The Caledonian

IMPORTANT FROM TEXAS. The schooner Henrietta on the 17th inst. brought to New Orleans Galveston dates to the 8th. Austin had not been burnt or reached by the Mexicans. But the war seems fairly to have set in. A despatch dated (Camp Salado, 20th Sept., mentions that Col. Caldwell, with a Texan force of 250 men had an engagement with the Mexican Gen. Woll, in which the Texans came off victorious. The Mexicans left 100 killed on the field of battle, besides 200 wounded— A Texan company of 59 men, called the Fayette Volunteers, in attempting to join the camp of Col. Caldwell, were cut off, and took position in a thicket, from which they defended themselves against an infinitely superior force until completely cut to pieces; 33 of the number were found dead on the field, and the remainder are supposed to have been made prisoners of war. The latest accounts mention that Gen. Woll had been compelled to evacuate Bexar, and had fallen back 24 miles to the medinas. A Mexican prisoner of war reports that Gen. W. was daily expecting a reinforcement of 1500 men under Gen. Ampudias: Col. Caldwell with 600 Texans is between the Rio Grande and the main body of the Mexican army.— Some spies report that a part of the prisoners taken at Bexar had been inhumanly murdered. A report reached Houston that Gonzales had been taken by a party of 700 Mexicans, but it was subsequently contradicted. The Texans are in fine spirits, and the N. O. Bee thinks there is little doubt the invaders would be repulsed. The Mexican General has issued the following proclamation:

Soldiers: The second campaign against Texas has been opened; to you is confined the honor of leading the van: you will prove yourselves worthy of the mission and the army to which you belong. Great difficulties await you in traversing the vast and numerous plains which separate you from the enemy which they protect—but your valor and your firmness will overcome all obstacles. You will make yourselves great as the desert is vast. In combat you will recollect the injuries committed to Mexican gratitude and hospitality. Be as brass. After triumph you will remember that you are Mexicans— be generous. Do not distrust fortune—she will be faithful to justice. Victory will crown your heroic efforts, and a grateful country will reward your worthiness. Soldiers! let us march upon the enemy.

"Given in Camp on the left bank of the Rio Bravo, the 20th day of August, 1842.

(Signed)

"A. WOLL."