Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-07-24
TO his ErceHeacy the Minister Of Foreign Reid
tons Of the Nericm, Republic.


tons Of the Nsricm, Republic.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, ApRIL Is, lS47.
SIR have the honor acknowledge the receipt of your
Excelencys note of the ed February last in answer
mine OF the 18th January, proposing, the part Of the Pre-
sdent of the United States Immediately dspach eherto
the Havana Jaapa, the Mexican Government may pre-
fer of most distinguished citizens commits
oner, clothed with full powers conclude treaty peace
with similar commissioners the part Mexico soon
he shall be officially informed that the Mexican Government
will appoint such commissioners.
The President deeply regrets the refusal of the Mexican
Government to accede this friendly overture sunless the
raising OF the blockade Of The Mexican ports and the
complete evacuation of the territory of the Republic by the
invading forces shall be previously accepted
condition"
The President has instructed inform you that this
preliminary condition" is wholly nadmssible. Such
don is neither required by the honor sanctioned by the
practice of nations II were this would tend poong wars
especially between contermnous countries until the
the other Power entirely subdued No nation which,
the expenditure of blood and treasure has invaded its enemy
country and acquired possession of any considerable portion
Of his territory could withdraw its forces
preliminary condition TO the opening of negotiations Tor peace
This would be abandon all the advantages had
that peace would result from the sacrifice Nay should
such negotiation prove unsuccessful the nation which had
thus mprudeny withdrawn its forces from the enemys terri
tory might be able recover, without of blood and
equal that first expended the advantageous posi-
ton which it had voluntarily abandoned.
Fortunately for the of peace and humanity the histo
ny of nations affords sanction such preliminary
condition The United States jealous Of their national
honor any Power the face of the earth and yet
entered into the contemplation Of the great who adj
mnsered Government during the period last
with Great Britain to insist that the latter should elnquish
that part of territory Of which she was in actual possession
before they would consent to open negotiations On
the contrary, they took the initiative, and appointed commits
scners to treat for peace whilst portions of country
held by the enemy and is remarkable fact that the treaty
OF Client concluded by the Penpoeniare Of the
Powers whilst the raging both sides and the most
memorable Of the conflicts which gave place upon
soil after the negoators had happily terminated their
abors. History full Of such examples Indeed, far
the undersigned is aware, there is not to be found least in
modern times single case except the present, in which
has been considered necessary preliminary that invading
army should be Withdrawn before negotiations could
commence between the parties 10 the war.
II would also be difficult to find precedent for the course
pursued by the Mexican Government in another particular
aVou the no"
minister of peace Mexico for this purpose. After the Next
forces had attacked the army Of Gen. Taylor this side
OF the Rio Grande, and thus commenced the war; the Pesi
dent actuated by the pacific spirit made repeated
lures to the Government of Mexico negotiate for its temi
nation and, although he has from the beginning solemny
declared before the world that he desired terms but such as
Just and honorable for both parties yet the Mexican Gov
eminent, by refusing TO receive Minister in the first place
and afterwards bv not acccdng overures to open
aons for peace has afforded to this Government even
the opportunity Of making known the terms which we would
be willing 10 settle all questions il dispute between the two
Republics The war can never end whilst Mexico refuses
to hear the proposals which have always been ready
to make for peace.
The President will again the offer 10 nero,iae
least until he shall have believe that Il would he
accepted by the Mexican Government Devoted however
honorable peace he is determined that the evils Of The war
shall not be potrac day longer than shall be rendered
absolutely necessary by the Mexican Republic For the pur-
pose of carrying this determination into effect with the least
possible delay he will forthwith send to the Headquarters of
the army in Mexico Nicholas p. Tns ESQ., the officer
next in rank to the undersigned in our Department Of Fo
reign Affairs Commissioners invested with full powers 10
conclude denve treaty Of peace with the United Mexican
States This gentleman possesses the entire confidence Of
the President, and is emineny worthy Of that Of the Mex
can Government.
The undersigned refans from all comment upon the con-
GLIDING paragraph wen some other portions Of your
Excelencys note because the strong sense which he enter