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."
HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Camp near Matamoras, Texas, .April 26, 1846.
SIR.: I have respectfully to report that General Arista arrived in Matamoras on the 24th inst., and assumed the chief command of the Mexican troops. On the same day he addressed me a communication, conceived in courteous terms, but saying that he considered hostilities commenced, and should prosecute them. A translation of his note, and a copy of my reply, will be transmitted the moment they can be prepared. I despatch this by an express which is now waiting.
I regret to report that a party of dragoons, sent out by me on the 24th inst., to watch the course of the river above on this bank, became engaged with a very large force of the enemy, and after a short affair, in which some sixteen were killed and wounded, appear to have been surrounded and compelled to surrender. Not one of the party has returned except a wounded man sent in this morning by the Mexican commander, so that I cannot report with confidence the particulars of the engagement, or the fate of the officers, except that Captain Hardee was known to be a prisoner, and unhurt. Captain Thornton, and Lieutenants Mason and Kane, were the other officers. The party was 63 strong.
Hostilities may now be considered as commenced, and I have this day deemed it necessary to call upon the governor of Texas for four regiments of volunteers, two to be mounted and two to serve as foot. As some delay must occur in collecting these troops, I have also desired the governor of Louisiana to send out four regiments of infantry as soon as practicable. This will constitute an auxiliary force of nearly 5,000 men, which will be required to prosecute the war with energy, and carry it, as it should be, into the enemy's country. I trust the department will approve my course in this matter, and will give the necessary orders to the staff departments for the supply of this large additional force.
If a law could be passed authorizing the President to raise volunteers for twelve months, it would be of the greatest importance for a service so remote from support as this.
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.
