The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-03-25


Guiding. of course, the letter OF the minister of foreign
reations) yesterday, about 5, in charge of Lieut.
Lacy OF the Tennessee drasoons and the dispatches
before this time. doubtless, in the hands of Gen
Scott (at Puebla in all probability together with letter
from me, OF which had no time to take copy.
Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN.
Secretary of State.
Mr.. Trist 10 Mr.. Buchanan.
(No.4l JALArA, May 81, ls47
SIR have the honor to transmit herewith very ex-
traordinay letter, Of indeed anything from his pen
properly be so desgnatedD received by me from Gen
Scott. together with copy OF my reply and OF letter
Although the explicit order delivered 10 him in the lat
ter, behalf OF the President with respect to the
mission of the communication from yourself to the minis
ter OF foreign affairs, may perhaps prove effecua, beg
leave 10 suggest for consideration whether II would
be advisable despatch to General Scott special ORDER
through the War Department, confirming the thus
delivered by me; for, from the officer capable of writing
such letter. under any circumstances and, above all
such il written IN, totally wanting in anything
like provocaon--l DO not know what 10 anticipate not
TO anticipate.
Excepting report which came in here last evening,
that Cen Herrera has been elected President and that this
considered favorable to peace, whatever
has been received here since my arrival When reach
Puebla-for which shall set out tomorrow afternoon
with Gen Twiggss divsion-l hope TO have it in my
power give at least account of political affairs and
prospects, whether favorable unfavorable A youth
from Guadaalaa, W no is here on his way to Vera Cruz
to embark for England, tells me that in his native place
of continuing the war; at least there is but handful Of
the opposite sentiment. But in the city of Mexico,
where he passed month there very strong party in
favor of peace. This consider good evidence of the
of public opinion that face Of which is likely
catch the OF persons OF his class-intellgent and
modest lads OF the age OF II or lS
am, sir, very respectfully, your Obcdent servant,
Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN, Secretary Of State.
p S. On the occasion of transmitting this correspond
ence with General Scott, | should do him injustice
although he could not be injured thereby with any per-
son al all conversant with his characer-were to omit
10 mention that so far respect" for the government
can be proved by such outward acts as bear the
relation to this sentiment which genufexions and up
urnings OF the eyes bear to religion nothing could have
been perfect than the proof afforded my of
the sincerity with which he processes the established
creed upon this point Not only was met the road.
approached the city, by General SCOTS aid-de-
camp and the chief of the quartenasters department,
deputed by him conduct to the quarters which he
had caused 10 be secured for me- but subsequently
called upon by the governor in compliance with orders
from the geneal-in-chief, to offer guard (Which
declined there being necessity for it) So far there
fore, ceremonial goes, and attentions to my person,
that OF "a functionary OF the government" nothing
could be added TO the proof which it receives in this
shape, of respect for It's authority.
Major General Scott to Mr. Trist
Enclosure in No. Al
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Jaapa, May Z, 1s47.
SIR have just received your note of yesterday, ac-
cOmIdneu by communications 10 me from the Secretary
of War, and one (seaed from the Department of State
to the Minister OF Foreign Affairs OF the republic of
Mexico
You are right in doubling whether there be govern
ment-eyen de facto-in this republic. General Santa
Anna, the nominal President, has been, until within
day two, the neighborhood of Orizaba, organizing
gers Of this army and probably the very tran all i'm
porant TO us, which you propose to accompany into the
INTERIOR the safety Of which train has detained here,
and causet me high degree OF solicitude. Hence
Colonel Wilson, commanding
has allowed himself second time to be persuaded to de-
tach to bring up dispatches, or your accommodation
material portion Of the force had relied upon the
cor of that train The other detachment 10 which al
Jude up days ago, escort Lieutenant Semmes.
Of the navy duly accredited by Commodore Perry to the
Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs to negotiate the ex-
change Of Passed Mdshpman Rogers, now prisoner Of
war; That NATTER also, to have been considered
too important TO be intrusted to my agency!
But to return to the actual government of Mexico.
Senior Anaya is, believe, President ad interim. But
you may have learned that the Congress- after hearing of
the affair OF Cerro Gordo passed many violent DEGREES,
breathing war to the uttemOst against the United States
declaring that the executive has power, and shall have
none, to conclude treaty. armisce, with the
United States and denouncng traitor any Mexican
tuncuonary who shall entertain either proposition. |
have communicated copy OF those DEGREES TO the War
Departments and until further orders thereupon, or until
change OF circumstances, very much doubt whether
can so tar commit the honor OF my government TO take
any direct agency in forwarding the sealed despatch
have sent me from the Secretary of State of the United
States.
please; and when, If able shall have advanced near to
the capital may, at your instance. lend an escort TO
your flag OF truce and it may require large fighting de-
tachment to protect flag Of against the ran
cheros and bandi who infest the national road all
the way up to the capital.
see that the Secretary of War proposes to degrade me-
by requiring that the commander OF this army shall de
fer to the chief clerk of the Department OF State the
question of continuing or disseminating hoslities
beg to to him and to you, that here in the heart
OF hostile country, from which, after few weeks, it
would be impossible to withdraw this army without q
loss, probably, of half its numbers by the von,to which
army, from necessity, must soon become sef-sussas-
ing machine, cut of from all supplies and renforccens
from home. until, perhaps, late in November-not TO
speak OF the bad faith Of the government and people Of
Mexico say, IN reference to those critical circum-
Stances this army must take nory security for its own
safety Hence the question OF an armistice or no amis
ce 49, most peculiarly military question. aPperainag.
o. necessity not OF universal right, in the absence OF
torces consequently. you not clothed with military
rank over me, as well with diplomatic functions
shall demand, under the peculiar circumstances that, in
your negotiations If the enemy should enteItan your