THE MEXICAN WAR
Erlrae! Of letter from c6icer ofthe army published
in .No Orleans paper.
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in a.N;1 Orleans paper.


CAMARGO, August 26, 1886


"A word or two about the policy Of the govern
IN prose uting the war with Mexico. Genera
Taylor has been instructed TO carry what is call
ed of reconcilIatIon that is, 10 make all the
citizens Of Mexico frients by paying them u
high price for everything, and not apprspratng any
Of their property TO our use without remuneratIng
them; thus, we proceed into the interior, occu-
py'ng the towns on our way, it is thought that, by
pursuing this reconciliation policy we will gain the
friendship of these people, and win them over to
our cause, by telling them that we are not making
war upon them, but upon the usurpers of power,
their orpressors; or, in word, upon the government
9 .dtrico only, for the injury it has done us By
pursuing this reconciliation policy, it is thought thai
we will greatly cripple and enfeeble the forces Of
Mexico, and IN this way make them for
peace and in case of retreat that these people will
favor and cover us! IL remains to be seen how this
war Of reconciliation will work. For my part, what
little have seen Of its operations, am perfectly
disgusted with 1t, and am totally opposed to it,
being unwise, impoitc, and imbece.


This policy of pursuing pnr Of reconciliation is
unparalleled and unprecedented in the history oi
warfare. What do you suppose the people Of the
United States would think, in England was a.
war with us, if 1t were told us that England did
WIsn to make war with the people of the United
States, but with the President and Congress only;
and that they would pay us the highest price fo'
everything in order to facilitate the war, and max,
US their frendsi Would il not be insulting TO u.s.
Is it not insulting to the Mexican people, them To
give you an idea how this war Of reconciliation is
working, have only TO tell you that this policy ha,
turned the Mexlcans into extoroners, and that tn,
American volunteers and soldiers, with the little pit


lance of pay which they receive from the govern.
ment for support, here liable TO the severest i'm
position whenever they are forced to buy from these
wretches. For instance, they charge a BIZ fr toW
eggs and frequently pIcayune piece; washing
two dollars per dozen; and everything ese in pro,
portion Aud strange to say, tor, these treacherous
devils, who, before the arrival Of our army, never
saw cent once in a month, are now becoming rich
at the expense Of the poor soldiers. Our govern.
ment certainly cannot know the character of these
people, or II would never pursue such a course In
the prosecution Of this war. The idea for instance
OF paying "citzen" fifty cents for melon, whe,,
three months ago he would gladly have accepted
three cents, or quarter, in order 10 obtain hi,
friendship, IL ridiosious; for If he should know
that you had fifty cents more IN your pocket
and that II could only be Obtained by cuItns
your throat, and good opportunity offered, h.
would do 1t to certainty. General Taylor and
the government are mistaken if they think To gan
the support Of this people n this way. And IL
case OF forced retreat part. they would b
The first 10 massacre for the sake Of plumber
The fact is, that robbing and smuggling is part of
their educatIon; and they better than so many
Arabs. Now, If II be the object of our government
10 GUY peace, Why, IN the name OF God moi
90 so at once, and further loss Of ifei For |
d" assure you it could be parchased at one; the
price ,uhich The ioar ,oiH cost us in pursuing this
course Of reconciliation. The Mexl.an soldiers
never dress in uniform here, and we cannot dstin.
gulsh them, Of course, from citizens, which gives
them double advantage over US. They come into
our camps, spy out all our movements, and keep
the enemy continually advised Of all our operations
Thus It s impossible to go on any expedition, or to
undertake any secret service without their know
Ing all about 1t, and taking methods to defeat us
Thus was POOR Captain Thornton ambuscaded; and
thus, too, have many other expeditions failed
Many have become dIsgusted with this tardy
course Of a war of reconciliation that they are
turning TO their homes and it will yet be the cause
OF many more servieeable men leaving the army, In
Heavens name, il we at war, and intend carry
ing on let act like warriors, and pursue the pro
per course on such occasions is acknowledged by
all natons-make the enemy support u.s. and find US
10 supplies Let them feel that we here TO fight
and not to eoncitats, unless il comes from them
not from US, Let them feel that we are their enc
MES to the knife but that for all who choose ior
our cause, we are willing 10 receive them; then
should know who are our enemies and who oui