, 1842-03-26

order that our readers and the entire republi
1may learn how far presumption and audacit.
have carried away the usurpers of our terri
tory, since, already by alternative threat
and promises, they attempt to drive US Mex
cans 10 a Remuneration of our rights and t
the abandonment of a territory which the
have seized upon like bandits, at a time whe
our domestic disturbance unfortunately disa
bled US from defending our frontiers. Blu
the accompanying answers will sufficiently in
form them what they are to expect from
Mexico, and must persuade them that the,
will never obtain tranquil possession of tina
which never belonged to them, and is still tn,
property of the Mexican nation.
We may add to what the worthy chief o
our Republic has SO ratriotically expressed
that if the present generation by some fatal
ty be unable to reconquer the territory, on
sons or our %grandsons will accomplish thi!
victory; for nations have a long life, anc
those who know their property and theil
rights will never submit to dishonor and in
fanny.
New ORLEANS, Dec. 81, 1841
"lIost Esteemed Sr:-The present posi-.
ton of Mexico requires wisdom and firmness;
you possess both these qualities in a hight
degree, and will exercise them for the bene-
fit of your country; therefore am | glad to
see you at the head of Mexican affairs
The expedition of Santa Fe affords you an
opportunity to discuss again the question of
Texas-a difficult question, which should be
disposed of as soon as possible. Affairs can
not remain in their present position. 1t is
necessary to make choice between peace
and war. You are fully aware of the ad-
vantages to be derived from the former, and
of the evils which must result from the lat
ter. Never will you be able to conquer
Texas except. Ito use her own expression) in
defiance OF the United States and Of the
laws Of nations, all the inha bitanis CT the
Valley Of the Mississippi will march upon
Texas-they are familiar with fire arms and
their aim is certain. Thousands of them
will pass the Sabine as soon as they hear
that Texas is invaded; the kont should then
be at once cut, as | told Gen. Victoia at the
interview which | had with him at Vera
Cruz, | do not entertain the slightest doubt
Of your determination, when | reflect upon
the knowledge of the facts which you pos
sess, and the experience you have acquired
during your voyage through a part OF the
U. States. My principal object in address.
sing to you this letter is, to speak of the
prisoners taken in the expedition 10 Santa
firmly believe that you have ordered
them to be well treated, and | have gwen
public assurance that such would be your
in the matter. Would not the pre-
sent be n good opportunity to submit the
whole question of Texas to the decision of
your government? If you think that the
mediation of the United States or of Eng
land would exercise a beneficial influence,
you may rely upon its being rendered, as
soon as you will communicate to me (conl-
your ideas upon this measure
Please answer me as soon as possible. re-
commend the prisoners to your care. en-
Iertain friendly relations with many OF them.
The object of the Santa Fe expedition was
never made known to me at Washington:
md | know of it only from what appeared
n the public prints.
remain, sir, with great respect. &c.
BERNARD E. BEE.
10 his Excellency Gen, Santa Anna, Presi.
dent of the Republic of Mexico.
[ANswER.
'Pala'e ot The Gen. Government of .Me.rico,(
"February 9Th, 1912.
Mr.. BERNARD E. BEE:
"-Ny Dear Sir have received with Plea
ure. your letter Of the 9th of last Decem.
written from New Orleans: because
emembered the noble and generous actions
which your kindness exerted in my behalf.
uring my stay in Texas, and my voyage to
be United States. | would rejoice, were I
ate to grant me an opportunity of receipro. J
atIng, in person, the kind attentions mani. t
ssted. to me, like a gentleman who esleems +
the respect due to great misfortune, 4
for q noble cause. Would to God
lat our relations could be enclosed within t
lese limits, tina, ! might manifest to YOU. r
7ithout restriction or embarrassment, nv a
'st gratitude. j
"But in the letter to which | refer, Won
y, not before General Santa Anna, but be. {
re the President of the great Mexican Re. Il
1blic, the question of Texas, ungrateful in fl
s recollections, important in its results, and b
orthv of fixing the entire attention of the C.
an who presides over the destinies of a 81
eat nation. Too surely to give it the aeon a
ieratlon to which its gravity entities. il.
9TH wisdom and decision are eminen,ly ne. 81
'ssary; and you who generously grant me h,
e one and the other, likewise know that | a,