American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

OFFICIAL DESPATCHES FROM COM. CONNER,

BLOCKADE OF THE MEXICAN COAST.

An extra from the Washington Union, dated 8 o'clock, Sunday night, furnishes us with the subjoined extracts from the official despatches of Com. Connor to the Secretary of the Navy. The failure of the New Orleans letter-mail, has prevented the receipt of official despatches at the War Department.

U. S. SHIP CUMBERLAND,

Off Vera Cruz, May 3, 1846.

The decided tone of the Manifesto of the President of the Mexican Republic, in connexion with other indications seem to leave no doubt that orders have been given to General Arista to attack the American army on the Del Norte, should a favorable occasion offer.

Under the belief that an attack is contemplated, I have considered it advisable, and have determined to sail to-morrow morning for the Brazos Santiago with the Cumberland, Raritan, Potomac, John Adams, and Somers. The Falmouth will be left here to protect our interests and to watch the course of events. The appearance of the squadron at that place, with a knowledge of the considerable reinforcement it can afford to our army, will, I think, cause the Mexican generals to pause, if not altogether to abandon their design of attacking Gen. Taylor. All accounts concur in stating the Mexican army to amount to nearly eight thousand men. I feel assured the government has not the means of maintaining this force for any length of time in the field; indeed, there is not even a dollar in the treasury. Hence delay will either cause the army to disband, or another revolution to take place; either of which events, it is believed, cannot be otherwise than favorable to the wishes of our government in bringing about an amicable settlement of our difficulties with Mexico. The latter would undoubtedly contribute to that end, as it would place in power men wholly opposed to the policy at present pursued.

Considerable activity has prevailed at this place since my arrival, in improving and strengthening the defences of the castle and the town of Vera Cruz. As far as I am able to ascertain, there are now nearly, if not quite, two hundred guns mounted in the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, and as many as fifty in the two forts and walls of the city commanding the anchorage. These guns are all new, and of heavy calibre, most of them being thirty-two and forty-two pounders, with a number of eight and ten-inch Paixhan guns. There are said to be nearly two thousand men in the fortress, and about the same number in the town.

I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,

D. CONNER,

Commanding Home Squadron.

Hon. George Bancroft,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington.

U. S. SHIP CUMBERLAND,

Off the bar of Brazos Santiago,

May 8, 1846.

Sir: As stated in my communication of the 3d inst. the squadron left the roads of Sacrificios on the morning of the 4th, and has just anchored off the bar of Santiago, where I have just been apprized that hostilities have actually taken place some days since.

As the opportunity by which I send this communication cannot be detained. I have only time to add, that after communicating with Gen. Taylor, and ascertaining the situation of affairs at Matamoras, I shall remain here no longer than the presence of the squadron may be required; after which it will be necessary for this ship, the Potomac, and John Adams to repair to Pensacola to replenish their provisions and water. In the meantime orders will be given to carry into execution your instructions in relation to the blockade of the Mexican coast, and to meet and repel, in the most decisive manner, the hostilities of the Mexican nation.

Some more small vessels are required, also one or two small steamboats of a draft of water not exceeding eight feet. These vessels will be necessary to enforce a strict blockade of the coast.

I am, very respectfully, &c.

D. CONNER, Com. home squadron.

Hon. Geo. Bancroft,

Secretary of the Navy.