March  15, 1846

 

Highly Important Intelligence from the

                                                              Army of Occupation:

 

The steamship Galveston, Capt. Wright, arrived at this port at an early hour this morning.  She left the bay of Aransas on the 11th, and the city of Galveston at noon, on the 12th inst.  Her news is important.

 

The main body of Gen. Taylor’s army had marched towards Brazos St. Jago, and the last regiment, with Gen. Taylor and his staff, was to leave on the 12th inst.  There were rumors that a large force of Mexicans ;had been concentrated to oppose the advance of Gen. Taylor’s force, and these produced considerable excitement.  The United States troops were in the highest spirits in expectation of a conflict with the enemy.  The following orders have been issued by the General:

 

HEAD QUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,

Corpus Christi, March 8, 1846.

 

As the army is about marking to the frontier on a delicate service, the Commanding General wishes it distinctly understood, that no person not properly attached to it, will be permitted to accompany the troops, or establish themselves in their vicinity, either on the route or on the Rio Grande, on any pretence whatever.  It may save many individuals useless expense and annoyance to be informed that rigid measures will be taken to enforce this regulation, which is deemed necessary for the interests of the public service.  By direction of the General,

W. W. S. Bliss, Ass’t. Adj’t. Gen.

 

HEAD QUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,

Corpus Christi, Texas, March 8, 1846.

 

Orders, No. 30. — The Army of Occupation being about to take position on the left bank of the Rio Grande, under the orders of the Executive of the United States, the General commanding deems it proper to express his hope that the movement will prove beneficial to all concerned, and that nothing may be wanting on his part to insure so desirable a result, he strictly enjoins upon his command the most scrupulous regard for the rights of all persons who may be found in the peaceable pursuit of their respective avocations, residing on both banks of the Rio Grande.  No person, under any pretence whatever, will interfere in any manner with the civil rights and religious privileges of the people, but will pay the utmost respect to both.  Whatever may be required for the use of the army will be purchased by the proper departments at the highest market price.  The General commanding is happy to say that he has entire confidence in the patriotism and discipline of the army under his command, and feels assured that his orders, as above expressed, will be strictly observed.

Z. Taylor, Brig. General,

U. S. Army, commanding.

 

The proclamation above has been published in the Spanish language, and issued to the inhabitants of the Rio Grande.

 

The first Brigade, under the command of Brevet Brigadier General W. J. Worth, composed of the Battalion of Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Col. Thomas Childs, and the eighth Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. W. G. Belknap, left their encampment on the morning of the 9th for their destination.

 

The 2d Brigade, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. S. McIntosh, of the 5th regiment of Infantry, under Major T. Brown, struck their tents on the morning of the 10th, and took up their line of march for the Rio Grande.

 


 

The 3d Brigade, commanded by Col. W. Whistler, composed of the 3d Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. E. A. Hitchcock, and the 4th Infantry, commanded by Lt. Col. J. Garland, were to take final leave of their old Corpus Christi encampment, on Wednesday, the 11th inst., to join the main Army.

 

The steamer Cincinnati, and almost everything else, is said to be chartered for the use of the army.

 

The squadron of transports are to leave on the 20th inst. under convoy of the U. S. cutter Woodbury, Capt. Foster, and the steamer Monmouth.

 

Gen. Mejia is said to have returned to Matamoros on the 2d inst.  The Mexican troops his side of the Rio Grande – if any – are said to be under the command of Garcia, Canales and Severiego.  It was reported in Galveston that Gen. Taylor had made a requisition for more troops, but the report was doubted.

 

Corpus Christi has been literally abandoned.  The hangers of the army are leaving for the East as fast as possible.  The respect so strictly enjoined for the rights of private property, will meet with universal approbation.

 

Source: The Daily Picayune, March 15, 1846, p. 1, col. 7.

 

 


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