The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-21
CONFIDENTIAL |
WAR DEPARTMENT, June Is, l845.
Generhl H. Taylor,
Fort Jesup, Louisiana.

WAR DEPARTMENT June IS, l845.
SIN: On the 4th day of July next, or very soon
thereafter, the convention Of the people of Texas
will probably accept the proposition of annexation,
under the joint resolutions Of the late Congress of
the United States. That acceptance will constitute
Texas an integral portion of our country.
In anticipation Of that event, you will forthwith
make a forward movement with the troops under
your command, and advance to the mouth Of the
Sabine, or to such other point the Gulf of Mex-
CO. or its navigable waters as in your judgment may
be most convenient for embarkation at the proper
time for the western frontier Of Texas.
In leaving TO your judgment to decide the route,
il is intended that you choose the most expeditions
having due regard to the health and efficiency of the
troops reaching the point of destination,
The force under your immediate command at and
Fort Jesup to be put in motion the receipt of
these instructions, will be the Sd and 4th regiments
Of Infantry, and seven companies of the I'd regiment
Of Dragons. The two absent companies5of the 4th
infantry have been ordered 10 Join their regiments.
Artillery will be ordered from New Orleans. ..
II is understood that suitable forage for cavalry
cannot he obtained in the region which the troops
to occupy; this be so, the dragons must leave
their horses and serve as rhemen. But It 10 posi-.
bic that horses Of the country accustomed to subsst
on meagre forage, may DO procured il 1t be found
necessary. You will therefore take the precaution
TO order portion of the cavalry equipments to ac-
company the regiment, with view TO mounted
service ... =. r., ..Ffs,i 49,
The point of your ultimate destination is the
western frontier Of Texas, where you will select
and occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del Norte,
such a site will consist with the health Of the
troops, and will be best adapted to repeI invasion,
and to protect what in the event Of annexation,
will be our western border, You will limit your
self the defence Of the srritory Of Texas, unless
Mexico should declare war against the United
Suites. p. '.. .H1. ~ u 'sIF ...-
J Your movement to the Gulf Of Mexico, and your
preparations to embark for the western frontier Of
Texas, are TO be made without any delay; but you
win not effect landing on that frontier until you
have yourself sscertained the due acceptance Of
Texas Of the proffered terms of annexation OF until
you receive directions from Mr., Donelson.
am sir, very respectfully,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
To Brig Gen. z. TAYLOR, ....
U. s. Army, Coming LIST Dept,
.,. Fort Jcsup, La.
P. S.-The revenue cutters Spencer and Wood
bury have been placed by the Treasury Department
at the disposition Of Mr.. Donelson. M
Wan DEPARTMENT, July 8, lS45.
Sra: This department is informed that Mexico
has some military establishments on the east eide OF
been, in the actual occupancy Of her troopp. In
oarrying out the instructions heretofore received
you will be careful to avoid any acts Of aggrtsson
| ualess an actual state Of war should exist. The
Mexican forces tho posts in their possession, and
which have been So viii not be disturbed az long az
the relations of peace between the United STATES and
Mexico continue. -01.rr..ll Wv
! ). TTaITI~a WIN. L. MARCY. e.
| Brig. Gen. Y. TAYLOR. u.s. -,rr ''.''