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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
in relation to the subject of which the Resolution treats. In the present state of our National relations with Mexico, the· Executive can perceive no [benefit] in communicating with the writer of this letter, or with [any other o] fficial personage of that Republic, who may be in open revolt [a-gainst the gov]ernment, provided in th[e] opinion of Congress any benefit woul[d] be likely to result from the Correspondence. - The proposition made by Genl. Canales for such steps to be taken by this Government, as may preserve harmony on the bord'er, is cordially received by the Executive, who is ever ready to reciprocate every friendly disposition, and to adopt all honorable measures which may tend to supercede the necessity of further hostilities; but whe [ther the] course suggested in the accompanying letter be the one [best ca-le] ulated to attain the desired end, or not, is respectfully submitte [d to the] wisdom & deterinination pf Con- gress. That some law on the su [b] ject may be productive of good is very probable; and any which the Honorable Congress may think proper to pass, will meet with Executive approbation. But while the Executive still adheres to his original views as submitted in his Message to Congress, of meeting "with alacrity, the first indication of a desire for a- just and: honorable peace," - and while he is daily strengthened in the hope of bringing about an honorable adjustment of our difficulties with the National enemy by amicable negotiation, he would urge upon the serious consideration of Congress, the neces- sity of avoiding the danger which may result from placing too great reliance upon such indications. The importance of immediately pla-cing the Nation and keeping it is such a state of preparation for defence as will enable her to meet every possible emergency, and avail herself of all advantages which may arise from the fluctuating policy, or present embarra-ssed condition of her enemies, is forcibly presented to the mind of the Executive, & will doubtless suggest itself to your Honorable body. Hit be the wish of Congress that a friendly intercourse & traffic with such of the Mexicans as are disposed to neutrality, or are in a state of hostility to their own Government, should be encouraged, it will be obvious that such intercourse & traffic, if not protected by a competent force on the borders would soon degenerate into a system of plunder, robbery & murder, alto- gether subversive of the peaceful ends for which they shall be estab- lished; and instead of being productive of public good, would result in disastrous consequences to our citizens on the frontier, & destroy all the hopes of negotiation to which the present amicable feelings of the liberal party in Mexico, has given rise. The President is dis- posed to avoid the difficulties which he believes will grow out of s[uch an in]tercourse, unless regulated by an efficient force, on [the border; but] the tendency they would have to widen the breach a [lread'y exis] ting between the two Governments, & protract the period at which the independence of our own, must be acknowledged. While he would be the last to decline a necessary war, he would be the first to adopt every proper measure which might conduce to' the attainment of an honorable peace. He is however compel 'd to add, that unless the necessa-ry approp:t:iations be [made] by the Honorable Congress his means of accomplishil).g [the one or] the other will be wholly
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