I deeply regret that the Tennessee volunteers, whose prowess and patriotism are displayed so promptly on all occasions that threaten the peace or safely of their beloved country, have been called out on this occasion without proper consideration. They can, for the present, only be mustered into the service and discharged. lf there are funds appropriated, out of which they can be paid, an order to this effect will be given. The ten thousand volunteers authorized under the late act of Congress are intended for one year's service, and must be employed to meet all nece!lsary calls for the defence of our frontier borders. Should the occasion arise for a greater number on the western frontier, the call will be made on Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. There is, however, no information to justify the apprehension of hostilities to any serious extent from the western Indians. Should a necessity arise, the brigade from East Tennessee will be ordered to the western frontier as soon as their service can be dispensed with where they are not employed. I would barely add, further, that the authority given you by the order of the 4th of May, having been satisfied by yielding to the requisition of General Gaines, a new authority from the Department of War was necessary to authorize you to comply with that of the 28th of June. The Government of the United States having adopted, in regard to Mexico and Texas, the same mle of neutrality which had been observed in all similar cases before, it was not to have been expected that General Gaines should have based his requisition for additional military force on reasons plainly inconsistent with the obligations of that rule. Should Mexico insu It our national flag, invade our territory, or interrupt our citizens in the lawful pursuits which are guarantied to them by the treaty, then the Government will promptly repel the insult, and take speedy reparation for the injury. But it does not seem that offences of this character have been committed by l\'lexico, or were believed to have been by General Gaines. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, His Excellency N. Cannon, Governor of Tennessee. Andrew Jackson. P.S. Before closing this letter, the documents referred to by the acting Secretary of War as having been transmitted to me, have been received. A.J.
132
Powered by FlippingBook