These violent gales are sudden and terrific in their rise and action at Vera Cruz, and the dreadful havoc they made among the American shipping on the coast during the war, attests the value of a military defence whose protective duties are seconded by the very spirit of the storm. The introduction of steam power into the national marine must of course greatly modify the character of coast defences; but we would deem it not only unwise but imbecile to abandon altogether a work which at least makes, if it does not perfectly protect, an important harbor. The city of Vera Cruz, itself, is a regular fortification, and with some important improvements and repairs, may not ultimately require San Juan de Ulua to defend it from assault. These two strongholds, combined, under the command of skilful generals and garrisoned with efficient soldiers, would offer a churlish welcome to any modern power either maritime or military. Their seizure, during the winter months of tempest, would be almost impossible, and their occupation, during the summer would be as fatal, as was unfortunately proved by our troops in the June, July, and August, after the brilliant siege and inglorious surrender. The following tabular sketch prepared from Ministerial reports, exhibits the condition of the Mexican forces at this epoch. TABULAR VIEW OF THE RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE MEXICAN ARMY IN 1849. STAFF OF THE ARMY. 12 Generals of divisions. 34 Brigadier generals. 4 Colonels. 5 Lieutenant Colonels. 1 Commandant of battalion. 13 Captains. 8 Lieutenants and 2d adjudants. 3 Ensigns. -- 80 Total. ENGINEER CORPS. 1 Brigadier general. 2 Colonels. 4 Lieutenant colonels. 8 Captains. -- 15 Total. MEDICAL STAFF, ACCORDING TO LAW. 1 Inspector. 1 Director of hospital. 8 Hospital professors. 40 Surgeons. 40 1st assistant surgeons. 40 2d " " 30 Apprentices. 18 Surgeons for military colonies. 2 Ambulance companies. MATERIEL OF THE ARMY. In actual service 1 Battalion of sappers, 399 individuals required by law, 220 8 Battalions of infantry, 6000 " " " 3526 12 Squadrons of cavalry, 1800 " " " 1911 2 Battalions of artillery, 1800 " " " 554 ---- ---- Required by law, 9999 Only in service, 5211 THE ARMY AS REQUIRED BY LAW OF 4TH NOVEMBER, 1848. 17 Colonels. 16 Lieutenant colonels. 11 Commanders of squadrons, battalions and chiefs of division. 92 Captains. 108 2d adjudants, and lieutenants. 176 Sub-adjudants, sub-lieutenants and ensigns. 17 Chaplains. 133 1st serjeants; tambour majors; armorers; smiths. 384 2d serjeants. 1124 Corporals. 356 Musicians. 7954 Privates. 32 Wagon masters. 196 Drivers. 54 Arrieros.