In March of the next year, Congress sanctioned the annexation of Texas,
and trouble with Mexico began in earnest. History records the rapid
course of events which made up the Mexican War. We can only notice the
events which directly concern the career of Grant. His company was a
part of the expeditionary force of three thousand men destined to see
active service on the border.
By the middle of March they had reached the Rio Grande, and pitched
camp opposite the city of Matamoras. Their army was far from its base
of supplies and in a country swarming with the enemy. Before war was
formally declared, two officers who were caught outside the camp were
killed, and two whole companies captured.
There was no railroad, and General Taylor was compelled to send a
considerable force back twenty-five miles for supplies. On the third
of May the returning troops encountered a much larger force of
Mexicans. A battle followed which continued after sundown. During the
night the Mexicans retreated, but were found further on, in a much
stronger position. They awaited the Americans on the far side of a
pond, their position being further fortified by logs and branches of
trees.
The captain of Grant's company was temporarily absent, and it fell to
Grant to lead their advance.
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