THE MEXICAN WAR: A HISTORY OF ITS ORIGIN, AND A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE VICTORIES WHICH TERMINATED IN DESPATCHES OF THE GENERALS. TO WHICH IS ADDED THE TREATY OF PEACE, AND VALUABLE TABLES OF THE STRENGTH AND LOSSES OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY. BY EDWARD D. MANSFIELD, GRADUATE OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. TENTH EDITION. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY A. S. BARNES & BURR SOLD BY BOOKSELLERS, GENERALLY, THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, 1860. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, BY A. S. BARNES & Co., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. Stereotyped by RICHARD C. VALENTINE. New York. PREFACE. It has been wisely remarked by a distinguished American statesman, that "the commencement of the Mexican War was the opening of a new volume of American history." Nations, like individuals, are often borne along in their progress, without pausing to consider the particular acts which are to shape and control their future destiny; and perhaps there is no subject on which the public mind is less likely to act with caution and deliberation than on the momentous question of peace or war. The present Mexican war is a striking illustration of this principle. It would appear, from the public documents, that neither the President nor Congress anticipated it until hostilities had actually commenced, and it may well be doubted if either can see the consequences which yet may flow from it. To pause, therefore, and review the past, to examine into all the causes which have led to the unhappy estrangement of two sister Republics, has seemed a fitting introduction to the narration of those military achievements which now form a part of the history of the country. We have felt no pleasure in tracing the causes which led to this war, and certainly none in contemplating its progress and looking forward to its final consequences. But when we pass to the army, and behold the brilliant results obtained with such small means, against such immense superiority of force, and see the high military skill of the commanding officers sustained by the courage and heroism of the troops, we feel a just pride in describing their actions and recording their deeds. In the preparation of this work great care has been taken to select the most reliable sources of information. Those who have taken part in the stirring scenes which are described must have viewed them from different positions, and an honest difference of opinion in regard even to facts will sometimes be found to exist. But the description of the great movements and battles is based on public documents, despatches, and orders, which must ever be the material of a reliable history of a war. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Origin of the War with Mexico.-Settlement of Texas.-Declaration of Independence.-Santa Anna's Treaty.-Movement towards Annexation.-Correspondence of Boconegra.-Declaration of Almonte.-Mr. Calhoun's Reasons.-Lord Aberdeen's Declaration.-The Tyler Treaty. -The Joint Resolution.-Departure of Almonte.-General Taylor ordered to Texas.-Strength of the Army at Corpus Christi.. Page 9 CHAPTER II. War inevitable.-General Scott at Washington.-Recommends an Increase of the Army.-Mission of Mr. Slidell.-Downfall of Herrera.Departure of Slidell.-General Taylor marches from Corpus Christi.Arrives at Point Isabel-In front of Matamoras.-Capture of Captain Thornton's Party.-March of General Taylor to Point Isabel.-Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.-Taylor's Official Reports CHAPTER III. 22 Action of Congress.-Declaration of the President.--Legislation.-General Scott's Views of the War.-His Comments on the Plan of Campaign.His Correspondence with Secretary Marcy.-The Grounds for his Opinions. Is ordered to remain at Washington CHAPTER IV. 44 Campaign of the Rio Grande continued.-Movement of the Army.-March to Monterey.--Battle of Monterey.-Armistice.-March to Saltillo.Wool's Corps.-Tampico.-Occupation of Victoria.-Conclusion of the Campaign.-General Taylor's Despatches.-Results CHAPTER V. 56 Government Plan to invade Northern Mexico.-Assemblage of Troops at 76 |