The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-12-28

ihVo veu ue TWO countries III war, by IN
,ading the territory Of the State Of Texas
striking the FIRST blow, and shedding III,
blood Of our citszens on our own soil.
Though the United States were tn,
' sg.ieyed nation, Mexico commenced III,
war; and We ~sre compelled, In selfdefence
to repel the invader, and vndicate the ma
llonal honor aud interests, by prosecuting i
with vigor, until we could obtain Just ant
honorable peace.
On learning that hosilities had been crm
menced by Mexico, promptly communica
ted that fact, accompanied with succinc
statement Of our other causes of complain
agans, Mexico, TO Congress, and that body
by an act Of the 18th OF May, 1916, de.
clared that by act OF the Republic of Mexi.
; CO, state Of war existed between that Gov.
ernmcut and the United States. This acl,
declaring the war to exist "by the act of the
Republic of Mexico" and making provis-
ions for its prosecution to speedy and snc-
cessiul termination, was pissed with great
unanimiiy by CangresE; there being but two
negative votes in The Senate, and but four
teen in The House of Representatives.
Tho exisiance Of war having thus been
chred by Congress, il became my duty,
under the Constitution and the laws, to con.
duct aud prosecute il. The duty has been
performed, and though al every stage Of lis
progress, have manifested Willingness 10
terminate il " a just peace, Mexico has re-
fiised 10 accede 10 any terms which could
be accepted by the United States, consis.
ten,eutly with The national honor and inter-
ests
The rapid and brilliant successes Of our
arms, aud tn vast extent of the enemy's Ter.
ritory which had been overrun and conquer
ed, before the close Of the last session of
Congress-, we're fully known to that body
Since that time, the war has been prosecu-
ted with increased energy; and am grati'
fed TO state, with success which command
universal admiration. History presents no
parallel Of so many glorious victories achiev-
ed by any nation within SO short period.
Our army, regulars aud volunteers, have
covered themse I've. with impershable hon
ors. Wherever and whenever our forces
have encountered the enemy, though he was
in vastly superior numbers, and often en-
l
lecnoR, and OF great strength, he has been
defeated Tea mucn praise cannot be be-
slowed upon our fiicers aud men, regulars
and volunee,s, and their gallau'ty, discipline,
indomilable courage aud perseverance,; all
seeking the posts Of danger, and vieing with
each o'her in deeds Of noble daring.
While every PATRIOTS heart must exnlt,
and just national pride aniina'e every bo-
SIN, in b.hodiug the high poolE Of courage,
consutna,e mili,aIy skill, steady discipline,
and humanity 10 the vanqusl ed enemy, cx-
hbied by our gallant army, the nailon IS
called 10 NOUN over tho loss of many brave
officers aud soldiers who have fallen in de-
fence Of lher euunliy's honor and interests.
The brave dead lave met their melancholy
fate ia foreign land, noby dlsclarsIng
their duty, and with their coantry's flag wa
wing nrhau,ly in the lace Of the foe.-l
Their patriotic deeds are Justly appreciated.
and vii. long be remembered by thcirgrate-
iul coun,tymen. The parental care Of the
govcramen, they loved and served should be
extended to their surviving families.
Shortly aiter the adjournment Of the las,
session OF Congress, The gratifying intelli-
gence was received OF the battle ui Buena
Vista, and of the fall of the city of Vera
Cruz, and with It the strong Castle OF San
juan de Ulloa, by which il was detended.-|
Believing that alter these, and other success
ses SO honorable to our arms, and so dsas
lrous to Mexico, the period was proptious 10
afford her another opportunity, if she though,
proper 10 en.brace il, In enter into negolia-
ions for peace, commissioner was appoint
ed TO proceed TO the headquarters of our ar
my, with full power tc enter on negotiations,
and to conclude a just and honorable treaty
Of peace. lie was not directed to make any
new overtures Of peace, but was the bcarcr
ola d. .spa,ch, from the Secretary Of State ot
the Uuited States, to the Minister Of For
sign Affairs Of Mexico, in reply to enc re-
ceiysd from the latter, ofihs I'D OF Februs.
~, ls47, in which tho Mexican government
was informed Of bis appointment, aud his
presence al tho headquarters Of our army,
and ,ha, he was invested with full powers 10
conclu defnitive tresty Of peace, when
ever the Mexican Government. might signify
a desire 10 do 80.
While was unwilling to subject the Uni
led S,al,s to another indignant refusal, II was
vet resolved that the evils Of the war should
not be protracted day longer than might
be rendered absolutely necessary by the
Mexican government. Gaze was taken 10
pive no instructions TO the commissioner
which could in any way interfere with ouI
military operations, or relax our energies in
the prosecution of the war. He possessed
no authority in any manner to control these
operations. lie was authorized to exhibi,
his instructions to the General in comand OF
.L...u. ..d in tha nvent of n troa,v hainu