Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-07-31
ON THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS BULLETIN OF sULr 10

The MEXICAN W.R.-Judging by the information we OBJ
tain from the Administration and its organs now car
ying on the with Mexico for the purpose Of conquer-
ing peace but from all learn through the public press,
well as by private advices from Mexico, would appear
there but little prospect of the desired being near at
hand, either by conquest or otherwise.
The operations of armies aud the victories they have
obtained have thus far been without results and have really
given nothing than the command of the places have
captured and continue occupy with apparent approach
to the conquest either of peace the country at large,
and we neither hold territory exercise jurisdiction except
so far as we actually occupy with bayonets.
The people Of the United States have been fully convinced
of this but they have constantly looked forward to important
and definite consequences from the capture of the capital
yet even in this their expectations destined to dsap
pointnent.
Our capture Of the city TO be event anticipated
by the enemy pretty much matter of course, but de-
emined they in their resistance that if this or any other
circumstance should induce those who may have the nominal
government in their hands into negotiations for peace
the individual States will give their sanction any such
measure.
Already coalition, composed Of the five States of San
Luis, Mexico, Zacatecas asco and Queretaa has been
formed for the purpose, and they have promulgated address
through the Mexican papers, from which make the follow
ing extract:
"Mexcans The coalition has been formed not to be the
echo of paly party interests; noble mission has no other
object than to defend the Independence of their country and
the free institutions by which it is governed The coalition
has met not to call to the high dgnaes and gene
rails OF the Republic but aid them with the private
Of the States which compose in the defence of
nationality. 1t has not met to divisions but unite
all minds and to make all Mexicans fix their attention on two
capital points, independence and liberty.
SIN these solemn moments the Commissioners have Judged
to be of the greatest Importance explain the people the
object of their meeting, and the sacred ends which mpor
tant and delicate mission had in view Upon this principle
the coalition, in the Of the States which represents
declares to the nation that their other than main
tain the independence and the republican federal system that
IN the event that the national representation should by any
accident be unable to exercise its functions if without
any faults OF Its own the sovereign General Congress should
not have the requisite liberty its deiberaton, in the
opinion OF the coalition, then the coalition will the
representation of the confederate States Of union
for Them They protest that they will TO-
be bound y convention treaty of peace with the North
American enemy, as long he threatens occupies the
pa any other point Of the Mexican Republic They also
will not recognise general suspension Of which should
comprise all the begeent forces of the nation The main
objects OF the coalition being TO defend independence and the
federal SYSTEM they protest the that far
from separating from the national unon the States which
represents determined to aid with their private
the General Government Independent of the assistance they
are by law bound to gve that the
them IN its dsgraces and its pesmay be sustained the
national credit and honor reesabshed and all possible oppo
son and resistance made every attack upon the popular
federal representative system
This document not only shows dsust Of their own Co
vernmen but also fear Of its dissolution dspeon
Of M being under the influence control of the American
army against all which contingencies they determined
be guarded.
Even before this step taken by the Mexican it
evident there Government in Mexico with whom
treaty could be formed, having any certainty that its cond
4 -
declaration in advance from five of the principal States Of the
Union, that they will not consider any stpulations for truce
peace entered into by the General Government binding
them.
1t very difficult say what ought to be done under such
circumstances Tor do believe the capture of the city
will have any definite and positive results than the cap
of Monterey and Vera Cruz the victories of Buena
Vista and Cerro Gordo
We have never changed our opinion as to the mode in
which the ought be conducted with such people and
in such country As have long since stated, the true
plan capture every seaport establish cusomhouses and
collect their revenues and thus them off from intercourse
with the world, except through us and our own TERMS
leaving hem when tired Of this state of things say
they willing to negotiate fair and reasonable
The attempt march to and capture the capital
undertaking Of great risk, and could only succeed a
expense Of life and treasure has been abundany proved
and even when successfully accomplished would be produc
tive Of practical benefits at least nothing all commensu
rate with the loss and expense it will have created.
We consider it illudged proceeding which has placed
our Government in a false position from which do see
how can excate ITSELF except by peace for
really in that situation described by Democratic member of
Congress- Of having the wolf by the ears being equally
dangerous hold to let 60 We do not, however,
how we now halt in progress towards the capital
Having advanced far successfully towards that object of
campaign, have alternative but persevere until
obtain possession Of the city and by means would
COUNSEL wish any change in the operations Of Gen. Sco
until that object is accomplished.
But what course TO pursue after obtain pos
session of the capital There could be dependence upon
any treaty that might be formed either with the present Gov
eminent any that may succeed it, admitting they
willing into Our army would not have
quilted their territory before the conditions would be violated
and should be left either submit such proceeding
renew the war, and 60 all work again But sup
pose after capture their city, they should still refuse to
enter into any negotiations there is every probability will
be the case VIVA, then 10 60 Continue TO hold it
For how long With what object At what expense We
wish the Administration who has placed itself and the nation
in this false position, would give satisfactory these
questions
We have conyersed with almost every officer Of rank that
has visited passed through this city from Mexico on the sub
ject OF our military operations there, Of whom has
maed at less than fifty thousand the force that ought to