not over thirty thousand are contending against a Nation numbering eight millions. From the many Revolutions and intestine Wars which have distracted Mexico for the last 15 years, most of her talented men have engaged in the military service of the country. They arc naturally vain and self-important, and have trumpeted forth their battles to the world, until they have been led to believe that they are a powerful and warlike Nation. Such has been their management in Texas, that they have no opening by which they can compromise with their vanity by acknowledging our Independence. They have also a great prejudice and aversion to North Americans, more particularly than to any other Nation of Foreigners. The superior intellect, intelligence, and enterprise of the Anglo-Americans, render them the object of great jealousy and distrust on the part of the Mexicans, and they fear the influence of their immediate vicinity so much that they will resist to the last any arrangement which will throw the citizens of the two Nations into the immediate vicinity of each other. For these and other reasons, I have long since been firmly convinced, that Mexico will never acknowledge our right, to exist as a Nation until her pride is humbled, and she is forced to ask peace al our hands. In confirmation of these views notwithstand- ing their internal divisions, they are straining every nerve, resorting to forced loans, raising soldiers in every town, preaching up a crusade against us and swearing extermination to the Sabine. They have also within the last six weeks concluded treaties with various tribes of Indians, and have stipulated to give them the lands of Texas, and the property of her citizens, as a reward for the work of extermination. Our next Congress will convene within a few weeks, when I have no doubt active and energetic measures will be adopted to open a campaign early in the Fall which shall determine the question whether we shall be free. We shall need the aid of the brave and hardy sons of the West whom you propose to raise. I would suggest the propriety of enrolling all for twelve months of during the War. Such is the nature and inefficiency of our enemy that 5000 men would not only drive back any number of troops they could send against us but would enable us lo roll back the horrors
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