The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-21
WAR DErAarassr,


Sra The information which we have here renders
il probable that serious attempts will at present
be made by Mexico 20 invade Texas, although she
continues 10 threaten incursions. Previous instruc-
lions will have put you in possession Of the views
OF the government Of the United States, not only
asto the extent Of ts territorial claims but OF its de-
termination to assert them. In carrying out these
instructions you will be left very much 10 your own
Judgment, by reason Of your superior knowledge Of
localities and tho earlier notice you may receive Of
tho probable views Of Mexico and the movements Of
her troops. 500 IN
On the supposiiion that no active operations on
your part vail be required during the approaching
winter, an important question TO be decided is the
position or positions 10 be occupied by your forces
This must be dssermned mainly With reference 10
the objects for which the army under your com
mand was sent into Texas. You will approach an
near the western boundary Of Texas lthe Rio
Gfands) az circumstances viii permit; having refer
enee 20 rcssonable security 10 accommodation for
putting your troops Into winter huts, II deemed ne
eessary; TO die facility and certainty Of procuring or
receiving suppliesi and to checking any attempted
inclnsons by the Mexican forces or the Indian
tribes. Ought your present position TO be changed
the forcss which are, soon will be- assembled I'M
der your command, he kept together or divided!
and, II divided, what positions are 10 be taken and
how arc they 10 be divided These are questions
which must be in q measure left 20 your Judgment
or at least, the decision upon them here II there be
time, will be influenced IN no uncomfortable degree
by the information and views which you may fur
nlsh the department You need not, therefore, wait
for directions from Washington, to carry out what
you may deem proper TO be done Upon all the
points above enumerated, and others not suggested
your reports and views in full desired not only
with refer nee TO the continuance OF the present as
peet OF affairs between the United United States and
Mexico, but IN the contingency Of your selecting
or being directed to take position on the banks Of
the Rio Grande, near lie mouth, or places above or
even in the event of open hostites. II is expect
ed that the officers Of the engineer and opograph-
zeal corps, who have been sent into Texas, viii ex-
anime, as far as practicable, under your direction,
the country, with a view TO selecting eligible
positions for permanent or temporary occupation,
for depots Of supplies, arms, and munitions Of
war. Il is extremely desirable thai the seacoast,
or at least thar part oft which will be likely to
be visited by our vessels 10 aid Of any con-
tsmplated military operations, should be better
known here than Il now Is; as well the character
OF the several rivers which may present obstacles to
the movements Of our forces or furnish facilities
for transporting supplies You are requested to
avail yourself OF all proper occasions, and employ
the means you possess, to collect information in re-
gard TO all these matters, and forward il to this de-
partment. .r... ..rH .. .'a n
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
rs5l7vr. : 90 WM-L. MARCY,
.w.-. r Poi Secretary Of War.
Bngadier General z. TArLoa, ...
Commanding army Of occupation in Texas.