Cabincl of that Government, present yourselves as duly empowered and instructed, by the Executive and Cabinel of the Government, "ad interim" of Texas, to solicil the friendly medialion of the former, lo produce a cessation of the war between Texas and Mexico upon terms jusl and honorable to both parties, to the end of procuring the recognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico, and you will also use your best exertions to procure the acknowledgement of that Independence by the Government of the United States. You are further instructed to say, that in the opinion of this Government, the annexation of Texas lo the United Stales, as a member of that confederacy, would be, for many mighty reasons, highly acceptable lo the people of this Country. You will, in the event of your being received with the frankness and consideration due lo your commii;sion, and with indications of a desire to hold communication with you on this subject, respectfully inquire the terms upon which, in the opinion of the authorities you address, the proposed event might be attained, and you will, on your part, slate with candor the terms upon which, as you think, it would be acceptable lo the people of Texas. From time to time, during the pendency of the intercourse you will hold under your Commission, you will advise this Government of the progress you are making and of all important facts which seem to favor or obstruct the end in view. And when you shall have arrived, through the medium of a free intercourse of sen ti men ls, at what you may consider the best understanding that is to be had on the subjeel, you will, without delay, communicate the substance of all you have ascertained, to your Government, and then feel yourselves at liberty lo return. In your suggestions, of the probable terms upon which the people of Texas might be disposed to come into the Union of the United States, it will be proper for you to point out the following as, in your opinion, indispensable. First. You will insist on a stipulation that all the lawi; civil or penal, acts and obligations, either legal or equitable, of the present Government of Texas and of the Provisional Government which preceedcd it under the declaration of the seventh of November last shall be respected and held valid. Second. That bonefide settlers in Texas shall be prolcclt'd m their righl to so much land as they can rightfully claim in virtue
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