The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-09

ion.) material portion of the force had relied upon
The escort OF that train The other deachments to which
aliude came up days ago, TO escort Lieut. Semmes,
q he navy, duly accredited BY Commodore Perry, to the
Mexican Minister OF Foreign Affairs to negotiate the
change OF Passed Mid Rogers, prisoner of war!
That matter also seems to have been considered too inn
portant to be inlrused TO my agency
But to return 10 the actual government of Mexico.
Senior Anaya Is, believe, President I'D interim. But
you may have learned that the Congress- after hearing
of the affair OF Cerro Godo, passed many violent decrees
breathing the utermost against the United States
declaring that the Executive has power and shall
have none, TO conclude treaty, or even armstice,
with the United States; and denouncng traitor any
Mexican funconary who shall entertain either PROPOSE
ion have communicated copy Of those DEGREES to
the War Department. and until further orders theeupon
or until change of circumstances, very much doubt
whether | can SO far commit the honor OF my govern
ment to take any direct agency in forwarding the seal
ed despatch you have sent me from the Secretary OF State
OF the United States.
On this delicate point, however, you will do you
please and when, if able, shall have advanced nearto
the capital may at your instance, lend an escort to
your flag OF truce and may require large hghtlng de-
achment to protect flag OF truce against the ran.
cheros and band who infes the national road all
the way up to the capital.
that the Secretary OF War proposesto degrade me,
BY requiring that |, the commander OF this army, shall
defer 10 you, the chief clerk OF the Department OF State
the question OF continuing or disseminating hostiltes
OF hostile country, from which, after few weeks, II
would be impossible to withdraw this army without
loss, probably OF half its numbers by the voito; which,
machine cut off from all supplies and reinforcement
from home until perhaps, late in November not to SPEAK
of the bad faith OF the government and people OF hexco
saw in reference to those critical circumstances ths
army must take military security Tor ITS own safely
Hence the question OF an amlstce or no armstce Is
u y h h abssncs 81 d aee
instructions, TO the commander OF the invading forces
Consequently. il you are not clothed with military rank
over me, well with diplomatic functions shall de-
mand under the peculiar circumstances, that in your ne
goations il the enemy should entertain your overtures
you refer that question to me- and all the securities be-
longing to it. The safety of this army demands no less
and am responsible for that safety until duly superse
ded or recalled Indeed, from the nature of the if
the enemy your petition, should be willing TO concede
armistice, he would, no doubt demand the military
guaranty of my signature for his own safety.
Should you, under the exposition OF circumstances
have given visit the movable headquarters OF this army
shall receive you with the respect due to functlonary
of my government but whether you would nd me here,
at Perote, Puebla, elsewhere, depends on events
changeable at every moment.
suppose you desire TO hold until your ARRIVAL or
until shall hear further from you;
remain SIR respectfully Winfield Hsi SCOTT
N P TRIsr, esq. &C., &C., &c.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 81 ls47
SIR have received your letter OF the 9th instant,
with copies of instructions Generals Worth and Quit
man and Colonel Wilson By these learn that the vol
unteers, whose term of service is limited to twelve
months are on their return home They have been dis
charged at an earlier period than anticipated The
additonal troops for your column will soon be with il in
sufficient numbers TO supply, and more than supply the
place of the discharged volunteers.
The reason for a temporary diversion OF part of these
troops, of which you complain has been explained, and,
trust, satisfactory manner, In former communca-
/ am gratifed by the intelligence of your extended
progress the enemys country and hope that your
successful operations will accelerate the conclusion OF
peace.
Your course hitherto, in relation to prisoners of war,
both and officers, in dschaging them on parole, has
been liberal and kinds but whether il ought to be still
longer continued, respects changed, has been
under the consideration of the President and he has d.
ected to communicate to you his views on the sub
ect He is not unaware Of the great emoarrassment
States would occasions but so far relates to the Off
GERS, he thinks they should be detained until duly cx
changed In that case 1t will probably De found expe-
You will not therefore, except for special reasons IN par
tcuar cases. discharge the officers who may be taken
Sa ou. a. vou sbaI deem most expedeni
1t is an unpleasant duty to advert feel constrained
to do to your letter of the 18th instant and more parcu-
closed addressed by you to Mr. Trst With me, it is
matter of sincere regret that letter of such an extraor-
binary character was sent to that gentleman and can
not doubt it will be less regretted by yourself on more
reflection and better information Such information you
would have received, had Mr. Tris delivered in person
Gas did not doubt he would my letter to you o. the 18th
n ssr ' sho ni ssvs yo s
take into which you have fallen, by regarding HIM
as the bearer of that despatch to the Mexican gov
ernmen and yourself called on 10 aid in transmit
ting it. Had such been the true state Of the case, can
perceive that you would have had any ust ground
of complaint or any sufficient for withholding the
assistance required; but, by looking at my letter. you
will discover your misapprehension. Mr. lrst was the
bearer of that despatch yOurselfno to the Mexican
government and when he had delivered It into your
hands his agency ceased; he had discretion or udg
ment to exercise in regard to sending on or withholding
il This was matter committed solely TO yourself
tha m letter show the entire
recness of this view of the subject: "You will transmit
that despatch to the commander of the Mexican forces
with request that may be laid before his government
at The same time giving information that Mr. Trist
officer from department for foreign affairs, next II
rank to its chief is at your headquarter or on board the
squadron, the may be-" This is positive IN
structon TO yourself send that despatch forward and
it is expected you will have acted upon without wait
ing for the arrival of Mr. Trist at your headquarters II
thereby any unnecessary delay was likely to result.
If you infer that the succeeding sentence IN my ete
controlled or in any manner qualified. the Presidents Or
der in regard forwarding that despatch you nave oeeh
led into an error Mr. Trist was directed 70 eApit -
you not only his instructions, but the Po|e Oh ue
with which he had been furnished by ms government
These documents would have fully disclosed to you me
objects of his MISSION" for the accomplishment OIL winch
Won were requested TO afford facilities None OF Eese
objects had relation the TRANSMISSION OF the despatch
in question. -, o,o ~ , lm;rot;or tho s,c,
that the despatch was sealed True, It was sealed but
the bearer who was charged with the delivery OF It to
Won. had a copy and had he handed that despatch N
erson tn vou as it expected he would do, he would
no doubt have exhibited that copy to your inspection
A still more serious misconcephon has seized your
mind in regard to armisce; Before this time ii ia
H. - Al