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W,
honorably have avoided would be TO degrade the ma
ton in lis own estimation, and in that Of the world.
To retire to line and simply hold and defend II, /
wOud not terminate the On the contrary, it
would encourage Mexico persevere, and tend pro-
tract II indefinitely.


1t is to be expected that Mexico after refusing
to establish such line as a permanent boundary, /
when victorious armies in possession Of her
capital and heart of her country, would permit
hold it without resistance That she would continue
the war; and that in the haassing aud annoying
forms, there can be no doubt


border warfare Of savage character, extending
long line, would be increasingly wsged IL would
quire large be kept continually in the field station
ed al ors and grsonS along such ne TO protect and de-
eud it. The enemy relieved from the presence of
Direct and selecting isolated post for attack, would
centraie his forces upon it. This would be condition OF
aaiss which the Mexicans pursuing their avOrie system of
guerrilla warfare, would probably prefer other Were
We 10 assume defensive attitude such line all the ad
vaniage Of such state Of would be the side of the
enemy We could levy contributions upon him. nor in
any other way make him feel the pressure Of the but
must remain inactive and await his approach, being in
slant uncertainty at what point of the line what time
he might make the assault He may assemble and organize
overwhelming force in the interior his side of the
line, and coneeang his purpose make sudden assault upon
OF distant from any other
vent the possibility of TenforcemeH and n this
way gallant army would exposed danger of be-
ing cut Oft IN detail, or if, in their unrivalled bravery and
powes exhibited during this war; they should
Iepuse the enemy their numbers stationed any point
be too small 10 pursue him. Should the enemy be
pulsed M an attack he Will have nothing do but retreat
his side Of the De aud being no fear of pursuing
reinforce himself leisure for attack the
same other He may, the line be-
tween our posts make ncusions into the which
hold murder the inhabitants thereof and then retreat 10 the
interior before sufficient pur-
sue him. Such would probably be The haassng character
oil mere defensive war part If forces, when
attacked or threatened with attack be permitted the


ne drive back the enemy and conquer him. this would be
again 10 invade the euemy country, after having lost all the
| WI have bv hal
ing Voluntarily abandoned them To hold such line
cessuly and IN security is far from being certain that ii
would not require as large army would be necessary
10 hold all the conquests have already made and to


nue the prosecution of the the heart Of the
myS country also far from being certain that the
penseS OF the would be diminished by such policy.


am persuaded that the best of vindicatng the
national honor and interests and of bringing the
honorable close will be to prosecute with increased
ergy and power IN the vital part of the enemys country


In my annual message to congress declared the had
not been waged with view conquest but having been
commenced by Mexico, has been carried into the
mys country and will be vigorously prosecuted there with


view TO obtain honorable peace and thereby
ample indemnity for the expenses Of the well
our much injured citizens who hold large pecuniary de-
mand against Mexico. Such, in my judgment, continues
to be our true policy; indeed the only policy which will
probably secure permanent peace.


1t has never been contemplated by me, object of
the war; to make permanent conquest of the Republic of
Mexico, or to annihate her separate existence nde
pendent naton the contrary it has been my de-
sire that she should maintain her nationality and under
good government adapted to her condition, be prosper
Gus and free republic The u States the first among
the nations to recognize her independence and has always
desired to be terms of amity and good neighborhood
with her. This she would suffer. By her own con-
duct we have been compelled to engage in the present
war. In its prosecution seek not her overthrow
nation, but vindicaton of national honor We seek
to obtain redress for the wrong she has done us and
demnity for our just demands against her. We demand
an honorable peace, and that peace must bring with in in
demniy for the past and security for the future Hitherto
hV XVh n
peace could be obtained.


While armies have advanced from victory to victory
from the commencement of the war, has always been
with the olive branch of peace their hands, and it has
been in the power of Mexico every STEP hos
tiles by accepting it.


One great objection the attainment of peace has un-
doubtedly arisen from the fact that Mexico has
long held in subsection by one facon military usurper,
after another and such has been the condition of nsecu
rty in which these successive governments have been
placed that each has been deferred from making peace
lest for this very cause, rival faction might expe it from
power.


Such the fate of President Herreras administration
in lo45 for being disposed listen the overures
of the u States prevent the war; fully confirmed
by an official correspondence, which took place August
last between him and his government, copy of which is
herewith communicated For this alone the
ton which Gsplaced him from power foot by
Gen. Psredes Such may be the condition of insecurity of
the present government.


There be doubt that the peaceabe and wel-ds-
posed inhabitants of Mexico convinced that it is the
true interest of their country to CONCLUDE honorable
peace with the u States; bu the apprehension of becom
ing the victims of military faction usurper have
prevented them from manifesng their feelings by any
public act The removal of any such apprehension would
probably them to speak their sentiments, and
dop the necessary for the restoration of
With people distracted and divided by contendng fac
tons and government subjected to changes by
successive revolutions the continued successes of ar
mics may fail to a satisfactory peace. In such
event may become proper for commanding generals
In the held to give encouragement and assurance of