,note3 ,images ( ! orig9al pages are    
available ?r\gh       ,int]net          
,ar*ive_/,am]ican ,libr>ies4 ,see       
http3_/_/www4ar*ive4org_/details_/peace)
mexicob#jj;gallri*      ,,peace ,,)     
,,mexico4  by  ,,alb]t ,,gallat94       
,b>tlett  ,wel=d3 ,no4 #g ,a/or ,h\se1  
,new ,york4     ,i4--,,! ,,law ,,(      
,,nations4   ,x seems c]ta9 t ,mexico   
mu/ ultimately submit to su* t]ms (     
peace z ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all dictate4   
,an het]og5e\s population ( sev5        
millions1 ) v limit$ res\rces & no      
cr$it2 di/ract$ by int]nal diss5sions1 &
 by ! ambition ( its *iefs1 a prey by   
turns to an>*y & to milit>y usurp]s2    
occupy+ among ! nations ( ! civiliz$ _w1
 ei!r physically or m5tally1 :e!r 9     
political education1 social /ate1 or any
 o!r respect1 b an inf]ior position2 _c 
cont5d successfully ) an en]getic1      
intellig5t1 enlight5$ & unit$ nation (  
tw5ty millions1 possess$ ( unlimit$     
res\rces & cr$it1 & enjoy+ all ! b5efits
 ( a regul>1 /rong1 & free gov]nm5t4    

,all ?is 0 anticipat$2 b ! extraord9>y  
successes ( ! ,am]icans h exce$$ ! mo/  
sangu9e expectations4 ,all ! advanc$    
po/s ( ! enemy1 ,new ,mexico1 ,cali=nia1
 ! l9e ( ! l[] ,rio ,norte1 & all ! sea 
ports1 :i* x 0 deem$ necess>y to occupy1
 h be5 subdu$4 ,& a small =ce1 app>5tly 
incompet5t to ! object1 has p5etrat$ ne>
 ?ree hundr$ miles into ! int]ior1 & is 
n[ 9 quiet possession ( ! f>-fam$       
metropolis ( ! ,mexican dom9ions4 ,!    
sup]ior skill & tal5ts ( our di/+ui%$   
g5]als1 & ! unp>allel$ brav]y ( our     
troops1 h surm\nt$ all ob/acles4 ,by    
:omsoev] comm&$ on ei!r side2 h[ev]     
/rong ! positions & =tifications ( !    
,mexicans1 & ) a trem5d\s num]ical      
sup]iority1 !re has n be5 a s+le        
engagem5t1 9 :i* !y h n be5 completely  
defeat$4 ,! mo/ rem>kable & unexpect$   
feature ( t w>f>e is1 t volunte]s1 :olly
 undiscipl9$ 9 e s5se ( ! ^w1 h vi$ 9   
devot$ness & brav]y ) ! regul> =ces1 & h
 prov$ !mselves1 9 e in/ance1 sup]ior 9 
! op5 field to ! be/ regul> =ces (      

,mexico4 ,^! =ces are n[ annihilat$ or  
disp]s$2 & ! ,mexicans are r$uc$ to a   
petty w>f>e ( gu]illas :i*1 h[ev]       
annoy+1 _c be productive ( any important
 results4  ,x is true1 t ^! spl5did     
successes h be5 pur*as$ at a price f>   
exce$+ _! value4 ,x is true t1 nei!r !  
glory ( ^! milit>y de$s1 nor ! ultimate 
utility ( our conque/s c comp5sate !    
lam5table loss ( ! _m ?\s& valuable     
lives sacrific$ 9 ! field1 ( ! /ill     
great] numb] :o h met ) an obscure dea?1
 or be5 disabl$ by disease & fatigue4 ,x
 is true t _! relatives1 _! p>5ts1 _!   
wives & *ildr5 f9d no consolation1 = !  
mis]y inflict$ ^u !m1 9 ! /ill great]   
losses exp]i5c$ by ! ,mexicans4 ,b if1  
disreg>d+ private calamities & all !    
evils ( a g5]al nature1 ! necess>y      
consequ5ces ( ?is w>1 we rev]t solely to
 ! relative position ( ! two c\ntries1 !
 impot5ce ( ! ,mexicans & _! total      
inability to cont9ue ! w>1 ) any        
appe>ance ( success1 are /ill manife/4  
,! "q !n occurs3 ,:at are ! t]ms :i* !  

,unit$ ,/ates h a "r to impose on       
,mexico8 ,all agree t x mu/ be an       
honorable peace2 b ! true mean+ ( ?is ^w
 mu/ 9 ! fir/ place be asc]ta9$4  ,!    
notion1 t any?+ c be truly honorable :i*
 is contr>y to ju/ice1 w1 z an ab/ract  
proposition1 be repudiat$ by e citiz5 ( 
! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,w any "o d>e to ass]t1
 t a peace c be honorable1 :i* does n   
con=m ) ju/ice8  ,!re is no difficulty 9
 discov]+ ! pr9ciples by :i* ! relations
 betwe5 civiliz$ & ,*ri/ian nations %\ld
 be regulat$1 & ! reciprocal duties :i* 
!y owe to ea* o!r4 ,^! pr9ciples1 ^!    
duties h long s9ce be5 proclaim$2 & !   
true law ( nations is no?+ else ?an !   
con=mity to ! sublime precepts ( !      
,gospel morality1 precepts equally      
applicable to ! relations betwe5 man &  
man1 & to ! int]c\rse betwe5 nation &   
nation4 ,?\ %alt love ?y neighbor z     
?yself4 ,love y\r enemies4 ,z y w\ld t  
m5 %\ld d to y1 d ye also to !m         
likewise4 ,! sanctity ( ^! comm&s is    
ackn[l$g$1 )\t a s+le exception1 by e   

d5om9ation ( ,*ri/ians1 or ( m5 pr(ess+ 
to be su*4 ,! sceptical philosoph]      
admits & admires ! precept4 ,to ?is holy
 rule we %\ld inflexibly adh]e :5       
dictat+ ! t]ms ( peace4 ,! ,unit$       
,/ates1 ?\gh !y h ! p[]1 h no "r to     
impose t]ms inconsi/5t ) ju/ice4 ,x w\ld
 be a %ameful d]eliction ( pr9ciple1 on 
! "p ( ^? :o 7 av]se to ! annexation (  
,texas1 to c\nt5ance any attempt to     
claim an acquisition ( t]ritory1 or o!r 
advantage1 on acc\nt ( ! success ( our  
arms4  ,b 9 judg+ ! acts ( our          
,gov]nm5t1 x mu/ be admitt$ t /atesm5   
?9k a con=mity to ^! usages :i*         
con/itute ! law ( nations1 n z x %\ld   
be1 b z x is practically1 suffici5t to  
ju/ify _! conduct4 ,& by t inf]ior /&>d1
 ^? acts & our duties 9 relation to     
,mexico w be te/$4                      
,,ii4--,,indemnities ,,to ,,citiz5s ,,( 
,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates4   ,! ,unit$ ,/ates 
_h1 & cont9ue to h1 an indubitable "r to
 dem& a full indemnity1 = any wrongs    
inflict$ on our citiz5s by ! ,gov]nm5t (

 ,mexico1 9 violation ( treaties or ( ! 
ackn[l$g$ law ( nations4 ,! negotiations
 = satisfy+ ^? j dem&s1 _h be5 int]rupt$
 by ! annexation ( ,texas4 ,:5 an       
attempt 0 subsequ5tly made to r5ew !m1 x
 0 !re=e j & prop]1 t bo? subjects %\ld 
be discuss$ at ! same "t3 & x is n[     
absolutely necess>y1 t ^? j claims %\ld 
be fully provid$ =1 9 any treaty ( peace
 t may be conclud$1 & t ! paym5t %\ld be
 secur$ aga9/ any possible cont+5cy4 ,i 
take x = grant$ t no claims h be51 or   
%all be su/a9$ by our ,gov]nm5t1 b su* z
 are f\nd$ on treaties or ! ackn[l$g$   
law ( nations4  ,:5ev] a nation becomes 
involv$ 9 w>1 ! manife/oes1 & e o!r     
public act issu$ = ! purpose ( ju/ify+  
its conduct1 always embrace e gr\nd (   
compla9t :i* c possibly be alleg$4 ,b   
admitt+1 t ! refusal to satisfy ! claims
 = indemnity ( our citiz5s might h be5 a
 j cause ( w>1 x is mo/ c]ta91 t ^?     
claims 7 n ! cause ( t 9 :i* we are n[  
involv$4  ,x may be prop]1 9 ! fir/     
place1 to obs]ve1 t ! refusal ( do+     

ju/ice1 9 cases ( ?is k9d1 or ! long    
delays 9 provid+ = !m1 h n g5]ally      
produc$ actual w>4 ,almo/ always long   
protract$ negotiations h be5 alone      
resort$ to4 ,?is has be5 /rik+ly ! case 
) ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,! claims ( ,great   
,brita9 = ,briti% debts1 secur$ by !    
treaty ( #aghc1 7 n settl$ & paid till !
 ye> #ahjc2 & x 0 only subsequ5t to t   
ye>1 t ! claims ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 =    
depr$ations committ$ 9 #agic1 7         
satisfi$4 ,! v pla9 "q ( slaves1 c>ri$  
away by ! ,briti% =ces 9 #ahae1 9 op5   
violation ( ! treaty ( #ahad1 0 n settl$
 & ! indemnity paid till ! ye> #ahbf4 ,!
 claims aga9/ ,france = depr$ations1    
committ$ 9 ! ye>s #ahjf to #ahac1 7 n   
settl$ & paid = till ! ye> #ahcd4 ,9 all
 ^? cases1 peace 0 pres]v$ by pati5ce & 
=be>ance4  ,) respect to ! ,mexican     
indemnities1 ! subject _h be5 laid m ?an
 once be=e ,congress1 n )\t sugge/ions t
 /rong measures %\ld be resort$ to4 ,b  
,congress1 9 :om alone is ve/$ ! p[] (  
decl>+ w>1 uni=mly decl9$ do+ x4  ,a    

conv5tion 0 ent]$ into on ! #aa? (      
,april1 #ahci1 betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates & 
,mexico1 by virtue ( :i* a jo9t         
commission 0 appo9t$ = ! exam9ation &   
settlem5t ( ^? claims4 ,! p[]s ( !      
,commission]s t]m9at$1 accord+ to !     
conv5tion1 9 ,febru>y1 #ahdb4 ,! total  
am\nt ( ! ,am]ican claims1 pres5t$ to ! 
commission1 am\nt$ to #f1bia1fje doll>s4
 ,( ^!1 #b1jbf1adj doll>s 7 all[$ by !  
commission2 a fur!r sum ( #ibh1fbh      
doll>s 0 all[$ by ! commission]s ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates1 reject$ by ! ,mexican    
commission]s1 & left undecid$ by !      
umpire1 & claims am\nt+ to #c1ccf1hcg   
doll>s _h n be5 exam9$4  ,a new         
conv5tion1 dat$ ,janu>y #cj1 #ahdc1     
grant$ to ! ,mexicans a fur!r delay = ! 
paym5t ( ! claims :i* _h be5 admitt$1 by
 virtue ( :i* ! int]e/ due to !         
claimants 0 made payable on ! #cj?      
,april1 #ahdc1 & ! pr9cipal ( ! aw>ds1 &
 ! int]e/ accru+ !reon1 0 /ipulat$ to be
 paid 9 five ye>s1 9 tw5ty equal        
in/alm5ts e ?ree mon?s4 ,! claimants    

receiv$ ! int]e/ due on ! #cj? ,april1  
#ahdc1 & ! ?ree fir/ in/alm5ts4 ,! ag5t 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates hav+1 "u peculi>      
circum/ances1 giv5 a receipt = !        
in/alm5ts due 9 ,april & ,july1 #ahdd1  
be=e !y _h be5 actually paid by ,mexico1
 ! paym5t has be5 assum$ by ! ,unit$    
,/ates & dis*>g$ to ! claimants4  ,a    
?ird conv5tion 0 conclud$ at ,mexico on 
! #bj? ,novemb]1 #ahdc1 by !            
,pl5ipot5ti>ies ( ! two ,gov]nm5ts1 by  
:i* provision 0 made = asc]ta9+ & pay+ !
 claims1 on :i* no f9al decision _h be5 
made4 ,9 ,janu>y1 #ahdd1 ?is conv5tion 0
 ratifi$ by ! ,s5ate ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 
) two am5dm5ts1 :i* 7 ref]r$ to !       
,gov]nm5t ( ,mexico1 b respect+ :i* no  
answ] has ev] be5 made4 ,on ! #ab? (    
,april1 #ahdd1 a treaty 0 conclud$ by ! 
,presid5t ) ,texas1 = ! annexation ( t  
republic to ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,?is       
treaty1 ?\gh n ratifi$ by ! ,s5ate1     
plac$ ! two c\ntries 9 a new position1 &
 arre/$ = a :ile all negotiations4 ,x 0 
only on ! #a/ ( ,m>*1 #ahde1 t ,congress

 pass$ a jo9t resolution = ! annexation4
  ,x appe>s mo/ cle>ly1 t ! ,unit$      
,/ates are ju/ly entitl$ to a full      
indemnity = ! injuries done to _!       
citiz5s2 t1 be=e ! annexation ( ,texas1 
!re 0 e prospect ( secur+ t indemnity2 &
 t ^? injuries1 ev5 if !y _h be5 a j    
cause = w>1 7 9 no %ape :atev] ! cause (
 t 9 :i* we are n[ involv$4  ,are !     
,unit$ ,/ates ju/ly entitl$ to indemnity
 = any o!r cause8 ,?is "q _c be o!rwise 
solv$1 ?an by an inquiry into ! facts1 &
 asc]ta9+ by :om1 & h[1 ! w> 0 provok$4 
,,iii4--,,annexation ,,( ,,texas4   ,at 
! "t :5 ! annexation ( ,texas took      
place1 ,texas _h be5 recogniz$ z an     
indep5d5t p[]1 bo? by ! ,unit$ ,/ates & 
by sev]al ( ! pr9cipal ,european p[]s2 b
 its indep5d5ce _h n be5 recogniz$ by   
,mexico1 & ! two cont5d+ p>ties cont9u$ 
to be at w>4 ,"u ^? circum/ances1 !re is
 n ! slighte/ d\bt t ! annexation (     
,texas 0 tantam\nt to a decl>ation ( w> 
aga9/ ,mexico4 ,no?+ c be m cle> &      
und5iable ?an t1 :5ev] two nations are  

at w>1 if a ?ird ,p[] %all ent] into a  
treaty ( alliance1 (f5sive & def5sive1 )
 ei!r ( ! bellig]5ts1 & if su* treaty is
 n cont+5t1 & is to take effect         
imm$iately & p5d+ ! w>1 su* treaty is a 
decl>ation ( w> aga9/ ! o!r p>ty4 ,!    
causes ( ! w> betwe5 ! two bellig]5ts d 
n alt] ! fact4 ,suppos+ t ! ?ird p>ty1 !
 int]f]+ ,p[]1 %\ld h conclud$ ! treaty 
( alliance ) t bellig]5t :o 0 cle>ly    
engag$ 9 a mo/ j w>1 ! treaty w\ld n be 
! less a decl>ation ( w> aga9/ ! o!r    
bellig]5t4  ,if ,great ,brita9 & ,france
 7 at w>1 & ! ,unit$ ,/ates 7 to ent]   
into su* a treaty ) ei!r1 c !re be !    
slighte/ d\bt t ?is w\ld be actual w>   
aga9/ ! o!r p>ty8 t x w\ld be consid]$ z
 su*1 & t x mu/ h be5 int5d$ = t        
purpose8 ,if at ?is mom5t1 ei!r ,france 
or ,engl& 7 to make su* a treaty )      
,mexico1 !reby b9d+ !mselves to def5d & 
protect x ) all _! =ces aga9/ any o!r   
,p[] :atev]1 w\ld n ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
in/antane\sly view su* a treaty z a     
decl>ation ( w>1 & act accord+ly8  ,b ! 

annexation ( ,texas1 by ! ,unit$ ,/ates1
 0 ev5 m ?an a treaty ( (f5sive &       
def5sive alliance4 ,x embrac$ all !     
conditions & all ! duties gr[+ out ( !  
alliance2 & x impos$ !m =ev]4 ,f ! mom5t
 :5 ,texas _h be5 annex$1 ! ,unit$      
,/ates became b\nd to protect & def5d   
h]1 s f> z h] legitimate b\nd>ies       
ext5d$1 aga9/ any invasion1 or attack1  
on ! "p ( ,mexico3 & !y h uni=mly act$  
accord+ly4  ,!re is no imp>tial publici/
 t w n ackn[l$ge ! indubitable tru? ( ^!
 positions3 x appe>s to me impossible1 t
 !y %\ld be s]i\sly d5i$ by a s+le      
p]son4  ,x appe>s t ,mexico 0 at t "t   
dispos$ to ackn[l$ge ! indep5d5ce (     
,texas1 b on ! express condition1 t x   
%\ld n be annex$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 & x
 has be5 sugge/$1 t ?is 0 done "u !     
influ5ce ( "s ,european ,p[]s4 ,:e!r ?is
 la/ ass]tion be true or n1 is n kn[n to
 me4 ,b ! condition 0 rem>kable &       
(f5sive4  ,"u an appreh5sion t ,texas   
might be tempt$ to accept ! t]ms        
propos$1 ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates  

may h deem$ x exp$i5t to defeat ! plan1 
by (f]+ t annexation1 :i* _h be5 =m]ly  
decl9$1 :5 ! ,gov]nm5t ( ,texas 0 anxi\s
 = x4  ,x may be admitt$ t1 :e!r        
indep5d5t or annex$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 
,texas mu/ be a slave-hold+ /ate1 s long
 z slav]y %all cont9ue to exi/ 9 ,nor?  
,am]ica4 ,its :ole population1 ) h>dly  
any exception1 consi/$ ( citiz5s ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates4 ,bo? = t reason1 & on    
acc\nt ( its geographical position1 x 0 
mu* m natural1 t ,texas %\ld be a memb] 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ?an ( ! ,mexican     
,conf$]ation4 ,view$ purely z a "q (    
exp$i5cy1 ! annexation might be consid]$
 z b5eficial to bo? p>ties4 ,b exp$i5cy 
is n ju/ice4 ,mexico & ,texas _h a      
p]fect "r to adju/ _! diff]5ces & make  
peace1 on any t]ms !y might deem prop]4 
,! anxiety to prev5t ?is result indicat$
 a previ\s disposition ultimately to    
occupy ,texas3 & :5 ! annexation 0      
accompli%$2 :5 x 0 se51 t ! ,unit$      
,/ates _h appropriat$ to !mselves all ! 
advantages result+ f ! ,am]ican         

settlem5ts 9 ,texas1 & f _! subsequ5t   
insurrection2 ! purity ( ! motives ( our
 ,gov]nm5t became op5 to suspicion4     
,sett+ aside ! ju/ice ( ! proce$+1 x is 
true t x _h be5 anticipat$1 by ^? :o    
took an active "p 9 ! annexation1 t !   
weakness ( ,mexico w\ld compel x to     
yield1 or at lea/ induce h] n to resort 
to actual w>4 ,?is 0 v]ifi$ by ! fact3 &
 _h ,gov]nm5t rema9$ 9 ! h&s ) :om !    
plan orig9at$1 w> might probably h be5  
avoid$4 ,b :5 no long] 9 p[]1 !y c\ld   
nei!r regulate ! impulse !y _h giv51 nor
 control ! reckless spirits !y _h evok$4
  ,mexico1 s5sible ( h] weakness1 decl9$
 w>1 & only resort$ to a susp5sion (    
diplomatic int]c\rse2 b a pr(\nd s5se ( 
! injury inflict$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates has
 ev] s9ce rankl$ 9 _! m9ds4 ,x w be     
f\nd1 ?r\gh all _! diplomatic           
correspond5ce1 ?r\gh all _! manife/oes1 
t ! ,mexicans1 ev5 to ?is day1          
p]petually recur to ?is nev]-=gott5     
(f5sive measure4 ,&1 on ! o!r h&1 !     
subsequ5t adm9i/ration ( our ,gov]nm5t  

seems to h altoge!r =gott5 ?is prim>y   
act ( inju/ice1 &1 9 _! negotiations1 to
 h act$ z if ?is 0 only an accompli%$   
fact1 & _h be5 a matt] ( c\rse4         
,,iv4--,,negotiations ,,& ,,w>4   ,9    
,septemb]1 #ahde1 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates direct$ _! consul at ,mexico to 
asc]ta9 f ! ,mexican ,gov]nm5t1 :e!r x  
w\ld receive an ,envoy f ! ,unit$       
,/ates1 intru/$ ) full p[] to adju/ all 
! que/ions 9 dispute betwe5 ! two       
,gov]nm5ts4  ,! answ] ( ,mr4 ,de la ,p5a
 y ,p5a1 ,m9i/] ( ! ,=eign ,relations ( 
,mexico1 01 ,t al?\gh ! ,mexican nation 
0 deeply injur$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates1     
?r\gh ! acts committ$ by !m 9 ! dep>tm5t
 ( ,texas1 :i* belongs to 8 nation1 8   
,gov]nm5t 0 dispos$ to receive !        
,commission] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates :o might 
come to ! capital1 ) full p[]s f 8      
,gov]nm5t to settle ! pres5t dispute 9 a
 peaceful1 reasonable & honorable mann]2
 ?us giv+ a new pro( t1 ev5 9 ! mid/ (  
its injuries & ( its firm decision to   
exact adequate rep>ation = !m1 !        

,gov]nm5t ( ,mexico does n reply )      
contumely to ! measures ( reason & peace
 to :i* x 0 invit$ by its adv]s>y4  ,!  
,mexican ,m9i/] at ! same "t intimat$1 t
 ! previ\s recall ( ! :ole ,naval =ce ( 
! ,unit$ ,/ates1 !n ly+ 9 sight ( ! port
 ( ,v]a ,cruz1 0 indisp5sable2 & ?is 0  
accord+ly done by our ,gov]nm5t4  ,b x  
is ess5tial to obs]ve t1 :il/ ,mr4      
,black _h1 accord+ to 8 in/ructions1    
inquir$1 :e!r ! ,mexican ,gov]nm5t w\ld 
receive an ,envoy f ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 )  
full p[] to adju/ all ! que/ions 9      
dispute betwe5 ! two ,gov]nm5ts1 !      
,mexican ,m9i/] _h answ]$1 t 8 ,gov]nm5t
 0 dispos$ to receive ! ,commission] ( !
 ,unit$ ,/ates1 :o might come ) full    
p[]s to settle ! pres5t dispute 9 a     
peaceful1 reasonable & honorable mann]4 
,mr4 ,slidell 01 9 ,novemb] foll[+1     
appo9t$ ,envoy ,extraord9>y & ,m9i/]    
,pl5ipot5ti>y ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates (       
,am]ica ne> ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! ,mexican    
,republic2 & he arriv$ 9 ,mexico on !   
six? ( ,decemb]4  ,mr4 ,h]r]a1 !        

,presid5t ( ,mexico1 0 und\bt$ly dispos$
 to settle ! disputes betwe5 ! two      
c\ntries4 ,b tak+ advantage ( !         
irritation ( ! mass ( ! p1 8 political  
oppon5ts 7 attempt+ to ov]set him = hav+
 made1 z !y said1 unwor?y concessions4  
,! arrival ( ,mr4 ,slidell di/urb$ him  
extremely2 & ,mr4 ,p5a y ,p5a decl>$ to 
,mr4 ,black1 t 8 appe>ance 9 ! capital  
at ?is "t might prove de/ructive to !   
,gov]nm5t1 & ?us defeat ! :ole affair4  
,"u ^! circum/ances ,g5]al ,h]r]a       
compla9$1 )\t any f\ndation1 t ,mr4     
,slidell _h come soon] ?an _h be5       
und]/ood2 he resort$ to sev]al frivol\s 
objections aga9/ ! t5or ( 8 p[]s2 & he  
intimat$ t ! difficulties respect+      
,texas mu/ be adju/$ be=e any o!r       
subject ( discussion %\ld be tak5 into  
consid]ation4  ,b ! ma9 "q 01 :e!r      
,mexico %\ld receive ,mr4 ,slidell 9 !  
"* ( ,envoy ,extraord9>y & ,m9i/]       
,pl5ipot5ti>y1 to reside 9 ! republic4  
,x 0 insi/$ by ! ,mexican ,gov]nm5t1 t x
 _h only agre$ to receive a commission]1

 to treat on ! que/ions :i* _h aris5 f !
 ev5ts 9 ,texas2 & t until ?is 0 done1 !
 susp5d$ diplomatic int]c\rse c\ld n be 
re/or$1 & a resid+ m9i/] pl5ipot5ti>y be
 admitt$4  ,:y our ,gov]nm5t %\ld h     
insi/$1 t ! int5d$ negotiation %\ld be  
c>ri$ on by a resid+ ,envoy ,extraord9>y
 & ,m9i/] ,pl5ipot5ti>y1 is altoge!r    
un9telligible4 ,! que/ions at issue     
might h be5 discuss$ & settl$ z easily1 
fully & satisfactorily1 by commission]s 
appo9t$ = t special purpose1 z by resid+
 m9i/]s or envoys4 ,x is well kn[n t    
:5ev] diplomatic relations h be5 sup]s$$
 by w>1 treaties ( peace are always     
negotiat$ by commission]s appo9t$ = t   
special purpose1 :o are p]sonally amply 
protect$ by ! law ( nations1 b :o are   
nev] receiv$ z resid5t m9i/]s1 till aft]
 ! peace has re/or$ ! ord9>y diplomatic 
int]c\rse4 ,?us ! treaty ( peace (      
#aghc1 betwe5 ,france & ,engl&1 0       
negotiat$ & conclud$ at ,p>is by ,briti%
 commission]s1 :om x w\ld h be5 deem$   
absurd to admit z resid5t envoys or     

m9i/]s1 be=e peace _h be5 made4  ,! only
 di/9ction :i* c possibly be made betwe5
 ! two cases is1 t !re 0 n z yet actual 
w> betwe5 ,mexico & ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,b 
! annexation ( ,texas 0 no ord9>y       
occurr5ce4 ,x 0 a mo/ cle> act (        
unprovok$ aggression2 a deep & mo/      
(f5sive injury2 9 fact1 a decl>ation (  
w>1 if ,mexico _h accept$ x z su*4 ,9   
lieu ( ?is1 t c\ntry _h only resort$ to 
a susp5sion ( ! ord9>y diplomatic       
relations4 ,x w\ld seem z if our        
,gov]nm5t _h consid]$ ?is z an act (    
unp>allel$ audacity1 :i* ,mexico mu/ be 
compell$ to retract1 be=e any           
negotiations = ! arrangem5t ( exi/+     
difficulties c\ld take place2 z an      
insult to ! ,gov]nm5t & to ! nation1 :i*
 mu/ compel x to ass]t its j rights & to
 av5ge its injur$ honor4  ,g5]al ,h]r]a 
0 n mi/ak5 9 8 anticipations4 ,8        
gov]nm5t 0 ov]set 9 ! latt] end ( ! mon?
 ( ,decemb]1 #ahde1 & fell into ! h&s ( 
^? :o _h d5\nc$ him = hav+ li/5$ to     
ov]tures ( an arrangem5t ( !            

difficulties betwe5 ! two nations4  ,:5 
,mexico felt its inability to cont5d ) !
 ,unit$ ,/ates2 &1 in/ead ( consid]+ !  
annexation ( ,texas to be1 z x really 01
 tantam\nt to a decl>ation ( w>1 only   
susp5d$ ! ord9>y diplomatic relations   
betwe5 ! two c\ntries1 its ,gov]nm5t1 if
 direct$ by wise c\nsels1 & n imp$$ by  
popul> irritation1 %\ld at once1 s9ce x 
_h already agre$ to recognize !         
indep5d5ce ( ,texas1 h ent]$ into a     
negotiation ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,at t "t 
!re w\ld h be5 no intr9sic difficulty 9 
mak+ a f9al arrangem5t f\nd$ on an      
unconditional recognition ( ! indep5d5ce
 ( ,texas1 )9 its legitimate b\nd>ies4  
,popul> feel+ & ! ambition ( cont5d+    
milit>y lead]s1 prev5t$ t peaceable     
t]m9ation ( ^? un=tunate diss5sions4    
,yet1 :5 ,mexico refus$ to receive ,mr4 
,slidell z an ,envoy ,extraord9>y &     
,m9i/] ,pl5ipot5ti>y1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
%\ld h rememb]$1 t we _h be5 !          
aggressors1 t we _h committ$ an act     
ackn[l$g$1 z well by ! practical law (  

nations1 z by common s5se & common      
ju/ice1 to be tantam\nt to a decl>ation 
( w>2 & !y %\ld h wait$ ) pati5ce1 till 
! feel+s excit$ by our own conduct _h   
subsid$4  ,g5]al ,taylor _h be5 in/ruct$
 by ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t1 z e>ly z ,may #bh1 
#ahde1 to cause ! =ces "u 8 comm& to be 
put into a position :]e !y might mo/    
promptly & effici5tly act 9 def5ce (    
,texas1 9 ! ev5t t x %\ld become        
necess>y or prop] to employ !m = t      
purpose4 ,by subsequ5t in/ructions1 &   
aft] ! p ( ,texas _h accept$ !          
proposition ( annexation1 he 0 direct$  
to select & occupy a position adapt$ to 
repel invasion1 z ne> ! b\nd>y l9e1 !   
,rio ,gr&e1 z prud5ce w\ld dictate2 & t1
 ) ?is view1 a "p ( 8 =ces at lea/ %\ld 
be we/ ( ! riv] ,nueces4 ,x 0 c]ta9ly ! 
duty ( ! ,presid5t to protect ,texas    
aga9/ invasion1 f ! mom5t x _h be5      
annex$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 & z t        
republic 0 9 actual possession ( ,corpus
 ,*ri/i1 :i* 0 ! position select$ by    
,g5]al ,taylor1 !re 0 no?+1 9 ! position

 he _h tak51 indicative ( any dang] (   
actual ho/ilities4  ,b our ,gov]nm5t    
seems to h consid]$ ! refusal1 on ! "p (
 ,mexico1 to receive ,mr4 ,slidell z a  
resid5t ,envoy ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 z     
necess>ily lead+ to w>4 ,! ,secret>y (  
,/ate1 9 8 lett] to ,mr4 ,slidell (     
,janu>y #bh1 #ahdf1 says3--,%\ld !      
,mexican ,gov]nm5t f9ally refuse to     
receive y1 ! cup ( =be>ance w !n h be5  
exhau/$4 ,no?+ c rema9 b to take !      
r$ress ( ! injuries to our citiz5s1 & ! 
insults to our ,gov]nm5t1 into our own  
h&s4 ,& aga91 ,%\ld ! ,mexican ,gov]nm5t
 f9ally refuse to receive y1 !n dem&    
passports f ! prop] au?ority1 & return  
to ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,x w !n become !    
duty ( ! ,presid5t to submit ! :ole case
 to ,congress1 & call ^u ! nation to    
ass]t its j rights1 & av5ge its injur$  
honor4  ,) ! same object 9 view1 !      
,secret>y ( ,w> did1 by 8 lett] dat$    
,janu>y #ac1 #ahdf1 in/ruct ,g5]al      
,taylor to advance & occupy1 ) ! troops 
"u 8 comm&1 positions on or ne> ! ea/   

bank ( ! ,rio del ,norte4444 ,x is      
presum$ ,po9t ,isabel w be consid]$ by y
 an eligible position4 ,?is po9t1 or "s 
"o ne> x1 & po9ts opposite ,matamoras & 
,mi]1 & 9 ! vic9ity ( ,l>$o1 are sugge/$
 = y\r consid]ation4444 ,%\ld y attempt 
to ex]cise ! "r1 :i* ! ,unit$ ,/ates h 9
 common ) ,mexico1 to ! free navigation 
( ?is riv]1 x is probable t ,mexico w\ld
 int]pose resi/ance4 ,y w n attempt to  
en=ce ?is "r )\t fur!r in/ructions4444  
,x is n design$1 9 our pres5t relations 
) ,mexico1 t y %\ld treat h] z an enemy2
 b1 %\ld %e assume t "* by a decl>ation 
( w>1 or any op5 act ( ho/ility t[>ds u1
 y w n act m]ely on ! def5sive if y\r   
relative means enable y to d o!rwise4   
,! adm9i/ration 0 !re=e ( op9ion1 t ?is 
milit>y occupation ( ! t]ritory 9 "q 0 n
 an act ( ho/ility1 t[>ds ,mexico1 or   
treat+ h] z an enemy4 ,n[1 ,i d av]1 )\t
 fe> ( contradiction1 t :5ev] a t]ritory
 claim$ by two p[]s is1 & has be5 = a   
l5g? ( "t 9 ! possession ( "o ( !m1 if !
 o!r %\ld invade & take possession ( x  

by a milit>y =ce1 su* an act is an op5  
act ( ho/ility accord+ to ! ackn[l$g$ & 
practical law ( nations4 ,9 ?is case !  
law ( nations only recognizes a cle> &  
positive fact4  ,! sequel is well kn[n4 
,g5]al ,taylor1 ) 8 troops1 left ,corpus
 ,*ri/i1 ,m>* #h? to #aa?1 #ahdf1 &     
ent]$ ! des]t :i* sep>ates t place f !  
vic9ity ( ! del ,norte4 ,on ! #ba/ he 0 
encamp$ ?ree miles s\? ( ! ,arroyo1 or  
,little ,colorado1 hav+ by ! r\te he    
took m>*$ #ace miles1 & be+ ne>ly nor? (
 ,matamoras ab\t ?irty miles di/ant4 ,he
 _h on ! #ai? met a p>ty ( irregul>     
,mexican cavalry1 :o in=m$ him t !y _h  
p]emptory ord]s1 if he pass$ ! riv]1 to 
fire ^u 8 troops1 & t x w\ld be consid]$
 a decl>ation ( w>4 ,! riv] 0 h[ev]     
cross$ )\t a s+le %ot hav+ be5 fir$4 ,9 
a proclamation issu$ on ! #ab?1 ,g5]al  
,mejia1 :o comm&$ ! =ces ( ! ,dep>tm5t (
 ,tamaulipas1 ass]ts1 t ! limits (      
,texas are c]ta9 & recogniz$1 & nev] _h 
ext5d$ beyond ! riv] ,nueces1 t ! cab9et
 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates covet$ ! regions on !

 left bank ( ! ,rio ,bravo1 & t !       
,am]ican army 0 n[ advanc+ to take      
possession ( a l>ge "p ( ,tamaulipas4   
,on ! #bd? ,m>* ,g5]al ,taylor rea*$ a  
po9t on ! r\te f ,matamoras to ,po9t    
,isabel1 eighte5 miles f ! =m]1 & t5 f !
 latt] place1 :]e a deputation s5t him a
 =mal ,prote/ ( ! ,prefect ( ! ,nor!rn  
,di/rict ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,tamaulipas1   
decl>+1 9 behalf ( ! citiz5s ( !        
di/rict1 t !y nev] w cons5t to sep>ate  
!mselves f ! ,mexican ,republic1 & to   
unite !mselves ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,on ! 
#ab? ( ,april1 ! ,mexican ,g5]al1       
,ampudia1 requir$ ,g5]al ,taylor to     
break up 8 camp )9 tw5ty-f\r h\rs1 & to 
retire to ! o!r bank ( ! ,nueces riv]1 &
 notifi$ him t1 if he insi/$ 9 rema9+ ^u
 ! soil ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,tamaulipas1 x  
w\ld cle>ly result t arms alone mu/     
decide ! "q2 9 :i* case1 he decl>$ t !  
,mexicans w\ld accept ! w> to :i* !y _h 
be5 provok$4 ,on ! #bd? ( ,april1 ,g5]al
 ,ari/a arriv$ 9 ,matamoras1 & on ! same
 day1 in=m$ ,g5]al ,taylor1 t he        

consid]$ ho/ilities comm5c$1 & w\ld     
prosecute !m4 ,on ! same day1 a p>ty (  
sixty-?ree ,am]ican dragoons1 :o _h be5 
s5t "s di/ance up ! left bank ( ! riv]1 
became engag$ ) a v l>ge =ce ( ! enemy1 
& aft] a %ort affair1 9 :i* ab\t sixte5 
7 kill$ or w\nd$1 7 surr\nd$ & compell$ 
to surr5d]4 ,^! facts 7 laid be=e       
,congress by ! ,presid5t 9 8 message ( !
 #aa? ( ,may4     ,v4--,,! ,,claim ,,(  
,,texas ,,to ,,! ,,rio ,,del ,,norte1   
,,z ,,its ,,b\nd>y1 ,,exam9$4   ,f :at  
prec$es x appe>s1 t ! ,gov]nm5t ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates consid]$ ! refusal (      
,mexico to receive a resid5t ,envoy1 or 
m9i/] z a suffici5t cause = w>2 & ! ,rio
 del ,norte z ! legitimate b\nd>y (     
,texas4 ,! fir/ op9ion is n[ ( no       
importance2 b ! "q ( b\nd>y1 :i* 0 !    
imm$iate cause ( ho/ilities1 has to ?is 
day be5 ! greate/ imp$im5t to !         
re/oration ( peace4 ,i feel satisfi$1 t 
if ?is 0 settl$1 !re w\ld be no         
insup]able difficulty 9 arrang+ o!r     
pret5sions4  ,! ,unit$ ,/ates claim no  

o!r portion ( ! ,mexican dom9ions1      
unless x be by "r ( conque/4 ,! tract ( 
c\ntry betwe5 ! ,rio ,nueces & ! del    
,norte1 is ! only "o1 :i* has be5 claim$
 by bo? p>ties1 z respectively belong+  
ei!r to ,texas or to ,mexico4 ,z reg>ds 
e o!r "p ( ! ,mexican possessions1 !    
,unit$ ,/ates nev] _h claim$ any portion
 ( x4 ,! iniquity ( acquir+ any portion 
( x1 o!rwise ?an by fair compact freely 
cons5t$ to by ,mexico1 is self-evid5t4  
,x is1 9 e respect1 mo/ important to    
exam9e ! gr\nds on :i* ! claim ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates to ! only t]ritory claim$ 
by bo? nations is f\nd$4 ,x is ! ma9 "q 
at issue4  ,! ,republic ( ,texas did1 by
 an act ( ,decemb] #ahcf1 decl>e ! ,rio 
del ,norte to be its b\nd>y4 ,x w n be  
s]i\sly cont5d$1 t a nation has a "r1 by
 a law ( its own1 to det]m9e :at is or  
%all be ! b\nd>y betwe5 x & ano!r       
c\ntry4 ,! act 0 no?+ m ?an ! expression
 ( ! wi%es or pret5sions ( ! ,gov]nm5t4 
,its only practical effect 0 t1 emanat+ 
f its ,congress or legislative body1 x  

made x imp]ative on ! ,executive1 n to  
conclude any peace ) ,mexico1 unless t  
b\nd>y 0 agre$ to4 ,z reg>ds "r1 ! act (
 ,texas is a p]fect nullity4 ,we want ! 
argum5ts & docum5ts by :i* ! claim is   
su/a9$4  ,on a fir/ view ! pret5sion is 
truly />tl+4 ,!re is no exception3 !    
,rio ,norte f its s\rce to its m\? is   
decl>$ to be ! rightful b\nd>y ( ,texas4
 ,t riv] has its s\rce )9 ! dep>tm5t1   
prov9ce1 or /ate ( ,new ,mexico1 :i* x  
trav]ses ?r\gh its :ole l5g? f nor? to  
s\?1 divid+ x into two unequal p>ts4 ,! 
l>ge/ & mo/ popul\s1 includ+ ,santa ,fe1
 ! capital1 lies on ! left bank ( !     
riv]1 & is !re=e embrac$ )9 ! claim (   
,texas4 ,n[ ?is prov9ce ( ,new ,mexico 0
 fir/ visit$ & occupi$ by ! ,spani>ds "u
 ,vasquez ,coronado1 9 ! ye>s #aedj to  
#aedb4 ,x 0 at t "t volunt>ily evacuat$1
 subsequ5tly re-visit$1 & "s settlem5ts 
made ab\t ! ye> #aehc3 f9ally conqu]$ 9 
#aeie by ! ,spani>ds1 "u ! comm& (      
,onate4 ,an insurrection ( ! ,indians   
drove away ! ,spani>ds 9 ! ye> #afhj4   

,!y re-ent]$ x ! ensu+ ye>1 & aft] a    
long resi/ance re-conqu]$ x4 ,?is 0 an  
int]nal conflict ) ! ,aborig9es2 b z    
relat$ to =eign p[]s1 ! sov]eignty ( !  
,spani>ds ov] ! t]ritory 0 nev] call$ 9 
"q2 & x 01 9 express t]ms1 made ! we/]n 
b\nd>y ( ,l\isiana 9 ! ,royal ,*>t] ( ! 
,fr5* ,gov]nm5t4  ,! conque/ ( ! prov9ce
 by ,onate1 took place five-&-tw5ty ye>s
 prior to ! l&+ ( ! ,pilgrims 9 ,new    
,engl&1 & twelve ye>s be=e any p]man5t  
settlem5t _h be5 made 9 ,nor? ,am]ica1  
on ! %ores ( ! ,atlantic1 by ei!r       
,engl&1 ,france1 ,holl&1 ,sw$51 or any  
o!r p[]1 b t 9 ,florida by ,spa9 h]self4
  ,i h 9 va9 s\ght = any docum5t1       
emanat+ f ! ,republic or ,/ate ( ,texas1
 = ! purpose ( su/a9+ its claim ei!r to 
,new ,mexico or to ! c\ntry bord]+ on ! 
l[] portion ( ! del ,norte4 ,! only     
(ficial pap]s )9 my rea*1 9 :i* ! claim 
( ,texas is su/a9$1 are ! ,presid5t's   
messages ( ,may #aa & ,dec4 #crd1 #ahdf2
 & ^! ref] only to ! c\ntry bord]+ on ! 
l[] "p ( ! del ,norte4 ,! portion ( !   

message ( ,may #aa?1 #ahdf1 relat+ to t 
subject1 is z foll[s3 ,meantime ,texas1 
by ! f9al action ( our ,congress1 _h    
become an integral "p ( our ,union4 ,!  
,congress ( ,texas1 by its act (        
,decemb] #ai1 #ahcf1 _h decl>$ ! ,rio   
del ,norte to be ! b\nd>y ( t republic4 
,its jurisdiction _h be5 ext5d$ &       
ex]cis$ beyond ! ,nueces4 ,! c\ntry     
betwe5 t riv] & ! del ,norte _h be5     
repres5t$ 9 ! ,congress & 9 ! ,conv5tion
 ( ,texas2 _h ?us tak5 "p 9 ! act (     
annexation itself2 & is n[ includ$ )9 "o
 ( our congressional di/ricts4 ,our own 
,congress _h1 moreov]1 ) great          
unanimity1 by ! act approv$ ,decemb]    
#ca1 #ahde1 recogniz$ ! c\ntry beyond ! 
,nueces z a "p ( our t]ritory1 by       
includ+ x )9 our own rev5ue sy/em2 & a  
rev5ue (fic]1 to reside )9 t di/rict1   
has be5 appo9t$1 by & ) ! advice &      
cons5t ( ! ,s5ate4 ,x became1 !re=e1 (  
urg5t necessity to provide = ! def5ce ( 
t portion ( our c\ntry4 ,accord+ly1 on !
 #ac? ( ,janu>y la/1 in/ructions 7 issu$

 to ! g5]al 9 comm& ( ^! troops to      
occupy ! left bank ( ! del ,norte4444   
,! movem5t ( ! troops to ! del ,norte 0 
made by ! comm&+ g5]al1 "u positive     
in/ructions to ab/a9 f all aggressive   
acts t[>ds ,mexico or ,mexican citiz5s1 
& to reg>d ! relations betwe5 t         
,republic & ! ,unit$ ,/ates z peaceful1 
unless %e %\ld decl>e w>1 or commit acts
 ( ho/ility indicative ( a /ate ( w>4   
,he 0 specially direct$ to protect      
private prop]ty1 & respect p]sonal      
rights4  ,9 8 annual message ( ,decemb] 
#h1 #ahdf1 ! ,presid5t /ates t ,texas1 z
 c$$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates by ,france 9    
#ahjc1 has be5 always claim$ z ext5d+   
we/ to ! ,rio ,gr&e2 t ?is fact is      
e/abli%$ by decl>ations ( our ,gov]nm5t 
dur+ ,mr4 ,jeff]son's & ,mr4 ,monroe's  
adm9i/rations2 & t ! ,texas :i* 0 c$$ to
 ,spa9 by ! ,florida treaty ( #ahai1    
embrac$ all ! c\ntry n[ claim$ by !     
,/ate ( ,texas betwe5 ! ,nueces & ! ,rio
 ,gr&e4  ,he !n repeats ! ,acts ( ,texas
 ) ref]5ce to _! b\nd>ies2 /at+ t dur+ a

 p]iod ( m ?an n9e ye>s1 :i* int]v5$    
betwe5 ! adoption ( h] con/itution & h] 
annexation z "o ( ! ,/ates ( our ,union1
 ,texas ass]t$ & ex]cis$ _m acts (      
sov]eignty & jurisdiction ov] ! t]ritory
 & inhabitants we/ ( ! ,nueces2 su* z   
organiz+ & def9+ limits ( c\nties ext5d+
 to ! ,rio ,gr&e2 e/abli%+ c\rts (      
ju/ice1 & ext5d+ h] judicial sy/em ov] !
 t]ritory2 e/abli%+ also a cu/om-h\se1  
po/-(fices1 a l&-(fice1 c4  ,! ,presid5t
 designates by ! "n ( ,texas1 ! cession 
( ,l\isiana by ,france to ! ,unit$      
,/ates2 & he aga9 calls ! t]ritory c$$  
to ,spa9 by ! ,florida treaty ( #ahai1 !
 ,texas4 ,he intimates t ! claim ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates to ! t]ritory betwe5 !    
,sab9e & ! ,rio ,norte1 0 d]iv$ f !     
b\nd>ies ( ,texas1 & t by claim+ z f>   
we/ z ?is riv]1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates did     
recognize t x 0 ! b\nd>y ( ! ,texas4 ,i 
really d n und]/& :at is meant by ?is   
ass]tion4  ,! ,unit$ ,/ates claim$ !    
,rio ,norte z be+ ! legitimate b\nd>y ( 
,l\isiana1 & n ( ,texas4 ,nei!r !y nor  

,france _h ev] be5 9 possession ( !     
c\ntry beyond ! ,sab9e4 ,spa9 _h always 
held possession1 & _h divid$ ! t]ritory 
into prov9ces z %e pleas$4 ,"o ( ^! 0   
call$ ,texas1 & its b\nd>ies _h be5     
designat$ & alt]$ at h] w4 ,) ^! !      
,unit$ ,/ates _h no conc]n4 ,if _! claim
 c\ld be su/a9$1 x mu/ be by prov+ t    
,l\isiana ext5d$ ( "r ?us f>4 ,?is _h no
 connection ) ! b\nd>ies :i* ,spa9 might
 h assign$ to h] prov9ce ( ,texas4 ,^!  
might h ext5d$ beyond ! ,rio del ,norte1
 or h be5 ea/ ( ! ,rio ,nueces4 ,!re is 
n ! slighte/ connection betwe5 !        
legitimate b\nd>ies ( ,l\isiana1 & ^? ( 
! ,spani% prov9ce ( ,texas4 ,! presum$  
id5tity is a m]e supposition4  ,x is n  
necess>y to discuss ! s\ndness ( !      
pret5sions to ! ,rio ,norte1 ass]t$ by  
,mr4 ,jeff]son & ,mr4 ,monroe1 s9ce !y 7
 yield$ 9 ex*ange ( ,florida & "s o!r   
objects by ! treaty ( #ahai2 a treaty   
extremely popul> at ! "t1 & ! execution 
( :i* 0 press$ ) great zeal &           
p]sev]ance4  ,:5ev] ultimately c$$ to   

,mexico1 t republic fix$ its b\nd>ies z 
x ?\ght prop]4 ,texas & ,cohahuila 7    
decl>$ to =m a /ate2 & ! ,rio ,nueces 01
 made ! b\nd>y ( ,texas4 ,:5 ,texas     
decl>$ itself indep5d5t1 x 0 !          
insurrection ( only "p ( a /ate2 =      
,cohahuila rema9$ unit$ to ,mexico4 ,b !
 ,rio ,nueces 0 ! b\nd>y betwe5 !       
dep>tm5t ( ,texas & ! /ate (            
,tamaulipas4 ,! :ole conte/$ t]ritory   
lies )9 ! limits ( ,tamaulipas1 :i* nev]
 01 "u ! ,mexican ,gov]nm5t1 connect$ 9 
any %ape ) ,texas4  ,! "q n[ "u         
consid]ation is only t betwe5 ! ,unit$  
,/ates & ,mexico2 & 9 t view ( !        
subject1 x is q immat]ial :e!r ! acts ( 
! ,unit$ ,/ates emanat$ f ,congress1 or 
f ! ,executive4 ,no act ( ei!r1         
recogniz+ ! c\ntry beyond ! ,nueces1 z a
 "p ( ! t]ritory ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 c be
 alleg$ aga9/ ,mexico1 z a pro( ( _! "r 
to ! c\ntry ?us claim$4 ,any su* act is 
only an ass]tion1 a decl>ation1 b n an  
argum5t su/a9+ ! "r4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 prop]
 to obs]ve "h1 t ! port ( deliv]y we/ ( 

! ,nueces1 erect$ by ! act ( ,congress  
,to e/abli% a collection di/rict 9 !    
/ate ( ,texas1 0 at ,corpus ,*ri/i1 a   
place :i* 0 9 ! actual possession ( t   
/ate4  ,x mu/ also be premis$ t1 9 !    
jo9t resolution = ! annexation ( ,texas1
 ! "q ( ! b\nd>y betwe5 x & ,mexico 0   
expressly res]v$1 z "o :i* %\ld be      
settl$ by treaty betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
& ,mexico4  ,! only argum5ts 9 !        
,presid5t's message1 :i* su/a9 ! "r (   
,texas to t]ritory beyond ! ,nueces1 are
 conta9$ 9 ^? passages1 9 :i* x is      
ass]t$1 t ! jurisdiction ( ,texas _h be5
 ext5d$ & ex]cis$ beyond ! ,nueces3 t ! 
c\ntry betwe5 t riv] & ! del ,norte _h  
be5 repres5t$ 9 ! ,congress & ,conv5tion
 ( ,texas1 _h tak5 "p 9 ! annexation    
itself1 & 0 n[ includ$ )9 "o ( our      
congressional di/ricts4  ,b x is n /at$ 
9 ! ,presid5t's message1 h[ f> beyond ! 
,nueces1 ! jurisdiction ( ,texas _h be5 
ext5d$1 nor :at "p ( ! c\ntry betwe5 t  
riv] & ! del ,norte _h be5 repres5t$ 9 !
 ,congress & conv5tion ( ,texas1 & 0 !n 

includ$ )9 "o ( our congressional       
di/ricts4  ,n[ ! actual jurisdiction    
beyond ! ,nueces nev] ext5d$ f>!r ?an ! 
adjac5t settlem5t ( ,san ,patricio1     
consi/+ ( ab\t tw5ty families4 ,t small 
di/rict1 ?\gh beyond ! ,nueces1 0       
contigu\s to1 & 9 ! actual possession ( 
,texas4 ,on ?is acc\nt x might be       
rightfully includ$ )9 ! limits1 :i* we 7
 b\nd to protect aga9/ ,mexican         
invasion4  ,b :at 0 ! c\ntry betwe5 ?is 
small settlem5t ( ,san ,patricio1 or    
betwe5 ,corpus ,*ri/i & ! ,rio del      
,norte1 ov] :i* x might be suppos$ f !  
message1 t ! jurisdiction ( ,texas _h   
be5 ext5d$2 s z to be includ$ )9 "o (   
our congressional di/ricts8 ,"h aga91   
,texas _h erect$ t small settlem5t into 
a c\nty call$ ,san ,patricio1 & decl>$ t
 ?is c\nty ext5d$ to ! ,rio del ,norte4 
,?is1 l all o!r decl>atory acts ( ! same
 k9d1 0 only an ass]tion n affect+ ! "q 
( "r4 ,! ,/ate ( ,texas might1 ) equal  
propriety1 h decl>$ t _! b\nd>y ext5d$  
to ! ,si]ra ,madre or to ! ,pacific4 ,! 

true "q ( "r to any t]ritory beyond !   
,mexican limits ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,texas  
dep5ds on ! facts3 ,by :om 0 ! t]ritory 
9 "q actually inhabit$ & occupi$8 & _h !
 inhabitants unit$ ) ,texas 9 !         
insurrection aga9/ ,mexico8  ,! :ole    
c\ntry beyond ! settlem5t ( ,san        
,patricio & ,corpus ,*ri/i1 till )9 a   
few miles ( ! del ,norte1 is a p]fect   
des]t1 "o hundr$ & sixty miles wide by !
 r\te pursu$ by ,g5]al ,taylor1 z /at$  
by himself1 & ne> "o hundr$ & tw5ty     
miles 9 a /raight l9e4  ,! only settl$  
"p ( x is along ! left bank ( ! del     
,norte1 & b a few miles 9 bread?4 ,?is  
belt 0 settl$1 inhabit$1 & occupi$      
exclusively by ,mexicans4 ,x includ$ !  
t[n ( ,lor$o2 & ,mexico _h a cu/om-h\se 
at ,brazos1 nor? ( ! m\? ( ! riv]4 ,till
 occupi$ by ! ,am]ican arms x _h ev]    
be51 & 0 at ! "t :5 invad$ by ,g5]al    
,taylor1 a "p ( ! ,dep>tm5t (           
,tamaulipas1 & subject to ! jurisdiction
 ( ! ,prefect ( ! ,nor!rn ,di/rict ( t  
dep>tm5t4  ,9 ! c\rse ( ! w> betwe5     

,mexico & ,texas1 incursions _h be5     
occasionally made by ea* p>ty into !    
t]ritories ( ! o!r4 ,a ,mexican (fic]   
_h1 once or twice1 obta9$ tempor>y      
occupation ( ,san ,antonio1 )9 ! limits 
( ,texas2 & ! ,texans _h on "o occasion 
tak5 ,lor$o itself1 & m ?an once _h     
c>ri$ _! arms1 n only to ! left bank ( !
 del ,norte1 b ev5 beyond t riv]4 ,9 bo?
 cases ! aggressive p>ties _h be5       
repuls$ & expell$4 ,! la/ ,texan        
exp$ition ( t k9d took place 9 ,decemb]1
 #ahdb1 & t]m9at$ 9 _! defeat at ,mi]4  
,t ! c\ntry1 adjac5t to ! left bank ( ! 
riv]1 0 exclusively 9 ! possession ( !  
,mexicans1 0 well kn[n to our ,gov]nm5t4
  ,:5 ,g5]al ,taylor m>*$ to ! del      
,norte1 he issu$ an ord] 7,no4 #cj71    
translat$ into ! ,spani%1 ord]+ all "u 8
 comm&1 to obs]ve ) ! mo/ scrupul\s     
respect ! rights ( all ! inhabitants1 :o
 might be f\nd 9 peaceful prosecution ( 
_! respective occupations1 z well on !  
left z on ! "r side ( ! ,rio ,gr&e4 ,no 
int]f]5ce1 he adds1 w be all[$ ) ! civil

 rights or religi\s privileges ( !      
inhabitants4  ,9 ,june1 #ahde1 ,g5]al   
,taylor _h be5 direct$ to select &      
occupy1 on or ne> ! ,rio ,gr&e del      
,norte1 su* a site z w\ld be be/ adapt$ 
to repel invasion & to protect our      
,we/]n bord]4 ,b on ! #h? ( ,july       
foll[+1 ! ,secret>y ( ,w> 7,mr4 ,m>cy7  
address$ ! foll[+ lett] to him4  ,?is   
,dep>tm5t is in=m$ t ,mexico has "s     
milit>y e/abli%m5ts on ! ,ea/ side ( !  
,rio ,gr&e1 :i* are1 & = "s "t h be51 9 
! actual occupancy ( h] troops4 ,9 c>ry+
 out ! in/ructions h]et(ore receiv$1 y w
 be c>eful to avoid any acts (          
aggression1 unless an actual /ate ( w>  
%\ld exi/4 ,! ,mexican =ces at ! po/s 9 
_! possession1 & :i* h be5 s1 w n be    
di/urb$ z long z ! relations ( peace    
betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,mexico        
cont9ue4  ,on ! #cj? ,july1 #ahde1 !    
,secret>y aga9 addresses ,g54 ,taylor z 
foll[s3 ,y are expect$ to occupy1       
protect & def5d ! t]ritory ( ,texas1 to 
! ext5t t x has be5 occupi$ by ! p (    

,texas4 ,! ,rio ,gr&e is claim$ to be ! 
b\nd>y betwe5 ! two c\ntries1 & up to   
?is b\nd>y y are to ext5d y\r           
protection1 only except+ any po/s on !  
,ea/]n side !re(1 :i* are 9 ! actual    
occupancy ( ,mexican =ces1 or ,mexican  
settlem5ts1 ov] :i* ! ,republic ( ,texas
 did n ex]cise jurisdiction at ! p]iod (
 annexation1 or %ortly be=e t ev5t4 ,x  
is expect$1 9 select+ ! e/abli%m5t = y\r
 troops1 y w approa* z ne> ! b\nd>y l9e1
 ! ,rio ,gr&e1 z prud5ce w dictate4 ,)  
?is view1 ! ,presid5t desires t y\r     
position1 = a "p ( y\r =ces at lea/1    
%\ld be we/ ( ! ,riv] ,nueces4  ,!      
,mexican settlem5ts1 ?us except$1 are n 
^? ov] :i* ,texas did n claim           
jurisdiction1 b ^? on ! ,ea/ bank ( !   
,rio ,gr&e1 ov] :i* ,texas did n ex]cise
 jurisdiction at ! p]iod m5tion$4 ,!    
,presid5t _h no au?ority to give up !   
b\nd>y claim$ by ,texas2 b x is cle> t  
at ! "t1 :5 w> 0 n contemplat$1 !       
,adm9i/ration 0 ( op9ion t1 till ! "q 0 
def9itively settl$1 ! occupancy by !    

,mexicans ( ! t]ritory adjac5t ! left   
bank ( ! del ,norte ought n to be       
di/urb$4 ,nei!r ! subsequ5t refusal by  
,mexico to receive a resid+ ,envoy1 nor 
! successes ( ! ,am]ican arms h affect$ 
! "q ( "r4 ,! claim ( ,texas1 :e!r to   
,new ,mexico1 or to ! l[] portion ( !   
,rio ,norte1 0 id5tically ! same1 z     
invalid & gr\ndless 9 "o case z 9 ! o!r4
 ,:y a di/9ction has be5 made by !      
,executive has n be5 /at$4 ,! fact is t 
he has e/abli%$ a tempor>y gov]nm5t =   
,new ,mexico1 z a c\ntry conqu]$1 & )\t 
any reg>d to ! claim ( ,texas2 :il/1 on 
! o!r h&1 he has p]mitt$ t ,/ate to     
ext5d its jurisdiction ov] ! c\ntry ly+ 
on ! left bank ( ! del ,norte1 :i*1 l   
,new ,mexico1 _h be5 conqu]$ by ! arms (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,n a %ad[ ( pro( has  
be5 adduc$ to su/a9 ! pret5sions (      
,texas to t di/rict2 & ju/ice imp]i\sly 
requires t x %\ld by ! treaty ( peace be
 re/or$ to ,mexico4  ,x s happ5s t !    
b\nd>y1 :i* may be trac$ 9 con=mity )   
?is pr9ciple1 is a natural "o1 & t1 z a 

measure ( exp$i5cy1 none m eligible c\ld
 h be5 devis$4 ,a des]t ( "o hundr$ &   
tw5ty miles sep>ates ! mo/ ,s\?we/]ly   
,texan settlem5ts ( ,corpus ,*ri/i &    
,san ,patricio1 f ^? ( ! ,mexicans1 on !
 left bank ( ! del ,norte1 ?an :i* no   
b\nd>y c\ld be devis$1 bett] calculat$  
to prev5t collisions h]eaft] betwe5 !   
two nations4 ,x w be suffici5t1 = t     
purpose1 to draw a nom9al l9e ?r\gh !   
des]t1 leav+ all ! wat]s t empty into ! 
,rio ,norte to ,mexico1 & all ^? t empty
 into ! ,rio ,nueces to ,texas1 toge!r )
 su* o!r provisions1 respect+           
=tifications & milit>y po/s1 z may be   
necess>y = ! pres]vation ( peace4  ,!   
l9e ( ! ,rio ,norte is "o1 f :i* ,mexico
 w\ld be p]petually ?reat5$1 & f :i* _! 
adjac5t t[n on ! ea/]n bank may be      
bomb>d$4 ,su* an intol]able nuisance    
w\ld p]petuate mo/ ho/ile feel+s4 ,) su*
 a n>r[ riv] z ! ,rio del ,norte1 & ) a 
jo9t "r ( navigation1 repeat$ collisions
 w\ld be unavoidable4  ,among ^!1 :5 !re
 0 no?+ b a =dable riv] to cross1 slaves

 w\ld p]petually escape f ,texas3 & :]e 
w\ld be ! rem$y8 ,are ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
prep>$ to impose by a treaty on ,mexico1
 :]e slav]y is unkn[n1 ! obligation to  
surr5d] fugitive slaves8  ,mexico is    
greatly ! weak] p[]1 & requires a       
b\nd>y1 :i* w give h] z mu* security z  
is practicable4 ,x is n requir$1 ei!r = 
! pres]vation ( peace1 or = any o!r     
legitimate purpose1 t ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
%\ld occupy a ?reat5+ position4 ,x _c be
 rationally suppos$1 t ,mexico w ev]    
make an aggressive w> aga9/ !m2 & ev5 9 
su* case1 ! des]t w\ld protect !m aga9/ 
an invasion4 ,if a w> %\ld ev] aga9 take
 place betwe5 ! two c\ntries1 ! ov]:elm+
 sup]iority ( ! ,navy ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
w enable !m to c>ry on _! op]ations     
:]ev] !y please4 ,!y w\ld1 )9 a mon?1   
re-occupy ! left bank ( ! ,rio ,norte1 &
 )9 a %ort "t1 effect a l&+ & c>ry ! w> 
to any qu>t] !y pleas$4  ,mu/ ! w> be   
/ill prosecut$ = an object ( no intr9sic
 value1 to :i* ! ,unit$ ,/ates h no     
legitimate "r1 :i* ju/ice requires !m to

 yield1 & :i* ev5 exp$i5cy does n       
require8     ,,vi4--,,recapitulation4   
,x is an indisputable fact1 t !         
annexation ( ,texas1 !n at w> ) ,mexico1
 0 tantam\nt to a decl>ation ( w>1 & t !
 comp>ative weakness ( ,mexico alone    
prev5t$ its ,gov]nm5t f consid]+ x z    
su*4  ,"u ^! circum/ances1 x 0 evid5tly 
! duty ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to use e means 
to soo! & conciliate ! ,mexicans1 & to  
wait ) pati5ce = an unconditional       
recognition ( ! indep5d5ce ( ,texas1    
till ! feel+s excit$ by our aggression  
_h subsid$4  ,x has be5 %[n t aft]      
,mexico _h resort$1 z a sub/itute = w>1 
to ! h>mless susp5sion ( ! ord9>y       
diplomatic int]c\rse1 ! attempt to make 
x retract t measure1 be=e any           
negotiations = ! re/oration ( h>mony    
betwe5 ! two c\ntries %\ld be ent]$     
into1 0 nei!r c\nt5anc$ by ! ackn[l$g$  
law ( nations1 nor necess>y = any useful
 purpose1 nor consi/5t ) a prop] & j    
s5se ( ! relative position 9 :i* !      
aggressive measure ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates _h 

plac$ ! two c\ntries4 ,b t ! refusal (  
,mexico to submit to t additional       
contumely1 %\ld h be5 consid]$ z an     
insult to ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 betrays !    
pride ( p[]1 r ?an a j s5se ( :at is due
 to ! true dignity & honor ( ?is nation4
  ,x has be5 demon/rat$1 t ! republic ( 
,texas _h n a %ad[ ( "r to ! t]ritory   
adjac5t to ! left bank ( ! l[] portion (
 ! ,rio ,norte2 t ?\gh %e claim$1 %e    
nev] _h actually ex]cis$ jurisdiction   
ov] any portion ( x2 t ! ,mexicans 7 !  
sole inhabitants2 & 9 actual possession 
( t di/rict2 t !re=e its =cible         
occupation by ! army ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates  
01 accord+ to ! ackn[l$g$ law ( nations1
 z well z 9 fact1 an act ( op5 ho/ility 
& w>3 t ! resi/ance ( ! ,mexicans to t  
invasion 0 legitimate2 & t !re=e ! w> 0 
unprovok$ by !m1 & comm5c$ by ! ,unit$  
,/ates4  ,if any d\bt %\ld rema9 ( !    
correctness ( ^! /atem5ts1 let !m be    
te/$ by ! div9e & und5iable precept1 ,d 
unto o!rs z y w\ld be done by4  ,if at  
?is mom5t ,france 0 to contract a treaty

 ( def5sive & (f5sive alliance )        
,mexico1 a treaty tak+ effect           
imm$iately1 & p5d+ ! w> betwe5 ! ,unit$ 
,/ates & ,mexico1 & b9d+ h]self to def5d
 x ) all h] =ces aga9/ any & e o!r ,p[]1
 w\ld n ! ,unit$ ,/ates at once consid] 
su* a treaty z a decl>ation ( w> aga9/  
!m8  ,if1 9 lieu ( decl>+ w> aga9/      
,great ,brita91 9 ! ye> #ahab1 ! ,unit$ 
,/ates _h only susp5d$ ! ord9>y         
diplomatic relations betwe5 ! two       
c\ntries2 & ,great ,brita9 _h decl>$ t  
%e w\ld n ent] into any negotiation = ! 
settlem5t ( all ! subjects ( diff]5ce   
betwe5 ! two c\ntries1 unless ! ,unit$  
,/ates %\ld1 z a prelim9>y condition1   
re/ore ^? relations2 w\ld n ?is h be5   
consid]$ z a mo/ insol5t dem&1 & to :i* 
! ,unit$ ,/ates nev] w\ld submit8  ,if !
 ,unit$ ,/ates 71 & _h be5 = m ?an a    
c5tury1 9 possession ( a tract ( c\ntry1
 exclusively inhabit$ & gov]n$ by !m1   
di/urb$ only by ! occasional =ays ( an  
enemy2 w\ld !y n consid] ! =cible       
milit>y invasion & occupation ( su* a   

di/rict by a ?ird ,p[]1 z op5 &         
unprovok$ w>1 comm5c$ aga9/ !m8 ,& c\ld 
_! resi/ance to ! invasion r5d] !m      
liable to ! imputation ( hav+ !mselves  
comm5c$ ! w>8  ,yet x w\ld seem z if !  
spl5did & almo/ romantic successes ( !  
,am]ican arms _h1 = a :ile1 made ! p ( !
 ,unit$ ,/ates deaf to any o!r          
consid]ation ?an an en?usia/ic &        
exclusive love ( milit>y glory2 z if1   
=gett+ ! orig9 ( ! w>1 & ) an entire    
disreg>d = ! dictates ( ju/ice1 !y ?\ght
 t ^? successes gave ! nation a "r to   
dismemb] ,mexico1 & to appropriate to   
!mselves t :i* did n belong to !m4  ,b  
,i d n despair1 = ,i h fai? 9 our       
in/itutions & 9 ! p2 & ,i w n[ ask !m   
:e!r ?is 0 _! mission8 & :e!r !y 7 plac$
 by ,provid5ce on ?is cont95t = !       
purpose ( cultivat+ false glory1 & (    
s9k+ to ! level ( ^? vulg> conqu]ors :o 
h at all times desolat$ ! e>?4          
,,vii4--,,! ,,mission ,,( ,,! ,,unit$   
,,/ates4   ,! p ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates h be5 
plac$ by ,provid5ce 9 a position nev]   

be=e enjoy$ by any o!r nation4 ,!y are  
possess$ ( a mo/ ext5sive t]ritory1 ) a 
v f]tile soil1 a v>iety ( climates &    
productions1 & a capacity ( su/a9+ a    
population great]1 9 proportion to its  
ext5t1 ?an any o!r t]ritory ( ! same    
size on ! face ( ! globe4  ,by a        
conc\rse ( v>i\s circum/ances1 !y f\nd  
!mselves1 at ! epo* ( _! indep5d5ce1 9 !
 full enjoym5t ( religi\s1 civil1 &     
political lib]ty1 entirely free f any   
h]$it>y monopoly ( weal? or p[]4 ,! p at
 l>ge 7 9 full & quiet possession ( all 
^? natural rights1 = :i* ! p ( o!r      
c\ntries h = a long "t cont5d$1 & /ill d
 cont5d4 ,!y 71 & y /ill are ! supreme  
sov]eigns1 ackn[l$g$ z su* by all4 ,= ! 
prop] ex]cise ( ^! uncontroll$ p[]s &   
privileges1 y are responsible to        
po/]ity1 to ! _w at l>ge1 & to !        
,almighty ,be+ :o has p\r$ on y su*     
unp>allel$ bless+s4  ,y\r mission is1 to
 improve ! /ate ( ! _w1 to be ! ,model  
,republic1 to %[ t m5 are capable (     
gov]n+ !mselves1 & t ?is simple &       

natural =m ( gov]nm5t is t also :i*     
conf]s mo/ happ9ess on all1 is          
productive ( ! greate/ developm5t ( !   
intellectual faculties1 above all1 t :i*
 is att5d$ ) ! highe/ /&>d ( private &  
political virtue & morality4  ,y\r      
=efa!rs1 ! f\nd]s ( ! ,republic1 imbu$ )
 a deep feel+ ( _! rights & duties1 did 
n deviate f ^? pr9ciples4 ,! s\nd s5se1 
! wisdom1 ! probity1 ! respect = public 
fai?1 ) :i* ! int]nal conc]ns ( ! nation
 7 manag$1 made our in/itutions an      
object ( g5]al admiration4 ,"h1 = ! fir/
 "t1 0 ! exp]im5t attempt$ ) any        
prospect ( success1 & on a l>ge scale1 (
 a ,repres5tative ,democratic ,republic4
 ,if x fail$1 ! la/ hope ( ! fri5ds (   
mank9d 0 lo/ or indef9itely po/pon$2 & !
 eyes ( ! _w 7 turn$ t[>ds y4 ,:5ev]    
real1 or pret5d$ appreh5sions ( ! imm95t
 dang] ( tru/+ ! p at l>ge ) p[]1 7     
express$1 ! answ] ev] 01 ,look at       
,am]ica6  ,9 _! ext]nal relations !     
,unit$ ,/ates1 be=e ?is un=tunate w>1   
_h1 :il/ su/a9+ _! j rights1 ev] act$ 9 

/rict con=mity ) ! dictates ( ju/ice1 & 
display$ ! utmo/ mod]ation4 ,!y nev] _h 
volunt>ily injur$ any o!r nation4 ,e    
acquisition ( t]ritory f ,=eign ,p[]s 0 
hone/ly made1 ! result ( ,treaties1 n   
impos$1 b freely ass5t$ to by ! o!r     
p>ty4 ,! pres]vation ( peace 0 ev] a    
prim>y object4 ,! rec\rse to arms 0     
always 9 self def5ce4 ,on its exp$i5cy  
!re may h be5 a diff]5ce ( op9ion2 t1 9 
! only two in/ances ( conflict )        
civiliz$ nations :i* occurr$ dur+ a     
p]iod ( sixty ?ree ye>s1 7#aghc to      
#ahdf71 ! j rights ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates _h 
be5 invad$ by a long cont9u$ s]ies (    
aggressions1 is und5iable4 ,9 ! fir/    
in/ance1 w> 0 n decl>$2 & !re 7 only    
p>tial ho/ilities betwe5 ,france &      
,engl&4 ,! ,congress ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 
! only legitimate organ ( ! nation = t  
purpose1 did1 9 #ahab1 decl>e w> aga9/  
,great ,brita94 ,indep5d5t ( depr$ations
 on our comm]ce1 %e _h1 = tw5ty ye>s1   
c>ri$ on an actual w> aga9/ ! ,unit$    
,/ates4 ,i say1 actual w>1 s9ce !re is  

n[ b "o op9ion on t subject2 a r5ewal ( 
! impressm5t ( m5 sail+ "u ! protection 
( our flag w\ld be tantam\nt to a       
decl>ation ( w>4 ,! p>tial opposition to
 ! w> ( #ahab1 did n re/ on a d5ial ( ! 
aggressions ( ,engl& & ( ! ju/ice ( our 
cause1 b on ! fact t1 ) ! exception (   
impressm5ts1 simil> infractions ( our j 
rights _h be5 committ$ by ,france1 & on 
! mo/ errone\s belief1 t ! adm9i/ration 
0 p>tial to t c\ntry1 & ins9c]e 9 _!    
app>5t ef=ts to re/ore peace4  ,at      
pres5t1 all ^! pr9ciples w\ld seem to h 
be5 ab&on$4 ,! mo/ j1 a purely def5sive 
w>1 & no o!r is ju/ifiable1 is          
necess>ily att5d$ ) a tra9 ( great &    
unavoidable evils4 ,:at %all we say (   
"o1 iniquit\s 9 its orig91 & provok$ by 
ourselves1 ( a w> ( aggression1 :i* is  
n[ publicly av[$ to be "o ( int5d$      
conque/4  ,if p]si/$ 91 its necess>y    
consequ5ces w be1 a p]man5t increase (  
our milit>y e/abli%m5t & ( executive    
patronage3 its g5]al t5d5cy1 to make man
 hate man1 to awak5 8 wor/ passions1 to 

accu/om him to ! ta/e ( blood4 ,x has   
already demoraliz$ no inconsid]able     
portion ( ! nation4  ,! g5]al peace1 :i*
 has be5 pres]v$ betwe5 ! great         
,european p[]s dur+ ! la/ ?irty ye>s1   
may n be ascrib$ to ! pure/ motives4 ,be
 ^! :at !y may1 ?is long & unusual      
repose has be5 mo/ b5eficial to ! cause 
( humanity4 ,no?+ c be m injuri\s to x1 
m lam5table1 m sc&al\s1 ?an ! w> betwe5 
two adjac5t republics ( ,nor? ,am]ica4  
,y\r mission 01 to be a model = all o!r 
gov]nm5ts & = all o!r less favor$       
nations1 to adh]e to ! mo/ elevat$      
pr9ciples ( political morality1 to apply
 all y\r faculties to ! gradual         
improvem5t ( y\r own in/itutions &      
social /ate1 &1 by y\r example1 to ex]t 
a moral influ5ce mo/ b5eficial to mank9d
 at l>ge4 ,in/ead ( ?is1 an appeal has  
be5 made to y\r wor/ passions2 to       
cupidity1 to ! ?ir/ ( unju/ aggr&izem5t 
by brutal =ce2 to ! love ( milit>y fame 
& ( false glory2 & x has ev5 be5 tri$ to
 p]v]t ! noble/ feel+s ( y\r nature4 ,! 

attempt is made to make y ab&on ! l(ty  
position :i* y\r fa!rs occupi$1 to      
sub/itute = x ! political morality &    
hea!n patriotism ( ! h]oes & /atesm5 (  
antiquity4         99       99       99 
99       99  ,i h said1 t x 0 attempt$  
to p]v]t ev5 y\r virtues4 ,devot$ness to
 c\ntry1 or patriotism1 is a mo/        
ess5tial virtue1 s9ce ! national exi/5ce
 ( any society dep5ds ^u x4             
,un=tunately1 our mo/ virtu\s           
dispositions are p]v]t$1 n only by our  
vices & selfi%ness1 b also by _! own    
excess4 ,ev5 ! mo/ holy ( our           
attributes1 ! religi\s feel+1 may be    
p]v]t$ f t cause1 z 0 b too lam5tably   
exhibit$ 9 ! p]secutions1 ev5 unto dea?1
 ( ^? :o 7 deem$ h]etics4 ,x is n1      
!re=e1 a/oni%+1 t patriotism1 c>ri$ to  
excess1 %\ld also be p]v]t$4 ,9 ! entire
 devot$ness to _! c\ntry1 ! p1 ev]y:]e &
 at all times1 h be5 too apt to =get !  
duties impos$ ^u !m by ju/ice t[>ds o!r 
nations4 ,x is aga9/ ?is natural        
prop5sity t y %\ld be specially on y\r  

gu>d4 ,! blame does n atta* to ^? :o1 l$
 by _! patriotic feel+s1 ?\gh errone\s1 
flock ar\nd ! national /&>d4 ,on !      
contr>y1 no m5 are m wor?y ( admiration1
 bett] entitl$ to ! ?anks ( _! c\ntry1  
?an ^? :o1 aft] w> has once tak5 place1 
actuat$ only by ! pure/ motives1 daily &
 ) ! utmo/ self-devot$ness1 brave dea? &
 /ake _! own lives 9 ! conflict aga9/ ! 
actual enemy4 ,i mu/ confess1 t ,i d n  
ext5d ! same *>ity to ^? civilians1 :o  
coolly & delib]ately plunge ! c\ntry    
into any unju/ or unnecess>y w>4  ,we   
%\ld h b "o consci5ce2 & mo/ happy w\ld 
x be = mank9d1 7 /atesm5 & politicians  
only z hone/1 9 _! managem5t ( ! int]nal
 or ext]nal national conc]ns1 z !y are 9
 private life4 ,! irreproa*able private 
"* ( ! ,presid5t1 & ( all ! memb]s ( 8  
adm9i/ration1 is kn[n & respect$4 ,!re  
is n "o ( !m :o w\ld n spurn )          
indignation ! mo/ remote h9t t1 on      
simil> pret5ces to ^? alleg$ = dismemb]+
 ,mexico1 he might be capable ( an      
attempt to appropriate to himself 8     

neighbor's f>m4  ,9 ! total abs5ce ( any
 argum5t t c ju/ify ! w> 9 :i* we are n[
 involv$1 resort has be5 _h to a mo/    
extraord9>y ass]tion4 ,x is said1 t ! p 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates h an h]$it>y1         
sup]iority ( race ov] ! ,mexicans1 :i*  
gives !m ! "r to subjugate & keep 9     
bondage ! inf]ior nation4 ,?is1 x is    
also alleg$1 w be ! means ( enlight5+ ! 
degrad$ ,mexicans1 ( improv+ _! social  
/ate1 & ( ultimately increas+ ! happ9ess
 ( ! masses4  ,is x compatible ) !      
pr9ciple ( ,democracy1 :i* rejects e    
h]$it>y claim ( individuals1 to admit an
 h]$it>y sup]iority ( races8 ,y v       
prop]ly d5y1 t ! son c1 indep5d5t ( 8   
own m]it1 d]ive any "r or privilege     
:atev]1 f ! m]it or any o!r social      
sup]iority ( 8 fa!r4 ,c y = a mom5t     
suppose1 t a v d\btful desc5t f m51 :o  
liv$ "o ?\s& ye>s ago1 has transmitt$ to
 y a sup]iority ov] y\r fell[-m58 ,b !  
,anglo-,saxons 7 inf]ior to ! ,go?s1 f  
:om ! ,spani>ds claim to be desc5d$2 &  
!y 7 9 no respect sup]ior to ! ,franks &

 to ! ,burgundians4 ,x is n to _!       
,anglo-,saxon desc5t1 b to a v>iety (   
causes1 among :i* ! subsequ5t mixture ( 
,fr5*ifi$ ,normans1 ,angev9s & ,gascons 
mu/ n be =gott51 t ! ,engli% are indebt$
 = _! sup]ior in/itutions4 ,9 !         
progressive improvem5t ( mank9d1 mu* m  
has be5 due to religi\s & political     
in/itutions1 ?an to races4 ,:5ev] !     
,european nations1 :i*1 f _! language1  
are presum$ to belong to ! ,lat9 or !   
,sclavonian race1 %all h conqu]$        
in/itutions simil> to ^? ( ,engl&1 !re w
 be no trace left ( ! pret5d$ sup]iority
 ( "o ( ^? races above ! o!r4 ,at ?is   
"t1 ! claim is b a pretext = cov]+ &    
ju/ify+ unju/ usurpation & unb\nd$      
ambition4  ,b admitt+1 ) respect to     
,mexico1 ! sup]iority ( race1 ?is conf]s
 no sup]iority ( rights4 ,among         
ourselves1 ! mo/ ignorant1 ! mo/        
inf]ior1 ei!r 9 physical or m5tal       
faculties1 is recogniz$ z hav+ equal    
rights1 & he has an equal vote ) any "o1
 h[ev] sup]ior to him 9 all ^? respects4

 ,?is is f\nd$ on ! immutable pr9ciple t
 no "o man is born ) ! "r ( gov]n+ ano!r
 man4 ,he may1 inde$1 acquire a moral   
influ5ce ov] o!rs1 & no o!r is          
legitimate4 ,! same pr9ciple w apply to 
nations4 ,h[ev] sup]ior !               
,anglo-,am]ican race may be to t (      
,mexico1 ?is gives ! ,am]icans no "r to 
infr+e ^u ! rights ( ! inf]ior race4 ,! 
p ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates may rightfully1 & w1
 if !y use ! prop] means1 ex]cise a mo/ 
b5eficial moral influ5ce ov] !          
,mexicans1 & o!r less enlight5$ nations 
( ,am]ica4 ,beyond ?is !y h no "r to g4 
,! allegation t ! subjugation ( ,mexico 
w\ld be ! means ( enlight5+ ! ,mexicans1
 ( improv+ _! social /ate1 & ( increas+ 
_! happ9ess1 is b ! %all[ attempt to    
disguise unb\nd$ cupidity & ambition4   
,tru? nev] 0 or c be propagat$ by fire1 
& sword1 or by any o!r ?an purely moral 
means4 ,by ^!1 & by ^! alone1 ! ,*ri/ian
 religion 0 propagat$1 & enabl$1 9 less 
?an ?ree hundr$ ye>s1 to conqu]         
idolatry4 ,dur+ ! :ole ( t p]iod1       

,*ri/ianity 0 ta9t$ by no o!r blood ?an 
t ( its m>tyrs4  ,! duties ( ! p ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates t[>ds o!r nations are     
obvi\s4 ,nev] los+ sight ( ! div9e      
precept1 ,d to o!rs z y w\ld be done by1
 !y h only to consult _! own consci5ce4 
,= our b5evol5t ,creator has implant$ 9 
! he>ts ( m5 ! moral s5se ( "r & wrong1 
& t sympa?y = o!r m51 ! evid5ces ( :i*  
are ( daily occurr5ce4  ,x seems        
unnecess>y to add any?+ respect+ t false
 glory :i*1 f habit & ! g5]al t5or ( our
 e>ly education1 we are taught to       
admire4 ,! task has already be5         
repeat$ly p]=m$1 9 a f> m able &        
impressive mann]1 ?an any?+ ,i c\ld say 
on ! subject4 ,x is suffici5t to say t1 
at ?is "t1 nei!r ! dignity or honor ( ! 
nation dem& a fur!r sacrifice (         
invaluable lives1 or ev5 ( money4 ,! v  
rev]se is ! case4 ,! true honor &       
dignity ( ! nation are insep>able f     
ju/ice4 ,pride & vanity alone dem& !    
sacrifice4 ,?\gh s de>ly pur*as$1 !     
a/oni%+ successes ( ! ,am]ican arms h at

 lea/ put x 9 ! p[] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to
 grant any t]ms ( peace1 )\t incurr+ !  
imputation ( be+ actuat$ by any b ! mo/ 
elevat$ motives4 ,x w\ld seem t ! mo/   
pr\d & va9 mu/ be satiat$ ) glory1 & t !
 mo/ reckless & bellicose %\ld be       
suffici5tly glutt$ ) human gore4  ,a m  
truly glori\s t]m9ation ( ! w>1 a m     
spl5did spectacle1 an example m highly  
useful to mank9d at l>ge1 _c well be    
conceiv$1 ?an t ( ! victori\s =ces ( !  
,unit$ ,/ates volunt>ily ab&on+ all _!  
conque/s1 )\t requir+ any?+ else ?an t  
:i* 0 /rictly due to our citiz5s4       
,,viii4--,,t]ms ,,( ,,peace4   ,i h said
 t ! unf\nd$ claim ( ,texas to !        
t]ritory betwe5 ! ,nueces & ! ,rio      
,norte1 0 ! greate/ imp$im5t to peace4  
,( ?is !re c be no d\bt4 ,= if1         
rel9qui%+ ! _s ( milit>y conque/1 no?+  
%all be requir$ b ! indemnities due to  
our citiz5s1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates h only to  
accept ! t]ms :i* h be5 (f]$ by !       
,mexican ,gov]nm5t4 ,x cons5ts to yield 
a t]ritory five degrees ( latitude1 or  

ne> #cej miles 9 bread?1 & ext5d+ f ,new
 ,mexico to ! ,pacific4 ,al?\gh ! great]
 "p ( ?is is q wor?less1 yet ! portion (
 ,cali=nia ly+ betwe5 ! ,si]ra ,nev$a & 
! ,pacific1 & includ+ ! port ( ,san     
,francisco1 is c]ta9ly wor? mu* m ?an ! 
am\nt ( indemnities ju/ly due to our    
citiz5s4 ,x is only 9 ord] to satisfy ^?
 claims1 t an accession ( t]ritory may  
become necess>y4  ,x is n believ$ t !   
,executive w favor ! wild sugge/ions ( a
 subjugation1 or annexation ( ! :ole (  
,mexico1 or ( any ( its int]ior         
prov9ces4 ,&1 if ,i und]/& ! t]ms (f]$  
by ,mr4 ,tri/1 !re 0 no int5tion to     
include )9 ! cessions requir$1 !        
,prov9ce ( ,new ,mexico4 ,b ! dem& ( bo?
 ,old & ,new ,cali=nia1 or ( a sea-coa/ 
( m ?an ?irte5 hundr$ miles 9 l5g? 7lat4
 #bc deg4 to #db deg471 is extravagant &
 unnecess>y4 ,! ,p59sula is altoge!r    
wor?less1 & !re is no?+ wor? cont5d+ =  
,s\? ( ,san ,diego1 or ab\t lat4 #cb    
deg4  ,9 say+ t1 if conque/ is n !      
object ( ! w>1 & if ! pret5d$ claim (   

,texas to ! ,rio del ,norte %all be     
ab&on$1 !re _c be any insup]able ob/acle
 to ! re/oration ( peace1 x is by no    
means int5d$ to ass]t t ! t]ms h]et(ore 
propos$ by ei!r p>ty are at ?is "t      
prop]4 ,& ,i appreh5d t ! diff]5t views 
( ! subject ent]ta9$ by ^? :o s9c]ely   
desire a spe$y & j peace1 may create "s 
difficulty4 ,!re are "s important       
consid]ations :i* may become ! subject (
 subsequ5t arrangem5ts4 ,= ! pres5t1    
no?+ m is /rictly requir$ ?an to adopt !
 pr9ciple ( /atus ante bellum1 or1 9 o!r
 words1 to evacuate ! ,mexican t]ritory1
 & to provide = ! paym5t ( ! indemnities
 due to our citiz5s4 ,! scruples ( ^? :o
 object to any cession :atev] (         
t]ritory1 except on t]ms unacceptable to
 ! ,s\!rn ,/ates1 might be remov$ by a  
provision1 t w\ld only pl$ge a t]ritory 
suffici5t = ! purpose1 & leave x 9 !    
possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates until !    
indemnities _h be5 fully paid4  ,0 ,i to
 li/5 exclusively to my own feel+s &    
op9ions1 ,i w\ld say1 t1 if !           

propositions :i* ,i h attempt$ to       
e/abli% are correct2 if ,i am n mi/ak5 9
 my s9c]e conviction1 t ! w> 0 unprovok$
 by ! ,mexicans1 & has be5 "o (         
iniquit\s aggression on our "p2 x       
necess>ily foll[s t1 accord+ to !       
dictates ( ju/ice1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates are  
b\nd to indemnify !m1 = hav+ invad$ _!  
t]ritory1 bomb>d$ _! t[ns1 & inflict$   
all ! mis]ies ( w> on a p1 :o 7 fight+ 9
 def5ce ( _! own homes4 ,if all ?is be  
true1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates w\ld give b an    
inadequate comp5sation = ! injuries !y h
 inflict$1 by assum+ ! paym5t ( !       
indemnities ju/ly due to _! own citiz5s4
  ,ev5 if a fair pur*ase ( t]ritory %\ld
 be conv5i5t to bo? p>ties1 x w\ld be f>
 pref]able to po/pone x = ! pres5t1     
among o!r reasons1 9 ord] t x %\ld n h !
 appe>ance ( be+ impos$ on ,mexico4 ,!re
 are also "s important consid]ations1 to
 :i* x may n be improp] to call at ?is  
"t ! public att5tion4  ,our population  
may at ?is "t be assum$1 z am\nt+ to    
tw5ty millions4 ,al?\gh ! ratio (       

natural increase has already be5 less5$1
 f ?irty ?ree to ab\t ?irty p] c5t 9 t5 
ye>s1 ! defici5cy has be51 & w probably 
cont9ue1 = a :ile1 to be comp5sat$ by ! 
prodigi\s increase ( immigration f =eign
 c\ntries4 ,an increase ( ?irty p] c5t1 
w\ld add to our population six millions1
 )9 t51 & ne> f\rte5 millions 9 tw5ty   
ye>s4 ,at ! rate ( only tw5ty five p]   
c5t1 x w add five millions 9 t51 & m ?an
 elev5 millions 9 tw5ty ye>s4 ,t !      
f]tile uncultivat$ l&1 )9 ! limits ( !  
,/ates admitt$1 or imm$iately admissible
 9 ! ,union1 c\ld su/a9 ?ree times t    
numb] is indubitable4 ,b ! indomitable  
en]gy1 ! locomotive prop5sities1 & all !
 habits ( ! settl]s ( new c\ntries are  
su*1 t1 n ev5 ! unit$ ef=ts ( bo?       
,gov]nm5ts c or w prev5t _! occupy+ )9  
tw5ty if n )9 t5 ye>s1 e di/rict1 z f> z
 ! ,pacific1 & :e!r )9 ! limits ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates or ( ,mexico1 :i* %all n h
 previ\sly be5 actually & bona fide     
occupi$ & settl$ by o!rs4 ,x may be said
 t ?is is ju/ifiable by ,natural ,law2  

t1 = ! same reason1 :i* sets aside ! "r 
( discov]y1 if n foll[$ by actual       
occupation )9 a reasonable "t1 ! rights 
( ,spa9 & ,mexico h be5 =feit$ by _!    
neglect1 or inability1 dur+ a p]iod (   
?ree hundr$ ye>s1 to colonize a c\ntry1 
:i*1 dur+ ! :ole ( t p]iod1 !y held     
undisput$ by any o!r =eign nation4 ,& x 
may p]haps be obs]v$ t1 _h ! ,gov]nm5t (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates wait$ = ! op]ation (   
natural & irresi/ible causes1 ^! alone  
w\ld h giv5 !m1 )\t a w>1 m ?an !y want 
at ?is mom5t4  ,h[ev] plausible all ?is 
may appe>1 x is nev]!less c]ta91 t x w  
be an acquisition ( t]ritory = ! b5efit 
( ! p ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 & 9 violation (
 solemn treaties4 ,n only collisions mu/
 be avoid$1 & ! r5ewal ( ano!r illicit  
annexation be prev5t$2 b ! two c\ntries 
mu/ coolly consid] _! relative position2
 & :atev] portion ( t]ritory1 n actually
 settl$ by ! ,mexicans1 & ( no real     
utility to !m1 !y may be dispos$ to c$e1
 mu/ be acquir$ by a treaty freely      
ass5t$ to1 & = a reasonable comp5sation4

 ,b ?is is n ! "t = ! discussion ( a    
prop] f9al arrangem5t4 ,we mu/ wait till
 peace %all h be5 re/or$1 & angry feel+s
 %all h subsid$4 ,at pres5t ! only      
object is ,peace1 imm$iate peace1 a j   
peace1 & no acquisition ( t]ritory1 b t 
:i* may be absolutely necess>y = effect+
 ! great object 9 view4 ,! mo/ simple   
t]ms1 ^? :i* w only provide = ! adju/m5t
 ( ! ,texas b\nd>y & = ! paym5t ( !     
indemnities due to our citiz5s1 &1 9 e  
o!r respect1 re/ore ?+s z !y /ood be=e !
 beg9n+ ( ho/ilities1 appe> to me ! mo/ 
eligible4 ,= t purpose ,i may be p]mitt$
 to wi%1 t ! discussion ( ! t]ms %\ld n 
be emb>rass$ by ! introduction ( any o!r
 matt]4 ,!re are o!r consid]ations1     
highly important1 & n =eign to ! great  
"q ( an ext5sion ( t]ritory1 b :i* may1 
)\t any inconv5i5ce or commitm5t1 be    
po/pon$1 & %\ld n be p]mitt$ to imp$e ! 
imm$iate t]m9ation ( ?is lam5table w>4  
,i h gone f>!r ?an ,i int5d$4 ,x is said
 t a rally+ po9t is want$ by ! fri5ds ( 
peace4 ,let !m unite1 boldly express _! 

op9ions1 & use _! utmo/ endeavors 9     
promot+ an imm$iate t]m9ation ( ! w>4 ,=
 ! p1 no o!r bann] is necess>y4 ,b _!   
repres5tatives 9 ,congress assembl$ are 
alone compet5t to asc]ta91 alone ve/$ ) 
! legitimate p[] ( decid+ :at c\rse %\ld
 be pursu$ at ?is mom5t\s crisis1 :at   
are ! be/ means = c>ry+ into effect _!  
own views1 :atev] ^! may be4 ,we may    
wait ) hope & confid5ce ! result ( _!   
delib]ations4         99       99       
99       99       99  ,i h tri$1 9 ?is  
essay1 to conf9e myself to ! que/ions at
 issue betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,mexico4
 ,:e!r ! ,executive has1 9 any respect1 
exce$$ 8 legitimate p[]s2 :e!r he is1 = 
any ( 8 acts1 liable to animadv]sion1   
are que/ions :i* d n conc]n ,mexico4    
,!re are c]ta9ly "s d\btful assumptions 
( p[]1 & "s po9ts on :i* explanations   
are necess>y4 ,! mo/ important is !     
reason1 :i* may h induc$ ! ,presid5t1 :5
 he consid]$ ! w> z necess>y & almo/    
unavoidable1 n to communicate to        
,congress1 :i* 0 all t "t 9 session1 !  

important /eps he _h tak51 till aft]    
ho/ilities1 & inde$ actual w> _h tak5   
place4 ,! sub/itution1 = w>             
contributions1 ( an arbitr>y & v>y+     
t>iff1 appe>s to me to be ( a d\btful   
nature2 & x is hop$1 t ! subject w      
attract ! e>ly att5tion ( ,congress4 ,i 
am also cle>ly ( op9ion1 t ! provisions 
( ! law respect+ volunte]s1 :i*         
au?orizes !m to elect _! (fic]s1 is a   
direct violation ( ! con/itution ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates1 :i* recognizes no o!r l& 
=ce ?an ! army & ! militia1 & :i* ve/s 9
 ! ,presid5t & ,s5ate ! exclusive p[] ( 
appo9t+ all ! (fic]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 
^: appo9tm5ts are n o!rwise provid$ = 9 
! con/itution itself4 7,) respect to    
prec$5ts1 ref] to ! act ( ,july #f?1    
#ahab1 *ap4 #dfa1 7cxxxviii47 enact$ )  
due delib]ation1 & :i* repeals1 9 t     
respect1 ! act on same subject (        
,febru>y #f?1 #ahab47            99     
99       99       99       99           
,transcrib]'s note3  ,page #aj3 ,*ang$  
adequte to adequate ,page #bh3 ,*ang$   

oppropriate to appropriate