The stale of affairs in Texas calls for imnwrliale measures on the part of the Government. It is th<' duty of the United Stales to remain entirely neutral, and lo cause their neutrality lo be respected. It is possible that the course of operations may induce one or other of the contending parties to approach the boundary line, with a view to cross it in arms. Should you find that the case, you will give notice to the persons having the direction, that they will not be permitted lo cross into the territory of the United States: and if they attempt to do so by force, you will resist them with the means at your disposal. The 33d article of the treaty with ~lexico requires both the contracting parties lo prevent "by force, all hostilities and incursions on the ·part of the Indian nations living within their respective boundaries, so that the United Stales of America will not suffer their Indians to attack the citizens of the Mexican Stales," &c. The provisions of this article you will cause to be faithfully enforced, and the various Indian agents, and officers of the Indian department in that region, will be required lo fumish you any informalion in their power in relation to this maller, and lo carry into effecl any instructions you may give. You will make known to the various Indian tribes inhabiting that part of the United Slates, the determination of the Government lo prevent any hostile incursions into Texas, and you will call upon the chiefs to inculcate upon all their people the necessity of carefully abstaining from any violation of the above mentioned engagement, and you will not hesitate to use the force al your disposal for the purpose of preventing any such designs. Should you be called upon by the civil authority for any aid towards enforcing the laws having relation to the ncu tral du ties of the United Slates, you will render such assistance as the laws prescribe. You are requested lo communicate freely with tlw district attorneys of both the districts of Louisiana on all points of law connected with the execution of the instructions, and those officers will be desired lo give you their opinion. I will thank you lo keep me advised of any occurrences in
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