The Mexican War

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 & CO.
No. 51 JOHN-STREET.

CINCINNATI:- H. W. DERBY & CO.

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.

C. A. ALVORD, Printer,

Corner of John and Dutch streets.

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.

Cincinnati, January, 1848.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Origin of the War with Mexico.-Settlement of Texas.-Declaration of

Independence.-Santa Anna's Treaty.-Movement towards Annexa-

tion.-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 or-

dered to Texas-Strength of the Army at Corpus Christi.. Page 9

CHAPTER II.

War inevitable.-General Scott at Washington.-Recommends an In-

rease of the Army.-Mission of Mr. Slidell.-Downfall of Herrera.—