circumstances it is obvious that the Government of the United States cannot undertake to guarantee the observance of the stipulations which are the subject of any agreement between the authorities of Texas and Gen! St. Anna. Before the United States can take such a step, or interpose its friendly offices as mediator or unpire in arranging the terms by which the contest between Mexico and Texas can be terminated, it is necessary for both the parties to concur in an invitation to this effect and to manifest their willingness to abide by the decision which would follow such a reference lo our impartiality and friendship. At present therefore we can be guided only by those obligations and duties which grow out of our relations to Mexico as they exist prior to the civil war with Texas, and independently of any claims which the latter may have acquired. In this point of view ours is a state of strict neutrality in reference to the struggle of Texas for independence: and you as the commander of our forces on that frontier must religiously observe and maintain it. Among the duties of Mexico is that of preventing the Indians within her Territory from waging war upon our citizens; and if she is unwilling or unable to perform this duty the laws of nations and of self defence will authorise us to do it for her. If you should be satisfied that the Territory of Mexico affords succour or shelter to any body of Indians that are disturbing the peace of our frontier, it is therefore not to be presumed that Mexico wiU take offence at your adoption of the most speedy and decisive means to punish them and deprive them of the power of repeating their assaults upon the lives and property of our citizens. To this end it will be lawful for you to take an advanced position the most favorable to the security of our frontier and you will be authorised in pursuing the Indians wherever they are to be found without regard to the Mexican or the now claimed Texian limits. You must be careful however not to be deceived by the evidence on which you act. Unless the necessity exists, unless there are actual disturbances of the peace of the frontier, or a moral certainty that the Indians are in hostile array for the purpose and are drawing their means of operation from the Territory of Mexico, occupation of an advanced post beyond our limits must be avoided. If however you have evidence that the Indians are committing hostilities and pass thro' or otherwise use the Territory of Mexico in promoting their objects your responsible duties as commander of our army charged with the defence of that frontier, authorise and require you to pursue them wherever they can be found.
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