Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-05-21

1885, had declared the Rio Del Norte to be the bound
ary of that republic Its jurisdiction had been extended
and exercised beyond the Nueces. The country be-
tween that river and the Del Norte had been repre-
sented in the Congress and in the Convention OF
Texas had thus taken part in the act OF annexation
itself and is now included within of our Congress
sional districts. Our own Congress had, moreover,
with great unanmity. by the act approved December
3ls 1845 recognised the country beyond the Nueces
as part of our territory by including it within our
own revenue system; and revenue officer to reside
within that district. has been appointed by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate. 1t became,
therefore, of urgent necessity to provide for the de-
fence of that portion OF our country. Accordingly,
OH the thirteenth of January last instructions were
issued to the General in command OF these troops to
occupv the left bank of the Del Norte This river
which is the southwes boundary Uf the State of
Texas--is an exposed froRtier. From this quarter,
invasion was threatened; upon and in Its mmedl-
ate vicinity, in the judgment of high military expe-
ricnce, are the proper stations for the protecting
forces of the government In addition to this impor
ant consideration several others occurred to induce
this movement. Among these the facilities
afforded by the ports at Brazos Santiago and the
mou of the Del Norte for the reception of supplies
bv sea- the stronger and heahful military posi-
tons, the convenience for obtaining ready ind
more abundant supply of provisions water fuel and o
sgc and the advantages which are afforded by the Del
Norte in forwarding supplies to such posts may be
established in the interior and upon the Indian frontier
The movement Of the troops to the Del Norte
made by the commanding general, under positive
instructions to abstain from all aggressive acts to-
wards Mexico or Mexican citizens. and to regard the
relations between that republic and the United States
as peaceful unless she should declare war, or commit
acts of hostility indicative of state Of war. He
was specially directed TO protect private property and
respect personal rights.
The army moved from Corpus Christi on the 11th
cf March, and on the 18th of that month arrived on
the left bank of the Del Nore, opposite to Matamoras
where it encamped on a commanding position, which
has since been strengthened by the erection Of field
works. depot has also been established at Point
Isabel, near the Brazos Santiago, thirty miles in
of the encampmcnt. The selection of his position
was necessarily confded to the judgment of the gene
raj in command.
The Mexican forces at Matamoras assumed bel
ligerent attitude, and the 18th of April, General
Ampudla, then in command, notified General Taylor
to break ND his camp within twenty-four hours and
to retire beyond tine Nueces river and in the event of
his failure to comply with these announced that arms,
and arms alone must decide the question. But no
open hostility committed until the twentyourth of
April On that day, Ger. Arista, who had succeeded
to the command of the Mexican forces communicated
to Gen Taylor that he considered hOstilities CON-
menced and should prosecute them" party of
DRAGONS of sixty-three and officers were the
same dav despatched from the American camp up the
Rio Del Norte on its left bank, to ascertain whether
the Mexican troops mad crossed, preparing to
cross the river, became engaged with large body
of these troops, and after short affair." in which
some sixteen were killed and wounded appear to have
been surrounded and compelled to surrender"
The grievous wrongs perpetrated by Mexico upon
our citizens throughout long period of years. remain
unredressed and solemn treaties pledging her public
18th for this redress have been disregarded. gov
ernment either unable or unwilling to enforce the
execution of such treaties fails 10 perform one of its
plainest duties.
Our commerce with Mexico has been almost ami
hilated Ii was formerly highly beneficial TO both
nations but our merchants have been deferred from
prosecuting by the system of outrage and extortion
which the Mexican authorities have pursued against
ther1, whilst their appeals through their COVE
ment for indemnity have been made in vain. Our
forbearance has gone to such an extreme as to be
mistaken in its character. Had we acted with vigor
in repelng the insults and redressing the injuries
inflicted by Mexico at the commencement, should
doubtless have escaped all the difficulties in which
are now involved
Instead of this, however, we have been exerting
our best efforts propitiate her good WILL Upon the
pretext that Texas, nation independent herself
tbouobt proper to unite its destnes with our own she
has affected to believe that have severed her right
FIJI territory and. in official proclamations and mani
festoes has repeatedly threatened to make war upon
us for the purpose OF reconquering Texas. In the
mean time we have tried every effort at reconciliation.
The Gun of forbearsnce had been exhausted even
before the recent information from the frontier of the
Del Norte. But now, after reiterated menaces Mex
ico has passed the boundary of the United States,
has invaded our territory, and shed American blood
upon the American SOIL She has proclaimed that
hostites have commenced, and that the two nations
are now at war.
AS war exists and, Notwithstanding all our efforts
N avoid il, exists by the act of Mexico herself we
are called upon by every consideration of duty and
patriotism, to vindicate with decision, the honor, the
rights. and the interests of our country.
Anticipating the possibility OF a crisis like that
which has arrived, instructions given in August
last as precautionary measure" against invasion
or threatened invasion, authorizing Gen. Taylor, il
the emergency required, to accept volunteers, not
from Texas only, but from the States OF Louisiana,
Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky
and corresponding letters were addressed to the
spective governors vi those States These instruc-
tons were repeated and in January last, soon after
the incorporation of Texas into union of States,
Gen TAYLOR was further authorized by the Presiden:
to make requison upon the executive of that State
for such of its militia force may be needed to repel
invasion or to the country against apprehended
INVASION" On the I'd day of March, he again re-
minded the of the approach of any conside-
rable Mexican force, promptly and efficiently to the
authority with which he clothed to call to him
such auxiliary force as he might need" War actually
existing and our territory having been invaded len.
TAYLOR. pursuant to authority vested In him by my
direction, has called the Governor of Texas for
four regiments Of State troops-two to be mounted,
and two to serve on foot; and the Governor Of
Louisiana for four regiments of infantry, to be sent
to him as soon practicable.
In further vindication of rights and defence OF
our territory invoke the prompt action of Congress
to recognise the existence of the war; and place at
the disposition of the Executive the of prose-
cutting the war with vigor, and thus Fastening the
restoration of peace. To this end l recommend that
authority should be given to call into the public
vice large body of volunteers to for not less