American Flag. (Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico), Vol. 2, No. 133, Ed. 1 Wednesday, September 15, 1847 Page: 2 of 4
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AMERICAN FLAG.
BY FLEESON & PALMER
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It
WEDNESDAY MORNING, SEPT. 15, 1847
The line pussenger steamer, Tvm Kirkman, will
leave lor Camargo and intermediate landings to-day
at twelve o'clock.
The Rf.saca House.—Gov. Williams, after an
absence of several months, has returned and is again
presiding at this popular establishment. His levee
was well atended yesterday, and visitors were highly
pleased with the Governor's hospitality and urbanity
of manner. Such of our citizens as are unacquaint-
ed with the worthy chief magistrate ol the "Resaca"
we assure that they will ever fiud Uim ready to attend
to their applications.
We publish to-day a communication signed "Ob-
server," treating of our remarks in list number rela-
tive to Point Isabel, wherein the writer seems to take
exception to the particular private interest referred
to. We did not intend by the remarks to oast any
peculiar obliquy upon the parties representing this
private interest, and as to our remarks not being
based on mere rumor, " Observer" is not altogether
mistaken, as the facta referred to by him had come
to our knowledge, tiome time since, with pleasure
we referred to the erection of the Hospital at the
Point, and were gratified in having it in our pewer to
pay a just tribute to our Quartermaster, Capt. Webb,
who was then stationed at the Brasos, and as we
remarked, " in whose benevolent mind the necessity
of such a building was conceived." Every American
citizen who has visited this Hospital since it has been
in operation, has viewed with pleasure and just
pride the situation of the invalid soldier and the salu-
brity of the air and convenience and comfort by them
enjoyed. After the expenditure that had been incur-
red in erccting this building, so creditable to our gov-
ernment, a spirit of economy, if economy it can be
termed, (not elsewhere exercised) so rigid as to in-
terfere with the invalid soldier and the making fu!!v
available the former expenditures—as for instance
the erection of a wharf and some other trilling expen-
ditures—trifling, we would say as compared with
those already made—appeared to us ridiculous, and
we could not imagine that such a spirit could ema-
nate from a soldier; therefore, to our minds, the only
supposable case was private interest. YVedo not
feel disposed to probe this matter, as we do not per-
ceivc that the public would gain any thing by its be-
ing pursued any further. Our object has been simpl v
to call the attention of the proper authorities to the
subject—if we shall succeed in this, the aim and ob-
ject of our remark# will be attained.
Bold Act of the Guerillkras.—A stampede^
or commotion was produced in xMier on the night of
the 7th inst. by a party of Mexican cavalry or rob-
bers, supposed to number about thirty. A company
of infantry garrisoned the town and Capt. Butler's
company of the 3d Dragoons were encamped in the
immediate vicinity. The object of the Mexicans
was to get possession of a valuable lot of goods, be-
longing to a gentleman named Chassain, formerly a
resident of this place, which were proceeding on
to Monterrey in five wagons, and which had been
halted for the night in the outskirts of the town. The
boldness of the attempt deservedjsuccess. To avert
attention from the main object, part of the robbers
rode into the Plaza and fired upon the sentries,
wounding one mortally. W hi 1st the town was in
commotion at this unexpected attack, the other
parly of robbers were engaged in taking possession
of the wagons and goods, which they succeeded in
accomplishing and getting safely out ef the town
with them. The night being dark and the attacking
force not known, nothing was done for the recovery
of the wagons until morning, when a detachment of
30 dragoons, under Lieut. Davidson, and 15 citizens,
under Capt. J. R. Everitt, started in pursuit. The
robbers were overtaken about twelve miles from
Mier and defended themselves with remarkable ob-
stinacy, but were finally compelled to retreat with
a loss in killed of six men. The Americans lost
none and recovered all the goods—amounting in
value to some twenty-five or thirty thousaud dollars.
This is perhaps one of the boldest acts committed
on this frontier. Whilst the attention of the citi-
zens was drawn towards the firing on the sentinels,
the robbers deliberately unloaded 3ome of the wag-
gons and put the contents into others, and when
completed, they compelled the Mexican teamsters to
drive them through the town, not attracting any
particular attention, as some wagons were expected
that evening. When they were overtaken they had
commenced packing their goods upon mules, and no
doubt had the least time been lost by their pursuers,
they would have dispersed and placed themselves be-
voud pursuit, as it was a thick chaparral country in
and about where they were encamped. Many ol the
horses and mules of these robbars were captured, as
also all their camp rquipage.
We notice in our exchange papers that public at-
tention is au;iin being called to the Consular system
of the United States as being defective innot allow-
ing a fixed salary to the Consuls, as is done by other
commercial countries. We have ever telt that this
has been a great evil. There are times when, and
circumstances under which, a consul's power and in-
fluence is very considerable, and it has always seem-
ed to H3 that whenever an office existed that by any
contingency could hold and exercise any considera-
ble influence or power, there should be attached to it
sufficient salary to allow the appointing power to select
offices suited to the station. The American citizen
when abroad should have a right lo expect, in meet-
ing the Consul representing his country, that he
would meet an officer equally courteous, gentle, man-
ly, arid capable with the Consuls of other countries.
But under our present system *e cannot expect it—-
a Consulate that to-day may (from fees) give a con-
siderable revenue, a change in trade may in a few
days make it a mere nominal office. On the other
hand, for instance, the eonsul ate at Matamoros, an
office that has for years past yielded but a small rev-
enue, will, in all probability, for years to come, give
a very considerable income, on account of the ne-
cessary authentic action that w ill be required from
the office, ot the many documents relating to the
lands in Texas, as well as an increase of general
transaction between the citizens of the United States
and Mexico. It is thus our present consular system
operates, the uncertainty of the income not allowing
a proper selection, and thus oftentimes we see indi-
viduals holding these offices totally careless whether
or not they do their duty—their continuance or re-
moval from office being, to themselves, a matter of
entire indifference.
Embarcation or Troops.—From the Brasos, we
learn that Gen. Lane's brigade had all embarked on
Thursday, and were roadv to' sail for Vera Cruz.
A train of wagons, escorted by a detachment of
the 13tb infantry arrived here last evening from Ca-
margo.
We are aware that it is expected we should more
often refer to the want of protection on the roads
leading into the interior of the country, nnd did we
consult our feelings we would give a chapter in our
every number, but as " hope deferred maketh the
heart sick," so it is with us—our humble efforts on
this subject.heretofore have met with so little success
that we cannot see in what manner we can be of
service by comments, and therefore we abstain ; but
sheuld any merchant or citizen think that any plan
could be devised for more full and complete protec-
tion, we should be pleased to insert any communica-
tion on the subject.—And whilst on this subject, we
would take the liberty to give a few remarks for con-
sideration to merchants and traders,' particularly
those who have established themselves here during
the war. Although they may be disappointed in
realizing their hopes of profit from a brisk and active
trade, nevertheless, we do not think their time has
been entirely lost—they have, or at least many of
them, acquired a knowledge of the Spanish language
they have and are forming an acquaintance with
the merchants and traders of the interior—they are
becoming acquainted with the customs and the wants
of the Mexican people; all of which will be availa-
ble capital lo meet the increased commerce, which,
at the termination of the present war, must grow
out of the immediate contiguity of the United States
to Mexico. Nor is this all—a familiar acquaintance
with the language, manners, customs and wants of
FROM VERA CRUZ DIRECT.
[THE CITY OF MEXICO TAKEN
Total Defeat and Rout of the Entire Mexican Army.
By the arrival of a Pilot Boat at the Brasos, we
have new9 direct from Vera Cruz, and further details
from the City of Mexico. Although the account 13
not official, nevertheless its being accompanied by
details of killed and wounded, &c. authorizes us to
give it entire credence. It appears that the Mexican
army numbered 32,000 men, of which 5,000 were
killed and wounded and 2,000 taken prisoners and
sent to Vera Cruz. Amongst the prisoners were
some four or five Generals, with a large number of
other officers. Forty-five pieces of cannon and a
large quantity of small arras and munitions of war
were taken. The loss of the Americans was about
one thousand killed and wounded, a partial list of
which will be found appended. At the request of
the Mexican commander a suspension of hostilities
for forty-eight hours was granted by Gen. Scott. Af-
ter which the Mexican army fled in great confusion)
leaving all their arms, »^c. in the possession of our
troops. The American forces under Gen. Scott did
not number one-third of the Mexicans, and when it
is considered that the Mexicans selected their own
ground and position for attack, this certainly must
be consid ered another " Buena Vista" affair. At
the same lime, as Americans, feeling proud of the
glorious success of our arms, we cannot but with
emotions of the deepest sorrow record the names of
the noble spirits of our army who have fallen in their
country's service. With many of them we had a
personal acquaintance, and most of them were
known to us all, at least by a record of their gallant
bravery and noble deeds, done in former battle-fields.
Their memory will live long in the hearts of a grate-
ful nation:
Partial List »f Ktlled and Wounded Officers during the
different engagements.
killed.
Col. Burnett, N. Y. Volunteers,
" Butler, South Carolina,
Maj. Mills, 15th Infantry,
Capt. S. B. Thornton, 2d Dragoons,
" Capren, 1st Artillery,
M. T. Burke, "
Anderson, Ud Infantry,
Cadey, 6th "
Hanson, 7th "
Lieut. Irons, 1st Artillery,
" Johnson," " .
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wounded.
Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, slightly in the leg,
Col. Clarke, 6th Infantry, slightly,
" Morgan, 15th Infantry, badly,
Maj. Bonneville,,6th Infantry, slightly,
Capt. Craig, 2d Artillery, badly,
" Merrill, 5th Infantry,
" Chapman, 5th ,(
Lieut. Lugenbeel, 5th "
Farrelly, " "
Calender, Ordnance, slightly,
Van Buren, Mounted Rifles, slightly,
Holloway, 8th Infantry, slightly,
Hunter, " "
Buckner, 6th "
Bacon, " "
Henderson, 6th "
Henrickson, " "
S. Hamilton, 1st " badly.
B. B. Tilden, 3d Infantry, badly,
Easley, 2d
Gardiner, "
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this people opens the door of enterprise to all South carae or1,
a mrrht nt
In addition to the foregoing, we have obtained fur-
ther particulars in the following extracts from a letter
received at Vera Cruz, written by a Mexican officer,
and forwarded to this place via the Brasos. It gives
a more detailed account of the taking- of the City of
Mexico than any before received:
" On the 16th, Gen. Jferth, in command ef Gen'l
Scott's advance, encountered the advance of the
Mexican army. From that moment considerable
skirmishing ensued, until 12 o'clock, M., when
the Americans came in sight of our works, and alter
six hours hard fighting, they left our troops still in
possession of their position. The Americans with-
drew and bivouacked in sight of our army, as night
Earlv on the morning of the 20th, after
America—where the language used is the same, and
their customs, habits and wants very similar. In
England and France, or England more particularly,
of late years, there has been more true rejoicing at
the promulgation of a treaty bv which the commer-
cial and manufacturing interests have had a field of
enterprise opened to thein than upon the receipt of
the news of great military achievements. And snch
is a proper feeling—the natural growth of Christian
influence and advancing civilization. We, then, say
to the American merchant lhat a wide spread field of
enterprise is before him ; let him console himself for
the mishaps of the present by looking to the future,
which certainly opens, in perspective, a bright page.
a night of heavy rain, the operations were again re-
sumed on both sides. Our heavy batteries at Con-
turas were stormed and taken by the Americans, af-
ter a short but terrible struggle, and I am sorry to be
under the necessity of saying it, Valencia's army
was obliged to fly towards the city, having left be-
hind them 1500 prisoners and 15 pieces of cannon.
Among the prisoners were Gens. Blanco, Salas, and
Mendoza. I was among the last who left that spot,
and therefore I had good opportunity to see all I now
relate. The road along which our troops fled was
covered with the unfortunate dead and wounded,
among whom a large number of officers were to be
counted, and I do not hesitate to say that I saw at
least 700 of my countrymen dead, and at leasf dou-
ble that nnmber wounded on the field. All our
positon with the loss of two pieces of artillery. Va-.
lenci then ordered us to fall back upon the main
woris at Chumbusco, where the contest was again
fierely renewed, and after some hours' fighting the
while was taken by the Americans, and our forces
reteated in disorder to the city. Our forces amounts
edto 20,000 men, and it is reported that the Ameris
cai forces which engaged us, were only six or seven
thiusand. I cannot give the correct loss which our
trcops sustained—many of our Generals wero lost,
als» 45 pieces of artillery and an immense quantity
of ammunition. The loss of the Americans cannot
fall short of 1,000.
" An armistice was agreed upon on the 23d and
commissioners appointed on both sides to negotiate.
The folic wing officers were made prisoners at Cham-
busco; Gen'ls. Annaya, Rincon and Gentra. Gen.
Foubriei was killed at Centura. "
Brig. Gen. Brooke, stationed at New Orleans,
commanding the Southwestern Military District, has
temporarily removed his headquarters to Pascagoula,
one of the Watering Places on the Lake between
New Orleans and Mobile.
To the Editors of the Flag :
As a notice in your last paper of a rumor touch-
ing the removal of the military depot from Point Isa-
bel has attracted some attention, it has induced tne
to make a few comments on the same, believing that
a different view might be taken of the cause of the
rise of a rumor of that kind, and the error of so
much of your remarks as apply to the influence of
the particular private interests referred to. Admit-
ting the fact that Point isabel is important in a com-
mercial view, and that the possessors are anxious to
obtain possessiou of part—it certainly does not fol-
low as a matter of course* that they, the possessors,
have used, or attempted to use, any undue influeace
detrimental to the army operations, which tht remo-
val of the depot probably would be. From yeur
usual manner of treating ruMiors, I am led to be-
lieve that you have more data than mere rumor, on
which you founded your remarks, and as you seem
to see but out; quarter from whence an influence can
be exerted to cause such a rumor to exist, 1 wish lo
show you that everything about the Point has indi-
cated that some such action was intended.
The government property has been taken to the
Island. Timber that w«s brought there for a wharf,
after laying there for months, has been taken away,
and whilst considerable activity had been exhibited
in making improvements at other points, at Point
Isabel the removal of the actual requisites for the
convenient use of the improvements already made
—for instance, tha wharf, &c.—was sufficient to au-
thorise an opinion such as rumored, witheutthe ex-
ercise of any influence from ownership—and it cer-
tainly does not appear reasonable that such an influ-
ence would be exercised on the part ef the proprie-
tors, who will be benefitted in a greater or less de-
gree, by the continuance of the military depot at
that place—and, therefore, if any particular private
interest has been at work, it is probable you hare
looked for it in the wrong quarter, at least so it ap-
pears to a casual OBSERVER.
New Paper.—Vol. 1, No. 2, of a rich, racy and
anginal little sheet, called the " Stingeree, " hailing
from Pelican Island, Galveston Bay, has found its way
to our sanctum, and we have enjoyed a hearty laugh
over its wit. Earth, air and water, are made tributa-
ry and the inhabitants thereof employed t® furnish
the latest intelligence for the "Stingeree"—-and the
editor says there is not a nook or corner in cither of
these elements in which his reporters are not busied.
We have room for only one extract and subjoin the
Stingeree's "important Army News:"
IMPORTANT FROM THE ARMY.
By a swift Fish Hawk, direct from the lake of
Mexico, «»e have later news than any of our con-
temporaries will ever receive. Ger.. Scott has ha
a very narrow escape, having permitted h'** , (
chambre lo dress him within an inch of his hie, ''
on his retiring for the night he became convaiescen .
Gen. Gid. Pillow breakfasted on pork and beans, 0
the morning of the 15th inst., having come w.' '
sight of the Rio Frio pass. He made a thn 1 -
speech to his men, and generously oflcrod them -
honor of going ahead, but the field had n re.
been shorn of the harvest of glory which none
himself expected to reap, the other divisions
two or three days ahead. The city x,!f°oikh
1.. th» t«ih inst and on the
The vellow fever still rages in New Orleans with -
unabated violence. The Hospital Reports present! camp equippage and ammunition was a en y e
r.««. -from CO ,o SO del. <M,. An.cr.ean,, and a g,ea. ***, of
■. Mobile .he love, i. f—d » h.,« j „he,« ,e,y ,.,ong
ed .. eH'-cal fom. and ^ „en „0,lr„cted ,nJ „c[e .gam auaeked b.
.h" M,»wPpi.«—u * *• *•— — ,h,t
IWO »1 IUICC UM>Bmirau. *"W,V*V , . Ofll
gloriously takeon on the ISth inst. and on -
the automaton President placed in Power- j
Great Western, the heroine of Fort ^r0^.n' n.
a cotilion with Gen. Pillow in the Halls 0
tezumas on the 21st. Santa Anna's new cor
has a patent spring, which he winds up, am
lei loose the d—I himself could not ™tch 11 ' '
this means he escaped. Gen. Worth ha s p
soiled during the fight, and will have to ge ' c
anew. Twiggs met with a sad mishap, having
one half of his mnstachois in the engageme ■ ^
had the fragments preserved, and intends j
spun into a cabras. Mr. Trial's nose was obser ^
to diminish about half an inch in the early pa-
the month, but it has again come to its tai p
lions. There will be a requisition made on va
cities throughout the Union for sw ords ^ m_
priate devices—for chargers, &c., &c «s - ,fe
tend to tell a pretty big story ab°ul hoUrs
done, partly, we suppose, to excuse th |S
they spent in the last few months, uu . t
beginning to get wolfish, and is getting ui5
of a "/out."
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Fleeson, Isaac Neville & Palmer, J. R. American Flag. (Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico), Vol. 2, No. 133, Ed. 1 Wednesday, September 15, 1847, newspaper, September 15, 1847; Matamoros, Mexico. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth478640/m1/2/: accessed July 3, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.