Taylor was to receive enough of them, to make, with what he had, about ten thousand men.
After this, nothing-of much interest occurred in northern Mexico. The theatre of war was changed to another part of the country. The strong forts had been taken and the enemy conquered in every battle.
General Scott had been ordered to Mexico by the government, Nov. 23rd, 1846. in the following language:
War Department, Washington, November, 23, 1847
Sir,—The President, several days since communicated, in person to you his orders to repair to Mexico, to take command of the forces there assembled, and particularly to organize and set on foot an expedition to operate on the Gulf coast, if, on arriving at the theatre of action, you shall deem it to be practicable. It is not proposed to control your operations by definite and positive instructions, but you are left to prosecute them as your judgment, under a full view of all the circumstances, shall dictate. The work is before you, and the means provided, or to be provided, for accomplishing it, are committed to you, in the full confidence that you will use them to the best advantage.
The objects which it is desirable to obtain have been indicated, and it is hoped that you will have the requisite force to accomplish them.
Of this you must be the best judge, when preparations are made and the time for action arrived.
| Very respectfully. |
| your obedient servant, |
| W. L. Marcy, |
| Secretary of War |
| Gen Winfield Scott. |
