The National Vindicator. (Washington, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 21, Ed. 1, Saturday, January 13, 1844 Page: 1 of 4
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THOMAS JOHNSON.
OUR COUNTRY OUR WHOLE COUNTRY-
-AND NOTHING BUT OUR COUNTRY."
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOl
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VOLUME
a.
1844?
1.
WASHINGTON SATURDAY JANUARY 13
NUMBER 21
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1
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.
DOCUMENTS
ACCOMPANYING THE
ANNUAL MESSAGE.
president's
Mr. De Bocanegra lo Mr. Thompson.
translation.
National Palace
Mexico Aug. 23 1843.
The undersigned Secretary of ihe State for For
eign Relations and Government lias received ex-
press orders from his Excellency ihe Provisional
President address the Hon. Waddy Thompson
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentia-
ry to the United "States and give him clear and
definite explanations respecting an affair the con-
sequences of which are grave and serious for the
two nations whose friendship and "good under-
standing should be maintained for their reciprocal
interests and for the welfare of the whole human
ace.
Unfortunately the events which have been oc-
curring for so many years past as well the coloni-
zation of Texas by citizens nf the United States
ns the insurrection excited sustained and carried
through by citizens of those same States have ap
peared to afford grounds for doubting the sincerity
and frankness of the conduct of that powerful Re-
public with regard to the Mexican nation although
they were bound together by treaties such as arc
esteemed sacred in the intercousc and relations of
civilised States. This assertion has found a place
in the scries of historical truths; and under this
view alone it is recalled by the Mexican Govern-
ment with the deepest regret and because in ap-
proaching the event which is anticipated it is in-
dispensable to refer to the most lamentable cir-
cumstances which have preceded it. The recog-
nition of the independence of Texas by the Gov-
ernment of the United States which served as an
example and even as a stimulus to similar recog-
nitions by some Governtnents of Europe was on
the point of altering the existing good understand-
ing and harmony ; and it must be considered as a
great sacrifice to the public peace and to the
friendship professed towards the Untied Slates
that the Government of the Mexican Republic
should have coniented itself with making a proper
protest against the act in order thus to preserve
the rights of the nation its dignity and its honor.
From the moment when his Excellency the Pro-
visional President took the reins of the Govern-
ment he has conducted himself according to the
laudable maxims that Government should be as
firm in the purpose to be just in their foreign rela-
tions as in demanding justice whenever aggres-
sions are committed against them such as may
-place n-ieopardy -Uiostnants which they are-i
- m m - - -
bound lo preserve at all Cj. T.he Hon. Waddy
Thompson is the besl witm -jto show that his Ex-
cellency the President ha' condemned the dark
policy of national antipathies' and has done all in
his power to render the coitpcl of Mexico towards
the United States consilient honorable and cor-
dial in order that no well grounded motive of com-
plaint might ever exist and that no breach might
be made in the existing stipulations ; and it is like-
wise notorious that it has been sometimes necessa-
ry to subject the nation to great sacrifices in order
to keep its engagements inviolable. It likewise ap-
pears that the Government of the United States in
reciprocy for this uniform system is bound for the
glory of its own name to icmove all causes of in-
jury to the welfare of the two nations which may
present themselves.
"The Mexican Government has collected suffi-
cient evidence published in abundance by the
American press that a proposition is to be submit-
ted to the deliberations of the Congress of the Uni-
ted States at its ensuing session to incorporate
with them the so-called Republic of Texas ; and
although His Excellency the President hopes that
an authority so circumspect will defeat a design
so unjust and an attack so decisive on the rights
of the Mexican nation over that territory he has
ordered the undersigned to declare to the Hon.
Waddy Thompson with the view that he may
submit it to his Government that the Mexican
Government will consider equivalent to a declara-
tion of war against the Mexican Republic the pas-
sage of an act for the incorporation of Texas with
the territory of the United States; the certainty of
the fact being sufficient for the immediate procla-
mation of war leaving to the civilized world to de
termine with regard to the justice of the cause of
the Mexican nation in a struggle which it has been
so far from provoking.
"The colonists of Texas generously received
by the Mexican nation entered into that country
and rose in insurrection under various pretexts
but with the declared intention to wrest that terri-
tory from its lawful possessor; and as to Mexico
they never lost their character of subjects while
those (all citizens of the United States) who after-
wards went to support their rebellion are regarded
only as adventurers. And if a party in Texas is
now endeavoring to effect its incorpation with the
United States it is from the consciousness of their
notorious incapability to form and constitute an in-
dependent nation without their having changed
their situation or acquired any rights to seperate
themselves from their mother country. His Ex-
cellency the Provisional President resting on this
deep conviction is obliged to prevent an aggres-
sion unprecedented in the annals of the world
from being consumated ; and if it be indispensa-
ble lor the Mexican nation to seek security' for its
rights at the expense of the disasters of war it will
call upon God and rely on its own efforts for the
defence of its just cause. The government of the
undersigned nevertheless flatters itself with the
hope that the Governmeutof the United States will
ward off from its country and from ours deplorable
consequences of a rupture by preserving the ami-
cable relations which his Excellency the President
so ardently desires to maintain and. will thus save
the glorious Republic which the immortal Wash-
ington founded from stain and dishonor.
The undersigned hopes that his Excellency the
Minister of the United States will communicate
this solemn protest to his Government and will
accept the assurances of the high consideration .on
the part of his most ohedient servant.
.M. DE BOGMLRA.
Ho1 Waddy Th pson Envo
SOCjtfLR
Mr. IThnmpson to Mr. De
Legation of the United States ok America.
Mexico August 24 1813.
The undersigned has received and read with as-
tonishment the note of his Excellency Jose Maria
de Bocanegra Minister of Foreign Relations and
Government of yesterday's date. At the very mo-
ment when a rumor of an invasion of the territory
of Mexico by citizens of the United States having
no other authority than the public newspapers is
proven to be without loundauon and upon which
rumor his Excellency had addressed a very strong
note to the undersigned another is received of a
similar character based upon no better authority.
The direct threat of war which his Excellency
makes precludes the undersigned from offering
any explanation whatever upon the subject. With
a proud man or a proud nation the language of
menace is not only unavailing but has an inevita-
ble tendency to defeat its object. The Government
of the undersigned has no passion for war foreign
or domestic
Still less does that Government desire war with
Mexico. But if any thing could excite such a
feeling it will be the constant repetition of these
threats : alike incompatible in the judgment of the
undersigned with the respect due to his own Gov-
eminent and that of Mexico ; and the undersigned
requires that they may not be repeated. If intend
ed for intimidation they will have no effect; and?
if as a warning they arc not necessary; for his.
country is always in a couauioii to meet any emer-
irougW
. From the Rational Intelligencer
TEXAS MEXICO AND GREAT BRITAIN.
Washington Nov. 4 1S43.
Gentleman: In looking over 'the Intelligen-
cer of this morning I have noticed an editorial ar-
ticle headed "Texas Mexico and Groat Britain"
in which is given an extract from the New Orleans
Tropic purporting tp have been received from a
correspondent of that paper who wiites from Gal-
veston. In reading feis extract I know not wheth-
er I am the more surprised at Ihe enormity of its
falsehood or the bold.-shameless and reckless man
ner in which it is uttered. The fact of its having
been copied into your paper has given to the com-
jmumcation an importance whit-li it would not
'othcrwiscM&iUL. I ihensfoTe hopfKiu will per
taw a short no-
J1' ....
1 he writer
essays to reveal a "secret machination" between
the British and Texian Governments formed by!a
I treasonable correspondence held by the President
of Texas with the-Minister ot Great Britain in
which the President binds himself to send commis-
sioners to recognise the nominal sovereignty of
Mexico provided that Government will theieon
make a cession of Texas to Great Britain for acon-
sideralion. "Astounding" revelation this and if
truetoi tne nrsiimpouance not only to tins coun-
try (as the writer seems to think) but particularly
so lo the people of Texas who ate thus to be
placed in shambles re-baptized with the title of
Mevican citizen and afterwards ceded to Great
Britain "for a consideration." Before this matter
is permitted to excite our fears let us examine for
a moment what are Ihe evidences of the existence
quent movements to be made at Wnshintrfnn .
Air. Abell having nowlarrived as I understand ii
mis city and public curiosity being excited and
general desire to know the worst. I hope we shalll
uui e itepi in long suspense .
But there is one part of this extract which most
conclusively shqws beyond every olher that it
could only have had its source in the most poison-
ed malignity. It is this: after detailing the nUoaM
mil me IhroTmrryoiir columns to
lice of some of its lending statements.
"secret
gencv.
of this tieason from which the writer draws "aside
It seeks a different path of glory. the veil" as he remarks for the especial benefit of
i.. r- 1 ... -i .1 i:. f .i ni ; T. : :... ..i .1. . .
uiu uuiiuia ui uic a nij;i. j.i 1a nisi asserieu mat
Gen. Murphy Charge d'Affaires of the United
States to Texas has left the seat of Government
and is now in Galveston and that strange rumors
are atioat about tne cause 01 ins removal irom
thence and olher matters in connection theiewiih.
Now it appeai s to me that there can be nothing
strange in the Charge d'Affaires going to Galves-
ton ; his predecessor lesided there as well as both
the French and British Ministers. When you
take into consideration the pleasant and healthy
locality of that city together with its superior fa-
cilities for communicating with this country I see
nothing extraordinary of itself in the removal. But
it is further stated that 'Gen. Murphy suspected
some secret machination" "aiioj set about to dis-
the nature of the mystery" and that during
Recover
syiugu ishu;
F
Hnol
v 1
v
The undersigned begs leave to add that "the
glorious Republic founded by the immortal Wash-
liigloir has its character in Us own keeping and
needs no ndmoni':(s from any quarter to prevent
it from stain or diswior.
The undersigned renews lo his Excellency Jo
Maria de Bocanegra Minister of Foreign
tions & thetrirrce of hi
siaeranTmT" WAD
His excellency jose Maria de uocANEtr
Minister of Foreign Relations and
Government cf the. Mexican Republic.
From the National Intelligencer.
TEXAS MEXICO AND GREAT BRITAIN.
A correspondent of the New Orleans Tropic
writing from Galveston under date of October
13ih gives the following report of a coup d'etat
said to be in contemplation between President
Houston and the British authorities. The Tropic
says that the information of the writer is derived
from "the very highest and most undoubted sour-
ces." "Gen. Murphy United' States Charge to Texas
has left the seat of Government (Washington) and
is now in this city. Strange rumors arc afloat
about the cause of his lemoval from thence and
other matters in connection therewith. Mr. Abell
bearer of despatches for ihe United Stales Govern-
ment who was wrecked on the Sarah Barnes will
I hope be more fortunate on the schooner Galves-
ton which conveys this letter and reach his Gov-
ernment in safety. On his arrival at Washington
there will be some strange developements made
public which are topics of daily conversation in
Texas. Although you will discover nothing but
dark hints from the pi ess I will draw aside the
veil Messrs. Editors for your especial benefit as
I remember to have seen in your paper frequent
predictions of the very treason which 1 have now
the mortification to announce. It is this : that
Gen. Murphy suspected someseciet machinations
between the British and Texian Governments
highly detrimental to the United States interests
and forthwith set about discovering the nature of
the mystery. This he was enabled to do dining
President Houston's absence at the Indian treaty
ground ; he being furnished with authenticated
and undoubted copies of (he. entire "ttfflBcor-
respondence held by the President wrinjHIpre-
sentatives of the British and Mexican Govern-
ments binding himself to scud commissioners to
the Mexican Government to recognise the nomi-
nal sovereignty ot Mexico provided that Govern-
ment will thereupon make a cession of Texas to
Great Britain for a consideration!- Texas will
then be a British Province by cession from Mexi-
co and consent of the Executive of the Republic !
The confirmation of the Senate and sanction of the
People can be relied onrit is supposed after sustain-
ing the ordeal which the President has led them
through. Once a Province of Great Britain the
immediate abolition of slavery follows as a matter
of course; but a consideration is secured -for the
slaveholder."
On the other hand letters from Vera Cruz say
that the relations between Mexico and England
are unfriendly that the British Minister has broke
off all communications with Santa Anna's Gov-
ernment and informed his countrymen that none
wifl be renewed until' he can. hear fronj England.
A British fleet is looked for.
sence of General Houstou.frhm the seat of
nt he-stuxeeded. mbem fur nishct
k. M kX
UiWttKUfrXuWfm copfPTL tlli
&pQ?idince.'' And this statement is made
as a surmise nut as an existing truth i
ow if I know any thing of the people of Texas
and of their generosity of spirit 1 feel assured that
there is not one who appieciates the honor of his
country while his soul is kindled with indignation
at the recital of a calumny so false and foul that
will not blush to believe that the author of it is his
countryman. Suppose for argument sako such a
correspondence to exist the presumption is that it
could nowhere be found except in the Department
of State and that copies of the same could only he
obtained through those to whom thcii-jsafe-kecping
was committed and who alone could authenticate
them and that if General Murphy obtained such
copies he could only have done so through the
treachery of those connected with the Department.
Then 1 ask who for a moment is prepared to be-
lieve upon such testimony alone that Gen. Mur-
phy the representative of this country a nation
famed for its open bold and manly dealing would
have so debased himself and degraded his station
as to conspire cither directly or indirectly' with
those to whom the archives i.f the Government lo
which he was accredited were committed (for it
must be apparent that this i.s the only method by
which it could be effected) for the purpose of pro-
curing "authenticate I and undoubted copies" of
its secret and diplomatic correspondence thereby
not only inciting others but actually participating
in the commission of i most odious crime 1 Such
a proposition is loo absurd and carries on its own
face the evidence of its falsity. I do not know
Gen. Murphy personally but 1 am widely mistaken
in his character if he would not indignantly spinu
from his presence a wretch who might have the
hardihood to propose to him lo become the instru-
ment of such base treachery. But again: Is ii
reasonable to suppose (and this seems to be the in-
timation of the rriter) that if Gen. Murphy has
really discovered such treasonable correspondence
that that would have caused him to remove to Gal-
veston away from the scat of Government and
that too while his official correspondence with the
Government remained undisturbed? Would not
such a step be a desertion of his post in the hour of
danger? If such machinations were plotting
against the interest of ihe United Slates and he
became aware of ijj like a faithful sentinel he should
have been upon his watchtower and with his eye
upon the movements of the enemy. To me the
fact of his leaving the seat of Government shows
there was no just grounds of fear and that such
reports (if afloat at all) have been gotten up like
the "astounding rumor" of the twenty-five thous-
sand dollars bribe only for the purpose of slander-
ing the reputation of the Chief Magistratoof that
nation. Again : the writer says that on the arri-
val f Mr. Abell (bearer of despatches) at Wash-
ington there will be "some strange developements
made public." Thus the writer seems not only
to know what has been transacted in the secret
councils of Texas but has a prescience of subse-
treasonable plot he says "the confirmation nfih
Senate and people can be relied on it is sunnosprll
.. I. .i t i i . . . ri 1A
auci sustaining me oraeai wnicn the President
has led them through.'' Yes this shameless cod
respondent ot the Tropic not-only announce t
startling fact that tlu President of his cnnnirv fi.
become a traitor- but that it istr.ipposed theehatcl
and people can be relied on to confirm the act and!
cairy out the treason. It is perhaps useless tc
rI.v It tilt hh a n I- - t -l . .. . .
ais. wuuiuui auuii e..i i ao miliary sentiments are!
likely to flow from a patriotic heart and soul glow
ing with love for his country and ardently desir
ing lo piuniuie us sumuiiig ana prosperity or are
uiey tne delusions oi a inghtiui and distortec
vision of the maddened and disappointed ambitioi
of one who having long sought tox a stain upor
the character and fame of President Houston ant
degrade him in the eyes of the people now find
ing himsell io.led in Ins purpose is willing amid
the ravings of his fiendish despair not only to stab
with an assassinating hand the reputation of the
President the prime object of his hate but to tra
duce by the s.ibblings of his envenomed pen the
fair renown of the Senate and the great body of the
sovereign people of his own country and nation ?
Miserable attempt ! Such writers must ever fail
in their object. The bane carries with it a most
perfect antidote. Among the manv false impres
sions attempted to be made there is however one
truth clearly cstahiistieu and that is that General
Houston by his conduct has won for himself a
proud station in the hearts and affections of his
countrymen. But this fact does not alone depend
upon the evidence unintentionally given by the
correspondent ot the l Topic. The late election
for members ot Congress has demonstrated its truth
beyond all doubt. Never did party feelings run
higher or opposition make greater efforts. The
issue was clearly made and the victory most com-
li rm. -.. . l- r- .-
l-ieic j.i:u tuuiubi was uue ueiween iactlon On
the one side and the advocates of order and a sub
mission to the Constitution and laws upon the
other; the people who. were the arbiters in this
great conlhct discharged? their duty nobly for the
cause of their country. A shout of triumph has
been heard and it is now ascertained that the ad-
- - :r j tt . ... - t
miuuuatiw ui uku. nviuiron is sustained DV a
greater majority of the members of Congress elect
than at any period heretofore. Will it be supposed
that this decided expression of popular sentiment
is the result of infatuation or any other kindred
cause? Most assuredly it cannot. The causes
cannot be hid ; they are as plain as the noonday
sun and he that runs may read them. When the
rights of his country were attempted to be sacrifi-
ced by the rude hands ot-amilitary despol with
the loftv spirit of a patriot and the determined cour
age ot a soldier Sam Houston led his gallant coun
trymen to battle to victory and renown. When
he resigned his military command the unanimous
voice of the people elevated him to the first office
within their gift. Here he again acquitted himself
with honor; and the acts of his first Administra-
tion proved the great sagacity of his views as a
statesman. Again he has been called to preside a
second time over the destinies of his country!
hen he commenced ins present term the nation
was without a dollar in its 'Treasury and each pre-
vious year had been adding to the national debt.
The frontier settlements were being driven back by
the Indians who were constantly making forays
upon the settlers. The difficulties with Mexico
were assuming a serious aud threatening aspect
Shortly afterwards was waged the predatory war-
fare upon the western boider in which so many
valuable citizens weie inhumanly butchered whilst
others were earned off into a loathsome and too of-
ten fatal captivity. But how stands the case now?
The revenue of the country meets every necessary
expenditure ; the currency is fast tending to par ;
by a humane policy exercised towards them the In
dians have nearly all been induced to agree to
terms of peace while the frontier settlers now rest
in security at their homes ; with Mexico an armis-
tice has been concluded ; the forces of that Gov
ernment have all been withdrawn to the west of
the Rio Grande ; Santa Anna has agreed to release
from captivity the unfortunate Texian prisoners ;
and every thing bids fair for a speedy adjustment
of all pending difficulties and a recognition of the
independence of Texas by Mexico. And all these
favorable changes have been wrought under the
administralien ot Gen. Houston. Will it then.
longer be matter of surprise that the people of
Texas should continue to reiy upon nis patriotism
integrity and ability with unshaken and abiding
confidence the ravings of demagogues and disap
pointed politicians to the contrary notwithstand-
ing? One remark in regard to any probable change
of the institutions of Texas and 1 am done. It
may be considered a matter of some doubt whether
ihe President or people ot Texas desire to change
their Constitution or sur.cnder their sovereignty
to any nation whatever; but this fact lam well as
sured of that be their desire what it may it will
be found that they least of all desire such a change
or cession as that indicated bif the correspondent of
the Tropic. J.mpus omnia revttat
AMISTAD.
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Johnson, Thomas. The National Vindicator. (Washington, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 21, Ed. 1, Saturday, January 13, 1844, newspaper, January 13, 1844; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth80375/m1/1/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.