"It is with deep sensibility that the commanding general finds himself separated from the troops he so long commanded. To those corps, regular and volunteer, who have shared with him the active services of the field, he feels the attachment due such associations; while to those making their first campaign, he must express his regret that he can not participate with them in its eventful scenes. To all, both officers and men, he extends his heartfelt wishes for their continued success and happiness, confident that their achievements on another theatre will redound to the credit of their country and its arms."
General Scott reached the Brasos, Dec. 28th, 1846 and took the command of the army. Gen. Worth was ordered to move, with all the regulars, excepting Washington's, Wehster's, Sherman's and Bragg's batteries, to Point Isabel.
The force that set out for Tampico, Jan. 13, arrived on the 23rd. General Taylor and his command, arrived at Monterey on his return from Victoria, the last of Jan. 1847. General Wool had established a camp at the rancho. Taylor kept possession of Saltillo and the strong passes in advance of it, and stationed his forces, at these points.
Jan. 22, a scouting party, under Major Borland and Gaines, the former of the Arkansas and the latter of the Kentucky cavalry, were surrounded by General Minon with three thousand men, and captured, sixty miles from Saltillo. Our men numbered sixty-four privates and six officers and they were immediately marched off to Mexico. This capture exhibited great carelessness in the officers. Capt Henrie, a Texan Volunteer, escaped and reached Saltillo in safety.
Jan. 27th Capt Heady with seventeen Kentucky volunteers was captured by the enemy, while on a scouting party, without any resistance.
