year, having aboard a large number of men and cannon, arms.and slores; and sufficient evidence has made it appear that it was an expedition intended by its leader, General Mexia, bolh before and after its leaving New Orleans, lo developed previous to sailing: but from what we learn as to the events of that time, and from what took place on the voyage, and after the arrival at Tampico, the belief must be, that the object from first to last was military operation. Of ils nature and distination, some persons besides Mexia, perhaps, knew: and the inquiry now is, whclhcr Mr. Christy was engaged in beginning or setting on foot, or providing or preparing, Lhe means for this expedition or enterprise. Mr. Christy, it appears, was chairman of what was called the Tcxian committee, and was frequently called upon by persons wishing to emigrate. Among those who visited him at his office, was General Mexia, who avowed that he wished to do something for the cause of Texas, and that he intended to strike a hlow somewhere. The conversations behveen him and the defendant were heard by the witness; and he states that Christy always declined giving any assistance, or aid of any description; and that in all that took place at the office, whether with Mexia or others, the language of Lhe defendant was to dissuade persons from an enterprise to Texas, and from joining Mexia's expedition. There is no evidence on the side of the prosccution which leads to suspicion Lhat Christy had any thing to do with the expedition, or that he provided or prepared any means, pecuniary or other, for i!. The circumstance of an address to the men of Mexia, when Lhcy were about to embark, requires notice. Why it was delivered, and whether it comes within the act of Congress, as beginning or selting on foot the expedition, should be considered. From the address, as it has been described to us by the witnesses, we are to infer that Mr. Christy knew at the time that Mexia, with his men, was to go to some point beyond Texas: and they embarked shortly after. The language of the defendant was not to persuade them to go, and it does not appear that any joined Lhe expedition afterward. The witness, Allen, slates' Lhat "they had all volunteered previous to that time." Taking Lhe speech of i\fr. Christy by itself, we must decide
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