The Mexican minister replied, that he had been informed before my arrival, that this was one of the objects of my mission to this Govnt-which belief was strengthened from the fact that a Minister Exty. etc was sent here, while there was a regular minister at this court. He then stated that he advised without delay his Govnt of this intended movement of the Govet. of Texas-and further that he advised his Govnt. to sieze hold of this opportunity as a favorable one, for a final and advantages adjustment of the difficulties between the two Govets.

a

Mr Forsythe thinks that this communication will certainly reach Mexico before Colo Bees arrival, which will be very fortunate.

Mr Ellis will be instructed to say to Prest Santa Anna that should Mexico desire the mediation of this Govnt, that nothing will give her more pleasure than to interpose. It is the President's and Mr. Forsythe['s] opinion, that should this Govnt. make a formal announcement of their acceptance of the mediation, as offered verbally by me, that it might excite old jealosies, and defeat or imbarrass the question. Hence it is, that I have only had verbal interchange of opinions and suggestions, and will let the matter so rest untill otherwise instructed or untill new developments shall mark out a different

course.

On my presentation to the Prest. of the U. Sts. I handed him my credentials and delivered him your personal respects with an assurance from you, that you cherished the hope that nothing should ever transpire to interrupt that harmony and good will, which so happily existed between the Republic of Texas and the U. Sts. The President in a modest and impressive manner said I trust you will present my best regards to President Lamar and my good wishes for his health and happiness. He asked me to be seated, and I then said if you will allow me in an informal manner, I will present for your consideration, one of the objects, of my mission to this Govet that you may think of it. After doing so with leave, the Prest. said he would see the Secretary of State and that they would think of the best mode to treat the subject. But he said, you can say this much to the Prest. of your Republic," that it would afford him great pleasure, to render any service to his Government, when he could do so consistently with his public duties, and advised me to call and see Mr. Forsythe before I address him by any official communication—which I did on the next day and which has resulted as stated, and which I hope will terminate propitiously for the Republic. You may think that I have given too much detail your solicitude on the momentuous question, has induced me to give you the whole ground, hoping that it will prove more satisfactory than a mere statement of results.

a Advantageous.

Here the form changes from direct to indirect discourse.

Mr. Forsythe hinted that perhaps the Mexican Minister believed, that this would be a favorable crisis in the affairs of Mexico, to get a little money, and that perhaps, that might facilitate a speedy adjustment of our difficulties. My instructions are silent on this question-money is nothing to the peace of a nation when it can be given as in this case, without the loss of national character. Will you be pleased to have me advised, on this question. This matter was once agitated in Cabinet Council while I was a member. No decision was given, but I think it was believed that we could purchase the lands between the Neueses and the Rio Grande without loosing any character. It was and is my opinion that this is the surest way to a speedy termination of our affairs with Mexico.

How would you like to have the boundary of the Republic to run to the Pacific so as to include California. This may seem too grasping, but if we can get it ought we not to take it and pay for it. Texas is the rising sun of the day. She presents New claims every day to the friends of Public liberty. Her character has changed here, every movement presents new hopes and new charms to this adventurous and stirring nation.

Mr. Forsythe directs me to present you his best and kindest respects.

I hope you will give my respects to Judge Webb and Genl. Johnston, and believe me to be

Your Friend and
Humble Servt.

R. G. DUNLAP.

Mr. Forsythe desires an app't. for his brother in law Mr. Eysa Hill Meigs, as sergeon or an officer in the marines or of the army. I will give him a letter to you. I said to Mr. Forsythe that I was sure it would give you pleasure to do so, if you could etc.

Genl Hamilton wrote me on the 14th. from Phil. not to leave before his arrival here tomorrow. He is anxious to see me. This is all as

yet. I hope for the best.

DUNLAP TO WEBB.'

WASHINGTON [CITY,] May 17, 1839

SIR,

I have not yet presented the explanation of my Govmt. relative to General Rusks entry with an armed force within the U States. I was afraid it might possibly result in a controversy, which would

a Nueces.

See Records of the Department of State (Texas), Book 41, p. 204. 60265-VOL 2-09-25

have paralized my efforts to obtain the mediation of the United States for the settlement of our Mexican difficulties. I have explained this in conversation-to the Secretary of State. I think there will be no difficulty. He says that this Government cannot make a conventional arrangement for either party to cross the line to punish aggressions from the Indians, but if we will show the necessity for our safety, that this Government will take immediate steps to station a competent force on the borders to restrain the Indians from incursions and depredations upon our territory and our citizens. I said to Mr Forsyth that this was all we desired, and that his Government could not discharge its obligations to Texas without such a stationed force on the borders. He stated however that the statements of the agents and officers of his Government would be relied on in preference to any statement from our Government; unless we produced evidence. The Agents of the U. States on the borders have stated that the Indians have not and do not intrude on our territories. Attached to General Rusks report to the Secretary of War he has the affidavit of Mr Vansickle, proving conclusively that the Indians of the United States have crossed the line and made war on our citizens. I will present this in a few days, not until Mr Ellis leaves the United States.

I was asked if the President had appointed a Commr. to run the line between the two Governments. I replied that the appointment was offered to a gentleman before I left but he had not either declined or accepted it. The United States will not place a force there until the boundary is settled.

Had the President not better send some agent to collect testimony relative to the crossing of the line by the Indians.

You will please forward to the President of the United States, a letter of recall of Doct Jones this will answer, altho the same ceremony is observed in taking leave where the two Governments are on good terms, that are observed in the presentation of a Minister. I send you Wheatons elements of international law which has a code of etiquet for the diplomatic corps.

I send some journals, reports etc of the United States Congress which may serve as rules or guides in some cases, when I get in funds I will send you other things equally useful to yours and all the Departments.

I have the honor to be

Very respectfully

Honorable JAMES WEBB
Secretary of State Texas.

R. G. DUNLAP.

DUNLAP TO BEE."

The Honl. JAMES WEBB,

Secretary of State,

DUNLAP TO WEBB."

WASHINGTON [CITY,] May 19th 1839

SIR, Since my last to you, some things have occurred of which I deem it my duty to advise you. I enclose you a copy of a letter which I wrote Col Bee in cypher advising him that this Government had instructed Mr Ellis to offer the mediation of the United States etc.

I have made some suggestions to Col Bee of which I also advised you, and relative to which I shall be happy to have the views of the President. You will see that I have said to Col Bee to not leave Mexico, until time sufficient shall elapse to effect the loan. The mere fact that a mission has been sent to Mexico, has had the happiest effect in favor of the cause and prospects of our Republic. His sudden return without doing any thing, would loose us all the benefit of that opinion, which rests in confidence on the mere fact that a mission has been sent to our enemies with overtures of peace

A day or two after the interposition of this Government as previously stated, I met with Major Lewis an old friend, connected with this Govt., who informed me that he had received a letter from Vera Cruz entitled to great weight, stating that Bustamenta was rallying all the power of the Central party to attack Tampico, an American Town in feeling and partly in character, and the strong hold of the Federal party. The writer considers the result not certain, but somewhat favorable to the central party. But in the event of success, he says that Bustamenta will appeal to the pride of the Nation, urging the immediate invasion and reconquest of Texas. This is his master stroke, to quell home dissentions and fasten permanently centralism on the people of Mexico. The writer further states that, Genl Santa Anna will not oppose this movement, for two reasons. The fear of his popularity at home, and a secret wish to place Bustamenta in a condition, from which he cannot extricate himself without total ruin and disgrace.

General Hamilton arrived here the evening on which I received this information, I advised him of it and insisted on his immediate departure for Europe to negotiate our Loan. He left this city remaining here only one day to hurry the completion of the Bonds, he will loose no time. I gave him all that had occurred between myself

May 17, 1839. See Dunlap to Webb, May 19, 1839.

For the letter and enclosure, see Records of the Department of State (Texas), Book 41, pp. 204-206.

and this Government, which was truly gratifying to him, and in his opinion, gave him the basis of certain success. He then called on Mr Fox, and let him have a few hints on this subject. The result is truly propitious and every way promises what our Govt. most desires. Mr Fox promised General Hamilton to write forthwith to Mr Packenham the British Minister at Mexico, advising him of these matters and soliciting his co-operation with Mr Ellis and Col Bee, in a manner most available. He also promised to send a copy of the letter to Lord Palmerston, and with it to give Genl Hamilton a private letter I shall go to Philadelphia by 1st June if not sooner, to countersign the bonds. General Hamilton said to me that he was very confident that he would close an arrangement the last of this week, for half a Million of dollars to meet the present wants of the Republic Mr Dangerfield wrote me the other day relative to his instructions, from the Secretary of war, if you will have them forwarded to me, I will send them to him, and go and assist in the purchasing of such arms etc which it may be deemed advisable to obtain. I doubt not, that the President with all the fair prospects of a speedy peace, will feel that duty requires, vigorous and energetic measures, to meet an alternative which may happen, aided by the capricious fortune of revolution

I am just concluding a mail arrangement with the Post Master General here, to allow letters to pass the boundary line without the postage being paid, the Post Master General of Texas will have to accept and ratify the agreement until the meeting of our next Congress. I shall be able to enclose you this arrangement in a few days. I have still delayed presenting to the State Department the explanation of my Government relative to General Rusk's entrance with an armed force in the territory of the United States for the reasons which I have previously assigned you. But I shall do so before I leave for Philadelphia

I remain with the highest consideration and respect.
Your obedient and Humble Servant

R. G. DUNLAP.

MY DEAR SIR,

WASHINGTON [CITY,] May 17th 1839

Mr Martinez the Mexican Minister has written to his Government formally, in relation to the adjustment of our difficulties with Mexico. Mr Ellis will be instructed to say to the President of Mexico that should he desire it, this Government will take pleasure in interposing on behalf of Mexico. Every thing proceeds well here. You must not hint this to any one.