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Towanda, Wednesday, May 19, IS,'
DEnOCRATIC
TOIL GUVIU OR.
FRANCIS R. SHUNK.
TOR C.f.:NAL COV‘III,IIIONIII,
1110111.1M 1 LONGSTRETIT,
07 1111 4 .71 . 00017 T COVNTT.
(0" - • We are requested by the Sheriff to say that the
Special Coon of Coutinan Pleas. advertiaed to be held
on the 2lst of June next, will nut be held, and that Ju
ror* drawn fur that court need not attend.
Triumph of Principle.
It affords us pleasure to refer occasionally to the posi
tion occupied by this journal one year ago on the then
all-absorbing question of a repeal of the tariffilaw of 1842,
and the casein:rent of a Bill more irbolesorne, just and
equal in its prosiaions. tt is pleuant, also. to 'efer to
the few faithful and efficient friends who enlistedin:the
cause with tug, and Labored for the rights of the pootitian,
the mechanic end. L the farmer. Our thou2hts, at this
time, have been directed in this train by an ankle which
we find in the Upland Union, a aterling Democratic
sheet published in Delaware county, and one of the few
presses in Pennsylvania alio united with the Bradford
Iteportsr in opposition to the British tariff of 1842, and
advocated and sustained the Democratic law of 1846.
When the present law was under discussimi in Con
gress--when its friends and advocates , were denounced
by the whole federal phalanx as enemies to all the great
interests of the country—when, of the entire delegation
from Pennsylvania, none but the fearless and indomita
ble WILMOT dare raise a whisper in its defence, or cut
a vote for its adopton—when the press from one end
of the commonwealth to the other, with a few exceptions,
were loudin their opposition to its passage, and predict
ing ruin, blight and :Mildew to follow immediately upon
the repeal of the tariff .31 1842, which, like the late U.
S. Bank, was looked upon as the great:lb/dance wheel
and regulator of the wealth and aristocracy of the nation.
'The Upland Union, the Pennsylvanian, the American
Republican and the Bradford Reporter, were among the
few democratic presses who early assumed the position
of uncompromising hostility to anpppnssive and unjust
Sir, which, while it increased the wealth of those who
had grown rich under its partiAinfiuence, weighed
.upon the interests of the laborer and agriculturist, like
an incubus. But thanks to the Democracy, the old law
!ries repealed and its place supplied by one calculated to
throw its protection on all classes equally, and under its
benign and healthy influence the country has continued
to prosper to a degree unknown before in her history.—
in view of this happy and flourishing coalition of all
classes of industry, the Uphittd Union draws the follow.
ing comparison between " The present and the pawl
"One year since we enjoyed • full share of federal
denunciation fur our views against the tariff of 1842. and
our preference for the billlef 1846, then being discussed
in the councils of the nation. We say enjoyed, because
when denounced by selfish or ignorant monopolists, we
feel a consciousness that our political views are in accor
dance with the general welfare. Having occupied a
bumble position in the fore front of the battle against
monopolists from an honest devotion to well and lung
settled principles, it isgratifying when the storm of panic
and ruin predictions base passed, and the fogs of politi
cal charlatans have been dispersed, to witness the un
bounded prosperity of our country and the rapid develop
meet of its resources, to which human calculation can
fix no ultimatum. Instead of the gloom and depression
proclaimed by the political seers of federalism---such
ruined agriculture, induced by ruined manufacturers and
• cousaquently rained commerce--agricultural and com
mercial business ind profits, have been doubled, and
every department otmanutimuring business greatly aug
mented. Instead of the firer of Pennsylvania furnaces
being extinguished, and her coal mines becoming places
of inactivity and solitude, the products of both have in
creased in quantity and price. Every seapon in the
Union is crowded with vessels from all quarters of the
globe, seeking cargoes in exchange for millions of specie.
Every canal and railroad is covered with conveyances of
produce, commanding high prices, making the revenue
from our public works a source of revenue to the State,
and their' utilitarian effects • blessing to consumers;--
This State of prosperity, in open defiance of all diattions
of dishonest politicians to produce the ruin they prito
phesied, aided bje greatly appreciated currency, by the
influx of specie, and the unyielding determination of
F. R. Shunt, to prevent the increase of paper money fa
cilities. is gratifying to the advocates of liberafiend ra
puh.ican legi elation; and if persevered in, will eve us a'
power over, all other governments more effective and
more benefiiial than military conquests.
Tea VICTOUT Alf CZAR° GOIIDO.—Our COICKWI/6
this week contain the official despatch of Gen. Scott, and
also a graphic description of the late battle by Cap,,
Hughes The details of the battle are but records of
MS-gallantry avid invincible courage of our troops. The
:rank of this battle—the complete route of Santa Anna—
the capture of halt his army, are events as important in
the erects which may be produced upon the Mexican
government sad nation, as their achievement war glo.
Timm to the American arms. A cotempormy thinks the
heroic Scott seems to have determined toils* thy' finish
ing blow to the Mexican hero, who, instead of dying for
his country, is he promised, fled from the field in •
desperate hurry, leaving all his papers and money be
hind him. The road to the city of Mexico must now
ha open to-the free passage of our armies, and it may be
that even now Gen. Scott is in the Hall of the Monte-
zumas.
Tat BURST DISTRICT.-WO perceive the Meant
Mercurs have commenced,operations for rebuilding their
Stmts.. also. that several others are mak
ing preparations and intend to build at a very eany snip
The county Commissioners have determined to peak
ahead with iiimublic buildings; in anticipation of 'tick.
they have already advertised for proposal. for a propor
tion of the materials. .
Business bids fair to be active here for the next year
or two . , and we bops soon to ace `nor town aria Goal ate
ashes, exhibiting mare beautiful form ma 'features than
before the, calamity, which so seriously marred its
beauty.
c The Harpers intend to,niiiroduce the rkhy,sm.
bellished edition of Lane's tranSiation of The Thou.
and and one Night'," or "Arabian Nights' Entertain
inents,r with all the engrasirigs—more than ids handfed
io iumber.
01:7 The Washington Union asp, that of the 6,000
volantiers for the army, who are embraced in the all
of the War Department. for the preaeni month. about
2,000 are destined fur Oregon an Santa Fa.
Demos:racy vs. Aristocracy.
Thigreat - sdeihtnes which AM, : _its citizens of the
:Unite] States enjoy creel Were who - live under toonars
tidal governments,. arise feom the principlei oPori which
our government is fortuded. ilere the people are.soVer
eigit—they are the great bead of lb* nation—they bow
to no dictation, and yield to no onismill but their Men.
Throutlh agents, selected by. themselves, chosen fur
known ability and patriotism. and devotedness to, the
interests of their amsfituency, whose will they ate bound
to obey. and who are hut Serealite to the grcttrmoeing'
power. they enact their own laws and, administer their
own government in aceordacee with their own sense of
justice and propriety. Whenever one of the people's
servants proves recreant to the trust rimmed in hint, he
is dismissed from their service and confidence. He
finds in tbie time that the eye of the public has been tip•
un him, and soon sees his place filled by another more
trust•wonhy and faithful Notie in monarchial govern
menu, a single individual is considered the head, and
ell inferior or subordinate officers are the mere creatures
of his will. The common people in suchbountries are
considered hut little better than serfs and slaves, and ant
compelled by their laws to pay such enormous taxes for
the support of the nobility that constant effort and an.
ceasing toil can hardly procure them a .scanty. subsie•
tenet.
It is a privilege of owl countryman. favored by the
benign and equal laws Under which we live, and a duty
they owe to themselves to keep a watchful eye over those
whom they have elevated to places of high trust and re•
sponsibility, and in whose hands they have entrusted
the means of becoming powerful and enero.uhing upon
their rights; and should Aristocracy attempt to rear it.
hydra-head, they should units with one voice and one
common 'Mut to crush it lest it should increase in size
and strength and rivet its abackles . fist upon theta.
The people a this Commonwealth at the last guberns
tonal election, selected as their chief executive officer,
Fastens se t , Souse, and committed to his charge the
control and direction of 11241.a:int of the Sure. And
well and faithfully has he, discharged the trust confided
to his hands. He has by hia:'oern example infused as
energy and promptneseinto *yet, station connec
ted with the adminituation`of the government. He has
selected agents and officers who have imitated his exam
ple and seconded his efforts to reform the errors and
abuses which had long been eating op the substance of
the Commonwealth. He has retrenched and resuicted
the public expenditures, and introduced a most perfect
and rigid system of economy in every department. -The
revenues of the &its have been increased, the interest
upon the public debt promptly and regularly paid, mud
the arofidence of the public , whicli, under federal rule
bad well nigh been lust, regained and permanently se-
cured.
Notwithstanding all this, the enemies of Democracy
and a Democratic administration, are concentratintir.all
then etErrts defeat his re-election and transfer the
reins of govemmentin new and untried banils. The
old Fe•leral leaven is at workintent upon the prostra
tion of every thing except the benefit* they hope to de
rive from an.administration. ready to yield • willing as
sent to theicdemands for Dank charter', Incorporations
and monopolies, cslculateddruly to increase the wealth
of the wealthy and add to the burthens already borne by
the poor.
The present is a time, in ontnpinion, which calls up•
on every freeman who loves the Commonwealth, to
awake to her interests and entii. at once heartily upon
the work of protecting her from the cormorants who
seek to prey upon her substance.
The official conduct of our present excellent Governor
has received universal commendation. He is: beyond
the reach of reproach or the malice of his enemies. Why
then should he.be sacrificed ! Detnocrats look to your
interests. Your old enemy, Federalism, is in the field,
the day fixed for battle is the second Tuesday of Octo
ber next—meet them in the name of the principles you
espouse in behalf of equal rights, equal live" and equal
privileges to all classes; meet them in the same deter
mined spirit with which you-have met them heretofore,
and victory is certain again to perch upoerthe Banner
of Dernocnte* while a defeat as certain, as detis . ive and
inglorious as chat of Banta Anna at Cerro Gordo, awaits
the host of Federalism.
el: in tearing down the large antique buildings own
ed and occupied in his lifetime by that eminent jurist,
Judge Patterson, at Nevi; Brunswick, N. J., the follow
ing card was found by one of the workman The.
President of the United States and Mrs. Washington,
request the Pleasure of Judge and Jim. Patterson, and
Hiss Patterson's Company to Dine, on Saturday next,
at 4 o'clock, 6 May, 1795. An answer is requested."—
The words and figures in italics are in the neat bold
hand of Washington himselE The note hears date the
6th day of May, 1795, and au found on the 6th of
May, 1647, just ftfty-twn years Vier its data.
h is said that the gov'ernutent has prepared pre
liminaries of a peace with Mexico, which will be sent
to the provisional Congress by Mews. Benton and Soule,
-charged with making a treaty. rt, may be well to ten
der the olive branch on every iinportant opening, and if
peace is desirable to Mexico, she can always have it at
an hour's notice.
Rai' WAYTSD.We barii.been now nearly Aree
weeks without a shower. The animal and vegetable
kingdom are suffering for want of rain. The earth is
much firched, and the grass and grain crops are is •
bad condition. The atmosphere is surcharged with dust
and smoke—the days are hot while the nights are cool,
and the prospect at present fur the agriculturist is not at
all encouraging.
0: 7 While a ceremony of Baptism was taking place
in the Mohawk ; at Utica, • few days ago, a portion of •
footpath bridge gave way precipitating some 30 or 40
persona on to • stone abutment, 15 or 20 feet below.—
Many of them were seriously inusheal—elime with'bro
ken legs, or arms, and one man was so severely injured
that he died. •
c 0". A fire occurred-at Elmira, N. Y., on Ehitnrday the
Bth inst., whirl destroyed the Mash Factory of Mr. Sr-
LAS Boer., and two other buildings occupied is lumber
and cabinet shape. Lase $2OOO. No jasmine&
Q:7 The Liverpool Albion says that recently a man
sold his wife in the putdie market place, at Barton, for
•
The number of passengers attired at New York
from foreign porta during the month of April, amounted
to 21, 883.
, •
The - whole number -of prisoners committed' to
the IC Y. air prison from • hoary Ist to Mary ist,
3995. - • .•
Q:7. A severe frost visited St. Louis lest vreeLF' The
papers titers think the fnait 11l be wholly destroyed in
that region. -
ca. It is now ascertained that there have heen ten,
Democrats and five rederalists elected to the next Car.-
grabs from Virginia. •
al. On the lath oh., the Ant fall of mkt marred
that had rimed Matantorssinee September Wt.
oi• The New fork Fond for Ireliwl amounts to over
tamoo.
a l- Gen. Pillow hns won greatreputation bj his he
roic conduct at the batik of Cerro Gordo. His bearing
was that ors brave !Wirt and skilful commander, 'sod
tie lid his troops among the storm of bullets Dino man
who felethe front rank in the tight In be , the pmper
pines for a lender. He has triumphantly rebuked the
enemies tit itip laninharatina who havaanale his air
pokttment as Major Grneniti topic of politica attack.,
ea, A trotting match, three mile heats,. for $2OOO
aside. between the celebrated horses Hector and Black
Maria, which inte'earited considerable interest:Cement:l'
on Saturday ou the Unionville Course. The match was
emu with appiient ease by Hector—time, first heat, 8
minutes seconds, &eland, 8 minutes 23 seconds.
Four hundred b Is'ate now engaleant the Ar•
renal, at Watervliet, near Albany. INT.Y., in . the prepare.
tim of eartrklies ! The Wei Department hey. made a
requisition ItifliColollotl of cartridges for each month.
Parliament allows the Queen of England for her
support; $1,250,000: for PrinevAlliert, be hushand,
$133,000, and for her horses nod hounds, 310,000—.
making in all $2,193,000.
Z. A careful estimate tusks* the nantberofdaathsfroni
starvation in Ireland, to the 25th of .February, upward.
of 34,000. Famine is a gaunt acid terrible fiend.
Q' TA* first of may was celebrated at Nicelrk Cana
da, by planting a :dapple iu the ice of too St. Law
rence,
1.•
Later News from Mexico.
Jalapa and Prrote taken—Santo ihtna at Ori
zabn with 6.000 &limn .Irtny Dis
'sensed—col Childs Governor of Jalapa.
We have by, Telegraph the fallowing report
copied from the New Orleans Comn•ercia
Hines of May 6th,—one day in advance o
the mail : '
By the arrival last evening of the steamship
New Orleans, Capt. Wright, which left Vera
Cruz on the 29 ult., we have received a Mass
of letters and papers from our fritnds and cor-
respondents in that city.
General Scott was vigorously pressing the
enemy, affording the defeated Mexicans no re-
spite. Jalapa and Perote . have beeu occOpied;
and the rePort was current when the New
Orleans set sail, that General Scott was on the
point of making a demonstration upon Puebla
Santa Anna, when last heard from, was in
so (Morn a condition that it was expected he
would give himself up to the American Gover
nor of Vera Cruz, perfering to trust himself
to the enerosity of an open foe, to exposing
himself-to the tender mercies of his own coun
trymen, who now denounce him as their be
trayer.
The Mexican army. after heavy lows of
killed and wounded, has 'broken up altogether
—not and officer or soldier remaining, with
their atandard. General Santa Anna, who
commanded in chief. was the first. according
to eome, - and the last. according to others. to
leave the field, accompanied by only 25 dra
goons, taking the by-ways, and a party is even
found to atsert that they saw him in one of the
villages of the sierra, in seareh of horse, to re
mount his escort.
The fact of this General not having fallen
back on Jalapa, has left room for the supposi
tion that his flight is prompted b . , she fear of
being sacrifice] for treation imputed to him.
which has no other foundation than the ad
verse results experienced by the Mexican ar
my in every encounter with the American.
Gen. Canalizo, in his retreat on Puebla. dis
mantled-the fort of Perote. carrying 'off all the
ordnance he could, and spiking such as he had
to leave behind. Ile leet at liberty all the cri
minals confined there. including the aseissins
;of Falconi and his brother•in•law
In consequence of this, 'the American troops
advanced in triumph from Cerro Gordo to Ja*
laps, where the corporations and civil authori.
ties went to meet -them, and took possession
of the city. Where they behaved themselves in
the same quiet and crderly manner as in Vera
Cruz.
JALAPA, April 23, 1847
An express has just arrived from General
Worth. Ile entered .Pernte yesterday moin-
Mg about I I o'clock, and found a Mexican col
onel, who was charged with the surrender of
the place and all the arms and munitions of
war &nemlly.
None °film large guns were spiked, but were
found in excellent order. Ampudia. with about
three thousand disorganized lancers, moved
out just far enough to avoid conflict, and then
proceeded on.
Santa Anna bad not passed through Perote,
and must now be in the mountains on this side
of that place. We understand that informa
tion was received yesterday. that Gen. Worth
had thrown his outpost towards Puebla and
would march immediately in that direction
himself.
It is now certain that Santa Anna is at Ori
zaba, at the foot of the mountain of that
name, with about one thousand troops. He
was seen at that place on Sunday morninglast,
and was heard to express his desire of remain.
ing there AM he could muster a sufficient force
to make another stand. He will not dare to
return to the City of Mexico. is the universal
opinion, until some success should crown his
efforts to redeem his thousand promises to the
deluded people and the clergy, the latter being
now his only hackers
It is said that those who now cling t, his
drooping standard are brought from Oajaca
principally; and that not more than two or
three hundred of them have any arms, these
too being in very had condition. -
VERA Cavz, April 29. 1847.
!An express' is in-this morning (April 29th,
18474 bringing intelligence of the continued
advance' e.l Gen. Worth, and some disconnec
ted rumors from the city of Mexico.
The citizens are throwing up walls, of sand,
I fancy, around the place. and expect the sol.
diets to defend them. How far their expec
tations will be realized we may by the
oast ; ,r
-lhe public voice is operay nears to upp.ai
lion to. the late Mexican. demagogue, Santa
Anna. euwar.d.7 •• Down with the tad•
mu:" are the cries that are now heard in the
capital. -
am very happy to learn by this express
that Gen. Shields is not dead; he is improving.
The steamship it'expeeteJ to move every Eno.
went.
CAPTURE ior TusesN.—On the 19th nit. our
eguadrun under Commodore Perry, captured
this place after a spirited resistance. The Mexi
cans finally spiked all the guns. razed the (lirti
ficatiOns and retreated into the interior. Our
lose was four killed and-fourteen ivoundeti.—
Capt. 'fantail, Lt, Hartstein and passed mid
shipman Low n d es were slightly wounded.—
Lieut. J, L. Parker, the hero of the Creole
affair, severely.
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES
FROM THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
nattle: of Cerro Gordo.
: IIE#DIVARTERS eg. THIC ARMY. --
Plain del Rio, 50 miles from Vera Urns,-
. • -- T • - 1847:
Sin .The plan of attack. sketched in Urn 7
oral Orders, No. 1 11, herewith, was finely exe
cuted by this gallant army, before two o'clock.
P. M., yesterday. We are quite embarrassed
with the results of victory—prisoners of war,
heavy, ordnance, field batteries. small arins,
and accoutrements. About 3,000 men hid
‘ 'ilowti their arias, with the usual proportion of
field and company officers, besides five getter-,
ale, several of them of great distinction—Pin
:Son. Jarrow, La Vega. Noriega, end Obande.
A sixth general, Vasquez. wall killed in de
fending this battery (tower) in the rear of the
whole. Mexican. army. the - captere of which
gave us those glorious restille
4)ur loss, though comparatively small in
ifutnbers. lies been serious. • Brigadier Gen.
Shields. a commander of aeti-vity. seal and tel.
cot. is; I fear, if not dead, atonally wounded.
Ile is some live miles front me at iho - moment.
The field of of operations covered'inany
broken by mountains and deep chasms, and I
have nut a report, as yet. frous any division or
brigade: Tw iggs' division, followed by
Shields' (How Cu). Baker's) brigade, are now
at. or near Xalapa, and Worth's division is' in
'route slather, all pursuing with good results.
as liffeaso, that part of the Mexican army—per-1
flaps uiz or seven thousand men, who tled - be. l
fore our right had carried the tower, and gain
ed the Xalapa ;Mad, Pillow's brigade -alone
is near me at this depot-of wounded, sick and
prisoners. and I have time only to give from
hint the :mama let Lieutenant F. B. Nelson,
and 2d C. G. - . Gill, both of the 2tl Tennessee
foot, (Haskell's, regiment) among the killed,
and in the brigade 106, of all tanks, killed or .
wounded.
Among the latter, the gallant brigadier gen
eral himself has a smart wound in the,arm. but
not disabled, and Major It Farquesti."2tl Ten
nessee ; Captain H. F. Murray, 2d Lieut. - G.
T. Sutherland, let Lieut. W. F.-llak (adju
tant).all of the same regiment, sei!erely-, and
fat Lieut. W. Yearwood, mortally wounded.
And I know; from personal observation on the
ground, that Ist Lieut. Elwell, of the rifles, if
not now dead. was mortally wounded, in en
tering, sword in hand, the - entrenchments
around the captured tower, . Second Lieut.
Derby, topographical engineers, I also saw, at
the some place, severely wounded, and Cap
tain Patten, 2d United States infantry. lost his
right hand. Major Sumner, 2il Visited States
dragoons, was slightly wounded the day be
fore,. and' Capt. Johnston. - topographical engi
neers, (now lieutenant colonel of infantry) was
very severely wounded some days earlier
while reconnoitering. I "
I must not omit to add that Capt. Mason and
2tl Lieut. Davie,' both of the titles were among
the very severely wounded in storming the
darne l tower. 1 estimated our total loss, in kil
led and wounded. mast be about 250, and that
of the enemy 350. In the pursuit towards
Xalapa (25 miles hence) I learn we have add
ed much to the enemy's loss in prisoners, kil
led, and woonded. In-fact, 1 suppose his re-'
treating army to be nearly disorganized, and I
hence any haste to follow; irran hour or two,
to profit by events.
In this hurried and imperfect report 'must not
omit to pay that Brigadier General Twine, in
passing the mountain range beyond Cerro Gor
do, Browned with the tower, detached from las
division, as I suggested the day before,a strong,
force to carry that height, which commanded
the Xalapa road at the foot, and could not fail,
if carried, to cut off the whole, or any part of
the enemy's forces from a retreat in any direc
tion. A portion of the let artillery, under the
often-distinguished Brevet Col. Childs. the 3d
infantry. under Captain Alexander, the 7th in
fantry. under Lieut. Col. Plympton, and the
rifles under Major Loring, all under the tem
porary command.of Col. Harney, 2d dragoons,
'during the _confinement to his bed of Brevet
Brigadier General P. F. Smith, composed that
detachment. The etyle.of execution, which I
had the pleasure to witness, was most brilliant
and decisive. The brigade ascended the long
and difficult slope of Cerro Gordo, without
shelter': and under the tremendous fire of and
ler), and musketry with the utmost steadiness,
reaching the breastworks, drove the, enemy I
from them, planted -the colors of the letartil
lery, 311 - and Jth infantry—the enemy's flag
still flying—and, after some minutes of sharp
firing, finished the conquest with the bayonets.
It is a most pleasant dutr.• to say that the
highest praise is due to Harney, Childs, Piym
ton,:i Loring, Alexander, their gallant officers
and Men, fur this brilliant service, independent
of the great results which soon followed.
Worth's division of regulars coming up at
the time, he detached Brevet Lieut. Col. C. P.
Smith with his light battalion, to support the
assault, but not in time: The General, reach
ing the tower a few minutes before me, and
'observing a white flag diiplayed from the near
est portion of the enemy towards the hatteries
below, sent Colonels Harney and Childs to
hold a. parley. ,The surrender followed in an
hour or two. •, -
Major General Patterson left a sick bed to
share hr the dangers and fatigues of the day.
and after the surrender, went forward to corn
mandithe advanced torces towards Xalapa.
Brigadier Gerieral Pillow and hie brigade
twice assaulted with great .daring the enemy's
line of batteries on our left, and, though ; with
out success , they contributed m uch to distract
and dismay their immediate opponents. .•
President Santa Anna, with Generals "Ca
nalize and Almonte, and 'some eiz or eight
thousand men. escaped towards Xalapa just
before Cerro Gordo was • carried and before
'Pwigge' division reached the national road
above.
I have determined to parole the prim:mere...—
officers and men—as I have not the means of
feeding them here. : beybnd to-day, and cannot
afford to aeunlti hotly dl. horse and
lout, with wagons, to accompany them to Ve
ra Cruz. Our baggage train, thouh income.
lag, is not yet half large enough to give an as
sured progress to this army. Besides, a grea
ter number of prisoners would, piobably es
cape from the escort in the long, and sandy
road. without anbaistaoce—ten to one—than
we shall find again, out of the same body of
men, in the ranks opposed to us. - e
Not one of the Vera Cruz 'pnsoners is be
lieved to have been in the lines of Cerro Gor
dol Some six of the officers, highest in - rank.
refuse to give their parole. except to go to Ve
ra Cruz, and thence, perhaps to the United
States. -
The small arms and their accoutrements, be
ing"of no value to our army here ur at home. I
have ordered them to be destroyed r fur we
have not the means of . transporting them. I
am. also, somewhat embarrassed with the—
pieces of artillery—ill bronze—wbieh we have
captured. `lt would take a brigade apd half
the moles of•this army to transport them fifty
Miles. A field battery I shall take for service
with the army c but the heavy metal must be
colleited and left here for the present. We have
our - own seige•traln and the proper carriages
with us.
Being much occupied with the prisoners.
and all the details of a forward movement, be.
sides looking to the supplies which are to fol
low froin Vera Cruz. 1 have time to add no
more—intending to be at Xalapa early to-mor
row. We shall not. probably, again meet
with serious opposition this side of Perm—
certainly not. unless delayed by 143 wants of
the means oi transportation.
1 havir the 'honor to remain, air, with high
respect your moat obedient servant,
Wtratinto SCOTT.
P. S. I invite attention to •the accompany
ing letter to President, Santa Anna. taken in
his carriage yesterday ; also to his proclaim.
Min, issued on hearing , Mat we had captured
Vera Cruz, dt.c., in which he says. "lf the
enemy advance one step more, the national in
dependence will be buried in the abyss of the
past." We have taken that step. W. S.
1 make a second postscript, to say that there
In some hope. I am happy to learn, that Gen.
Shields may survive his wounds.
One of the 'principal motives for paroling
the prisoners of war is, to diminish the resis
tance of other garrisons -in out march.
W. S
lion. Wit. L Many, Secretary of War.
A Graphic Account of the Battle of Cerro
Gordo, by Captain Hughes, of the Topo.
grophical Engineers.
We find -in the New Orleans Delta, of the
2d inat., the following account of the Battle .of
Cerm Gordo, furnished by Captain Hughes,
of the Topographical Engineers. It is the
best' we have yet seen.
On the arrival of the other Divisions of the
army at the encampment of Gen. ,Twiggs, on
the 16th of April, Gen. Scott. after taking a re
connuisance of the enemy's works, determined
to storm them. The position of the enemy
Was regarded by them as impregnable, and,
truly, to any other than American soldiers it
must have appeared an insurmountable- under
taking to carry it by storm or turn it by strategy..
The road from Vera Cruz, as it passes the
Plan del Rio. which is a wide, rocky bed of a
else large stream, is commanded —by a series
of high cliffs, rising one, above the other, and
extending several miles. and all well fortified.
The road then debouchesto the right, and
curving around the ridge. passes over a high
cliff, which is completely enfiladed by forts
and batteries. This ridge •is the commence
ment of the Tetra Templada, the upper or
mountainous country. The high and rocky ra
vine of the river protected the right flank of the
position, and a series of MOM abrupt and ap
parently impassable mountains and ridges coier.
ed their left. Between these 'points, running a
distance of two or three miles, a cuccession oj Y
strongly fortified forts bristled at every term,
and seemed to defy all bravery and skill.
The Cerro Gordo commanded the road on a
gentle declination, like a glacis, for nearly a
mile—an approach in that direction was impos
sible. A front attack must have resulted in the
almost entire annihilation of our army. But
the enemy expected such an attack, confiding
in the desperate valor of our men, and believing
that it was impossible to turn their position to
the right or left. General Scott, however,
with the eye of a skilful general, perceived the
trap set for him, and determined to avoid k—
ite therefore had a road cut to the right, so as
to eseape the leant fire from the Cerro, and
turn his position on the left flank.
This movement was made known to the
enemy by a deierter from our camp, and con
sequently a large increase of force under Gen.
Vega was sent to the forts on their left. Gen.
Scott, to cover his flank movements, on the
17th of April, ordered forward .Gen. Twiggs.
against the fort on the steep ascent. in front and
a little to the left of the Cerro. Cu). Homey
commanded this expedition, and at the head of
the rifles and some detachments of infantryend
artillery carried ' this position under a twisty
fire of grape and musketry. • Havingi secured
this position in front and near the enemy's
stiongest fonification, and having by incredi
ble labor elevated one of our large guns to the
top of the fort,
.Gen. Scott prepared to follow
up his advantage's. A. demonstration was made
from this position against another strong fort
in the rear, and near the. Cerro, but the enemy
was considered too strong, and the undertaking
was abandoned& A like demonstration was
made by the enemy.
On thenext day, the 18th, General Twiggs
was ordered forward from the position he bad
already captured against the fort which coin.
mended the Cerro. Simultaneously an attack
on the fortifications on the enemy's lett was to
be made by General Shields' and Worth's di
vision, who moved in separate columus, whilst I
General Pillow advanced ( against the strong
forts and difficult .ascents on the right of the
enemy's coition. The enemy. fully acquaint
ed with General Scott's intended movement,
had thrown large bodies of men into the various
positions to be attacked.
The most serious enterprise was that of
Twigs, who advanced against the main ,fort
that commanded the Cerro. Nothing can be
conceived more difficult than this undertaking.
The steep and rough character of the ground.
the constant fire of the Army in front', and the
cross fire oldie forts and batteries which enfila
ded our lines, made the duty assigned to Gen.
Twiggs one of surpassing difficulty.
Nothing prevented our men from being otter•
ly destroyed, but the steepness of the ascent
under which they could shelter. But they sought
no shelter, and onward rushed against a hail
storm of balls and musket shot, led by the gal
lant Harney, whose noble, bearing elicited the
applause of the whole army.. His conspicuous
and stalwart frame at the head of 'his brigade,
his long arm waving his men on to the charge
his sturdy, voice ringing above the clash of
arms and.din of conflict, attracted the attention
and-admiration alike of the enemy and of our
own army. On; on, he led the columns, whose I
front tines melted before the enemy's Jiro like
snow flakes in a torrent, and staid not their
course until leaping over the rocky barriers and
bayoneting theirgunnera, they drove the enemy
pelt melt from the fort, delivering a deadly fire
into their ranks, lrom their own guns, as they
hastily retired. This was truly a gallant deed,
worthy of the Chevalier Bayard of our artny t as
the intrepid Harney is well styled. ,
Gen. Scott, between whom and Col, Harney
there had existed some coolness. rode up to the
Colonel after this achievement. and remarked
to him. t• Col. Harney, 1 cannot now adequate
ly excreta my admiration of your gallant
achievement, but at the proper time I shalltate,
•
great plea:tire in thanking you in proper te rm o
Barney. with the modesty of true valor, Om ni ,
ed praise as due to his officers and men
Thus did the division of the gallant
,vet em4
Tvi iggs carry the main position of the ene my.
received their heaviest loss, and their Gene ral,
Vasquez, was killed.
A little site,, Gen. Worth having, by great
iiertidnik passed the steep and craggy heigh ts
on the enemy's left, summoned a, strung fort to
the rear of the Cerro, to surrender. This fort
was manned by a large fqrce under Gen. Pinzon
a minim° officer of ansiderable ability • se d
courage, who seeing the Cerro carried, tharight
prudent to surrender, which he did, widish he s
force, Gen. Shields was nut so fuurtunal e in
the battery which he attacked, and which wa s
commanded by Gen. La Vega.
A heavy flee was opened on him, ender
which the fon was carried with some km, b y
the gallant Illtnoisians, under Baker and g et ,.
nett, supported by the New Voilicrs, mufti d
Burnett. Among those who fell under us ru e
was the gallant . General, who received a grape
shot through his longs, by which_he was eon.
pletely paralyzed, and at the last aecounts la „
in a lingering state. On the enemy's right
Gen. Pillow commenced the attack swat a te
strong forts near the river.
The Tennesseeaus. under Haskell. led du i
column, and the other volunteer regimenti fol.
lowed. This column unexpectedly encounter.
ed a heavy fire from a masked battery, by mach
Haskell's regiment was nearly cot to pieces,
and the oilier volunteer regiments trete smiei r
handled. General Pillow withdrew his sten,
and was preparing fur another attack when the
operations at the other .points having proved
successful, the enemy concluded to tunender.
Thus the victory was complete, and font Gen.
and about 6000 men were taken prisoners by
our• Army. One of their principal Generals
and a large number of other officers killed.
The Mexican force on this occasion certain.
ly exceeded our own. The Mexican .officers—
admitted that Santa Anna had 8000 men in the
lines, and 6000, including 2000 lancers, on. '
side of the entrenchments. Gen. Scoit's form
vac abont 8000, General Quitman's brigade
110 having arrived'in• time to take part in the
eogagement. General Ampudia was second
in command of the Mexicans, and superintend:
ed the operations of the enemy. When
the 'Cerro - was carried. he ,was seen re.
treating on a fine white charger, his, hat falling/
off as he gallepod away. Many of the Merl&
cans escaped by a b3e.path which inns °firm
the main road between the Cerro ar t d the foil
carried by Gen. Worth.
As to Santa Anna and Canaliio, they retreat
ed in time to escape by the main road. Their
conduct was regarded as most cowardly. Some
of the Mesiean officers who were taken prim
tiers, do nut hesitate to attribute their defeat to
the eowastlice or corruption of Santa Anna.—
The force of the enemy—w'is composed of their
best soldiers. The infantry that ;Might sorrel!
at Buena Vista, all the regular artillerists of file
Republic. including several able naval effiren.,
were present. Some of the officers whom Gro,
Scott released at the capitulation of Vera Cruz,
without extorting the parole. on account of they
gallantry, were found among the killed mid
wounded.
A gallant voting of f icer, named llalainger o
German-by birth. who extorted the R 111111,3401)
ul our army, in the bombardment of 'Vela Cruz,
by seising a flag which was cot down by our
balls, and holding it up in his hand until a stiff
sould be prepared, has been released by Geo.
Scott without a parole. He was 11.1181 i rsong
the desperately wounded at Cerro Gordo.—
rtie enemy's loss (in killed and wounded)wn
about as large as our own. and in alii:11104
this,
,the loss of 6000 prisoners, and soror-of
theii best officers.
Our army captured about thirty piers of
beautiful braSE cannon, of large rahbre, and
mostly manufactured at the. Rnyal Foundry of
Seville. A large quantity of flied ammunition,
of very superior quality, was also taken. The
private baggage and money diem of San
Anna. containing $20,000, was aim) raptured.
The latter was, delivered over to the Pay De
partnoent. The volunteer) who were employ
in.l in carrying , the specie into camp, erachd
many a joke over the prospect of being soon
paid off in M :man coin and hen of expentee
Uncle- Sam.
When' our force, had canied the mine
portions of the enemy. and r
r the road was eine
ed, Gen. Twiggy started in hot pursuit °f the fp
gitive 8. Anna. and pressed chase upon herbed , .
A strong position, five metes were of Cern
Gordo, fortified and defended by a fine briar!
of Fong brass guns, was cabajoinaed by I
enemy and occupied by nor troop.
Twiggs bivouacked rt ithin Ones wiles ci
lovely town of Jalapa.
In concludting our imperfect sketch of Iti•
brilliant achievement. we cannot sufficiently es
press our admiration of the extraordinan
dn
01 our gallant army and able general. .BL'a
Cy a month has elapsed since our poops. and
Scott. landed on the enemy's shores. In lb'
time a strong walled' city, has been rflore d '
together with an impregnable fortress- - a Pr"
ed battle has been fought under the most ofs
vorable circumstances, and against the moo
furrnid4le natural defences—twelve thotowl
prisoners have been taken. including some bf
dozen general officere-500 splentled cantos.
and an immense amount of munitions of of ,
have been added to the national tiopluev‘,
Truly, such results are glorious testimonials °
the valor of oar soldiers. and of the skill.. g li f j
lantry and persverance of the actoopfo
General wbo led them.
GEN. TAILOR'S PLANTATION. -- G en•Tql6
in the year 1841, purchased, it is said aplator
tion, stock, ,Stc., near Rodney, in MiLc il ' i P P4
for which he paid, in cash. nor 11141. 2; „
thousand dollars. An eichanffe paper
Hon• W• M. Gwintv, of 'Sew
personal friend of Gen. Taylor, rhar'" g
creant opened a breach in the levee, about II!
miles above theplantation named abet.
it is now wholly , under water! The ,
the crop followk as a matter of course. 3 ,
moderate estimite would set this Os tr
thirty thousand:dollars.
WE are infoirned by an old irlqoaictg s _.,..
General Taylor.. says the St. Louis
that there was not a more enthusiastic :10n
and supporter of General Jackson hi. pl
in the whole Union. during the Previd l4l 7 o l
the hero of New Orleans ; and thcrlie . ...,
T. has not since avowed any ehaogial l ""
atents.—Derr. Union.
010.
FORTVER INTO MEXICO. — T he
note. on a post•bill from rMontgetnery.A;ti
ma. was received by this erening'e
mail. at this posi.office "
" Jalapa and Peyote have serve
out
out firing a gun. and the march still ontr itoi
No despatches were recetved ibis
at the War Department.