The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-12-07
Mr.. Ho,udrd TO Mr.. Jones.
LOCATION OF THE UNITED STATES.


Washington, (Te1as,) Aug. 6, 1874.
The undersigned, charge d'afaires of the United
States, near the government of the republic Texas,
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the
muncation of the Hon. Anson Jones, Secretary of
State of this republic, Of this date together with its
accompanying documents.
The undersigned is aware of the incipient steps
which have been taken by the chief of the Mexican
government, with the alleged purpose Of invading
and subugatisg Texas but how far the preparations
have gone, be is not informed. He has reason,
however, to doubt the information communica by
the honorable Secretary the contrary, he has re-
ceived similar Information from other quarters. How
far the relations of Texas and the United States may
have excited the Mexican government to additional
efforts to reconduer Texas and hasten the renewal of
hostihties, the Undersigned has means of judging
Whatever may be the cause it cannot but be The sub
ject of universal regret throughout Chrstendom that
war, Of the character which has marked the rela-
tons of Texas and Mexico since the revolution of
1886, should not be brought to a close.
IT, however the recommeDcement of this conflict
has been owing to negotiations between the govern
ments Of the United States and Texas, and if the
United Stateshave given " assurances" to "extend
TO Texas the ali which the present emergency re-
quires, by which the undersigned supposes is
meant military aid, in repelDg the anticipated inva-
sion by Msxic,-the obligations thus incurred ought
10 be- and doubts will be- observed by his go
vernment.
The Undersigned has taken occasion to re-examine
the lettersof the late General Murphy, of the lath
of February last, and Of Mr.. Calhoun, Secretary of
State of tie United States of the / lth of April en-
suing be has also turned his attention to the letter
of the Hol John Nelson Secretary Of State ad int
rim, TO Geeral Murphy, of the 18th of March, lS44
and of theHon. Isaac Van Zandt, of the 18th of
January Of he same year. The letter of the Hon.
MIR. Nelson, II will be seen, limits very much the
surances gvh by the Hon. MIR. Murphy, and dsclo
ses IN explicit language the constitutional limitations
under which the Executive Of the United States
must act in regard TO the military power of the
country.
The question, then, is mainly left TO rest upon the
letter of the Hon. Mr.. Van Zsndt Of the 18th Of
January, andthe answer of Mr.. Calhoun Of the 18th
of April, lS4. Mr. Van Zandt sub nits the follow
ing inquiry tothe Secretary of State (Mr. Upshur
" Should the resident Of Texas accede to the pro-
position of annexation would the President of the
United States after the signing of the treaty, and
before II shallbe ratified and receive the sanction of
the other branhes of both governments in case Tex
as should desit it, with her consent, order such
number Of military and naval forces of the United
States TO such necessary points or places upon the
territory or borders of Texas, the gulf of MeIr
CO. shall be sufficient TO protect her against foreign
aggression" MIR. Calhoun, after referring TO the
orders given to the naval and military forces, gives
the assurance that should the exigency arise during
the perdenoy Of TIC treaty Of dnneraiof the President
would deem Il his duty TO use all the means placed
within his power by the Constitution TO protect Tex
from invasion
The undersigned assures the honorable Secretary
of State Of the disposition Of bis government 10 full
81 all her obligations to Texas, and Of the deep in
erest felt both by the government and the people Of
the United States 10 whatever her welfare
TO which he will add bis own anxious wish TO pre-
the most perfect faith towards both the govern
ment and the people Of Texas Bot he is not able
to perceive that assurance given that the military
power should be used so far IL 1t constitutionally
might, TO repel invasion during the pendency Qf the
treaty, TO which alone both Mr.. Calhoun aud Mr..
Van I,ndt seem TO have had rcference) would raise
an obligation on the President Of the United States
to nterpose by aordng military aid 10 Texas in the
present emergency.
In communicating this opinion 10 the honorable
Secretary of State the undersigned is happy to know
that he addresses one who Is familiar with the fun
damen tal laws and government Of the United States
which prescribe certain rules of action for any public
functionary.
Nevertheless, as the subject is Of great mo-
ment and is entitled 10 the consideration Of the gov
eminent Of the United States, and the facts com
muncsted are important, he will transmit as speedily
practicable this correspondence, with the accom-
psnying documents to his government and await he
instructions.
The undersigned, with the most unfeigned plea
sure takes this occasion TO present to the Hon MIR
Jones the Of his distinguished consideration
and esteem.
ia HOWARD
Hon. ANsoS JOINS,
.C,L. liz ofT t.,