Colonel Twiggs hastened forward with the dragoons, to extinguish the flames and capture the incendiaries. On their arrival, they found but two or three inoffensive Mexicans in the village; the remainder having fled at their approach. The fire, which appeared to have been the work of the port captain, under the orders of General Garcia, consumed but three or four houses before it was arrested. On reaching the Point, General Taylor was gratified to find that the steamers and transports had just arrived in the harbor. A dépôt was established, and defences thrown up for its protection, in pursuance of his directions; he then set out to rejoin General Worth, leaving Major Munroe in command, with two companies of artillery.
On coming up with the main body of his army, General Taylor again ordered the march to be resumed, and arrived opposite Matamoras, on the 28th of March, without meeting any resistance. Two of his dragoons, sent forward from the advanced guard, were captured by the Mexicans, but were subsequently released. On his approach to the river, great excitement appeared to be produced in the city of Matamoras; troops Were moved to and fro, and batteries prepared to command his position. Being desirous of announcing, in due form, the object of his advance to the river, and of affording an opportunity of establishing friendly intercourse, a white flag was exhibited on the left bank, under his orders. A communication was opened with the Mexican officers, and General Worth was dispatched, with his staff across the river, as the bearer of a communication to General Mejia, informing him of the desire of General Taylor for amicable relations, and his willingness to leave the port of Brazos Santiago open to the citizens of Matamoras, until the question of boundary should
