Taylor reported that on April 11, General Ampudia arrived at Matamoras with two hundred cavalry. Taylor estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 additional troops were en route from Monterrey.
HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camp near Matamoras, Texas, April 15, 1846.
Sir: I have to report that, on the 11th inst., General Ampudia arrived at Matamoras with two hundred cavalry, the remainder of his force, variously estimated from 2,000 to 3,000 men, being some distance in rear on the route from Monterey. Immediately after assuming the chief command, General Ampudia ordered all Americans to leave Matamoras within twenty-four hours, and repair to Victoria, a town in the interior of Tamaulipas. He had taken the same severe measure at Reinosa, on his way hither. On the 12th I received from General Ampudia a despatch, summoning me to withdraw my force within twenty-four hours, and to fall back beyond the river Nueces. To this communication I replied on the 12th, saying that I should not retrograde from my position. Copies of this correspondence are enclosed herewith. I considered the letter of General Ampudia sufficient to warrant me in blocking up the Rio Grande, and stopping all supplies for Matamoras, orders for which have been given to the naval commander at Brazos Santiago.
Notwithstanding the alternative of war presented by General Ampudia, no hostile movement has yet been made by his force. Whether he will feel strong enough to attempt anything when all his force shall arrive, is very doubtful. Our brigades occupy strong positions, beyond reach of fire from the town, and can hold themselves against many times their number of Mexican troops. In the meantime, our defences here and at Point Isabel are daily gaining strength. The latter point is well supplied with artillery, and in a good condition to resist attack.
I regret to report that Colonel Cross has been missing since the 10th inst., on which day he rode out alone in the vicinity of our camp. All attempts to trace him have hitherto proved fruitless, and I much fear that he has been waylaid and murdered by banditti known to be in our neighborhood. To-day I address a letter on the subject to General Ampudia, desiring him to assist in our efforts to ascertain the colonel's fate.
I shall authorize the raising of two.companies of Texan mounted men, for service in this quarter, particularly for the purpose of keeping open our communication with Point Isabel, and relieving the regular cavalry of a portion of their duties, which are now oppressive.
Several resignations of officers have been tendered since our arrival here. While I regret that such has been the case, I have still deemed it my duty to throw no obstacle in the way of their acceptance.
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.
