Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-04-12

which Won had exhibited. Gen. Cos,
who had surrendered in 1885, prisoner
Of war, at San Antonio, where 1875 Tex
ans stormed and took the Alamo with me
Town, wfenit was defended by 17OO reg
ular troops of Mexico-was again taken
prisoner at San Jacinto after he had vlo'
lated his parol of honor, by which ne 1ad
forfeited his life 10 the law of arms. Yet
such was the lenity of Texans, that eoes ne
was spared, thereby interPoslng mercy to
prevent reclamation being made tor the
brave Texans perfdously massacred.
From the 9Th of May had no connec-
ton with the encampment, nor the troat-
ment which the prisoners, received, until
the month of October, when was lnduct-
ed into the office of Chief Magistrate of
tho nation. 1t is true that you were
chained to an iron bar, but not until an at
TEN t had been made to release you with
your knowledge and assent. A vessel
had arrived at Orozimbo, on the Brazos,
where YOU were confined in, possession of
its Captain, were found wines and other
liquors mixed with poison, for the purpose
of poisoning the officers and the guard, in
whose charge you were, and thereby en-
surfing your escape. In consequence of
the sensation produced by this circum-
stance you wero confined and treated in
the manner you have so pathetically por-
trayed.
Whilst confined by my wound in San Au-
gustine learned that it was the intention
of the army to take you TO the theatre Of
Fannin's massacre, and there to have you
executed. Upon the advertisement ofthis
fact, Immediately sent an express to the
army, solemnly protesting against any
such act, and interposing every obstacle
possible against not recognizing you as a
prisoner Of war.
sY our recent communications have me-
cessSsly awakened advertency to these
facts, oearwise they would have remained
unrecitedS me. Any part which | bore
n the transaction is not related in imita'
ton of the egotistical style of your com
munication. It is done alone for the put
pose of presenting the lights of your histo
nv. You have sought TO darken its shades
and appeal to the sympathIes, and com
mand the admiration of mankind, anC
have even invoked 'prismatic tints OF 70
NANCE"
You may alIege that it had connection
with the Government, from the fact
that the President identified bimsel
with it, by furnishing arms to those
connected with the project. Thi:
may have induced you to characterize
the expedition as you have in your IL
rade against Texas.-Whatever par
the President bore in this transaction
was contrary TO law, aud in violation II
his duty. A large portion of the PEG
pie of Texas were not apprised Of tn
existence OF such an enterprise. Yo'
doubtless will insist that 1t had mean
Of offence against Mexico so far as thei
preparation could give character to tn
undertaking by carrying With 'hem' ar
tillery and other munitions OF war, Cal
be accounted for most readily. The
had to pass through a wilderness sl2
hundred miles from the frontier Of Tex
as, before they could reach Santa Fe
it was reasonable to suppose, that they
would encounter many hostile tribes 0
Indians; and it was proper and neces
sary that they should be in situation
TO repel any attacks made upon them,
and as their objects were pacific, they
were justified in resisting aggression
from any quarter. The instruction:
given to them by the President, did no
contemplate hostilities, but that the en-
terprise would terminate without blood
shed or violence. Scientific gentle
men from Europe and the United
States accompanied them, not for war
like purposes; but with the sole view o
adding rich stores to the treasury o
science. 1t had likewise been commu-
nicated to the people of Texas, that al
the inhabitants east of the Rio Grand,
were anxious to enjoy the benefits o
our institutions. You cannot alIege
that you were not willing to admit the
Justice of our claims to the Rio Grande
or thatyou were not anxious to facill
tate the object. Your communication
to me apon that subject is conclusive
Texans were appraised Oft from you
| repeated declarations to that etfec
while IN the country, and on your wa.
to Washington city. At the time tina
the expedition started, no hostilitie
were carried on between this countr,
and Mexico. Commissioners iron
general Arista were at Austin, at tn
time his party started for Santa Fe
They were kindly received, and mad
the most sincere professions of amt
and reconciliation with this Govern
men. They were treated with kind
i ness, and corresponding commission
ers appointed to general Arista. T
them every civility was extended, an
they were permitted to return withol
mOlestation. This was the attitude of th
two countries at that time-will yo
alledge, that this course was not sanC
toned by the Government-or will yo
insist that it was a trick of diplomacy
For myself [ would not have been d.
luded by any professions which migI
| have been rendered to Texas by Mex
CO; when departure from the mo