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be considered declaration of ca If WE PASSED THE RIVER
He placed in my hands at the time proclamation of
Gen. Mcia, issued at Maanoros a day two previous
have thought it proper make detailed report of this
operation, being e first which the Mexicans
have showed themselves in attitude decidedly hostile


few rancheros still the route hence Maanoros.
It is believed that there may be nearly thousand troops in
that place. but what proportion of regular troops cannot
state with confidence. The arrival of Gen. Ampuda is ex-
pected from the interior"


j MARcH 25, (rom Point Isabel } While on my way
hihe our column approached by party its right
flank, bearing white flag It proved be civil depulation
from Matamoros desiring interview with me. The
dputaon halted while yet miles from Point Isabel de-
Ginning to come further and formal protest of the
Preect OF the northern district of Tamaupas against
cupaton Of the country. At this moment il discovered
that the buildings al Point Isabel in flames. then
informed the bearer of the protest that would it when
opposite Matamoros and dismissed the depuaton consi
dered the conagraon before my eyes decided evidence
of hostility, and willing be fed with any lon
ger. We found two three nofensive Mexcans
here, the rest having left for Matamoros.'


MAReu 30, rom the left bank of the Rio Grande, opposite
Matamoros 81 have the honor repeat that arrived at
this camp yesterday with the forces under my command no
resistance having been offered my advance to the banks OF
the river Our approach seems to have created much
In great deal OF acuVHy
been displayed, apa the preparation of bate
ries The attitude of the Mexcans is decidedly hostile An
interview has been held by my direction with the military
thories in Matamoos, but with satisfactory result Under
this state Of things, must again and urgently call your at
tenton to the necessity Of speedily sending recruits TO this
army. The militia Of Texas remote from the border
that we cannot depend upon their aid"


ApRIL 8, (ffom Camp opposite Maamoros } 81 have to
report material change in the aspect Of affairs here since
my despatch of the 29th umo. The Mexicans still retain
hostile attitude, and have thrown up works. evidently
designed to prevent US from crossing the river On our
side battery for four eighteen FOUNDERS will be completed
and the guns placed in battery to-day These guns bear d
recty the public square of Matamoro and within good
range for demoshng the Their object cannot be mis-
taken by the enemy and will, think efeciuay restrain
him from any enterprises upon our side Of the river.
Tie Mrcan authorities persist considering march
act Of ,oar ITSELF and believe they would treat
it and attempt to drive from poson if they felt su
cient confidence in their strength have very
information to the number of regular troops in Matamoros
but am quite confident ii does not reach too thousand and
they of very bad description, and miserably armed


ArRlL Is, (from Camp Matamoros } 81 have
port that the instant General Ampudia arrived Maa-
with two hundred cavalry, the remainder of his force
various estimated from three thousand men, being
some distance in the from Monterey.
On the 9th received from Gen. Ampuda despatch sum
monng withdraw my force within twenty -four hours
and to fall back beyond the N1eces TO this commu
nicaon replied the 18th, saying should not retro
grade from my position considered the Gen.
pudia sufficient in blocking up the Rio Grande
and stopping all supplies for Maamoras Notwithstanding the
alternative of presented by General Ampuda, hostile
movement has yet been made by his force"


in the letter of Gen Ampuda accompanying the above des
patch, that officer thus addresses Gen. Taylor:


"Your Government, in incredible manner-you will
even permit say extravagant one, if the usage
general rules established and received among all civilized


ons regardedhas only nsuted but has exasperated
the Mexican nation, bearing lis conquerng banner 10 the
M bank Of the Rio del Nrte; and in this case, by explicit
and definite orders of my Government which neither can, will
nor should receive ouages require you, in all form,
and the latest the peremptoy term Of twenty -four hours
break up your camp and retire 10 the other bank Of The
NuEcEs RIVER while Governments regulating the
pending question relation TO Teras. If you persist in
naming upon the soil of the Department of Tamaupas, it
will clearly result that arms, and aone must decide the
question"


Gen TAYLOR replied that, being I" charged in only mill
tay capacity with the performance Of specific duties he could
"not into discussion of the international question in
voved in the advance of the American army and that the
instructions under which he acting would not permit him
to retrograde from the position he had occupied" &c.


WAR quickly ensued, a matter of course, and
no one who reads the documents relating to the
subject can be at a loss for its cause. Even the
Secretary of War, in his annual report which was
laid before Congress at the opening of its last ses-
sion plains have been precipitated and brought
on by the march to the Rio Grande. Near the be-
ginning Of that report, upon announcing the change
of position of our army from Corpus Christi, the
Secretary says:


Notwithstanding the object Of the Of troops
was made known and all intention Of doing than peace
ably occupy territory Of Texas disavowed, after
the arrival Of the army on the Rio Grande hostile feeling
began manifested by the Mexican forces stationed the
opposite bank of that river and the 24h Of April the Mex
can General Arsa) informed Gen. Taylor that he consider
ed hostities commenced and should prosecute them


Previous to the 18th January, when our army
was ordered 10 advance, there preparations
at Matamoras indicative of approaching war there
were none at Vera Cruz had Mr. SLIDELI
been rejected This did not take place till the 9th
of March and as late as the I'd of that month
when Commodore CONNER informed Gen. TAYLOR
: of the departure of body of troops from the in.
terror of Mexico for the fronter-a measure re-
sulting, no doubt, from the movements Of our own
army-he also stated that the Government of Gen.
PAREDEs, which finally refused negotiations, and in


nh Il 4 r. 81