Wilmington Journal

From our Texas Correspondent.

Camp at Point Isabel, Texas.

APRIL 13th, 1846.

Mr. Fulton—My Dear Sir:—Our army reached the Rio Grande about the 24th March, without opposition, unless Mexican threats can be so considered. Mexican irregular troops were met on the Colorado, some thirty miles from here, whose officers informed our commanding General that if he attempted to cross this river they should certainly fire on him. The troops, however, effected the passage without any opposition whatever, and have now established a camp on the banks of the Rio Grande, directly opposite Matamoras, within six hundred yards of the heart of the town. This position was taken by the army on the 28th March, and the American flag immediately displayed, while the several bands played most of our national tunes, the troops cheering occasionally.

Gen. Taylor sent a communication to the General at Matamoras, stating his object in marching to this river, and that no one would be molested in the enjoyment of his rights, nor had he any instructions to commence hostilities upon the Mexican Army. To this nothing has been replied, but a sullen semi-hostile demeanor, until within a few days—when, as it now appears, they are determined to commence hostilities upon us.—Two days ago, Col. Cross, the Quartermaster General, was seen to leave our camp, as it appeared, on a short ride on horseback, since which time he has not been seen by any of our people, and it is now believed he has been taken prisoner, and carried across the river, either to Matamoras or elsewhere within the Mexican lines. Yesterday a communication was received from Gen. Ampudia, who, it appears, has just arrived and assumed command of the Mexican army, by Gen. Taylor, demanding that our army should retire beyond the Nueces; that if we remained in our present camp twenty-four hours longer, they would regard it as an act of hostility on the part of the United States, and that Mexico will proceed as though war had been actually declared. Gen. Taylor's answer was sent over this morning, stating simply that he had no orders from his government to fall back on the Nueces, therefore he should still occupy his present camp and defend it, as well as act on the defensive if attacked.

Orders were issued this morning to the army to consider a state of war now existing between the United States and Mexico, and the utmost activity and vigilance enjoined upon all the corps, regiment and battalions. Every man that can lift a spade is diligently employed in the trenches, and all are engaged in strengthening this position, as the whole army must receive its supplies through this depot established here. A steamer leaves to-morrow for New Orleans with despatches from Gen. Taylor for an additional force and supplies. This point is 28 miles from the main army, opposite Matamoras, and if Gen. Ampudia has kept his word, shots have before this hour been exchanged between the lower army and our batteries. Whether hostilities will be immediately commenced by Mexico, remains to be seen, but I am confident our General will proceed at once as tho' war had been declared in form—in fact, orders have been sent to the naval force that is now co-operating with us, to blockade the Rio Grande and capture any Mexican vessels that may be seen. Despatches are also sent to Commodore Connor, at Vera Cruz, (probably) to the same effect. Therefore we are now at war with Mexico, and whether it will be prosecuted with vigor and brought to a speedy close, is for our government to determine.

Very sincerely, your friend.

Camp at Point Isabel, Texas.

9 O'CLOCK, A. M., APRIL 14, 1846.

My Dear Sir:—An express has just arrived from the camp opposite Matamoras, which reports that the Mexicans are crossing the river above and below our camp, and that Gen. Taylor confidently believes there will be fighting very soon—perhaps ere this our Dragoons have fallen upon their advance guard, though I think Ampudia will be very cautious in his movements. His object undoubtedly is, if he has sent troops across the river, to annoy and harass our foraging parties, wagon trains, &c., in a word, to conduct a guerrilla warfare entirely, and that is doubtless the true policy for him. These "Rancheros" or mounted militia are, from their habits of life, well calculated for a partisan war. They are inferior to the Cossacks, undoubtedly, but their home is in the saddle, and robbing is their occupation. They will readily shoot any man for his horse, and when you add to this the valuables about the person of the rider, you can easily imagine what we may expect from them.

The Steamer leaves in a few moments for New Orleans. Col. Cross has not yet been heard of.—Nothing can be learned from any Mexican, though from a negro captured by a Dragoon picket, it seems he is a prisoner on the right bank of the river. You cannot believe half you will probably hear from this place, in fact we cannot rely upon our information altogether.

Orders have been sent to the navy by Gen. Taylor, to blockade the Rio Grande and capture all Mexican vessels. Similar orders are sent to Vera Cruz.

Very sincerely, your friend.