American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

Our Army. Although the accounts which we published on Monday, of the result of the two engagements which recently took place between the Mexican army and the troops under command of General Taylor, are probably not altogether accurate and somewhat exaggerated, yet there can be no doubt that our troops have greatly distinguished themselves for skill and bravery, and crowned themselves with glory. The greatly superior force of the enemy, and their ability to select their own ground for the battle, gave them advantages which nothing but the most resolute determination and undaunted spirit could have overcome. General Taylor has acquitted himself of his delicate and responsible charge, with great credit to himself and honor to his country—and the officers and men under his charge, have also performed their several duties in such manner as to entitle them to the admiration and gratitude of their countrymen. Having thus succeeded in beating back the enemy, and in regaining his camp opposite Matamoras, he will be prepared in a short time, by the aid of the reinforcements sent to him, to commence offensive operations; and we shall not be surprised—should the next news which we receive from the army, contain an account of its having crossed the Rio Grande; destroyed or taken possession of Matamoras; and sent the Mexican army on its march to Mexico. But however this may be, troops destined to operate in this war should be sent forward with all dispatch; as the few men under General Taylor have most arduous labor to perform. Were he in charge of twenty thousand men, the Mexican government would no doubt cease hostilities and come to terms; and this is the policy which ought to be pursued by our government: We consider the account of the approach of Paredes with fifteen thousand men, as doubtful but should it be true, General Taylor will be able to hold his entrenchments against them unless they are well supplied with heavy artillery and skillful engineers. As we have heretofore stated, that the Mexican troops brought against General Taylor, are the flower of the Mexican army, and the main reliance of their country—and yet they have been beaten and put to flight by less than one third of their number; which shews the great superiority of the American to Mexican soldiers. This superiority will become more manifest as the war progresses; for Mexico will have to force into service a class of men who are little better than slaves, and who will engage in the contest without spirit, and without object. These men will fly at the first approach of danger, and are not to be feared. Having failed in the design to capture the army under General Taylor, and having suffered severely from the attack; we are satisfied that, to bring Mexico to immediate terms, nothing more is necessary than to exhibit a formidable force and to shew our ability to march to Mexico, should we deem it proper. From the spirit which exists we believe that an adequate army of volunteers can be readily raised, and these should be hastened to the scene of action with as little delay as possible.