WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
451
evinced, by their endeavors to bring about a friendly and per- manent adjustment of our difficulties with Mexico, the most lively and efficient solicitude. In accordance with the desires of this government made known · to the governments of the United States, France and Great Bri- tain, that they should so far interpose as to prevent the contin- uance of the mode of aggression practised against us by Mexico, as being repugnant to the genius of the age; they have given us the kindest assurances that they would employ their good offices in a manner consistent with the friendly relations in which they stood to the contending parties; and, if possible, by changing the mode of warfare waged by Mexico, divest it of many characteris- tics incompatible with the practice of civilised belligerents. The uniformly active and friendly offices which Her Britannic Majesty's government has, at the earnest request of this, inter- posed between Texas and Mexico, cannot fail to be regarded as highly gratifying evidence of its generous and friendly disposi- tion and of a sincere and disinterested desire to produce results, as far as may be compatible with the relations subsisting between Great Britain and Mexico in complete accordance with the as- surances which have been given. Nor has the Executive any distrust that all professions on the part of Her Britannic Ma- jesty's government will_ not be efficiently fulfilled. In the month of June last, a despatch from the Charge d'Affaires of Great Britain near this government, announced the willingness of Mexico to proclaim an armistice and suspend all hostile action in case the same policy should be adopted by this government. Under these circumstances, the Executive did not hesitate to meet the proposition and embrace the policy indicated. He accordingly issued his proclamation declaring the establish- ment of the armistice; and commissioners were subsequently ap- pointed and despatched to the point designated for the purpose of arranging with the Mexican commissioners the terms of the armistice, preliminary to further negotiations for peace at the capital. Since their departure, the Executive has received no important intelligence from them; but confidently expects during the present session of the Honorable Congress to be able to lay before them some account of the progress of the mission. He is satisfied that nothing will be wanting on the part of the gentle- men chosen for that service to forward an object for which their patriotism and qualifications seemed to point them out.
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