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solved from any part of its civil responsibility to
obtain boundary by negotiation, as was intended
by Congress in passing the law for the annexation
of Texas.


In anticipation of the acceptance by Texas of the
terms profered by our Government for incorPorat
ing that Republic with the United States, Gen.
TAYLOR was directed by the War Department, on
the 9th of June, IS45 to advance to the mouth of
the Sabine river, such other point the Gulf of
Mexico as might be most convenient for an en-
barkation at the proper time for the Uestera from
tier of Texas, According 10 Mr.. DoNELsoN, our
Minister in Texas who conducted the negotiation
for her admission into the Union, this frontier, on
the sea border was Corpus Christi, that being
/" the most western point of territory /" "occupied
by Texas" But, in the letter above cited, Gen.
TAYLOR was informed that he was ultimately to
" select and occupy" position on or near the
Rio Grande del Norte.'' He was afterwards IN
stmcted, on the 9Th of July, that Mexico had some
military establishments on the east side of the river
which he was not TO disturb unless an actual state
of war should exist On the 3Oth of July another
communication stated that the President could not
give. positive directions" as to the position he





and defend lle territory of Texas to the extent that
it had been occupied by the people Of Texas /;
(Which, we fepeat, would have been to Corpus
Christi.) Ye in this letter Gen. TAYLOR was in
! formed that our Government claimed the Rio
Grande as the boundary, and he was to protect the
territory, but not disturb the settlements or mill
tary posts Of the Mexicans He was also to ap-
/ he Pio pJa
would permit, and it was especially desirable that
part of his forces at least should be posted west
of the Nueces. On the 23d of August he was again
told that explicit instructions in regard to his
movements could not be given, but, if Mexican
force should cross the Rio Grande, it must be re-
garded an invasion of the United States and the
commencement of hostilities; that Texas, as claim
ed by the Executive, must be protected; and he
was informed by what means his force was to be
increased, if necessary. On the 30th of August he
was advised of the importance of closely observing
the movements of the Mexicans at " Matamoros,
Monterey, and other Places" and was directed, if
any force should cross the river, repuse the in
vaders, and drive all Mexican troops beyond the
river; that even an attempt at crossing must be re-
garded as invasion, &c.


| There appears TO have been no other despatch
from the Department previous TO the 4th of octo
Der, under which date Gen. TAYLoR-perplexed, m
doubt, as 10 the intentions of the Government an,
desiring some more clear and definite expression
its wishes--unwng TO assume an undue respon
sibty, and yet apprehensive of falling short of q
soldiers duty-addressed to the Department a let
ter, Of which we give the material part, follows
| HEADauARTERs ARMY OF OccuPATIoS,
Corpus Christi, TsrdS, October a. ls45.


SrR beg leave suggest considerations in relation
TO the present position Of force and the dispositions which
become necessary for the ectua prosecution of the
objects for which has been concentrated IL will be recol
ected that The instructions O June 5 issued by Mr. Ban
croft then acting Secretary Of War, directed me 10 select
and occupy, the Rio Grdnde such site will
with the health of the troops and will be best adapted
to repel INVASION &c. Bases the
trance to the mouth OF the Rio Grande and PaiNT %
ia that entrance and twenty miles from Maiamoro uOud
hare fulfilled copeiythan any other p0Sitidn the con-
ditons imposed by the Secretary But had artillery,
engineer force appliances and but moderate
infantry and the occupation Of Point Isabel under these cir
cumsance and with least the possibility of resistance from
the Mexicans, might have the safety of the
mand therefore determined 10 take up the accessible
position in the rear which the mouth Of the Nueces
All the information which could obtain before leaving New
Orleans seemed point Corpus Christi the suitable
point for concentration aud although before the Presidents
instructions of July 30 reached would have preferred





ton Of the country had already convinced that none could
be found combining many advantages this Every day
experience has confirmed these impressions Corpus Christi
is healthy easily supplied and ueH situated 10 hpd ober-
raon the the RIO Grdnde from Mdidmoros 10 La
redo-beng about $50 miles from several points the


have reason believe, moreover that sauary moral effect
has been exercised upon the Mexcan Their traders are
continually carrying home the OF position aud in
creasng numbers and coniesedy struck by the spectacle
of large camp Of wellapponted and disciplined troops
companied by perfect security their persons and property
instead of the mpressment and page which they
ect in their country For these reasons position
thus far has Think been The best possible but that the
entire force will soon be concentrated may well be question
whether the Of Government will be best carried by
remaining at this point II is with great Difference that
make suggestions topics which may become matter
delicate negotiation but, IF Government settling the
question Of boundary makes the line Of Tie Rio Grade an,
umafu,n, doubt that the settlement will be greatly
facilitated and FASTENED by taking possession Of
two suitable points quite that Our strength
and state Of preparation should be displayed in
be mistaken However sautay may be the effect produced
upon the border people by presence here too far
from the frontier impress the Government of Mexico with
readiness vndcac by force Of arms if necessary
title TO the county far the Rio Grande The "army Of
occupation will in few days be concentrated at this point
in condition for vigorous and efficient service. Hrico hdr-
ing yet made posfirs declaration If lcar committed
dny act Ofhohte do feel liberty under my
strucons particularly those of July s., 10 make forward
movement TO the Rio Gande without authority from the War
Department H. TAYLOR,
Breret Brig. Gen. u. s. army.
Ii is behind the suggestion contained in the
above letter, and which suggestion is made to hang
upon contingency of which the writer could know