Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-12-18

as the Uniled States wore concerned. while twas
highly probable that any change must be for tho
beIler. This was the state Of affairs existing when
Congress, on the 18th Of May last, recognized
the existence Of the war which had been com.
menced by the government Of Paredes, and il be-
came an object Of much importance, with view
TO speedy settlement Of our difficulties and the
restoration Of an honorable peace, that Paredes
should not retain power in Mexico.
Before that time there were symptoms of rev.
olution in Mexico, favored, as il was understood
to be by the more liberal party, and especially by
those who were opposed to foreign Interference
and TO the monarchical form Of government
Santa Anna was then an exile in Havana, having
been expelled from power and banished from his
country by revolution which occurred in De.
cember, 1914; but il was known that he had
still a considerable party in his favor in
Mexico. It was also equally we'll known that
no vigilance which could be exerted by our squad.
ron would, in all probability, have prevented him
from effecting landing somewhere on the exten.
sive gulf coast of Mexico, il he desired TO return
to his country. He had openly professed an en-.
tire change Of policy; had expressed his regret
that he had subverted the federal constitution Of
1924, and avowed that he was now in favor Of
its restoration. He had publicly declared his hos
ty, in the strongest terms, 10 the establishment
of monarchy, and to European interference in
the affairs Of this country.
Information TO this effect had been received
from sources believed 10 be be reliable at the date
Of the recognition of the existence of the war by
Congress, and was afterwards fully confirmed by
the receipt of the despatch Of our consul in the
city Of Mexico, with the accompanying docu.
ments, which are herewith transmitted. Besides,
it was reasonable to suppose that he must see the
ruinous consequences TO Mexico Of a war with
the United States, and that it would be his inter.
est 10 favor peace.
1t was under these circumstances and upon
these considerations that il was deemed expedient
not TO obstruct his return to Mexico, should he
attempt to do so. Our object was the restoration
Of peace; and with that view, no reason was per.
ceived why we should take part with Paredes,
and aid him by means Of our blockade, in pre-
venting the return Of his rival to Mexico. On
the contrary, it was believed that the intestine d.
visions which ordinary sagacity could not but
anticipate, as the fruit of Santa Annals return
to Mexico, and his contest with Paredes, might
strongly tend TO produce disposition with both
parties 10 restore and preserve peace with the
f United States. Parades was a soldier by profes.
$ sion and monarchist in principle. He had but
.
Y luton, by which he had obtained power. He
, was the sworn enemy of the United States, with
1 which he had involved his country in the existing
? war. Santa Anna had been expelled from pow
er by the army, was known to be in open hostili.
ty to Paredes, and publicly pledged against for
n eign intervention and the restoration of monar.
r chy in Mexico. In view of these facts and cir
] cumstances it was, that, when orders were issued
: TO the commander Of our naval forces in the
Gulf, on the 18th day of May last, only two days
9 after the existence Of the war had been recogni.
Q sed by Congress, TO place the coasts of Mexico
n under blockade, he was directed not 10 oostruct
r the passage Of Santa Anna TO Mexico, should he
: attempt TO return.
+. Arevolution took place in Mexico in the early
S part Of August following, by which the power Of
# ParedeS was overthrown, and he has since been
J. banished from the country, and is now in exile.
], Shortly afterwards, Santa Anna returned. 1t re.
IS mains TO be seen whether his return may not vet
= prove to be favorable TO pacific adjustment Of
the existing difhues, it being manfestly his in
i terest not 10 persevere in the prosecution Of
i war commenced by Parades, to accomplish pur.
pose so absurd as the reconquest of Texas TO tho
Y Sabine. Had Paredes remained in power, it is
!. morally certain that any pacific adjustment would
# have been hopeless.
y Upon the commencement of hostilites by
Mexico against the United States, the indignant
II spirit of the nation at once aroused. Congress
.. promptly responded TO the expectations of the
Z country, and, by the act of the 18th of May last
70 recognised the fact that war existed by the act
!. Of Mexico, between the United States and that
IS republic, and granted the means necessary for its
" vigorous prosecution. Being involved in war
"a thus commenced by Mexico, and for the Justice
\. of which on our part we may confidently appeal
v to the whole world, ! resolved to prosecute il
10 with the utmost vigor. Accordingly, the ports
is of Mexico on the Gulf and on the Pacific have
Or been placed under blockade, and her territory in.
: vaded at several important points. The reports
to from the Departments of War and the Navy will
ID inform you more in detail of the measures adop'
ted in the emergency in which our country was
+. placed, and of the gratifying results which have
u been accomplished.
10 The various columns Of the army have per
Ii formed their duty under great disadvantage, witt
es the most distinguished skill and courage. Tht
nd victories Of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma
rn and of Monterey, won against great superior
ne numbers, and against most decided advantages
ar in other respects on the part Of the enemy, wer
ST. brilliant in their execution and entitle our brav
ne officers and soldiers TO the grateful thanks Of h
'te country. The nation deplores the loss of tn
I'D brave officers and men who have gaantly falle
ad while vindicating and defending their country
N. rights and honor.
on 1t is subject of pride and satisfaction that ou
he volunteer citizen soldiers, who SO promptly res
ch ponded to their counry's call, with an expsrienc
- Of the discipline Of camp of only few weeks
ms have borne their part in hardfought battle @
ing Monterey with consistency ard courage equal t
ere that of veteran troops, and worthy Of the hghe,
of admiration. The prvations of long marche
ties through the enemy's country, and through will
os. derness, have been borne without murmer. B
,ss. ranid movements the DrOYince of New Mexico