History of the War Between Mexico and The United States by Brantz Mayer

Military and civil proclamations against the United States at Matamoros in April, 1846 -- General Taylor's pacific policy -- Desertion from our army promoted by Ampudia and Arista -- Shooting of deserters, seen swimming the river, ordered -- Construction of the fort opposite Matamoros -- Guerillas on the left bank -- Ampudia and Arista arrive -- Death of Colonel Cross -- Expedition of Lieutenants Dobbins and Porter -- Death of Porter -- Surprise and surrender of Captain Thornton's party of dragoons -- Ampudia and General Taylor on the blockade of the mouth of the river -- Fort capable of defence; left under the command of Major Brown -- Walker's men surprised on the prairie -- Taylor goes to Point Isabel -- Cannonade heard from Matamoros -- May with his dragoons and Walker sent to the fort for tidings -- Their adventures -- Return to Point Isabel -- Taylor calls on Texas and Louisiana for reinforcements -- character and quality of the Texan Ranger.

The months of March and April, 1846, were fruitful in civil and military proclamations at Matamoros, manifesting a hostile spirit against our country, but General Taylor persisted in his pacific conduct and directed all under his command to observe a scrupulous regard to the municipal rights and religious usages of the quiet Mexicans whom they found in the neighborhood of the Rio Grande. In order that no pretext of ignorance might be pleaded by our adversaries, in this respect, his orders were published in Spanish as well as English, and freely distributed among the people. It is to be regretted that a similar forbearance was not exhibited by our opponents. As soon as our forces appeared in the vicinity of Matamoros they began to intrigue with our subalterns. It was known that our army, made up at random from a population of natives and emigrants, contained individuals born in Europe; and, to the religious and political prejudices of this class, the authorities addressed themselves.