The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-31
T"CoDfidential.1

. "NAVY OEPARTMENT, APRIL 10, lo44.
"SIR A treaty of annexation has been negotia
ted between the United States and the republic o.
Texas, and will be Immediately submitted to the
Senate of the United States, now in session for it
advice and consent
"During the interval which will necessarily
occur before the treaty is ratified or rejected it j:
the part Of prudence to guard against any aggres
sions on our commerce or the rights of our citi
zens, which may be attempted by any foreign go.
vernment, or by persons claiming to act under it
authority. You will therefore concentrate the
vessels under your command. The Vandalia
commanded by Commander Chauncey, and the
Falmouth, Commander Sands, will without delay
be ordered to join you, touching at Pensacola
and you will leave at that place the necessary
orders. They will sail from Norfolk so soon as
some small repairs can he made.
"You will in your discretion, employ the vessels
composing your squadron in cruising in the Gull
of Mexico, so as to communicate frequently with
Galveston; and occasionally show yourself at or
before Vera Cruz, with such devatons to other
parts of your cruising grounds in your judgment
may be best calculated to effect the objects of your
general and special instructions.
'You will be cautious in committing no viola
tion of the rights of Others but resist and punish
aggressions OIL ours. If,while the question of rati-
fcation is pending, an armed force shall threaten
an invasion of Texas, you will demonstrate with
the assurance that the President of the United
States will regard the execution of such hostile
purpose towards Texas, under such circumstances
as evincing a most unfriendly spirit towards the
United States; and which, in the treaty's ratifica-
ton, must lead to actual hostilies with this coun
try.
'If you observe any preparations for such an
invasion, you will, without delay, communicate
information to this department, that the President
may submit the same to Congress.
"You will communicate, as often as occasion
may present itself, with the Charge d'Affaires of
the United States at Texas, and make your des-
patches to the department as opportunity may offer
al am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
]. Y. MASON.
"Commodore DAVID CoNNoR,
Commanding home squadron, Pensacola"
The vessels of war now cruising in the Gulf of
Mexico are, the frigate Potomac, sloop Vincennes,
and brig Somers. The sloops OF war Vandalia and
Falmouth, and the steamer Union, are part Of
the home squadron, and are at Norfolk, ready for
sea; the whole being under the command Of Com
modore Connor.
There is also confidential letter to Gen. Taylor,
under date of April 27, directing him to proceed
to 'Natchitoches or Fort Jessup, ION the Texan
fronter,) with the troops under his command, from
which we take the following extract {:
s'You will take prompt measures, in the first
instance, by confidential officer, and subsequent
ly by the ordinary mail special expresses, as you
deem necessary, to put yourself in communication
with the President of Texas, in order to inform
him Of your present position and force, and to this
office Gall con6dentially) whether any and what
external dangers may threaten that govern
ment or people. Should such danger be found to
exist, and appear to be imminent, you will march
the forces above indicated to the Sabine river, but
not proceed beyond the frontier without further
keeping in readiness in the case sup
posed all necessary Of transportation, as well
as ample stores of subsistence and immunties.
"By these instructions it is not meant to impress
upon your mind the belief that the government
apprehended hostility with any foreign power.
They given to you for the purpose of enjoining
and attention to the condition of
your force. repeat the injunction of confidence,
and the full reliance reposed in your judgment and
prudence by the government
'Iwrite under the instructions Of the war depart
ment, in consultation with the general-in-chief
al am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser
want, refs r, JONES, .fdj. Gen.
"Brevet Brig, Gen. 2, TAYLOR,
Commanding lst MA Dep. F6rt Jessup, La. .
The reasons assigned by the President for giving
The Instructions are the declaration Of Mexico that
'hc would regard the annexation Of Texas as