The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-21
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August 80, lS45

"dSniHStou, huBuSt ~, lc4J'
Sra: Only one letter has been received from you
since you entered Texas, and that written the
day after you arrived at Arkansas Bay. Permit me
to urge'upon you the importance of availmg your
self of every opportunity of communicating " tn
this department. 1t is desirable to have early and
correct information from you, to enable the govern
ment to form a true Judgment OF the designs and
movemen ts of Mexico, founded on ascertained facts
II is presumed that IN pursuance Of previous in
strucions from this department, you have taken
special pains to become acquainted with the proceed
ings of Mexico, particularly in regard 10 the mum.
Der and kind of Mexican troops at Matannoras,
Monterey, and other places, as we'll as those which
are on the march towards them, and may be brought
act against your forces pushed across the Rio
Grande, either in the vicinity Of Matamoras or at
Instant points in that river. You will not, trust
underrate The importance Of such information, or
full TO use the proper and necessary means for ac-
1uirine IT,. You are directed, should you deem II
expedient, to employ mpetent and Trustworthy per-
sous To obtain such intelligence .s9gIfas b.
- The INSTRUCTIONS heretofore issued enjoin upon
you to defend Texas from invasion and Indian hos
Utilities; and, should Mexico invade il, you will en-
oloy all your forces To repuse the invaders, and
drive all MEXICAN troops beyond the Rio Grande.
Should you Judge the forces under your command
inadequate, you will not fail to draw sufficient
lliary aid from Texas, and IL there be need. from
the States, pursuant TO your previous instructions
It " not to be doubted that on your notification,
NWunteer troops, 10 the number you may 'ei"'",
will rally with aacrity to your standard. You have
been advised that the assembling large Mexican
army on the borders Of Texas, and crossing the
Rio Grande with considerable force, will be re-
garded by the Executive here as an INVASION o. the
United States, and the commencement Of hostItes
An ATTEMPT to cross thar river with such force will
also be onsdered in the same light There may
be other acts on the part Of Mexico which would
nut an end TO the relations Of peace between that
republic and the United States. Should depreda-
tons he committed our commerce. by her public
armed vessels, or privateers acting under her au-
thorty, this will constitute state Of war
Orders have been issued TO the vessels OF me UNI
ted States in the gulf TO furnish you with infoIma
ton Of any hostile proceedings Of Mexico, and the
state Of things in that repobc. You viii embrace
every occasion that may present. 70 forward TO the
Commanders or these vessels such intelligepce As
YOU may possess concerning the movements Of the
military forces and the state Of things IN Mexico
md Texas, sndto suggest 10 them such assistance
and cooperation as You may desire % receive w
In case ef war; either declared sr mede manifest
by hostile acts, your main object will beithe pro.
lection Of Texas butths pursit 81 this bjeet will
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