Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1847-12-21

provision lot lLs prosecution to a speedy
and successful termination, was passed
witt! with great unanimity by Congress, there
oelng but two negative votes in the Sen.
ate, and out fourteen in the House Of Rep.
resentatives. pr,
lhe existence the war having thus
been declared by Congress. it became my
duty, under the Constitution and the laws,
to conduct and prosecute it. This duty
has been performed and though at every
stage of its progress, have manifested a
willingness to erninate it by Just pc ace,
Mexico has refused to accede to any terms
which could be accepted by the United
States. consistently with the national hon.
or and interets. .ae..t 9.am..a ar
The rapid and brilliant successes of our
arms, and the vast extent of the enemy's
territory which had been overrun and
conquered before the close Of the last ses-
sion of Congress, were fully known to
that body. Since that time the war has
been prosecuted with increased energy :;
and | am gratified to state, with success
which commands universal admiration.
History presents no parallel of so many
glorious Victories achieved by any nation
within so short period.
Our army, regulars and volunteers, have
covered themselves with unperishable
hOnors. Wherever and whenever our
forces have encountered the enemy, though
he was in vastly superior numbers, and
often entrenched in fortified positions of
his own selection, and of great strength,
he has been defeated. Too much praise
cannot be bestowed upon our officers and
men, regulars and volunteers, and their
gallantry, discipline. indomitable courage
and perseverance all seeking the posts
of danger, and vieing with each other in
deeds of noble daring.
While every patriots heart must exult,
and just national pride animate every
bosom, in behoIding the high proofs of
courage. sonsummate military skill, steady
discipline, and humanity TO the vanqush-
ed enemy. exhibited by our gallant army,
the nation is called to mourn over the loss
of many brave officers and soldiers who
have fallen in defence of their country's
honor and interests. The brave dead met
their melancholy fate in foreign land,
nobly discharging their duty. and with
their country's flag waving triumphantly
in the tace of the foe. Their patriotic
deeds are justly appreciated, and will long
be remembered by their grateful country.
men. The parental care OF the govern
ment they loved and served should be ex-
tended to their surviving families.
Shortly after the adjournment OF the
last session of Congress, the gratifying
intelligence was received of the battle OF
l3uena Vista, and the fall of the city of
Vera Cruz, and with it the strong Castle
Of San Juan d. UlIoa, by which it was
defended. Believing that after these, land
other successes SO honorable to our arms,
and so disastrous TO Mexico, the period
was prOpitious to afford her another OPP
Portunity,if she thought proper to embrace
it, to enter into negotiations for peace, a
commissioner was appointed to proceed
to the headquarters of our army, with full
power to enter on negotiations, and to
conclude a just and honorable treaty OF
peace. He was not directed to make any
new overtures of peace, but was the bear
er Of despatch, from the Secretary of
State Of the United States, to the Minister
Of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, in reply to
one received from the latter, of the 22d OF
February, l647, in which the Mexican
government was informed Of bis appoint
ment, and of his presence at the head.
quarters Of our army, and that he was in.
vested with full powers to conclude de.
finite treaty of peace, whenever the Mex
lean government might signify desire to
do so. ~. rg. ... s-,a ar.
While | was unwilling to subject the
United States to another indignant refusal.
| was yet resolved that the evils of the
war should not be Protracted a day longer
than might be rendered absolutely neces.
sary by the Mexican Government.
Care was taken to give no instructions
to the commissioner which could in any
way interfere with our military operations,
or relax our energies in the prosecution
Of the war. He possessed no authority
in any manner to control these operations.
He was authorized to exhibit his instruc.
tons to the general in command of the
army, and in the event of a treaty being
concluded and ratified on the part of Mex
leo, he was directed TO give him notice
Of that fact.
On the happening of such contingency,
and on receiving notice thereof the Gen.
eral in command was instructed, by the
Secretary Of War, to suspend further &C
tive military operations until further or.
dered. hese instruction. were given
with a view to intermit hostilities until
the treaty thus ratified by Mexico could
pc transmittedto to, Washington, and receive
the action ofthe government of the United
States. 80