NR 66.305 Jul 1844 two war steamers in the US
66.307 Jul 1844 steam frigates refitting at New York
NR 66.353 Aug 1844 list of ships
NR 67.002 Sept 1844 Army units and loan for invasion of Texas
NR 67.018 Sept 1844 Mexican steam frigates repairing at New York, difficulties encountered by officers
NR 67.208 Nov 1944: steamers sail from New York
NR 67.210 Dec 1844 steamer Montezuma arrives at Norfolk
NR 67.225 Dec 1844 steamers sail from Norfolk
NR 67.337 Feb 1845 veto of a bill to return the capital to Austin on grounds of a possible Mexican invasion
NR 68.032-68.034 March,1845: Mexican indemnity
68.032-4 March 1845: Mexican government embarrassed by mutiny in Army, new cabinet selected
NR 68.035 Mar1845 comments of the Richmond "Compiler" on British efforts to frustrate Mexican recognition of Texian independence unless Texas had agreed not to be annexed to the US
68.082 April 1845 Mexican proposal to unite with Texas against the Comanches
NR 68.112 April 1845 rumor that Mexico has agreed to acknowledge independence of Texas if Texas rejects annexation by the US
NR 68.112 April 1845 proposals before Mexican Congress to abrogate treaty, close Mexican ports to US vessels, denounce annexation of Texas
NR 68.116 April 1845 Luis G. Cuevas, minister of foreign affairs, addresses a note to Wilson Shannon closing diplomatic relations, and to other foreign ministers protesting against the annexation of Texas, war spirit, consideration of measures to be taken
NR 68.117 Apr 1845 reaction in Mexico to news of annexation of Texas by the US
NR 68.128 Apr 1845 denunciation of the annexation of Texas by the US, threat of war
NR 68.129 May 1845 earthquakes
NR 68.129 May 1845 people of Chihuahua refuse paying taxes because of Apache depredations
NR 68.129 May 1845 Gen. Manuel Micheltoreno and troops return to Mexico
NR 68.133-68.135 May 1845 official announcement of annexation of Texas by the US, note of Luis G. Cuevas to Ambassador Wilson Shannon, Shannon's reply
NR 68.135 May 1845 Luis G. Cuevas' circular to the English, French, and Spanish ministers protesting the American annexation
NR 68.135 May 1845 remarks of the Mexican press on the annexation of Texas by the US
NR 68.144 May 1845 receipt of Mexican proposals to treat with Texas on the basis of independence
NR 68.146 May 1845
benefits to be derived by Mexico from the American annexation of Texas
68.146 May 1845 Mexico, population
NR 68.151 May 1845
projects recommended by the Mexican Congress on the annexation of Texas by
the US
68.151 May 1845 remarks of the Mexican press on the annexation
of Texas by the US
NR 68.160 May 1845 earthquakes
NR 68.178 May 1845 Texas boundary defined and independence guaranteed by convention among Mexico, Great Britain, and France
NR 68.176 May 1845 further accounts of controversy over annexation of Texas by the US
NR 68.176 May 1845 excitement over arrival of American squadron at Veracruz
NR 68.193 May 1845 little excitement in New Mexico over the American annexation of Texas
NR 68.193 May 1845 Mexican maneuvering, under European tutelage, to prevent annexation of Texas by the US
NR 68.195 May 1845 the Stockton squadron arrives at Vera Cruz
NR 68.204-68.205 May 1845 notice of negotiations for Mexican recognition of the independence of Texas on the condition that Texas reject proposals from the US regarding the annexation of Texas
NR 68.208 May 1845 insurrection in California against Gen. Manuel Micheltoreno
NR 68.210-68.212 June 1845 history of negotiations for acquisition of California
NR 68.211-68.212 June 1845 history of negotiations for acquisition of California
NR 68.212 June 1845 Wilson Shannon leaves Mexico
NR 68.212 June 1845 bill to raise three million for war, but war unlikely
NR 68.212 June 1845 salutary influence of the US squadron at Veracruz
NR 68.212 June 1845 Mexican Army, number of officers and men
NR 68.226 June 1845 letter about the capabilities of Mexican forces on the Texas frontier
NR 68.226 June 1845 contradictory accounts from Mexico about the government's attitude toward the American annexation of Texas
NR 68.226 June 1845 explanation of the mystery about the Mexican indemnity
NR 68.225 June 1845 posture of relations between the two countries
NR 68.226 June 1845 Mexican press on annexation of Texas
NR 68.235 June 1845 revolution in California
NR 68.256 Mexico, Indians, notice of an ethnological article by Albert Gallatin
NR 68.257 hostile feeling toward the US
NR 68.274 July 1845 Texas, annexation to the United States, meeting of Congress, submission of the Mexican treaty, its rejection, resolutions approving annexation by the United States adopted, notice of various resolutions related to annexation
NR 68.275 July 1845 expectation that Mexico will declare war, denial that an American minister would be favorably received
NR 68.305 July 1845
people quiet, not alarmed by war cries
68.305 July 1845 proclamation upon receiving intelligence of Texas
deciding to annex to the US
NR 68.306 July 1845 will Mexico declare war?
NR 68.313-68.314 July 1845 Mexico, aboriginal population
NR 68.315-68.316 July 1845 British involvement in the negotiation for Mexican recognition of Texian independence
NR 68.315-68.316 July 1845 Texas, annexation to the United States, notice of negotiations for Mexican recognition of the independence of Texas on the condition that Texas reject proposals from the United States regarding the annexation of Texas
NR 68.323 July 1845 rumors of war between Mexico and the US
NR 68.324 July 1845 state of the ships
NR 68.336 July 1845 fear of an embargo of American ships, calls for declaration of war
NR 68.352 Aug 1845 Mexican determination to declare war when US troops possess Texas, Congress to assemble, preparations for war
NR 68.372 Aug 1845 expectation of war with the US over the annexation of Texas
NR 68.384 Aug 1845 warlike statement of Cuevas to Congress, quotas for Army requisitioned
NR 68.388 Aug 1845 Mexico - Congress - Mexican preparations for war with the US
NR 68.401 Aug 1845 propositions for war, &c.
NR 68.402 Aug845: disposition of the government forces
NR 69.003 Sep 1845 interest in Santa Fe in the annexation of Texas to the US
NR 69.003 Sep 1845 war loan, orders to troops to position themselves in advance of the Rio Bravo
NR 69.003 Jun 1845 news of the declaration of war reaches the Army in Texas, Gen. Zachary Taylor established on the Nueces
NR 69.004 Sep 1845 notice of Gen. Zachary Taylor and dragoons on the Nueces
NR 69.005 Sep 1845 party of Mexican soldiers approach Castroville, but flee
NR 69.005 Sep 1845 news of the Mexican forces at Matamoros
NR 69.005 Sep 1845 comments of the New York "Morning News" on the possibility of avoiding a war
NR 69.006 Sep 1845 operations at Pensacola to transport troops to Texas
NR 69.006 Sep 1845 payment for three of the six vessels built for Mexico at New York
NR 69.018 Sep 1845 rumor of movements of Mexican troops toward Texas
NR 69.018 Sep 1845 Gen. Mariano Arista's address and call for forces
NR 69.019 Sep 1845 comments on the inability of Mexico to wage war over Texas without the backing of England
NR 69.020 Sep 1845 news of Mexican forces at Matamoros and of reinforcements, their intentions
NR 69.020 Sep 1845 expectation that Mexico would assault Texas rather than declare war on the US
NR 69.020 Sep1845 question of whether the troops in Texas constitute an Army of Observation or the Army of Occupation, notice of their position, forces arriving
NR 69.020 Sep 1845
departure of infantry from Pensacola for Texas
69.020 Sep1845 complaints about lack of artillery with Gen. Zachary
Taylor
NR 69.020 Sep 1845 rumors of the movements of Gen. Mariano Arista
NR 69.021 Sep 1845 attempts to raise troops in Missouri to march against New Mexico
NR 69.020-69.021 Sep 1845 complaints about Gen. Edmund Pendleton Gaines' efforts to enlist volunteers
NR 69.021 Sep 1845 Gen. Zachary Taylor's plan to post troops on the Rio Grande
NR 69.034 Sep 1845 question in Mexico whether to declare or to make war
NR 69.034-69.035 Sep 1845 Gen. Anastasio Bustamente appointed commander of the Army of Texas, history of the revolution which banished him
NR 69.035 Sep 1846 news from the Army of Observation at Corpus Christi
NR 69.036 Sep 1845 position of the Army of Observation at Corpus Christi
NR 69.048 Sep 1845 Army of Observation in good health and spirits
NR 69.051 Sep1845 regiment of volunteers for service in Mexico being raised at Saint Louis
NR 69.065-69.066 Oct 1845 more troops for Texas, speculations on the destination of the Army of Observation
NR 69.066-69.067 Oct 1845 Texian volunteers and Rangers to enter US service or cooperate with US forces
NR 69.073-69.074 Oct
1845 intercourse with Mexico, news of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga
and his forces
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 Gen. Anastasio Bustamente not appointed
Mexican commander, preparations of bodies of troops under Gen. Mariano
Paredes y Arillaga and Gen. Mariano Arista
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 troops at the castle of San Juan de Ulloa
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 position of ships of the Mexican Navy
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 difficult financial position of the Mexican
government despite the bill for the fifteen million loan
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 effort of the British minister to prevent
Mexico from going to war
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 no Mexican preparations for defense
at Tampico, Mexican letters of marque issued
NNR 69.074 Oct 1845 American troops rumored moving on Matamoros
NR 69.083 Oct 1845 proclamation of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga on the call to defend Mexican territory
NR 69.086 Oct 1845 dragoons from Fort Jesup to join the Army of Observation
NR 69.091 Oct 1845 Mexico - population
NR 69.100 Oct 1845 more troops for the Army of Observation
NR 69.130-69.131 Nov 1845 examination of the state of the Army, account of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga's supposed rebellion
NR 69.132-69.133 Nov 1845 dragoons from Fort Jesup to join the Army of Observation
NR 69.133 Nov 1845 artillery reaches Aransas for the Army of Observation
NR 69.147-69.148 Nov 1845 hypothecation of California to Great Britain in payment for the debt of Mexico
NR 69.147 Nov 1845 high price of provisions in Texas because of presence of Army troops
NR 69.160 Nov 1845 dispatches to the US via Navy steamers
NR 69.161 Nov 1845 expedition of Rangers to the Rio Grande
NR 69.161 Nov 1845 discussion of relations with Mexico, news of a messenger from Mexico City indicating difficulties with Mexico are at an end
NR 69.176 Nov 1845 suggestions from Mexico on terms for resuming diplomatic relations and negotiating differences
NR 68.178 Nov 1845 items pertaining to the Army of Observation at Corpus Christi
NR 69.203-69.204 Nov 1845 letter describing the situation with regard to cession of California to Great Britain or the US and the governance of the province by Mexico
NR 69.209 Nov 1845 announcement of dispatch of a minister to Mexico, news received of Mexican agreement to open negotiations
NR 69.240 Dec 1845 debate on negotiations with the US
69.244 Dec 1845 Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's statement on payment of the Mexican indemnity
NR 69.244 Dec 1845 expectation of a successful result to the negotiation with Mexico
NR 69.256 Dec 1845 Gen. Mariano Arista's appointment to treat with the US on Texas boundary and other matters
NR 69.258 Dec 1845 relations with Mexico take an unfavorable turn, remarks
NR 68.273 Jan 1846 letter from an officer at Corpus Christi
NR 69.291 Jan 1846 relations with Mexico take an unfavorable turn, remarks
NR 69.304 Jan 1846 John Slidell not recognized, quits the city
NR 69.304 Jan 1846 relations with Mexico take an unfavorable turn, remarks
NR 69.304 Jan 1846 Mexico, departments assaulted by Indians
NR 69.305 Jan 1846 gloomy reports from Mexico about the reception of John Slidell and the possibility of a movement by Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga against the government of Jose Joaquin Herrera on the basis of declaring war against the US over the annexation of Texas
NR 69.320 Jan 1846 Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga approaches Mexico
NR 69.320 Jan 1846 unpleasant rumors of sickness, &c., among US troops
NR 69.323 Jan 1846 Gen.
Mariano Paredes y Arillaga approaches Mexico
NNR 69.323 Jan 1846 cabinet declines to recognize John Slidell,
who retires to Jalapa
NNR 69.323 Jan 1846 Jose Joaquin Herrera's circular to the provinces
NR 69.350 Jan 1846 reference to relations with Mexico by Gov. Silas Wright of New York
NR 69.352 Feb 1846 uncertainty about attitude of the new Mexican government toward the US
NR 69.353 Feb 1846 affairs with the US more gloomy, various reports about the reception or rejection of the American minister
NR 69.371 Feb 1846 strength of the Army of Occupation
NR 69.384 Feb 1846 notice of American ships of war off the coast of California
NR 69.384 Feb 1846 difficulties in the advance of the Army of Occupation to the Rio del Norte
NR 69.416 Feb 1846 Army of Occupation ordered to the Rio del Norte
NR 70.018 Mar 1846 number of ships, men, guns, etc.
NR 70.050 Mar 1846 Army of Occupation quits Corpus Christi and advances to the Rio Grande
NR 70.050-70.051 Mar 1846 Gen. Zachary Taylor's general order on respecting the rights of Mexicans
NR 70.051 Mar 1846 Gen. Jose Antonio Mejia returns to Matamoros
NR 70.096 Apr 1846 Mexican efforts to protect Point Isabel
NR 70.096 Apr 1846 suggestion that Mexico cede Texas, New Mexico, and California to the US
NR 70.098 Apr 1846 comments on the failure of John Slidell's mission
NR 70.112 Apr 1846
Army of Occupation takes post on the Rio Grande
NNR 70.112 Apr 1846 numbers and position of Mexican forces
July 1844
66.305 13Jul1844: two war steamers in the US
While President Tyler was concentrating a squadron in the Gulf of Mexico, with orders to cruise off Vera Cruz, and intercept any naval movement from thence towards Texas, -- the Mexican war steamers, the Montezuma, and Guadaloupe, arrived at Charleston, S.C. on their way to N. York, having touched there for fuel. They are now at New York refitting. [BAH]
NR 66.307 13Jul1844: steam frigates refitting at New York
The Mexican war steamers, now at New York, are to undergo a thorough repair at the Sectional Dry Sock company's yard. One of them, the Guadaloupe, is built of iron. [BAH]
August 1844
NR 66.353 03Aug1844: list of ships
The Mexican Navy at present consists of, the steamer Guadaloupe, 4 guns - cost 225,069; the steamer Montezuma, 8 guns, [costs] 414,602.
Those two steamers were built and fitted in England for the Mexicans, and are now refitting for them at New York.
The remaining part of the navy consists of the following vessels:
|
Steamer Regenerador |
7 guns |
|
Brig Gen. Santa Anna |
9 " |
|
Brig Mexico |
15 " |
|
Brig Tempoalteca |
7 " |
|
Schooner Aguila |
7 " |
|
Schooner Libertad |
4 " |
|
Pilot boat Morales |
2 " |
In all 63 guns.
The government has contracted for some floating batteries, in the United States, which are to be used for the defense of the castle of Ulloa. [BAH]
September 1844
NR 67.002 07Sept1844: Army units and loan for invasion of Texas
The contingent of thirty thousand men for the invasion of Texas is appointed among the different departments of Mexico as follows:-- Mexico 8,200; Jalisco 4,000; Puebla 3,800; Guanajuato 3,000; St. Luis Potosi 1,800; Zacatecas 1,600; Queretaro 600; Oajaca 2,000; Mechoacan 1, Sinaloa 580; Aguascalientes 280. Total,-- 30,000 men.
Two gentlemen who arrived at New Orleans on the 26th ult. From Mexico, informed the editors of the Bee, that from 16,000 to 18,000 Mexican troops had assembled at San Louis de Potosi, and were on their way to begin the contemplated invasion of Texas. They were well provided with artillery and cavalry.
Mexican dates to the 3d ult. Have been received. The vote of four millions of dollars for the invasion of Texas had been granted, but up to that date the plan for levying the money was still under discussion in the chambers. The Galveston Civilian, of the 17th August, says; "by last accounts over land, from Rio Grande, there was no indication of preparations t invade our territory. If Mexico really intends to make war, upon which point we are skeptical, she can have make but little progress as yet in getting ready." [BAH]
NR 67.018 14Sept1844: Mexican steam frigates repairing at New York, difficulties encountered by officers
Outrageous. It appears by a card from the Mexican consul general in New York, (Mr. Granja) that the officers of the two Mexican frigates have been harassed by lawsuits, and subject to much vexation in prosecuting their duties, from the prejudices excited among the people with whom they have to deal, by the Texas question. The sailors have been tempted to desert, and then to institute suits against officers on frivolous pretences, and condition of the crews. The courtesy of the U.S. officers, however, is gratefully acknowledged. [BAH]
NR 67.208 30 November, 1944: steamers sail from New York
Naval. The U.S. sloop of war Saratoga, commander Tutnall, reached Hampton Roads on the 23d, in 21 days from Prot Praya, coast of Africa - All well. - The S. left at Prot Praya the U.S. frigate Macedonian, com. Perry.
The U.S. ship Decatur was daily expected at Port Prava. She had been absent four months.
The U.S. war steamer Princeton left New York for Norfolk where she will remain ten days. She will proceed thence to Liverpool, and be absent about four months.
The Mexican war steamers Montezuma and Guadeloupe and brig-of -war Santa Anna left new York on the 24th - destination unknown, but supposed to be Vera Cruz.
Commodore Kearney, U.S. navy, and Capt. Talcott, of the U.S. engineer corps reached Norfolk on the 24th en route to Pensacola, to join the commissioners associated with them to select a site for a dry dock at the naval station. [BAH]
December 1844
NR 67.210 07Dec1844: steamer Montezuma arrives at Norfolk
The U.S. frigate Raritan: A letter dated on board, Oct. 12th says: "We leave in a few days with Mr. Brent, our charge on board, for Buenos Ayres, and expect to be gone about two months. We shall then return to this port.
The congress, Boston and Brainbridge are now at the river. Since my arrival on the coast I have made but one short cruise to St. Salvador and back. It is quite tedious lying so long in port, and injurious to the discipline of a new ship.
When we went to sea in August last, the congress was in company, for the purpose of comparing speed, and so was the United States. This ship was out of trim, being just filled up with her stores and provisions. The United States was light, and she left us before we got in trim.
The first day we beat the Congress by the wind, and Captain Voorhees acknowledged it, attributing the circumstance to his trim. Having put his ship in trim, he beat us two days, the winds being light; although this vessel having been put in trim also, we beat the Congress handsomely in a good breeze. All our sailing was by the wind.
Com. Turner has written home requesting to return which he desires to do in the Congress."
The U.S. ship Falmouth, Com'r. Sands, sailed from Pensecola on the 18th ult.
The U.S. ship Lexington, commodore F.B. Ellison, leaves N. York in a few days for Fort Mahon.
The U.S. frigate Potomac, Cap. Gwynn, dropped down from Norfolk on the 1st instant, to Hampton Roads, bound for the Pacific. The Hon. Wm. Crump, of Virginia, U. States charged, affairs to Chili, his son Richard Crump, his private secretary; the Hon. J.H. Bryan, of Ohio, U. States charged, affairs to Peru, and his son Richard Bryan, his private secretary, go out as passengers in the Potomac.
It is stated that commodore Kearney is to succeed commodore Jones, as commander of the New York station.
The Mexican war steamer Montezuma arrived at Norfolk on Saturday from New York. [BAH]
NR 67.225 14Dec1844: steamers sail from Norfolk
The U.S. steamer Princeton, Captain Stockton, was docked at Gosport Navy Yard Last week on the 8th instant, she left Norfolk for Philadelphia, where she now is.
The U.S. frigate Potomac, Com. Conner, went to sea from Norfolk last Sunday on a cruise.
The Mexican steamer Guadaloupe, Com. Espins, left Norfolk on Saturday for Vera Cruz via Havana.
The U.S. frigate Cumberland arrived at Port Mahon, on the 25th October, rom Malta.
The Plymouth, Com. Henry, was daily expected at Mahon from Marselles.
The U.S. brig Oregon, Lieut A. Sinclair, commander, put into Kingston, Jam on the 17th ult. for provisions. All well. She was to have sailed on the 19th ult. For Carthagena, to await the arrival of Mr. Blackford, our minister at Bogotá, who is to return in the Oregon to the United States.
A letter from an officer on board the United States ship Decantur, dated Benguila, Africa, September 25th,1844. Our Ship arrived here to day from a cruise. Off. Loango spoke H.B.M. Star, on a cruise, having within a few days captured two Spanish brigs full of slaves and a large amount of spedie, and sent them to Ascension, which is the English admiral's rendezvous. We are all well and now bound to Windward.
The U.S. Erie sailed from Brooklyn on the 9th for the coast of Africa.
The U.S. schooner Shark, from Guayaquil, was at Callao on the 21st of August.
The U.S. frigate Savannah sailed from Callao on the 13th of August for the Sandwich Islands.
The U.S. store ship Relief sailed on the 16th, from the same port for Valparaiso.
The U.S. ship Sratoga towed into Norfolk navy yard on the 6th instant, to be fitted for sea. [BAH]
February 1845
NR 67.337 01Feb1845: veto of a bill to return the capital to Austin on grounds of a possible Mexican invasion
Texas. Galveston dates to the 18th January are received. Their congress expected to adjourn the last of January. Their tariff was under discussion in both houses. The financial committees of each house had reported against the "free trade" measures, and in favor of some very slight alterations in the tariff. The bill to prevent further issues of exchequer bills had not become a law. A bill to extend further time to A. Fisher to introduce emigrants had passed the house, and a bill was reported for changing the constitution in regard to naturalization. President Jones had vetoed the bill for the return of the seat of government to Austin, and assigns amongst his reasons, that it would be in danger there from Mexican invasions, the government of Mexico having just undergone a revolution, Santa Anna having been displaced mainly for the same reason he had assumed for displacing Bustamente, -- that is, "for not having pursued with sufficient vigor the war against Texas."
By proclamation dated 31December, President Jones revokes the exquatur previously granted to Duff Green as consul of the United States for Galveston. Three dars afterwards Mr. Green published a card in the Houston Telegraph, insinuating against "the combined [sic]" [BAH]
March 1845
NR 68.032-68.034 22March,1845: Mexican indemnity
Mexican Indemnity. Among the appropriations make by the late congress, was hat of $275,000 to pay claimants under the treaty of indemnity, which it would appear that the Mexican government had paid to our agent for receiving it at the city of Mexico, and held his receipt therefore. What has become of the money? Some enquirers were made in congress, but among the explanations we have seen is the following, when we extract from the Richmond Enquirer -
"Here are the circumstances of the case, as they were told me today, by a gentleman upon whom I can rely. The firm of Hanzous & co., in Vera Cruz and New York, and Voss & Co., in Mexico are agents of our government for receiving the money already stipulated to be paid by Mexico to the Untied States. Trigueros, Santa Anna's late secretary of the treasury, is a principal partner of these firms with one hand, as Santa Anna's fiscal agent, he paid the last installment ($275,00) into the other, with which he wrote the receipt as agent of the United States government. The money found its way into his own pocket, and he has absquatulated along with he rest of his mater's ministers, whose heads are not safe on their own shoulders if caught within the republic of Mexico. Santa Anna's robberies of the treasure of his own government, furnished him with an illustrious precedent for this robbery of ours. - Our treasury suffers by this financial "operation;" for you will remember he was sufficiently patriotic to give his own government a receipt of the money as United States agent. Thus congress will be forced to appropriate the sum stolen, the United States being responsible for it to the claimants."
The Buffalo Advertiser, after quoting the above, says:
"The explanation has a very suspicious look. If the facts are as stated, why have they not been communicated to the country through the proper channels, instead of finding their way to the public through the medium of an anonymous letter in a newspaper? The suspicious of falsity, which this statement is calculated to excite, are confirmed by the following from the Journal of Commerce, a paper very likely to be correctly informed. It says:
"Trigueros, we are assured, has no connection with the house of Hargous & Co., and never did have. No part of the money ever came into the hands of that firm."
Now, is it not true that the money was paid as is alleged by the Mexican minister, and then embezzled - we know no other word to characterize the transaction - by our government, and used by American agents to purchase the acquiescence of Santa Anna to the scheme of Texas annexation? That it went into the hands of Santa Anna's fiscal agent, as the letter in the Enquirer says, is altogether probable, but that he was a partner in certain Vera Cruz housed the Journal of Commerce show to be false.
The honor and reputation of the country for fair dealing demand a full explanation, and the people should have it that hey may know some of the means used by the Texas conspirators to carry their points. Let us know whether the money of the north and west paid into the national treasury is used in bringing Mexico to assent to annexation. [BAH]
NR 68.035 22Mar1845: comments of the Richmond "Compiler" on British efforts to frustrate Mexican recognition of Texian independence unless Texas had agreed not to be annexed to the US
Relations with Texas. The Richmond Enquirer publishes the following letter, written nearly a year ago by the British envoy to Mr. Jones, then secretary of state, now president of Texas, and lately communicated by him along with other documents to the congress of that republic, with his annual message. The Enquirer introduces the article with a column of editorial, which we omit, because it appears to us that nothing is developed in this letter of Mr. Ellott, but what the whole country was aware of long since. That the English government would prefer that Texas should remain independent of the United States, no one we presume ever doubted. That President Houston, and Mr., now President Jones, when Mr. Tyler make the application to the Texian government to relinquish sovereignty and seek a subordinate station, were at first averse to the proposition, we also all knew. That there would be a corresponding understanding between those parties, who could doubt? The relative weight of influence which England and the United States have with the Texians is too manifest to give us any uneasiness.
Mr. Elliott, British Envoy, to Mr. Jones, Secretary of states. Galveston, March 22d,1844.
The undersigned, her Britannic majesty's charge d'affaires to the republic of Texas, has lately had the honor to acquaint Mr. Jones, that her Majesty's government was engaged in continued efforts to induce the government of Mexico to acknowledge the independence of Texas; and he has now the gratification to add that renewed communications have taken place between the government of her majesty and that of the king og the French, and that his majesty has expressed his concurrence in the purposes of the French minister in Mexico, to join his continued friendly assistance to that of her majesty's representative.
But adverting to the proposals of the government of the United States, respecting annexation, to the recent mission of distinguished citizens fo Texas to Washington on the Potomac, and to the impression as general in Texas, that negotiations having that object in view, are either in progress or in contemplation, the undersigned finds it his duty to express the hope, that the government of Texas will furnish him with explanations on the subject, for transmission to her majesty's government. He is sure that they will be made in that spirit of frank and friendly unreserved which has always characterized the intercourse of the two governments.
It must be unnecessary to say, that the undersigned is perfectly aware of the president's personal opinions on the subject, and he has not failed, agreeably to the president's wish, to communicate to her majesty's government his excellency's determination to sustain the independence of the republic, and his excellency's confident hope that the people will uphold him in that course. Indeed, referring to the conference, which the undersigned had the honor to have with the president and Mr. Jones at Galvestion, during last autumn, he can suppose that the mission to Washington of the gentlemen in question, has been dictated by a wise desire to avoid any cause of offence or irritation to the government of the United States, and to explain with frankness, that the government of Texas could not entertain the subject at all, even if all other obstacles were removed, after the former rejection of such an arrangement by the government of the United States, and wholly with our reason, to know that the senate of the United States will ratify if now, or in future.
The congress of Texas, however, has met and separated since the date of the communication to her majesty's government, to which the undersigned has referred, and the president will feel with force, that it is just and necessary, in the present appearance of circumstances, that there should be no room for the least uncertainty on the part of the governments engaged on the behalf of Texas at Mexico; for, it is not to be supposed that they could continue to press the government of Mexico to settle upon one basis, whilst there was nay reason to surmise that negotiations were either in actual existence, or in contemplation, proposing a cohabitation or a totally different and prosperity of Texas.
The undersigned takes this occasion to renew to Mr. Jones, the expression to the sentiments of regard and distinguished consideration with which he has the honor to remains, His faithful and most obedient servant, CHARLES ELLIOTT. [BAH]
NR 68.082 12 April 1845: Mexican proposal to unite with Texas against the Comanches
We learn from the Houston Star that when the news of the Annexation resolutions reached that city, it was hailed with a burst of enthusiasm by the citizen that has never been exceeded. The news of the victorious battle of San Jacinto scarcely excited such general hand enthusiastic rejoicing. The sound of the drum and other musical instruments, the roar of cannon, the load shouts of the multitude, resounding long after midnight, indicated the ardent longing of the people to retune once more under the glorious Egis of the American Union.
Amid the sounds of joy, there are heard the mutterings of discounted - not so loud, but sufficiently distinct to lead us to infer that there will be considerable opposition to he measure. We do not, however, apprehend the defeat of annexation from the other side of the Sabine.
In respect to the disposition of President Jones upon the question, it is thought a favorable indication that he should have appointed the Hon. David S. Kaufman, an ardent friend of annexation as Charged'Afffaires to the United States. The Houston Telegraph, in speaking to this point, says:
"we find that an impression is gaining ground that President Jones is opposed to annexation, and the Washington Register is regarded as uttering his sentiments upon this subject. We, however, have reason to believe that the articles in the Register are published entirely independent of him and without his assent or dissent, as he troubles himself very little about the affairs of either of the editors at Washington. We have "information on which we can rely" that he is a warm friend of annexation, disposed to make any honorable sacrifices to obtain it.
The news of the abolition of duties upon cotton imported in England, will take away the main prop of the anti-annexationists, as it was the hope of obtaining an advantage over the united States in this particular that furnished the staple argument of the opposition.
Aside from this matter of annexation, we find little that is interesting to our readers in our Texas files. The citizens of Milam and Montgomery counties have evinced a spirit of insubordination in the way of resisting the tax collector.
President Jones has vetoed the act of congress reducing eh duties on imported goods.
The Galveston News says that Gen. Arista has sent dispatches to the Texas government by way of Corpus Christi. The purport of these dispatches is said to be an invitation to the Texan government to join the Mexican General in an expedition against the Comanche Indians that have become the pest of the Rio Grande settlements.
The Galveston Civilian says;
The revenue cutter Alert, Capt. Sympton, arrive on Monday from Corpus Christi. We learn that they party of Indians, of whose passage down the country e have before had intelligence, are encamped within fifteen or twenty miles of Corpus Christi, and are pronounced to be a body of Comanches, men, women, and children, and numbering in all perhaps 2000 or 2500. Capt. Hays, with his company was at the ranch when the cutter sailed, the whole force numbering about one hundred and seventy men. Monday last was the day set to go out to give the Indians battle. Should our people receive no material reinforcement, a hard fight may be expected, as there are probably some four hundred warriors among the Indians, while he squaws and young ones are not backward in lending a nod in an emergency.
The Texans were armed with Colt's repeaters, and were expected to give a good account of themselves.
Three Wacoes were recently killed near Bastrop. They are supposed to have belonged to a large party that recently make a foray upon that section of the country.
Corn was selling in Houston on the 12th inst., at $1 per bushel.
The whooping cough was prevalent in many part of the country.
Just before the New York left Galveston, a British man of war entered that port, bearing dispatches of Capt. Elliott, British Envoy, from this government. - It was said that this vessel had a vast amount of money on board, and that the dispatches contained instructions to Capt. Elliott to offer to guaranty they national independence of Texas, provided the annexation resolutions are rejected. It was further reported that the French government had also offered the same guarantee on the same conditions. Private advices assure us that when these propositions were made know in Galveston, the people snapped their fingers, saying "the foreigners were too late."
Capt. Elliott set out for the capital immediately after receiving his dispatches - M. Saligny, the French Charge, was already there. [BAH]
NR 68.129 3May, 1845: people of Chihuahua refuse paying taxes because of Apache depredations
The people of the department of Chihuahua refuse positively to pay all direct taxes levied by the government, upon the ground hat the irruptions of the Apache Indians have reduced them to extreme want, and that they need succor from the government, instead of being compelled to contribute to its support.
The celebrated criminal Uruera, condemned to the galleys or 10 years, escaped from the prison at Mazatlan an the 16th ult. His evasion is ascribed to the neglect of the authorities.
Gen. Woll of the army of the North arrived at Mexico on the 23d ult. having resigned the command of his troops to Gen. Arista. [BAH]
April 1845
NR 68.112 26Apr1845: rumor that Mexico has agreed to acknowledge independence of Texas if Texas rejects annexation by the US
Mexico. El Siglo,(of the city of Mexico), of the 29th ultimo contains a letter from the minister of foreign affairs, (Cuevas) to Mr. Shannon, United States minister at Mexico, informing him that the government was in possession of the knowledge of the passage of the annexation resolutions, and that diplomatic relations between the two countries were suspended on that account. The same day a note was addressed by the Mexican cabinet to the ministers of Spain, France, and England, protesting against the proceedings of the United States in relation to Texas. National Intelligencer April 22.
A correspondent of the New Orleans Jeffersonian, writing from Vera Cruz, says:
"The news of the final action of the senate on the Texas resolution was received here three days since, and caused much surprise among foreigners and excitement among natives. An express was immediately sent by the commandant general of this place to Mexico, communication this intelligence to government, and consequently considerable anxiety is felt here to know what course will be adopted by congress in the matter. The more I reflect upon the subject, the less able do I find myself to give an opinion as to what will be the course pursued by Mexico in this case. One thing is most certain, that she finds herself I the most awkward position that can be imagined. She is not in a situation to keep her head above water in time of peace, and where she to get funds from to support a war? The actual government, by not declaring war against the United States, would be placing a terrible engine in the hands of the recently fallen party, to be used against itself in such a manner as to jeopardize greatly its existence. It is impossible to say what will be done; but I think government must declare war to save itself. In a very few days we shall know something certain, and perhaps even before the sailing of this vessel." [BAH]
NR 68.112 26Apr1845: proposals before Mexican Congress to abrogate treaty, close Mexican ports to US vessels, denounce annexation of Texas
"Vera Cruz March 29,1845
Congress has been in session on the subject of the Texan resolutions ever since the news of their passage by the U. States congress was received. A great many propositions have been discussed, such as war, non-intercourse, expulsion of Americans, confiscation of American property and vessels. But nothing of the kind has even decreed yet; and, when the first impression is over, they will no doubt go mildly to work, as what can they expect with high-handed measures against their powerful neighbors?" [BAH]
NR 68.116 26 April, 1845: Luis G. Cuevas, minister of foreign affairs, addresses a note to Wilson Shannon closing diplomatic relations, and to other foreign ministers protesting against the annexation of Texas, war spirit, consideration of measures to be taken
Mexico. El Siglo, (of the city of Mexico), of the 29th ultimo contains a letter from the minister of foreign affairs, (Cuevas) to Mr. Shannon, United States minister at Mexico, informing him that the government was in possession of the knowledge of the passage of the annexation resolutions, and hat diplomatic relations between the two countries were suspended on that account. The same day a note was addressed by the Mexican cabinet to the ministers of Spain, France, and England, protesting against the proceedings of the United States in relation to Texas. [National Intelligencer April 22.
A correspondent of the New Orleans Jeffersonian, writing from Vera Cruz, says:
"The news of the final action of the senate on the Texas resolution was received here three days since, and caused much surprise among foreigners and excitement among natives. An express was immediately sent by the commandant general of this place to Mexico, communication this intelligence to government, and consequently considerable anxiety is felt here to know what course will be adopted by congress in this matter. The more I reflect upon the subject, the less able to I find myself to give an opinion as to what will be the course pursued by Mexico in this case. One thing is most certain, that she finds herself in the most awkward position that can be imagined. She is not in a situation to keep her head above water in time of peace, and where is she to get funds from to support a war? The actual government, by not declaring war against the United States, would be placing a terrible engine in the hands of the recently fallen party, to be used against itself in such a manner as to jeopardize greatly its existence. It is impossible to say what will beyond; but I think government just declare war to save itself. In a very few days we shall know something certain, and perhaps even before the sailing of this vessel."
The following is an extract of a letter received by a gentleman in the city of Baltimore, dated "Vera Cruz, March 29, 1845.
Congress has been in session on the subject of the Texan resolutions ever since the news of heir passage by the United States congress was received. A great many propositions have been discussed, such as war non-intercourse, expulsion of Americans, confiscation of American property and vessels. But nothing of the kind has been decreed yet; and when the first impression is over, they will no doubt go mildly to work, as what can they expect with high-handed measures against their powerful neighbors?" [BAH]
NR 68.117 26 Apr 1845: reaction in Mexico to news of annexation of Texas by the US
Galveston papers have been received at New Orleans to the 9th instant. They contain little news and are mainly occupied with the subject of annexation. The Galveston Daily News discusses at some length the mode in which the people of Texas can constitutionally act upon the joint resolutions. On the one hand, it has been said that president Jones has no constitutional power to entertain propositions which go to the overthrow of the present government; and on the other that there is no provision in the laws or constitution empowering the executive or congress to call a convention of the people. Under these circumstances, the editor suggests that the people themselves form a convention and proceed to draught a state constitution, in conformity with the article I the present fundamental law of Texas, conferring upon them "an inalienable right at all times to alter the government as they may think proper."
The New Orleans Bee says:-- "We have received verbal information that major A.J. Donnellson, charge to Texas, had been two days at Washington, but had not laid his dispatches before the executive. Mr. Jones had not expressed an opinion either way, but was generally supposed to be opposed to annexation."
Mr. De Saligny, the French charge to Texas came passenger in the New York to New Orleans. Mr. Elliot, the British charge, had sailed from Galveston on the 3d for Charleston, in the English sloop of war Electra, where also he expects to meet his family.
The hon. Ashbel Smith, secretary of state of the republic of Texas, had arrived at New Orleans, and was to leave that city on the 14th instant for Washington. On an important mission to this gevernment.
The New Orleans Picayune of the 14th says - Mr. Saligny and the hon. Ashbel Smith, secretary of state, came passengers in the New York. Our private information leads us to infer that these gentlemen have come to the United State upon business connected with annexation. We have been informed that such was the eagerness of the French charge to read the city, that when the New York stopped a few miles below to take wood, he procured a horse, set out immediately, and arrived in town on Saturday night. We have been told that Mr. Salingy asserted, in terms rather more preemptory than are usually employed by diplomatic agents, that annexation will not (shall not) take place.
The plan of operations at present adopted seems to be, to create an impression throughout Texas that the United States congress will not sanction the admission of Texas upon the resolution adopted.
The president and cabinet left the capital shortly after captain Elliot and Mr. Saligny got through with their business. This step was taken, it is shrewdly suspected, to escape an interview with Mr. Donelson, United States charge. Mr. Smith's mission hither, too, is thought to be a mere ruse, to give the government excuse for delay.
We have two private letters before us, a day later that those published above, and which were written at the latest hour to be in readiness foe the steamer, from which we learn that president Jones had returned to Washington, and that the United States minister, major Donelson, Had been treated so cavalierly by him and his cabinet, that he spoke of withdrawing from the seat of government to Galveston. This intelligence is from sources so direct as to leave no room to doubt its accuracy. From all that we learn we are constrained to believe, that if a rupture with Major Donelson would assist in procrastination action with the acquiescence of the people, president Jones would edify the nations with another exequatur proclamation.
It seems to be agreed that proclamations have been issued to fill vacancies I congress, so as to house the citizens with a few elections. None has been issued convening congress-nor will there be, we apprehend, until there is a general rising of the country.
It is further stated that the custom house officers on either bank of the Sabine, have discontinued the collection of the custom duties, the question of annexation, in their opinion, being already settled.
Meetings in favor of annexation continue to be held. One at St. Augustine was a very large gathering, and was attended by the vice president of Texas, gen. Henderson, major Kaufman and other leading men of the country. IN Nacogdoches, out of 100 voters, it is stated, there are not twenty opposed to the measure.
The Picayune gives the following intelligence from Mexico, received by the Alabama, from Havana-
We subjoin such particulars of Mexican affairs as we find our Havana exchanges. They are of great importance, and are nearly a week later than we have received direct. Gen. Almonte's communication of the passage of the measure of annexation, though not unexpected, produced very considerable excitement in the capital. ON the 22d of March, Senor Cuevas, the present minister of foreign relations, addressed a circular to the governors of the different departments, in which he announces this intelligence. He goes on to say that the executive government and the chambers are occupied with the discussion the grave interests involved in the question. He appeals to the patriotism of the authorities of the departments and all their citizens, to forget all divisions, and to stand by the president, and co-operate with him in defense of the rights and the honor of the nation. He promises to communicate promptly to the different departments the measures, which may be resolved upon at the capital.
Upon the reception of official notification of the passage of the annexation resolutions, a very stormy session was held in the house of deputies, during which propositions of a hostile character were submitted and canvasses, without, however, and decisive vote being taken thereon. The policy of issuing letters of marquee was brought up in this debate. [BAH]
NR 68.128 26Apr1845: denunciation of the annexation of Texas by the US, threat of war
Mexico. Latest dates are to the 4th by the Guadabete, at N. Orleans; official letters have been addressed to our minister, and published, closing all diplomatic relations. Also letters to the ministers of England, France and Spain. They announce, that in opposition to the contemplated measure of annexation: "the Mexican Republic will employ her power and her resources, and, trusting in the justice of her cause, does not fear to give assurance, that whatever may be the result, she will preserve the honor which at any cost she ought to defend in the grave matter under consideration."
A letter addressed to the New Orleans Jeffersonian says: "I have just received my letters from Mexico, and copy the following from one: In congress today a proposition has passed to a second reading, by a large majority, making it high treason if any person who should make proposal for the recognition of the independence of Texas to the cession of that country to the United States. I believe a large majority of congress will not agree to declare war against the United States, but will send a large force to Texas with the object of conquering it, by this means forcing the United States to declare war, if she wishes to protect Texas." [BAH]
May 1845
NR 68.129 3May1845: earthquakes
An awful earthquake, visited the city of Mexico on the 7th April.
At the moment we write, says the Siglo, (of the city of Mexico) of the 8th, the inhabitants of the capitol of the republic are still under the influence of the horrors excited by the earthquake of yesterday, the disastrous effects of which we are still imperfectly acquainted with.
Yesterday at 52 minutes past 3 o'clock P.M., the oscillations began, slight at first and then stronger - The direction of the motion appeared to be north and south. It lasted about two minutes. The shocks were terrible; nothing like them was ever experienced before, and the condition of the buildings too surely proves the absence of all exaggeration.
We were by chance upon the great square at the time, and we witnessed a spectacle not easily forgotten. In an instant the multitude, but a moment previous tranquil and listless, were upon their knew, praying to the Almighty and counting with anxiety the shocks which threatened to convert the most beautiful city in the New World into a vast theatre of ruins [BAH]
NR 68.129 3May, 1845: people of Chihuahua refuse paying taxes because of Apache depredations
The people of the department of Chihuahua refuse positively to pay all direct taxes levied by the government, upon the ground hat the irruptions of the Apache Indians have reduced them to extreme want, and that they need succor from the government, instead of being compelled to contribute to its support.
The celebrated criminal Uruera, condemned to the galleys or 10 years, escaped from the prison at Mazatlan an the 16th ult. His evasion is ascribed to the neglect of the authorities.
Gen. Woll of the army of the North arrived at Mexico on the 23d ult. having resigned the command of his troops to Gen. Arista. [BAH]
NR 68.129 3May, 1845: Gen. Manuel Micheltoreno and troops return to Mexico
A letter from Mazatlan, dated the 19th march, says, "By a vessel which arrived here yesterday from Upper California, we learn that Gen. Micheltorena with 200 troops, is on this way to these port, having been compelled to leave that country, by the terms of the capitulation."
The Vera Cruz papers speak of a horrible murder committed at Puebla by a priest, in consequences of a criminal passion. The particulars are not mentioned.
Senor Echeverria has resigned the office of minister of finance, on account of ill health, and Senor Luis de la Rosa has been appointed in his stead. [BAH]
NR 68.133-68.135 03May1845: official announcement of annexation of Texas by the US, note of Luis G. Cuevas to Ambassador Wilson Shannon, Shannon's reply
Diplomatic Relations Discontinued - Official Correspondence. The following important notes are translations, for the New Orleans Picayune, from the official, published at the city of Mexico .
Mexico, 22d March, 1845
The Supreme Government has received official notice of the approval of the congress of the United States of American of the annexation of Texas to their union, on the terms which are expressed in the communication of Don Juan M. Almonte, a copy of which you will find in one of the Journals accompanying this.
The houses of legislation and the Supreme government are at present occupied in the consideration of this serous affair, and take this method of informing you of the means they are adopting in relation to it. And in order to ensure perfect co-operation, we have tot inform you that His Excellency, the president, depends upon the well-known and tired patriotism of yourself and the assistance of all the inhabitants of your department, and that the good feeling heretofore existing between them and the government may be more particularly sustained at this moment when it is so necessary to maintain the rights and fair name of the nation.
(Signed)
CUEVAS
The following are given as translations of a note from the Mexican Foreign Minister to Mr. Shannon, dated March 28, and of a circular addressed by the same functionary to the European Ministers which are as follows:
To His Excellency Wilson Shannon,
Envoy Extraordinary, &c.
National Palace, Mexico, March 28, 1845
The undersigned, minister of foreign relations in addressing himself, for the last time, to his excellency, Mr./ Wilson Shannon, minister plenipotentiary from the United States, desires to inform him, that as both houses of the United States Congress have sanctioned the law in relation to the annexation of Texas to the territory of the United States, and as the minister from Mexico has withdrawn from his mission at Washington, and protested against the act of congress and the government of the United Sates, diplomatic relations between the two countries cannot be continued.
What can the undersigned add to what has already been said by his government upon the grave offence offered Mexico by the United States, usurping a portion of Mexican territory and violation the terms of treaties of friendship, which the republic of Mexico has observed on her part as long as her honor and the desire to avoid a rupture with the United States have permitted? Nothing more than to lament that two nations, free and republican, congruous (vicinos) and worthy of fraternal union, founded upon mutual interests and a common and honorable loyalty, should have cut short their friendly relations, and by an act as offensive to Mexico as it is derogatory to the honor of the American Union.
The undersigned renews to his Excellency Mr. Shannon, the protest already directed against annexation; and, moreover, would add, that the Mexican republic will oppose the measure with all the decision due to her own honor and sovereignty, and hat the government ardently desires that considerations of loyalty and justice should yet outweigh with the citizens of the United States designs for extending their territory at the expense of a friendly republic, which, in the midst o fits misfortunes, (disgracias), seeks to preserve an unspotted name, and thereby the rank to which its destinies cal it.
The undersigned has the honor to offer to his Excellency, Mr. Shannon, his personal respect, and to assure him of his very distinguished consideration.
Luis G. Cuevas.
United Sates Legation, March 31, 1845.
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary, &c. of the United States, has the honor of acknowledging he receipt of his excellency's, Senor Cuevas, minister of foreign relations, &c., note of the 28th of March, announcing that the congress of the United States has sanctioned the annexation of Texas to its territory; that the Mexican minister at Washington had terminated his official relations and protested against the said act of the congress and government of the United States; and that diplomatic relations between the two counties could not be continued.
The liberal and honorable sentiments entertained by the actual government of Mexico had induced the undersigned to hope that the differences which exist between the governments could be arranged amicably, upon terms just and honorable to both. It would appear, however, from the note of his Excellency Senor Cuevas that Mexico declines to adjust thee differences in this manner, and thus preserve the peace of the two counties.
The undersigned can assure his excellency Senor Cuevas that his (MR. Shannon's) government entertains the liveliest desire to cultivate amicable relations with that of Mexico; and here he will improve this opportunity to repeat that which he had before communicated to the government of Mexico, to wit, that the United States has not adopted the measure of annexation in any spirit of hostility towards Mexico, and that the United States are anxious to settle all questions which may grow out of this measure, including that of boundaries, in terms the most just and liberal.
Having offered the olive branch of peace, and manifested a sincere desire to arrange these questions amicably, and upon principles just and honorable to both governments, the United States have done whatever is in their power to preserve the friendly relations between them, and it now remains for Mexico to decide whether they shall be continued, or whether the peace of the two countries shall be broken by a conflict equally injurious to both, and which can give satisfaction only to the enemies of civil liberty and republican institutions.
The undersigned will pass over in silence the charge makes against his government of having violated the treaty of friendship with Mexico. The right of Texas to cede the whole or a part of her territory to the United States, and the right of the United States to accept such cession, have already been amply vindicated repeatedly.
The undersigned has received no official communication as to the action of his government in regards to the annexation of Texas to the Union; nevertheless he cannot doubt, from the tenor of his personal correspondence, that the measure has been passed by congress and approved by the president. He expected daily dispatches from his government, with special instruction upon this subject, and, before any further steps has resolved to await their arrival.
The undersigned has the honor, &c.
Wilson Shannon
National Palace, Mexico, April 2, 1845.
The undersigned, minister of foreign relations, had the honor to communicate to his Excellency, Mr. Shannon, minister, &c., in reply to the note of his Excellency of the 31st March, that the government of Mexico cannot continue diplomatic relations with the United States upon the presumption that such relations are reconcilable with the law which the president of the United States has approved in regard to the annexation of the department of Texas, to the American Union; that this determination is founded upon the necessity which Mexico is under of maintaining no friendship with a republic which has violated her obligations usurped a portion of territory which belongs to Mexico by a right which she will maintain at whatever cost; that the relations between the two counties cannot be re-established before a complete reparation of that injury, (agravio) such as is demanded by good faith, justice to Mexico, and the honor of the United States, is made.
Moreover, the undersigned will take the liberty to say to his Excellency Mr. Shannon, that if the United States government thinks that it entertained friendly sentiments towards Mexico that he time of giving such offence, and when attacking the integrity of the republic of Mexico, this government (Mexico) is very far from entertaining the same views, or of acquiescing in the assurances which his excellency Mr. Shannon has given, whatever may be its sentiments towards his excellency personally.
The undersigned, in making this announcement to his Excellency Mr. Shannon, doing so by he order of he president of mexico - cutting short a new discussion which the interrupting of the relations of the two countries will not permit, and because nothing can be added to what this department has already said - has the honor to renew the assurances of his very distinguished consideration.
Luis G. Cuevas
NR 68.135 03May1845: Luis G. Cuevas' circular to the English, French, and Spanish ministers protesting the American annexation
Senor Cuevas has also addressed a general circular to the ministers plenipotentiary of England, France, and Spain , which is translated as follows:
The undersigned, minister of foreign relations, has the honor to transmit to his excellency the minister of --- the following circular, being impelled to employ this means of transmitting to his [your] government, in this note, the solemn and formal protest of the Mexican republic, suggested by an act which, wounding to the last degree the rights and honor of Mexico, is equally destructive to the universal principles of justice, to the respect due free and intelligent nations, and the good faith which civilization has fixed as the basis of international intercourse, (international politica.) His excellency Senor - will understand that the undersigned has reference to the law passed by the congress of the United States, and sanctioned by the executive, for the annexation of the department of Texas to the American Union.
To present, in all its deformity, this act of the congress and government of the United States, the alarming consequences of its conduct towards the Mexican republic, would be a useless labor, inasmuch as this note is addressed to the representative of a nation as illustrious as it is powerful, which sustaining nobly the rank which it occupies in the world, respects the laws of comity (buena amistad) between foreign nations, and founds its glory upon the immutable titles of morality and justice. The government of the undersigned has no occasion to exhibit all the grounds upon which it relies for its resistance to this measure of annexation, as they are obvious and known to all, and as the feeling excited among friendly nations, and even those which have no official relations with Mexico, will be profound upon learning of a measure so injurious and offensive to Mexico, and so utterly unworthy the honor (buen nombre) of the United States.
But the undersigned will take occasion to observe to his excellency Senor - that the American government having been the first to acknowledge the independence of the republic of Mexico, showing itself a zealous partisan of liberty, has been the only one which has endeavored to usurp a portion of her territory. He would also add that, as it appears from recent declarations, the designs of the United States have been as old as the friendship which it was sought to confirm, first, by a treaty of amity, and by another for the adjustment of boundaries, which has now been completely violated. In aiding Texas to sever herself from the republic, the United States were wanting in good faith; but in aiding to incorporate Texas with the American confederation, and declaring that this has been her policy for twenty years, she has pursued a course which has no paralleled in the history of civilized nations.
Mexico, to avoid differences which, for the most part had no foundation in justice, [as against her,] has submitted to serious compromises; she has over looked provocations and injuries, and has preserved her loyalty with such fidelity as to give her more right - if the right she possesses can be increased - to speak out and protest, as the undersigned now does, against the annexation of Texas to the United States, and against all its consequences. The Mexican republic will employ in opposition to this measure her whatever may be the result, she will preserve the honor which at any cost she ought to defend in the very grave matter under consideration. With this view the undersigned requests his excellency Senor --- to give this protest its proper direction, and at the same time to accept the assurances of his most distinguished consideration.
With this view the undersigned requests his Excellency Senor - to give this protest its proper direction, and at the same time to accept the assurances of his most distinguished consideration.
Luis G. Cuevas
[BAH]
NR 68.135 03May1845: remarks of the Mexican press on the annexation of Texas by the US
Advices from Vera Cruz up to the 12th instant have been received at New Orleans.
Mr. Shannon, the American minister, was at Tacubaya. Letters have been received from him at Vera Cruz, stating that he would leave for the U. States in a few days.
Santa Anna's trial was slowly progressing. His health is represented as being very indifferent.
The British frigate Eurydices arrived at Vera Cruz on the morning of the 12th inst. from Galveston with dispatches, which were immediately forwarded to the capital.
The papers of the city of Mexico and of Vera Cruz continued to be occupied almost exclusively with the subject of annexation. The official paper, El Diario del Gobierno, of the 3d inst. announces that it is in possession of certain movements on the part of the government of a warlike character, which it is constrained to withhold from the public, as secrecy is the soul of military operations; but expresses a hope that the speedy and successful issue of these operations will soon relieve the public curiosity in regard to them.
The Mexican papers comment freely upon the correspondence and state of affairs with the U. States.
The Diario recommends peace and internal tranquility as the sole means of "recovering the territory usurped by the North Americans." The Monitor is astonished at the backwardness of the government, in not making an immediate declaration of war upon the United States. It adds that it has been informed that troops have already gone towards Texas, and advises the government to furnish them with resources for the campaign. The Minerva censures the ministry for explanations with respect to the departure of an English frigate from Galveston with overtures to the government of Texas. The Voz del Pueblo assails the ministry, accusing them of incapacity, and declaring that before undertaking a war upon Texas, they should employ proper measures for saving the Californias from the anarchy, which threatens to destroy and ruin that rich and vast portion of the republic.
The papers literally teem with articles upon Texas, showing that the public mind in that quarter is deeply excited upon the subject, and probably ripe for extreme measures. The Diaro de Vera Cruz is one of the few moderate prints in the republic, and that journal observes that though sincerely and ardently desiring peace, it can scarcely see how it is to be preserved. [BAH]
NR 68.144 03May1845: receipt of Mexican proposals to treat with Texas on the basis of independence
TEXAS-Latest. The steamer John S. McKim, a New Orleans, left Galveston the 21st ult. President Jones had issued his proclamation for congress to meet on the 16th of June. The proclamation announces that the government of the United States had selected the 1st and 2d sections of the resolutions, (Milton Brown's) as the basis for consummating the proposed union.
A meeting had been held in Washington, (Texas) at which resolutions were passed unanimously, in favor of immediate annexation, "without reference to the wishes or concurrence of any foreign or European power," calling on the president to convene congress immediately, and recommending to the citizens of the republic, in case he did not, to meet in convention and ratify the resolutions and form a state constitution. The next day the proclamation was issued. Some objection was urged by the attorney general, Mr. Allen at the meeting against the tone of the resolutions. Mr. Scurry, in reply, intimated that the citizens might become much more impatient, and adopt measures much more violent than those recommended.
The National Register, says: "The object of the president, (Jones) is, to take such steps as shall not only ascertain the will of the people, but if they shall so require place us in a position for admission into the for admission in the Union, at the next session of the American congress."
A meeting held at Brenham, on the 11th, adopted resolutions similar to those adopted at Washington.
It was believed that government had received communications from Gen. Arista, overland, conveying assurances that Mexico was disposed to treat with Texas, upon the basis of independence and that dispatches to the same effect had arrived from Vera Cruz, to which the Huston Star, of the 19th says, government had sent a reply b y a British vessel.
It would appear that Mr. Smith, late secretary of state, has gone as charge de affairs of the Texian republic to England and France, and that EBENZER ALLEN, late attorney general, is to succeed him as secretary. [BAH]
NR 68.146
10May1845: benefits to be derived by Mexico from the American annexation
of Texas[
68.146 10May1845: Mexico, population
Mexico. We recently made some remarks on the probable influence that annexation will exercise upon the trade between the United States and Texas. When we consider the condition of Mexico itself, the inefficiency of its government, the prohibitive and oppressive nature of the laws it attempts to enforce, the demoralized condition of the people and of public integrity, in connection with the wants of the people, we become struck with the important results which must necessarily grow out of the advance of the United States' citizens with ample supplies of goods to the Mexican frontier. The so-called handful of men who control about 7,000,000 of people. According to the best recent authorities, the inhabitants are classed as follows:
|
1793 |
1842 | |
|
Indians |
2,319,741 |
4,500,000 |
|
Europeans |
7,994 |
|
|
White Creoles |
677,458 |
1,000,000 |
|
Mestizos and other classes |
1,478,426 |
1,515,500 |
|
4,483,529 |
7,015,500 |
The last estimate was that made by the government. Now, of these 7,015,500 persons who occupy Mexico, it is known that 80,000 only of all the classes, except whites, can ead and write; of the 1,000,000 whites one half are males, and of these the highest estimates make one-fifth who can read and write. - Here, then, out of a population of 7,000,000 there are only 1000,000 who are in any respect fitted to take part in the public affairs. This small class is directed by a few military men, and they call the whole a "republic." The exports from Mexico for 1841 were as follows:
Specie, Other articles, Total The imports were - England, France, Hamburg United States, Other places, Total, Excess exports,
This indicates the extent to which smuggling is carried on under the absurdly oppressive laws "to protect her home industry. The duties collected on the imports were $5,287,097. or about 45 per cent. Average. The corruption of the government officers is proverbial, and, consequently, large quantifies of goods are entered, even now, without paying duties, even when carried across the Prairies from the United States to Santa Fe. Some details of this trade for the last year will be found under the commercial head. The consumption of cotton goods is very extensive in Mexico, and the import of cotton twists is prohibited by the provident government, ostensibly to encourage "home manufactures," but really to raise money by selling permits for its introduction to English merchants. There are in Mexico fifty-three factories, having 131,280 spindles, which consume about 3,000,000 pounds of cotton per annum, while the growth of Mexico, is about five thousand hand looms in Mexico, which work up all the spun yarn into cotton cloth, the rice of which will average twenty-five cents, for an article wroth ten cents in the United States. The benefits which the Mexicans derive form paying the makers of this cloth the extra fifteen cents, are "untold." Now, the Mexican frontier adjoining the state of Texas is about three thousand miles in length, with no means, if the officers had the will, to prevent the smuggling of sufficient goods to supply all Mexico. This process has hitherto been dept in check only by barren waste of eight hundred miles to be traveled before reaching her cities from the United States, and its demoralizing influence is the legitimate result of the absurd notions of "protection," which in Mexico is more openly adopted than in the United States, as a direct means of extorting money from the people.
The "national debt" of this oppressed race is as follows:
Internal debt English debt United States claims Other claims Total
The customs were solemnly pledged for the payment of the first time, but the highly respectable late dictator seized them for his won use. The whole revenue of Mexico for 1840 was $12,744,157, derived from most ruthless extortions. The natural effect of the misgovernment in Mexico will now have the same effect in Texas, as does that of Spain in the frontier towns of France, Viz: the formation of extensive depots for goods to run into Mexico in all directions. This in France is a regular organized trade, having extensive insurance arrangements to cover goods almost to any point in the interior of Spain. Chihuahua alone consumes some $3,000,000 of goods, at prices ranging 100 percent about those in the United States, for "the protection" of the consumers, of course. With the advancement of the United States population, this premium and smuggling will daily become more tempting, and the result may probably work out a more civilized system of commercial policy, although our own laws present similar barbarisms. [BAH]
NR 68.151
10May1845: projects recommended by the Mexican Congress on the
annexation of Texas by the US
68.151 10May1845: remarks of the Mexican press on
the annexation of Texas by the US
The joint committee of the Mexican congress, to which had been referred the subject of Texas, reported at length on the 7th ult., they recommend two projects as follows:
The First is preceded by a preamble, declaring that, whereas, the United States have resolved to annex the territory of Texas; and, whereas, such a mode of appropriating foreign territory to which other nations lay claim, is a monstrous innovation upon the peace of the world and the sovereignty of other powers; and, whereas, this act had long been in preparation, even while the United States were professing peace and friendship for Mexico, an insult to her dignity as a sovereign nation, and menaces her independence and political existence; therefore,
The congress of the Mexican republic solemnly declare, that the law of the United States for the annexation of Texas to the American Union, in no respect impairs the rights which Mexico possess, and will maintain, to that department.
Furthermore, that the United States having disregarded the principles upon which are based treaties of amity, commerce and navigation, and more especially of boundary, congress considers them violated by the United States.
And finally, that the unjust usurpation of which it is sought to make Mexico the victim, makes it her duty to take up arms in her defense, to oppose such usurpation and with the full and rightful determination to use all her resources and power to prevent the annexation decree by the Un