Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/22

18 arrived at Fort Jessup about the middle of June. April, 1845 two companies arrived from Fort Leavenworth, making 25 companies in all of what was called the "army of observation." It having been voted by Congress (Feb. 1845), to annex Texas to the United States, and as the people of that State in convention, would meet, and probably accept the proposition of annexation in July, it was thought best for the army of observation to be prepared to move to the western frontier of Texas if necessary. Accordingly it proceeded to New Orleans in July 1845, ready to embark to any requisite point.

While at that city Col. J. H. Vose of the 4th Infantry died in a fit, which cast a gloom over his associates in arms. July 23d a part of the force set sail for Corpus Christi, (generally called Kinney's Ranch," situated on the western shore of Corpus Christi Bay) and arrived July 31. Many interesting incidents and some spirited battles have occurred at this military post, between the Mexicans and Texans, in which Santa Anna acted a prominent part; but we must not tarry to describe them here. The army now was no longer called "army of observation;" but the "army of occupation." In August the aspect of affairs began to be menacing, and it was expected that Mexico would soon declare war. General Arista, was at Monterey with a considerable Mexican force, and there was another at Matamoras. In the mean time new companies from the United States occasionally arrived.

Sept. 12th, the steamer Dayton, having on board several officers and soldiers, burst her boilers, on her way to St. Joseph's Island, and eight lost their lives in a most distressing manner. In September General Worth with six companies, and Major Finggold with his company of horse