NNR 73.276 execution of Mexican officers for violation of their paroles
NNR 73.276 comments on the increase of the Army
NNR 73.276 correspondence between Lts. S.P. Lee and Simon Fraser Blunt and Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason on allegations of claims for prize money submitted for the capture of Veracruz
NNR 73.278 intelligence from the Army, &c.
NNR 73.278 British minister protests against duties being levied on British subjects by the Americans in Mexico
73.278 proceedings
of Mexican governors at Queretaro in favor of peace
NNR 73.278 Gen. Anastasio Bustamente
nominated chief of the Mexican Army
NNR 73.278 demonstration on Guaymas
NNR 73.278 withdrawal of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s party from the Congress
NNR 73.278 Gen. Winfield Scott announces that the Army will raise supplies from the Mexicans, his general order no. 357, relative to train for Veracruz, no. 368, levying contributions
NNR 73.278-73.279 Gen. Winfield Scott’s general order on "echoes from home"
NNR 73.279 Gen. Winfield Scott’s order no. 329 for a court of inquiry on Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow, proceedings and report of the court
NNR 73.279-73.280 President Pedro Maria Anaya’s inaugural
NNR 73.280 the demonstration on Guaymas
NNR 73.280 Gen. Robert Patterson reaches Mexico with reinforcements of 6,000 men
NNR 73.280 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs leaves with train for Veracruz
NNR 73.280 Gen. William Orlando Butler with a train leaves Jalapa
NNR 73.280 Gen. Winfield Scott’s orders relative to guerrillas and Mexican highways
NNR 73.280 protest against seizing church property, Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith’s orders in reply
NNR 73.288 discussion of Gen. Winfield Scott with the Mexican archbishop on the release of Mexican prisoners
NNR 73.290-73.291 Gov. William Smith of Virginia’s message on acquisition of territory
NNR 73.293-73.294 Lewis Cass' letter on the acquisition of territory from Mexico and the Wilmot Proviso
NNR 73.294-73.295 Col. George Wurtz Hughes' proclamation on being appointed military and civil governor of Jalapa
NNR 73.295 the capture of Guaymas
NNR 73.295 Mexican project of a law relative to prisoners
NNR 73.295-73.296 details, affair with guerrillas, Indians, &c.
NNR 73.296 visit to the pyramid
of Cholula
NNR 73.297 Domingo and his Americo-Mexican rangers
NNR 73.297 operations of
British capitalists in Mexico
NNR 73.297 British method to obtain the specie we send to Mexico,
pressure in the United States as a result of the actions of the capitalists
of London
NNR 73.304 Gen. David Emanuel
Twiggs and train reach Veracruz
NNR 73.304 Col. Bankhead to leave Veracruz for Mexico City
NNR 73.304 Lt. Col. Henry Wilson to leave for the north
NNR 73.304 Lt. Henderson Ridgely killed
NNR 73.304 sittings of the Mexican Congress at Queretaro
NNR 73.304 Mexican commissioners to treat for peace appointed
NNR 73.304 Gen. Robert Patterson arrives at Mexico City
NNR 73.304 Col. Isaac H. Wright remains at Perote as governor
NNR 73.304 guerrilla attack near Veracruz
NNR 73.304 Lt. Michael O'Sullivan accepts colonelcy in Mexican Army
NNR 73.304 train from Jalapa arrives at Veracruz
NNR 73.304 Gen. Franklin Pierce to resign his commission on his return
to the United States
NNR 73.304 Gen. Joseph Lane’s affair at Matamoros
NNR 73.304 letter from Mexico about factions among the Mexicans
NNR 73.304 John Pollard Gaines' speech on his return home, criticism of the conduct of the war
NNR 73.304 Jan. 8, 1848 Killed and wounded
NNR 73.305 Gen. Winfield
Scott’s orders directing troops to positions throughout Mexico and
ordering Mexican taxes to be collected for support of the American Army
NNR 73.305 entertainment planned for Col. Dixon Stansbury Miles on his departure from Veracruz
NNR 73.305 Queretaro Congress plans not to meet again, suppression of monarchical movement
NNR 73.305 Lt. Bedney F. McDonald and train carrying money attacked between Puebla and Jalapa
NNR 73.305 dispersal of American troops in Mexico, letter on need for more troops
NNR 73.305 items
NNR 73.305 Gen. John Ellis Wool’s orders on taking command of
the Army of Occupation, its staff
NNR 73.305 Gen. Sterling Price’s arrival at Santa Fe
NNR 73.306 rumor of the recall of Gen. Winfield Scott, other rumors of shifts in command
NNR 73.306 reception of officers from the Army in Mexico
NNR 73.306 a war of diabolical butchery to secure a hornet’s nest
NNR 73.307 Spanish schooner captured while smuggling to Mexico
NNR 73.310-73.311 Washington "Union" on "Union" pretenses, "Union" taxation, supplies, &c.
NNR 73.311-73.312 the unhappy
difficulty between Gen. Winfield Scott and Gen. William Jenkins Worth
The Case of General Scott and Worth
NNR 73.320 rumor of issuance of treasury notes to finance the war
NNR 73.322 courts of inquiry ordered on Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow, Col. James Duncan, and Gen. Winfield Scott, charges against Gen. William Jenkins Worth dropped
NNR 73.323 another publication from Col. James Duncan
NNR 73.323 Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason’s official orders and pass for Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Com. David Conner’s reply
NNR 73.324 Gen. Winfield Scott’s order no. 376 for further conquest, debate in Senate relative thereto
NNR 73.324 Col. Dixon Stansbury
Miles leaves Veracruz with a train
NNR 73.324 Gen. Thomas Marshall at Jalapa
NNR 73.324 John Reynolds hung
NNR 73.324 guerrillas under Mijares defeated
NNR 73.324 affair at Cholula
NNR 73.324 American prisoners sent for exchange, Col. Thomas
Child’s reply
NNR 73.334 Massachusetts' Gov. George Nixon Briggs' message on the war with Mexico
NNR 73.334 "manifest destiny" doctrines
NNR 73.335 what is to be done with Mexico? [ . . . illegible . . . ]
NNR 73.336 sentiments expressed at Democratic supper at Washington
NNR 73.336 conflicting reports on the court of inquiry concerning the disputing officers in Mexico
NNR 73.337 Gen. Winfield
Scott suspended from command of the Army in Mexico, a court of inquiry
in his case to be held, Gen. William Jenkins Worth discharged from arrest,
Gen. William Orlando Butler to command the Army
NNR 73.337 rumors prior to Gen. Winfield Scott’s dismissal of
his position with regard to the administration and that of Nicholas
Philip Trist
NNR 73.337-73.338 rumors relative to the negotiation and signing of a treaty of peace with Mexico
NNR 73.338 resolutions relative
to conquered territory proposed in Texas
NNR 73.338 decline in numbers of the Philadelphia Rangers in Mexico
NNR 73.338 Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow denies knowledge of the "Leonidas" letter
NNR 73.338 400 troops from New York City for the war in Mexico
NNR 73.338 fifth regiment of Tennessee volunteers leave New
Orleans for Veracruz
NNR 73.338 six companies of Michigan volunteers reach New Orleans
NNR 73.338 reductions in the ninth Maine regiment
NNR 73.338 losses among the Philadelphia Rangers
NNR 73.338 reduction in the corps of sappers and miners
NNR 73.338 resolution of Whig state convention of Iowa deprecating the war
NNR 73.339-73.340 a Mexican letter on excesses of the Americans
NNR 73.340 proceedings at Queretaro, a guerrilla affair, attack upon Lt. Walker’s detachment, rear of Col. Dixon Stansbury Miles' train, their loss, operations on the route
NNR 73.340-73.341 Gen. Winfield Scott’s orders no. 395, levying contributions on Mexican states
NNR 73.341 orders licensing gaming houses, &c.
NNR 73.341 specie seized
for duties
NNR 73.341 items
NNR 73.341 guerrilla attacks in lower California
NNR 73.352 rumors of Nicholas Philip Trist having sent project of a treaty to Washington
NNR 73.352 Army and Navy letters to Mexico free of postage
NNR 73.352 Gen. Caleb Cushing’s brigade sent to San Angel
NNR 73.352 detachment under Col. Jones Mitchell Withers sent to collect revenue in the mining district
NNR 73.353 insistence of California on being acquired by the United States
NNR 73.354 Charleston "Mercury" on relations with Mexico
NNR 73.354 Judge John McLean’s letter on the need for an end to the war
NNR 73.355 opposition of Gov. Albert Gallatin Brown of Mississippi to the Wilmot Proviso
NNR 73.357 order no. 373 re-organizing part of the Army in Mexico
NNR 73.357 order respecting licenses for selling tobacco, cigars, and playing cards
NNR 73.357 order no. 3 on
a train for Mexico City
NNR 73.357 Lt. Bedney F. McDonald’s party attacked
NNR 73.357 Surgeon Alexander F. Suter’s obituary
NNR 73.357 dinner to Lt. Col. Dixon Stansbury Miles, Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' toast
NNR 73.357 Padre Caledonio Domeco Jarauta and Col. Jones Mitchell Withers
NNR 73.357 California tranquil,
rumors of Mexicans across the border
NNR 73.357-73.358 naval expedition to capture the western Mexican
ports
NNR 73.369 Gen. Franklin Pierce’s compliment to the officers of West Point
NNR 73.370-73.371 rejection of a direct tax to finance the war with Mexico, comment on Whig reluctance to vote for the loan
NNR 73.372 guerrilla affairs, attempt to assassinate Capt. Bragg
NNR 73.372 Gen. George Cadwalader’s march to Toluca
NNR 73.372 insurrection
at Mexico City detected
NNR 73.372 disease in Gen. William Orlando Butler’s regiment
NNR 73.372 an affair in California
NNR 73.372 rumor of peace negotiations
NNR 73.372 Col. Jones Mitchell Withers reaches Real del Monte
NNR 73.372 Gens. Gabriel Valencia and Mariano Arista and Cols.
Torrejon and Minon captured
NNR 73.372 arrival of silver bars at Mexico City
NNR 73.372 Indians rumored to be volunteering to aid or fight
the Mexicans
NNR 73.380-73.383 Albert Gallatin on war expenses
NNR 73.385 rumor relative
to peace, James L. Freaner, bearer of the project of a treaty, arrives
NNR 73.385 project of a treaty of peace negotiated by Nicholas Philip Trist received at Washington, dissatisfaction with Trist
NNR 73.385 trains from Veracruz to Mexico
NNR 73.386 operations at Mexico, orders no. 14 and 15, conspiracy detected, and consequent orders
NNR 73.386-73.387 Col. McClelland, Gen. Joseph Lane moving on Orizaba, Col. Hays' pursuit of Padre Caledonio Domeco Jarauta, Gen. George Cadwalader, "the rents," Orizaba taken, train arrives at Veracruz from Mexico, Manuel de la Pena y Pena succeeds to executive power, items, rumors relative to peace, Pedro Maria Anaya’s proclamation, conspiracy at Puebla, regulations at Tampico, congress at Queretaro
NNR 73.387 the capture of Gen. Anastasio Torrejon
NNR 73.387 extracts from Mexican journals
NNR 73.387 Col. Thomas Childs' proclamation on a conspiracy at Puebla
NNR 73.391 the democratic (old banker) New York state convention on acquisition of territory
NNR 73.392 letter of Vice-President George Mifflin Dallas on prosecution of the war with Mexico
NNR 73.392 Secretary of the Treasury Robert John Walker’s note about sustaining the war with Mexico
NNR 73.392 letter of Sen. Daniel Stevens Dickinson on the war with Mexico and the coming election
NNR 73.392 John Adams Dix' letter about bringing the war with Mexico to a conclusion
NNR 73.392 notice
of William Brown Maclay’s letter about the Mexican war
NNR 73.392-73.393 "the platform of the south"
NNR 73.394 response from Philadelphia to Lexington
NNR 73.394-73.395 the official correspondence about the transport of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga by a British mail steamer
NNR 73.400 comments on the defensive line of the Sierra Madre
NNR 73.400 court of inquiry ordered on complaint of Gen. Winfield Scott against Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow and Col. James Duncan and of Gen. William Jenkins Worth against Scott
NNR 73.401 remarks on the treaty
NNR 73.407 Gen. Joseph Lane’s expedition in pursuit of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 73.408 Orizaba occupied, description, revolt at La Paz
NNR 73.409 items, peace announced at Queretaro
NNR 73.416 comments on the prospects of the treaty of peace apparently submitted to the Senate
NNR 74.002-74.003 transports for troops returning from Veracruz
NNR 74.003 proclamation of a treaty of peace with Mexico
NNR 74.004 Gen. Winfield Scott yields command on Army in Mexico to Gen. William Orlando Butler
NNR 74.004, 74.005 last general order announcing the end of the war
NNR 74.004 arrival of some troops at New Orleans, others awaiting transportation in Mexico
NNR 74.005-74.007 report on the Battle of Santa Cruz de Rosales
NNR 74.016 plans for an independent Republic of the Sierra Madre
NNR 74.017 account of support given by American deserters to the Mexicans
NNR 74.017-74.018 arrival of returning troops at New Orleans
NNR 74.029-74.030 letter of Albert Gallatin to Congressman Garret Davis on peace with Mexico and the acquisition of territory
NNR 74.033 warm welcomes to returning volunteers
NNR 74.033 amnesty for deserters during the war with Mexico
NNR 74.033 troops still awaiting departure from Mexico, number of troops so far embarked from Veracruz
NNR 74.043-045 text of the treaty between Mexico and the United States concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo
NNR 74.049 act regulating position of officers and awarding extra pay to disbanded troops
NNR 74.049-74.050 arrival of troops from Veracruz at New Orleans
NNR 74.054 progress of American troops toward Veracruz for embarkation
NNR 74.065 further arrival of returning troops at New Orleans
NNR 74.068 rapid evacuation of American troops from Mexico along the Rio Grande
NNR 74.096 Paredes rebellion, complaints of the company of Saint Patrick
NNR 74.097 Veracruz surrendered to Mexican authorities
NNR 74.097 number of troops departing Veracruz in six weeks
NNR 74.112 Veracruz surrendered to the Mexicans, Jarauta made prisioner and executed, American deserters in Durango
NNR 74.114 voltigeurs arrive at Fort McHenry
NNR 74.114 arrivals of returning troops at New Orleans, at New York City
NNR 74.115 order respecting claims of volunteers
NNR 74.142 ceremony of the surrender of Veracruz-custom house returned, Paredes rebellion, contra-guerillero in prison
NNR 74.142 Anastasio Bustmante censured; Vera Cruz custom house returned to Mexican authorities
NNR 74.161 arrival of troops at Fortress Monroe
NNR 74.161 detachment of First Artillery reaches New York
NNR 74.165 comments of the "National Intelligencer" on the platform of the Buffalo convention
NNR 74.192 California quiet, Jose Castro promises to obey our laws
NNR 74.192 requisition for California volunteers to garrison Mexican ports, silver discovered
NNR 74.193 force of volunteers furnished by the several states
NNR 74.208 account of the soldiers of the disbanded Saint Patrick company
NNR 74.240 funeral for victims of the war at Mexico City
NNR 74.240 extreme destitution of the Saint Patrick deserters
NNR 74.243 the record of the Cyane in the war against Mexico
NNR 74.259-74.260 proceedings of citizens of Santa Fe in relation to duties on merchandise exacted
NNR 74.306 arrival of several companies at New Orleans
NNR 74.316 size of the force used by the United States in Mexico
NNR 74.384 number of battles fought in the war
NNR 74.386 awards to private soldiers for distinguished service
NNR 74.402 regulars and volunteers in service at close of the war with Mexico
NNR 73.276 Jan. 1, 1848 execution of Mexican officers for violation of their paroles
THE EXECUTION AT JALAPA - Is thus detailed by a correspondent of the N. Orleans Picayune:
I sent off an unfinished letter to you last night, and when interrupted by the information that a courier was on the point of starting, I was going on to speak of the intense feeling manifested by the most influential people in town in favor of Lieut. Alcade, who, with Adj't. Garcia, is to be shot to-day, at noon, for a violation of their parole honor. So deeply were my feelings wrought upon by the scenes of last evening - the crowds of supplicating women - the solemn but animated countenances of Mexican generals, priests, and dignified citizens, as they plead for their lives of those who had so basely forfeited them, that I dreamed of nothing else last night but executions, priests and crying women. The degrading confession, on the part of the most respectable Mexican citizens that it is considered no disgrace, no crime for a Mexican officer to violate his parole of honor while an enlarged prisoner of war, or even for him to join a band of cut-throats while yet a prisoner, and lie in wait to kill those to whom he owes his life and freedom - to whom, in fact, his life belongs, is enough to excuse us from putting any faith in future in the promises of Mexican officers. It is time, too, to give these individuals a few salutary lessons in the school of honor, and to cause them to hold inviolate the almost only barrier against wars of extermination viz: the soldier’s parole.
The two criminals spent the whole of last night in the church with priests, a strong guard being placed over them. Their coffins have already been conveyed to the place of execution, and in less than an hour the two wretched men will die, as they hardly deserve to die, a soldier’s death, and they will appear before a higher judge, who will decide whether it be wrong to take the life of a professional soldier for a violation of the most sacred and humanizing feature in civilized warfare. Yesterday the citizens of Jalapa witnessed an act of American justice; to-day they will see another.
Half past 12 o'clock. - The execution is over. The prisoners marched blindfolded to the plaza, a priest attending them. They were in full uniform, and behaved with as much firmness as could be expected of men under such circumstances. Each was supported by a friend at either arm, and were led to the side of the plaza and seated upon their coffins, near the wall of the barracks. They continued their devotions aloud, after embracing a few friends, until the word "fire!" The troops under Gen. Patterson were all paraded again, and not only looked very well, but behaved as they did yesterday, with propriety. The bodies of the executed officers were given over to their friends, and soon conveyed away in near coffins. Thousands of Mexicans flocked towards the scene, but were prudently kept out of the plaza. The excitement which prevailed yesterday among the inhabitants seems in a measure to have subsided to-day - but whether it yielded to a sense of justice of to awe, remains to be seen.
Every thing in the solemn ceremonies of yesterday and to-day was conducted correctly - Capt. Taylor, of Col. Hughes regiment, acting as provost marshal. The military commission before which all four of the criminals were tried, was presided over by Major Kenly, of Hughes' regiment, Lieut. Burnside, of the 2d artillery, acting as judge advocate. The members of the court proceeded in all the trials with great care, and offered to the prisoners every facility in their power as judges, to prove their innocence and to bring up palliating facts. They performed their duty like just and intelligent men, and true soldiers. Lt. Burnside, the judge advocate, has conducted himself throughout all the proceedings in a manner to call forth praise from all parties. His duties were arduous, and of the most responsible and painful character; but, although young (a recent graduate of West Point academy) he has done his duty kindly, delicately and faithfully. Col. Hughes, whose duty it was to approve or disapprove of the sentences, met the painful subject in the same unbiassed, decided manner. - The prisoners were legally condemned on the most clear and positive evidence, and he had but one course to pursue.
The colonel and captain (guerrilla officers) were sent up this morning to Perote, in charge of the 1st Pennsylvania and Georgia regiments, there to await their trial. It is more than probably that they, too, have broken their parole, but I really hope, for human decency' sake, that they have not been guilty of so inexcusable and disgusting and offence.
We are off tomorrow morning; so farewell, or rather, au revoir. B. [RLLW]
NNR 73.276 Jan. 1, 1848 comments on the increase of the Army
INCREASE OF THE ARMY. The military commitment of the senate reported a bill, a few days ago, for adding new regiments to the present day twenty-five regiments of the regular army; and yesterday the same committee reports a bill authorizing twenty new regiments of volunteers. - When all these regiments shall be raised, the army of the United States, regular and volunteer, will amount to some sixty or seventy thousand men, at a cost of [ . . . illegible . . . ] of money, which it is at present impossible to estimate and fall to vindicate the personal consistency of President Polk. The ruinous consequences of this ill-starved Mexican war are rapidly approaching a point which almost blind follower of party will be unable to extenuate or uphold. [Nat'l Intd] [RLLW]
NNR 73.276 Jan. 1, 1848 correspondence between Lts. S. P. Lee and Simon Fraser Blunt and Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason on allegations of claims for prize money submitted for the capture of Vera Cruz
NAVAL JOURNAL
Washington, Nov. 30, 1847
SIR: Since our return from the home squadron we learn that the belief is entertained by many, that after the capture of Vera Cruz, a claim was made on the part of the squadron for prize money on account of the enemy’s property which was, on that occasion captured by the combined forces of the army and navy. Having heard of no such claim during our service in the squadron, we respectfully inquire if any such claim has been presented or made known to the navy department, and, as an act of justice to the officers and men of the squadron, we respectfully inquire if any such claim has been presented or made known to the navy department, and, as, as an act of justice to the officers and men of the squadron, who may be injuriously affected by such a rumor, we respectfully ask permission to make your response public.
We have the honor to be, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient and humble servants,
S. P. LEE, Lt. U. S. N.
SIMON FRASER BLUNT, Lt. U. S. N.
To the Hon. John Y. Mason, L
Secretary of the navy, Washington City, D.C.
--
Navy Department Dec. 15, 1847
GENTLEMEN: I have received your letter of the 30th ult., in which you enquire whether any claim has been presented or made known to the navy department, on the part of the officers of the navy, for prize money on account of enemy’s property "captured by the combined forces of the army and navy" at Vera Cruz.
No such claim has been presented; and there is not, in any communication with the department, a single expression which can be tortured into a justification for such a charge. The only prizes or captures for which a claim of prize money has been made on behalf of the officers and men of the squadron in the gulf, are of vessels afloat, seized as enemy’s property, and which are clearly subject to sale if condemned, and the proceeds subject to distribution under the laws of the United States.
I am entirely ignorant of any circumstance which would justify the rumor to which you refer.
I am, respectfully yours, JOHN Y. MASON,
Lieuts. S. P. Lee and Simon Fraser Blunt, U.S. Navy, Washington
D.C. [Union.
[RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 intelligence from the Army, &c.
Vera Cruz dates to the 5th December and city of Mexico to the 27th November, received at New Orleans, confirm the account of the arrests of Generals Worth and Pillow and Col. Duncan, by Gen. Scott. Gen. Twiggs was to have come down with the train which left the city of Mexico on the 2d December, but was detained in consequence of the arrest. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 British minister protests against duties being levied on British subjects by the Americans in Mexico
By an arrival from Queretaro at Vera Cruz on the 4th instant, a communication was received from the English secretary of legation, Mr. Thornton, covering a protest from Lord Palmerston, the British minister of foreign affairs, protesting against the forcible levy of taxes on English residents in Mexico, for the purpose of aiding to support the war. These levies were made six months since and paid by the English residents under protest, since which they have appealed to their government for protection. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. Anastasio Bustamante nominated chief of the Mexican Army
General Bustamente has been nominated by the supreme government general in chief of the army of reserve, and commandant general of the state. His predecessor, Gutierrez, is second in command, and Cortazar next. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 Mazatlan taken
Nov. 23 – News had been received at Queretaro by express that the Americans had taken possession of the port of Mazatlan with four ships of war. – It appears to be generally credited, and El Monitor says it aggravates “in an extraordinary manner our desperate situation.” Government has issued a circular asking resources from the states. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 demonstration on Guaymas
On the 19th ultimo, a corvette and frigate of the United States navy entered the port of Guyana, demanding a surrender of the place. The commander of the forces writes to the governor of Sonora that in order to prevent the bombardment he had concluded to remove his forces to Boccachicampo, out of reach of the guns, and there make a stand, although he does not seem to think it would be a successful one. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 withdrawal of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s party from the Congress
Rumors were current in the city of Mexico that the partisans of Santa Anna had withdrawn from congress in compliance with the instructions of their chief, for the purpose of forcing that body to dissolve; not having a quorum. These partisans of Santa Anna all belong to the Puro party, and are for war to the knife. All the Puros however, are not Santa Anna men, and there are some persons here who assert that the reason they oppose the peace propositions is that they desire to keep the American army in the country until they can establish the government upon a firm basis. In fact, I have been told that many of the Puro deputies have written to their friends here, stating that this was their only reason for opposing a treaty of peace. [RLLW]
NNR 73.278 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. Winfield Scott announces that the Army will raise supplies from the Mexicans, his general order no. 357, relative to train from Veracruz, no. 368, levying contributions
A general order of the 25th November, issued by Gen. Scott from his headquarters in the city of Mexico, announces that, under instructions from the government at home, the army will, as soon as practicable, begin to raise the means of its support from Mexico.
GENERAL ORDERS – NO. 357
Headquarters of the Army,
Mexico, November 24, 1847.
Notice is hereby given, That a small train will leave for Vera Cruz about the 28th instant. Officers and soldiers desirous of forwarding letters by this conveyance, will leave them at the army post office, up stairs, in the same building with the city post office, on the street leading from the palace to the Alameda.
The general principles which will govern the general in chief, in permitting officers and enlisted men to leave this country, are laid down in general orders No. 318 and 322, as follows:
“No officer can be permitted to leave any part of the army, except on application to general headquarters, through the usual channels, beginning with a medical officer’s certificate – setting forth distinctly, that the applicant is not likely, for the reason given to be fit for duty in the next three months.
All wounded and sick officers, not likely to be fit for duty in the next three months, but who are able to travel, and desire to return home, will, upon the proper medical certificates, receive orders accordingly.
On arriving at New Orleans, or other port of the United States, the officers returning under this order will report, by letter, to the adjutant general’s office, at Washington, for (if able) the recruiting service.
Sergeants and other enlisted men who have become subjects for honorable discharge by wounds or otherwise, and who are abler to travel, will receive their discharges and be allowed to accompany to first train to Vera Cruz, and thence receive a free passage to the United States.
Under circumstances, as above, officers and men, at Puebla and the posts below, will receive like orders from the respective commanders of departments; but only in the clearest cases; and each commander will make a special report, to general headquarters, to show the grounds for the exercise of the authority, especially delegated to this occasion only.
The 1st regiment of U.S. artillery will proceed to Vera Cruz, as a portion of the escort to the wagon train. Upon its arrival at Vera Cruz, this regiment will relieve the 1st infantry, now in garrison at that place, and the latter regiment will return with the train to this capital.
By command of Major Gen. Scott,
H.L. SCOTT, A. A. A. G.
The same paper furnishes the following orders touching the military contributions which Mexico is to be called upon to make:
General Orders – NO. 358
Headquarters of the Army.
Mexico, November 25, 1847.
Under instructions from the government at home, requiring that this army shall, as soon as practicable, begin to raise within the country it occupies, the means in whole or in great part of maintaining the expenses of the occupation until the federal government of Mexico shall submit terms of peace which the United States may honorably accept, it is ordered that no uncoined bullion, bars or ingots, either of gold or silver, shall be shipped from any port of Mexico, until the further orders of the government at home shall be made known on the subject, so as to give time for said government to fix the rate of export duty on such bullion, and perhaps a smaller duty on gold and silver coins.
At the beginning of the change of system intimated above, all rents for houses or quarters occupied by officers or troops of the army, in any city or village in Mexico, will cease as soon as contracts may permit, and absolutely, from and after the end of this month, wherever this order shall be received in time, and in future necessary quarters both for officers and troops, where the public buildings are insufficient, will first be demanded, as required, of the civil authorities of the several places occupied by the troops, so as to equalise the inconvenience imposed upon the inhabitants, and diminish the same as much as possible.
If the authorities fail to put the troops promptly in possession of such quarters, then the commanding officer, in every such case, following out the same principle of giving the least distress practicable to the unoffending inhabitants, will cause the necessary buildings to be occupied.
Subsistence, forage and other necessaries, for the army, will be purchased and paid for as heretofore; and the injunctions and penalties of the martial law order, dated February 10, 1847, originally published at Tampico, and republished several times since, with additions, will, as from the first, be strictly enforced, as also, in general, all the obligations of good morals and the most exact discipline.
By command of Major Gen. Scott,
H.L. SCOTT, A. A. A. G.
[RLLW]
NNR 73.278-279 Jan 1, 1848 Gen Winfield Scott’s order on “echoes from home”
GENERAL ORDERS – NO. 349.
Headquarters of the Army,
Mexico, November 12, 1847.
The attention of certain officers of this army is recalled to the foregoing regulation, which the general in chief is resolved to enforce so far as it may be in his power.
As yet but two echoes from home of the brilliant operations of our arms in this basin have reached us: the first in a New Orleans, and the second through a Tampico newspaper.
It requires not a little charity to believe that the principal heroes of the scandalous letters alluded to did not write them, or specially procure them to be written, and the intelligent can beat no loss in conjecturing the authors – chiefs, partisans, and pet familiars. To the honor of the service, the disease – proficiency of fame, not earned – cannot have seized upon half a dozen officers (present) all of whom, it is believed, belong to the same two coteries.
False credit may, no doubt, be obtained at home, by such despicable self puffings and malignant exclusion of others; but at the expense of the just esteem and consideration of all honorable officers who love their country, their profession, and the truth of history. The indignation of the great number of this latter class cannot fail, in the end, to bring down the conceited and the envious to their proper level.
By command
of Maj. Gen. Scott;
H. L.
SCOTT, A. A. A. G.
[RLLW]
NNR 73.279 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. Winfield Scott’s order no.329 for a court of inquiry on Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow, proceedings and report of the court.
COURT OF INQUIRY IN THE CASE OF GEN. PILLOW.
GENERAL ORDERS – NO. 329
Headquarters of the Army,
Mexico, November 12, 1847.
Proceedings of a court of inquiry, of which Brevet Major Gen. W. J. Worth is president, convened at this place by the following order, viz:
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 219.
Headquarters of the Army,
Mexico, October 22, 1847.
At the instance of Major General G. J. Pillow, a court of inquiry will assemble at the palace, or such other place in this city, as may be designed by the president of the court, tomorrow morning, at nine o’clock.
The court will investigate and report the facts and circumstances connected with the removal of two small howitzers on the 14th of September, from Chapultepec – stating by whom removed, and whether with the knowledge of Major General Pillow, and also give their opinion upon the facts which may be developed.
Members – Brevet Major General W. J. Worth, Major General J. A. Quitman, Brig. General D. E. Twiggs.
Lt. R. P. Hammond, 3d artillery, is appointed the judge advocate of the court.
By command of Maj Gen. Scott,
H. L. SCOTT. A. A. A. G.
The said order being founded on the following communication from Maj. Gen. Pillow, viz:
1.Maj. Gen. Pillow to Capt. H. L. Scott, acting assistant adjutant general, as follows:
Mexico, Oct. 9, 1847.
Captain – On the night of the 13th I was instructed at Chapultepec that two small howitzers, which my command had captured in storming that place, had been taken from the carriages and were not to be found. Being myself unable from my wound to get out of bed I caused a strict inquiry to be instituted for them, and was informed late at night that they were found in my own baggage wagon, and found further that they had been placed there by Mr. Welch. This was done without my knowledge or authority. I immediately sent for Col. Howard and directed him to have them taken out, and directed them mounted and placed in battery for the defence of the place.
I never knew, until last night at 9 o’clock, that my order to take the pieces out of my wagon had not been obeyed. My aides-de-camp reported to me that night, that there was no ammunition for those pieces, and therefore they could not place them in battery. I now learn from inquiry, that they were brought to the city in my wagon, and were taken from the wagon by Lieut. Rogers and Mr. Welch, and that they probably have one each. Mr. Rogers has retired from my staff, and he is now at the ‘Sociedad.’ Mr. Welch is in the city, but I do not know where he resides.
Regarding the conduct of those gentlemen as improper, I feeling it my duty not to suffer any persons protection, I felt it to be my duty, as the earliest [illegible[, to give this information to the general-in-chief, for such action as he may think proper to take. But for my having been so disabled by my wound, I would have seen personally to the execution …[ . . . illegible . . . ]…
4. It appears from the evidence, that on the nights of the 14th, when the garrison of Chapultepec was about being reduced in numbers, and whilst conversing with the staff about the defences of the place, Gen. Pillow ordered two officers of his staff to have these howitzers taken out of the wagon and remounted, with some other orders relative to the general dispositions for the defence of the work.
It was ascertained by his staff officers that no suitable ammunition could be found for the howitzers, and that they were therefore not used, not mounted, not removed from the wagon, and other arrangements for defence were made without them, and reported to Gen. Pillow.
The impression is strong and almost conclusive, that this order of Major Gen. Pillow, to his staff and officers, could not have indicated a desire on his part for a full and final restoration of these howitzers to their proper places, as public property – otherwise the mere fact of failure to find suitable ammunition for their immediate use could not justify the staff officers in failing to obey the order to remount the pieces – and it does not appear that the staff officers were censured for the omission.
5. That the two howitzers were brought to town on the 15th of September, in Gen. Pillow’s wagon; that one was claimed by Mr. Rogers, and carried to his quarters under his direction, whilst the other was carried to the residence of Welch, and for him.
It does not appear that Maj. Gen. Pillow had any information of the actual fact that the howitzers were in the city of Mexico, until the evening of October 8, subsequent to the order of the general-in-chief, in relation to trophies, etc., when, and subsequently, he seems to have used all proper measures to have them restored.
And the court
is of opinion that further military proceedings may be dispensed
with.
The general-in-chief
approves of the proceedings and the opinions of the court in the foregoing
case.
The court
of inquiry, of which Brevet Major Gen. Worth is president is dissolved.
By command of Maj. Gen. Scott,
H. L. SCOTT, A. A. A. G.
[RLLW]
NNR 73.279-280 Jan 1, 1848 President Pedro Maria Anaya’s inaugural
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ANAYA.
After being sworn in as president and ad interim of the
Republic of Mexico.
Sres Deputies: I come to fulfil your wishes, taking in charge the supreme executive power of the union, for the short space of time that will elapse until the next constitutional period arrives. If the days be few, the difficulties present themselves numerous and appalling. The great misfortune of our land, is the sentiment that exclusively occupies the minds of all who know the meaning of the sacred word country.
In such circumstances, without the powerful concurrence of the nation, no government can undertake its defence. It belongs alone to the executive power to unite all efforts, direct them according to the national will, and remove all obstacles, that disconfidence has hitherto thrown in the way.
With the decision of an ancient servant of the country, I have sworn not to omit a single effort, nor to spare the most costly sacrifices in endeavoring to prove myself worthy of the confidence reposed in me by the national representation. To doubt of the cooperation of the Mexican people would [ . . . illegible . . . ] doubt of that valor and those high virtues which emancipated the country, which although disheartened and led astray by twenty-five years of dissensions, are producing even yet so many and such sublime sacrifices.
I declare that in the fulfillment of my oath just taken “of respecting and causing to be respected the fundamental institutions,” I will act in accordance both with my duty and my profound convictions. The federal system is the only one calculated to save a people in a situation so dangerous as ours. To seek now a remedy in new systems, or in new revolutions, would be to give up the republic without defence and without remorse to the enemy who tore down our national flag from the palace where the victorious Iturbide planted it with his own hands.
The government relies upon the co-operation of the states, their good sense, and tried love of liberty and order. It will keep in harmony with them, for their efforts (the heroic capital of the republic being loss) are those that now must save us.
In a situation such as ours, individual privations are inevitable; the government far from increasing will endeavor to lessen them as much as lays in its power. The security of persons and properties will be sacred, taxes will be exacted proportionally, and the amount thereof distributed with honesty and economy.
It is the duty of congress, who also knows our necessities, to promulgate such wise laws as the country requires, and to diffuse life and encouragement throughout the republic. I will be the first to comply with them striving above all to united all the private efforts in the grand object, the salvation of our independence. For me, all our domestic broils, foolish enmities and dissensions will be henceforth secondary matters of consideration. My administration will not persecute any class or party. I call upon all without distinction to assemble around the standard of their country.
Without being deluded as to our situation, on the contrary fully aware and overwhelmed with its difficulties and ready to face new misfortunes, of which be our destiny, I have come to this place, with the firm resolution never to seal the dishonor of our native land. God alone can look into the future; as to public men; it suffices, that they know their duty and fulfil it. The nation is aware that I never deceived her, that my oaths are always loyal; and that my blood, my life, and my reputation belong to all situations that most contrary to my inclinations. May God bless and cause to be fulfilled the ardent desires of the man who has not and is incapable of entertaining any other idea than that of the liberty and honor of his unfortunate country. [RLLW]
NNR 73.280 Jan 1, 1848 the demonstration on Guaymas
Guaymas – We stated, in a recent paragraph, that several ships of the American navy had entered the port of Guaymas, and demanded a surrender of the place. By late advices we learn that on the 20th ult, the place surrendered to the naval force under Lavellette, commanding the naval force of the U. States, and the port is now in possession of the Americans. The frigates under his command were the Portsmouth and the Congress, which fired upon the place for about an hour. The terms which the place was subjected are very much like those granted in other places occupied by our forces, and we need not give the articles at length. W. A. Robinson had been appointed collector of the customs, and the duties were as follows:
“The duties of importation, until otherwise ordered, will be five per cent, per ton, and ten per cent ad valorem, the value in port to be determined by persons appointed for that purpose.”
Until quarters shall be provided for the troops who were to garrison the place, the United States flag would be hoisted in some point in the bay from the U.S. frigate Congress. [RLLW]
NNR 73.280 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. Robert Patterson reaches Mexico with reinforcements of 6,000 men
General Patterson had reached the city of Mexico with 6,000 men, having left a garrison at Rio Frio, where a permanent depot is to be made. [RLLW]
NNR 73.280 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs leaves with train for Vera Cruz
A train left the city of Mexico on the 9th instant, for Vera Cruz, under command of General Twiggs. Gen. Pierce is coming down with it. [RLLW]
NNR 73.280 Jan 1, 1848 Gen. William Orlando Butler with a train leaves Jalapa
General Butler left Jalapa on the 6th, for Puebla. The train which he commanded, has also left that city. [RLLW]
NNR 73.280 Jan. 1, 1848 Money discovered, and guerrilla activity
A discovery was made on Thursday in the convent of San Domingo, in this city. Some of the troops who arrived with General Patterson were quartered there, and turning over an old desk that was left in one of the rooms, found it contained some $15,000 in silver and gold. This led to a further search, and in one of the cells a large quantity of clothing and ammunition was found, which was removed to the quartermaster’s department.
About 6 o'clock, on Saturday night, Mr. Doyle, the English charge d'affairs, arrived from Vera Cruz in the diligence, escorted by Captain Fairchild, of the Louisiana rangers, and about 36 men. They brought neither letter or papers, but last night the English courier arrived with a full budget. Capt. F. informs me that there cannot be less than twelve thousand men on the road up here, and that General Butler would be in Puebla yesterday (Sunday) with seven thousand men.
The Ohio regiment are encamped at Rio Frio, under Colonel Irwin, together with one company of Illinois dragoons, under Captain Little, numbering in all about six hundred men. There are seven companies of the Ohio regiment there, the other four being at Puebla. This encampment is doubtless intended to be permanent, as the men were building themselves houses.
I inclose you an order from Gen. Scott, issued today, of the most sever character, about the guerrilla parties, who are said to be gather in considerable numbers through the country. The concluding paragraph appears to favor the idea that the post of Rio Frio will be permanent. There is absolutely no news from Queretaro. Congress does not meet, and there is a rumor in town that Santa Anna has been proclaimed dictator there, but I cannot trace it to any reliable source. Every thing her appears to favor the belief that a movement will be shortly made for the interior.
What division of the army will take the lead, or who is to command it,
I cannot say, but madame rumor points to the gallant Smith, the hero of
Contreras, as the commander. Without doubt he would be an excellent
man, but I do not see how he can be spared from his post here.
His moderation, firmness and strict attention to business have endeared
him to all the citizens, native and foreign, and they would feel his loss
more keenly. Nous verrons. [JNA]
NNR 73.280 Jan 1, 1848 protest against seizing church property, Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith’s orders in reply.
The Monitor, of Dec. 9, publishes a decree from Senior Ross, the minster of justice and ecclesiastical affairs, protesting against the sale of church property in this city, except for the benefit of the Mexican government and the church, You will recollect that a short time ago the civil and military governor prohibited the sale of any of this property, except by permission of the government of the United States, the effect of this prohibition. He, Rosas, prenounced all such sales invalid and of no effect, and speaks warmly on the subject. The Mexican people, or those who administer the government, appears to think that the result of the recent battles in this valley has be on just nothing at all.
The following letter order of Gen. Smith was, perhaps, aimed at the order of Rosa, mentioned above by our correspondent:
Office
of the Civil and Military Governor,
National Palace, Mexico, Dec. 10 1847.
1. Any decree of the Mexican general government, affecting or modifying the political rights of those living in the territory occupied by the American army, is null, and any attempt to promulgate such decree as effective or to enforce it, without the consent and approbation of the American authorities, will be considered and punished as a direct opposition to them.
2. The people of the city of Mexico
have the right to make their municipal elections without any interruption.
PERSIFOR F. SMITH.
Brevet
Brigadier General and Civil and Military Governor.
By the Governor:
R.P. Hammond, secretary. [RLLW]
NNR 73.288 Jan 1, 1848 discussion of Gen. Winfield Scott with the Mexican archbishop on the release of Mexican prisoners
GEN. SCOTT AND THE MEXICAN ARCHIBISHOP
The correspondence between Gen. Scott and the archbishop of Mexico, on the subject of the release of the Mexican prisoners, is very interesting. The latter asks the favor for their liberation on the ground that their families are suffering in consequence of their confinement. He says the affection and respect which General Scott has always shown to the holy church, of which he is the head in this city, emboldens him to make this request, and instances the liberation of the French prisoners of [ . . . illegible . . . ] through the mediation of the archbishop of Argel.
The general replies at some length, citing the cases of the prisoners taken at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, who were liberated on their parole, and had afterwards taken up arms against the Americans; that while at Puebla he asked the liberation of the American prisoners taken on the Rio Grande, who were to have been exchanged by an agreement between Santa Anna and Gen. Taylor, but that an evasive reply having been returned, another communication was sent on the 20th of July, the only response to which was found in the palace, after Gen. Scott had entered the city, folded, sealed, and directed to him under date of August.
Gen. Scott concludes by saying that if the archbishop will have the goodness to appoint some dignitary of the church to visit those men and explain to them that prisoners of war under their parole are always shot it found fighting against the same belligerent before being duly exchanged, and that if this dignitary gives also a solemn admonition of the church against the violation of their oaths, he will give them their liberty under its sacred authority.
The archbishop, in a subsequent personal interview with the commander in chief, [ . . . illegible . . . ] the decree of the Mexican government which prohibited all Mexicans from giving their paroles not to fight against the Americans, and the responsibility he would incur if the supreme government should disapprove the step, and thus the matter stands at present. [RLLW]
NNR 73.290-291 Jan. 8, 1848 Gov. William Smith of Virginia’s message on acquisition of territory
GOV. SMITH OF VA. ON THE NEW TERRITORY QUESTION.
The message of Governor Smith of Virginia, sent to the legislature of that states discusses at some length the question what institutions shall be given to the new territory which may be acquired from Mexico. He regards the region to be opened to colonization from the present states of the union as a natural outlet for the superabundant slave population of Virginia and the other states of the south. He holds that in proportion as the population of a state grows dense, slave labor becomes less profitable, and that therefore room should be given in which it may diffuse itself so as to avoid that consequence; in short that it is a [ . . . illegible . . . ] on which the south should insist, to open [ . . . illegible . . . ] whether the planted may retire with his slaves when pressed by this potent and decreasing profits, and continue to make their labor productive. The following passage contains the [ . . . illegible . . . ]:
“It is unquestionable true, that [ . . . illegible . . . ] to be restricted to their present [ . . . illegible . . . ] greatly diminish in value, and thus [ . . . illegible . . . ] the fortunes of the owners, but [ . . . illegible . . . ] humanity must mourn the [ . . . illegible . . . ] forts and the regard for the health of the salve, which has characterized slavery in the south, and made it the most cheerful and happy [ . . . illegible . . . ] to be found in the world. It is well known, that as the profits of labor diminish, so do [ . . . illegible . . . ]. Many melancholy examples of this truth are to be found in the histories of the old world, and when the negro population multiplies in [ . . . illegible . . . ] in value, whatever may be the humanity of the master, necessity will compel him to restrict the comforts of the slave, and reduce him to the smallest pittance upon which it is possible to live.
“But the non-slaveholding states will comfort themselves, no doubt, with the reflection, that when this day arrives, the freedom of the slave is sure. – He is to reach the much desired goal of freedom through years of suffering; and when he attains it what is to become of him? Is he to be allowed political rights and privileges? The recent vote of the very state which sends us the resolutions I communicate, denying to this race, few as they are in that states in number, the right of suffrage, gives the answer. Are they to be placed on a footing of social equality? It is not thought of except in the dream of an occasional fanatic. Is it expected that they are to become an industrious, orderly, thrifty population? We have only to appeal to existing experience to know, that if the negro, in a state of freedom, cannot be governed by the ordinary motives and stimulants that elevate the white man, it is utterly hopeless to expect it under the circumstances that mark him as of an inferior and degraded race.”
The message proceeds to argue that the negro is incapable of stead industry and of an improved civilization, except under the control of the white man, and that he becomes degraded by freedom. – He illustrates this position by the example of the emancipated Negroes of the British West India possessions, and maintains that their manumission in the southern states would produce the most appalling consequences and throw upon the community three millions of human beings as a charge and a pest, consuming instead of producing. He then proceeds in the following terms:
“The south never can consent to be confined to prescribed limits. She wants and must have space in consistent with [ . . . illegible . . . ]. It is due to the happiness and interests of her population, and to no portion of it more than the slave himself. [Illegible] allow emigration to the white man must emigrate; and [ . . . illegible . . . ] will become the owner of the present slave building states. Nothing can arrest [ . . . illegible . . . ] such a policy but the adoption of some [ . . . illegible . . . ] by well known checks upon population, or by sending off the worthless and unproductive to the non-slaveholding states. These are grave and unpleasant views of this important question; but it is well at once to look them firmly in the face and boldly present them to public consideration.”
For theses reasons Governor Smith recommends that the residents [ . . . illegible . . . ]….It is the maxim of Governor Smith, that “the moment you free the slave you degrade the man.” He says of the free black:
“It is well known, gentlemen, to you all, that this case is [ . . . illegible . . . ] and unproductive; that as a general rule they labor only from necessity, content to put up with the most meager supply of their [ . . . illegible . . . ]…
“Besides that, says Governor Smith, they corrupt the slaves and make them their instruments [ . . . illegible . . . ]…. He asks:
[ . . . illegible . . . ] And if there be in his natural character the elements to make him a great and good man, it is hopeless to expect that they will ever be developed under our policy. The inhumanity then consists not in sending them from our state, but in retaining them among us. It is to me unaccountable how there should be a difference of opinion on this question. – Here the free negro is degraded by our policy – a policy which we cannot relax. And it is in our power to send him to other countries where education, society, and all the agencies that contribute to the advancement and improvement of mankind are within his reach, and we are to be deterred from this benevolent undertaking by the cries of those who affect and overwrought tenderness and humanity. I say to those who sympathize with the negro, who mourn his moral degradation, and look forward with hope to the day when he will be elevated in the scale of humanity, and placed on a footing of social equality with the white man, that their hopes, wishes and sympathies can never be gratified here. I consider, then, that it is cruel and in human not to send the free negro away. We are bound to do it as benevolent men, and as faithful guardians of the best interests of our good old commonwealth.”
It is therefore recommended in this message that a law be passed for sending the free negroes of Virginia out of the state, removing them by counties so that “no social or domestic tie may be broken,” and taking them in merchant vessels to countries where slavery does not exist, or to Liberia, if the authorities there will receive them.
We have given this abstract of that portion of the message which relates to the subject of slavery, in order that our readers may see what sort of destiny is contemplated for California, and to what consequences the peculiar institution of the south [ . . . illegible . . . ]. We make no comment now upon these plans of sending the negro slaves of Virginia, to a region where their labor will continue for a longer time to be productive, and the free negroes, degraded by the severe regulations which slavery is though to render necessary, to countries where no such [ . . . illegible . . . ] exists. They need no comment. Gov. Smith, although he faces the questions arising out of the subject without shirking, yet terms the views [ . . . illegible . . . ]. [RLLW]
NNR 73.293-295 Jan. 8, 1848 Lewis Cass’ letter on the acquisition of territory from Mexico and the Wilmot Proviso
LETTER OF MR. CASS
Washington, December 29, 1817
SIR: We have learned, through various channels, that a letter has been recently addressed by you to a distinguished citizens of Tennessee, declarative of your views on the subject of the Wilmot Proviso. – Having heretofore read with high satisfaction, what has emanated, in different forms, from [ . . . illegible . . . ] Bachman and Dallas in opposition to the Proviso, and believing that the promulgation of sound views from leading democratic statesmen cannot be without good effect at this time in facilitating the settlement of the momentous question alluded to, we take the liberty of requesting that you will if not disagreeable to yourself, allow your letter referred to, to be published in the “Union,”
We have the honor to be &c, &c,
J. THOMPSON,
W.S.
FEATHERSTON,
Mississippi
WILLIAM
SAWYER,
Ohio
THOMAS
J. TURNER,
W. W.
WICK,
Indiana
JOHN
L. ROBINSON,
Illinois,
H. S.
FOOTE, senator from Mississippi
HOWELL
COBB,
Georgia
ABRAHAM
VENABLE,
North Carolina
D. S.
DICKINSON, senator from New York.
Honorable Lewis Cass.
Washington December 30, 1817
GENTLEMEN: Agreeably to your request, I place at your disposal a
copy of the letter to which you refer.
With
great respect, I am gentlemen, your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS.
Hon. J. Thompson, W.S. Featherston, &c.
…[ . . . illegible . . . ]…It appears to me that the kind of metaphysical magnanimity, which would reject all indemnity at the close of a bloody and expensive war, brought on by a direct attack up in our troops by the enemy, and preceded by a succession of unjust acts for a series of years, is as unworthy of the age in which we live, as it is revolting to the common sense and practice of mankind. It would conduce but little to our future security or indeed, to our present reputation to declare that we repudiate all expectation of compensation from the Mexican government, and are fighting, not for any practical result, but for some vague, perhaps philanthropic object, which escapes my penetration, and must be defined by [ . . . illegible . . . ] assume this new principle of national intercommunication. All wars are to be deprecated, as well by the statesmen, as by the philanthropist. They are great [ . . . illegible . . . ]; but there are greater evils than these, and submission to injustice is among them. The nation, which should refuse to defend its rights and its honor when assailed, would soon have neither to defend; and when driven to war, it is not be professions of disinterestedness and declarations of magnanimity, that its rational objects can be best obtained or other nations taught a lesson of forbearance – the strongest security for permanent peace. We are at war with Mexico, and its vigorous prosecution is the surest means of the speedy termination, and ample indemnity the surest guaranty against the recurrences of such injustice a provoked it.
The Wilmot Proviso has been before the country some time. It has been repeatedly discussed in congress, and by the public press. “I am strongly impressed with the opinion, that a great change has been going on in the public mind upon this subject – in my own as well as others; and that doubts are resolving themselves into convictions, that the principle it involves should be kept out of the national legislature, and left to the people of the confederacy in their respective local governments.
…[ . . . illegible . . . ]…We may well repeat the existence of slavery in southern states, and wish they had been saved from its [ . . . illegible . . . ]. But there it is, and not by the act of the present generation, and we must deal with it as a great practical question involving the most momentous consequences. We have neither the right nor the power to touch it where it exists; and if we had both, their exercise, by any means in [ . . . illegible . . . ] might lead to results, which no wise man would will ugly encounter, and which no good man could contemplate [ . . . illegible . . . ] it anxiety.
The theory of our government presupposes, that its various members have reserved to themselves the regulation of all subjects relating to what, may be termed their internal police. They are sovereign within their boundaries, except in those cases where they have surrendered to the general government a portion of their rights, in order to give effect to the object of the Union, whether these concern foreign nations or the several states themselves. Local institutions, if I may so speak, whether they have reference to slavery or to any other relations, domestic or public, are left to local authority, either original or derivative. Congress has no right to say, that there shall be slavery in New York, or that there shall be no slavery in Georgia; nor is there any other human power, but the people of those states, respectively; which can change the relation existing therein; and they can say, if they will – We will have slavery in the former, and we will abolish it in the latter.
…[ . . . illegible . . . ]…and servant may be regulated or annihilated by its legislation, so may the relation of husband and wife, of parent and child, and of any other condition which our institutions and the habits of our society recognize. What would be though if congress should undertake to prescribe the terms of marriage in New York, or to regulate the authority of parents over their children in Pennsylvania! And yet it would be as vain to seek one justifying the interference of the national legislature in the cases referred to in the original states of the union. I speak here of the inherent power of congress, and do not touch the question of such contracts, as may be formed with the new states when admitted into the confederacy.
Of all the questions that can agitate us, those which are merely sectional in their character, are the most dangerous and the most to be deprecated. The warning voice of him who, from his character, and services and virtue, had the best right to warn us, proclaimed to his countrymen in his farewell address – that monument of wisdom for him, as I hope it will be of safety for them – how much we had to apprehend from measures peculiarly affecting geographical portions of our country. The grave circumstances in which we are now placed, make these words words of safety; for I am satisfied, from all I have seen and heard here, that a successful attempt to engrail the principles of the Wilmot proviso upon the legislation of this government and to apply them to new territory, should new territory be acquired, would seriously affect our tranquility. I do not suffer myself to foresee or to foretell the consequences that would ensue, for I trust and believe there is good sense and good feeling enough in the country to avoid them, by avoiding all occasions which might lead to them.
Briefly, then, I am opposed to the exercise of any jurisdiction by congress over this matter; and I am in favor of leaving to the people of any territory, which may be hereafter acquired, the right to regulate themselves, under the general principles of the constitution. Because –
1. "I do not see in the constitution any grant of the requisite power to congress; and I am not disposed to extend a doubtful precedent beyond its necessity – the establishment of territorial governments when needed – leaving to the inhabitants all the rights compatible with the relations they bear to the confederation."
2. "Because I believe this measure, if adopted, would weaken, if not impair, the union of they states and would sow the seeds of future discord, which would grow up and ripen into an abundant harvest of calamity."
3. "Because I believe a general conviction, that such a proposition to succeed, would lead to an immediate withholding of supplies, and thus to a dishonorable termination of the war. I think no dispassionate observer, at the seat of government can doubt this result."
4. "If, however, in this I am under a misapphension, I am [ . . . illegible . . . ] shall not turn aside to seek it."
In this aspect of the matter, the principle of the U. States must choose between this [ . . . illegible . . . ]
5. "But after all, it seems to be generally conceded, that this [ . . . illegible . . . ]. The well known attributes of sovereignty, recognized by us as belonging to the state governors, would sweep before them any such barrier and would leave the people to express and exert their will at [ . . . illegible . . . ]….As to the course, which has been intimated, rather than proposed, of engrafting such a restriction upon any treaty of acquisition, I persuade myself it would find but little favor in any portion of this country. – Such an arrangement would render Mexico a party, having a right to interfere in our internal institutions in questions left by the constitution to the state governments, and would inflict a serious blow upon our fundamental principles. Few indeed, I trust there are among us, who would thus grant a foreign power the right to inquire into the constitution and conduct of the sovereign states of this Union; and if there are any, I am not among them, and never shall be. To the people of this country, under God, now and hereafter, are its destinies committed, and we want no foreign power to interrogate us, treaty in hand, and to say: - Why have you done this, or why have you left that undone? Our own dignity and the principles of national independence unite to repel such a proposition."
But there is another important consideration which ought not to be lost sight of, in the investigation of this subject. The question that presents itself is not a question of the increase, but of the diffusion of slavery. Whether its sphere be stationary or progressive its amount will be the same. The rejection of this restriction will not add one to the class of servitude, nor will its adoption give freedom to a single being who is now placed therein. The same number will be spread over greater territory; and so far as compression, with less abundance of the necessaries of life, is an evil, be mitigated by transporting slaves to a new country, and giving them a larger space to occupy.
I say this in the event of the extension of slavery over any new acquisition. But can be it go there? This may well be doubted. All the descriptions which reach us of the condition of the Californians and of New Mexico, to the acquisition of which our efforts seem at present directed, unite in representing those countries agricultural regions, similar in their production of the great staples, which can alone render slave labor valuable. If we are not grossly deceived – and it is difficult to conceive how we can be – the inhabitants of those regions, whether they depend upon their ploughs or their herds, cannot be slaveholders. Involuntary labor, requiring the investment of large capital, can only be profitable when employed in the production of a few favored articles confined by nature to special districts, and paying larger returns from the usual agricultural products spread over more considerable portions of the earth.
In the able letter of Mr. Buchanan upon this subject, not long since given to the public, he presents similar considerations with great force. “Neither,” says the distinguished writer, “the soul, the climate nor the productions of California south or 36° 30’ [ . . . illegible . . . ] north or south, is adapted to slave labor, and besides every facility would be there afforded for the slave to escape from his master. Such property would be entirely insecure in any part of California. It is morally impossible, therefore, that a majority of the [ . . . illegible . . . ] rants to that portion of the territory south of 36° 30’ , which will be chiefly composed of our citizens, will ever reestablish slavery within its limits.
“In regard to New Mexico, east of the Rio Grande, the question has already been settled by the admission of Texas into the Union.
“Should we acquire territory beyond the Rio Grande and east of the Rocky mountains, it is still more impossible that a majority of the people would consent to reestablish slavery. They are themselves a colored population, and among them the Negro [ . . . illegible . . . ] socially belong to a degraded race.”
With this remark Mr. Walker fully coincides [ . . . illegible . . . ] … “Beyond the Del Norte,” says Mr. Walker, “slavery will not pass; not only because it is forbidden by law, but because the colored races there [ . . . illegible . . . ] to the rationed ten to one over the whites; and holding as they do, the government and most of the offices in their possession, they will not permit the enslavement of any portion of the colored race, which makes and executes the laws of the country.”
The question, it will be therefore seen, on examination, does not regard to exclusion of slavery from a region where it now exists, but a prohibition against its introduction where it does not exist, and where, from the feeling of the inhabitants and the laws of nature, “it is morally impossible,” as Mr. Buchanan says, that it can ever re-establish itself.
It augurs well for the permanence of our confederation, that during more than half a century, which has elapsed since the establishment of this government, many serious questions, and some of the highest importance, have agitated the public mind, and more than once threatened the gravest consequences; but that they have all in succession passed away leaving our institutions unscathed, and our country advancing in numbers, power, and wealth, and in all the other elements of national prosperity, with a rapidity unknown in ancient or in modern days. In times of political excitement, when difficult and delicate questions present themselves for solution, there is one ark of safety for us; and that is an honest appeal to the fundamental principles of our Union, and a stern determination to abide their dictates. This course of proceeding has carried us in safety through many a trouble, and I trust will carry us safely through many more, should many more be destined to assail us. The Wilmot proviso seeks to take from its legitimate tribunal a question of domestic policy, having no relation to the Union, as such, and to transfer it to another created by the subject matter involved in this issue. By going back to our true principles, we go back to the road of peace and safety. Leave to the people, who will be affected by this question, to adjust it upon their own responsibility, and in their own manner, and we shall render another tribute to the original principles of our government, and furnish another guaranty for [ . . . illegible . . . ] permanence and prosperity.
I am, dear sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS,
A. O. P. NICHOLOSON, esq., Nashville, Tennessee. [RLLW]