Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/95

Rh army passed the river, with their wagon trains, entirely unmolested, and pursued their march towards the Rio Grande. A few rancheros were seen on the route, but did not approach within hailing distance. On the morning of the 24th, General Taylor halted at a point on the road from Matamoras to Point Isabel, about eighteen miles from the former and ten from the latter. General Worth was then ordered to advance with the infantry brigades on the Matamoras road, until he came to a suitable position for an encampment, where he would halt his command, and await the return of General Taylor, who proceeded to Point Isabel with the dragoons, to meet the transports and establish a dépót. Understanding that a Mexican force had taken possession of the village of Frontone, he determined not to molest them. While on his way to the Point, he was met by a civil deputation from Matamoras, who desired an interview. They presented to him a formal protest against the occupation of the country, signed by the prefect of the northern district of Tamaulipas. He had not time to make his reply, when the buildings at Frontone were discovered to be on ﬁre. Believing that he had been trifled with, and considering the destruction of property on disputed territory as an open act of hostility, he informed the deputation that he would answer them on his arrival opposite Matamoras, which he afterwards did.