The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-09
GEN. GRANT AND DUKE GWIN.
A Letter Showing the Generals Fore
sight and Decision of Character.
Time When an Invasion from Mexico
Was Thought Probable.

NEW YORK, Nov 8-The following letter from
Lieutenant-generalG Grant, to Major-general Nc
Dowell, cautioning him concerning the move
ments of DR.. Gwin, and giving him instructions
with reference to any hostile movements to be
undertaken against the United States from the
Mexican State of Sonora, is now published for
the first time
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES
CITY POINT, Va. Jan. 8, 1865.
major general Mcdowell. Commanding the Depart
ment of the Pacific:
General-It is known that DR.. Gwin, form
erly United States senator from California, has
gone to Mexico and taken service under the
Maxiniian government. It is understood. also,
that ne has been appointed Governor-general of
Sonora The Doctor is rebel of the most viru
lent order. His being formerly a resident of
California, and now getting to that State in
Mexico bordering on the State of his
former residence portends no good to US.
May it not be his design to entce into
Sonora the dissatisfied spirits of California, and,
if the opportunity occurs, organize them and
invade the State2 I write, without having dis
cussed this question with any one to put you on
your guard against what believe may prove a
great danger. Watch this matter closely, and
should you find these apprehensions we'll found
ed. prepare to meet them You will find no diff
Guilty in raising any number of volunteers that
may be necessary in California. Especially will
IllS Dc the case Wnen the invasion comes from a
country with which at peace. In an
event like the one alluded to, would not rest
satisfied with simply driving the invader on to
Mexican soil, but would pursue him until over
taken. and would retain possession of the terri
tory from which the invaders start until indem-
nifty for the past and security for the future
satisfactory to the government, was insured.
This letter, which may have to be regarded
as instructions for your guidance. is written
entirely without the knowledge of what the
a., zl.,,- H. &c ..,x,n
sion of our territory from that of Mexico. The
case supposed is very different one from those
that have occurred starting from Canada. In
the latter case, rebels have fitted out for the
invasion of our northern frontier, upon Canadian
soil, secretly, and without the knowledge of the
Canadian authorities. In the threatened inva-
sion it will be the act of officials, of usurpers of
the government of Mexico, and, in my judg
ment would justify direct assistance on our part
to re-establish the legitimate government over
that country. This letter is intended as private
until the exigency contemp plated calls for action
on your part, when it will be regarded as in
suructions for your guidance, in the absence of
more recent orders.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
~. s. GRANT, Lieutenant general"
Mr.. Henry B. Mcdowell, son of General Nc
Dowell, gives out the following:
''There was no doubt in General McDowells
mind, even before he received General Grants
feet something positive for France was combined
with the desire of putting negative on the
United States. 1t was precisely because of DR..
OWNS known connection with the confederates,
and especially those of California, that he was
chosen as the person best suited to attract an i'm
migration of our enemy, and plant upon our
frontier people hostile to institutions.
our influence and our progress. These were
General McDowell's sentiments, and they were
in direct accord with the principles announced
nv in, hio lotto 10
in which he speaks OF staying the progress and
influence of the United States over the continent
General Mcdowell was much gratifed by the
receipt of General Grants letter. The condition
of affairs in California much disturbed.
Only those persons who were in California at the
time, perhaps, can recall the difficulties he ex-
perienced in keeping order in State where 10y
atty was so much and SO long in question. The
Legislature came within an ace of declaring for
the confederacy; the army at one time was be-
lieved in danger of being betrayed,
and the Democratic press, ENCOURAGED
by the apparent weakness of the North
ern cause, was continually fomentng
disorders and melting rebellion. Under these
circumstances Dr. OWNS movements were
necessarily such as to waken apprehension.
General Mcdowell had ordered that no one
should leave California for Mexico without a
permit, and that these permits should only be
given to loyal persons going on some legitimate
business, and that agent of DR.. Gwin should
be suffered to remain in his department."
Concluding his narrative of events ending at
the collapse of Macmillan and the fading of DR..
OWNS hopes Mr. Mcdowell writes:
Toward General Mcdowell, DR.. Gwin exhib-
tied the kindest feeling when, in the latter part
of that officers active period in the army. efforts
were made to retire him, which efforts. right or
wrong, were believed to be due to political feel
ing Garfield was then running for the presi-
dency DR.. Gwin made about as emphatic a
protest against them as an inveterate politician
could well make. / have candidate for the
presidency said the Duke of Sonora. but
would abandon him rather than see General
Mcdowell retred.'n