General Taylor reported that he had selected Corpus Christi on the west bank of the Nueces River (in disputed territory) for his base of operations.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Corpus Christi, Texas, August 15, 1845.
SIR: I have deferred, perhaps, too long making a report of my operations since arriving on this coast; but I have been unwilling to speak only of difficulties attending the establishment of my force; and such and so many have been those difficulties, that not until this moment have I been able to report anything satisfactory in regard to our movements. After a careful examination--for the most part personal--of Aransas and Corpus Christi bays, I have settled upon this point west of the Nueces river, as the most favorable for present occupation, and have pushed forward the troops and supplies as rapidly as our means of transportation would permit. I am now enabled to report that the artillery, the 3d infantry, and seven companies of the 4th infantry, are in position here, well supplied with ammunition and provisions. One more company of the 4th (left temporarily at St. Joseph's island) will join in a day or two. Some works of defence are in progress; and if I succeed in procuring some light guns from the sloop of war St. Mary's, (for the field battery has not yet arrived,) I shall feel able to maintain my position against any Mexican force that may be brought against it. The arrival of Graham's companies of the 4th, of the 2d dragoons, and 7th infantry, will doubtless enable me to assume an offensive attitude should it become expedient.
Our last mail (which was saved with difficulty from the wreck of a schooner on the 13th instant) brought your communications of July 28 and 30; the latter enclosing a letter from the Secretary of War of the same date. I am gratified to find that my measures thus far have met the approbation of the government and general-in-chief, and, particularly, to find that I have but anticipated the wishes of the President in taking up a position west of the Nueces.
I have determined to establish my depot, for the present, on the point of St. Joseph's island, whence supplies can be thrown either into Corpus Christi or Aransas bay, as may become necessary. Owing to the shoalness of the water between the two bays, the transportation of troops and supplies has been attended with much delay and expense. Instructions have been given to the quartermaster in New Orleans to procure transports adapted to our purpose, on the arrival of which our supplies can be thrown forward with facility and economy.
Nothing has been heard from the 2d dragoons since they marched from Fort Jesup, except a rumor (which I really hope may prove unfounded) that Colonel Twiggs had been taken sick, and was forced to turn back. I am very anxious for the arrival of this regiment, as its services are greatly needed for outposts and reconnoissances. I shall despatch an express to communicate with the regiment and ascertain its position and condition.
Graham's companies of the 4th infantry were daily expected in New Orleans at the last advices, and will, doubtless, sail about the same time with the 7th infantry. I shall bring all the infantry to this point, except a suitable guard for the depot in my rear, and probably all the cavalry also, as I do not deem it prudent to detach in our existing relations with Mexico.
I am gratified to be able to report that the troops are more healthy than could reasonably be expected, considering their great exposure and the inferior quality of the water on the coast. The prevalent complaints are not at all serious, and the command is, perhaps, more healthy than it would have been had it remained at Fort Jesup and vicinity.
The 4th infantry sailed from New Orleans under convoy of the "St. Mary's," sloop-of-war, Captain Saunders. The "Falmouth," Captain Sands, and "Lawrence," Captain Jarvis, have also been off Aransas pass, and their commanders have communicated with me.
I take pleasure in acknowledging my obligations to these officers, for valuable assistance which they have extended to us, and for the assurances of support and co-operation.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brig. Gen. U..4. A., commanding. The ADJUTANT GENERAL
Of the Army, Washington, D. C.
