Arkansas Intelligencer

Correspondence of the Arkansas Intelligencer.

Washington City, May 12th

War is the all-engrossing topic now-nothing else is talked or thought of: we are in the midst of great excitement since we received the news from our army in Texas: there has been no news since Saturday the 9th, and there is now great anxiety to hear. Many blame Gen. Taylor for the present situation of affairs, but I do not; he is a noble officer-I wish our army was full of such: his friends have great confidence in his getting through the present difficulty. Gen. Worth, of whose resignation you have heard, came on here, but the news of Taylor's being surrounded followed him; he withdrew his resignation and started immediately for Texas. I have heretofore been partial to Worth, now I have lost confidence: a resignation in the face of the enemy for any cause is, I think, unpardonable in military affairs. It is more than probable that a serious conflict has taken place before this as Taylor had determined to leave 500 men in his entrenchments, and advance with the rest of his army to relieve Point Isabel.

Yesterday the President sent a message to Congress, communicating the facts and asking for prompt action. The House of Reps. passed a bill authorizing the President to accept volunteers not exceeding 50,000, and placing $10,000,000 at his disposal also to purchase and arm and equip such vessels as might be deemed necessary: this bill passed yeas 174, nays 14. It is hoped the Senate will act on the same to-day, as it is before that body. The Capitol is thronged-there is here but one opinion. It seems to me we should declare war, and proclaim our blockade of Mexican ports to the world: unless we do this soon, we will have our hands full of trouble with neutral powers. The man who would now delay action, and prompt action, is unworthy of the American name: parties are factions if they prevent the proper measures in time of war. Our people have been slain and are now surrounded by the enemy: let us assist them. There are many here who think England has her hand in this-I hardly think so; I don't believe she is so anxious to fight us, tho' I fear it may make her too anxious about her claim to Oregon. Efficient measures will be adopted to repel invasion and to put an end to this war, by taking the cudgel in our own hands.

On the arrival of the Southern mail, great crowds gather round the Post Office to hear the news.

No report from the Investigating committee.