General Taylor reports his arrival (by steamship) with eight companies of the 3rd Infantry Regiment near the mouth of the Nueces River. The balance of his force was still en route from New Orleans via slower sailing vessels.
HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Steamship Alabama, Aransas Pass, Texas, July 28, 1845.
SIR: I respectfully report my arrival at this place on the 25th instant, with eight companies of the 3d infantry, it having been found necessary to leave two companies of that regiment, to be brought over in other transports.
The troops site temporarily established on St. Joseph's island. I am waiting the report of a boat expedition sent to Corpus Christi bay before I determine on the site of an encampment. I hope to receive the necessary information in the course of the day, when I shall immediately commence the removal of the 3d infantry to the point selected. The position will probably be " Live Oak Point," in Aransas bay, some ten miles from our present position. I am very anxious to establish myself at the mouth of the Nueces, but the extreme shoalness of the water will, I fear, present an insuperable obstacle, unless we can procure lighters of much lighter draught than those we have at present.
The difficulties of effecting a debarkation on this coast, and of establishing depots for supplying the army, are much greater than I anticipated, and will render our operations at once embarrassing and expensive. Between Pass Cavallo and Brazos Santiago, there is no entrance for vessels drawing more than seven or eight feet; and the prevailing winds render the operation of lightening extremely uncertain and hazardous. We have been favored with fine weather, and, should it continue, the other transports, which may now be expected, will be enabled to discharge without difficulty.
We had a very favorable run from New Orleans; and I am happy to state that the health of the command was greatly improved by the voyage. The eight companies have scarcely any sickness at this time.
The day before leaving New Orleans, I received from Major Donelson a communication dated at Austin, on the 7th of July, informing me that the convention had unanimously accepted the proposition of annexation, and suggesting that two companies should be posted at Austin. I still deem it best to concentrate my force until our relations with Mexico shall become settled, and until the country can be examined, and the best mode of supply ascertained.
I hear nothing important from the Mexican frontier. Some Indian depredations are committed from time to time near Corpus. Christi, and will claim my first attention after I can get established.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding.
The ADJUTANT GENERAL of the Army,
Washington, D. C.
