Letters and Diaries

Title -   Despatch from General Taylor. Head-quarters, Army of Occupation, Camp near Matamoras, Texas, April 26, 1846

Date -   April 26, 1846

Publication Information -   Messages of the President of the United States, with the correspondence, therewith communicated, between the Secretary of War and other officers of the government, on the subject of the Mexican War.   Published by: Wendall and van Benthuysen, Washington, 1848

Format -   Letters (correspondence)

Collection -   The University of Texas at Arlington Library, Special Collections.

Call Number -   E404.U59 Library Collections Depository, Special Collections

Description -   Taylor reported that a skirmish had occurred between Mexican troops and a detachment of dragoons under the command of Captain Thornton on April 24 on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Sixteen Americans were killed and wounded and the remainder captured. That same day, General Arista arrived in Matamoros to take command of Mexican troops. Taylor informed the War Department: “Hostilities may now be considered as commenced.”