Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-12-13
To Gen. SAM. HoUsToN.
Mn. HowARp 70 Mr.. JOKES.


The undersigned, Charge d'Aiairs of the u.
States near the Government of the Republic OF
Texas, has The honor 10 acknowledge the receipt
Of the communication OF The Hon. Arson 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 subugaiing Texas: bnt how far
the preparations have gone, he is NOT informed.
He has no reason, however, 10 doubt the inlor-
nation communicated by the honorable Secre!a-
r.; on The contrary, he has received similar in
formation from other quarters. How lar The re-
lationS of Texas and the L. States may have ex-
cited the Mexican Government 10 additional eff
forts TO reconqucr Texas, and fastened the re-
newal of hostilies, The undersigned has no
means OF Judging. Whatever may BE- the cause,
il cannot but be the subject Of universal regret
throughout Chrislcndom, that Il war, of The cha
racter which has marked the relations OF Texas
and Mexico since The revolution Of 1896, should
noi be brought 10 4 close.
If, however, the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF This con-
ilict has been owing 10 the negotiations between
the Governments OF The u. States and Texas, and
il the United States have given assurances" 10
extend 10 Texas the aid which the present emcr-
gencv requireS'-by which the undersigned sup
cipated invasion by MeXico--ihe obligation thus
incurred ought to be, and he doubts not will be,
observed by his Government
The undersigned has taken occasion 10 re-ex-
anime the letters of The late Gen. Murphy of the
lilh OF February last, and Of Mr.. Calhoun Sc
cretary of State Of the U. States OF the lth of
April OF ensuing: he has also turned his attention
TO the letter Of the Hon John Nelson, Secretary
OF State ad Interim 10 Gen. Murphy, OF the lth
OF March, 1911, and OF the Honorable Isaac Van
Zandt, OF the Eth of January Of the same year.
The letter ofthe Hon. Mr.. Nelson, it will be seen,
limits very much the assurances given by the
Hon. Mr. Murphy, and discloses in explci, Ian
guage the constitutional limitations under which
the Executive OF The u. States mus, act in regard
10 the military power Of the country.
The question, then, is mainly LEFT TO rest upon
the latter Of the Hon. Mr.. Van Zandt of the 18th
Of January, and the answer 10 Mr.. Calhoun oflhc
llih Of April, 1911. Mr.. Van Zandt submits the
following inquiry 10 the Secretary Of State (Mr.
UpshuE) SHOULD the President of Texas accedc
TO the proposition of annexation would the Presi-
dent Of the United States, after the signing OF the
treaty, and before ii shall be ratified and receive
the sanction ofthe other branches Of both Govern
menlS in case Texas should desire it, or 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, or The gulf of Mexico, as shall be suili-
cienl 10 procc, her agains, foreign aggression 7"
MIR. Calhoun, after referring TO the orders given
10 the naval and military forces, gives the ASST
rance that should the exigency arise during the
pcniency ollhc treaty of annexation, the Prcsi-
dent would deem it his duty to use all the means
placed within his power by the constitution 10
protect Texas from invasion.
The undersigned assures The honorable Secrcla-
~ OF State OF the disposition of his Government
10 fulfil all her obligations TO Texas, and OF the
deep inlcrcs, !cl, both BY the Government and pco
pie OF the United States in whatever concerns
her welfare; To which he will add his own anX-
ious wish 10 preserve the most perfect IA it'll to-
wards both the Government and people of Texas
But he is hot able 10 perceive, that an assurance
given that the military power should he used, so
tar as j, constilulionally might, 10 rcpcl invasion
duiag :ie pcndencyo Of the Treaty, Ito which alone
both Mr. Calhoun and Mr.. Van Zand, seem TO
have had reference would raise an obligation on
the President Of the United States to interpose By
aIlording military aid 10 Texas on 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 fundamental laws and Government of the IT,
States which prescribe certain rules Of action for
any public functionaIv.
Nevertheless, as the subject is one of great mo-
ment, and is entitled TO the consideration of the
Government Of The United States, and as the facts
communicated are important lie will transmit
as speedily as practicable this correspondence,
with the accompanying documents, 10 his Gov
eminent, and await her Instructions
The undersigned, with the most unieigned plea.
sure, takes this occasion TO present to the Hon
MIR. Jones the assurance Of his distinguished con-
sidcra.ion and esteem
T. A. HOWARD.
Hon. ASsoN JONES, Secretary Of State of the
Republic OF Texas