The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-21

II
way of Santa Fe, than through the settlements. l
never have taken the oath of allegiance to Texas.
Very respectfully, your obed't serv't,
ALIENS WORTH ADAMS
Substance of a conversation held in the Palace on
the 7th of February, 1912, at IL o'clock, M, be-
tween the Hon. p. Ellis, Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotenliary of the United States of
America and his Excellency Jose Maria de Boca-
negra, Minister of Foreign Relations and Govern
ment, in relation to the case of G. w. Kendall
Esq, prisoner made by the authorities of this Go
vernment in New Mexico, and at San Girls
toba:
Mr.. Ellis commenced by saying, that he called on
his Exceency, Mr.. de Bocanegra, in regard to Mr..
Kendall, about whom he bad written to the Govern
ment of Mexico, on the ID instant, and again on Sa-
turday last. He begged that Mr.. de Bocanegra would
apprise him ofthe determination of his Excelency.
Mr. de Bocanegra replied that since the application
which was made by the whole Diplomatic Corps, de-
string that the Texans might be treated with kind
ness and humanity various applications had been made
by the representatives of France, England and Prus-
sa asking fol the relief of several Germans English
men, and Frenchmen, who among the prisoners.
He also observed that the Provisional President had
thought proper not to separ the cases. but take
up all at The same ume and, after this consideration
of them, he will inform his xceency, MI. Ellis, of
the result
Mr.. Ellis replied, that notwithstanding the other
applications, the of Mr. Kendall clearly dis
tnct from all others. He into the State of New
Mexico under the protection of Mexican passport
from the Consul at New Orleans. After leaving the
expedition, which he had accompanied only for pro-
lection through the Indian country, and, soon as
he arrived at Sane Fe, he presented his passport per-
sonally, to the Governor. 1t destroyed before
him, and he sent here, and is now held as a pri-
These facts, which, he had before stat
ed manitestly separates his from all others that
may be urged, and should induce this Government to
discharge him at once.
Mr. Bocanegra said that it was alleged that Mr..
Kendall had Mexican passport and that it had been
destroyed. This his (KvndalI's) statement-
The Mexican Consuls ordered not to give pass
ports persons to enter the Mexican country through
Texas If such passport was granted, the Minis
try here is aware of it, as the returns from New
Orleans, for May last, when, issaid, it given
have not Yet been received.
Mr. Ellis replied that it was not of the least import-
ance to the question, whether the instructions under
which the Mexican Consul acted allowed him to
give the passport motor whether Mr. Kendall
had American passport uised by the Mexican Con-
sui If he had passport he (Mr. EIlis) believed
he had, he is entitled to its protection from either Go
vernment from which it emanated or by which it
was sanctioned, provided he has committed no act of
hostility against this country since he entered its ter
ritory lie begged leave to inform his Excellency
Mr. de Bocanegra, that he expressly instructed
by the Secretary of State through Special Messen-
ger, to demand the release of MIR. Kendall and there
was not the slightest doubt that the Secretary of State
had ample reasons to justify that demand He trust
ed, therefore, that the Mexican Government will in
form him Of its designs in order that he may despatch
his Messenger hence with the result.
Mr.. de Bocanegra answered that, as according to
the alleged facts, MIR. kendal's appeared to be
different from the others, he would certainly do all he
could to cause it to be quickly disposed Of and that
he would Immediately advise his Excellency, Mr.
Ellis, of the result not to detan his Messenger
MI Ellis observed that, as in his note of Saturday,
evening last again to-day he took occasion to as
sure his Excelency, Mr.. de Bocanegra, and through
HIM the Mexican Government that the United States
IS anxious to preserve the friendly relations which
have hitherto, happily subsised between the two
countries, and in manner to suffer her citizens to
do acts in violation Of that friendship or to screen
them from punishment suitable to their offences when
committed
Mr. dc Bocanegra assured his Excellency, the Min
lister OF the United States, that the Mexican Govern
ment had never, for moment, doubted the senti-
ments of the United States; the contrary, it had
every evidence of the kind disposition of the United
States towards Mexico.
Mr. Ellis asked permission to say, before terminal
ing tins conversation, that he had alluded in his last
note, to the Ill health of the prisoners at San Cristo-
bal, believing then that they were chiefly suffering
from varlolold Since then, he had ascertaned from
physician, that they were attacked by small pox
1t WILL therefore, surely be act of humanity, upon
the part OF the Mexican Government to cause their
detention until they convalescent or at least to
separate the sick from the well.
WI tu1 Docanegra rePIed, that the Governor OF
Mexico had already taken measures in regard to this
matter-that the sick should be separated from the
others andreceive medical aid
Mr. Ellis begged again to press speedy decision
as to Mr. Kendall, and also request that the five
persons, whom he had mentioned in his note of Sa-
turday may not be sent to Perote but detained here
until their cases are definitely acted on.
Mr. de Bocanegra replied that, in regard to the lat
ter request it should be considered by the Govern
ment, and, as to Mr. Kendall, he again assured him
that he would at once his best endeavors to have
his case taken up. He would not mention the hou,
when his Excellency should receive his answer be-
cause ne might disappoint him but he assured him
1t should be given with the greatest promptness pos
sible.
Reduced to writing by me within an hour after the
conversation had occurred in my presence.
2oclock P. M, 18th February 1912
BRANTZ MAYER,
Secretary Of Legation to .Merico.
Nh Ellis to General Tornel.