The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-03-11

COnQuuen from tuSt HtSHS CHOH j
ur opponents charge that the march to the Rio Grande
was moi only cause OF war, but itself The ground
80 often and ably occupied Will not again argue at
length-showing that the wings always commended that
The annexation OF Texas cause OF and even the
alopton of the with Mexico; or that II was the
Presidents constitutional right and duty to defend every
inch OF Texas claimed by her when admitted; or that
the governor of Texas bound to defend with his
militia all the country his State had solemnly caimed
and wherever he was bound to carry his militia, the
President was bound carry the regulars upon similar
emergency that the President was justified IN appe-
bendng invasion, by repeated threats and the accumua-
ton of troops the bordeby the new hostile attitude
of Mexco-she having had revolution TO place Pare
des in power because Herrera inclined to treat with
us or the fact since known, that Paroles ordered his
general before be knew of the march to the Rio Grande
10 begin the war, and pass that rivers or the fact that
war; but always based upon her claim 10 the whole OF
Texas These matters baye been thoroughly discussed
propose 10 consider only the conduct OF our adversaes
on their preence, that the march to the Del Nore
caused the war; and upon that supPosition propose to
show that they almost responsible as the President
even for the battles OF the eth and 9th OF May and jointly
with us entirely responsible Tor all mat has since oc
cured
Those gentlemen have abused the President for gross
ignorance in not knowing what they say "any old map
or geography roAd haze fought HIM" namely-that
amaupas extended to the Nueces, and that the march
TO the Rio Grande invasion OF Mexican SOIL and
a cause of war, which rendered war inevitable shall
gentlemen knew the subject they did not give the
Country the benefit of that information. They knew the
army al Corpus Christi long before Congress met
they knew this west of the Nueces and, by their
geography and old maps" in Tamaulipas in Mexico,
and by their law invason-a beginning OF war; but
they silent When Congress met they learned that
the President and his cabinet did not consider Corpus
Christi as the limit of their power and duty, Of the
State of Texas They distinctly informed at their
meeting in December 1915. that the President and cabinet
considered the Rio rande boundary, and the line of
our defence II look to the message and documents
of 1885, we find that the President urges the immediate
necessity OF the extension OF our revenue laws and Judi
cial system the people OF Texas. He says:
''The jurisdiction of the United States, which, at the
formation of the federal constitution bounded by the
St Marys the Atlantic has passed the capes of Florida
The Secretary OF the Navy spoke of defending
coasts to the Del Norte. The President says:
"our army was ordered take position between the
Nuece and the Del Nore and repel any invasion OF the
Tcza territory which might be attempted by The Mexican
Our squadron in the gulf was ordered TO cooperate
placed in a position defend our own and the rights OF
Texas, they were ordered to oomp no act OF hostility
against Mexico unless she declared war; or was herself the
aggressor by striking the first blow
The Secretary OF War states in his report that;
''The ready acceptance the part of Texas, of the
Of annexation pollered by this government excited
menaced the Immediate commencement of hostilities
against the United States and foot il was said
extensive preparations invade and subjugate Texas.
Pursuant TO your directions an army Of occupation
assigned the command of it, He eas instructed 70 repe
Mriean aggsssions and protect n: country from indian m
select position his forces with reference to this from
tier but to leave unmolesed Mexican settlements and also
military posts should there be any such posts the east
bank OF that river which in the occupation of Mex
previously the period when Texas asented to
The terms OF annexation
sThough no movement yet has been made the part
of Mexico carry into effect her oenrepeated menaces,
or 10 change the relations peace between her and the
United States she still continues manifest hostile feelings
and threatens invasion OF Texas This attitude, as long
as shall continue, will require the presence OF military
force in that quarter equal that stationed
there is presumed that this equivoca state, which has
the settled character of peace or war; will not be much
longer continued.
'Should Mexico deny right possess the country mp
fore annexaon and the free common OF the waters OF
that river presumed that authority will be given to en-
in both respects In the event of resistance there
be aston to employ additional force, and author
V should be given for raising il in that contingency In
settled political condition will suggest, awse precan-
lion, the guarding of that frontier by considerable body
of troops"
Surely here was language strong enough to open the
lips of the patriot, to give timely warning to the Execu
tive 1t enough 10 put all upon the inquiry at least
the boundary by the War and Navy Departments that it
was the boundary and the boundary which our general
was instructed to defend And, had theyinqured, they
would have obtained those orders and instructions which
now accompany the war message
Thus Mr.. Bancroft, in temporary control of the War
Department, writes to General Taylor the 18th of
June, 1S45:
"The point of your ultimate destination is the
frontier of Texas, where you will select and occupy
the Rio Grandc del Norte, slich site as will consist
with the health of the troops and will be best adapted
pei invasion, and protect what in the
WILDE western border You will limit yoursefto the de-
fence of the Territory of Texas, unless Mexico should de-
clare war against the United siecs.'
And Mr.. Marcy, July 8, 1915:
Sm This. department is informed that Mexico has
military establishments the side of the Rio
Gande which are, and for time have been in the
actual occupancy of her troops In carrying the nsruc
lions heretofore received, you will be careful avoid any
acts of aggression unless actual state of should
M The Mexican forces at the posts in their possession
and which have been so will not be disturbed long
the relations of peace between the United States and Next
co continue.
Again, on the 3oth of July:
The Rio Grands is claimed to be the boundary between
the countries and this boundary to extend
protection, only excepting posts the eastern
side thereof which in the actual occupancy of Mexican
forces Mexican settlements which the republic of
ton, shortly before that event 1t is expected that in
Letting the Tor your troops you will approach
win dictate. With this view, the President desires that
your position, for part OF your forces least should be
west of the river Nueces"
And on the Odd of August
There is believe that Mexico is making efforts
assemble large army ON the frontier of Texas for the
purpose entering its territory and holding fore ble pos
session OF it, OF their movements you doubtless ad-
vsed and trust have TAKEN early will take, prompt
and efficient steps meet and repe such hostile incur
sion Should Mexico assemble large body of troops
the Rio Grpnde and with considerable force snch
a movement must be regarded inpaon of the United
States and the of hostiles. You WILL of
course all the authority which has been may be Civ
teced from hostile invasion, and for that purpose you will
of employ the utmost extent all the means you
possess or can command
can order has been this day issued for sending thou
sand into Texas Join those under your
nand When the existing orders are carried into effect,
will have with force of four thousand of the
regular army We not enabled 10 Judge what auxiliary
force can, upon emergency be brought together from
accept volunteers from the States OF Louisiana Ala
bama and from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ken