the remainder being on St. Joseph's island. On the 16th of August some smugglers reported that Gen. Arista was on his march to meet Gen. Taylor with three thousand choice troops. Vague rumors reached New Orleans that an overwhelming Mexican force was rapidly marching towards the Nueces, when the citizens of that city despatched two companies of artillery to his assistance, and the secretary of war ordered out an additional force of forty-five companies. On the 15th of October Gen. Taylor writes to the secretary of war that his whole force is three thousand eight hundred and sixty men. On the 13th of January, 1846, Secretary Marcy, for the president, ordered Gen. Taylor to move his force towards the Rio Grande. These orders Gen. Taylor received February 4th, and immediately commenced the necessary preparations to accomplish such an object.

ARRIVAL AT THE COLORADO. 13

by its needle-pointed leaves appeared to mock those who would gather its snowy blossoms. It seemed the representative of all nature around it, where the general beauty, like its own, led those to ruin who would embrace it.

Again there was a stretch of barren desert, and beyond this was a fountain of wealth, far more coveted than gold — fresh water was before them. Men, who were apparently exhausted beyond recovery, made one desperate effort to reach the life-giving spring. Years of suffering had been crowded into a few hours' march, for a tropical sun and a parched mouth make the soul tremble, from the suffering of the body it inhabits. Under the excitement the faint and exhausted infantry pressed onward with renewed life, while some miles ahead the artillery were seen, at a halt, enjoying the luxury of water. As the soldiers reached it discipline was forgotten, their arms thrown down, they rushed bodily in, thrusting even their heads beneath the waves, in their desire to quench the thirst that was consuming their vitals.

Gen. Taylor, with " the advance," reached the Colorado on the 20th. This lovely stream of clear, salt water, winds its way through bluff banks twenty or thirty feet in height. Its borders are lined for a very great distance inland with thickets of thorn bushes, interspersed with a dwarfish tree, called the mosquete. This " chaparral" is almost impenetrable, the smaller shrubs are of the toughest kinds of woods, and as if its thorns and strength were not sufficient to repel invasion, enormous prickly pears spring up in every place where room can be found for its roots.

When Gen. Taylor appeared on the bank of this river he found, as had been rumored, a party of Mexicans there, who disputed his passage with — their tongues. They told him that if an attempt was made to cross the river, they would fire upon his troops, such being their orders. The army was immediately formed into line of battle, and it was thought hostilities would now commence, if such were the orders of the Mexican commander, as the place was a favorable one in which to dispute Gen. Taylor's progress. The Mexicans now sounded bugles for a great distance, both up and down the river, evidently wishing to create the impression that there was a large force in the vicinity. Our troops, although they expected to cross the river under a shower of musketry, were eager to advance. Some delayoccurred in making a road down the bank. Gen. Taylor informed the Mexicans, that as soon as this was completed he would cross, and that he should fire upon any one of them that appeared in arms after he commenced so doing. The artillery was drawn up to cover the ford, and their port fires lighted. There now arrived an officer from Matamoros, an aid to the commander-in-chief of that city, Gen. Mejia, who delivered to Gen. Taylor a letter, the contents of which were, that, if the American army crossed the Colorado, the Mexicans would consider it a declaration of war, and hostilities would at once ensue.

The road down the river bank being by this time completed, the order of " forward" was given. Capt. C. F. Smith, with four companies of artillery, constituted the "forlorn hope." These now gallantly dashed into the ford, Gen. Worth leading the way. No enemy appeared in sight, and the best opportunity that the Mexicans ever had of opposing the American army was lost to them.

On the 22d the army moved in four columns across the prairie towards Matamoros. The immense number of huge rattlesnakes now met with was almost incredible; they seemed literally to fill the country between the Colorado and the lakes, reaching within a few miles of Point Isabel. They glided through the long grass, striking terror to all, and crawled by hundreds into the " camp" of the soldiers, coiling themselves under the blankets ; a location they seemed to prefer to any other among the " army equipments." So numerous were these serpents, that the soldiers humorously took the precaution to shake their knapsacks in the morning, to know if they were occupied. Occasionally would the ear be saluted with a noise resembling the pouring of shot into a tin cup, and that knapsack was treated accordingly.

Gen. Taylor having heard that the Mexicans held Point Isabel, the harbor on the Texian coast nearest the mouth of the Rio Grande, and the contemplated depot for his " military stores," determined to change his route, and march for that place. The country was now hourly growing richer in its agricultural appearance. Deer were seen through the distant openings, and a great variety of duck, and other water-fowl, skimmed over the ponds.

On the 24th the army reached the " Matamoros road," that runs i

POINT ISABEL— MATAMOROS. 15 between that city and Point Isabel. Gen. Taylor, learning that the point was not occupied by Mexican troops, ordered a " halt," and then proceeded with the dragoons, and the " train," to that place. The army moved forward some six miles, under the command of Gen. Worth, when it encamped, to await the return of the commander-in-chief.

Gen. Taylor was met near Point Isabel by a deputation of citizens, at the head of which was the Prefect of the State of Tamaulipas, to protest against his occupation of the country. The general, who had now become quite accustomed to Mexican " Pronunciamientos," would most likely have dismissed the deputation without a reply, but upon the instant, discovering the smoke of what he judged to be the firing of the houses at Point Isabel, he told the prefect that he would give him an answer when opposite Matamoros on the 28th. Gen. Taylor then ordered forward the dragoons, under Col. Twiggs, to stop, if possible, the conflagration, and arrest the authors of it. Steamboats with " supplies for the army" arrived at Point Isabel almost at the same instant with Gen. Taylor, so admirably had he arranged the business of the campaign.

The army now rapidly advanced toward Matamoros, the country, as they approached, seeming more rich in vegetation, while the masses of " chaparral" were more frequent as they neared the Rio Grande. Several places as they passed along were noticed as favorable positions for an opposing army to occupy, and Gen. Taylor pointed out one where he said he would have a battle with the Mexicans, if they were disposed to meet him in the open field. A few weeks after this casual remark was made, the spot thus designated by Gen. Taylor, became known to the world as the battle ground of Resaca de la Palma.

It was with the most pleasurable feelings that both officers and men saw, in the distance, the deep blue haze that marked the serpentine course of the Rio Grande, and the prospect of once more resting " in camp," with the luxury of a fresh water river rolling by, while all around them was spring-like vegetation ; this, with the novelty of the scene, all conspired to fill our army with delight. Large droves of splendid horned cattle were now frequently seen, and occasionally a small cotton field, hedged in by thorn bushes, strengthened by trunks of trees set in the ground, gave welcome evidence of a settled country. Scattered Mexican huts next appeared. The army was approaching the hacienda Fanques del Raminero, and with it all the signs of idle, tropical life. Gardens of pomegranate and orange trees filled the air with fragrance ; and perhaps the familiar sound of chickens, that suggested fresh eggs and broils, was equally musical to the tired soldier, while the voices of the singing birds, from every hedge, poured forth sweet music, as if to greet the " Army of Occupation." A large number of irregular Mexican soldiers retreated before the march of our army ; a few of these stragglers distinguished themselves by capturing two of our dragoons who were " far in the advance ;" also the horse of a bugler boy, who managed to escape his pursuers, and bring the news of the capture of his comrades. The tidings of this outrage created a great deal of excitement.

ARRIVAL OPPOSITE MATAMOROS. 17

Chapter II

The army arrives opposite Matamoros — Our flag raised on the Rio Grande — Gen. Worth passes over to Matamoros — Interesting interview — Shooting deserters — Run-away slaves — Social intercourse between the two armies suspended — Ampudia's proclamation.

The " Army of Occupation" arrived upon the east bank of the Rio Grande, and opposite Matamoros, between 11 and 12 o'clock on the morning of the 28th day of March, 1846. Nothing could exceed the joy of the soldiers on beholding this river which formed, at that time, the latest south-western boundary of the United States. The rich verdure of the banks, the cultivated gardens scattered around, and the clustering fig and pomegranate trees, seemed like fairy land, when contrasted with the desert over which they had passed. The approach of the army had, of course, been announced in the city of Matamoros, and its population had turned out by thousands, lining the west bank of the river with dense masses of curious faces to witness the proceedings. The Mexican national flag was flying from the head quarters of Gen. Mejia, at that time commander of the forces in the city. A temporary flagstaff, prepared by the Eighth Regiment, under the superintendence of Lieut. Col. Belknap, was raised, bearing aloft our national ensign, with no other demonstration of joy than was pealed forth by our bands, one playing the Star Spangled Banner, while the other gave forth the inspiring notes of Yankee Doodle. The instant our flag was run up, it was saluted from Matamoros by the consulate flags of the English and French nations. The army looked in vain for the American flag ; it was murmured from mouth to mouth, " Where is our flag !" " What has become of our consul !"

Directly after our colors had been raised on the east of the Rio Grande, Gen. Worth and his staff were directed to cross the river with a communication from Gen. Taylor to the commander-in-chief of the Mexican forces, and the civil authorities. Gen. Worth and suite descended to the water's edge, bearing a white flag, which was soon answered by a boat from the Mexican side, bearing two officers, (represented as cavalry officers,) an interpreter, and one other person. A message was then sent to inform the commanding officer of the Mexican forces, that a general officer of the United States Army had been sent by his commanding general with despatches to the commanding general at Matamoros, and to the civil authorities ; and that an interview was requested.*

After some conversation explanatory of the above, the Mexican party recrossed the river to report to the commanding general at Matamoros and return with his reply. An open note for the American consul at Matamoros, with an endorsement on the back in pencil, was delivered to the Mexican officer. He replied, that he should hand it to the commanding general. u Certainly — of course," was Gen. Worth's remark in reply.

On the return of the same party, Gen. Mejia sent word, that if the commanding general of the American forces wished a conference with the commanding general of the Mexican forces, it would readily be acceded to: but as a junior to the commanding general, on the part of the American troops, had requested a conference, Gen. Mejia could not entertain such a proposition ; but that an officer of corresponding rank and position in the Mexican forces would be ready to receive any communication sent by Gen. Taylor.

It was perceived that the relation of the parties was misapprehended, they supposing that a conference was requested. This was corrected immediately, and it was reiterated that Gen. Worth was merely the bearer of despatches, with authority to relate verbally certain matters of interest to the commanding general at Matamoros.

The proposition of Gen. Mejia was then acceded to, with the remark, that this was a mere question of form, which should not be permitted to interfere with any arrangements necessary to the continuance of the friendly relations now existing between the two governments.

The Mexican party recrossed to the right bank, and after a short absence returned, stating that Gen. Romulo Vega would receive Gen. Worth on the right bank of the river — their own selection — for the reception of any communication which Gen. Worth might have to make from the commanding general.

* We are indebted to Gen. Worth for a MS. copy of this interview.

MISSION OF GEN. WORTH. 19

Gen. Worth then crossed the river, accompanied by Lieut. Smith, aid-de-camp ; Lieutenants Magruder, Deas, and Blake, attached to his staff; together with Lieut. Knowlton, as interpreter. On arriving at the right bank of the river, Gen. Worth was received by Gen. Vega with becoming courtesy and respect, and introduced to the " authorities of Matamoros," represented in the person of the Licenciado Casares. On the Mexican part were present, Gen. Vega, the Licenciado Casares, two officers — represented as cavalry officers — an interpreter, with a person named Juan N. Garza, Official de Defensores.

After the usual courtesies on meeting, it was stated by Gen. Worth, that he was the bearer of despatches from the commanding general of the American forces to Gen. Mejia and to the civil authorities of Matamoros. A written and unsealed document was produced, and Gen. Vega desiring to know its contents, it was carefully read and translated into French by Lieut. Knowlton, and afterwards retranslated into Spanish by the Mexican interpreter. Gen. Vega then stated, that he had been directed to receive such communications as Gen. Worth might present from his commanding general ; going on to say, that the march of the U. S. troops into a part of the Mexican territory, Tamaulipas, was considered as an act of war.