with this principle of equity and good feeling towards Mexico, orders will be given at the same time to that General, to oppose the entrance into Texas of any American citizen, who may attempt to pass the frontiers armed, or as a colonist, for the purpose of joining the ranks of the rebels. The undersigned co,isiders it also very proper, (conveniente) that General Gaine's troops should protect, in case of need, the operations of the commissioners and surveyors, who are to setUe and mark the dividing line between the two countries, and to meet for that purpose at Natchitoches within one year from the 20th of April, 1836, the dale of the signature of the convention imposing that obligation; and the undersigned can moreover immediately give assurance, that the Mexican troops will also contribute to the same object whenever it may be deemed necessary, as the interest of the two Governments is the same, and as they are consequently equally called on to do whatever may be requisite for carrying it into effect well and speedily. But with regard to the supposition contained in the third point of the communication, the undersigned cannot conceive that it oculd be realized, being, as he is, persuded that the Government of the United States cannot desire to insist upon an act, which if done, would be clearly injurious Lo the rights and interests of an independent and friendly nation. The undersigned conceives that any position which General Gaines may Lake bey on J the known limits of the United States, cannot be upon ground other than that belonging to the Mexican territory, and which should belong to it, until the commissioners and surveyors (the sole judges in the affair by the treaty of 1828,) should decide against Mexico, and adjudge a portion of that territory to the United States, on the grounds that it is comprehended within the line agreed upon. In the mean time, Mexico has in its favor the right of a constant possession, during which it has exercised there all the acts of sovereignty, has legislated, has appointed the authorities, has kept garrisons, has disposed of lands, &c. And if it be said that the United States have, at periods since the cession of Louisiana, claimed such or such parts of Texas, or that there are still doubts as to the nature or denomination of such or such locality, the third article of the treaty of 1828 puts an end lo all prelensi,ons of the contracting parties, by fixing a dividing line, and confiding to arbiters, by
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