The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-12-14

beholding the high proofs of courage, consum-
mate military skill, steady discipline, and hui
manity to the vanquished enemy, exhibited by
our gallant army, the nation is called to mourn
over the loss of many brave officers and men,
who have fallen in defence Of their country
honor and interest. The brave dead met
their melancholy fate in foreign land, nobly
discharging their duty, and with their coun-
try's flag waving triumphantly in the face of
the foe Their patriotic deeds are justly ap-
preciated, and will be long remembered by
their grateful countrymen. The parental care
of the government they loved and served should
be extended to their surviving families.
Shortly after the adjournment Of the last
session of Congress, the gratifying intelligence
Of the signal victory of Buena Vista and OF the
fall Of the city Of Vera Cruz, and with 1t the
strong castle of San Juan de Ulloa, by which
it was defended. Believing that after these
and other successes, so honorable 10 our arms
and so disastrous to Mexico, he period was pro,
pituous to afford her another opportunity, II
she thought proper to embrace 1t, to enter into
negotiations for peace, commissioner was
appointed to proceed to the headquarters OF
our army, with full powers to enter upon ne
gociations, and to conclude Just and honour
able treaty of peace.
He was moi directed to make any new o.
ventures ofpeace out was the bearer ola de-
spatch from the Secretary OF State Of The u
niied States TO The Minister of Foreign AT
lairs Of Mexico, in reply 10 one received from
the latter of the twenty second OF February,
1S47, in which The Mexican government
was informed ofhis appointment. and Of his
presence al the headquarters Of army, and
that he was invested with full powers TO con-
clude definite treaty Of peace, whenever
the Mexican government might signify de-
sire To do so. While was unwilling tu sub
ject the United States TO another indignant
refusal, was yet resolved that The evils of
war should not be protracted cay longer
man might be rendered necessary by the
Mexican government.
Care was taken 10 give no instructions 10
the commissioner which could in an any way
interfere with our military operations, or re-
lax our energies in the prosecution OF the
war, He possessed no authority in any
matier 10 control these operations. He was
authorized 10 exhibit his instructions 10 the
General in command OF the army; and in the
event OF a treaty being concluded and rati-
fled on the part of Mexico. he was directed
10 give him notice oil that fact. On the hap
VI SNSb NiiN tliiA Ou lSNSR
notice thereof. the General in command was
instructed by the Secretary of War, 10 sus-
pend all further active military operations
until further orders. These instructions
were given with a view to iniermit hostililies
until the treaty thus ratified by Mexico could
be transmitted 10 Washington, and receive
The action Of the government OF the United
States.
The commissioner was also directed, on
renching the army. to deliver 10 the General
IN command The despatch which he bore from
the Secretary Of State to the Minister Of
Foreign Affairs of Mexico. and, on receiving
il. the General was instructed by the Secre-
tary of War 10 cause il TO be transmitted 10
The commander of the Mexican forces; with
a request that il might be com municated to
his government.
The commissioner did not reach the head
quarters orthe army until after another bril-
liant victory had crowned our arms al Cerro
Gordo.
The despatch which he bore from the Sec
Rotary Of Wai 10 the General in com and
was received by that officer. then at Jalapa.
on the seventh day Of May. 1917, together
with the despatch from the Secretary OF
State 10 the Minister Of Foreign AfIairs o
Mexico, having been transmitted 10 him from
Vera Cruz. The commissioner arrived a,
the headquarters of the army few days al
forwards. His presence with the army, and
his diplomatic character were made known
to the Mexican government, from Puebla;
on the twelfth of June, le47, by the trans
mission oi'lhe despatch from the Secretary Of
State 10 the Minister OF Foreign Affairs Of
Mexico.
Many weeks elapsed after its recent, and
no overiures were made, nor was any de-
sire expressed by the Mexican Government
to enter into negotiations OF peace
Our army pursued IFS march upon the cap
ifal, ami, rs il approached il. was met by
formidable resisia: ce. Our forces first en-
countered the enemy, and achieved signal
victories in the sew erelyconlrsted battles oil
Cenireras and Churubusco. II was not until
after these actions had resulted in decisive
victories. and the capital Of the enemy was
within OUT power; that the Mexican govern
ment manifested any disposition 10 enter into
negoelatlOus Tor peace; and even then, as e.
vents have proved. there is too much reason
10 believe that they were insncere, and that
in agreeing 10 go through the negotiations
the object was 10 gain time 10 strengthen the
deiences Of their capital, and TO prepare for
fresh resistance.
The General in command Iof the army dee
med ii expedien. 10 suspend hostililies lem
poraly, by entering into an armisice with
view 10 The opening Of negotiations. Com
mlssloners were appointed on The part Of
Mexico TO meet the commissioner on the part
the United States. The result of the con-
ference which took place between these func-
tl'narles oil The two governments was fail
ure to conclude treaty of peace.
The commissioner oil the United States
took with him The project of treaty already
prepared,by the terms OF which the indemnify
required by the United States was accession
of territory.
II is well known that The only indemnify
which II is in the power eff Mexico 10 make in
satisfaction OF The just and long deferred
claims ofonr cilizens againsther, and The only
means by which she can reimburse the Uni
ted SlaIesfor the expenses of the war, in
cesslon TO the United States OF a portion of
her territory. Mexico had no money 10 paw,
and no other means of making the REQUIRED
indemnify. II we refuse this, we can obtain