the most efficacious measures are adopted. The preservation of Bexar is of absolute necessity, in order that the governmcn t, according to circumstances, may act as they see fit. The fate of all the prisoners is very interesting to the nation, and it is recommended to your Excellency to c11dcavor to alleviate it, gi,·ing authority from this moment to propose exchanges, and to preserve for this purpose, and because humanity exacts it, the life of the prisoners made, and that may be made from the enemy. Your Excellency knows the circumstances which may result from an imprudence committed in this affair; but the government fears nothing as regards this, because it knows how great is the skill and zeal of your Excellency, for the best service of the country. I take this occasion to assure your Excellency of my most distinguished consideration and esteem. God and Liberty.-Mexico, 15 May, 1836.-Tornel.-To his Excellency, general Vicente Filisola, second general-in-chief of Lhe army of operations against Texas. [3074] ['I'ORNEL to FILISOLA] Secretary's office of war and marine,-Central section.-First bureau,-Excellent Sir:-By the communication of your Excellency, of 28th ult., his Excellency, the president pro tern., has learned the orders communicated to your Excellency, by his Excellency, the president general-in-chief, after having been made prisoner, as also the letter written to your Excellency.-His Excellency approves the conduct observed by your Excellency, to whom it is not necessary to advert, that the president general being a prisoner, does not enjoy liberty, and that the resolutions he may dictate, naturally proceed from the violence which his enemies may do him. For this the supreme goverr,ment wishes that your Excellency should act with extreme prudence, and that in f'ndeavoring not to compromise in any manm~r, the life of the illustrious general Santa Anna, should also shun pledging the honor of the nation, which is very far from being dejected by a reverse so common in war, and to which, if importance be attached, it is only due to the very grievous circumstance of the president having been made prisoner.
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