SANTA ANNA IS NOT WOUNDED

 

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

McGrawville Express, Thursday, October 28, 1847.

FROM MEXICO.

Further from the Army.

   Santa Anna is not wounded, but had resigned the Presidency and retreated to Toluca, 15 miles from Guadaloupe with the remnant of his army for the purpose of attacking our trains.

   More deserters hung.

   Riley is only flogged.

   Clay and others joined Scott in taking the Capital. Scott issued congratulatory orders, requesting officers and men to return thanks to God for our triumph, and enjoying strict discipline and sobriety.

   One American paper has already been issued at the Capital. The report, that Gen. Rhea was at Puebla, is fully confirmed.

   A paper (published at Puebla, we suppose) of the 37th ult., says:

   Our troops under Col. Childs were bombarding the city from the surrounding heights. The same paper of the 2d inst., says that according to latest accounts Santa Anna was at Puebla. His force after its junction with Gen. Rhea amounted to only 3000 men. He was quartered in a convent.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 20—Evening.

   The following is a copy of a letter written by a foreigner to one of his countrymen in Vera Cruz, a Frenchman:

   MEXICO, Sept. 28, 1847.

   MY DEAR SIR—

   I avail myself of the departure of the British courier, to sketch you the scenes it has been my luck to witness in the Capital and its environs, the Mexicans having been beaten in all points and in every way from the 7th to the 13th inst.

   Gen. Santa Anna left the Capital on the evening of the 13th, and took the road to the interior. On the 14th, in the morning, the Americans entered the city in a very quiet manner, and Gen. Scott was already in the Palace when, on a sudden, the people of the low classes commenced throwing stones on the Americans from the tops of the houses, and from all the streets, whilst individuals of a better standing fired from the windows and balconies upon the Yankees, who were far from expecting such treatment.

   Gen. Scott immediately ordered pieces of artillery to be placed in all directions, and soon swept the street with grape shot; but this proved insufficient to subdue the insurrection. Gen. Scott then sent a few companies on divers points, with orders to break open every house out of which the Mexicans should fire; to put to the sword those found within; and lastly to sack the property therein contained.

   This order was executed with great moderation, thanks to the secret instructions of Gen. Scott, but in some cases, with stern energy, which soon put down the insurrection.

   These scenes lasted three long and sad days—from the 14th to the 17th—and I assure you, we were much alarmed during the whole time.

   All foreigners, including these imbued in other respects with prejudice towards the Americans, agree in one point—that the American army had not done the hundredth part of the injury it had a right to do, and which European armies have done in similar circumstances. A foreigner myself, and having seen warfare in Europe towards the end of Napoleon's career, I, judging by comparison, give it my sincere and candid opinion, if a continental army had been stoned and fired upon by the population of a vanquished city, the inhabitants would have been dealt with rather roughly.

   Now we are tranquil; but it is a sad tranquility, as we fear new disturbances. Our precarious situation will not change for the better until peace be concluded, or the Americans send about 15,000 men. The army of invasion is really too small; for figure to yourself 7,000 men in a city of upwards of 200,000 hostile souls, and in Puebla less than 1500 to restrain a population of more than 50,000. This is really too little. The Americans have covered themselves with glory in all the battles fought in Mexico; they are all and each of them heroes; but it is a great thing to see a handful of Americans cut their way through 300 miles of dense population, and hoist the star spangled banner on the domes of this capital.

   Gen. Herrera, the Ex-President of Mexico, has gone to Querétaro, where a Congress is to assemble next month. He took with him 4,000 men and Santa Anna fell back upon Puebla with 2,000 horsemen. These two bodies of troops are the remnant of the 20,000 regular troops who defended the city no longer than two weeks ago. Some people hope that peace will be advocated by several members of the next Congress at Querétaro, but for my part, I do not believe it. The folly of these people is not yet at an end. When will they open their eyes to their true interest? Never. All communication with the interior is cut off.

   The report that Gen. Rhea was at Puebla is fully confirmed, and the "Genius of Liberty" of the 27th ult., says:—"Our troops under Col. Childs were bombarding the city from the surrounding heights." The same paper of the 2d inst., has the following: Gen. Santa Anna never so badly discomfited, was, by the very latest accounts at Puebla. His force after its junction with that of Gen. Rhea amounted in infantry and cavalry to only 3,000 men, and it was quartered in the convent St. Carnen. The Americans under command of Col. Childs, strongly fortified in a massively built and very capacious convent of the same city. Conscious of the strength of their position and its impregnability, they were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements in the utmost security and tranquility. At intervals bombs were thrown into the city, which, however, we are happy to say, did not receive much injury from their explosion previous to the date of our account.

 

Further from Mexico.

   It was rumored at the Capital by a messenger from Puebla on the 27th, that Parades, Bustamante, and other influential persons were about to invite a Foreign Prince to Mexico to settle the difficulties of the country. Gen. Quitman issued orders on the 25th, notifying all officers of the Mexican army at the Capital to report immediately to the Inspector General of the American Army. And another order dated the 27th, regulating the value of commodities.

   Some accounts reiterate the statement that the Americans have lost 3,000 men since the army left Puebla; while others state our loss at 1,623, as follows; Gen. Worth's division 140 killed, 766 wounded and 27 missing; Gen. Twigg's division, 38 killed, 194 wounded and 10 missing; Gen. Pillow's division, 21 killed, 111 wounded and 10 missing; Gen. Quitman's division 41 killed and 267 wounded. Total killed wounded and missing, 1,623.

   We have destroyed, says the dispatch from the South, the Mexican army of 30,000 men, upward of 6,000 of whom have been taken prisoners. We have captured 70 pieces of artillery; 27 at the battle of Contreras; 10 in a fort at Churubusco on the 12th, 13th and 14th.

   The last of Mr. Kendall's letters, dated the 20th, mention two rumors with regard to Santa Anna, one is that he had been taken prisoner by Col. Childs, and the other that he had been slain by Gen. Alvarez and the Congress of Puebla.

   A correspondent of the Delta gives a graphic account of the entrance of Gen. Scott into the Capital, but it is too long for the dispatch.

   One of the first acts of Gen. Scott was to appoint Gen. Quitman a civil and military Gov. of Mexico, and Col. J. F. Belton Lieut. Gov. Gen. Quitman's department embraces the following officers: Capt. J. N. Paige, assistant adjutant general, Lieut. M. Lovell, M. Wilcox and R. P. Hammond, aids. Capt. G. T. Davis, secretary, and W. Levi, interpreter.

   The Frigate Macedonia arrived to-day from Greenock.

   Many suppose that Santa Anna was seeking the coast in order to leave the country. His decree, announcing his resignation of the Presidency, expresses his determination to continue the war.

   Gen. Scott's demand of $150,000 has been complied with.

 

NEWS OF THE DAY.

   The Augusta Chronicle has returns nearly complete of the Georgia legislature. The senate stands 25 Whig and 21 Democrat. Telefair and Irwin usually democratic and Ware and Sounds, doubtful, to hear from. In the House, the Whigs have chosen 62 and the Democrats 60, and five to hear from, two usually Democratic and two usually Whigs, and one doubtful.

   A Telegraph dispatch from Zanesville says the Ohio Legislature will most likely be Whig.

   GEORGIA—Returns from 60 counties indicate the election of Towns (Dem.) for Gov. by about 1500 to 2000 majority. The Whigs have a net gain of 4 members.

   The Tallahassee Sentinel of the 19th says the whigs have a majority in both branches of the Florida legislature. In the Senate the whig majority is 5; majority in the House not stated.

   The election for members of Congress in Iowa, in August last, is said to be void in consequence of the Governor's having forgotten to sign the bill fixing the time and place of such election.

   The Union says the President has decided to call out two more regiments immediately, one from Tennessee and one from Michigan.

   Guadaloupe, the town to which Santa Anna is said to have retired with the remainder of his army, is six miles north of the city of Mexico.

   Gen. Scott furnished an escort to Santa Anna's wife to take her out of the city. He had issued orders saying that a conspiracy was on foot among the Mexicans, to be on their guard.

 

Sons of Temperance.

   The Order in this village held a public meeting at their hall, on the subject of temperance last Tuesday evening. The citizens generally turned out. The exercises, we understand, were exceedingly interesting. We regret that we were not able to attend.

 

The Weather.

   The weather in this region of country is anything and everything, without reference to the good feelings or wishes of anybody. Mud, wind, snow, hail and frost most gloriously commingle together, and act as though they were bent on having an old fashioned spree, in spite of the temperance reformation.

 

EDITOR'S TABLE.

Ringing of the First Bell.

   With our next No., closes the first quarter of the EXPRESS. Those of our subscribers who commenced with No. 1, are respectfully invited to continue their subscriptions. Those who were doubtful of our success at first, may now rest assured of the permanent continuation of the Express. It is a fact, fixed beyond the possibility of cavil, that the PEOPLE not merely of McGrawville and Cortland county, but of the surrounding country, are with us and are yielding to the enterprise a liberal support, far outstripping our most sanguine expectations. Many looked upon the project of establishing a paper at M'Grawville as an absurdity, and we were laughed out of countenance when the matter was first broached. But heedless of all to the contrary, we pushed on, got the complicated machinery into operation, and now at the end of the first quarter, throw out our banner to the winds, enscribed upon its ample folds, FIVE HUNDRED CIRCULATION!!! and the number constantly and rapidly increasing. The flattering encomiums that have been heaped upon us are numerous, and come from gentlemen of the highest respectability in the state. We return thanks to our kind friends and patrons thus far, and promise renewed zeal and energy in laboring for the interest of our sheet, and for the permanency and prosperity of the Union.

 

Mexican News.

   The news from Mexico, the details of which are to be found under its appropriate head in this week's paper, will be read with deep interest. Gen. Scott is in quiet possession of the city of Mexico—the great capital of the Mexican nation. This, seemingly, has been the great ultimatum of the administration of James K. Polk, in reference to this war. It has been attained, at last, and the stars and stripes now wave triumphantly over the famed city. It was thought that this achievement would strike terror to the Mexican heart, and insure the prospect of Peace. But how stands the fact in view of this supposition? It has proved to be groundless, and the People are left to look in vain for the end of the war.

   How much more blood remains to be shed, and how many precious lives are yet to be sacrificed, is a problem which cannot easily be solved. A handful of men, as it were, have been sent into a country swarming with a perfidious and malicious banditti, and have been left to fight their way against the most fearful odds. Had not our gallant little army been possessed of the most miraculous skill and daring, they surely would have been swallowed up, long ago, in the jaws of battle. We hate this tampering with an enemy, and our heart sickens at the recapitulation of the fearful scenes of blood and misery occasioned by the long continuance of this war. Had a sufficient force been sent against Mexico, and had the pay of the poor soldier been more in comparison to the pay of too many southern epauletted gentlemen, long ere this would the war have been closed, and a permanent peace established.

   But so long as this tampering and illiberal policy of the government is continued towards Mexico, the horrors of war must accumulate, and the prospect of Peace be farther, and still farther removed.

 

Stump Candidate.

   Self nominations are getting to be decidedly popular. J. N. T. TUCKER, Esq., of Syracuse, the popular author, and a gentleman of distinguished talents, offers himself as a candidate for the Legislature, independent of party. Messrs. TUCKER & ORCOTT, the People's candidates, of Onondaga, will carry a strong vote, and we should not be surprised if they were elected.

 

Autumn.

   The season of Autumn is upon us, with its chilling winds and searing frosts. The buds and blossoms are dying and giving way to decay. The sylvan forests that but a little while ago were clothed in robes of deepest green, are now seared and yellow, and present a sad and melancholy appearance. The feathered songsters, here, no longer make the air redolent with their songs, but have gone to warmer and more congenial climes. Every thing in nature admonishes us to get ready for the cold piercing storms of winter. What a contrast is here presented? And how beautiful and touching is the lesson which it inculcates! It seems to image to man a brief picture of life. To-day we look out upon the beauty and glory of summer, and enjoy for a season its fragrant and balmy breezes, and its luxuriant and delicious fruits; but alas, how soon the change!—How soon are all these things vanished and gone. To-morrow another and a different scene is presented. Decay is written in plain and legible letters, upon all the works of Nature. So with man. For a season, he walks forth in all the native grace and manliness of his nature—a noble specimen of infinite power, and ingenuity; but alas, how fleet are all his joys, how soon they vanish and leave him forever! Who is there that will not profit by the falling foliage of Autumn, in its peculiar and imposing lesson to the heart, and prepare for the Autumn of life, when our youthful vigor and strength will be gone, and be ready for every vicissitude, and take peculiar pride in meditating upon those blissful and happier seasons, where flowers and roses forever blossom in the Paradise of God.