The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-05

s'WhCther, slnce the commencement or the which resulted in the treatynow before the Senate for the annexation of Tex as to the United States, any military prepa- ration has been made or ordered by the Pre- sident, for or i'll anticipation of war; and, Ii so, for what cause, and with whom was such war apprehended, and what are the prepara- tions that have been made or ordered? Has any movement or assemblage or disposition of any of the military or naval forces of the United States been made or ordered with a view to such hostities? And to commu- nicate to the Senate copies of all orders or directions given for any such preparation, or for any such movements or disposition, or for the future conduct of such military or naval forces:7 I have to inform the Senate, that in consequence of the declaration of Mexico communicated to this Government, and by me laid before Congress at the open ing of its preseI session, announcing the de- termination of Mexico to regard as a decla- ration of war against her by the United States the definite ratification of any treaty with Texas annexing the territory of that Repub lie to the United States, and the hope and be- lief entertained by the Executive that the treaty with Texas for that purpose would be speedily approved and ratified by the Senate, 1t was regarded by the Executive to have be- come emphatically his duty to concentratein the Gulf of Mexico and it's vicinity, as a pre- cautionary measure, as large portion of the home squadron under the command of Capt Conner as could well be drawn together; and, at the same time, to assemble at Fort Jessup, on the borders of Texas, as large military force as the demands of the service at other encampments would authorize to be detach- ed. For the number of ships already in the Gulf and the waters contiguous thereto, and such as are placed under orders for that des- tnation, and troops now assembled upon the frontier, l refer you to the accompanying re- ports from the Secretaries of the War and Navy Departments. It will also be perceived by the Senate, by referring to the orders of the Navy Department, which are herewith transmitted, that the naval officer in command of the fleet is directed to cause his ships to perform all the duties of a fleet of observa- ton, and to apprize the Executive of any in- dcation of hostile design upon Texas, on the part of any nation, pending the delibera- tions of the Senate upon the treaty, with q view that the same should promptly be sub mitted to Congress for its mature delibera- ton. At the same time, 1t is due to myself that l should declare 1t as my opinion, that the United States having by the treaty of an- neXation acquired title to Texas, which re- quires only the action of the Senate to per feet il, and by force of arms possess itself of, any portion of the territory of Texas, pend ing your deliberation upon the treaty, with out placing itself in a hostile attitude to the United States, and justylying the employ ment of any military means at our disposal to drive back the invasion. At the same time, 1t is my opinion that Mexico or any other Power will find in your approval of the treaty no ust cause of war against the the United States; nor do believe that there is any serious hazard of war to be found in the fact of such approval. Nevertheless, every proper measure will be resorted to by the Executive 10 preserve upon ain honorable and just basis the public peace, by reconci- ling Mexico, through liberal course of policy. JOHN TYLER.
 WAsHINGroN, MAY 15, 1814
 WAR DEPARrMENr, MAY l3 1844.
 SIR--I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, copies of all the orders issued from this Department since 1t came under my charge, for the movement, disposition, and conduct of any portion of the military forces of the United States, with the exception of an order restoring to Fort Kent, in the State of Maine, one company of artillery, and one other order transferring from Detroit two companies of infantry, for the purpose of establishing fort at Copper harbor, on the southern shore of Lake Superior. These two unimportant movements of troops were made without conference with you, and with a view to the border condition of those two positions.
 further report to you, sir, that at the time 1 directed the general order No. Il, of the date of the llth of last month, to be issued, there were then in garrison at Fort Jesup, as you will perceive by the order itself, seven companies of the 2d regiment of dragoons, acting as rllemen, and recently authorized by an act of Congress to be remounted
 The l6 companies of the Sd and 4th regi- ments of infantry constitute the additional force ordered, under my instructions, to be moved towards the border of Texas. They were taken from Jefferson barracks, near St Louis, where, as a reserve, they constituted a school of instruction and practice, and held ready to be transferred at any time to the frontier, in case of emergency.
 The orders from this Department have in- creased the force at Fort Jesup and neal Natchitoches to 3 companies, amounting to about l50 men.
 have the honor to be, sir, and with high respect, your obedient servant,
 WILLIAM WILKINS,
 Secretary of Yar.
 To THE PRESIDENT.
 GENERAL ORDERS No If.
 HEADQUARTERs OF THE ARMY,
 .adjutant Generals QGce
 Washingtoa, .Apra II, ls44
 The eight companies of the Sd infantry. with the field and staff of the regiment now at Jefferson barracks, will proceed, by water without delay. to Natchitoches. and thence