The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-19
correspondence between Major La Motto
and Colonel CaryajaI.
HEADQUARTERS RINGGoLD BARRACKS, }

HEADQUARTERS RIHGGoLD BARRACKS
Texas, October 7, 1851.
To JOSE M. J. CARvAJAL, ESQ. ~.
DEAR Sir have Just had the honor of
perusal OF your note OF the 9th instant, received
during short absence of mine from this station.
and hasten to reply
II gives me pleasure to hear you dsavow all
participation in, and all knowledge of. the cir
cnmstances attending the recent desertion of
United States soldiers. Such renegades can
add no honorable weight to your cause, and am
happy to learn that you discountenance them
As regards the power or the right OF extra
dition, it is said that you hold per force, military
occupation of Camargo and its vicinity, to the
river ESQ, is not the fact Of possession con-
elusive? The identity of these deserters, Gone
is drummer boy, not twelve years of age) can
readily be established by men, presumed to be
under your orders; man named Shilling, for
example, might at once point out to you every
soldier from th;s command.
You are pleased to intimate the rumor that
you have offered inducements to these men to
desert the service of the United States is incor-
rect. Be it so. May not inducements to the
same end have been held out by others!
will not detain you with particulars, but it
is well known that many assertions have Just
occurred at this post; and good reason exists
for saying these soldiers are now in your ranks.
rely, sir, upon your reputation, as we'll as your
sense OF proprety, not only to discountenance
such acts, but to cause these deluded men to re.
turn to the flag they have disgraced. Mean.
WHILE as it is my duty, so do solemnly protest,
in the name of the United States, against your
receiving or retaining in employ deserters from
American forces. With high respect, am, sir,
your most obedient servant
J. II. LA Motto,
Bvt. Maj. U. s. A. Com'd'g.
CAMARGo, October,-l85l.
SIR :-Your favor of the 7th inst, has lust
been received You therein aude to my disa-
vowal, in former letter, of knowledge or par
ticpation of the circumstances attending the re-
cent desertion of United States soldiers" at the
same time, you have pleased to frame your re.
marks so IA to give me to understand that YOU
dsbelieve my disavowal in Toto. / must say that
your letter, in tone and manner, and subject, is
not OF the class of correspondence usual among
otficers-and is unknown between gentlemen
You ask me to "deliver up" certain men; and
you ground your reason on this, shat hold, per
force, military occupation Sac" did not know
that that question, whether my occupation was
per force or per right was up for discussion;
but am happy to learn that you have decided it.
But now as to extradition. Are you aware of
any law of Mexico, or the State of Tamaulipas,
or treaty stipulation, or any other authority by
which these men (supposng them to be here,)
can be delivered up? AIN not Yes, there is
that Of per force, viii h you desire TO see me
exert. -.
] had hoped that the world would understand,
from the "plan," as published, the principles it
seeks to establish. But rs it seems You have
failed to comprehend them, will inform you
that the downfall of military tyranny, independ-
ence of the Judiciary and supremacy Of the civil
power, are part of their civil authorities-and
are IN the Independent discharge OF their f,nc.
tons, and shall remain so.
And now, Major La Motto, suppose change
Of cases" My soldiers had deserted to your
camp. Would you not be surprised to receive
the same requisiton from ME that you have
made upon me! How would you treat it? AL.
though your disposition should be favorable,
imagine you would hesitate long before you
would involve yourself with your government
and decide to commit a high crime against your
State. have the honor TO be,
Your obdt servant, J. NJ CARvAJAL.
To J. H. LA MoTrE, Bvt. Maj. u. S. A.