The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-04-20
Mr.. Clay 10 Mr.. Poinseti-E Extract.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, March Is, 1927.
The hxstion OF line Of boundary Of the Uni.
ted States the side Of Mexico, should be
such to secure, not merely certainty and
apparent safety in the respective limits Of the two
countries, but the consciousness Of freedom from
all danger Of attack eiber side. and the removal
Of all motives for su,h attack. That OF the Sabine
brings Mexico nearer our great Western commercial
capital than is desirable and although now are,
and for long time may remain, perfectly satisfied
with the justice and moderation OF neghbor, still
would be better Tor both pa ties that neither should
feel that he is in any condition Of posure the
mote contingency Of alteration in existing friendly
sentiments.
Impress ed with these views, the President has
thought the present might be suspicious period
for urging negotiation, at Mexico, 10 settle the
boundary between the territories OF the two repub
lies. be success Of the negotiation will probably
be promoted by throwing into il other tIves than
those which strictly belong TO the subject itself If
we could obtain such boundary desire, the
Government Of the United State. might be disposed
TO pay reasonable pecuniary consideration. The
boundary which we prefer Is that which, beginning
at the mouth OF the Rio del Norte 10 the sea, shall
ascend that river TO the mouth OF the Rio Puerco,
thence ascending this river to It's source, and
irou its source, by line due norh, to strike the
Arkansas, thence following the OF the south
ern bank Of the Arkansas to ITS in lat
iiude ~ degrees north, and thence by that
parallel Of latitude TO the South sea. TIE boun-
Sta es Tanners map, published in the United States
ease Santa Pc within the limits OF NJ, rico aud the
y hole OF R,d river or RIO Roro and the Arkansas
a. Tar up as u u probably nsyigabe within the limits
assigned TO the Unltc States II that boundary be
unsttainsble, we wouli as the next most desirable
agree thst Of the Colorado beginning at ,ts mouth
IN the bay Of Bernado, and ascending the river to is
source, and thence by line due north TO the Arksn
sas, and ihenc,, as above traced TO the South sea
THIS latter bound ~ would probably also give the
whole OF the Red river, would throw US somewhat
farther from ssnts Re, but IT would strike kansas
possibly at nsyigable point To obtain tn 6rst-de-
scribed boundary the President authorizes you TO offer
TO the Government Of Mexico a sum not exceeding
one million Of dollars II you find mprso tic able
to procure that line you are then authorized 10 rrr
for the above line OF the Colorado the som Of five
hundred thousand dollars II either Of the above Of
fers should be accepted, you may stpulate for the
payment OF the sum Of money, as you may happen to
agree, within aty period not lie than three months
after the schange at he city Of Washington Of the
notifications OF the treaty
Should you be able TO conclude a treaty IL Will be
necessary that should contain st, ulation for the
mutual right Of navigation Of the Rio del Norts or
The Colorado AZ the one the other Of them may be
agreed on and for the exercise Of a common iuri.-
dIcton over the river itself The treaty NAV
alsoprovIde for the confirmation Of all bona 6de
grsis Tor lands made PRIOR TO lis date with the
conditions OF which there shall have been com.
plianoe; and u may contain a provision similar
to that IN the Louisiana and Florida treaties
Tor I e incorporation Of the inhabitants into the
Union, as soon - II can he done consistently with
the principles Of the Federal constitution and for
their enjoyment OF their liberty, property, and re-
iison.
There should also be provision made for the de-
livery of the country to The United States simu Ia
neously or as nearly prscticsble 18th IN. paw.
ment Of the consideration. We should be satisfied
with surrender Of possession at that time as far az
the river line extends, (the Del Nore the Coora.
do) and to receive the residue soon ss the line 10
the Arkansas cso be traced which the treaty ought
to provide should be done without unnecessary d.
lay, and, at ali events, before future day 10 be
specified
JosI r. Popsrrr, ESQ, &c