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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
principles which gave rise to our own revolution is equally so; and although they may not be capable of comprehending and appreciating at once all the benefits resulting from that glorious event, still per- ceiving many of the advantages which a Government regulated by fixed principles and having for its object, the security and happiness of the Citizen, has over one which is guided by no rules except such as are dictate_g. by the tyranny and caprice of those in power, they might readily be brought under its sway, and for most of the purposes con- nected with our political prosperity would be made useful and valuable citizens. It is not however alone for the benefits which would be de- rived from political connection with these people, (though in many respects important,) that an intercourse and correspondence with them is desirable. From their proximity to some of the most valuable mines in Mexico, they are known to be rich in the precious metals; and here- tofore that wealth has found its outlet principally through the United States of the North, by me·ans of a most lucrative commerce which has been carried on over land by many of the Western inhabitants of that country. That this commerce may, by adopting the necessary a~d proper measures, be changed into its legitimate channels, and brought to our own doors and seaports there can be no doubt. The immense differen [ce J in the distance between the trading points of the two countries would alone secure it to this, were those points and the facili- ties of reaching them made known; and when to this advantage is superadded the more important one of affording national protection, the inducements for bringing it here will be too powerful to be resisted by any which can be offered elsewhere. Deeply reflecting upon the importance of these subjects,· and con- scious of the many politiral and pecuniary benefits which would result to the nation by maturing them at as early a period as was practicable. I had, in the commencement of my administration, intended to organize a regiment1° 0 to be sent to Santa Fe, as soon as the condition of our "Finances, and the more important considerations of giving protection to our exposed frontier would permit. This expedition, tho' contem- plated mainly with the view of carrying out the objects I have sug- gested, by making the condition and prospects of our country both politically and commercially known to those people, was also intended to embrace other matters which were deemed of some importance to the nation. From this to Santa Fe, the greater portion of the country is said to be of extraordinary fertility and beauty, and to offer stronger inducements for geological exploration than any other part of our inter esting Republic. Mines of immense Yalue are believed to be imbedded in its bosom. To examine and ascertain their locality, that the Gov- ernment might avail itself of the benefits of the law reserving them for pub-lie use, together with the oportunity which such an expedition would afford for chastising the Comanches, and opening a rich and romantic region to our enterprising people, were objects of themselves of sufficient consideration, apart from the main design, to have justified the measure. It is with much regret and mortification that I refer to the distracted condition of our South-western frontier. Believing that a friendly
100 SeP nos. 1198-99.
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