Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

TROOPS WITHDRAWN TO JOIN SCOTT. 283
General Taylor had marched, as previously stated, to Victoria. It was immediately sent after that general; but its
bearer, Lieutenant Richey of the 5th Infantry, a gallant and
meritorious young officer, was unfortunately killed in discharging the hazardous duty, and the letter found its way to
the hands of Santa Anna. General Scott however, had
taken the precaution to communicate his wishes to General
Butler also: and that officer, who, since the great stamcn)ede
of December had remained in command at Saltillo, lost no
time in the absence of Taylor, in putting Worth's division in
motion for the rear. The regulars marched through MIonterey about the middle of January en route for the Brazos,
much to the satisfaction of the Mexican citizens, some of
whom but ill concealed the pleasure caused by their departure. General Taylor, soon after his arrival at Victoria,
having been advised of the orders of the general-in-chief,
sent forward to Tampico the regulars of Twiggs and the
volunteer brigades of Quitman and Pillow. Thus the entire
force intended for the descent upon Vera Cruz was enabled
to reach the general rendevous behind the island of Lobos,
before the end of February. General Taylor now, for the
want of troops, was compelled to abandon his design of occupying the line of the Sierra Madre. He was not able to
leave a garrison at that important point, Victoria; of which
circumstance the Mexican corps of observation at the pass of
Tula soon availed itself.* In a Mexican field-report, (for Febuary) of Santa Anna's forces, the strength
of this division of observation is given as follows,Infantry-of General Vasquez; 11 chiefs, 117 officers, and 1655 privates.
Cavalry-of' General Urrea; 8 do. 95 do. 2121 do.
Total of Division 19 do. 212 do. 3776 do,