The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-12-19

1
Santa Anna's return to Mexico, and his conles
with Paredes, might strongly tend to produce
disposition with both parties 10 restore and preserv
peace with, the United States. Paredes was sol
der by profession, and monarchst 10 principle
He had but recently before been successful 10
| military revolution, by which he had obtaine,
power. He was the sworn enemy OF the Unite,
States. with which he had involved his country il
the existing war. Santa Anna had been expelled
from power by the army, was known to be in opeI
hosiiltyto Psredes, and publicly pledged agans
foreign intervention and the restoration of monar
chy III Mexico. In view of these facts and circum
stances it was, that. when orders were issued te
the commander of our naval forces in the Gulf, or
the 18th day ofMay last, the day on which the ex
lsienee ofthe war was recognised by Congress, tc
place the coasts OF Mexico under blockade, he wa:
directed not to obstruct the passage Of Santa Anna
to Mexico. should he attempt to return.
Areyolution took place IN Mexico in the early
part OF August following, by which the power ol
Paredes was overthrown, and he has since been
oanlshed from the country, and Is now in exile
Shortly afterwards, Santa Anna returned. II re-
mains to be seen whether his return may not vet
prove to be favorable to pacific adjustment of the
existing difficulties. it being manfestly his interest
not to persevere in the prosecution of war COM
menced by Paredes, to accomplish purpose SO
absurd as the reconqnest of Texas to the Sabine.
Had Parades remained in power, il is morally GER
tain that any pacific adjustment would have been
iopeless, =
Upon the commencement of hostilites by Mex
leo against the United States the indignant spirit
OF the nation was at once aroused. Congress
promptly responded to the expectations Of the coun-
Try. and, by the act OF the 3lh Of May last, recog.
nised the fact that existed, by the act of Mex
co, between the United States and that republic.
and granted the means necessary for its rigorous
prosecution. Being involved in war thus COM
menced by Mexico, and for the justice of which
on our part we may confidently appeal to the whole
world, l resolved TO prosecute it with the utmost
vigor. Accordingly. the ports of Mexico on the
Gulf and on the Pacific have been placed unde.
blockade, and her territory invaded at several i'm
portant points. The reports from the departments
of War aud the Navy will inform you more in de-
tail OF the measures adopted in the emergency In
which our country was placed, and of the crafty
ing results which have been accomplished.
The various columns Of the army have perform
ed their duty under great disadvantages. with the
most distinguished skill and courage. The yicto-
ries of Pao Alto, and Resaca de la Palma, and of
Monterey, won against greatly superior numbers,
and against most decided advantages in other re-
spects OIL the part of the enemy, were brilliant in
their execution, and entiie our brave officers and
soldiers to the grateful thanks of their country
The nation deplores the loss Of the brave officers
and men who have gallanty fallen while vindicat-
ing and defending their country's rights and honor.
II is subject Of pride and satisfaction that our
volunteer ciiizen-soldiers, who so Iromptly re-
sponded to their country's, call, with an experience
oil the discipline OF camp of only few weeks,
have borne their part in the hard fought battle of
Monterey with a constancy aud courage equal to
that of veteran troops, and worthy Of the highest
admiration. The privations of long marches
through the enemy's country, and through will
derness, have been borne without amurmur. b.
rapid movements the province Of New Mexico,
with Santa Fe, its capital has been captured with
out bondshed. The navy has co-opersted with
the army, and rendered important services: not
so brilliant, it is because the enemy had no force
to meet them on their own element, and because
ofthe defences which nature has interPosei in the
difficulties Of the navigation on the Mexican coast.
OuI squadr"" in the Pacific, with the cooperation
ofa gallant oticer OF the army. and small force
hastily collected IN that distant country, have ac-
CURED bloodess possession of the Calf, rnas, and
the American flag has been raised at every i'm
portant point in that province.
! congratulate you un the euccoes which hoo
thus attended our military and naval operations
In less than seven months after Mexico commenced
hostlities, at time selected by herself. we have
taken possession of many of her principal ports,
driven back aud pursued her invading army, and
acquired military possession OF the Mexican prov
inces of New Mexico, New Leon, Coahula, Tam
aulipas, and the CALIFORNIA;, territory larger in
extent than that embraced in the original thirteen
States of the Union, Inhabited by considerable
population, and much of it more than thousand
miles from the points at which we had to collect our
forces aud commence our movements. By the
blockade, the import and export trade of the ene-
emy has been cut of
Well may the American people be proud Of the
energy and gallantry of our regular and volunteer
officer, and soldiers. The events of these few
months afford gratifying proof that our country
can, under any emergency, confidently rely for the
maintenance Of her honor. and the defence of her
rights on an effective force, ready at all times vol
unfairly TO relinqush the comforts Of home for the
pers and privations of the camp. And though
such orce may be for the time expensive, il is in
the end economical, as the ability to command il
removes the necessity of employing large stand
ing army in time of peace, and proves that peo-
pie love their institutions, and are ever ready TO
defend aud protect them.
Whilst the war was in a course of vigorous and
successful prosecution, being still anxious to ar
rest 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 COM
promitted by it, another overture was made to
Mexico BY my direction, on the 9th of July last,
to terminate hostiiites by peace Just and hoDora-
BILE 10 both countries. On the slst Of August fol-
lowing, the Mexican govern ent declined to ac-
cept this friendly overture, but referred 1t to the
decision of Mexican Congress. to be assembled
in the early part Of the present month. commu-
nicate you, herewith copy of the letter Of the
Secretary Of Estate proposing to reopen negotiations
of the answer Of the Mexican government, and of
the reply thereto of the Secretary Of State,
The war will continue to be prosecuted with vig-
or, as the best means ofsecuring peace. hoped
that the decision of the Mexican Congress, to
which our last overture has been referred may re-
suit In speedy and honorable peace. With our
experience, however, Of the unreasonable course
ofthe Mexican authorities, il is the part OF wisdom
not to relax in the energy Of our military opera
tions until the result il made known. In this view
il is deemed important TO hold military possession
Of all the provinces which have been taken, until
definilive treaty Of peace shall have been con-
cluded and ratified by the two countries.
The war has not been wsged with view 10
conquest; but having been commented by Mexr-
CO, Il has been carried into the enemy's country,
and will be vigorously prosecuted there, with
view to obtain an honorable peace, and thereby Sc
cure ample indemnity for the expenses Of the war,
. - tzl1