The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-17
Correspondence Between Majsr La Mstts
aud Colonel Cxrvalal.
HEADQUARTERS RIrGGoLD BARRACKS, }
TEXAS. October Z, 1851.

TEXAS. October z, 1851.
To JOSE NJ. ]. CARvAJAL, ESQ.
DEAR Sra 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 10 reply. tto
II gives me pleasure to hear you disavow all
participation in, and all knowledge of, the cir
cumstances 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 dlscountenance them
AS regards the power or the right of extra
dtion, it is said that you hold per force military
occupation of Camars 20 and its vicinity, TO the
river. If so, is not the fact of possession con-
elusive! The identity of these deserters, Zone
is drummer boy, not twelve years of age,) can
re Oily be established by men, presumed to be
under your orders; a man named Shilling, for
example, might at once point out to you every
soldier from this 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 lust
occurred at this post; and good reason exists
for saying these soldiers are now in your ranks.
rely, sir, upon your reputation, as well as your
sense of propriety, 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 retaining in employ deserters from
American forces. With high respect, am, sir,
your most obedient servant,
j. II. LA Motto,
Byt. Maj. U. s. A. Com'd'g.
CAMARGo, OctOber,-l86l.
SIR Your favor of the 7th inst, has lust
been received. You therein alude to nv disa-
vowal, in former letter, Of knowledge or par
ticipation of the circumstances attending the re-
cent desertion of United States soldiers; !" ut the
same time, you have pleased to frame your re-
marks 30 as to give me to understand that you
disbelieve my disavowal in toto. must say that
your letter, in tone and manner, and subject. ia
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, &C." 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 extradtion. Are you aware Of
any law of Mexico, or the State of Tamaulipas,
or treaty stipulation, or any other authority by
which these men Composing them to be here,)
can be delivered up? am not Yes, there is
that of per force, viii h you desire TO see me
exert. ,lfkr aa
had hoped that the world would understand,
from the "plan,' as published, the principles it
seeks to establish. But as 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 funo.
tons, and shall remain so. $1,000,
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 requisition 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 high crime against your
State | have the honor to be,
Your ob'dt servant, ] NJ CARyAJAL.
To ]. II. La MoTrE, Bvt. Maj. U. S. A.