vour command, having taken posts on the banks of the Miamis for up-
wards of the lasl twenty-four hours, almost within reach of the guns of
this fort, being a post belonging to his Majesty the King of Great Bri-
â– cupied by his Majesty's troops, and which 1 have the honor to com-
it becomes my duty to inform myself, as speedily as possible, in
what light I am to view your making such near approaches to this gar-
• I have no hesitation on my part to say. that I know of no war exist-
between Greal Britain and America.
.(â– the honor to be, sir, with great respect, yourmosl obedient and
very humble Bervant, "WILLIAM CAMPBELL,
or 24th Reg. commanding a British post on
the banks of the Miamis.
Mqjor-Gt i" ral Wayne, Sic. &c. &c."
POLK ADMINISTRATION. 131
peace of 1*783, between this country and Great Bri-
tain, contrary to its provisions, the former power
retained possession of several forts upon the fron-
tiers, from which they instigated the savages 'to
wage hostilities against the United States. Wash-
ington was annoyed by the incursions of the Indians.
Harnier and St. Clair had been successively defeated.
In 1794, our forces in the northwest were placed
under the command of "mad Anthony Wayne,"
who, on the 28th of August, 1794, defeated the al-
lied Indians and the British, under the guns of a
fort in possession of the English ; Wayne then ra-
vaged the possession of Colonel McKee, the British
Indian agent, and which was in disputed territory,
actually in the occupancy of the British troops.
No. II.
"Camp on the bank of the Miamis, August 21s/, 1794.
" Sir : I have received your letter of this date, requiring from me the
motives which have moved the army under my command to the position
they at present occupy, far within the acknowledged jurisdiction of the
United States of America.
" Without questioning the authority, or the propriety, sir, of your in-
terrogatory, I think I may, without breach of decorum, observe to you,
that were you entitled to an answer, the most satisfactory one was
announced to you from the muzzles of my small arms, yesterday morning,
in an action against the horde of savages, in the vicinity of your posts,
which terminated gloriously to the American arms ; but, had it continued
until the Indians, &c, were drove under the influence of the post and
guns you mention, they would not have much impeded the progress of
the victorious army under my command, as no such post was established
at the commencement of the present war between the Indians and the
United States.
" I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your most obedient,
and very humble servant,
"(Signed) ANTHONY WAYNE,
Major-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Army.
" To Major William Campbell, &c. &c."
HISTORY OF THE
This conduct upon the pari of General Wayne, was
sustained by Genera] Washington.
I reiterate the fact, thai Mexico made no dis-
tinction between the country lying east and west
of the Nueces. They claimed the whole of Texas,
as a revolted province, when they were mustering
their troops upon the banks of the Rio Grande,
with the avowed determination of reconquering that
country. W hat, under the circumstances, was the
proper course for the administration to pursue?
Were plighted faith and pledged honor to be dis-
regarded? Were the Mexicans to be allowed to
cross the Rio Grande, and re-enact the bloody
scenes which characterized their progress before
the fatal defeat at San Jacinto? The President
had the right to lead our forces in person, to the
uttermost limit of the Texan territory. The ques-
tion in dispute could be settled by one of two
up t hods — by negotiation or by force. The for-
mer we had tendered to Mexico after she had
abruptly broken off all diplomatic intercourse. Our
proposition was scornfully rejected, and she elected
to decide the contest by the ordeal of battle.
When this was known, it surely cannot be insisted
that the .Mexicans had a better right to take pos-
session of disputed territory than the soldiers of the
United States. The very fact of possession might
have affected our title. Mexico might have claimed
that possession as an evidence of the inability of
Texas and the Tinted States to enforce their claim
to every part of the disputed territory*
It is evidenl from the correspondence of General Taylor with the
POLK ADMINISTRATION. 133
Mexican General Ampudia, that he regarded the territory between the
Nueces and Rio Grande as American soil. " While this communication
was in my hands, it was discovered that the village of Frontone had been
set on fire and abandoned. I viewed this as a direct act of war, and in-
formed the deputation that their communication would be answered by me
when opposite Matamoras, which was done in respectful terms." — Letter
of General Taylor to General Ampudia, dated Matamoras, Texas, April
22, 1846.
Frontone was situated west of the Arroyo Colorado. The burning
of this village could not have been regarded by General Taylor as " a di-
rect act of war" unless he considered it American territory.
He also stated to the Mexican general that the course pursued by the
army under his command had been governed by a strict regard of justice
and humanity. " I need hardly advise you that, charged, as I am, in only
a military capacity, with the performance of specific duties, I cannot enter
into a discussion of the international question involved in the advance of
the American army. You will, however, permit me to say that the Govern-
ment of the United States has constantly sought a settlement by negotia-
tion of the question of boundary ; that an envoy was dispatched to Mexico
for that purpose ; and that up to the most recent dates said envoy had not
been received by the actual Mexican Government, if indeed lie has not
received his passports and left the republic. In the mean time I have been
ordered to occupy the country up to the left bank of the Rio Grande,
until the boundary shall be definitely settled. In carrying out these in-
structions I have carefully abstained from all acts of hostility, obeying, in
this regard, not only the letter of my instructions, but the plain dictates
of justice and humanity." — lb., April 12, 1846.
" After all that has passed since the American army first approached
the Rio Bravo, I am certainly surprised that you should complain of a
measure, which is no other than a natural result of the state of war so
much insisted upon by the Mexican authorities as actually existing at this
time. You will excuse me for recalling a few circumstances to show that
this stale of war has not been sought by tlie American army, but has been
forced upon it, and that the exercise of the rights incident to such a state
cannot be made a subject of complaint." — lb., April 22, 1846.
HIS TO BY OF THE
CHAPTER VII.
Forward movement of the American troops. — The number and discipline of
the American army. — General Taylor reaches Point Isabel. — Fort Brown
erected. — The Mexicans cross the Rio Grande. — General Taylor moves
from Fori Brown to Point Isabel. — Bombardment of Fort Brown. — Battle
of Palo Alto. — Resaca de la Palma. — The action of Congress. — Reorga-
nization of the tinny. — The object for which the war was prosecuted. —
Difficulty with General Scott. — Requisitions made upon the Governors of
ill States for volunteers. — Plan of campaign. — Action of General
(James. — General Taylor marches from Camargo in the direction of Mon-
terey. — Capture of Monterey. — Internal affairs of Mexico. — Pass granted
to Santa Anna — General Wool inarches upon Monclova. — General Kear-
ney takes Santa F6. — Colonel Doniphan advances upon Chihuahua. — Vic-
tory ot Sacramento. — General Kearney starts for California. — Operations
of Colonel Fremont and Commodores Sloat and Stockton. Orders issued
to raise contributions from the Mexicans. — General Taylor advises the
adoption of a defensive line. — Preparations made to attack Vera Cruz.
— Civil Governments authorized by the President. — Movements of Colonel
Price.
Tin: forward movement of the American troops
from Corpus Ctristi to the Rio Grande was ordered,
as suggested by General Taylor himself." The rear
i: •■For these reasons our position thus far has, T think, been the besl
ile : but now that the entire force will soon be concentrated, it may
well l>e a question whether the views of Government will be best carried
out by our remaining al this point. It is with great deference thai ( make
anysuggi tione on topics which may become matters of delicate negotia-
tion ; hut if our ( rovernment, in settling the question of boandary makes the
lino of tie- Rio Grande an ultimatum, I cannot doubt that the settlement will
!»• greatly facilitated and hastened by our taking possession at once of one or
on or quite 1 1< -.ir that river. Our strength and state of prepara-
d playedina manner not to he mistaken/'— Dispatch of
'• Tayh lot) Secretary of War. dale J at Corpus Christ i, on the
<
POLK ADMINISTEATION. 135
of the army left the former place on the 11th of
March, 1846. It may be proper at this place
briefly to examine into the numbers, state of disci-
pline, and arms of the regular force of the United
States. Much jealousy has been manifested by our
citizens ever since the declaration of independence,
of standing armies. A preference has always been
exhibited for militia or volunteer troops ; and al-
though raw soldiers during the revolutionary strug-
gle did not often prove as steady under fire as the con-
tinental line, still in the last war with Great Britain,
and the more recent one with Mexico, the volun-
teers fought with a desperation which established be-
yond a doubt, that perfect reliance may be placed
upon them in the fury of battle. It is true that
they will not yield the same passive, uncomplaining
obedience, which in the "regular" affords his com-
mander so much delight ; but that pride and emula-
tion which stimulates the volunteer, will prompt him
to avoid the dangers of a court-martial, while he fights
with a degree of enthusiasm that is irresistible.
The graduates of the military academy at West
Point, during the conflict with Mexico, elevated the
character of that institution to an extraordinary
degree of renown. Before the war commenced, a
strong prejudice prevailed throughout the country
against it, and the opposition had become so decid-
ed, that it was in danger of being discontinued.
It is now, however, established upon a firmer basis
than ever, and if our main reliance in time of war
is to be upon the volunteers, this only renders the
preservation of that institution still more impera-
136 HISTORY OF THE
five. In the selection of their officers, the volun-
will almost invariably elect those persons who
have obtained a regular military education, or by
their experience are qualified to command. While,
then, military education should be taught at West
Point, perfect reliance may be placed in the volun-
teer force of the country in sustaining the honor of
our flag. In 1845 the whole number of the regular
army of the United States amounted to 7,883,
many of whom were foreigners. General Taylor
before leaving Corpus Christi had under his com-
mand about 3,500 men, and when he reached the
Rio Grande his effective force was less than 3,000.
When the American troops arrived near the
Rio Grande, they found the Mexicans prepared to
assume offensive operations. On the 10th of April,
1846, ( olonel Cross was murdered, and on the 18th
of* the same month Lieutenant Porter with a small
body of men were taken prisoners after a desperate
resistance, and were inhumanly butchered. On the
24th of April General Arista arrived at Matamoras,
and informed General Taylor that he considered
hostilities commenced, and that he should prosecute
them* On the 24th of the same month Captain
Thornton, with a party of dragoons consisting of 63
men, became engaged with a very large force of the
Mexicans, in which 16 were killed and wounded, and
the rest were forced to surrender.f On the iMith of
April Genera] Taylor issued a call upon the Gover-
Di patch of General Taylor, April 26th, 1846, Executive docu-
ion, 29th Congress,
t Ibid.
POLK ADMINISTEATIOU. 137
nor of Texas for two regiments of mounted troops,
and two of infantry, and upon the Governor of
Louisana for four regiments of infantry, for the pur-
pose of prosecuting the war with energy, and carry-
ing it into the enemy's country* On the 28th of
April, 1846, the camp of Captain Walker was sur-
prised, and five men were killed. A family of
fourteen persons unarmed were taken prisoners, two
of whom were females ; their throats were cut, and
after every indignity was perpetrated upon their
persons, they were left exposed to the storms of
heaven, and prowling beasts. On the 3d of May,
although the enemy had made demonstrations on
the east bank of the river, still, owing to the nature
of the country, and the deficiency in the American
army of light troops, General Taylor was kept ig-
norant of their movements.f He had received in-
formation that the Mexicans were preparing to
cross the river below Fort Brown, with the object
of forming a junction with those who had crossed
the river above ; and entertaining the belief that
they designed making a descent npon his depot at
Point Isabel, he hastened the operations on the
field-work, and was enabled to prepare it for a suc-
cessful defence on the 1st of May. J Leaving the
7th infantry under the command of Major Brown,
with Captain Lowd's and Lieutenant Bragg's com-
panies of artillery in charge of the work, General
* " Which will be required to prosecute the war with energy, and
carry it, as it should be, into the enemy's country." — Ibid.
t Dispatch No. 32 of General Taylor, dated May 3d, 1846, at Point
Isabel.
t Ibid.
138 HISTORY OF THE
Taylor started with the main force under his com-
mand, for Point Isabel, where they arrived the next
day, without discovering any signs of the enemy.
On the morning, and during the day of May 3d, dis-
charges of cannon were heard in the direction of
Fort Brown ; and General Taylor dispatched a
squadron of cavalry, covering a small party to com-
municate with Major Brown.* The squadron re-
turned on the morning of the 4th, without bringing
news from the Fort; but on the 5th of May Cap-
tain Walker of the rangers arrived at Point Isabel,
after running the gauntlet during the night before.
Tin- ad of gallantry upon the part of Captain Wal-
ker deserves especial attention, as it exemplified
the cool and daring courage of that celebrated
ranger. When it was deemed important to com-
municate with General Taylor, Captain Walker
volunteered to be the bearer of dispatches from
Major Brown. Starting at night, with no other
guide through the ranks of the enemy but the wind
upon his cheek, he successfully accomplished the en-
terprise. Fmni a dispatch brought by him, General
Taylor ascertained that, on the morning of the 3d of
May, the .Mexican batteries opened upon Fort Brown,
and the American guns vvere immediately manned
and a fire was kepi up from the six and Impound-
ers, which resulted in dismounting several of the
Mexican pieces. They continued, however, to fire
upon the fort until L2 o'clock at night. On the
Till of May, General Taylor started on his return
from Point Isabel, for the purpose of raising the
• l> tch No. 32 of General Taylor, dated May 3d, 1846, at Point
J
POLK ADMINISTEATION. 139
siege of Fort Brown, determined to fight the enemy
in whatever force he might attempt to obstruct his
progress.* On the 8th of May he encountered
6,000 of the enemy at the field of Palo Alto, and
after an action of five hours repulsed them. The
force under General Taylor did not exceed 2,300
men. What renders this battle somewhat remark-
able is the fact, that although it lasted five hours,
the loss of the Americans was only four men killed,
and three officers and thirty-nine men wounded. f
* Dispatch of General Taylor, to the War Department, May 7th,
1846.
f " Head Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp near Palo Alto, May 9, 1846.
" Sir : I have the honor to report, that I was met near this place yester-
day on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces ; and after an
action of about five hours, dislodged them from their position, and en-
camped upon the field. Our artillery, consisting of two 18-pounders, and
two light batteries, was the arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent
manner in which it was manoeuvred and served, is our success mainly
due.
" The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about 6,000 men,
with 7 pieces of artillery and 800 cavalry ; his loss is probably at least 100
killed. Our strength did not exceed, all told, 2,300, while our loss was com-
paratively trifling ; 4 men killed, 3 officers and 39 men wounded ; several
of the latter mortally. I regret to report that Major Ringold, 3d artillery,
and Captain Page, 4th infantry, are severely wounded ; Lieutenant Luther,
2d artillery, slightly so.
" The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has repassed the river.
I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his direction, and shall
move the main body immediately.
" In the haste of this first report, I can only say, that the officers and
men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action.
" I shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report, when
those of the different commanders shall be received.
" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
" Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding.
" The Adjutant General of the Army,
Washington, D. C."
140 BIS TO BY OF THE
Et is almost inconceivable, that so large a body of
men should have been fighting in the open field,
for that length of time, without doing more execu-
tion. The loss of the Mexicans was estimated at
more than 200. The artillery was the arm prin-
cipally engaged, and fully sustained the higli repu-
tation of those who had devoted so much time to
srfection. Major Ringold of the flying artillery
was mortally wounded; but his death was terribly
revenged by Duncan, Rid gel y and their comrades,
who fought with an enthusiasm that carried havoc
and dismay into the ranks of the enemy.
The American army encamped upon the field of
battle, and a council of war was called to deter-
mine whether they should advance, or act upon the
defensive. A majority was in favor of the latter
course; but the commanding general, sustained by
the advice of Belknap, Duncan, and others, deter-
mined to force his way to Fort Brown. In the
mean time, Arista was reinforced by a body of
•j, i inn troops, thus making his force amount to about
8,000. At 2 (/clock on the 9th of May, General
Taylor advanced along the Matamoras road," and
when he approached Resaca de la Palma, he found
a ravine which crossed the road, lined with the ar-
tillery of the enemy. Taylor directed a battery of
field artillery to assail the position, and the fire of
artillery and small arms was continued, until the
lotteries of the Mexicans were carried by the in-
fantry and dragoons, ami they were pursued to the
• Dispatch of General Taylor to the War Department, May 9th,
1846.
POLK AD3IINISTEATION. 141
river. Seven pieces of artillery, a large quantity of
ammunition, three standards, and about 100 prison-
ers, including General La Vega, were captured.
The loss of the Americans was 39 killed and 82
wounded. The loss of the Mexicans in the two bat-
tles has been estimated at 1,000 men. Although
great bravery was exhibited by the infantry and
dragoons, still the gallantry of the artillerymen was
conspicuous. They fought with a reckless, yet sys-
tematic daring, which claims our highest admira-
tion ; wherever the dark masses of the enemy were
preparing to advance, they were quickly met by the
flying artillery, and the storm of grape and canister
never failed to drive them back in disorder. One
instance is related of chivalrous devotion, which, in
the army of Bonaparte would have won a high po-
sition. When Captain May, who had been occupy-
ing the position of the " black sluggard," was some-
what peremptorily ordered by Taylor to charge a
Mexican battery, he was arrested in full career by
Ridgely, who called out " stop, Charley, let me draw
their fire ;" and the grape and canister from Ridgely's
battery were quickly responded to ; and although
the saddles of many of the dragoons were emptied
by the fire of the Mexican infantry, yet the remain-
der dashed over empty guns.
The news of these two victories quickly spread
throughout the United States, and startled the inha-
bitants of each city and hamlet throughout the
land. The intelligence produced a deep sensation
at Washington, where the American Congress was
then in session. The threats which had often been
142 HISTORY OF THE
made by the Mexicans to wash out with Hood the
-tain upon their national character, by what they
called a dismemberment of their territory, had now
been attempted. They had crossed the Rio Grande,
and upon two fields they had encountered the Ame-
rican army. The war had commenced, and it de-
volved upon Congress to devise the means for its
wetic prosecution. The regular army in April,
as 7.-44, and the force on the Texas fron-
tier in May, present and absent, was 3)554*
With this .small body of men, it was not to be
;ted that we could encounter successfully
3,1 M >l l,l >! >0 of people upon their own soil, and by the
act of the 13th of May, 1846, the President was
authorized to call into the field 50,000 volunteers,
to serve for one year, or during the war; and an
appropriation was made for the purpose of carrying
it into effect. The preamble to that act has been
made the subject of much discussion in Congress
and elsewhere. It declared that "whereas by the
ad -4' the Republic of Mexico war exists," &c.
The opposition members of Congress distinctly
charged that the war was brought on by the uncon-
stitutional order given by Mr. Polk for the concen-
tration of our troops upon the Rio Grande; but I
have already shown the fallacy of that assumption.
It was nevertheless entertained, and although the
whigs were disposed to vote for an appropriation of
money and the raising of men for the purpose of
relieving General Taylor, still they made strenuous
yjutant-General to the Wax Department, April 5th,
POLK ADMINISTEATIOK. 143
exertions to strike the preamble from the bill. This
they were unable to do, and upon its passage, they
all voted for it with the exception of fourteen mem-
bers of the House, and two or three Senators.* It
had been insisted that those members of the oppo-
sition who voted for the bill, were estopped from
subsequently denying that Mexico commenced the
war. The position which they occupied was an ex-
ceedingly delicate one. They had to adopt one of
two alternatives ; either to vote for the preamble,
which they declared was untrue, or to vote against
the bill. They did not choose to place themselves
upon the record as voting against granting supplies ;
although the prosecution of a war unjustly com-
menced by us, can hardly be reconcilable with the
doctrines of the Bible, or the precepts of morality.
The course pursued by those who voted against the
bill, was consistent with the declaration that the
war was unjust, and they have had far less difficulty
in reconciling their assertions and their votes, than
those who declared the war was "wrongfully com-
menced, yet abused Mr. Polk because it was not
more vigorously prosecuted.
The course pursued by the opposition members
of Congress with regard to the origin and prosecu-
tion of the war, was very inconsistent. Scarcely
did the collision of arms take place upon the Rio
Grande, before they denounced the course pursued
by the Executive as unauthorized and unconstitu-
tional ; and a portion of them opposed its prosecu-
tion, and voted against supplies throughout the con-
* See Congressional Globe, first session 29th Congress.
Ill HISTORY OF THE
test, while the remainder violently assailed the ad-
ministration because the war was not prosecuted
with more vigor. Although it was the general im-
sion after each battle, that the Mexicans would
conclude a peace, still those members gave frequent
expression to their indignation because more men
were not called into the field, that each victory
might immediately be followed by a forward move-