Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/21



Various circumstances contributed to produce this war. In the first place the government of the U. S. had certain claims against Mexico, acknowledged by the latter, but not cancelled. Next, the people of Texas, having formed themselves into an independent government maintained that independence eight years, were desirous of being annexed to the United States. In order to accomplish this object, as Mexico was opposed to it, it was agreed between our government and that of Texas, that the former should send upon the borders of Texas, an armed force sufficient to put down any opposition from Mexico. Accordingly Zachary Taylor, Col. of the 6th Regiment of Infantry, was appointed to take command of these forces. He repaired to Fort Jessup, Louisana, and found that post garrisoned by seven companies of the 2d regiment of Dragoons, under the command of Col. D. E. Twiggs. May 10th, 1844, eight companies of the 3d Regiment of Infantry, stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, repaired to the same place, commanded by Lieutenant Col. E. A. Hitchcock. Their encampment was called Camp Wilkins. Eight companies of the 4th Regiment from Jefferson Barracks, went, May 13, to Grand Ecore on the Red River, under the command of Colonel Vose. Z. Taylor, with the title of Brevet Brigadier General,