Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-12-16

line, would be increasingly waged. 1t would
require large army to be kept constantly in
the field, stationed at posts and garrisons along
such line, to protect and defend it. The en-
envy, relieved from the pressure of our arms on
his coasts and III the populous parts of the in
terror, would direct his attention 10 this line, and
selecting an isolated post for attack, would con
centrae his forces upon it. This would be a
condition of affairs which the MeXcans, pursu-
ing their 1avorite system of guerilla warfare,
would probably prefer to any other Were we
to assume defensive attitude on such line,
all the advantages of such a state of warfare
would be on the side Of the enemy. We could
levy no contributions upon him, or in any other
way make him feel the pressure OF the war, but
must remain inactive and await his approach,
being in constant uncertainty at which point on
the line, Or at what time, he might make an
assault.
He may assemble and organize an over
whelmlng force in the interior on his own side
OF the line, and concealing his purpose, make
sudden assault upon some one OF cur posts so
distant from any other as 10 prevent the posi-
bility of timely succor or renlforcements and
in this way our gallant army would be exposed
othe danger of being cut off in detail or it,
by their unequalled bravery and proves every
where exhibited during this war, they should
repulse the enemy, their numbers stationed at
any one post may be too small to pursue him.
If the enemy be repused in one attack, he
would have nothing TO do but to retreat to his
own side of the line, and being in no fear of a
pursuing army, may reinforce himself al leisure
Tor another attack on the same or some oher
post He may, too, cross the line between our
posts, making rapid incuIsions into the country
which we hold murder the inhabitants, com
init depreda'ions on them. and then retreat to
the interior before sufficient force can be con-
centated 10 pursue him Such would pro-
badly be the harassing character of mere de-
1enslye war on our part. If our forces, when
attacked or threatened with attack be permit
ted to cross the line drive back the enemy and
conquer him, this would be again TO invade the
enemy's country after having lost all the adj
yantages OF the cOnquests we have already
made, by having voluntarily abandoned them.
To hold such line successfully and in security
ii is far from being certain that it would not
require as large an army as would he necessary
to hold all the conquesls we have already made,
and to continue the prosecution of the war in
the heart of the enemy's country. 1t is also
far from being certain that the expenses of the
war would be diminished by such policy
am persuaded that the best means of vindi-
GAZING the nation al honor and interest, and Of
bringing the wal to al honorable close, will be
10 prosecute 1t with increased energy and pow
er in the vital parts Of the enemys country
In my annual message to Congress in De-
cemberlast, declared that " the war has not
been waged with view TO conquest but hav-
ing been commenced by Mexico, it has been
carried into the enemy;s country and will be
vigorously prosecuted there, with a view TO OBJ
tain an honorable peace, and thereby secure
ample indemnify for the expenses of the war,
as well as TO our much injured citizens, who
hold pecuniary demands against MeXco.7-
SS1Gh, IN my Judgment, continues 10 be our true
badly secure an honorable peace
Ii has never been contemplated by me as
an object OF the war, to make permanent CON
quest Of the republic of Mexico, or 10 annihi-
late her seperate existence as an independent
nation. On the contrary it has ever been my
desire that she should maintain her nationality,
and, under good government adapted 10 her
condition, be free, independent, and pres
porous republic. The United States We're the
first among the nations to recognise her indie
pendence, and have always desired to be on
terms Of unity, and good neiqhborhood with her
This She would not suffer. By her own con-
duct we have been compelled 10 engage i'll the
present war. In its prosecution, we seek not
her overthrow as a nation but in yindicating
our national honor, we seek to obtain redress
for the Wrong she has done US, and indemnify
for our just demands against her We demand
an honrable peace, and that peace must bling
with it indemnify for the past, and security
for the future. Hitherto Mexico has refused all
accommodation by which such peace could be
obtained
Whilst our armies have advanced from vic
tory to victory, from the commencement of the
war; it has always been with the olive-branch of
peace in their hands and ii has been i'll the
power OF Mexico; at every step TO arrest hostil-
lilies by accepting it.
One great obstacle to the attainment of peace
has, undoubtedly, arisen from the fact that Mex
leo had been so long held in subsection by one
faction or military usurper after another, and
such has been the condition of insecurity Ill
which their successive governments have been
placed that each has been deferred from MAX
ing peace, lest for This very cause, rival fac
ton might eXpel it from power. Such was the
fate of President Henera's administration in
1885, for being disposed even to listen to the
oyerures of the United States to prevent the
war; as is fully confirmed by an official cores
pondence, which took place in the month of
August last, between him and his government,
a copy of which is herewith communicated
Forthis cause alone, the revolution which dis
placed him from power was set on ioCt'' by Gen,
Paroles. Such may be the condition of inse-
cuIity of the present government
There can be no doubt that the peaceable and
we'll disposed inhabitants of Mexico are con.
WINGED that ii is the true interest of their coun-
try to conclude an honorable peace with the
United States but the apprehension Of becom
ing the victims of some military faction or usur
per may have prevented them from manifest
ing their feelings by any public act. The re
mova of any such apprehension would probab
ly cause them to speak their sentiments freely
and to adopt the measures necessary for the
restoration of peace With people distracted
and divided by contendng factions, and GOV
eminent subject to constant changes by success
siye revolutions, the continued successes of Gu
arms fail to secure a satisfactory peace. In
such event. it may become proper for our com
manding generals in the field TO give encour
agement and assurances of protection 10 the
friends of peace in Mexico in the establishment
and maintenance OF free republican govern
ment of their own choice able and willing tc
conclude peace which would be Just to them,
and secure TO us the indemnity we demand
This may become the only mode OF obtaining
such peace. Should such be the result, the
war which Mexico has forced upon us would
thus be converted into an enduring blessing &c
herself After finding her torn and distracted
by factions, and ruled by military usurpers, we
should then leave her with a republican govern,
ment in the enjoyment oireal independence, and
domestic peace and prosperity performing all
her relative dutips in thn great family OF ma