Complete history of the late Mexican war/Battles of Mexico
BATTLES OF MEXICO,
Various circumstances contributed to produce this war. In the first place the government of the U. S. had certain claims against Mexico, acknowledged by the latter, but not cancelled. Next, the people of Texas, having formed themselves into an independent government maintained that independence eight years, were desirous of being annexed to the United States. In order to accomplish this object, as Mexico was opposed to it, it was agreed between our government and that of Texas, that the former should send upon the borders of Texas, an armed force sufficient to put down any opposition from Mexico. Accordingly Zachary Taylor, Col. of the 6th Regiment of Infantry, was appointed to take command of these forces. He repaired to Fort Jessup, Louisana, and found that post garrisoned by seven companies of the 2d regiment of Dragoons, under the command of Col. D. E. Twiggs. May 10th, 1844, eight companies of the 3d Regiment of Infantry, stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, repaired to the same place, commanded by Lieutenant Col. E. A. Hitchcock. Their encampment was called Camp Wilkins. Eight companies of the 4th Regiment from Jefferson Barracks, went, May 13, to Grand Ecore on the Red River, under the command of Colonel Vose. Z. Taylor, with the title of Brevet Brigadier General, arrived at Fort Jessup about the middle of June. April, 1845 two companies arrived from Fort Leavenworth, making 25 companies in all of what was called the "army of observation." It having been voted by Congress (Feb. 1845), to annex Texas to the United States, and as the people of that State in convention, would meet, and probably accept the proposition of annexation in July, it was thought best for the army of observation to be prepared to move to the western frontier of Texas if necessary. Accordingly it proceeded to New Orleans in July 1845, ready to embark to any requisite point.
While at that city Col. J. H. Vose of the 4th Infantry died in a fit, which cast a gloom over his associates in arms. July 23d a part of the force set sail for Corpus Christi, (generally called Kinney's Ranch," situated on the western shore of Corpus Christi Bay) and arrived July 31. Many interesting incidents and some spirited battles have occurred at this military post, between the Mexicans and Texans, in which Santa Anna acted a prominent part; but we must not tarry to describe them here. The army now was no longer called "army of observation;" but the "army of occupation." In August the aspect of affairs began to be menacing, and it was expected that Mexico would soon declare war. General Arista, was at Monterey with a considerable Mexican force, and there was another at Matamoras. In the mean time new companies from the United States occasionally arrived.
Sept. 12th, the steamer Dayton, having on board several officers and soldiers, burst her boilers, on her way to St. Joseph's Island, and eight lost their lives in a most distressing manner. In September General Worth with six companies, and Major Finggold with his company of horse and others, arrived at the camp. By the middle of October 1845 the army of occupation consisted of 251 officers 3671 privates, total 3922. These were on the coast, and there were about 150 in the interior.
Texas claimed the land to the River Rio Grande, and General Taylor was ordered, in Feb. 1846, to move the army to some point on that river. In March it accordingly, started, having been at Corpus Christi seven months and eleven days. March 16th Col. Twiggs met the advanced guard of the enemy and was ordered to advance no further. He returned to the army and reported. Nothing however, was seen of the enemy again until our forces reached the banks of the Colorado, the passage of which was strongly disputed. The Mexican forces were drawn up on the opposite bank, and declared that they would fire upon our forces if they attempted to cross. General Taylor told them, that as soon as the bank was cut down for the train to pass, the first Mexican that he saw after our men entered the river would be shot. At this they fled. The Adjutant general, Gen. Mejia, the commanding officer at Matamoras, handed a paper to General Taylor informing him, that if he crossed they would have a fight; but no opposition appeared. The order of march as our army drew nearer Point Isabel was in four columns, the Dragoons on the right and the 3d Brigade on the left. Before arriving, however, it was ascertained that the place was deserted by the enemy and that all the buildings but one were burned. Our army were then ordered to direct their march towards Matamoras and General Worth encamped 12 miles from that place. General Taylor proceeded to point Isabel and the steamers and provisions arrived at the same time. While a deputation of fifty armed citizens of Matamoras, protesting there against our occupying the country. The general told them that he would answer them at Matamoras. Defences were ordered to be constructed at the Point and Major Monroe appointed Commander of the port. March 25th, General Worth proceeded three miles farther, to Palo Alto and waited for General Taylor. March 28th, the army moved towards Matamoras, which is on the Rio Grande, arriving opposite the city about 11 A. M. Two of our advanced guard were taken prisoners by the Mexicans, and the horse of a boy who was a bugler; which excited our men considerably. About two hundred Mexicans were to be seen and their colours flying in various places. General Worth was ordered to answer the deputation which visited Gen. Taylor at Point Isabel. The Mexicans for some time would not send a boat across the river: but at last one came with an officer. General Worth sent him back saying that he wished to see the commanding officer. Gen. Mejia said that he would neither receive General Worth or General Taylor's communication. Mejia sent General La Vega and Worth crossed the river and the interview took place on the Mexican side. La Vega said that the Mexicans considered us as invaders. Nothing of importance was accomplished by the interview. A flag was soon raised by our army on the banks of the Rio Grande. It was thought that the Mexican force, at this post was fifteen hundred. March 26th it was feared that our forces would be attacked at night and they were ordered to sleep upon their arms. Capt. May with a squadron of the 2nd Dragoons marched to Point Isabel (27 miles) in four hours to reinforce the garrison. On the first of April Gen. Taylor demanded the release of the captured Dragoons and they were returned with their equipments. It is surprising that several of our men deserted and went over to the enemy. Some of them were shot, who attempted to swim the river. News arrived, April 9th that Mr. Slidell, United States minister to Mexico having given up all hope of opening negotiations had left the city and returned to the U. S.