Weekly Messenger, Volume 5, Number 229, Vevay, Switzerland County, 21 May 1836 — Page 2
t::x s, Mexico and u. states, j Tuj. . ,,; UJbiilL ivdh&.Hmsc of IlrprcsenlaEXTltCT TO THE KD1TOR, ITED Washington, May 7, 1336.
Qn Saturday,, we had a warm and a very exlraordiiarysceiic hi the house of representatives, produced by a motion made by mr. Cambrelcn:, that the-house go into committee of the whole on the state of the Union, for the purpose oT taking up a bill appropriating one million ordollrVfor the defence of the soutfTwestern frontier. After the house had resolved itself into committee of die WlioJe.mr. Cambreleng presented his bill, and laid before the committee a variety of documents, to show the necessity of the passage of the bill. These documents consisted of a correspondence between gen. Gaines .-ind - the secretary of war, iir relation to the border difficulties, together with a copy of a conversation had by the secretary of state .with Uie Mexican minister. This docu-ncnt embraced what was said by mr. Forsyth, but did not say. one word in relation to the Mexican's reoh. It simply stated, that mr. Forsyth
had said to the Mexican?, that if the army of
the United States, or the army of Mexico, whilst engaged in running the line between the two countries, or in the attempt to repress Indian aggressions, should cross the line of geographical demarcation, the act should not be construed into an evidence of hostility. The
Utfpre frnmtrpn. Gaines to the secretary of
war, strongly-inclined against Mexico, and in speaking of the Texians, the general, by the omission of the word "neighbors,"' had called
them our Texians. 1 his little fact created much feeling. When the documents were all read, mr. Cambreleng said that in addition to the facts they presented, there was an article in the New York Courier and Enquirer, which, if read, would give all the information that the government possessed in relation to the affair. The clerk was proceeding to read an exceedingly inflammatory article from the New York Courier & Enquirer of Thursday, rela
tive to the slate of public feeling in Mexico as ,
Tex is tlic mi! siiig mother of four or five slave
(ate. And in reply to the charge of having
-negotiated away the province of Texas he had
to say, that when he negotiated the treaty
with Mexico, he acted underlie instructions
of James Monroe, and that of nil the members
of mr. Monroe's cabinet he was the last man to consent to the boundary line that was agreed upon. He contended for the Rio del jforti, and held out till the last: and before he
would agree to it. he did, at the instance of
mr. Monroe, lay the treaty before cen. An
drew Jackson, who was then in the city Wash
ington, and he insisted that the bound iry line ought to be at the Sabine rtvr, where it was
at last fixed. Mr. Garland, of Ixnmlana, followed mr. Adams, and I understood him to oppose the appropriation on the ground that if it were made, it would furnish gen. Gaines with the means of involving this country in a war with Mexico. It ra evident that gen. Gaines was disposed to have a fct-to with Santa Anna he had manifested as much in his letters to the secretary of war, and mr. Garland was not disposed to indulge his propensity. Such I think was the substance of the remarks of mr. Garland; but the confusion of the house was so great, that .l could not distinctly hear him. If I rr, he will correct me. Mr. Graves, of Kentucky, followed mr. Garland, and was for the appropriation. He would chastise Santa Anna at any time or at all times, and if he took a hostile step toward
ik, winked at us, or menaced us, he would off
with his head. Mr. John Y. Mason next took the floor, and
advocated the necessity of the appropriation.
He- made a very sensible and disnassinnate
speech, and conjured gentlemen act to let their" passions run riot with their reason. He saw no cause for alarm or excitement no cause of war and all he asked for was an appropria
tion necessary to maintain the neutrality of
ine nation. Mr. Underwood, of Kentucky, took the floor, to get the subject postponed till Monday. He was not disposed to act hastily, and before
he voted for the appropriation, he wished to
e possessed of all the information that could
untecr and join rrie, furnish himself as follows:
1 rifle. I lance, 134 feet long, steel blade inclusive,
being 18'tnches, and sharped edged; haftof lance of lancewood or hickory, with one pound of lead at the butt end. 1 pair of cavalry pistols, with holsters not of fur. I long double edged sharp knife to cut lassos, . or any thing else. 1 haversack or knapsack to fit to the horse's saddle. Tbe knapsack to contain and be provided with 25 sea biscuits 5 pounds of ham, I pound of salt 3 pounds of rifle ' powder and one hundred rounds of rifle and pistol balls; as also a tin canteen to hold 4 pints of water. To be provided with money to purchase two horses horses being cheaper on the frontier prairies than elsewhere. Each ten volunteers to subscribe and purchaie two baggage mules to carry additional provision and munitions of war. Each -volunteer to furnish his uniform as follows: The uniform of each regiment, till regulated otherwise by the United States government, to be a pair of cavalry boots, made large for the feet; for when swollen with exercise, or wet by rain and the crossing of rivers, they will become cramped, and the feet will be injured; buck-skin leather pantaloons; 2 leather shirts, do. 1 leather jacket do. one large slouched Spanish hat, a blanket, and those who wish sheets, to provide themselves with buck-skin leather sheets, as used in Nor
way and Sweden. It would be preferable if
each state of the South and West formed its own regiment, each regiment to consist of 400 men inclusive of officers. All officers commissioned and non-commis
sioned, to be chosen by the ballot of each re
giment, save the colonel, It. colonel 1st major,
ist captain, and 1st lieutenant, who may be se
eded by the U. S. government, should the
government be pleased to accept our services; or filled otherwise by officers chosen by the
ballot of the other officers of the regiment al
ready ballotted for by the whole regiment
Unc corps of men to- be drafted to make n
the breech, and two chain cables of one hundred feet in length to be furnished with strong
hooks, so .that the cannon may be dragged up the precipices, or across difficult posi
tions.
Finally proposals will be received for plac
ing from the 15th to the first of August, 1S3G, at Nachitoches, four thousand horses, of the common prices of the frontier, with three hundred baggage mules fitted with pack saddles. All the horses and mules to be
washed, but their hoofs charred for prai
rie and mountain service as is done usually
in Mexico.
JAMES DICKSON. Washington, April 29, 183G.
. t I rw. ' , i , f
connected wun ine be had. At this point the debate was eeltin? i irm.. tlhmnhirctrd. on the around I . . .. 1 . .. t)
iui.u-iK.i." j . o moderate and dispassionate, and I availed mv
self of the calm to go to dinner. It is but too
evident, that the balance of a straw, or the weight ofsPither, may involve this country in a war with Mexico.
The Richmond Enquirer, whose editor is
likely to be well informed on the subject,
gives it as its impression, that if the president
felt himself at liberty to indulge his private
that it was no official paper, and simply con
tained remarks and, .peculations of a newspaper editor. Mr. Vance, of Ohio.and Beaumont, of Fa. i- j : : . -.! sKi Kit!
were ol ine saint; ohuju, wj , there being a loud and boisterous call for the reading of the paper, it was completed. Mr. Underwood of Kentucky, said that he wa ronfounded at the state of affairs presen
ted, and for the purpose oi gmug me feelings, lie would rot hesitate one moment time to act advisedly and understanding!)', he to liberty to Texa?, and an affiliation
moved that the committee now ne, wu iim Wltu tue i;n,tca States of America.
the documents be printed. IIe,howevcr,with-
drew his motion for mr. John Adams, who pnm tj.e jy; Orleans Bulletin, extra.
had a few wrds to say. ..J .Z m en rrr!a of t Vl
Mr. Aaams, P V " " a the Texian government schooner Invincible, position of the. affairs between country and fc MexicaM had cros3cd the' Mexico, and whilst he applauded the conduct
of the president, in enjoining strict neutrality ' ,7:
The Colorado had overflowed its
on the Dart ot een
astonishment that he should approbate a prop
osition made by that officer to-cross the 'Mex
ican
lie was very
was 2500.
banks, and the 1200 Mexicans cannot retreat.
i; ,wlr -in i- nnih e rircumstances. " r - j- 7
is very severe on the term 'our i exians, '
HIGHLY IMFORTANT FROM TEXAS.
We have been politely favored with the fol"
lowing extract Written to a gentleman of this
city, from Natchitoches, which goes still far
ther to corroborate the account received by the Levant which we publish to-day.
ine substance 111 which is, that an express
has arrived here, via Natchitoches, from Tex
as, and is confirmed by gen. Gaines, that gen. Houston, of Texas, has conquered Santa Anna and his army. The forces of Santa Anna were estimated at 1100; and those of Houston at 600. The express further states that Hous
ton's army destroyed half of the Mexicans, and the loss on his side was G killed and 20 woun
ded. The saddle of Santa Anna was taken and brought in, and is of a cosily order, being estimated as worth between 6 or .800 dollars, and the express who brought in the news, rode on the horse of Santa Anna. All this is indeed cheering news calculated to arouse all the belter, feelings which are
implanted in the hearts of those who can re-
iraueu 10 mane :;,.- nt th triumnh nffm.n !,;..
jorse artillery corps for six brass G-pound field and M oppressors. The intelligence re-
vancing himself with his
prn nnnn Ihn
s used by pen. Gaines, and said that although ,'tl
, A i rUr wi: rmit. I cl c" """J nns iiiiuusmuic.
nc Knew i . The total destruction of 1200 Mexicans is ted' y accidental! if it was inserted, t would ronfidnr at th
brinthe Texians quite near enougn 10 us, ;- - V V . , , u 1 fiUrUJ.rj wfnn seat of government. The elements are fightwhen the character ol their leaders was con- - . , , . . . wnen mi ui.ic ing for Texas, and the universal opinion is, idrred He aid the war in lexaswasawar . r siacrea. lie uu iuc ,ltllP w. ;t that the Mexican army between the Colorado ,trnnr slaverv into the country wncre u , ., . , J , , . . ,
, , e ' r.r.t land tne lirazos, is already ueieated ...A ..LAlUhfil. and he for one, had not ' , J
KlU UVVH 7 the slightest disposition to engage in such war.
3 - . . , - . , .
The characters of the individuals wno were at the head of the affairs of the imperial kingdom of Texas-were sufficiently notorious, and were not to be eulogised. He was, however, in favor of granting the appropriation. Mr IVv'nn. of Tennessee, followed mr.
Ad:ims. and expressed his surprise, th
crr-ntlfman from Massachusetts should avai
himself of such an occasion to introduce the tubject of the abolition of slavery, lie went on to assert his astonishment at the course mr. Adams pursued, at some length, and w as followed by - - i in rrrMtpi that abolition had
been brought to bear upon the question, lie was in favor of the bill, and thought it ought 4a ho nnif H that moment.
Mr. Waddy Thompson, of South Carolina, followed rar. Bell, and assailed mr. Adams. He accused him of having negotiated aw ay the province of Texas, and said that he had done the deed, for the purpose of putting away a territory because of his anxiety to prevent - the introduction of slavery to a region of country the most beautiful and fertile the world could produce. Mr. Thompson then went on to assail with great virulence the Mexican
minister, who he vast talents and
Housson must have fought the battle last Sun
day. Dreadful massacre ! ! We also learn that 75 unarmed emigrants that left this city in the William and Francis, for Copano, and were landed at that port, trusting themselves un
armed in the power of the Mexicans, were in Lr August at Nachitoches. when on the 10th
it the kw hours butchered by the soldiery, in sight of Gf August, lit a certain designated point, army
il the vessel: tne scnoonerescapeuto juaiagpraa. rations will be issued by me till the regiments
lhe rennsynania is expeciea up 10 nigm nre fuuy organized under the authority and
with further information, lhe Urutus was regulation of such act of congress providing
10 sail uieuay aner ue uiviuciuic, wun wu- for sucn ciass ot defence as may be pass
pieces.
One regiment to be filled with picked men
from the other regiments, to consist of three hundred men inclusive of officers, to be named the "Immortal guard of Lancer Cuirassiers" each private and officer to be ballotted for by
the Srst fifty selected, which fifty are to be first
selected by ballot of the whole of the regiments,
ten black balls to exclude. Each lancer Cuir
assier shall furnish himself with a cuirass and
helmet made of prepared buffalo hides.
Ihis "guard ' to be pledged on solemn oath
never to leave the battle-Seld save victorious or covered with wounds, and to bind themsel
ves on their sacred honor to provide honora
bly for the orphan and widow of their fallen
comrades. And may God save us all!
I hereby engage and bind myself, my heirs
and executors, and pledge my honor, that to
each regiment, ten days after their arrival at a certain designated point on the western frontier, they shall be furnished with army rations at my individual expense, until their services be accepted by the U. S. government,
or are disbanded, and I do further bind myself,
my heirs and executors, to pay or cause to be paid to each individual when they shi.ll dis
band themselves with my consent, the sum of
30 each toward defraying their expenses
homeward. JAMES DICKSON. Washington, 29th April, 183G, Written proposal's for men and officers will be received by me, by letter, addressed to me
(said letter to give the full address of the par
ty,) at Gadsby s hotel, Washington city JJ. up to the 13th May, after that date up to the Ist of June at the American hotel, New York:
after that date up to the 28th of June at Lou
isville, Kentuck)', after that date up to the 1st
ge oppressors, ine interne
ceived early yesterday morning, and which is
also published, will be seen to be confirmed
by the news brought by the Levant, with the
difference nly that the numbers of the enemy
Kiuea ana laten by gen. .Houston, vary in a mount.
certify the above to be a tru e copy of the express just received from the secretary of war
who was himsell in the battle. S. HOUSTON. To J. Dcxx, ; i San Augustine, April 26.
From lhe Red River Herald, of Saturday la ft.
Head quarters of the army, 23d April, 1836. $ To the people towards Jiacogdochr.t.
We met Santa Anna on the 21st. Wc at
tacked him with GOO men. He had 1100 men and 2 howitzers. We entirely routed his whole
force, killed half of his men, and made the
rest prisoners. Santa Anna himself and all his principal officers are our prisoners. The history of war does not furnish a parallel to the battle. We had six killed and 20 wounded. 1 have not time or 1 would send a
full report. I will do that in the course of tomorrow.
1 again call 011 my fellow-citizens to come
to the field. Let us fall on and conquer the re-
maining troops, ana our country is tree. J urn
out at once there is no excuse now and let consumalion of folly.
us finish the work.
THOMAS J. RUSH, Secretary of War,
men and children.
We also learn, that Dr. Harrison, son of
general Harrison, of North Bend; Ohio, was,'
while travelling with three American gentle
men, taken by the Mexicans, castrated, his
body cut down, and his bowels torn out and
left in that situation before life was extinct!!
The wife of Dr. Harrison
the Invincible.
came passenger in
ed.
The attention of the Cadets of West Point
is respectfully requested to the above plans.
Also ot all orhcers who have servea in the regular service during the late war ns officers of
militia. As also who have been or are ser
geants and corporals of dragoons. As alsoal
who have served as artillery soldiers.
Proposals will be received by me up to the
above mentioned dates at the above mention
ed places, for placing in Nachitoches army ra
tions ol bread and bcel, vc. lor lour thous
and men; with supplies of forage and coi n for
llwi linrcra In m fJ:irwl lhr at mv rfisnnsa
uttn AluVh!)l. on the lGth July. And it is requested that
To all brave americans who are tinder thejany individuals who ever acted inthecommis-
TO TUG BRAVE AMERICANS. OF THE
pronounced tO be a man Ol luwucui.c Ji vuusc uvuic iccuugs which nave sanai uepaiioiuiuui a icguiai aim, nmvuci infinite intrigue. He said, animated the patriot in every age and clime their services. Fair and reasonable pay will
rpiulrri in 1 .onaon 1 1 m n liuui m.un..n kiiiuivu, iiiiijci it-1 ue Uiveil 101 ivui tuuu i ivuv.ii iiuiu nuiii-
devour the Mexican Shnp by wholesale. Eery one of them, believe their own story, was r m 1 - . 1 a . n- a 1 1 :
1 periccc ncro, cqu-ti 10 ancient 1 isioi nim-
eclf a match for at least one hundred Mexicans. 13ut all this swaggering has amounted
to nothing; the whole country is panic-stricken, and Houston is retreating as fast as he can towards the Sabine. Meatime companies are openly enlisting in many lowas of the south west, and marching towards the scene of action. The boundary between Mexico and the United States is not settled, Santa Anna and the recruits for the Texian army mhy probably meet upon the very frontier. The Mexicans, with our scandalous example to guide them, will perhaps not be very cautious
about respecting our territory; nor will Santa Anna be very likely to sutler an invisible and unsettled boundary line to protect the fugitive Texians from his pursuit. At any rate the population in that region is so excited against the Mexicans, that a collision is highly probable ; and the volunteers for Texas, if they are unable to protect that country'against the invaders, will consider it the next best things they can do, to get up a controversy, a quarrel and a war between the LTnited States and Mexico. The government seems to leave the whole matter to chance; and whether we shall remain at peace or not, depends upon the discretion of the hot-headed, ignorant and excited adventurers who arc hastening towards that frontier. Editors may sneer and members of Congress may sneer, at the idea of a Mexican war; but men of sense who know the situation of the two countries, it will not be regarded
is a fit subject for ridicule. It is very well to
talk about the riflemen of Kentucky and Ten
nessee; but any one that knows the history oT
the last, war, must confess that they arc a description of troops upon whom no confidence whatever can be placed. They will fight well in a fort or behind cotton bags; they
are incapable of diciphne or subordination; and without thi-e, courage and personal hardi
hood are nothing. I he truth is, our government, and whole social system is still adapted to a stale of warfare. In a defensive war
ithin our own limits, we are strong: but to
carry on a series of offensive operations in the
woods, prairies and deserts which separate us from Mexico, we should find quite another affair. Previous to the declaration of war in 1S12, it was vauntingly asserted within the halls of congress, and by some very intelligent men, that we should conquer Canada in a month. The event showed how much they were mistaken. Suppose the country adopts the opinion of the Richmond Enquirer, that the Mexicans 'are unfit to be the rulers of one of the nest countries in the globe,' and 'perfectly satisfied that the generous Jlnglo-Saxon blowl wilTtriumph over lhe blood-thirsty barbarians,1 we rush headlong into a war; wc. shall find perhaps that in a war of defence the Mexicans arc not inferior to ourselves, andi that when fighting for their country and their rights their blood will flow as red and as grerous as ours. In truth, the present state of our relations with Mexico is of a very delicate and interesting character. This was admitted in a late
debate on the floor of Conjrress by Mr. Ma-.
son,Chairm5n of the committee of Foreieru re
lations. What miyht be the ultimate '.esults of a war upon that frontier, it is not vr ry easv
to forsce: but it is plain that it wou'd rost
vast expense of blood and treasure., to vesv
little purpose; and if the government and th
press permit a few land specu .atiors. who have purposes of their own to answer t in-
voire us in sucn a war, it win be th- ytv
The French Consul at Koston tins furnished
the following facts on this subject: It ic trt tir:i ! 1 1- nrl mi M nil T-
CrWc have received the Nashville Ban- cd at the Factorv, costs c- rr
ncr of the 13th. It contains a letter of grner-IThat the expenses to vi ,vk one ton ofj al Gainas, dated Camp Sabine, April 28lh, beet for obtaining its s .mar, st:
which confirms the whole account of the 1 exian victory. Santa Anna fled, but was found That 2000 lbs. beets will vield 100 liisi-
n a tree after a chase of several hours. Cos brown sugar, cosf-ncr c-
was also taken. Gen. Houston received al Thus one pound rf L n t..r.r,r ....i
wound in the ancle. Santa Anna, on being ity costs 7 cents. made prisoner, declared hiinsclP-ready to ac- Ry a compar .ton of the expenses of enlture knowledge the independence of Texas. in various pavts of France, and on varir.na-
-oils and si" i
AK nilll MLAltU. cultivating tl,.
iverage expenses of
'V t nil t i. f A "
If anylearncd astrologar has at any time acre of '.and. aro as follows V.t
. . . . . I - viik linn i .
cast the Horoscope ot these United fethtci, we ga GO; ploughing and harrowing - 8S r
uv,uuV ul .,mk . ...u iumw.. jui, inure .- :.; Sowing OH Ct5.- vee(Wr -ir,,3j
. " k A A " .1 . Tfc ' '
liiSb,JJars regards us with a most malign as-1 hoeing S"2 -10; "atlieriiif Ql Pil.
pect. There is first the campaign aginst tlie 5G; fanner's profit Jsl. W--Z
sar,ting .$
Seminolcs, which may be pronounced one ofj ,Cf21 1G. . '
the most remarkable in the whole history of The four d .Wars profit the French f.rmrrIndian warfare; secondly, threatened hostili- derives frora this r.ilturiv. fiVP :,rr,. U f .,
ties with the Creeks; thirdly, uneasiness- a- from bc'.ug tho. only w,c; the others are, mong the Winnebago and other tribes of the 1st. The. good stajc in which the field is north west; fourthly, the murder of the Red lef after jratheittntr the beets no further ma-
Hiver traders iy the l awnees aod Cumanches,h,urc ,cill WM(Ci. for the succcedi..- crop.
which csvp exneripnee has proved to be al-
" fficial capacity he had made himself tivc duty, and indissoluble engagements do peters to be attached to each regiment, as T In inciti i" and inflaming the people of not enchain to their present homes to all to also for one complete band of cavalry tnusi.,Us7 Inattl.P United S. Thisinfor- whom philanthropy and the love of true glory cians.
mr Thomoson said he had from the have been a guiding star in life to all those Proposals will also be received by me, for
best sources but he was not at liberty to givcldo I now address myself! one complete park of horse artillery, harness ' Brave americans! Four thousand mounted ammunition, and pontoon carriages, to be plac-
Mr" Adams by consent, replied to mr. riflemen volunteers are wanted to rendezvous led at Nachitoches on the 13 th of July, and . i).tnn. Up. said that helorl the western frontier, on the 1st day of Au- not later. Said ammunition waggons and pon-
. . ,t..K.i aholition of slave- ?ust 1836; there to be ready to offer themscl- toon earriapes to be made so as to be taken to
iho United States: he had spoken of it ves as volunteers, for the defence of our fron- pieces and be placed on the backs of mtues,
sin Mexico and should not be restrained, trer, to the unitea states govcrr.meni, 10 and capable al being easny ana immeQiately m rort lim;in from South Caro- which class of defence allusion has been made refitted for service.
r 1 had said he was now satisfied, that that in congress, and a law offered for the appro- The six brass field pieces of six pounders to
pntl.mm and the advocates of the Texian pnallon ol money Occ. bo cast with two large eyes below the gun
i- .-- - . 1 1 1 i.
A
much more formidable enemies than any lv
dian tribes whom wc havo. vM iranni,..).
fifthly, the announcement of the prospt-ct of a general Indian war along the whole western
frontier. But this is not all. Most people were quite certain a few months ago, that wc shoajd have a war with France; that has pretty wt-U blown over; but there is a black cload r-Uin.r
in the south west, which seems likely to burs!
War.
below the
individual who wishes to vol- one below and near the mouth, t!ie other near
ways SRpic abundant and of.i better qunlity when succeeding the culture of beets, owing to the destruction of the noxious weeds, causby weeding the beets wlwit joung, anil prevented from growing by the thick foliage, of lhe beet w hen strong. 2d. The faculty affiled the f ukivat r to apply to the culture of beet laiuls, which he
formerly let he fa Mow. and coixsetjuently witfk-
presently into a storm. We nrftw.nlfuwiisfcj'out anv additional expenses oC cent and' taxe
derivin"
laud, as (,'iou
but we must take the liberty to. aay, 'Jiat un
less the government bestirs' itself forthwith, there is every prospect of a, Mexican War. According to the latest accounts, Santa Anna is carrying every fofui before him in Tex
as. The valiant exjans represented them- beets, when experience has proved this nmnselvcs as pack oi Halves who were going to ice is worUs tor. him fifty pec cet.i. more: (or,
as a revenue linni, lija
any'other produeinn the iiiust..
3x1. Tlu: advantages, the cultivator 3v 1 i vc by the purchase frowkkVc manuf iictnrt i ,of the: pumice of beet at a price not hilu-r tliam