Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/366

 

instructions to General Taylor, ordering him to advance from Corpus Christi and occupy positions on or near the east bank of the Rio Grande, were given January 13, 1846, and at the same time vessels were sent to reënforce the gulf squadron. Taylor was, how ever, directed to await further orders relative to the question of common right to navigate the river, but was not to confine himself to the defensive in case any 2act of open hostility should be committed by Mexico. Later instructions ordered him under all circumstances to protect private property, respect personal rights, and refrain from interference in religious matters.

On the 8th of March he broke up his camp at Corpus Christi, and having decided to make Point Isabel his military depôt, the greater portion of his stores

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