civilized nations, doubtless imposes upon me the duty of mitigating the disasters of war.

"This principle, which Mexicans observe above all other nations, obliges me to summon you, as all your efforts will be useless, to surrender, in order to avoid, by a capitulation, the entire destruction of all the soldiers under your command.

"You will thus afford me the pleasure of complying with the mild and benevolent wishes above expressed, which distinguish the character of my countrymen, whilst I at the same time fulfil the most imperious of the duties which my country requires for the offences committed against it."

Some difficulty was experienced by the captain in translating this paper, owing to his interpreter's scanty knowledge of Spanish; but its meaning being understood, he called a council of officers, and asked the opinion of each, beginning at the youngest. They unanimously resolved to defend the place to the last extremity. In a short time Captain Hawkins sent the following answer:

"Sir-Your humane communication has just been received, and after the consideration due to its importance, I must respectfully decline to surrender my forces to you.

"The exact purport of your despatch I cannot feel confident that I understand, as my interpreter is not skilled in your language; but if I have understood you correctly, you have my reply above."

On the reception of this reply, Arista opened his batteries with more activity than before; and during this and the following day the cannonade continued. On the evening of the 7th, Captain Mansfield and a few others were sent to the plain to level a traverse formerly erected by the Americans, and which now afforded protection to the enemy. This he accomplished, and succeeded in returning without being attacked. The Americans passed the night expecting every moment an attack. At twelve o'clock, the sound of bugles, and firing of muskets, aroused the garrison, and each man was ordered to his post. No attack was made, and they passed the day as they had done others, until late in the afternoon, when a heavy cannonade was heard in the direction of Point Isabel. All knew whence it proceeded that General Taylor had met the enemy, and was now striving against immense odds. In the excitement, military order was forgotten, and leaping on the parapets, amid the thick shot of the enemy, the officers sent up one deafening shout, that echoed up and down the shores of the Bravo. Then with painful anxiety, each one listened for a repetition, and as the noise of the tumult grew louder and louder, each one's feelings were wound up to the highest pitch. Toward evening a Mexican deserter reached the fort, and

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reported that General Taylor had had an engagement with Arista, at Palo Alto. All night the soldiers were in a state of restless excitement; so that when the cannonade from Matamoras was renewed on the 9th, it received little attention. Late in the afternoon of that day, the general's cannon were again heard, and before sunset, masses of fugitives broke through the adjacent chaparral, and dashed mådly toward the river. Then the last sound of cannon died within the city, and following it, arose one wild shout of victory from the littl garrison. The long guns of the fort were turned upon the crowd of fugitives, but with little effect.

a

The defence of Fort Brown is one of the most glorious achievements performed during the Mexican war. It should be remembered that at that time the courage of the enemy had not been tested, and an American would advance to engage a superior foe, with much less grounds of confidence than after he had, by a number of battles, proved himself invincible. Major Brown had but one infantry company, and was deficient in provisions, ammunition, tents, and conve niences. Yet this little handful toiled bravely on, night and day, for more than a week against entire armies, and even after the loss of their commander; and from them Mexico was taught that she had to deal with such a foe as she had never encountered before.

ENERAL TAYLOR, as has been mentioned, reached Point Isabel on the day after his departure from the river fort, without having seen the enemy. This was to him somewhat unexpected, and it convinced him that the first attack would be made upon the fort, opposite MataThe opinion was soon confirmed. Before reveille, on the morning of May 3d, the heavy sound of cannon came rolling from the west. Instantly the whole camp was in excitement, each one eager to march to the relief of his comrades, About the same time, Captain Walker, who had been on a scout the

moras.

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preceding evening, returned and reported the enemy encamped in the country in great force, and evidently awaiting the return of the Americans. He had fallen in with their picket guard and fired upon it.

On receiving this news, General Taylor determined to march to the relief of the fort, and issued orders for the troops to march at one o'clock; but he subsequently changed his mind and decided on communicating with the garrison. Captain Walker was selected for this dangerous service. Captain May, with about one hundred dragoons including ten rangers, formed an escort. The latter were to proceed towards the river fort, and on reaching the chaparral near it, to conceal themselves, until Walker could visit the fort and return. They started late in the afternoon, and at nine o'clock came in sight of the enemy's camp-fires at Palo Alto. May eluded observation, passed round the entire circuit of the Mexican camp, and arrived within seven miles of the river fort. Here he concealed his men, while Captain Walker, with the ten rangers, rode towards the fort. As has already been stated, the latter officer was unable to return until the following night; so that May, supposing he had been captured, set out at daylight on a full gallop for Point Isabel. When within twelve miles of it, he met and charged one hundred and fifty lancers, pursuing them three miles. He reached the point at nine o'clock.

The supposed fate of young Walker excited considerable sensation among the soldiers, he being a universal favourite. But, to the great joy of all, he returned on the 5th, bringing with him the gratifying intelligence that all was well at the fort. He had passed through numerous dangers in returning, as the enemy were aware of his movements, and had sent out numerous parties to intercept him. Nothing but his intimate knowledge of the road, and admirable presence of mind, could have enabled him to escape them.

General Taylor now resolved to march to the assistance of the fort, and during the whole of the 6th, the soldiers were preparing for the movement. On the 7th, the commander issued the following characteristic order:

"The army will march to-day, at three o'clock, in the direction of Matamoras. It is known the enemy has recently occupied the route in force. If still in possession, the general will give him battle. The commanding general has every confidence in his officers and men. If his orders and instructions are carried out, he has no doubt of the result, let the enemy meet him in what numbers they may He wishes to enjoin upon the battalions of infantry, that their main dependence must be in the bayonet."

At three o'clock, P. M., the army commenced its march, accompanied by a large train, rich both in provisions and munitions of war. In the wagons were six twelve-pounders, and an additional battery of two eighteen-pounders was placed under the command of Lieutenan Churchill, of the artillery. The march across the lonely prairie presented a singular and noble appearance. Long files of troops, in exact order, the flying artillery, heavy trains, wagons slowly moving by sluggish oxen, contrasting with the pomp and glitter of military array, all formed a picture never before witnessed by the wilds of Texas. After proceeding five miles, the army halted and encamped for the night.

On the morning of the 8th, at an early hour, Captain Walker and his scouts reported the camp of the enemy deserted. The general supposed that they were retreating in order to avoid battle; but this opinion proved incorrect. The march being resumed soon after sunrise, the troops reached some thick mesquite and chaparral thickets, in emerging from which, the Mexican army broke upon their view, drawn up in battle array, and presenting a front of nearly a mile and a half. The sight filled each soldier with enthusiasm. Instead, however, of leading them directly to the attack, the general deliberately