George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Major-General United States Army
George Gordon Meade, Ed.

[63] prevents General Taylor from taking any steps other than he has taken. So great, however, was the feeling, that an officer, of the name of Deas,¹ from South Carolina (whose family resided some years in Philadelphia), a rather eccentric fellow, undertook of his own authority to ascertain the fact, of whether or not he was in Matamoras, and without any permission or authority from General Taylor, or even informing him of the step he was going to take, deliberately swam the river a few nights ago, and went into the town. He was, of course, made prisoner by the first sentinel he came across, and is now detained over there a prisoner of war. The manner in which he left, being entirely voluntary and without permission, prevents General Taylor from demanding his release.

Now I believe you have all the news up to this date. The Mexicans have remained perfectly quiet since their summons, Colonel Cross has disappeared, and Mr. Deas made himself a prisoner, and the impression is general now, that they will not disturb us; but all look anxiously to the United States for an accession of force and instructions to march into the country and take possession of the Northern provinces until Mexico is willing to come to terms, at the same time blockading her coast and battering her towns.

I must confess my sympathy with the unfortunate nation is much diminished by the foolish manner in which she has behaved towards us. Eight months ago she might have compromised the matter, while we were at Corpus Christi; but she delayed and delayed, until finally her refusal to receive our Minister renders active operations on our part more justifiable than they would have been had she adopted a more energetic course from the first.

I have just finished reading your letter of the twenty-fourth, in which you desire answers to several queries which I will take in order. In the first place, I am quite proud you should consider my present position so distinguished as to reconcile you to my absence, and it is a great gratification to me to know that your dear father is also pleased with my position. This affords me great consolation in what is, I assure you, a terrible trial to me, the separation from you and my children; and if it should be my fortune (bachelor-soldiers would call it good fortune) to see actual fighting, I shall be nerved with the recollection of your good opinion, and of the dear boys who will inherit my reputation as well as my name. I regret, in answer to your father's inquiry on the subject of promotion, to say there is