the newspapers of England, which almost

invariably speak of our present war as

the result of our covetousness. They cannot

however withhold an occasional tribute

to the valor of our arms; and they even

go so far as to communicate the fate

of the brave men that have been led

by Genl Scott to the capitol of the enemy.

My reply to them is that it is impossible

for 8000 of our soldiers to be reduced to the

necessity of capitulating: and that if ten

times their number were to give them

battle at any intermediate city they

could cut their way to Vera Cruz.

But whist my faith is so strong

in the bravery of our officers and men