History of the War with Mexico

Preface

The war of the United States with Mexico awakened the military ardor of American citizens, which had been slumbering since the contest with Great Britain in 1812-14. It stirred their imagination with the romance which has ever been connected with the scenes of Spanish conquest, heightened by the strange histories and vestiges of the most ancient people and civilization of the New World. It allured the adventurous spirit of the Northern soldier by the attractions of a tropical climate and a land of superb mountain-ranges veined with silver and gold, and of valleys and plains rich with Southern fruits and flowers.

This war formed an epoch in the history of the United States from which dates that heroic spirit of patriotism and those marvellous qualities of the American soldier of the last generation, which became so conspicuous in the Civil War, preparing for it some of the ablest officers and leaders.

4 PREFACE.

This history does not attempt to discuss military

movements or to illustrate the principles of military

science. It would leave a clear impression rather

than a technical knowledge of these operations in

the reader's mind, and arouse his interest in the

New West, which became, by this war, an integral

part of the Union. That he may accompHsh in

some good measure these aims has been the earnest

effort and hope of

THE AUTHOR.

Santa F£, November, 1882.

Chapter I. Fagb

National Histories : The United States and Mexico. . 13

Extent of the United States, 13. — Prosperity and Power, 14. — The Republic of Mexico, 14. — Its People, Army, and Congress, 15.

CHAPTER IL Mexico and Texas 17

Struggles for Freedom, 17. — The Mexican Declaration of Independence, 17. — Sympathy of the United States, 18. — Bonds of Patriotism, 19. —Territory of Texas, 20. — Despotism and Revolution, 20. — Invasion of Texas, 22. — " Remember the Alamo," 23. — Independence of Texas, 24.

CHAPTER III. Causes of the War 25

Texas and Europe, 25. — Desire for Annexation, 26. — Debates in Congress, 27. — The Needs and Demands of the Slave Power, 27. — Political Excitements, 28. — The Country Aroused, 29. — The Extension of Slavery, 29.

CHAPTER IV. The Immediate Causes of the War 31

Political Necessity, 31. — International Quarrels, 32. — Claims for Damages, 32. — Conventions, 33. — Reparation Delayed, 33. — Appeal for Admission of Texas to the

CONTENTS.

Union, 34. — Act of Congress, 34. — Boundar)' Disputes, 35. — Appointment of Slidell, 35. — The Nueces and Rio Grande, 37. — Provocatives to War, 38. — General Taylor's Dispatches, 39.— Haste of the Administration, 39. — Declaration of War, 40,

CHAPTER V. The Army of Occupation 42

March from the Nueces, 42. — Point Isabel, 42. — Matamoras, 43. — The Mexican Army, 43.— Bloodshed, 44. — Capture of American Cavalry, 45. — Walker's Adventure, 46. — Opening Communication, 47. — Bombardment of Fort Brown, 47. — Wounding of Captain Brown, 49. — General Taylor's March to Relieve the Fort, 50.

CHAPTER VI. The Battle of Palo Alto 51

Palo Alto, 51. — Sight of the Enemy, 51. — Preparations for Battle, 52. — Artillery Practice, 53. — Charge of the Mexicans, 54. — Their Repulse and Heroism, 55. — Cavalry Movements, 56. — Attempt to Capture the Wagons, 56. — The American Line of Battle Advanced, 56, — Night Ends the Battle, 57. — The Mexicans Retreat, 57.

CHAPTER VII. The Battle of Resaca de la Palma 55

Seeking Intrenchments, 59. — Resaca de la Palma, 59. — Reconnoissance of General Taylor, 60. — The Opening of the Battle, 61. — Charge of Captain May, 62. — Friendship in the Midst of Battle, 62. — Capture of General La Vega, 62.— Breaking the Mexican Line, 62. — The Enemy Routed, 62. — The Mexican Headquarters, 63. — Flight of the Defeated Army, 64. — Panic at the River, 68. — Scenes in Matamoras, 63. — Captures, 68. — Joy in Fort Brown, 68. — Exchange of Prisoners, 69.

CHAPTER VIIL Results of Victory 70

Surrender of Matamoras, 71. — Pursuit of Arista's Arm)% 71. — Reinforcements, 73. — Enthusiasm in the United

CONTENTS. vii

PAGB

States, 73. — Drill and Discipline, 73. — Delays of Transportation, 74.

Chapter IX

The March to Santa Fe, 75.— The Santa F6 Trail, 77.— Hardships and Sufferings in the Desert, 78. — Reports of the Enemy, 80. — Raton Pass, 80. — Ruins of the Temple of Montezuma at Pecos, 83. — Traditions, 83.— Gallisteo Cafion, 84. — Flight of the Mexicans, 84. — Entrance to the Capital, 85. — Address by General Kearney, 86. — Submission of the Mexicans to the United States, 86.

CHAPTER X. New Mexico and Santa Ffi 83

Proclamation of Kearney, 88. — The Destiny of a State, 91. — Reforms, gi.— The Mexican Stamp Act, 94. — Santa F6 and its History, 94. — The Expedition to Albuquerque, 95. — The Valley of the Rio Grande, 96. — Governor Bent, 97.

CHAPTER XI. Doniphan's Expedition to the Navajos

Reinforcements at Santa F6, 99. — Price in Command, gg. — Kearney's departure, 99. — A Winter Campaign, 100. — Crossing the Sierra Madre, lor. — Excelsior, 104. — Indian Council, 106. — Speech of Sarcilla Largo, 106. — Indian Logic, 107. — The Treaty, 107. — Zuni and its Buildings, 108. — The Ancient City, no. — Tokens of Wealth, III.

Chapter XII

Across the Continental Divide, 112. — Kearney and Kit Carson, 113. — Apache Indians, 114. — The Pinos, 115. — Conflict with Californians, 116.— The first Bloodshed, 116. — Care for the Wounded, 117. — Events in California, 1x8. — Insurrection, 119. — Conflict of Authority, 119. — Battle near Los Angeles, 120. — Fremont Relieved, 123. — The Homeward Route, 124.

viii CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII. Pagb

Recapitulation, 125. — Preparations for the Expedition, 126. — The March Begun, 126. — Scenes in the Desert, 127. — Christmas Festivities, 128. — A New Shuffle of Cards, 128. — Meeting the Mexicans in Arms, 129. — The first Battle, 130. — Victory of Brazito, 130. — Results, 131.— Capture of El Paso, 132.

Chapter XIV

Captures in El Paso, 133. — Reconciliation of Citizens, 134. — Diversions of Soldiers, 135. — The Carnival of Wolves, 135. — Act of Clemency, 136. — Ordered to Chihuahua, 136. — Privations of the Desert, 138. — Hunger, Thirst, and Flames, 139. — Night-Scouting, 141. — The Governor's Hacienda, 141. — The Enemy in Sight, 142.

Chapter XV

The Line of March, 143.— Position of the Enemy, 143. — Opening of the Battle, 144. — Storming the Intrenchments, 146. — Rout of the Mexican Cavalry, 147. — Flight of the Troops, 148. — Spirit of the Troops, 148. — Spoils of the Victors, 148.

Chapter XVI

Scenes at the Capital, 152. — Triumphal Entry, 153. — The City and its Buildings, 154. — Scouting through Mexico, 155. — Doniphan Ordered to Monterey, 155. — Mustered Out, 158. — Return to Missouri, 158. — The Welcome of Friends and Countrymen, 159.

CHAPTER XVII. The Storming of Monterey 160

Advance to Monterey, 160. — Its Defences, 162. — Encampment at. Walnut Springs, 161. — Worth's Movement, 165.

CONTENTS.

— Cavalry Skirmish, i66. — Anticipations of Battle, 167. — Night Scenes, 167.- — Preparations of the Morning, 168. — Garland's Assault, 16S. — Capture of a Fort, 169. — Quitman's Charge, 169.— Mexican Courage, 170. — Rain in the Night, 171. — Fort Diabolo Abandoned, 172. — Entering Monterey, 172. — The Texan Rangers, 172.

CHAPTER XVIII. The Storming of Monterey {Concluded') 174

Worth's Operations, 174. — Taking Fort Federation, 175. — Capture of Fort Independence, 176. — The Bishop's Palace Stormed, 177. — Fighting in the City, 177. — Reaching the Plaza, 178. — Ampudia Surrenders, 179.— Evacuation of the City, 180. — Incidents of the Battlefield, 181.

Chapter XIX

Operations of the Army of the Centre — Battle of BuENA Vista 182

Affairs in Mexico, 182. — Return of Santa Anna, 182. — Failure of the Plan of the Army of the Centre, 183. — Dividing General Taylor's Force, 184. — General Scott Commander-in-Chief, 184. — Position of the Army, 186. — Agua Nueva, 186. — Withdrawal of the Army to Buena Vista, 186.— The Chosen Battle-ground, 186. — Approach of the Mexican Army, 187. — Disposition of Santa Anna's Forces, 187. — Angostura, 187. — Washington's Birthday, 188. — Summons to Surrender from Santa Anna, 188. — ■ Refusal, 189. — Attack of the American Left, 189. — Repulse, 190. — Address of Santa Anna to his Troops, 191.

CHAPTER XX. The Battle of Buena Vista {Concluded) 192

Fighting for the Plateau, 192. — The three Columns of the Enemy, 193. — Heroism of Lieutenant O'Brien, 194. — Junction of Lombardini and Pachecho, 195. — Attack on Angostura, 196. — Cowardice of Troops, 195. — Critical Moments, 196. — Arrival of General Taylor, 196. — Retrieving Defeat, 197. — Cavalry Movements, 198. — Desper-

CONTENTS.

ate Charges, 199. — Following up Advantages, 199. — Night Approaches, 201. — Carnage of War, 202. — Sufferings of the Wounded, 202. — Flight of the Mexicans, 202. — Ruin of their Army, 202. — Joy and Triumph of the Americans, 202. — Movements of Santa Anna, 203. — Consequences of this victory, 203. — Departure of General Taylor, 204.

CHAPTER XXI. The Bombardment and Capture of Vera Cruz 205

Naval Operations, 205. — Arrival and Landing of Troops, 206. — Intrenchments and Batteries, 207. — Investment of Vera Cruz, 207. — Return of the Enemy's Fire, 209. — The Progress of the Bombardment, 2io.^Remonstrances of Foreigners. 213. — Request for Armistice, 213. — Its Refusal, 213. — Effects of the Shot, 214. — Offer of Surrender, 214. — Terms of Capitulation, 215. — Amount of Captures, 215.

CHAPTER XXII. The March to the Capital City of Mexico 217

Consternation of the Mexican People, 217. — Arrival of Santa Anna at the Capital, 218. — Reconciliation of Factions, 218. — He Assumes Command, 219. — Cerro Gordo, 220.— Its Defences, 220. — General Scott's Plan of Attack, 221. — Turning the Left, 221. — Storming the Hill by Regulars, 222. — Wounding of General Shields, 223. — Assault by Pillow, 223. — Mexican Losses, 224.

CHAPTER XXIII. General Scott's Successful Progress tov^^ard Mexico.. 226

Mexican Patriotism, 226. — Address to the Mexicans by General Scott, 227. — Changes in the Army, and Reinforcements, 228. — The March Resumed, 229. — The Valley of Mexico, 230. — Fortifications of the Capital, 231. — Its Approaches, 231. — Reconnoissances, 232. — Attacks on Con- > treras, 234. — Capture of Cannon, 236. — Assault of San Antonio and Churubusco, 237.— Knocking at the Gates of the Capital, 239.

CONTENTS. XI

Chapter XXIV. Pagb

The Armistice, 242. — Negotiations for Peace, 243. — Molino del Rey, 245. — Casa de Mata, 247.

CHAPTER XXV. The Storming of Chapultepec — Fall of the Capital . . 249

The Causeway of San Cosm6, 249. — Chapultepec Assailed and Talien, 250. — Daring Assaults, 251. —Seizing the Approaches to the City, 252. — Stubborn Resistance, 253. — The Belen Gate, 254. — Quitman's Advance, 255. — Entering the City, 255. — Fearful Slaughter, 255. — Nightfall, 255. — Surrender, 255. — Forces Engaged, 255. — Santa Anna Resigns, 256.— The Endurance of the Americans at Puebla, 257. — Battle of Huamantla, 258. — Death of Captain Walker, 260. — Exile of Santa Anna, 259. — General Scott Relieved of his Command, 264.

CHAPTER XXVI. The Conspiracy and Revolt in New Mexico 265

Mexican Treachery, 265. — The Plot Revealed. 266. — Treasonable Plottings Renewed, 267. — Court Records, 267. — Assassination of Governor Bent and his Party, 268. — Fighting at Cafiada, 269. — The Siege of the Pueblo of Taos, 270. — The Surrender of the Insurgents, 271. — Devastation of Moro Valley, 271. — Death of Captain Hendley, 272. — Sentence of Trujillo, 273.

CHAPTER XXVII. Incidents of the War — McCulloch's Raids 275

The Texas Rangers, 275. — The First Scout to Linares, 276. — The Surprise of a Fandango Party, 278. — Raid to Carrisito, 279. — Fight with Mexican Cavalry, 281. — Gallantry at Monterey, 282. — The Storming of Federation Hill, 282. — Engagement at Encarnacion, 283. — The Scouting Party and Adventures, 284. — Peril and Escape from Santa Anna's Troops, 285. — Return to Agua Nueva, 286.

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter XXVIII. Pagb

The Gulf Squadron, 287. — The Blockade, 288. — Yucatan,

» 288. — Capture of Tampico, 288. — Expedition against Tuspan, 289. — Ascent of the River, 289. — Storming the Forts, 289. — Capture of the City, 290. — Preparations to Attack Tabasco, 290. — The Flotilla, 290. — Attacked by Mexicans, 290. — Engagement with Forts, 291. — The Landing Party, 291. — Firing upon the Spitfire, 292. — The Fortifications Captured, 292. — Fort Iturbide Reduced and Destroyed, 292. — Surrender of the City, 292. — Prizes, 292. — The Pacific Squadron, 293. — Instructions to Commodore Sloat, 293. — Capture of Monterey and San Francisco, 293. — Subjugation of California, 294.

Chapter XXIX

Personal Traits of General Taylor, 296. — The Soldier's Blunder, 296. — An Officer's Pique, 297. — Camp Discipline Good for Officers as well as Soldiers, 298. — The Sentinel's Wrath, 299. — The General's Mistake, 301. — Mexican Chivalry, 305. — The Fatal Ambuscade, 307.

CHAPTER XXX. Closing Events of the War 309

Desire for Peace, 309. — Political Changes in Mexico, 310. — Proposals for Treaty of Peace, 310. — Appointment of Commissioners, 310. — Ratification of the Treaty, 311. — Its Terms, 312. — Evacuation of the Capital and the Country, 312. — Return of the Soldiers to their Homes, 312. — Conclusion, 313.

CHAPTER XXXI. The Results of the War to the United States and Mexico 314

The Avowed Purpose of the War, 314. — Area of the Conquered Territory, 315. — The Cost in Human Life and Treasure, 316. — Value of the Acquisition, 318. — Discovery of Gold in California, 319. — Effects on Population and Commerce, 319. — Value of Products, 320. — Development by Railroads, 321. — Perils to the Union, 322. — Grandeur of the Nation, 322.

HISTORY OF THE

WAR WITH MEXICO.

CHAPTER I. National Histories : The United States and Mexico

Extent of the United States — Prosperity and power — The Republic of Mexico— Its people, army, and Congress.

During the period of 1840 to 1850, within which the war with Mexico occurred, the United States had a population of twenty miUions. The Union contained twenty-seven States, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada, and from the Atlantic seaboard to the present tier of States just beyond the west bank of the Mississippi as far northward as Wisconsin. The most western State was Missouri. Louisiana was on the south-western border. One half of the States, as far as the Ohio River and including Missouri, was slave territory, of which the raising of cotton and corn was the chief industry.

14 THE UNITED STATES A AW MEXICO.

A remarkable degree of prosperity prevailed at this period in the whole country. The wonderful agricultural resources of the prairie States were being largely developed. The wheels of industry were humming all over the Eastern States, which were also extensively engaged in shipping. Their mercantile navy competed with that of Great Britain for the commerce of the seas. The United States possessed wealth, an exhaustless soil, mines of coal, iron, copper, and lead already opened, and a brave, intelligent, and vigorous population, a mixture of the best blood of the most energetic nations of Europe, having at once enterprise, inventive skill, and patriotic zeal. This Republic was able to fight successfully with any power on the earth.

Mexico had within only a few years wheeled into line with the few republics of the world. Her population was composed of the native Indian, descended from the Aztec people of the middle centuries, mixed with the Spanish and other Southern races. The Spaniards having first conquered the inhabitants of this rich and beautiful country, by a steady stream of emigration and an oppressive military rule had held them in subjection for two centuries and a half, without developing the resources of the land for the benefit of its original owners. At the time of this foreign war, the passionate and

THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. 15

luxurious Spanish caballero, the sluggish Indian, and the preponderating Mestizos, or half-breeds, made up its population, over which the Roman Catholic priests held an enervating sway, not only in matters of religion, but as one of the ruling political powers of the land.

There were six States in the Mexican Confederation. They occupied a country rich with mines of gold and silver, a tropical climate, and fertile soil. They had an indolent population, largely given to the work on plantations, and unaccustomed to the demands of self-government, by reason of centuries of subjection to a foreign power. The sentiment of the people was divided between monarchy and republicanism. The majority were incapable of the self-denials to which an exalted patriotism would submit for the sake of national honor and growth.

The Mexican army lacked the discipline which permanent officers and a strong and well-ordered government creates ; but the National Congress, in their pride of self-government, had a sense of importance equal to that of the parliaments of the oldest nations extant.

The invasion of a country will arouse and unite for a time any civilized people. The passion of the hour and the instinct of self-defence will lead them to bold and courageous fighting. But for a long

1 6 THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.

n and persistent contest with a commanding government like that of the United States, they were unfitted, and the ventures of such an unequal war were almost inevitably full of disaster to the young republic. Had the burning zeal and unhesitating bravery of the thousands who sacrificed their lives on its battle-fields been preserved for safeguards to the Mexican Constitution and Government against internal dissensions, how much brighter would have been the future of Mexico ! The blood of such heroes and veterans was too precious to be wasted in vain conflict with the sons of freedom in a sister republic.

CHAPTER II. Mexico and Texas

Struggles for freedom— The Mexican Declaration of Independence — Sympathy of the United States— Bonds of patriotism — Territory of Texas — Despotism and revolution — Invasion of Texas — " Remember the Alamo" — Independence of Texas.

Mexico acquired her independence of Spain in theyeari82i. Miguel Hidalgoy Costillo, an Indian curate, and one of the purest patriots who ever roused a nation to shake off the chains of despotism, in 1810 led the first insurrection against the foreign power that for three centuries had crushed and enfeebled the people. For eleven years they struggled for freedom and life. Early in this revolution they avowed their purpose to establish a republic, the principles and conduct of which should accord with the Government of the United States. The first Mexican Congress in 18 12 made declarations, by which the following principles were established :

The Mexican nation resumed its sovereignty, and exercised it by its representatives.

Slavery was abolished.

All privileges of birth and color were annulled.

Torture should no longer be inflicted.

The rights of property should be protected.

Foreign commerce should be permitted under moderate duties.

The laws should require patriotism and loyalty, limit alike the excesses of opulence and poverty, tend to increase the wages of the poor, and diminish popular ignorance, vice, and crime.

The people of the United States were in sympathy with such ideas of popular government, and with the people who espoused and fought for them. It was a new protest against the tyranny of European monarchies, from which they had not long escaped themselves. The citizens of the United States, therefore, long extended toward the Mexican the forbearance which the necessities and struggles of a neighboring nation required of the Great Republic whose example they were imitating.

But events soon proved that a people must be fitted by nature and intelligence for self-government on such exalted principles as were avowed in the Constitution and laws of Mexico. In framing these, the founders of the new government overestimated the character and stability of purpose of the Mexican race. Constantly embroiled by contending factions, petty jealousies, and personal ambitions of hotheaded leaders, the Government became the prey of military usurpers, made presidents by /r<9w^«r/<rzmientos, or proclamations without authority. With amazing disregard of justice and law in these frequent changes, government at home became a terror to the people. In fact, there was no true constitutional government. These military usurpers seized public and private property to maintain the army, till superseded by others. It was difficult to unite the different sections of the Mexican Confederation upon laws for the national welfare. Conflicting interests asserted themselves where the bonds of patriotism were still weak. The territory held by this distracted nation was immense. Much of it was desert or uncultivated land, intersected by rugged mountain-ranges, from which stretched vast mesas, or plateaus, uncultivated, and to a great extent uninhabited. It had no communications by railroads, canals, or telegraphs, and but few post-roads and highways of travel between the secluded cities to foster common interests and opinions among the people, who had been alienated from all respect for governments by centuries of the misrule and selfish exactions of Spain.

The States of Mexico were rather provinces than States. Some of them were rich and populous, others settled by few people, but having a fertile soil, and the resources and territory for future empires. Of the latter was Texas on the south-east, reaching from the Rio Grande to the Mississippi, and I from the Gulf of Mexico to the latitude of Missouri. The population was composed of a mixture of American, French, and Spanish blood with the native race, and was more fully in sympathy with the United States, from which many of the citizens had emigrated, than with the traditions and customs of Mexico.

In the year 1834, Santa Anna, President of the Confederation, with the support of the priesthood, dissolved by force the Mexican Congress, and with large bodies of troops overawed in his own favor the elections which were held for the next Congress. This usurper, who had in 1823 proclaimed himself the protector of the Federal Republic, now sought to establish a central government armed with dictatorial pawer. Aided again by the Roman Catholic clergy, he compelled Congress, in 1835, to abolish the Constitution of 1824, and with this also the State constitutions and ofificers. He thus took away from the States the power to regulate their own affairs by legislatures. Then a military despotism was established through governors appointed for the new provinces, the name of States having been annihilated. The people of the former States of Mexico,

Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco, and Zacatecas opposed this overthrow of the Federal Government. There was an uprising in Zacatecas, but the inhabitants were crushed by Santa Anna, with a powerful army. With combined treachery and cruelty he butchered the citizens and spread terror through the land.

The citizens of Texas, however, still desiring the federal system of government, called a Congress to consult for their own province, to meet in October, 1835. General Cos, the military governor, before it assembled, brought on a conflict by attempting to disarm the people, who bravely resisted. The governor was defeated at Gonzales, Goliad, Conception, and Fort Lepanticlan on the west bank of the Nueces, and at San Antonio. He then capitulated, and the Texan Congress having assembled, declared Texas no longer bound morally or legally by the compact of the Union or the authority of the usurper. They also offered assistance to such members of the Mexican Confederacy as would take up arms against military despotism. Though the federal system was disorganized, they declared their purpose to continue faithful to the Mexican Government, so long as the nation should be ruled by the Constitution and laws that had been framed for the Union of States. A provisional government was organized in November of the same year, to continue in force till the following March, in order to wait the co-operation of the other States of the Confederacy. Henry Smith was chosen provisional governor, James W. Robinson, lieutenant-governor, and General Samuel Houston, commander-in-chief.

While a convention was in session at Washington, Texas, March 2d, to provide for the new government after the expiration of the provisional one, intelligence reached them that Santa Anna, with an army of ten thousand of his choicest troops, had already invaded Texas, with the purpose of slaughtering all the inhabitants who offered resistance, and of ravaging the country. A declaration of independence was adopted immediately, and a constitution agreed upon by the convention, to be submitted to the people. General Houston issued a stirring appeal to arms. The invading force entered Texas in two divisions, the right led by General Urea, the left commanded by Santa Anna. The latter first besieged San Antonio de Bexar, which was heroically defended by Colonel Travis, who, with two hundred and fifty men, shut himself up in the Alamo. They fought till only one man was left. Santa Anna, enraged at the loss of one thousand troops in the assault, ordered the single prisoner to be shot and the bodies of the garrison to be burned. At Goliad, General Urea received the surrender of Colonel Fannin and five hundred soldiers, under solemn assurances that their lives and property should be safe. Santa Anna, with inhuman cruelty, ordered them to be slaughtered. But at San Jacinto, General Houston, on April 21st, with eight hundred patriots, met the treacherous usurper, and signally defeated him. The Texans fought with the energy of despair and the ferocity of lions, aroused by the terrible war-cry, "Remember the Alamo!" Santa Anna had over sixteen hundred Mexican soldiers. He lost six hundred and thirty killed, two hundred and eighty wounded, and seven hundred and thirty prisoners of war. Santa Anna and General Cos were both captured. As President of Mexico, he made a treaty with General Houston, in which he recognized the full independence of Texas, and engaged to withdraw his remaining troops, four thousand in number. Thus he escaped the punishment due to his cruelties and despotic acts.

Though the Mexican Congress refused to recognize the authority of Santa Anna in making this treaty, and ordered a new invasion, it was never attempted. The border skirmishes, which followed for several years, only fostered hatred between the citizens of each Government, without affecting their political relations. It was evident that Mexico would never recover this territory. Texas remained an independent State under a republican constitution and government for ten years. She was not formally acknowledged by Mexico as independent, but in a few months obtained the recognition of Great Britain, France, and a few other European Governments, and lastly that of the United States. Population flowed in from the United States, and with the development of her great agricultural resources and other industries, there was an increasing desire among her citizens to unite the destinies of Texas to those of the Great Republic.

CHAPTER III. Causes of the War

Texas and Europe — Desire for annexation — Debates in Congress — The needs and demands of the slave power — Political excitements— The country aroused — The extension of slavery.

A DISTINGUISHED statesman has called the war with Mexico "a war of pretexts." For thirty years the United States had been at peace with all foreign nations. Indian wars had occasionally occupied the attention of the Government, but the country had increased with wonderful rapidity in population, commerce, and the development of its resources and industries. The virgin soil of the Western States was supplying the nations of Europe with bread, and receiving multitudes who were fleeing from despotism to comfortable homes in this free land. England and France were jealous of the Republic, so dangerous in its unexampled prosperity to monarchical institutions, marching rapidly to the front of the world's nations. These powers seemed to be specially interested in the independence of Texas as a barrier to the territorial increase of the United States. But the bonds of sympathy between Texas and the United States had been strengthened by the aid rendered in the struggle for the freedom achieved at San Jacinto. Their interests were identical. A large portion of the territoiy of Texas lay in the valley of the Mississippi. Its acquisition had been the subject of negotiation for twenty years. It was considered essential to the safety and welfare of the Union.

After ten years of independence Texas applied for admission to the United States. The resolutions providing for her annexation awakened hot debate in Congress and violent discussion all over the country. The measure excited as much opposition as it did favor. Into the debates entered the great question of African slavery in the Union. To annex Texas was sure to involve the United States in a war with Mexico. To advocate war for the sake of extending slavery and increasing the slave power of the Union was enough to excite the most bitter opposition from the Whig and the Free Soil parties in the Union. The strife for power between the advocates of freedom and of slavery was not yet, as it afterward became, a contest between the North and the South. The great and dominant Democratic party of the whole Union upheld the slave institution of the South. The rapid extension

CA USES OF THE n AR. 27

of free territory in the new States of the West required a corresponding increase in the number of slaveholding States, to preserve the balance of power in Congress. Every State entered the Union with a Constitution excluding or adopting slavery.

Texas contained two hundred thousand square miles of undisputed territory, out of which, Senator Benton, of Missouri, said in Congress, nine slave States could be made, each equal to the State of Kentucky. This would give, he argued, a predominant slave representation in the Government.

Here, then, we find the great underlying cause of this war. It was the theme of discussions in public and private circles, in caucuses, conventions, legislatures, and Congress, and in the newspapers all over the land, and it "mixed politics with religion" in a manner most exasperating to the advocates of slavery. To accomplish the annexation of Texas, with its regal domain, its rich cotton and cornproducing soil, its boundless cattle ranges and semi-tropical climate and fruits, was to add a nev/ dominion — equal to the old Roman Empire in Europe under the Caesars — to the South and its institutions, enlarge the area of slavery and perpetuate this distinctive feature of Southern life, which was the basis of Southern aristocracy, and should be the corner-stone of the future Southern Empire.

The rising anti- slavery sentiment of the North fanned the flames of sectional jealousy in discussion of this measure. This grand scheme for increase of the slave power united the Whig and Free Soil elements in the country in opposition to it. Daniel Webster, then in the prime of his power, led the Whig party in resistance to it. With great boldness and plainness it was argued in Congress as a pro-slavery measure. Mr. Holmes, of South Carolina, said in the House of Representatives, " The Southerner would be either a knave or a fool who would consent to divide Texas, if annexed, into two States, one slaveholding and one not." Mr. Merrick, of Maryland, said of the annexation, " The balance of power once restored, abolitionists would then let us alone, and the blighting agitation would die its natural death." Mr. Calhoun, in the Senate at the close of the war, maintained the right of slaveholders to carry and hold their slaves in all the free territory acquired by conquest from Mexico. Mr. Webster, in opposition, said, " I shall do nothing to interfere with the domestic institutions of the South, and the Government of the United States has no right to interfere therewith. But that is a very different thing from not interfering to prevent the extension of slavery by adding a large slave country to this. Texas is likely to be a slaveholding country, and I frankly avow my unwillingness to do anything that shall extend the slavery of the African race on this continent, or add another slaveholding State to the Union."