Democratic Standard

IMPORTANT FROM TEXAS.

By the arrival at New Orleans of the schooner Doric, Capt. Randiford, from Matamoras, whence she sailed on the 14th inst. the report of a desperate battle between Texans and Mexicans is confirmed. We give such details as we have been able to gather.

It appears that on the 15th of December, the Mexican general Ampudia, then at Matamoras, received information from Generals Woll and Canales, that from 800 to 1000 Texans had taken Laredo, and that they (the Mexicans) could not with their present force oppose them, and were compelled to fall back: and further information was brought that the Texans were on the march by the southern route for Matamoras, and ahead of the opposing forces. Upon the receipt of this information, Gen. Ampudia forced preparations for an immediate movement up the south side of the Rio Grande, and on the following day commenced a forced march with 2 battalions known as the 'Sappers and Miners,' which they continued in the worst weather up to the 22d of December. At Mier the General learned that the Texans had crossed the Rio Grande, and were only two leagues distant from the town. Thereupon preparations were made for their reception—three pieces of cannon being stationed to welcome them.

During the night the Texans, to the number of about 260 men, commenced their attack upon the town, under the command of Cols. Fisher and Green. They cut their way through every obstacle till they reached the artillery. At this point daylight appeared, when the Texans took to the houses of the town, from the doors and windows of which they kept a continual fire upon the Mexicans, whom they cut down as fast as they were brought up to the guns. This kind of fighting was continued from house to house and from street to street, the Mexicans being piled up in heaps in every spot where they attempted to form. In consequence of their smaller number, the Texans, however, were unable to sally out upon their foes, but they kept up their fire till late in the afternoon. At this time one of the Texan captains, without consulting his brother officers, hoisted a flag from one of the houses. The Mexican General thereupon sent in one of the prisoners he had taken during the day, to ascertain if the Texans had surrendered. A consultation was then held amidst much excitement, among the Texan officers: the fire on both sides falling off in the meanwhile. By agreement word was at last sent to Gen. Ampudia, that the fight should cease on the part of the Texans, if they were allowed to retire unmolested. This proposal was refused by Ampudia, who however promised them fair and honorable terms should they capitulate. Col. Fisher then asked two hours' time for consultation, threatening that if this time were not allowed he would recommence the firing. This was acceded to, and by the expiration of the time named, the capitulation was drawn and signed, although it was previously feared it would not be respected by the Mexicans.

The battle lasted seventeen hours, during which the loss of the Mexicans was 420 killed and 130 wounded, many of the latter having since died. The Texans lost but 11 killed and 19 wounded, but one of whom has since died.

It is related that among the Texans were six boys, of whom the oldest was 17 and the youngest 14. The last named distinguished himself by shooting twelve Mexicans in succession as they were brought up to man the guns. Artillery was at length brought to bear upon the houses, which was at once shattered, when the boys attempted to escape to an adjoining one. In the act of entering the window two of them were killed, but the others effected an entrance and recommenced their firing upon the Artillery men, which they continued until they were ordered by their commander to desist.

On the 7th inst. Gen. Ampudia returned to Matamoras with such of his favorite regiment as had survived the severe battle, bringing with him about 212 Texan prisoners. He was to leave for Mexico with them on the 13th or 14th inst.

The prisoners are all treated with every kindness and attention by Gen. Ampudia, and one of the boys has been adopted by him. According to all accounts the Mexicans fought with great bravery at Mier, and the fact of so many having been killed confirms the accounts. Had Gen. Somervell accompanied Col. Fisher with such of the men who retired from the Rio Grande, after the capture of Guerrero, it is thought to be certain that Gen. Ampudia would have been utterly defeated.

We have heard it conjectured that Col. Fisher and his comrades will be shot on their arrival at the city of Mexico, but we cannot, for one moment entertain such a belief. Even if so disposed, which we much doubt, the Government of Mexico would never dare commit such an outrage.