Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-12-11

is morally certain that any pacific adjustment
would have heen hopeless.
Upon the commencement of hostilIties by
Mexico against the United States, the indig-
nant spirit of the nation was at once aroused.
Congress promptly responded TO The expecta-
lions of the country, and, by The act OF The
thirteenth Of May last, recognised the fact
that war existed, by the act of Mexico, be-
tween the United States and that republic,
and granted the means necessary for its vigo-
rous prosecution. Being involved in war
thus commenced by Mexico, and for the Jus.
tice of which on our part we may confidently
appeal tothe whole world, resolved TO prose-
cute it 18th the utmost vigor. Accordingly,
the ports OF Mexico on the Gulf and on the
Pacific have been placed under blockade, and
her territory invaded at several important
points. The reports from the Departments of
War and the Navy will inform you more in
detail! OF the measures adopted in the emer-
gency in which our country was placed, and
OF the gratifying results which have been ac-
complshed.
). The various columns of the army have per-
formed their duty under grea. disadvantages,
with the most distinguished skill and courage.
The victories of PaIo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, and of Monterey, won against greatly
superior numbers, and against most decided
advantages in other respects on the part of the
enemy, were brilliant in their execution, and
enstle our brave officers and soldiers to the
grateful thanks Of .her country. Fhe nation
men who have CALAMITY fallen while vindi-
eating and defending their ceuniry's rights
and honor.
Il = IL or3 tisf, Mir hot
our volunteer citizen soldiers, who SO prompt
y responded to their coun1ry's call, with an
experience OF the discipline of camp of on
y few weeks, have borne their part in the
hard thought battle of Monterey with a con-
s,ancy and courage equal to that Of veteran
troops, and worthy of the highest admiration.
enemy's country, and through a wilderness.
have been borne without murmur. By rap
I'd movements the province of New Mexico,
with Santa Fe, its capital, has been captured
without bIoodshed. The navy has co-operat-
ed with the army, and rendered impor,an, ser
vices; if not so brilliant, it is because the
enemy had no force to meet them on their own
element and because of the defences which
nature has interposed in the difficulties Of the
navigation on the Mexican coast. Our squad
ron in the Pacific, with the cooperation of a
gallant officer of the army, and small force
hastily collected in that distant country, h We
acquired bloodIess possession of the Caltor-
Mas. and the American flag has been raised
at every Important point in that province.
! congratulate you on the success which has
thus attended our military and naval opera
lions. In less than seven months after Next
co commenced hostllItles, at time selected
by herself, we have taken possession OF many
of her principal ports, driven back and pur,
sued her invading army, and acquired militia
ry possession of the Mexican provinces of
New Mexico, New Leon, Coahuila, Tamau-
ipas, and the CALIFORNIA;. territory larger IN
extent than that embraced in the orig nal
thirteen States Of the Union, inhabited by a
considerable population, and much Of it more
than thousand miles from the points at
which we had to collect our forces and COM
mence our movements. By the blockade, the
import and export trade of the enemy has
been cut off. Well may the American people
be proud of the energy and gallantry of our
regular and volunteer officers md soldiers
The events of these few months afford graft
flying proof that our country can, under any
emergency, confidently rely for the maInte-
nance of her honor, and the defence of her
rights, on an effective force, ready at all times
voluntarily to relnquish the comforts of home
for the perls and privations of the camp. And
though such force may be for the time ex-
pensive, it is in the end economical, as the
ability 10 command 1t removes the necessity
Of employing large standing army in time
Of peace, and proves that our people love
their Institutions, and are ever ready 10 defend
and protect them.
Whilst the war was in course Of vigorous
and successful prosecution, being still anxious
to arrest its evils. and considering that, after
the brilliant victories of our arms on the
eighth and ninth of May last, the national
honor could not be compromised by it, anoth:
er overture was made to Mexico, by my dt-
recton, on the lwenty-seyenth Of July last,
to terminate hostiIities by peace just and
honorable to both countries. On the thirty
first of August following, the Mexican gov
eminent declined to accept this friendly over
ture, but referred it tosthe decision of Mex
lean Congress, to be assembled in the early
part of the present month. ] communicate Ia
you, herewith, copy Of the letter of the Sec
rotary Of State proposing to reopen negolIa-
tons, of the answer Of the Mexlc m govern
ment, and of the reply thereto of the Secrcta-
ry Of State.
The war will continue to be prosecuted with
IL
| 1t is hoped that the decision of the Mexican
Congress, to which our last overture has been
referred, may result in speedy and honora'
BILE peace. With our experience, however, oil
the unreasonable course Of the Mexican an-
thoriIies, it is the part Of wisdom rot to relax
in the energy Of our military operations until
the result is made known. In this view, II
is deemed important to hold military posses
sion of all the provinces which have been ia
ken, until definitive treaty of peace shall
have been concluded and ratified by the two
countries.
The war has not been wagpd with view
to conquest; but having been commenced BY
Mexico, it has been carried into the enemy:
country, and will be vigorously prosecuted
there, with a view TO obtain an honorable
peace, and thereby secure ample indemnity
for the expenses Of the war. as we'll as to ouI
much-inlured citizens. who hold large pecuni
airy demands against Mexico.
BY the laws Of nations a conquered terrific
ry is subject to be governed by the conquero
during his military possession, and until ther'
is either treaty of peace, or he shall vonn
tarily withdraw from it. The old civil gov
eminent being necessarily superseded, it i
the right and duty of the conqueror to secur
his conquest, and to provide for the mainte
nance Of civil order and The rights of the in
haoitants. This right has been exercised. AM
this duty performed, by our military and ma
val commanders, by the establishment OF tenn
porary governments in some OF the conquered
provinces in Mexico, assimilating them as ia