p .APERS OF .MIR.ABE.AU BuoN.AP.ARTE LAM.AR
161
Whilst there has been much to embarass us in the progress of our national affairs since the adjournment of the last Congress, there has been more to animate us in the path of duty, and to stimulate us to push forward to that high destiny to which the continued practice of wisdom, justice and moderation will eventually conduct us. Our for- eign relations are daily assuming a more pleasing aspect, and afford at the present moment the strongest assurances that our national char- acter will ere long be recognized by the most important Governments of the Earth. France, ever foremost among the European powers in her perception and appreciation of the political rights of others, has already virtually acknowledged our separate existence as a nation; and will doubtless in a short time consummate that acknowledgement by the solemnities of a treaty. And there are reasons to believe that here example will be speedily followed by England and other nations of comercial distinction. With the United States we remain upon the most amicable terms; and are daily receiving proofs that the generous feelings which animated her citizens in our behalf in the days of peril and disaster, are no less ardent now than when the chivalry of the land first came to battle by our sides. 'l'he political relations of the two Governments are conducted in that frank and liberal spirit which affords the best evidence that it is sincerely the design of both to per- •petuate those kindly sentiments which had their origin in our com- mon parentage, and in the similarity of our education, habits, prin- ciples and institutions. Averse as I am to the protracted state of our differences with :Mexico, and ardently desiring to bring them to a close, even should a further ~ :sort to the sword be necessary, I have nevertheless thought it due > ourselves, and to the enlightened opinions of the world, to shew that e have no vindicative feelings to gratify, but are willing to meet her n a spirit of forbearance; and adjustin~ all difficulties between us by amicable negotiation, establish a basis for a future intercourse -which shall be equally beneficial to both nations. Accordingly an Agent 60 was despatched in March, with authority to offer terms of peace, and if the overture was accepted, to enter into such arrangements as would render the peace secure and permanent. This course I was induced the more readily to adopt, in consequence of the peculiar state of affairs as they then existed in .Mexico. The Country was divided into two parties, contending with apparently equal prospects of success for political supremacy. One of these parties, chiefly occupying the north- ern provinces, had already through its superior officers, made overtures to this Government, indicating a desire to cultivate friendly relations by establishing reciprocal trade and commerce 61 between the two coun- tries, whilst the other had suddenly and unexpectedly restored to power their former President Santa Anna, from whom, if faith could at any time be reposed in Mexican pledges, we had the right to expect an effort for the settlement of our difficulties, and the recognition of our rights. I frankly confess to you gentlemen, that I never· was one of those
'°Barnard E. Bee. ·•see no. 1079.
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