The early days of the war were characterised by many acts of daring bravery. Amongst others, we find mention of the feat performed by a Captain Walker. The Americans were in total ignorance of the movements of the enemy, when they heard cannonading in the direction of a fort with which they had been unable to keep open communications. Taylor dispatched a squadron of cavalry, who returned without definite information, and the General was in suspense as to the condition of his friends in the fort, when Captain Walker arrived in the camp bearing dispatches from the leader of the beleaguered party in Fort Brown. He had left the small stronghold under the cover of night, and with no other guide than the wind on his cheek had tracked his way through the enemy’s camp, and through the wild, roadless country that lay between it and the army of General Taylor. He brought the news that the Mexicans had attacked Fort Brown, opening upon it a heavy cannonade. The besieged had, however, returned the fire with spirit, and had succeeded in dismounting some of the Mexican guns. General Taylor at once set off to raise the siege, taking with him two thousand three hundred men. With this force he encountered the enemy at Palo Alta, and the battle so named was fought. For five hours was the strife continued, when the attacking party carried the day. The Mexicans fell back. On the next morning another engagement took place with the same result. The Mexicans lost a thousand men; some cannon; and had one of their generals taken prisoner;—and Fort Brown was relieved. The war had thus commenced. The Mexicans loudly denounced what they called the dismemberment of their empire; the Americans heard with evident joy that their small army had won two battles of an enemy who had provoked the encounter.