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 25th Congress, j" Doc. No. 42. ] Ho. or Reps. 
 
 1st Session. Executive. 
 
 BOUNDARY— UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. 
 
 MESSAGE 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 TUASSMITTING 
 
 The Information required brj a resolution of the House of Representa- 
 tives of the IStk ultimo, concerning the Boundary between the United 
 mutates and the Republic of Mexico. 
 
 October 3, 1837. 
 
 Read, and laid upon the table. 
 
 To the House of Representatives of the United States : 
 
 In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of 
 the 13th ultimo, concerning the boundary between the United States 
 and the Mexican republic, and a cession of territory belonging- to the 
 Mexican con(ederation to the United Slates, I transmit a report from 
 die Secretary of State, and the documents by which it was accompanied. 
 
 M. VAN BUREN. 
 Washington, October 2,1831 . 
 
 To the President of the United States : 
 
 The Secretary of State, to whom was referred a resolution of the 
 House of Representatives dated the 13th ultimo, requesting the Presi- 
 dent to communicate to that House, so far as may be consistent with the 
 public interest, all the correspondence between the Government of the 
 United Sfates and that of Mexico, concerning the boundary between 
 them, and particularly concerning any proposition for a cession of terri- 
 tory belonging to the Mexican confederation to the United States ; and 
 also, all correspondence relating thereto between the Department of 
 State and the diplomatic representatives of the United States in Mexico, 
 and of the said Department with those of the Mexican republic accred- 
 ited to the Government of the United States, has the honor to lay before 
 the President copies of all the correspondence between the two Gov- 
 ernments on the subject of the boundary line, not heretofore cemmuni- 
 Tiiom&s Alien, print.
 
 2 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 catcvl 10 Consress, antl of all the instructions to the representatives of 
 the United Slates at Mexico, on the subject of a cession of territory by 
 the Mexican confederation to the United Stales. No other correspond- 
 ence between the Governments of the United States and Mexico has 
 taken place on the subject of a cession of territory, either at Mexico or- 
 al Washington. In one of his communications to this Department, how- 
 ever, Mr. Butler mentions a note which he had addressed to Mr. Alaman 
 on the 15th of July, 1832, giving his reasons for reviewing the question 
 of boundary, and explaining the advantages ^vhich both nations would 
 probabiv derive by changing the line from the Sabine. No copy of this 
 note has ever been communicated to this Department, nor is there any 
 draught or record of it in the archives of the legation of the United States 
 at Mexico. 
 
 The communications of the representatives of the United States to 
 their own Government, on that subject, are within the limitation con- 
 tained in the resolution referred to this Department. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, October 2, 1837. 
 
 LIST OF PAPERS 
 
 Accompanying the Report of the Secretary of Slate to the PrcsidenU 
 dated October 2, 1837. 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Poinsett, March 26, 1825. Extract. 
 
 Mr. Torrens to Mr. Adams, February 15, 1824. 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Poinsett, September 24, 1825. Extracts, 
 
 The same to the same, March 15, 1827. Extract. 
 
 Mr. Van Buren to the same, August 25, 1829. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Butler, March 20, 1833. Extract. 
 
 Mr. McLane to the same, January 13, 1834. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to the same, July 2, 1835. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, August 6, 1835. Extract. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay, July 18, 1825. Extracts. 
 
 The same to the same, July 27, 1825. Extract. 
 
 Mr. Alanvan to Mr. Poinsett, July 20, 1825. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Alaman, July 27, 1825. 
 
 Mr. Alaman to Mr. Poinsett, August 10, 1825, Extract, 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay, September 20, 1825. Extrlct. 
 
 The same to the same, March 18, 1826. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, July 12, 1826. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, April 10, 1827. 
 
 The same to the same, October 6, 1827. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, January 8, 1828. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, February 7, 1828. Extracts. 
 
 Protocols. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay, April 24, 1828. Extract. 
 
 The same to the same, April 26, 1828.
 
 I Doc. No. 42. ] ' ^" ' a 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to tlic Secretary of State, March 10, 1829. Extract 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Van IJiircn, .luly 22, 1829. Extract. 
 Mr. Butler to the same, May 19, 1830. Extraci^. 
 The Mexican Plenipotentiaries to Mr. Butler, May 21 1830. 
 Translation of the same. ' ' • 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Monasterio, July 25, 1832. 
 Mr. Gonzalez to ^Ir. Butler, February 14, 1833. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Gonzalez, February IG, 1833. 
 Mr. Gonzalez to Mr. Butler, February 21, 1833*. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Gonzalez to Mr. Butler, February 27, 1833. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Garcia, September 6, 1833. 
 Mr. Garcia to Mr. Butler, September 25, 1833. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. McLane, July 1, 1834. Extract. 
 The same to Mr. Lombardo, December 21, 1834. 
 Mr. Gutierrez tie Estrada to Mr. Butler, February 7 1835. 
 Translation of the same. ' 
 
 Mr. Butler to the President, February 2G, 1835. Extracts 
 Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada to Mr. Butler, March 29 1835 
 Translation of the same. ' 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay, March 19, 1828. 
 List of individuals, &c. 
 Translations of the same. 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Obregon, March 24, 1828. 
 The same to the same, April 30, 1828. 
 v7 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay, May 1, 1828. 
 ^^^ Translation of the same. 
 ^ Mr, Obregon to Mr. Clay, August 2, 1S2S. 
 q Translation of the same. 
 I Mr. Brent to Mr. Obregon, August 2, 1828. 
 
 f^ Mr. liiontoya to Mr. Van Buren, April 16, 1829. 
 
 Translation of the same. 
 ^ Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Montoya, April 22, 1829. 
 O Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston, March 26, 1832. 
 ?< Translation of the same. 
 
 o Mr. Livingston to Mr. Montoya, March 30, 1832. 
 ^ Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston, March 31, 1832. 
 r^ Translation of the same. 
 
 g Mr. Livingston to Mr. Montoya, March 31, 1832. 
 < Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston, April 3, 1832. 
 Triinslation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston, April 27, 1832. Extract 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Montoya, July 20, 1832. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane, December 2, 1833. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. McLane to Mr. Castillo, December 31, 1833 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane, January 9, 1834. Extract. 
 
 479784 
 
 b
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane, May 26, 1834. 
 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico to the Secretaiy of 
 
 State of the United States, October 21, 1S34. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth, December 4, 1834. 
 Translation of the same. 
 
 Mr. Forsvth to Mr. Castillo, December 11, 1834. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth, December 15, 1834. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo, January 9, 1835. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth, January 12, 1835. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth, April 29, 1835. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Dickins to Mr. Castillo, May 11, 1835. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Dickins, June 2, 1835. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Copy of the convention. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Dickins to Mr. Castillo, June 4, 1835. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Dickins, June 6, 1835. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth, July 10, 1835. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo, July 21, 1835. 
 The same to the same, February 1, 1836. Extract. 
 Mr. Gorostizato Mr. Forsyth, March 28, 1836. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Gorostiza, April 1, 1836. 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth, April 4, 1836. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Copy of Mr. Gorostiza's general power. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Copy of Mr. Gorostiza's special power. 
 Translation of the same. 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Gorostiza. April 13, 1836. 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth, April 18, 1836. 
 Translation of the same, 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Gorostiza, April 18, 1836. 
 The declaration.
 
 f Doc. No. 42. J 5 
 
 M: Clay to Mr. Foinsctt. — Extract. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 fVashington, March 25, 1825. 
 * # * * 
 
 The fijial establislinuMit of t!ic limits between the terrltoriey ol' t!ie United 
 States and those of the United Mexican States is an interesting object, to 
 whicli you will direct your attention. By the third article of the treaty 
 "of amity, settlement, and limits, between the United States of AmeriCai 
 and his Catholic Majesty," concluikd and signed at \yashington on the 
 22d day of February, 1819, it is povided that '"the boundary line between 
 the two countries west of tiic Mississippi shall begin on the Gulf of Mexico, 
 at the nioutli of tUa river Sabine, in the sea, continuing north, along the 
 western bank of that river, to the 32d degree of latitude; thence by a line 
 due north, to the degree of latitude wiiere it strikes the Rio Roxd of Natchi- 
 toches or lied river: then following the course of the Rio Roxo west- 
 ward, to the degree of longitude 100 west from London and 23 from 
 AYashington : then crossing the said Red river, and running thence, by a 
 line due north, to the river Arkansas ; thence following the course of the 
 southei'M hank of the Arkansas to its source, in latitude 42 degrees north, 
 aird tlience by that parallel of latitude to the South sea. T!te whole being as 
 laid down in Melisli's iilap of the United States, published at Philadelphia, 
 improved to the first of January, 1818. But if the source of the Arkansas 
 river sliall be found to fall north or south of latitude 42, then the line shall . 
 run from the said source, due south or north, as the case may be, till it 
 meets the said parallel of latitude 42. and thence along the said j)arallel to 
 the South sea. All the islands in the Sabine and tlic said Red and Ar- 
 kansas rivers, throughout the coinsc thus described, to belong to t!ie United 
 States ; but the use of the waters and the navigation of the Sabine to the 
 sea, and of the said rivers Roxo and Arkansas, tiiroughout the extent of the 
 said boundary, on their respective banks, shall be common to t!»e respec- 
 tive inhabitants of both nations." 
 
 By the fourth article, pi-ovision is made for the appointment, by each of 
 the contracting parties, of a commissio;icr and surveyor, to fix, with more 
 precision, the line described in the third, and to phxce the land-marks which 
 shall designate exactly t!ie limits of both nations ; but it has not yet been 
 carried into execution. Tliat treaty having been concluded when ^lexico 
 composed a part of the dominions (jf Spain, is obligatory upon botli the 
 United States and Mexico. On the 15th of February, 1824, Mr. Torrcns, 
 the charge d'affaires from Mexico near this Government, addressed a note 
 to this Department, (of v.hicli a copy is annexed.) in wiiich iie declares 
 the willingness of the supremo cxecutiv«5 power of Mexico to accede to the 
 Jimits agreed ujion in the third ai-ticlc above mentioned, and its readiness 
 to co-operate with t!ie United States in carrying into complete cITL'Ct those 
 two articles. 
 
 Some difficulties may possibly hereafter arise between the two countries 
 from the line tluis agreed upon, against which it would be desirable now 
 to guard, if practicable; and as the Government of Mexico may be sup- 
 posed not to have any disinclinatinn to the fixation of a new line wliich 
 would prevent tliose dilHculties, t!ic President v.ishes you to si);nid it on 
 that subject ; and to avail yourself of a favorable disposition, if you should
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 find it, to effect that object. The line of the Sabine approaches our great 
 AVestcrii mart nearer tlian could be wished. Perhaps the Mexican Govern- 
 Rient uiay not be unuillijig to establisli that of tlie Uio IJrassos de Dios, or 
 the Rio Colora(h), or t!ie Snow mouiitaiiis, oi- the Rio del Xorte, in lieu of 
 it. By the agreed line, j)ortions of both the Red river and branches of the 
 Arkansas arc thrown on the Mexican side, and the navigation of both 
 those rivers, as well as that of the Sabine, is made common to the respec- 
 tive iidiabitants of the two countries. When the countries adjacent to those 
 waters shall come to be tiiickly inhabited, collisions and misundei-standings 
 may arise from the community lluis established, in the use of their naviga- 
 lion, wiiich it would be well now to prevent. If the line were so altered 
 as to tiirow alu)s:etlier on one side Red river and Arkansas, and their re- 
 spectivc tributary streanus, and the line on the Sabine were lemoved further 
 west, all causes of future collision would be j)revcnted. The Government 
 of Mexico may have a motive for sucli an alteration of the line as is here 
 proposed, in the fact that it would have the eOect of placing the city of Mex- 
 ico nearer tiis centre of its territories. If the line were so changed, the 
 greater part, if not the whole, of the powerful, warlike, and turbulent In- 
 dian nation of the Camanches would be thrown on the side of the United 
 States ; and as an C(]uivalent for the pi'oposed cessiotj of tci-ritory, they 
 would stipulate to restrain, as far as practicable, the Camanches from 
 committing hostilities and depredations upon the territories and people, 
 whether Indians oj* otherwise, of Mexico. 
 
 But if you shall find that the Mexican Government is unwilling to alter 
 the agreed line in t!ie manner ])ropoKcd, and that it insists upon the execu- 
 tion of the third ai;d fourtli articles of t!ic treaty before mentioned, you are 
 autliorizcd to agree to the recognition and establishment of the line as de- 
 scribed in the third article, and to the demarcation of it forthwith, as is 
 stipulated in the fourth. But, in that case, you will urge, not however as 
 a sine qua non, the insertion of an article in the treaty, by whicli each party 
 shall undertake to restrain the Indians residing within his territories from 
 committijig hostilities upon the people, Indiaiis, or territories, of the other. 
 The exauiple of sucli an iirticle, whicii will at the same time furnish a model 
 for that which is proposed, is to be found in the fifth article of the treaty 
 of friendship, lin;its, and :iavigation, between the United States of America 
 and tlie Kitig of Spain, w Iiicli was signed at San Lorenzo el Ileal, the 2rth 
 day of October, 1795. The luistilities which the President is desirous to 
 restrain arc afflicting to huuianiiy when confined to the Indians tliemselves ; 
 but they often affect, collaterally, peaceable citizens who are no parties to 
 them, and their property. 
 
 3Ir. Torrens to Mr. Adams. 
 
 Washington--, Fchruarij 15, 1824. 
 Siu : The suj)rcme executive power of Mexico, wishing to remove alf 
 matters that might alTcct the good understanding which it is its desire to 
 maintain witii tlie Government of the United States of America, coinmu- 
 iiicated to me, tlirougli tlic ministei- of infernal and foreign affairs, the 
 necessary instructions to solicit from this Government that the limits be-
 
 f Doc. No. 42. ] 7 
 
 tween flic two countries be fixed according to tlic 3d article of the treaty 
 of Washington of the 22d February. 1819, between the United States and 
 Spain, drawing the line and establishing tlui landmarks by conitnis- 
 sioners appointed by both Governments, in tlie same niannei* as was 
 provided by the 4th article of the said treaty. I have, therefinT, the honor 
 to transmit tho present con^niunication to yonr excellency, in order to 
 ascertain whether the Kxecntive of the Uniteil States is rlisposed to ac- 
 knowledge tlic said article, and will, accordingly, ap|)oint the commis- 
 sioners aforesaid ; requesting, at the same time, that your excellency may 
 be pleased to inform me as early as convenient, of the intention of the 
 President of the United States on the subject. 
 I am, with the higliest respect. 
 
 Your excellency's most obedient servant, 
 
 JOSE A. TORRENS. 
 His Excellency John Quincy Adams, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Poinsett. — Extracts. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 September 24, 1825. 
 
 # * * 
 
 The President approves of your consenting to treat on tlic two siiltjccts 
 of commerce and linuts separately. Indeed, it was never contemplated 
 that one of them should be dependent on the other. 
 
 * •■);< * 
 
 The Pi-esident sees, with regret, the reluctance, on the part of the Mex- 
 ican Government, to agree to the opening of the road from Missouri 
 towards Santa Fe. Tlic road was intended for purely commercial jMir- 
 poses, and doubtless the peojde of both countries would be benefited by the 
 exchanges which it would facilitate. No misconception could be greater 
 than that of its having originated in views of territoiial acquisition. If 
 either party could lose by it, it would probably be the United States, many 
 of whose enterprising citizens might be tesnpted, by the intercourse to 
 which it woul<l lead, in consequence of the greater cheapness, or other ad- 
 vantages, of the lands of the internal provinces, to migrate thither. The 
 connexion between the fixation of limits and the jiroposed road is not per- 
 ceived. Wherever the limits may now or hereafter shall be cstablislicd, 
 the road will be useful. It proposes no disturbance in existing or con- 
 templated limits. In fact, an im])crfcct trace or road, such as it is, is 
 now used ; and the sole question is, whether it shall he rendered more 
 convenient to the persons whose interest or inclination shall induce them 
 to travel it. To defer making the road more visible and comfortable, for 
 an indefinite period ; to deny to the parties mutually a certain benefit, in 
 prospect of a future and contingent arrangement, tovfhich it has no neces- 
 sary relation, does not seem advisable. 
 
 Nor does the President perceive the utility of a joint appointment by 
 the two Governments, of " commissioners who, by examining, together,
 
 8 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 the COU1U17 Nvithiii a given hiiitiide, from oiic sea to tUe otiicr, mtglit pre- 
 sent exact infoiniutioij upon whicli the limits might be established, as is 
 desired." Aftei- agi-eeing upon the principles on whicii a line of demarca- 
 lion between the icirilories of two nations should be run, it lias been 
 usual to aj)j)oinr, conjoinll}, conunissioners to proceed to mark and abut 
 tiie line. Tiieir duty is then prescribed ; and if any variance arises be- 
 t^M'cn them, observations an:! experiments, \Nilh proper instruments, genei'- 
 ally enable them to reconcile it. But it has not been customary to send 
 forth commissioners, either to agj-ee upon a suitable boundary, or to col- 
 lect data ujjon which the parties arc subsecjuently to establish one. Such 
 a course would be to reverse tiic order ol" pi-oceeding which is recoiri- 
 niended by tlie j)iacticc and experience of nations. It would, probably, 
 leave the state of inr()rn;ati(ni which should guide the two powers pietty 
 much as it now is. Tlierc is but little likelihood tiiat the commissioners 
 would agree, and etiih set would be inlluenced by tiie separate views of 
 policy which it might happen to take of the particular country which it 
 represented. If it uere needful for both parties to acquire the knov.ledge 
 A\hich the Mexican Governujent supposes to be wanted, it would be better 
 fur each to send out its own exploring commissioners, under its separate 
 in^ti'uctions. For ourselves, although much, undoubtedly, remains to be 
 known of the countries through whicii the line i.nay be fixed, we believe 
 that the stock of our infoi-mation is suflicient to enable us to agree upon a 
 boundary that would be satisfactoi-y to us. In declining, however, to ac- 
 cede to the measure of creating a joint commission, the President would 
 not be understood as objecting to a resort, by the Mexican Government, 
 for its own satisfaction, to the appointment of commissioners for the pur- 
 ]josc of collecting any information wiiich it may desire. Should it persist 
 in attaching ii:i])ortance to such a measure, the hope is indulged that no 
 umu'cessary time will be lost in sending out the commission, so that the 
 negotiation^ in regard to liie lin)its, may be resumed with as little delay as 
 possible. 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Poinsett — Extract. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, March 15, 182r. 
 Sir : The great extent and the facility which appears to have attended 
 the procui-ement of grants from the Government of the United MexicaM 
 Slates, for large tracts of country to citizens of the United States, in the 
 ])ro\ incc of Texas, authorize the belief t!iat but little value is placed upon 
 the possession of the ja-ovincc by that Government. These gr-ants seem to 
 have been made without any sort of ecjuivalent, judging according to our 
 opinions of the value of land. They have been made to, and aj)parently 
 ill c()ntcmi>lation of being settled by, citizens from the United States, 
 These eujigrants will cari-y with them our principles of law, liberty, and 
 religion ; and however much it may be hoped tiiey might be disposed to 
 amalgamate with the ancient iidiabitants of Mexico, so far as political 
 freedom is concerned, it would be almost too much to expect that all col-
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 9 
 
 lisions would be avoided on other subjects. Already some of these collisions 
 have maiiilestod thcmscivcs, and olliers, in the jjrogrcss of time, niny be 
 anticipated with confidence. These collisions may insensibly enlist the 
 sympathies and feelings of the two republics and lead to misunderstandings. 
 
 Tlic fixation of a line of boundary of the United States on the side of 
 Mexico, should be sucii as to secure, not merely certainty and apparent 
 safety in the respective limits of the two countries, hut the consciousness of 
 freedom from all danger of attack on either side, and the removal of all 
 motives for such attack. Tiiat of the Sabine brings Mexico nearer our 
 great Western commercial capital than is desirable ; and although wc now 
 are, and for a long time may remain, perfectly satisfied with the justice 
 and moderation of our neighbor, still it would be better for both parties 
 that neither should feel that he is in any condition of exj)(>sure on the re- 
 mote contingency of an alteration in existing friendly sentiments. 
 
 Impressed with these views, the I'residcnt has thought the present might 
 be an auspicious period for urging a negotiation, at Mexico, to settle the 
 boumlary between (he territories of the two republics. The success of the 
 negotiation will probably be j)romoted by throwing into it other motives 
 than those which strictly belong to the subject itself. If we could obtain 
 such a boundary as we desire, the Government of the United States might 
 be disposed to pay a reasonable jjecuniary consideration. The boundary 
 which we prefer is that which, beginning at the mouth of the Rio del 
 Norte in the sea, shall ascend tliat river to the mouth of the Rio Puerco, 
 thence ascending this river to its source, and from its source, by a line due 
 north, to strike the Arkansas, thence following the course of the southern 
 bank of the Arkansas to its source, in latitude 42,° north, and thence by 
 that parallel of latitude to the South sea. The boundary tlius described 
 would, according to tlie United States Tanner's map, publisiied in tlie 
 United States, leave Santa Fe within the limits of Mexico and the whole 
 of Red river or Rio Roxo and the Arkansas, as far up as it is probably 
 navigable, within the limits assigned to the United States. If that bound- 
 ary be unattainable, we would, as the next most desirable, agree to that of 
 the Colorado, beginning at its mouth, in the bay of Bernardo, and ascend- 
 ing the river to its source, and thence by a line due north to the Arkansas, 
 and thence, as above traced, to the South sea. This latter boundary 
 would probably also give us the whole of the Red river, would throw us 
 somewhat farther from Santa Fe, but it would strike Arkansas possibly at 
 a navigable point.. To obtain the first-described boundary, the IVesident 
 authorizes you to offer to the Government of Mexico a sum not exceeding 
 one million of dollars. If you find it impracticable to procure that line, 
 you arc then authorized to offer, for the above line of the Colorado, the 
 sum of five hundred thousand dollars. If either of the above oilers should 
 be accepted, you may stipulate for the payment of the sum of money, as 
 you may happen to agree, within any period not less than three months 
 after the exchange at the city of Washington of the ratifications of the 
 treaty. 
 
 Should you be able to conclude a treaty, it will be necessary that it 
 should contain a stipulation for the mutual riglit of navigation of the Rio 
 del Norte or the Colorado, as the one or the other of them may be agreed 
 on ; and for the exercise of a common jurisdiction over the river itself. The 
 treaty may also provide for the confirmation of all bona fide grants for 
 lands made prior to its dakt with the conditions of which there shall have
 
 10 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 been a compliance : and it may contain a provision similar to tliat in tlic 
 Lnifisiana and Florida treaties, for the incorporation of the inhabitants into 
 the Union, as soon as it can be done consistently with the ])rinciples of 
 the Federal constitution, and for their enjoyment of their liberty, prop- 
 erty, and religion. 
 
 There should also be a provision made for the delivery of the country 
 to the Uniteil States simultaneously, or as nearly so as practicable, with 
 the payment of the consideration. We should be satisfied with a surrcn- 
 «ler of jjossession at that time, as far as the riv?.r line extends, (the Del 
 Norte or the Colorado,) and to receive the residue as soon as the line to 
 the* Arkansas can be traced, which the treaty ought to provide should be 
 done without unnecessary delay, and, at all events, before a future day 
 to be specified. 
 
 Joel R. Poinsett, Esq., &c. 
 
 Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Poinsett. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, Mgust 25, 1829. 
 
 Sir : It is the wish of the President that you should, without delay, 
 open a negotiation with the Mexican Government for the purchase of so 
 much of the province of Texas as is hereinafter described, or for such a 
 part thereof as they can be induced to cede to us, if the satne be conforma- 
 ble to either of the locations with which you arc herewith furnished. The 
 President is aware of the difficulties which may be interposed to the ac- 
 complishment of the object in view ; but he confidently believes that the 
 views of the matter which it will be in your pow'cr to submit, and the pecu- 
 niary consideration which you will be authorized to propose, will enable 
 you to cflTect it. Ho isinduced, by a deep conviction of tlie real necessity 
 of the proposed acquisition, not only as a guard for our Western frontier, 
 and the protection of Now Orleans, but also to secure forever to the in- 
 habitants of the valley of t!»e Mississij)pi, the undisputed and undisturbed 
 possession of tiic navigation of that river, together with the belief that the 
 present moment, is particularly favorable for the purpose, to request your 
 early and unremitting attention to the subject. 
 
 The territory of which a cession is desired by the United States is all 
 that part of the province of Texas which lies east of a line beginning at 
 the Gulf of Mexico, in the centre of the desert or Grand prairie, which 
 lies west of the Rio Nueces, and is represented to be nearly two hundred 
 miles in width, and to extend north to the mountains. The pi'oposcd line 
 following the course of the centre of tliat desert or prairie, north, to the 
 mountains, dividing the waters of the Rio Grande del Norte from those 
 that run eastward to the Gulf, and until it strikes our present boundary at 
 the42d degree of north latitude. It is known that the line above described 
 includes the Spanish settlements of La Bahia and San Antonia de Bexar, 
 comprising all the Mexican inhabitants of the province, and this may 
 fm-nish an objecton to so extensive a cession. If, from this circumstance, 
 the objection should be made, and you find the Mexican Government dis-
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 11 
 
 posed to cede any portion of the territory in question, you arc authorized 
 to agfco to any of the fo!h)\ving lines, regarding those fartliest west as 
 preferable. The second [)roi)osc(l line commences on the western hank of 
 the Rio de la Baca, where it discharges itself into Matagoi-da bay, and 
 contiiuiing up that river on the western bank tlicreof to the head of its 
 most westerly branch ; thence due north until the line shall strike tlie Rio 
 Colorado ; and thence up the Colorado river, on t!ie western bank thereof, 
 to the head of its principal stream ; thence by the most direct course that 
 will intersect our line at the 42d degree of north latitude, and include the 
 head- waters of the Arkansas and Red rivers. 
 
 The third proposal may be a line to commence at the mouth of the Rio 
 Colorado, where that river empties itself into Matagorda bay, and on the 
 west bank tiiereof, to continue up tliat river to the head of its principal 
 stream ; and thence by a line drawn from tlie head of its principal stream 
 so as to intersect our present boundary line at the 42d degree of north 
 latitude, including also tiie head-waters last mentioned. 
 
 The last proposition may be a line to commence on the Gulf of Mexico, 
 at the moutii of the Rio Brassos de Dios, and on the westerly bank of that 
 river, to pursue the course of that river up to the head of its most westerly 
 branch, by the west bank thereof; and from the head of that branch of 
 the river by such a course as will enable us to intersect our present line at 
 the point already indicated. 
 
 In the event of adopting either of the propositions which establish the 
 moutis of the La Baca river or the mouth of t!ie Colorado river as the 
 boundary, it must be stipidated for an extension of that line due south 
 from the nioutli of the river to the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 The preceding boundaries are as definite as, with the materials in the 
 Department, 1 have been able to make them. It is, nevertheless, probable that 
 they may be greatly improved by a more accurate knowledge of the locali- 
 ties of the country. It is submitted to your discretion to make such altera- 
 tions as shall appear to you to be clearly beneficial to tlie United States. 
 
 The boundary at present assumed by Mexico is deemed objectionable as 
 well on the ground of its alleged iniccrtainty as for reasons of a different 
 character. It is represented to us that, of the two streams which empty 
 into the Sabine bay through the same channel, the one farthest west is the 
 most considerable, and may, with reason be claimed to be the one refer- 
 red to in the treaty. The distance between them, although only four 
 miles where they enter the bay, at some places approaches to one hundred. 
 That there is much ignorance of the localities of the province, and conse- 
 quently confusion and error in the maps of it w-hich are extant, is certain. 
 Whether the representations which have been made upon the subject to this 
 Government be founded in truth, or are tlie suggestions of interested indi- 
 viduals to subserve particular views, remains to be seen ; but this is not 
 the only nor the strongest objection. The Sabine is a very inconsiderable 
 stream, and only navigable by small crafts. The bay is shallow, and 
 neither it nor the river can ever become tlie seat of sufficient commerce 
 to authorize the establisliment of a custom-house or other public agency 
 in its vicinity. Witliout such establisliment, it is impossible to prevent 
 that frontier from becoming tlie seat of an extensive system of smuggling, 
 alike injurious to the true interests of both countries. The lands east of 
 the Sabine are, for the most part, and to a great extent, vSo poor and so 
 •effectually cut off from commercial facilities, that they never can receive
 
 12 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 or sustain a dense or even respectable population. It is mainly to that 
 cause tiiat the objectionable character of its present inhabitants is to be 
 attributed. The frontier, therefore, as long as it remains such, must con- 
 tinue to be what it has heretofore been, a receptacle for smugglers ami 
 outlaws. In addition to the disadvantage which must result to the United 
 States from tiieir dependance on such a population for the protection, in 
 tlie first instance, of their border, the present state of things is well cal- 
 culated to create incessant difficulties and broils with the citizens of the 
 adjacent parts of Mexico, who, owing to the superiority of their soil, and 
 the greater commercial advantages that belong to that side of tiic river, 
 uill naturally be more numerous and of a more respectable character. 
 There may not be cause for much apprehension froui this source at the 
 present day, or for a short time to come ; but in so grave a matter as the 
 arrangement and establishment of a boundary between independent na- 
 tions, it becomes us to look into futurity. Thus viewing the matter, it 
 is far from visionary to see in the present condition of things the germ of 
 future discontents, which may grow into national complaints and heart- 
 burniiigs, and perpetually foster and inSame a spirit of jealousy, to which 
 our neighbors are already too much inclined. 
 
 AVc arc not left wltogether to conjecture and speculation as to the results 
 which are to be expected from a contiguity of settlcnients under sucli unfa- 
 vorable circumstances. The experience of the past affords tiie means of a 
 safe estimate of the future. A spirit of enterprise, and not unfrequently of 
 encroachment, has been exhibited by our citizens who inhabit that frontier, 
 which has been productive of much uneasiness to the Mexican Government, 
 and not without solicitude to this. Most of the grants that have been made 
 in Texas are already in the hands of x\mericans and Europeans. Notwith- 
 standing the cautious policy evinced by the Mexican Government in tiie 
 designation of an extensive border territory, witiiin which no grants should 
 be made or settlements permitted, the improvements of tlic Americans on 
 the Texas side commence from what is regarded as the boundary line, and 
 are scattered over the prohibited territoi-y. Not only has the interdict 
 been thus disregarded by the adventurous spirits who have been attracted 
 thither by the unsettled state of tlie Mexican Government, but that Gov- 
 ernment itself has (it is understood) been induced, by a conviction of the 
 impossibility of causing it to be respected, to make grants \vithin its limits. 
 The want of confidence and reciprocal attachment between the Govenuncnt 
 and the present miiabitants of Texas, (not Spanisli,) from whatever cause 
 arising, is too notorious to require elucidation. It has, i>i the short si)ace 
 of five years, disj)layed itself in not less than four revolts, one of them 
 liaving, for its avowed object, the independence of the country. This Gov- 
 ernment embraced the earliest opportunity to satisfy that of Mexico that 
 the resistence to her lawful autiiority thus made, was without aid or coun- 
 tenance, direct or indirect, from us. The ancient and well-sctlied policy 
 of tlie United States in this respect is so well known and has been soscru- 
 pulously adhered to, as to leave no room for apprehension thai: it can be 
 ever or long misunderstood by other Powers. But still, the recurrence 
 of scenes like these, wiiilst they furnisii tlie causes of onerous expenses and 
 perpetual inquietude on the part of Mexico, must, in the nature of things, 
 have a tendency to excite, at least, temporary suspicions of our motives, 
 and produce consequent heart-burnings, hostileto those cordial and friendly 
 relations which should ever be preserved between neighboring States. It
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 13 
 
 sliall be tlie business, as it is tbc duty of this Government, so (o coridnct 
 itself towards Mexico as to fiirnisli no just gi'ounds fop complaint; hut it 
 would he much l)etter for both to extinguish the sources of rnisappreliension 
 by an arrangement founded uj)on j)rincij)k's of just reciprocity. 
 
 Tlic situation of Texas, in relation to the nuuierous ti'ibes of Indians 
 within its borders and in its vicinity, also presents matter which desci-ves 
 the serious consideration of the parent Government, and which niay, it is 
 believed, be successfully nr'ged in favor of the cession. 
 
 The Camanche Indians, a numerous and dai-ing tribe, have for years 
 been a scourge to Texas ; they have, more than once, swe])t every article 
 of live stock from their owners, and killed the inhabitants of San Antonio 
 on the commons in front of the public squaie. They are apjjs-ized, moreo- 
 ver, that Indians of a still more acti\ e, w arlikcj and daring character have 
 recently settled in Texas, and that their number is daily increasing : 
 these are the Shawnee, Clierokec, and Kickapoo tribes, 'i'liey claim an 
 equal right of occupancy in I'exas with the Mexicans themselves, and are 
 prepared, as they say, to maintain it by force. The ground of this claim 
 is understood to be an invitation which, they say, vms given to them by 
 the Spanish authorities before the revolution, to settle in the province to 
 protect its inhabitants against their old enemy the Camanches. I'heir 
 number, at this time su])poscd to amount to five hundred warriors, is con- 
 stantly inci'easing, and will necessarily increase much more upon the 
 removal of the great body of the American Indians fui'ther west. They 
 have selected spots for their settlements, and defy the public authorities to 
 disj)0sscss them. To protect the civilized iidiabitants of Texas against 
 Indian aggressions, as well as to keep in check the tumultuous spirit of 
 portions of the inhabitants tiiemselves, the Mexican Government deems it 
 necessai-y to keep on foot a considerable niilitary estabiisinneut in the prov- 
 ince, 'i'his has been very expensive to the Government, and is, in the 
 ])resent (lejjrcssed state of tiseii- finances, peculiarly burdensome, and will, 
 probably, be of necessary C(nitinuancc so long as the province belongs to 
 Mexico. It has, however, so far as the Indians are concei-ned, proved 
 quite inadequate to the object in view. It is said that the soldiers are in- 
 sulted by the savages at the muzzles of tiieir guns • and that, when com- 
 jilaints ai'e made, the oifirers frankly acknowledge their inability to give 
 redress. Similar aggressions were made on the American settlements 
 soon after their first establishment, but the perpetrators were invariably 
 followed ami punished. Tlie consequence has been that the Indians have, 
 for several years, abandoned all active hostility against the Americans, 
 whilst they have continued their aggressions upon the Mexicans. '1 hese 
 practices, in addition to the positive injury they cause to the Mexicans, 
 have tlie effect of aggravating existing jealousies in the minds of tiic Mex- 
 ican inhabitants, by infusing a suspicion that the exemption which is 
 attributable solely to that hardihood, courage, and enterpiise which dis- 
 tinguishes our border-men, arises from a sinister undei-standing with the 
 Indians. By yielding to the United States a portion of Texas, the Mex- 
 ican Government will not only be relieved from the expense of its several 
 garrisons in that country, but will secure a protection to their ow n terri- 
 tory, by interposing the United States between the Indians and their east- 
 ern frontier, which is their exposed point. The Camanches have hitherto 
 confined their expeditions to the e istern side of the Rio del Norte, and no 
 I apprehension is felt on the west side of that river ; for, in addition to the
 
 ]4 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 fxlent of ilcsei't to cross, before they can reach the western settlements, 
 there is also a river of great w idth \vith a rajiid current to overcome. 
 There is another consideration, of much intrinsic weight, which may be 
 iire;e(l, if reference to it wonld not, in your judgnjcnt, give cause of offence 
 
 Being on the spot, and fully ooMVorsant with the feelings of those wlio 
 constitute the Mexican (Jovernment, and with cui-rent events, your judg- 
 ment as to the effect likely to he jiroduccd by what is said or jirojioscd upon 
 this subject, is most to be dej)ended upon. The nnsettle<l state of the 
 Mexican Government is too well kno\\n to be disguised. The successive 
 revolutions to which it has already been exposed attest the fact ; and tlie 
 <!angers which threaten it from the intrigues, if not the open hostilities of 
 Spain, are of a character which cannot be regarded with indifference. 
 Tiiis consideration, with many others tiiat miglit be stated, but which your 
 knowledge of circumstances v. ill readily suggest, expose hei- extended 
 confederacy to the hazard of dismemberment. It m ill readily be admit- 
 ted by her well-informed men that, ij) such an event, the first successful 
 blow wonld, most probably, be struck in Texas. Although the separation 
 of that territory for a limited i)eriod would not be of much imjiortance, 
 still the probable eflect of the examj>le could not fail to be highly detri- 
 mental. A state of things which renders so disastrous an event poss'ble, 
 not to say probable, deserves the serious consideration of that Gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 Tl»e line proi)osc(l as the one most desirable to ns, would constitute a 
 natuial sej)aration of tiie resources of the two nations. It is the centre of 
 a country uniidiabitable on the Gulf; and, on the mountains, so difficult of 
 access, and so poor, as to furnish no inducement for a land intercourse ; 
 and, of course, no theati-e for those diflerences that are alm()st inseparable 
 from a neighborhood of commercial interests, it corresponds with the 
 habitual feelings of the i)eoj)le of jMcxico, and with the avowed ])olicy of 
 theJMexican Government, by causing a wide separation and difficulties of 
 intei'coiuse between llie inhabitants of the two countries, and by prevent- 
 ing those excitements and bickerings invariably jjioduced by the contigu- 
 ous operation of conllicting laws, habits, and interests. The commeiTial 
 establishment which would be forthwith made at the Nueces, and in its 
 vicinity, would enable us to ])reserve, in a great degree, fiie morals of the 
 iuli;ibiiants of botli sides, by the prevention of smugglin;^ ; and the Mex- 
 ican Govei-nnient, by thus resjiecting the real interests of the United States, 
 w ithout actiral prejudice to its own, would afford the strongest evidence 
 of that spirit of i'riendship by whicii tiie United States have always been 
 influenced towards it, and which should ever characterize the conduct of 
 neigliboriiig republics. 
 
 The Tiehident does not desire tiie proposed cession without rendering a 
 just and fair ecjuivalent foi- it. lie. tlierefore. authorizes you to otfei- to 
 the Mexican Government for a cession according to the iii-st-mentioned 
 boundary, a sum not exceeding four millions of dollars : and so strong are 
 his c«)nvictions of its great value to the United States, that he will not ob- 
 ject, if you should find it indispensably necessai-y, to go as high as five 
 millions. You will, of course, consult the interests of the United States, 
 by obtaining the cession (if it can be obtained at all) uj)ori terms as favor- 
 able and for a price as low as j)racticable, regarding the sum above sta- 
 ted only as the maximum amount to which you are authorized to go. 
 Should you find the Government of Mexico unwilling to part w ith as large
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] ]5 
 
 a poraoii of tlicir territory as wouh! bo iucliuled in the iirst-meiitionocl 
 hoiiiids, but disposed to cede a less <{iiantit}', you will, in .siicli case, en- 
 deavor to obtain a cession agreeable to some one of the boundaries above 
 described, urging them in theortlerof jjrefereMce before slated, and stipu- 
 late ti» pay tiierel'or a sum which, estimating live millions as a fair com- 
 pensation for the largest extent j)roposed, wtnild be a proportionate 
 ecjuivaleiit for that which is ceded. 
 
 A credit of three or four years, Iiy annual and equal instalments, upon 
 an interest of six per centum would, he pieferred ; but, if necessary, you 
 may stij)ulatc lor tiie payment of the money within foiu- months, or some 
 other reasonable time alter the exchange of the final ratilications of the 
 treaty, and the delivery of the possession of the ceded territory. 
 
 Tiie ralilication must he required to take place on the part of the Mexi- 
 can Government befoie the treaty is subnntted to the Senate of the United 
 States foi- its ratification on our ])art. 
 
 I have already stated that the |)resent moment is regarded by us as an 
 auspicious one to secure the cession ; and will now add, that tlierc does 
 not ai)j)car to be any reasonable objection to its being embraced, on the 
 score of delicacy, or frou) an apj)rehcnsion that, in doiiig so, we would give 
 ofTence to the Government of Mexico. Nothing would be more adverse to 
 the feelings of the President than to give tlsat Government reason to believe 
 that he is cai)able of taking advantage of their necessities to obtain from 
 them any j)or(ion of tiie Mexican territory, the cession of which v.ould 
 impair the true intcj-ests or commit the honor of that country. 
 
 Tiie comparatively small value of the territory in question to Mexico; 
 its remote and disconnected situation ; the unsettled condili(;n of her af- 
 fairs ; the depressed and languishing state of her finances ; and the still, 
 and at this moment particularly threatening altiti'de of Spain, ail com» 
 bine to point out and recommend to Mexico the jjolic'v of j)arting v^itli a 
 portion of her terriiory of very limited and contingent benefit, to supply 
 herself wiih the means of defending tiie i-esiduc wiljj the better prospect of 
 success, and witli less onerous burdens to Jier citizens. It is for tfie Fed- 
 eral Government of Mexico, if they approve of the policy of doing so, to 
 judge of their con.stitutional power to make the cession. It is believed 
 thai no doubt could exist on tluit point, if the consent of the State of Coa- 
 liuila weie obtained ; and if the views we take of the true intci-ests of the 
 re])iiblic of Mexico aie not founded in eri'O!-, it is supposed that sucli con- 
 s(-nt would not be withheld. 
 
 Should you be able to conclude a treaty, and cither of the rivers herein 
 mentioned be agiet d u])on as the boundary, it will be necessary that it 
 should contain a stipulation for the mutual right of navigation, and' for that 
 of con;mon jurisdiction over the river itself. The trealy may also provide 
 for the (.-nniirmation of all bona fide gr-ants of land nnidc ])rior to its date. 
 Your situation in Congress must have njadeyou sensible of the cmban-ass- 
 meuts and diiliculties under which the United States have labored from 
 f] e(pu":.t applications for the confirmation of titles to lands in the territoi-ies 
 heretoloie ceded to them, in cases in which the original conditions of the 
 grants had not been complied with. It is therefore desirable that the stip- 
 ulation, on the part of the Ujiited States, to confirm grants previously 
 made, should be limited, in terms nmre explicit than heretofore used, ta 
 cases in which the conditions of the grants have been fully comi>lied with, 
 Avhcnever the time for such compliance shall have expired. The treaty
 
 IG [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 may also contain a ijiovisioii similar to that in the Louisiana and Florida 
 ti-cutics, lor the incori)oration of the inliabitants into the Union, as soon as 
 it can be done coiisisiently with the principles of" the Federal constitution, 
 and lor the enjoyment of tliei;- liberty, jiropcrty, and religion. It will, of 
 course, contain a stipulation for the ddixeiy of the country to t!ie United 
 States simultaneously, or as nearly so as may be practicable, with the 
 payment of the consideration. 
 
 This desj);itch will be delivered to you by Colonel Anthony Butler, of 
 the State of Mississippi. Colonel Butler has made himself well Kcq'»aint- 
 cd, by actual examination, with the tei-ritory in question, its streams and 
 localities. In the belief that he deserves your confidence, and that he may 
 be useful to you in the negotiation, by supjjlying yoti with facts which 
 might not otherwise be williin your i-each, lie lias been instructed to ob- 
 ser\e your directions in regai'd to his slay at Mexico, and his agency in 
 the matter whilst there. 
 
 A full power, authorizing you to negotiate and coticlude a treaty, as 
 stated above, is herewith tiansmitted to you. 
 
 I have the honor to be, wiih great respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 M. VAN BUREN. 
 
 JoKL R. Poinsett, Esq. 
 
 Envoy Exlr nor dinar ij nnd Minister 
 
 Flenipokntiary U. S. to Jle.rico. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Butler. — Extract. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, March 20, 1833. 
 The situation of affairs in the State of Texas y Coahuila makes it im- 
 portant that your negotiation on tiiat subject should be br-onght to a speedy 
 conclusion. It is at least doubtful whether, in a few weeks, any stipula- 
 tion could 1)0 carried into effect. No new instructions on the subject of the 
 jiroposed cession being deemed necessary, tlie President has directed me 
 10 refer you to those already given on that subject. 
 
 JMr. McLane to Jlr. Bailer, 
 
 Department of State. 
 
 ff'ashington, January 15, 1834. 
 
 Sik: You are aware that the period fixed by the third article of the 
 treaty of limits with Mexico, and the article additional thereto, for the 
 meeting of the commissioners and surveyors provided for by that treaty, 
 expired on the 2d of Api-il last, and tliat in consequence of the omission of 
 the Mexican Government timely to appoint the commissioner and surveyor 
 on their part, no such meeting took jilace. The appointment of the com- 
 missi(UK'i- on the part of the United States was made on the 30th May, 
 1832, and publicly announced hi the Globe newspaper at Washington^ ou
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 17 
 
 the I9tli oCJuly, 1832, and notice was given to Mr. Montoya, the Mexican 
 charge (I'afiaires, on the 20th of the same month, that this Government 
 was piepared to |irocei'(l conjointly with that of Mexico to the de.sifnaiiou 
 <if the boundary line ; and thougli Mr. Montoya was requested, at ti'ic same 
 time, to state whether any airangement had been made on the part of his 
 Government for tliat object, and, if not, to re(}uest t!)e immediate attention 
 of his Government to the Kul)jecf, this Department remained \n holly with- 
 out infoi'mation as to the aj)pointment of a con)missioner and surveyor on 
 the part of Mexico, until the 4th ultimo, when I was infor:ned by Mr. Cas- 
 tillo, the Mexican charge d'allaires, under date of the 2d of the same 
 month, that the Mexican commissioner and sui-veyor had been appointed. 
 I learn verbally from Mi-. Castillo that he has not been advised as to the 
 time of their appointment ; but by a report made by the minister of foreign 
 affairs to tiie Congress of Mexico on the 20th of May last, I j)crceive that 
 no such appointment had then been made ; on the contrai-y, the minister 
 s])eaks of ihe commission as yet to be created by each Government. 
 
 Under tliese cii-cnmstances, the treaty of limits cannot be carried into full 
 effect without a new convention between the two Governments providing 
 for that object. 
 
 The President directs, therefore, tliat you will conclude a new conven- 
 tion with the Mexican Govei-nment, consisting of a siiigle ai'ticle, stipula- 
 ting for an extension of the time pi-escribed by the third article of the treatv 
 for the meeting of the commissioners and surveyors, and authorizing them 
 to meet for the pei-formancc of their duties at any time within one year after 
 the exchange of tlie ratifications of the new convention. And to enable 
 yon to execute these instructions, the necessary powers are herewith trans- 
 mitted to you. The new convention which you are now instructed to con- 
 elude must, be ratified by ihe Mexican Government previously to submit- 
 ti!ig it fortlic ratification by the United States, and provision must also be 
 made for the exchange of the ratifications at Washington within one month 
 after it shall be ratified by (he Utiited States. It is the wish of the Presi- 
 dent, therefore, that as S))on as the treaty shall be ratified by the Mexican 
 Govei-nment, you will ask for your audience of leave, and return home, 
 bringing the ratified tieaty with you. 
 
 The previous I'atification of the new treaty by the Mexican Government 
 is a necessary precaution against impeiiiments similar to those which have 
 heretofore baffled the efibrts of tiie President finally to close this subject ; 
 and when it is considered that these have arisen chiefly, if not entirely from 
 the neglect of the Mexican Government, she cannot with any propriety de- 
 cline c()mj)lying with the terms now j)resented. 
 
 In your audience of leave, you will state to the l^Iexican authorities that 
 the President has been induced by imperative considerations, connected 
 with the public service, to require your piesence in the United States, and 
 that it is his intention as eai-ly as j)racticable to renew our diplomatic rela- 
 tions with the Government of Mexico. 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 LOUIS McLANE. 
 
 Anthony Butler, Esq. 
 
 Charge d'affaires of the United Slates, Mexico. 
 
 2
 
 18 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 -Vr. Forsyth to wMr. Butler. — Extract. 
 
 Dkpaktmext of State, 
 
 ft'ashington, July 2, 1835. 
 Sir : I have presented for tlie coiisidcralio!) of the President your letter 
 of the 17th ultimo, relative tothe iiegotiniiori with Mexico foi' Texas. J^y 
 his direction. I have the honor to iiilorm you tliat no sutlicient reason ap- 
 pears upon it for any cliani^es in the instructions that have been Iierctofore 
 given to you on that subject. Witli at) anxious desire to secure the very 
 desirable alfer-atioji in our boundary with Mexico, the Pi-esident is le- 
 solved that no means of even an etjuivocal character shall be used to ac- 
 complish it. It is due to tlie occasion to say to you also, that on the ex- 
 amination of your conmuinications on this subject, connected witli your ver- 
 bal expIaTiations, no conHdence is felt that your negotiation is likely to be 
 successful, but as you entertain a confident belief that you can succeed in 
 a very short lime, it is deemed j)ropei- to give you the opportunity of ben- 
 efiting your country by your exertions and of doing honor to yourself. I'hc 
 President, however, instructs me to say that the negotiation must be 
 brought to a close at once, so that tjie result may be kiunvn by the meeting 
 of Congress, as provision must be made, in case it is successful, for curry- 
 ing it into execution. You will be ext)ected in the Unitetl States as soon 
 as it is closed, to report the result, whatever it may be, by December. 
 # * * 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 Anthony Butler, Esq. 
 
 Charge d\'1ffaires of the United States to Mexico, frashinglon. 
 
 wVr. Forsyth to Mr. Butler. — Extract. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, .iugust 6, 1835. 
 
 Sir : It liaving been represented to the President that tlie port of St. 
 Francisco, on the western coast of the Uiiitcd Mexican States, would be a 
 most desirable place of resort for our numerous vessels engaged in tlie 
 whaling business in the Pacific, fai' preferable to any to which they no\vha\ e 
 access, he has directed that an addition should be made to your instruc- 
 tions i-elutive to the negotiation for Texas. The main object is to secure 
 within our limits the whole bay of St. Francisco. If you can indticc the 
 ^Mexican G<;vernment to agree to any line which Vvill elfect tiiis, you are 
 authori/.id to oiTer a sum of in addition to thesumjou were directed 
 
 to oflVr for the first line mentioned in your original instructions upon the 
 subject. You are to endeavor first to obtain the followii.-g boundary, v;hich 
 is considered the most eligible : 
 
 Beginning at the Gulf of Mexico, j)iv)cee{! along the eastei-n bank of tlie 
 Rio liravo del Norte to the 37th parallel of latitude, and thence along that 
 parallel to !lie Pacific. This line may piohably be supposed to apjiroach 
 loo near if not to include the Mexican settlement of Monterey. If this oh-
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 19 
 
 jection should be urged, you can obviate It by explaining that \vc have no 
 desire to ititerfere witli liic actual settlements of Mexico on tliat coast, and 
 you may agree to any provision alTecting the great object of securing t!ic 
 bay of St. Francisco and excluding Monterey and the territory in its im- 
 mediate neiglihorhood. 
 
 As it is not deemed essential to obtain the Rio Bravo del Norte for our 
 western bou:i(hiry, if any objection slioiild he made to it, you may next 
 j)roj)ose the wesrern line specified in your original instructions, hut stopping 
 at the 37th parallel, or at any other line that would include the bay of St. 
 Francisco, and proceeding along sucli line to the Pacific. If the Rio liravo 
 del Norte should be agreed upon as the western line, you may stipulate fuj- 
 the free navigation of tliat river to both parties. 
 
 If, however, you cannot obtain a southern line which will include within 
 our limits the whole bay of St. Francisco, you will proceed under your 
 original instructions, and bring the negotiation to a close, as directed in tbe 
 letter from the Department of the 2d July, 1835, No. 94. 
 I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Anthony Butlek, Esq. 
 
 Charge iVJiffaires of the United States^ Mexico. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay. — Extracts. 
 
 Mexico, July 18, 1825. 
 Siu : I waited on the Secretary of State, by appointment, on tlie morn- 
 ing of the 12th instant, in order to discuss the manner of c(ujducting the 
 negotiations for the treaties of commerce and of limits between the two 
 nations. It was agreed to treat the two subjects separately. 
 
 .\t- .^ ji. 
 
 * * 
 
 With i-espect to the treaty of limits, I suggested that, although the Gov- 
 ernment of the United States held itself bound to carry into effect the 
 treaty of limits concluded with the King of Spain 22d of February, 1819, 
 stiil it would apj)car more becoming th.c independent character of this 
 Government to lay aside that treaty altogether, and to endeavor to estab- 
 lish a boundary which would be more easily defined, and which miglit be 
 mutually more advantagc(!us. The Secretary expressed himself much 
 gratified by such a suggestion, and proposed that the two Governments 
 should forthwith appoint commissioners to make a reconnoissance of the 
 country bordering on the line formerly settled with Spain, so as to obtain 
 such information in regard to that portion of our respective territories as 
 would enable us to act understandingly on the subject. I objected to this 
 proposal the limited powers of the Fresidcnt of the United States, and 
 that such an appointment could not well be made until the next meeting 
 of Congress. He replied, that iiis Government would be very averse 
 permanently to fix the limits between the two nations on the very slender 
 information they at present possessed of that frontier country. After some 
 further conversation on the subject, it was agreed that he should address 
 me a note, stating the views of this Government in relation to the pro- 
 posed convention of limits. This has not yet been received. 
 I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. R. POINSETT.
 
 20 [ Doc. No. 42. I 
 
 J\Ir. Poinsett to ^Vr. Ciaij. — Extract. 
 
 Ll-.GATION OF TUi; LMTED StATES OF AMERICA, 
 
 Mexico, July 27, 1825. 
 
 Sir: I have tlie lioiior to enclose, herewith, a translation of the note 
 from the Sccretai y of State of tliis Governmf-nt, on the siihjcct of the road 
 IVoiii the Stati- of Missouri to Santa Fe'of ]Scw Mexico; and resjiccting 
 the treaties of conmiei'ce and limits hctween the two nations, to wliich 1 
 alhided in my last, marked A ; together with my reply, marked B. 
 
 I find that tliere exists gieat apjjri liension in tiie minds of the peojjlc of 
 this country that the Government of tiie United States contemplate re- 
 new ing their claim to the territory north of the llio Bravo del Norte ; and 
 it may he of some impojtance to consider their great sensihiiity on this 
 subject, vhen the line of country to he examined, with a view to tlie limits 
 hetween the two nations shall he deiermincd on, should the President 
 think proper to accede to the j)roj)0.sais contained in the accompanying 
 note. 
 
 A. 
 
 Jlr. Jllaman to Jlr. T'oinsett. 
 
 Mexico, July 20, 1825. 
 
 Sir: rhad postponed answering the note which your excellency ad- 
 dressed to me on the 17lh of last month, respecting the measures adopted 
 by the Govrrnniejit of the U;;ited Slates of Amei'ica lor opening a road 
 from the western limit of the State of Missouri (o the frontier of these 
 States, in the direction of Santa Fe in New Mexico, ar.d its continuation 
 beyond those limits, in conceit with this Government, in the hope that 1 
 might be able, at the same time, to address your excellency upon a subject 
 of more extensive imj)ortance, which embiaces, as your excellency has 
 (observed, this of whicii we are Heating. On your presentation to the 
 most excellent senor President of this lepuhlic, }or.r excellency signified 
 that you were autiioi-ized liy your (Toxernmcnt to conclude tiratics of com- 
 merce ati<l limits with this; and cei-tainly ih.e (jpenirig (jf tliis new road 
 supposes the existence of these treaties, by virtue of whiclj the limits which 
 divide this republic from that will be settlerl. as well as the regulations 
 which are to go\ern the commercial relations of both rations; nor wi',1 it 
 be easy to separate them, without incurring inconveniences vei-y dilficuit 
 to avoid. So that the Pirsident believes it to be more plain and easy ta 
 commence by concluding the treaties which ymi are authoi ized to make, 
 leaving the business of marking out the i-nad to he adjusted afterwards, as 
 dependent upon them, and which tliis Govei-nment is disj)osed to concur 
 in, as it is convinced that this new channel of communication between the 
 two nations, which is about to be opened, will be equally useful and ben- 
 eficial to both. 
 
 In the actual state of things, the final conclusion of a treaty which should 
 end)race the two points of coumierce and of limits, could not be effected 
 with that promptness whicii this Government wishes. The marking out 
 of limits, by its nature, and the particular dillicultics which in our case
 
 f Doc. No. 42. J 21 
 
 attcml such a woi-k, both by want of the toijograpliical iiiroriuatioii sufli- 
 cieiitly exact to inspire any confidence, and fVotn the series of irigouoinet- 
 rical observatiojis whirii it would be neccssafy to make on a vast extent of 
 unexplored (-(junti-y, is subject to delays that, iiowever great the zeal with 
 which both Govcrnuients luiglit forwiinl tiie work, w(;uld cotisuuic a great 
 (leal of time; when, on the other hand, the two subjects niiglit be separated 
 without any jjrejudice to the national interests. We might then, if your 
 excellency thougiit ])roper, and tiiis is the opinioji of the President, pro- 
 ceed immediately to negotiate tiic treaty of commerce, leaving on one side 
 the point of limits; and that we might negotiate on this sidiject, the two 
 Governments might name their comr.iissioners, who, on examining together 
 the country within a given latitude, from one sea to the otlier, might j)re- 
 sent exact information, upon whicii the limits might be established as is 
 desired. Tiiis manner of proceeding throws no obstacle in the prosecution 
 of the end jjroposed ; foi', whether the bases for marking the limits are 
 designated previously in the treaty to be then afterwards defined w-ith pre- 
 cision by commissioners of both Governments, or whctlicr we proceed in 
 the manner I have the lionor to propose to your excellency, the result will 
 always be the same, witli the only difference, that by the method indicated 
 M'e miglit proceed with more certainty, and we siiould possess more exact 
 information to go upon. The commissioners which this Government might 
 nominate for this object, might likewise receive instructions i-especting tiie 
 demarcation of this road, so that both these points mig!»t be taken into 
 consideration and salisf:ictorily settled. Your excellency will be so good 
 as to transmit to your Government what I have the honor to propose to 
 you by order of the President, assuring it at the same time of the sincerity 
 of this Government, and of the desire with which it is animated to estab- 
 lish, in a solid manner, and to strengtiien more and more t!ie relations of 
 friendship between two peoj)lc so intimately united by the similarity of their 
 institutions and their interests. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 "With the highest considerations, &c. 
 
 LUCAS ALAiMAN. 
 
 B. 
 
 Mr. Foinsett to Mr. Jliaman. 
 
 Legatiox of tue U. S. A. 
 
 MexicOf July 27, 1825. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's 
 note of the 20th instant, in which your excellency proposes to postpone the 
 business of marking out the road from the frontiers of the United States to 
 Santa Fe of New Mexico, until after the conclusion of tlie treaties of 
 commerce and of limits between the two republics, or until after tlie ap- 
 pointment of commissioners to explore that tract of country which will 
 include the frontiers of the two States. 
 
 Although very unwilling to ui-ge this Government to adopt a measure 
 which it apprehends may be attended witli unavoidable inconveniences,
 
 22 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 I cannot but regret this delay, believing, as I do, tliat it will prove injuri- 
 ous to a commerce, just rising into existence, between the Western States 
 of Noith Atnerica and New Mexico. The commissioners for this object 
 have been appointed l-.y the Governmejit of the United States, and are, 
 probably, bv this time,'ou ihc spot, waiting the result of an arrangement 
 which, iVoin ihe tnutiial beiuTits it is calculated to confer on both nations, 
 the I'risident of the United States presumed would nieci with no obstacle 
 or delay on the part of the Government of Mexico; especially as it was 
 believed tliat an arrangement might have been made so as eftectually to 
 j)revent the occurrence of those inconveniences which this Government ap- 
 jjcars !o aj)prchend. Tiie object of marking out this road at this time, is 
 to enable the caravans to find their way throug'.i the unexplored and track- 
 less waste that lies between tlie frontier of the State of Missouri and Santa 
 Fe of New Mexico. To postjjone this business until the appointment of 
 commissioners to survey that jiart t)f the country, with a view to the final 
 adjustment of our limits, will cnd)arras3 that trade very much; and I 
 still venture to hojie that his excellency the President of these States will 
 instruct your excellency to enter into some arrangement with me by which 
 this desirable end nray be sooner acconiplislied. 
 
 Aware as I am that the Government of tlie United States of America 
 is equally anxious witli this to conclude, as early as possible, a treaty 
 which shall setile on a permanent basis the future commercial relations of 
 the two countries, 1 readily accede to your excellency's proposal to sepa- 
 rate the two subjects of commerce and limits, and request you will com- 
 municate to his excellency the President my readiness to proceed imme- 
 diately to negotiate the treaty of commerce with such person or persons 
 as he may think proper to appoint. 
 
 "With respect to your excellency's proposal, that the two Governments 
 should forthwith appoint commissioners, who, by a careful examination of 
 the country from sea to sea, w ithin a given latitude, might furnish exact 
 information up»)n which the limits could finally be adjusted, I see only one 
 serious objection to it, and that is tlie great delay sucii a course is likely to 
 occasion. The President of the United States, if he accedes to this pro- 
 j)osal on the part of this Government, cannot ajjpoint such commissioners 
 until after the meeting of Congress in December next, nor could they be 
 on the ground before the sj)ring of 1826: their operations could not be 
 concluded in less than one year, leaving tlie boundary undefined by treaty 
 for the tci-m of two years. 
 
 Agreeably to the wishes of his excellency the President of these United 
 Slates, I shall transmit to my Government his proposals on this subject; 
 and, in the mraji time, pray your excellency to accept the assurances of 
 respect and consideration w itli w hich 
 
 I have the honor to be your excellency's 
 
 Most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 J. R. POINSETT.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 23 
 
 Mr. Jllaman to Mr. Poinsett. — Extract. 
 
 Mexico, Jlugust 10, 1825. 
 The Presidont has seen with satiilacticm the disposition of your exccl- 
 tency to separate the two negotiations of commerce and of limits, forming 
 a paVticnlar trcaTy for each of tliese objects, and has, in consequence, 
 thought projjcr to honor with his commission, for the purpose of adjusting 
 tJic iirst, the most cxccHcnt Scnjr Don Jose Ignacio Esteva, Secretary of 
 State for the Department of tiic Treasury, and myself, who v/ill be ready 
 to enter into conference witli your excellency as soon as you think proper 
 to advise us that you arc so disposed. With regard to the second poii.:, 
 the difficulties and delays wliich occur to your excellency are inevitable in 
 either case ; for the limits cannot be dclinitively settled until the reconnois- 
 sance of the countiy has been made : and all that can be done to shorten 
 the time, is to facilitate this cxainimitiou in the manner I have proj)oscd to 
 your excellency, and which you offer to present to your Government. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, September 20, 1R25. 
 Sir: I had an interview ihis morning with the Secretary of State, at 
 Ids request, on the subject of the boundary line between tlic two repub- 
 lics. He began by saying that he wislicd to ascertain the ancient bounda- 
 ries between tlic United States and the Spatiish possessions, as defined by 
 the treaty of 1795, and asked nie to trace them for him in Melish's map. 
 I did so, but observed, at tlie same time, tluit that treaty was concluded 
 before t!ic cession of Louisiana. 1 then inquired his object in wishing to 
 to ascertain the former boundaries. lie replied, tliat he thought it would 
 be advisable in the treaty we were about concluding, to specify the ancient 
 boundary until the new line was agreed upon. I replied, he must be aware 
 that, previous to the treaty with Spain concluded at Washington in 1819, 
 the United Slates of America claimed to tlie Ilio Bravo del Norte, and 
 Spain to the Mississippi ; and that treaty was a compromise of various 
 disputed claims made by the coiitracting i)arties ; tliat it was binding on 
 the United Mexican States, having been concluded before their emancipa- 
 tion from Spain, and had since been aclrnowlcdged by t'roir accrcditetl 
 agent in the United States of America. There had boen ample time to 
 have carried that treaty into full cfTect, hut that the Government of the 
 United Slates had Iieen'withheld from doing so only by motives of delicacy 
 towards Mexico. That the same motives had induced mc to propose aiL 
 entire new treatv, which should not allude to the one formerly conclmled 
 with Spain ; buUhat in so doing I did not intend to yield one sq;;are inch 
 of land which was included within the limits of the United States accord- 
 ing to the boundary line at that time agreed u))on. That in my opinion a 
 more advantageous boundary might be drawn between the two countries^ 
 but that such a line was not to be sought f>r e^ist of the Sabine or north of 
 the Red river or the Arkansas ; and that, finally, no article such as he 
 proposed could be inserted in the treaty, without my renewing in it the
 
 24 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 claim of tlic Unit^^d States to the roiiiitry nortli and cast of the Rio Bravo 
 del Norte. 
 
 On niv return home I sent liim a ropy of the note from tlie Mexican 
 char""e d'affaires to tlie Secretary of State at Washington, togetlier willi 
 the treaty between the Unitcfl States and Spain concluded at Washington 
 in 1819. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to 3Ir. Clay. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of tue United States, 
 
 Meodco, March 18, 1825. 
 # * * 
 
 By the colonization law passed in August, 1824, the General Govern- 
 ment reserved twenty leagues of land from the frontiers of neighboring na- 
 tions, and ten leagues irom the sea shore, which cannot be granted by the 
 States excej)t with the previous consent of tlie Executive. Having learnt 
 that the Tresident had given liis consent to a grant of land made by the 
 State of Coahuila and Texas, of a tract situated within that limit, on the 
 Red river, 1 called this morning at the ofiicc of the Secretary of State, and 
 told Espinosa tliat I sliould iiul consider any gi-ant as valid that was made 
 wliile the negotiations were pending, in the event of that portion of country 
 being included by the treaty within the limits of the United States. He 
 admitted that tlie ohjection was proper, and engaged to write to the State 
 cl Texas on the subject. 
 
 »¥r. Foinsell to Jlr. Clay — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, July 12, 1826. 
 
 This Government has ap])ointed General Teran to examine the country 
 near our rcspeciivc frontiers, and to obtai»i such information as will enable 
 tliem to treat upon that subject nndei'standingly. This is the gentleman 
 formerly nominated by tlie Executive to proceed to London, and whose ap- 
 jjointinent w as not confirmed by the Senate. He tells me that he will leave 
 the capital in all Se|)tember. I suppose his departure will not take place 
 before late in October. 
 
 J/r. Poinsett to Jlr. Clay. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 J\[exico, ^flpril 10, 1827. 
 Sill : I have tlio honor to transmit hercwifli ^ translation of tlic report 
 of tiie committee of the House of Deputies on the treaty concluded here on 
 ilie lOth of July last.* 
 
 • Tliis treaty was not approved t)y the Senate of the United States, nor was it acted upon 
 by the Mexican Congress in season for the ratifications to have been exchanged within the 
 btipulated time. ,
 
 [ Doc, No. 42. 1 25 
 
 This report has been discussed in secret session, and sent back to the 
 committee with instructions. The House disajjproved of some of the ex- 
 traordinary [ji-inciples laid down by the committee in their rei»orl, and more- 
 over desired to have inserted in the treaty an additional article, declai'- 
 ing the treaty of limits, concluded at AVashington, between the United 
 States of America and Spain, to be valid, and binding upon the high cort- 
 tracting parties. The argument lor tliis declaration which was advanced 
 in the House and suj)ported by a large majority, is the propriety of con- 
 sidering this republic as having iidierited all the rights of Spain. The 
 principle has hitherto been urged effectively in all the disputes between the 
 civil and ecclesiastical authorities ; and at this particular moment it is of 
 the utmost importance to this Government to establish it beyond all con- 
 troversy. 
 
 The committee has not yet reported. 
 
 The British treaty has been ratified, having passed both Houses without 
 the slightest objection. 
 
 1 have the honor to be, sir, 
 
 With great respect, your obedient servant. 
 
 J. 11. POINSETT. 
 
 Hon. H. Clay, 
 
 Secretarij of Slate, Washington. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, October 6, 1 827. 
 
 * * * 
 
 The only act passed hy the Congress, since the commencement of their 
 session, of any importance, is the appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars 
 towards defraying the expenses of the commissioner. General Teran, ap- 
 pointed by this Government to examine and report upoji the country which 
 lies near and upon the boundary between the United States and Mexico, 
 agreeably to the views of this Government, as expressed in their communi- 
 cation of the of August, 1825. The commission has not set out on 
 
 this expedition for want of funds, Congress having ajipropriated what the 
 Treasury does not at this r,ioment contain. In private conversations with 
 tlje President and Secretai'ies, I have sought to convince them of the use- 
 lessness of this expedition until the treaty of limits is definitively settled. 
 They say, in reply, that the public is so anxious to have that question set- 
 tled, that they thiiik it politic so to act at present, and assure me of their 
 earnest desire to adjust that delicate point as soon as possible. The Presi- 
 dent aj)pointed Don Jose Ignacio Esteva and Don Juan Jose Espinosa 
 {)lenipotentiaries to treat with me ; but having understood that Mi-. Ca- 
 macho is houily cxjiected from London, he prefers waiting t!ie arrival of 
 that gentleman, in order that the former plenipotentiaries may contitme 
 the negotiations.
 
 26 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 J/r. Foinsett to .Mr. Clay — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, Januanj 8, 1828. 
 
 Sir : The nrgotiatioii;^ v.crc renewed tliis day, and, from the disposition 
 maiiirostcd by the Mexican plenipotentiaries, in this first conference, I iiave 
 every expectation of concluding ti)e treaty of friendship, navigation, and 
 commerce, favorably and promptly. 
 
 I'lie Mexican Chamber of Deputies passed a resolution, when the treaty 
 was formerly before them, on which, I nnderstand, they will insist. It is 
 in these words, viz : "This Chamber will not take into consideration the 
 treaty which the Government has concluded with that of the United States 
 of America, until an article shall be inserted in it recognising the validity 
 of that which was celebrated by tlui cabinet of Madrid, in the year 1819, 
 with the Government of Wasliington, respecting the limits of the territo- 
 ries of the two contracting parties." 
 
 The plenijjotentiarics, in reply to all my observations on the subject, 
 and to my proposals to alter the limits, insisted that Mexico had a right 
 to consider that treaty binding upon the United States, as being invested 
 \\ \'h all the riglits of Spain, and bound by all the obligations of the mother 
 country. They instanced the cession made by Spain to Great Britain of 
 certain rights in the Bay of Oonduras, w hich, however inconvenient to the 
 Mexican Government, it had nevertheless felfc itself bound to ratify; and, 
 in short, declared that if I did not consent to comply with the resolution 
 of the Chamber of Deputies, it would be useless to (liscuss the other arti- 
 cles of the treaty, as it was certain that Congress would not ratify any 
 treaty which did not contain such a provision. 
 
 I withdrew my opposition, but observed that, as the treaty of naviga- 
 tion and commerce was for a limited period, and that of limits perpetual, 
 it would be better to make them distinct conventions ; to which proposal 
 the Mexican plenipotentiaries consented. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico t February 7, 1828. 
 
 Siu : I transmit herewith copies of the treaty of limits and of llie pro- 
 tocols of the conferences held willi the Mexican plenipotentiaries upon 
 that subject. 
 
 I did not insist upon introducing the article respecting the obligation 
 of the parties to restrain the Indian tribes residing within their rcsjiective 
 tcn-itorics from committing hostilities against the people, Indians, or ter- 
 ritories of the other, because it is inserted in the treaty of amity, com- 
 merce, and navigation, whicli I am about concluding. 
 
 You will perceive by the protocols of our conlerences that I did not op- 
 pose any obstacles to the wishes of this Govcrriment to adopt the limits 
 settled by the treaty of Washington.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 27 
 
 PROTOCOL. 
 
 Protocol of the first conference between the plenipotentiary of the Uni- 
 ted States of America and the plenipotentiaries of the United Mexi- 
 can States^ in order to conclude a treaty of limits, held on the 8th of 
 January , 1828. 
 
 'Present, J. R. Poinsett, plenipotentiary of theUnite<l States of America, 
 and their excellencies Don Sebastian Comaclio and Don Jos6 Ignacio 
 Estcva, plenipotentiaries of the United Mexican States. 
 
 Tiic plenipotentiaries of Mexico icad the i-csolution of the Chamber of 
 Dei)uties ; which is in the following words, viz : 
 
 *'This House will not take into consideration tiie treaty which the Gov- 
 ernment has concluded witli the United States of America so long as it 
 does not contain an article which shall renew the existence uf the treaty 
 celebrated by the cabinet of Madrid in the year 1819, with that of >Yash- 
 ington, resj)ecting the territorial limits of the two contracting parties." 
 
 Tiiis resolution was passed on tiic 2d of April, 1827, and tiie treaty- 
 was accordingly sent back to the President of the United Mexican States. 
 
 Tlie plenipotentiaries obsei'ved that tliis resolution rendered it impera- 
 tive upon the Executive first to settle this important question ; and, from 
 the tenor of tlie note addressed to them by the plenipotentiary of the Uni- 
 ted States, they j)resumed he could have no objection to regai'd the above- 
 mentioned treaty as in full force and binding upon tlie United States. 
 
 The plenipotentiary of the United States replied that, alt!iough the lim- 
 its as settled by tlie treaty of Wasiiington were liable to some objections, 
 and might be altered advantageously for both the contracting parties, as 
 he had before frequently explained, still, if the Government of Mexico in- 
 sisted upon the execution of the third and fourth articles of that treaty, 
 be could not object to it. 
 
 The Mexican plenipotentiaries said that their Government had invaria- 
 bly acted upon the principle that Mexico was bound to respect the treaties 
 of tiie Spanish monarchy prior to the declaration of her independence; as 
 for instance, Great Britain had acquired riglits from Spain within the ter- 
 ritory of Mexico, (in the bay of Honduras,) which, however inconvenient 
 to this Government, it was proposed not to disturb, and had acknowledged 
 the existence of those rights in tlie recent treaty with that P!)wer. 
 
 The plenipotentiary of the United States replied that he did not intend 
 to disjiute the validity of a treaty concluded between the United States and 
 Spain at a period when Mexico formed a component part of tlie Spanish 
 monarchy ; and t'.iat it was evident fj'om former conferences and from his 
 note on that subject that he had never controverted tliis principle. Any 
 alteration of thf; treaty of Washington must depend upon the mutual con- 
 soiit of the ])resent contracting parties; but as ihe Executive and the 
 Chamber of Deputies of Mexico appeared determined to insist upon car- 
 rying the third and fourth articles of that treaty into effect, he should no 
 longer object to it. 
 
 It was then agreed tliat tlie treaty of limits should be made separately, 
 because this was a permanent convention, whereas that of amity, naviga- 
 tion, and commerce, was intended to exist only for a limited period. 
 
 J. R. POINSETT, 
 S. COMACHO, 
 J. Y. ESTEVA.
 
 28 . [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 TROTOCOL. 
 
 Frotucol of the second conference between the plenipoten'iarij of the United 
 States of .'Imerica and the plenipotentiaries of the United Mexican States, 
 held on the lOth of January, 1828. 
 
 Present, tlie iilonipotcntiaries. 
 
 The following l)reainble and article were drawn up and agreed to, viz: 
 
 "The limits of tiic United States of America witli tlie buidei'iiig terri- 
 tories of Mexico having been fixed and designated by a solemn treaty 
 concluded and signed at Wasiiington on the £2d day of February, in the 
 year of our Lord one thousatal eiglit hundred and nineteen, between the 
 respective pleni])otcntiaries of the Government of tlie United States of 
 Amei'ica oji tlic one ])art and of tliat of Spain on tlie other : and whereas 
 iJie said ti-eaty having been sancti(jned at a period ^^ lien Mexico consti- 
 tuted a part of the S{)anish monarchy, it is deemed necessary now to coii- 
 Tirm the validity of the aforesaid treaty of limits?, regarding it as still in 
 force and binding between the United States of America and the United 
 Mexican States. 
 
 "Art. 1. The dividing limit of the respective bordering territories 
 of the United States wf America and of t!ie United ^Mexican States, being 
 the same as were agreed and fixed upon by the above-mentioned treaty of 
 Washington, concluded and signed on the 22d of February, in the year 
 1819, the two high contracting parties will procceed forthwith to carry 
 into full effect tlie third and fourth articles of said treaty, which are herein 
 recited as follows. '* 
 
 .T. R. rOINSETT, 
 S. COMACHO, 
 J. Y. ESTEVA. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Clay. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, Jpril 24, 1828. 
 
 Sir : Tiic tieaty ul' limits has been ratified by the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, and is now before the Senate. You will perceive that it will 
 be impossible to send the ratification of this Government to ^yashington 
 in time lor the exchange of ratifications to take place within the term des- 
 ignated by the treaty. This delay has originated from the extreme in- 
 dolence of the person who formerly filled the office of Secretary of State 
 of this republic. lie kept this treaty in his office upwards of two months 
 without submitting it to Congress, although I repeatedly represented to 
 hi[n the prejudice that would result from this delay, especially to the Mexi- 
 can (io\ernment, which had already despatched its conjmissioner to the 
 frontiers.
 
 [ Doc. No 42. ] 29 
 
 J\Ir. Poinsett to J/r. Clay. 
 
 Legation of the UiNI'J'ed States, 
 
 Jlexkn, Jlpril 2G, 1828. 
 Siu : Tlie treaty of limits between the United States and Mexico, con- 
 cluded and signed on tlie 12tli of Januai-y last, was yesterday i-atificd by 
 tiie Mexican Senate. Tbc period fixed by the tr-eaty for tlie cxcliarif;«5 of 
 i-atilications beini^ four niontbs f?-om tlie date of its sii^natiwe, 1 sliall not 
 ti-ansniit tbc ratification of ibis Governnietit by (Xpi-ess. It could not pos- 
 sibly ari'ivc at Wasliington in time. I regi-et tbc delay wliicb bas occurred 
 bere, "because I am aware it will render it necessary lo submit tbe treaty a 
 sec(md time to tbe Senate. Tliis Congress desj)atcbed it with tolerable 
 j)rotn|)tness. The delay, as I before observed, was occasioned by tbc dila- 
 tory babits of tbe former Secretary of State. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, 
 
 Your obedient servatit, 
 
 J. R. POINSETT. 
 Hon. Hexry Clay, 
 
 Secretary of State, Washington. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to the Sicrctary of Slate. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States', 
 
 Mexico, March 10, 1829. 
 In combination with tbe Secretary of Foreign Relations. Don Lucas 
 Alantan. tbe President bad formed a plan to negotiate a new treaty of 
 !)oundaries, by which we were to be reduced to the margin of tbe JMississi'pjji, 
 for they believed that, by the treaty of Washington, we bad unjustly de- 
 prived Spain of a large portion of bcr territory. Tliey were exceedingly 
 surprised, therefore, when no objection was made by this legation to re- 
 new tbe negotiations on that subject altogetiier, witli a declaration that, in 
 that event, the United States would assume the line of the Rio Biavo d«'l 
 Norte as the boundary ; as the reasons whicli had induced then) to cv^h^ to 
 Sj)ain their rights to that territory, <iid jiot apply to this country. Tbev 
 were assured tiiat we regarded the (lealy of limits as bimiirig upon botii 
 parties, because it bad been concluded when Mexico lormed a part of tbc 
 dominions of Spain, but that no objection would be made on onr part to 
 annul it. Tbe Congress, more wise, com|)ellcd the Executive subsequently 
 to cor-firni that treaty. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett to Mr. Van Buren. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the United States, 
 
 Mexico, July 22, 1829. 
 They at first proposed that both parties should send commissioners to 
 examine the country situated at and near the boundary fixed by tho treaty
 
 30 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 of Washington from sea to sea, for tliey had heard of a neutral territory 
 which, by tlic superior iicutcMK'.ss of Mr. Adams, liad been wrested from 
 Spain, and other absurd stories, which an actual examination would eluci- 
 date. 
 
 Next, they iirojiosed to me to fix provisionally the boundary line in the 
 treaty of conmu'rco, then in progress of negotiation, where it was supposed to 
 Ijave existed prior to tlie treaty of NVasiiiugton. They desisted from this 
 proposal ojdy upon my insisting, in such a case. (»f inserting t!ic claim of 
 the Ur»ited Slates to the territory north of the Rio liravo del Norte. For 
 furthei- particuhrs on this subject, 1 refer you to my despatch dated the 
 20lh of September, IS'25, ami marked No. 19. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Van Buren. — Extract. 
 
 Mexico, May 19, 1830. 
 Upon the subject of o;ir treaties, I can barely say, that commissioners 
 have at last been determineil upon and announcp<l to me on the part of 
 this Government. They ar-e the Secretary of State, Mr. Alaman, and 
 Mr. Mangino, Secretary of the Treasury. There is little doubt but that 
 the negotiations would have conimencfd some weeks since, for every thing 
 was in good train for the purpose, and Mr. Alaman had suggested to me 
 a belief that the acting President would appoint him to meet me. Tliis 
 was conclusive as to !iis nomination, and he was the gentleman of all 
 others 1 should have selected. 
 
 The Mexican plenipotentiaries to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gobierno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, Q.I de Mayo de 1830. 
 Los infrascritos, Secretarios dc Estr.do y del Despacho dc Relaciones 
 Intcriores y Esteriores, y de Hacienda, tienen el honor dc dirigirse a VS. 
 y dc cumunicarle hallarse plenamente autorizados jior el Exn)o. Sor. Yice 
 Pi-csidente en ejercicio del poder ejecuti\o, para abrir negociacioncs 
 sobrc los traiados pcndieutrs entrc los E^tados Unidos Mejicanos y el 
 Gobierno de VS. 
 
 En tal conccpto, los infrascritos suj)lican a VS. se sirva senalarles el 
 dta en <iue pucdan tener sa jjrimera concunestcia con el ohjeto indicado, y 
 aprovechan esta oportunidad para jjrotestar d VS. las seguridades dc la 
 distinguida ctm.sideracion con que son 
 
 Dc VS. muv ohcilientes servidores, 
 
 LUCAS ALAMAN, 
 RAFAEL MANJINO. 
 Al Sor. Don Antoxio Butler, 
 
 Encur^ado dc J\''egocios, SfCi.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 31 
 
 The Mexican plenipotentiaries to Mr. Butler. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace or the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico^ May 21, 1830. 
 Tiic undersigned, Secretaries of State, of Domestic and Foreign Affairs, 
 and of the Trcasmy, liavc the honor of addressing your excellency, and to 
 conitminicatc that they are fully authorized by ti»e most excellent'the Vice 
 President, exercising the executive power, to commence negotiating on the 
 subject of the treaties pending between the United Mexican States and 
 youj' Government. 
 
 Therefore, tlie undersigned request your excellency will please to ap- 
 point a day for the first meeting on tlie aforesaid subject ; availing them- 
 selves of tiiis opportunity for offering to you the assurance of their distin- 
 guislied consideration, 6cc. 
 
 LUCAS ALAMAN, 
 RAFAEL MANJINO. 
 To Senor Don Anthony Butler, 
 
 Charge (V affaires. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Monaslcrio. 
 
 Legation of the United States of America, 
 
 Juhf 25, 1832. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United States, has tiie honor 
 of transmitting herewith a copy of the treaty of limits negotiated by the 
 l)lenipotentiaries United States of America and the United Mexican 
 States, together with tiie proclamation of the President of ihe United States 
 declaring tlte exchange of tSie ratification thereof. The treaty bavin"- now 
 become tlie supreme law of the land, ihe President of the United States of 
 America is prepared to execute all the provisions thereof, and for this pur- 
 pose will, with all convenient despatch, appoint comn^issioners on our part 
 to ascertain and mark the line of boundary between the two natior.s in 
 roiiforniity witli the stipulations contained in the treaty referred to. In 
 making tltis communication it becomes my (iuty to say that appreher.sions 
 are entertained on t!ie part of my Government that the line, as flesio-nated 
 in ti:e treaty recently ratified, will j)roduce inconveniences and pei-hans 
 create dillicullics that it will be the ijiterest no less than the desii-e of the 
 Government of the United States to obviate; and the President feels the 
 fullest confidence tliat his excellency the Vice President of the United 
 Mexican Sfates will act undei- the intiuetice of a similar spii-it. Foi- this 
 purpose 1 have received instructions from the President of the United 
 States of America to jjropose tlie establishment of a new boundary be- 
 tween the two nations, more conformable to the mutual interest of each, 
 and better adapted, not only to preserve the integrity of national domain 
 but to promote uthci' objects alike interesting to both parties. 
 
 I have to request that you will place this communication before his ex- 
 cellency the Vice President, to the end that he may enter into a considera- 
 tion at once of the subject pi-esented in this note ; and sliould he concur in 
 opinion with t!ie President of the United States of America as to the pro-
 
 32 [ Doc. No. 42. ] I 
 
 priety of invcstigallng anew tlie quostinn of adopting a diftercnt boundary 
 botwctii tlio two nations, that in surli event a plenipotentiary on the part 
 of Mexico may be appointed, with whom I am prepared to cimipare and 
 exchange powers preliminary to an entrance upon the discussion of the 
 subject of boundary above referred to. 
 
 The undersigned embraces this opportunity to renew to Mr. Monasterio 
 the assurances of Jiis distinguished consideration. 
 
 ANTHONY BUTLER. 
 
 To JosEru M. 0. Monastekio. 
 
 Mr. GonzaUX) to JTr. Butler, 
 
 PaLXCIO DEI GOBIERNO FeDERAX, 
 
 Mexkn, 14 de Fehrero de 1833. 
 
 !E1 infrasciito, Secrctariode Estado y del Dcspachodc Kelaciones, tienc 
 el honor de infoi-mar a VS. que ha elevado al conocimicnto del E. S. 
 Presidente la nota que VS. dirigio a esta Secrcfaiia en 26 de Julio del 
 au) anterior, participando liaber sido publicado por el Ciobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos el tratado de limites acordado entre las dos republiras, y 
 que conformc a su tenor se nombi'ai an los comisionados que en tiempt> 
 oi)ortuno procediesen de acuerdo con los de Mexico a fijar la linea de de- 
 mai'cacion entre ambos paises. 
 
 Las circuiistancias de que acaba dc salir esta republica habian impedido 
 contestar la nota indicada y proceden a la ])ublicacion del mismo tratado, 
 pero esto ultimo se veiificaia dentro de breves dias ; cntreianto ha reci- 
 bido orden el infrascrito de asegurar a VS. que el GoMerno de Mexico 
 se apresurar a a nombrar los comisionados que de acuerdo con los desig- 
 nados por el Gobierno «ie VS., procedan a fijar los limites scnalados en 
 el tratado, de cuyo nomhramiejito se insti'uii a a VS. con oi)ortunidad y 
 (jue considerandose ya (iicho tiatado por estos Estados, como lo Iia sido 
 por el Gobiei'no de VS. como una ley supi-ema, no se ocnpara de sus 
 estipulaciones, .^-ino ])ai'a hacer (pjc tengan el mas leligloso cumplimiento. 
 
 Al decirlo a. VS. el iidVascrito, en resj)uesta a la nota ex[)i"esada, tiene 
 el honor de reproducirle las segui'idades de su muy distingnida considera- 
 cion. 
 
 BEUNARDO GONZALEZ. 
 
 Al Son Don Antonio Butler, 
 
 Encur^udo de JS''egocii:s, ^-a. 
 
 Mr. GonXiulez to Mr. Ihtller. 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace of the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico, February 14, 1833. 
 The underHigned, Secretary of State and of Relations, has the honor to 
 inform you that he lias submitted to his excellency the President the note 
 addressed by you to this department on the £6th of July last, containing
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 33 
 
 information tliat the treaty of limits agreed upnn between the two repub- 
 lics bad been published by the Guvei-iiiiKMit of tljc United States, and that, 
 coiifoi-mably with its terms, cijinniissioners would be appointed, wlio 
 would, at tlie j)roper period, jjrocecd Jointly with those on the part of 
 Mexico, to fix the line of demai'cation between Ibc two countries. 
 
 'i'lic circunvstances from the iniluencc of wliicb this republic is now 
 cmci'gitig, have prevented a leply from being hitliei-to made to this note, 
 and have likewise hindered the publication of tlie treaty, which will, how- 
 ever, be done within a few days. In the mean time, the undersigned has 
 been oi-dered to assure you that the Covernment of Mexico will, without 
 delay, appoint co:nmissioners, who will pn»ceed, jointly with those on the 
 part (;f the United States, to iix the limits defined in tlie treaty, and of 
 whose ap[)ointmeMt you will be notified in due time. The Mexican Gov- 
 ernment, considering the treaty as it has been considered by that of the 
 United States, namely, as a sui)rei!ie law, will do all in its power to carry 
 its stipulations most rigorously into execution. 
 
 The undersigned, in thus replying to your note, has the honor to renew 
 the assurances of his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 BERNARDO GONZALEZ. 
 
 To Anthony Butlkr, Esq., 
 
 Charge d'Jiffnires of (he United States of America. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Gonxialex,. 
 
 Legation of the United States of America, 
 
 Mexico, February 16, 18SS. 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United States of America, has 
 the honor of acknowledging the receipt this day of the note of your excel- 
 lency, dated on the 14'h current, in reply to a coinminiication addressed 
 by the undersigned to tlic Department of Foreign Affairs on the 26th of 
 July, 1832. in the communication referred to by your excellency it was 
 the'purpose of the uiulersigned to bring under the notice of the Mexican 
 Government the great delay which had occurred in making known to the 
 States and people of tlie Mexican confederation that a treaty of amity, 
 commerce, and navigation, and one of boundary, had been negotiated and 
 ratified between Mexico and the United States of America, and had 
 become the supreme law of the land to both nations. This prompting 
 seemed the more proper, inasmuch as the citizens of the United States of 
 America resident in the United Mexican States had suffered and were siif- 
 fering exactions, and were deprived of tlie enjoyment of privileges, in some 
 of the interior States of this confederation, against the first of wiiich they 
 were protected, and in tlie full advantage of the latter they were assured, 
 under the guarantee of stipulations contained in the treaty of amity, com- 
 merce, and navigation between the two nations ; yet, when appeal was 
 made to this treaty, on the part of those who were either restrained in their 
 privileges or suffered aggression on their rights, the uniform answer re- 
 turned was, <' We can recognise tio treaty, never having been ollicially in- 
 formed thereof by the Supreme Government of Mexico, and cannot there- 
 fore respect any claim which you prefer under its authority." Hence we 
 3
 
 34 1 Doc. No. 42. I 
 
 see the propriety oi' giving the earliest jjiiblicity to tijat iii.slriimcnt in such 
 luutle as, according to the practice of tliin Government, shall confer npon 
 the treaty of amity and commerce the validity of a public law ; and tlie 
 undersigiied has been jjromjjied to make this suggestion, inasmuch as no 
 reference has been made to that treaty in the note of your excellency dated 
 on the Nth current, and Just received at this legation. 
 
 It will not escape the observation of your excellesicy that notwithstand- 
 ing treaties of amity, commerce, and navigation, and of limits, were con- 
 cluded between thfs Government and that of the undersigned more than 
 two years i)ast, and the ratillcations of which were exchanged and publica- 
 tion thereof made in the United States of America, investing them with all 
 the sanctions of a supreme law nearly one year since, still tliese national 
 contracts of equal and mutual obligation upon each Power lemain in tiiatof 
 Mexico a dead letter, under the pretext that ollicial promulgation has never 
 been made. 
 
 And if tlie undersigned has not liitherto remonstrated with more fre- 
 quency and energy against this delay, and the consequences which it was 
 daily unfolding, the reason and his m.')tives will i\ni\ their explanation in 
 the 'peculiar condition in which Mexico was placed for the last twelve 
 months. 
 
 A longer delay, however, in giving publicity to the treaty of amity and 
 commerce must inevitably lead to greater and more frequent violation of 
 its i)rovisions, and the instances ol which may at length accumulate in such 
 number and magnitude as shall iet|uii'e not (ndy promjjt and ample redress 
 but may have a tendency to disturb the harmony which at present so hap- 
 pily subsists between Mexico and the United States ; and it is to obviate 
 such a state of things that the nndcrs^igned would pray you, sir, to lay this 
 matter immediately before his excellency the President of the United Mex- 
 ican States, that such order may be taken thereupon as his excellency may 
 deem expedient on the occasion. 
 
 The undersigned renews to your excellency the assurances, kc. 
 
 A. BUTLER. 
 
 To his Excellency Bernakdo Gonzalez. 
 
 tiecretury of State for Foreign Jiffairs of Iht United Mexican States. 
 
 Mr. Gonaalcz to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gobieuno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, 21 de Febrero de 1835. 
 
 El infrascrito, Secrctario de Estado y del Despacho de ilelaciones, acusa 
 el reciljo de la nota (pie VS. se sirve dirigirle fecha l6 del actual, esfor- 
 zamh. la necesidad de (jue cuanto ante se proceda a la publicacion de los 
 tratailos concluidos entre estos Estados Unidos y los de America, y tiene el 
 honor de re|)roducir a VS. loque le manifesto en su nota del 14, sobre el 
 empeno <pie toma el Gobierno Mexicano, en que se verifniue dicha jmblica- 
 cion dt iitro de jmcos dias, que solo se ha pospuesto por las circunstancias 
 en «[uc se encontro la nacion )a mayor parte del ano anterior, y que han 
 termiuado felizmentc.
 
 f Doc. No. 42. ] 35 
 
 El infrascrito aprovpchacsta ocasion para repotir a VS. las protestas 
 do su consideracion y muy distinguido aprocio. 
 
 BEllNAllDO GONZALEZ. 
 A! Sor Don Antomo Butler, 
 
 Encargado de JYcgncios, (^a. 
 
 Mr. Gonxialen to Mr. liutler. 
 [Translation.] 
 Palace of the Federal Govku.vmen t, 
 
 Mexico, Fehrnary 21, 1833. 
 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State and of Relations, acknowledges the 
 receipt of the note wliicii yoii were j)leased to address to him on the l6th 
 instant, urging the necessity of proceeding williout delay to the p(il)iieation 
 of the treaties concluded hetween these United States and those of Aineri- 
 ca; and he has now the honor to repeat to you wliat he said in his note 
 of the 14th — the engagement on tlic part of the .Mexican Government 
 to carry into effect within a few days tiie said publication, which has only 
 been postponed on account of the peculiar circumstances in wliich tlie na- 
 tion has been placed during the greater portion of the past year, and which 
 have terminated so fortunately. 
 
 The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to you, sir, the 
 protestations of his consideration and esteem. 
 
 BERNARDO GONZALEZ. 
 
 To Anthony Butler, Esq. 
 
 Charge d'affaires of the United States of America, Sfc, 
 
 Mr. Gonzalez to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gobierno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, Febrero 27 de 1833. 
 El infrascrito, Secretario de Estado y del Desi)acho de Rclaciones, tiene 
 el honor de acompanar a VS. exempiares del tratado de amistad, comcrcio, 
 y navigacion, y del tratado de limites, celebrado entreestos Estadosy los de 
 America, reproduciendole loque en notas separadas le he manifestado sobre 
 las causas que impidieron la pronta publicacion de estos documentos. 
 
 El infrascrito aprovccha esta ocasion para renovar a VS. las seguridades 
 de su muy distinguida consideracion. 
 
 BERNARDO GONZALEZ. 
 Al Sor Don Antonio Butlek, 
 
 Encargado de J^egocios, Sfa. 
 
 Mr. Gonzalez to Mr. Butler. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace of the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico, February 21. 1833. 
 
 The undc 
 send to you, 
 
 lersigned, Secretary of State and of Relations, has the honor to 
 u, herewith, copies of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navi-
 
 36 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 o-ation, and of the treaty of limits, between tlicse United States a?id tlmse 
 of Anieiira : reju-atijig. at the same time, what he has already said in sev- 
 oral ditlVreiit notis, with regard to tlie circumstances which have delayed 
 the prompt publication of these documents. 
 
 Tlic undersigned, on this occasion, renews to yon, sir, the assurances of 
 his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 BERNARDO GONZALEZ. 
 
 To ASTTIONV BlTLKK, Esq., 
 
 Charge d'affaires of the United States of America. 
 
 iVr. Butler to Jlr. Garcia. 
 
 Legatio.v of the United States of America, 
 
 Mexico, September 6, 1833. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United States of America, 
 had tlie honor of communicating to the Supreme Government of Mexico, 
 in a note addressed by the undersigned to the Secretary of State for For- 
 eign Affiiirs, more than one year j)as<", information of the fact that his 
 Government liad appointed a commissioner on tlieir part to establish and 
 niaik ihc line of limits and boundary between the two nations of Mexico 
 and the United States of America, in conformity with tlic treaty on that 
 subject ; and the undersigned was instructed at the same time to propose 
 a i"cvie\v of the question of limits, for the j)urpose of defining more ex- 
 actly and dearly the landmai-Us of such line tlian had been done by the 
 treaty of 1819, between Sj)ain and the United States. This proposition 
 was received and entertained by the administration then in power, and 
 action upon it inciely susijended in consequence of the unsettled condition 
 of Mexico at the period referred to. The undersigned has more than once, 
 during the present year, renewed ihe apj)lication for i-econsidcring and 
 newly arranging, in a clear mannei", and oti a pei-manent basis, this ques- 
 tion, still unsettled between the two nations — a (juestion always highly 
 delicate, and deeply interesting to the parties concerned — but without 
 having the good foitune to elicit a reply fi'om the Snj)reme Government, 
 although the ordinary couitesy observed between nations in theii' inter- 
 couise with each other might have faiti} authoiized the expectation of such 
 reply. Not without hojje however that the dilJiculties which aj-e known 
 to surround this question may yet be adjusted in an amicable and satisfac- 
 tory maimer to both the parties interested, the undersigned will once more 
 invoke tlie attention of your excellency to the subject, requesting that it 
 may be placed distinctly undei- the consideration of the Vice President, 
 for his decision thereupon ; and the undersigned is the more anxious for a 
 decision on the subject at this time, inasmuch as a j)eriod so ausj)icious for 
 the settlement of this question will perhaps never again occur. I'he un- 
 dersigned cannot doubt that the proposition herein renewed will attract 
 the regard of tlic Supreme Government of Mexico equally with that of his 
 own, and that the result will be an immediate, permanent, and amicable 
 arrangement, in which the interests of both parties will be consulted and 
 promoted. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor, &.c. 
 
 ANTHONY BUTLER. 
 
 To his Excellency Carlos Garcia, &c.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 37 
 
 Mr. Garcia to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gouieuno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, 25 de Setiembrede 1833. 
 El iiifrascrito, Socrctario de Estadi) y del Despacho do Relaciones, tieiic 
 el honor de inConnat' al Sr. Don Antonio Butler (|uc S. E. el Vice I'resi- 
 dente, jiara dar ciimplimicnto al arti<:uIo 3 del Iratado de limites cele'orado 
 entre estos Estados y los de America, ha nomI)i'ado en clase de comisario 
 al Tcniente Coronel Don Toinas Ramon del Moi-al, yen la de gcomctra a 
 Don Castillo Navarro. 
 
 Y el infrasci'ito apiovcclia esta oportunidad para renovar al Sr. Butler 
 las seguiidades de su muy distinguida considcracion. 
 
 CARLOS GARCIA 
 Al Sol* Don Antonio Butler, 
 Encargado dc JW'gncios, i^-a. 
 
 Mr. Garcia to Mr. Butler. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace of the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico, September 25, 1833. 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State and of Relations, has the honor to 
 inform Mr. Anthony Butler that his excellency the Vice President, with 
 the view of carrying into execution the third article of the treaty of limits 
 between these States and tiiose of America, has appointed Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Don Tomas Ramon del Moral as commissioner, and Don Castillo 
 Navairo as surveyor. 
 
 The undersigned embraces this opportunity to repeat to Mr. Butler the 
 assurances of his very distinguished consideration. 
 
 CARLOS GARCIA. 
 To Anthony Butler, Esq. 
 
 Charge d'affaires of the Vtiited Stales of America. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. McLane. — Extract. 
 
 Legation of the Uxited States of America, 
 
 Mexico, July 1, 1834. 
 Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of despatches to No. 
 6G inclusive, with tlie exception of No. 47. Nos. 57 and 58 have recently 
 been received, afccr making the circuit, perhaps, of the whole Mexican con- 
 federation. It seems that they were intrusted to the care of a gentleman 
 on his way to Mexico, who, travelling for amusement, pursued a different 
 route from that at first intended, and after keeping the despatches in his 
 possession for weeks, placed them at length in the ordinary conveyance, by 
 which they arc received.
 
 38 1 Doc- No. 42. ] 
 
 I perceive that by No. 58 I am ditccted to conclude "anew convention" 
 with thi' Mexican Government on the subject of Loundary, and which *' new 
 convention'' "must be ratified by tiie Mexican Government previously to 
 submittius; it for tiie ratification of the United States," (Sec. ; and I am also 
 inlornied that it is the wish of the Tresident that I should myself be the 
 bearer of the new convention to the United States. I presume tliat there 
 will be no diiiii ulty in concluding a new convention on the subject indi- 
 cated ; but, as tlie authority to ratify resides In the GeneraF Congress, which 
 assembles on tlie 1st day of January next, and who may keep the question 
 beftire them for a month or more, 1 beg leave to suggest whether it would 
 not be best to permit my return to the United States immediately, either on 
 leave of absence fca* a short ])criod, or as a retirement from the mission 
 altogetiier. I am fully persuaded that the public service may derive bene- 
 fit from an interview either witli yourself or the President, at which 
 certain communications may be made, and opinions freely exchanged 
 and compared, which it is impracticable to do by any other mode ; and, 
 after this interview, it may be better determined whether the public inter- 
 est will be more advanced by my return to Mexico, or by the appointment 
 of a successor to the mission ; and 1 earnestly request that this matter may 
 be submitted to the consideration of the President without delay, so that 
 his determination be made known to mc as early as practicable. 
 
 Hon. Lewis McLane. 
 
 Mr. Butler to Mr. Lombardo. 
 
 Legation of tue Uxited States or America, 
 
 Mexico, December 21, 1834. 
 
 The nndersigned, charge d'affaires of the United States of America, 
 lias the honor of informing his excellency the Secretary of State, that by 
 a communication received recently from tlie Governnient of the undersigned, 
 he is instructed to propose to that of Mexico a renewal of the treaty of 
 boundai-y between the two nations. 
 
 Your excellency is fully aware of the importance of the subject, and the 
 interest which Mexico no less than tlie Government of the undersigned 
 should feel in its adjustment: and he may be permitted to express the hope 
 and the expectation that the question will now be disposed of without any 
 unnecessaiy delay. Two treaties have already been negotiated between 
 tiic two nations upon this subject, neither of which have been executed, 
 notwithstanding the Government «)f the undersigned have done every thing 
 on their piirt which was within their comj)etenry for the accomplishment 
 of this Work, whilst Mexico, by omitting to perform tiie necessary acts on 
 licr i»art, occasioned the treaty to expire. The undersigned will not jiermit 
 himself to imagine motives for such an extraordinary indifference as Mex- 
 ico has manifi'stcd upon this subject, but confines himself to stating, as he is 
 instructed to do, that longer delay in adjusting the true bonndai'y between 
 Mexico and the United States of America cannot be permitted. 
 
 The undersigned forbears to urge tiic many cogent reasons for conclu- 
 ding this subject definitely, because they are too obvious to require being 
 stated ; he will merely lemark that Mexico being in the occupancy of a 
 large poilion of territo:-y which tiie Government of the undersigned con-
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 39 
 
 ceives respectfully to belong to the people of the United States, an;I great 
 part of wliicli, iti.>> undcr.stoixi, lias already been granted under the authority 
 of Mexico to various individuals, it bccoitie.s tlie more imperiously urgent 
 that this question shoul^I promptly be disposed of. The undersigned re- 
 quests, therefore, that t!iis subjeet be immediately brought before his excel- 
 lency the Tresicient of tlie Mexican United States, with tiic view of con- 
 cluding the treaty in time to be acted on by the Senate of the United States 
 of America, which will adjourn on tlie 4tl» day of Mai'cli ensuing. 
 
 The undersigned has tlie lionor to renew to his excellency Mr. Lom- 
 bardo, the assurances of his great consideration. 
 
 ANTHONY BUTLER. 
 To his Excellency Francisco M. Lomkakdo, 
 Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the 
 Mexican United States. 
 
 Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gobierno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, Febrero 7 de 1835. 
 
 El infrascrito, Secretario de Estado y del Despacho de Relaciones Inte- 
 riores y Exteriores, tiene ellionor de manifestar al Sr. Don Antonio IJutier, 
 que se ha enterado de Uxjue se sirve decir a cste ininisterio en su nota ofi- 
 cial de 27 de Enero proximo pasado, sobre el arreglo de limites de estos 
 Estados y los Estados Unidos de America. 
 
 El infrascrito debe manifestar al Sr. Butler, que habiendose mandado 
 poder e instrucciones con este mismo objeto al encargado de negocios de 
 csta republica en Washington, y habiendo este avisado su recibo con fecha 
 16 de Dicicmbre ultimo, y ({ue ya Iiabia entablado la misma negociacion 
 con S. E. Mr. Forsyth, ininistro dc negocios extrangeros, es necesario 
 aguardar e! resultado que tenga, por que de otro modo a, mas de la cumj)li- 
 cacion del asunto podria incurrirse en contradicciones, que es conveniente 
 evitar. 
 
 A no ser por este justo molivo, el infrascrito, Secretario de Estado y del 
 Despacho de Relaciones, tcndria una verdadera complacencia en tratar del 
 arreglo dc limites con el Sr. Don Antonio Butler; porquc conociendo la 
 moderacion y la honradez y exactitud du sus ])rincipios, se terminaiia tal- 
 vez este negocio de una nianera mas facil, al mismo tiempo que conforme 
 a la justicia y al interes de las dos nacioiies. 
 
 Con este motivo, el infrascrito desfruta lahor.ra de protestar al Si". But- 
 ler su constante aprecio y distinguida ronsideracion. 
 
 J. M. GUTIERREZ DE ESTRADA. 
 
 Al Sr. Don Antonio Butler, 
 
 Encargado de Negocios , S^-a.
 
 40 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada to Mr. Butler. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 TaL VCE OF TUE FliDEUAL GoVEIlXMENT, 
 
 Mexico, February 7, 1835. 
 
 The unilcrsignctl, Secretary of State and of Internal and Foreign Rela- 
 tions, has the honor to inform Mr. Antiiony Butler that he has informed 
 himself of tlie contents of the note which Mr. IButler addressed to this De- 
 ])artment on the 27tlj of .January respecting the settlement of the limits 
 betuecn these Stales and the United States of America. 
 
 The undersigned must inform Mr. Buth^-, in reply, tliat as powers and 
 instructions with the same object have been forwarded to the charge d'af- 
 faires of this republic in Washington, and notice has been received under 
 date of December I6tli, of their having reached him, and of the commence- 
 ment of the negoiialion with Mr. Forsyth, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
 it is projjer to await the result, or otherwise inconvenient contradictions 
 might arise fi-om the confusion which would be likely to ensue. 
 
 But for this just reason, the undersigned Secretary of State and of Re- 
 lations would have hud the utmost pleasure in treating with Mr. Anthony 
 Butler with regard to the settlement of limits ; as, being well aware of that 
 gentleman's moderation, his sense of honor, and the correctness of his 
 jjriticiples, he is convinced that this affair might be terminated most easily 
 in a manner co\iformable w ith just-ce and with the interests of both nations. 
 
 Tiie undersigned expresses to Mr. Anthony Butler the assurances of his 
 constant esteem and distinguislied consideration. 
 
 J. M. GUTIERREZ DE ESTRADA. 
 
 To Anthony Butler, Esq., 
 
 Charge d'' Affaires of U. S. of America. 
 
 Mr. Butler to the President. — Extracts. 
 
 Mexico, February ZG, 1835, 
 
 My dear Sir : From my letters of November and December last, you 
 expected me in Washington city before this; and so I should have been, but 
 foi" a most untoward event which I shall explain to you. I have already in- 
 foi-nied you of my intention lo remain in Mexico until the meeting of Con- 
 gress — fust, because I wished to see how the reform Congress would 
 open ; and, secondly, for tiie [)ui'pose of carryitig home with me the rati- 
 fication of the boundary treaty, as I was instructed to do ; when, after all 
 the delay, I was, on the 9th day of the present month, informed that the 
 negotiation on that subject had been transferi-ed to Washington city. 
 
 The Depai'tmcnt of Foreign Affairs for Mexico has changed hands three 
 times since May last, and this ci'eated some confusion in the business of tliat 
 depai'tment. You are aware that my instructions for renewing the boundary 
 treaty ai-rived here in the beginning of June of the past year; and 
 these instructions enjoined it on me to have the treaty ratified before send- 
 ing it home. A short time previous to recei))t of these instructions, Geii- 
 vral Santa Anna iiad dissolved the Congress^ so that it was impossible U\
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 41 
 
 obtain tlie ratification until a new election could take place and the mem- 
 bers assemble. Immediately on receivint^ tlie dcspatcli. I addressed a 
 notr to the Department of State, advising the Secretary of my having been 
 invested with jjowers to conclude a treaty witli Mexico for the establish- 
 uu'iit of tlic boumhu-y between the two nations ; ;ind upon a question from 
 the Secretary wliether it would be necessary to enter upon the subject im- 
 mediately, I rej)lied in the negative, informing him very frankly that on 
 account of the delays such things suffered in Mexico, it was my design 
 not to send home the treaty until it had been iirst ratified here ; and as 
 there was no Congi-ess, and would be none until January, the subject 
 might lemain over lor the present if he desired it. He expressed him- 
 self much pleased, saying that he expected \cry soon to lose the office: 
 that he was very nuich engaged in closing every thing in which he had 
 been concerned, as far as practicable ; and as the work of this treaty would 
 not be more than an hour, myself and some other gentleman, his succes- 
 sor, might conclude it just before Congiess assembled. As this was all 
 true, 1 felt disposed to let the question lie over, to gratify the Secretary. 
 As he had anticipated, he went out of office in a very few weeks ; and I 
 did not revive the subject with his successor officially until the beginning 
 of December, when I directed his attention to my official note of June 
 past to his predecessor, and desired to know when it would be agreeable 
 to the Mexican Government to commence the negotiation. My note re- 
 mained luianswered until January, when just about the period of the meet- 
 ing of Congress, I addressed the Seci-etary a second note. About this 
 time it was rumored that another change would shortly be made in the 
 
 department. 
 
 # * # 
 
 III January the change, as expected, actually took place, upon which I 
 immediately addressed the new Secretary, directing his attention to the 
 delays tlsat had occurred, and requesting him to appoint an early day for 
 commencing the negotiation ; when, to my great surprise, he replied to 
 me in a few days, stating that the negotiation had been intrusted to Mr. 
 Castillo ; and that letters had been received from him saying that on the 
 lOtli of December last he had entered upon the subject with Mr. Forsyth ; 
 and consequently it became proper to wait the result of that negoti- 
 ation, lest by carrying it on at the same time at two different points, 
 embarrassment might be produced. I give you all tliese facts, even at the 
 hazard of being deemed tedious, rather than permit you to suppose that 
 any neglect of mine has occasioned the transfer to Washington city. 
 And now I shall most certainly return in the New York packet for April, 
 and be able perhaps to bring with me the exchange of ratifications ; if, as I 
 suppose, the treaty is already finished, and nmy be expected here from day 
 to (lay. 
 
 Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada to Mr. Butler. 
 
 Palacio del Gobierno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, a 29 de Marzo de 1835, 
 El infrascrito, Secretario de Estado y del Dcspacho de Relaciones, tiene 
 el honor de participar al seiior encargado de negocios de los Estados
 
 42 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Uiiulos lie America, que scgun las ultimas comuiiicaciones do la repub- 
 lica en Wasliiiigtoii, uo se liabia dado pi-iiicipio ami a la iiegociacion que 
 se le encomendojCon el objetode prorogarcl termiiio senalado en el tratado 
 de liinites para la reunion de los comisai-ios dc ambos GobierJios, que dc- 
 bian fijarlos, en los terminos que estaban estipulados en el. 
 
 En csta virtud, habiendosc debido ccri-ar los scsiones del Congreso de 
 los niismos Estados Unidos, a priiicipio del presente mes, y liallaiidose el 
 honorable Sr. IJutler sulicientenierjte autorizado para esta negociarion se- 
 gun consta de sus notas de 21 de Uicicmbre, y 27 de Enero ultimos, el 
 infrascrito tiene la satisfaccion de decirle de orden de S. £. el Presidente 
 interino, que por su parte se lialla despuesto a r|ue sea aqui donde se trate, 
 sobre la proroga de termino antes nuncionada, a fin de que el tratado a 
 que se rcfierc tenga pronta y cumi)lida execucion. 
 
 El E. S. Presidente interino ha acordado autorizar para este efecto al 
 Exmo. Sr. Don Jose Mariano Blasco, Secretario delDespacho de Hacien- 
 da, y al infrascrito, Secretario de Relaciones, y deseaque cuanto antes tenga 
 principio una negociacion que se presenta bien sencilla, supuesta la buena 
 disposicion de ambos Gobiernos, y la comunicacion que el mismo honorable 
 Sr. Don Antonio Butler dirigio pocotiempo ha al infrascrito, con el objeto 
 de terminarla. 
 
 Esto se pucde conseguir ahora facilmente, y aunque el Sr. Butler iia in- 
 dicado la proximidad de su viage a los Estados Unidos, cspera el infras- 
 crito, que para que puede antes enteramente concluido este asunto, tendra 
 la bondad de aunarse al Ministerio de Relaciones manana, 30 deeste mes, 
 a la una y media de la tarde. 
 
 EI infrascrito tiene, con este motivo, la Iionra de presentar al sr. encar- 
 gado de negocios de los Estados Unidos del Norte, sus respetos y muy dis 
 tinguida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. GUTIERREZ DE ESTRADA. 
 
 Al Sr. Don Antonio Butlek, 
 
 Encargado de Negocios, ^a. 
 
 Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada to Mr. Butler. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace of the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico, March 29, 1835. 
 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State and of Relations, has the honor to 
 inform the charge d'affaires of the United States of America, that, accord- 
 ing to the communications last received from the representative of the re- 
 public in Washington, no stejjs had been taken in the negotiation with 
 \vhich he was charged, for the purpose of prolonging the period set forth 
 in the treaty of limits, for the meeting of the commissioners of the two 
 Go\ernments, whose duty it would be to fix those limits, agreeably to the 
 terms stiptdated in the said treaty. 
 
 In consequence of this, as the Congress of the United States was to 
 close its session about the commencement of tlie present month, and as the 
 lionorable jSIr. Butler is himself sulliriently authorized to conduct this ne- 
 gotiation, as appears by his notes of December 21 and January 27 last, the 
 undersigned has the .satisfaction to inform him, by order of his excellency
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 43 
 
 acdiig President, that lie is, on bis own part, ready (o treat liere, with 
 
 ,,ard to the proU)ngation of the period above mentioned, in oi-der that the 
 s;ii(! treaty may, as soon as j)ossible, he carried into complete inlfilment. 
 
 liis excellency the acliug President has thought proper to autiiorizc to 
 this effect his excellency Don Jose Mariano Blasco, Secretary of the 
 Treasury, together with the undersigned Secretary of Helations, and he 
 desires that a commencement may he immediately made of a negotiation 
 uhich appears to be so simple, if both parties are well disposed, as would 
 seem to be the case from the communication on this subject addressed, a 
 short time since, to the undersigned, by Mr. Anthony Butler. 
 
 This may now be easily effected ; and although Mr. Butler has given 
 notice of his intention to go soon to the United States, the undersigned 
 hopes that, in order to have this business entirely concluded before his de- 
 parture, that gentleman will have the kindness to call at the Department 
 of Foreign Relations to-morrow, the 30th of this month, at half past one in 
 the afternoon. 
 
 The undersigned concludes with presenting to the charge d'affaires of 
 the United States of the North, the assurances of his most distinguished 
 consideration. 
 
 J. M. GUTIERREZ DE ESTRADA. 
 
 To Anthony Butler, Esq., 
 
 Charge d? Affaires of the U. S. of America. 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay, 
 
 Legacion de los Estados Unidos de Mexico, 
 
 Washington, 19 de Marzo de 1828. 
 
 HoNORABXE SfinoR : El infrascrito, enviado extraordinario de la repub- 
 lica Mexicana, tiene el honor de poner en conocimiento del Senor Secre- 
 tario de Estado que el Gobierno de Mexico ha nombrado al General Don 
 M. Teran con el objeto de practicar las operaciones cientificas y rccono- 
 cimicntos necesarios para jiroceder acelebrar el tratadode limites entre los 
 Estados Unidos de America y los Estados Unidos de Mexico ; y que al 
 efecto pidio del Senor Poinsett, enviado extraordinario de esta republica en 
 Mexico, los correspondientes pasaportes, quien los expedio desde luego acom- 
 pafiando al mismo tiempo cartas.de recomendacion para los Gobcrnadores 
 del territorio fronterizo de Arcanzas y del Estado de la Luisiana. 
 
 El infrascrito, al hacer esta comunicacion al Senor Secretariode Estado, 
 desea saber, si sera necesario el pasaporte del Senor Secretario de Estado 
 para que el General Teran, y los individuos, de que es adjunta lista, y de 
 mas pcrsonas que, paia su seguridad, pucdan acompailarle, procedan sin 
 obstaculos a disempaiiar los trabajos que se les ha encargado. En caso de 
 que scan, el infrascrito espera del Senor Secretario de Estado la remisa de 
 los pasaportes, y le manitieste ademas, loque le paresea conducente para 
 que en esta operacion nada sc turbo la buena armoinia que cxiste entre 
 amhos Gobiernos. 
 
 El infrascrito aprovecha de esta ocasion para ofrecer al Senor Secretario 
 lie Estado los sentimientos de su mavor consideracion y respeto. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON. 
 
 H. Sonar H. Clay, 
 
 Secretario de Estado de los E, U.
 
 44 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Lista de individuos que componen la comision encargada de los recono- 
 ciniientos, prcvios a la ncgociacion sobre limites entre los Estados Uni- 
 dos de America y los de Mexico. 
 
 El General Don M. Teian, 
 
 El Teiiiente Coronel Don C. Tarnaba, 
 
 EI (Ic la niisina clasc Don S. Batrcs, 
 
 El Snbteniente de Artilleria Don T. Ma. Sanchez, 
 
 Don R. C hovel, mincralogista, 
 
 Don Luis Berlandiei", incdico botanico. 
 
 Es co])ia. Washington, 19 de Marzo dc 1828. 
 
 J. M. xMONTOYA, 
 
 Secretario de Lcgacwu 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay, 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Legation of the United States of Mexico, 
 
 Washington, March 19, 1828. 
 
 Sir : The undersigned, envoy extraordinary of the Mexican republic, 
 lias the honor to inform the Secretary of State tiiat the Government of 
 Mexico has appointed General Don M. Teran to perform the scientific op- 
 erations and surveys necessary to proceed in the execution of the treaty of 
 lisnits between the United States of America and t!ie United States of Mexi- 
 co : and that, with that view, it has applied to Mr. Poinsett, minister ex- 
 traordinary of this republic at Mexico, for the necessary passports, who 
 immediately granted them, accompanied by letters of recommendation for 
 the Governors of the conterminous Territory of Arkansas and of the State 
 of Louisiana. 
 
 The undersigned, in communicating tiiis information to the Secretary of 
 State, wishes to know if a passport from the Secretary of State will be 
 necessary to enable General Teran and the persons attached to his party, 
 of whom a list is enclosed, as also such other individuals as, for their 
 safety, may accompany them, to discharge, without obstacles, the duties 
 assigned them. If such be the case, the undersigned hopes that the Secre- 
 tary of State will grant tiiose passports, and communicate whatever he may 
 think calculated to ])rcvent any thing occurring in this transaction to dis- 
 turb the liarmony subsisting between the two Governments. 
 
 The undersigned takes this o|)portuni(y to offer to the Secretary of State 
 the senlnnents of his highest consideration and respect. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON. 
 
 Hon. Henry Clay, 
 
 Secretary of State.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 45 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 List of persons compiising the commission appoiiited to make the surveys pre- 
 paratanj to the settlement uf limits between the United States of Jmerica 
 and those of Mexico. 
 
 General Don M. Tcran, 
 
 Lieuieiiaiii Colonel Don C. Taniaba, 
 
 Lieutenant (Colonel Don 8. Batfes, 
 
 Sul)-lientenant of artillery Don T. Ma. Sanchez, 
 
 Don U. Cliovel, mineralogist, 
 
 Don Luis Berlandicr, physician botanist. 
 
 A true copy. March 19, 1828. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA, 
 
 Secretary of Legation. 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Ohregon. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, March 24, 1828. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 
 19th instant, communicating the information that the Government of 
 Mexico has appointed General Don M. Tei-an to perform the scientific 
 operations and surveys necessary to proceed in t!ie execution of the ti'eaty 
 limits between the United States of America and the United States of 
 Mexico, and that with that view pass[)orts have been obtained from Mr. 
 Poinsett, minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraoi'dinary of the United 
 States at Mexico, together with letters of recommendation to the Govei'noivs 
 of t!ie conterminous Territory of Louisiana and Arkansas: and requesting 
 to be infoimed if a passport from tiiis De[)artment to General Teran atul 
 his family will be necessary to etiable them to execute the object of their 
 apj)ointment without molestation. 
 
 The treaty to which you are understood to refer, lately concluded at 
 Mexico, has not yet been received, and consequently is not yet ratified by 
 this Government. Any joint measui-es, therefore, in relation to its execu- 
 tion, would be premature until that ceremony is j)erl'ormed. Hut as the 
 operations and surveys cotitemj)lated by General Teran's aijpointment 
 ai-e i)resumed to be intended for tiie satisfaction of the Government of the 
 United States of Mexico, the President has no objection to tliein. i have, 
 therefore, the pleasure of transmitting tiie passport requested from this 
 office, which, although it may not be necessary to the security of General 
 Teran and his suite, may conduce to the removal of any obstructions 
 wliich, without it, he migiit possibly encounter. 
 
 I avail myself of the occasion to renew to Mr. Obregon assurances of 
 my distinguished consideration. 
 
 HENRY CLAY. 
 
 Don Pablo Obregon, 
 
 Envoy Extraordinary and Minister 
 
 Plenipotentiary from the United Mexican States.
 
 46 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Mr. Clay to Mr. Obregon. 
 
 Dbpartment of State, 
 
 Washington, April 30, 182S. 
 
 Sir : I liave tlic Iior.or to inform you that the President, by and with tlie 
 advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, has ratified the 
 treaty of limits concluded at Mexico on the 12th "day of January last. It 
 is stipulated in the treaty that the exchange of its ratifications shall be 
 made in tliis city within four months from the date of the treaty, of which 
 only a few days now reniain. I have the hojior to inform you that 1 am 
 ready to j)roceed in the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty at any 
 time that may suit your convenience within the period prescribed. 
 
 J avail myself of this occasion to present you assurances of my high 
 consideration. 
 
 H. CLAY. 
 
 Don Pablo Obregox, &;c. 
 
 J/r. Obregon to Mr. Clay. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Washington, 1 de Matjo de 1828. 
 
 Honorable Sor : He tcnidoel honor de recibir ia nota de V. fecha de 
 ayer, en que me participarel haberse ratificado ])or el Prcsidente y Senad 
 de estos Estados el tratado de limites celebrado cntre este Gobierno y el 
 de Mexico, cnyo cange puede verifuarse hasta el 12 del prescnte mes ; y 
 lo que esta V. dispuesto ha hacer cuando yo lo juzgue conveniente en el 
 termino indicado. 
 
 Hasta la prescnte no he rccibio el tratatlo, i)or !o que tengo el sentimien- 
 to de no liaccr e! cange inmediataiiicntc, como lo liubiera verificado des- 
 pues del recibo 6. la nota que tengo el honor de contestar. 
 
 Aprovecho esta ocasion paia presentar 4 V. las seguridades de mi mas 
 alta consideracion y respeto. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON. 
 
 Hon. Henry Clay, 
 
 Secretario de Estado de los Estados LMdos de America. 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Washingt07i, May 1, 1828. 
 Sir : I have had the honor of receiving your note dated yesterday, in- 
 forming me of the ratification, by the President and Senate of these 
 States, of the treaty of limits concluded between this Government and that 
 t)f Mexico^ whose exchange may be made until the 12th of this month, and
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] ' 4H 
 
 tluit you arc ready to proceed to effect tliat exchange whenever it shall be 
 roiiveriictit to me. 
 
 As yet I have not received the said treaty, and therefore regret not to 
 iiiive it in my jjower to do so innnediatciy, as I would otherwise have done 
 on the receipt of the note wliich i have the honor to answer. 
 
 1 seize (his oj)portunity to present to you the assurances of my high con- 
 si dei-ation and respect. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON. 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Washington, 2 de Agosto de 1828. 
 Honorable Sor : El infrascrito, enviado exlraordinario y niinistro 
 plenipotenciariode los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, tiene el honor de infor- 
 rnar al Sr. Secretariode Estado (juo el dia de ayer llego de New York, en 
 (lorHJe i-ecihio el tratado de limitcs concluido en Mexico, ratificado ya por 
 el Presidcnte de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, con aprobacion del Con- 
 grcso. 
 
 En esta virtud, el infrascrito se halla dispuesto a cangear las ratifica- 
 cioties, quando el Sr. Secretario de Estado lo tenga por conveniente. 
 
 EI infrascrito se aj)rovecl)ade estaocasion para repetir al Sr. Secretario 
 de Estado la seguridad de su mayor consideracion y respeto. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON. 
 Hon. Henry Clay, 
 
 Secretario de Estado de los Estados Unidos de America. 
 
 Mr. Obregon to Mr. Clay. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Washington, August 2, 1828J 
 Sir : The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenijjoten- 
 tiary of the Mexican United States, has the honor to inlorni the Secretary 
 of State tliat he arrived yesterday from New York, where he received the 
 treaty of limits concluded at Mexico, ratified by the ['resident of the Mex- 
 ican United States, with the approbation of Congress. 
 
 The undersigned is, therefore, ready to exchange the ratification when 
 convenient to the Secretary of State, 
 
 The undersigned seizes this ojjportunity to renew to the Secretary of 
 State the assurances of his highest cojtgideration and respect. 
 
 PABLO OBREGON,
 
 ^ [ Doc. No. 42. j 
 
 Mr. Brent to Mr. Obregon. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, August 2, 1828, 
 
 Sill : III tlie iibsencc of the Secretary, I have just received voir note to 
 liiin of this day's date, antiouncini; your return to this city ironi that nif 
 Mew York, ami stating (liat you had I'creived, in tiie last-nientioned city, 
 the ratification hy tlie I'resident of the Mexican United States of the trea- 
 ty of limits lietween tiie United States of America and the United Mexican 
 States, concluded and signed at Mexico on the 1 2th day of January last, and 
 that you were ready to proceed to the exchange of that ratification for one 
 on the part of tiiis Government when convenient. Having submitted your 
 note to the President, I am directed hy him to obser\'c to you, as 1 have 
 the iionor to do, in leply, that, as tiie treaty in question contains a stipuhi- 
 tiojj that the exchange of ratifications should be effected within four montlis 
 from its date, and the ratification on the part of the United States was ad- 
 vised by their Senate, witli that stipulation forming a part of the instru- 
 ment, the I'resident does not tliink himself at liberty, now that the limited 
 period has expired, to autliorize the proposed exchange without the further 
 consent of the Senate; and ihat it will be accordingly laid again before 
 the Senate at its next session foi* that purpose, together witli the treaty of 
 amity, commerce, and navigation, wiiich was negotiated at Mexico under 
 the eye of your Government, and concluded and signed there on the I4th 
 of Februai-y hdlowing, as it is understood that a condition has been an- 
 nexed to the ratification of that treaty, by the advice of the Mexican Con- 
 gress, of which the Senate of the United States was not aware when it 
 advised the ratification of it on the jiart of the United States. 
 
 1 pray you, sir, to accept the assurances of my very high and distin- 
 guished consideration. 
 
 DANIEL BRENT. 
 
 Don Paulo Obregon, Envoy Extraordinary 
 
 and Minister Plenipotentiary Ji'om Mexico. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Van Buren. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Baltimore, Axril 16 de 1829. 
 
 El infrascrilo, encargado dc negocios de ios Estados Unidos Mexica- 
 nos, tiene el honor de itiformaral Sr. Sccretario de Estado que el Gobierno 
 de Mexico, deseando por su parte llevar a eftctoel tiatado de liniites con- 
 duido y firinado en aqueMa capital el 12 de Enero del ano pasado, y apro- 
 bado i)or e! Cotigreso general, le ha nombrado, jiara que encaiidad de 
 ]»lenipoteiiciai io haga cuaiito sea necesaiio para (jue se verifique l;l cange 
 de la I atifiracion de diclio tratado, remiticndole al efecto el pleno poder cor- 
 respondicnte. 
 
 Segun la nota <pic el anterior Secretario de Estado pas6 al Sr. Obregon 
 antes de abrirse la sesion ultima del Congreso de Ios Estados Unidos de 
 America, el obstaculo que el Prcsidente tubo entoiices para no autorizarel 
 cange de la ratificacion, fue que iiabiendo pasado el termino estijiulado en 
 cl tratado, debia somelcrse segunda vez a la consideracion del Seuado.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 49 
 
 El infrasciito cnlicndc que esto so liahra vciificado durante la sesion 
 que ospiio el 4 de Marzo, y qua ya no liubra ninguiia dilicultad por parte 
 del Gobicrno do los Estados Unidos dc America. 
 
 En csta virtud, cl iniVascrito espera (lue el Sor. Secretario de Estado 
 le comunique si se halla dispuesto a procedcr al cange de la ratificacion 
 del refcrido tratado dc limites. 
 
 EI infVascrito so aprovccha de csta ocasion para repctir al Sor. Secreta- 
 rio de Estado la scguridad de su mayor consideracion y rcspeto. 
 
 J. M. MOISTOYA. 
 
 Honorable Sor. Martin^ Van Burekt, 
 
 Secretario de Estado de los Estados Unidos de America. 
 
 Mr. Monloya to Mr. Van Buren. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Legation of Mexico, 
 
 B(dtimore, Jlpril 16, 1829. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, has 
 the honor to inform the Secretary of State that the Government of Mexico, 
 desirous of carrying into effect, on its part, the treaty of limits concluded 
 in that capital on the 12th January of last year, and approved by the 
 General Congress, has directed him, as its plenipotentiary, to do what- 
 ever may be necessary to effect the exchange of ratilications of the said 
 treaty, and invested him with full powers for tiiat purpose. 
 
 It appears from a note which the late Secretary of State addressed to 
 Mr. Obregon prior to the opening of the last session of Congress, that 
 the objection which the President then had to authorize t!ie exchange of 
 the ratification, was, that the term stipulated by the treaty having expired, 
 it was necessary again to submit it to the Senate for consideration. 
 
 The undersigned presumes that this has been done during tlie session 
 ■which expired on the 4th of March, and that no further ditliculty now 
 exists on the part of the United States of America. 
 
 The undersigned, therefore, hopes that the Secretary of State will in- 
 form him whether he is disposed to proceed to the exchange of the ratifi- 
 4:ation of the treaty of limits above referred to. 
 
 The undersigned seizes this opportunity to renew to the Secretary of 
 State the assurances of his greatest consideration and respect. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Montoya. 
 
 Depautment or State, 
 
 Washington^ April 22, 1829. 
 The undersigned. Secretary of State of the United States, has received 
 the note of the l6th instant, which Mr. Montoya, charge d'affaires from 
 the United Mexican States, has addressed to him, stating that his Gor- 
 4
 
 50 [ Doc. No. 43. ] 
 
 crnmcnt, being desirous of carrying into effect, on its part, the treaty of 
 limits con':lii(!cd on the 12th January of last year, between this Govern- 
 ment and iliat, has directed him to do whatever may be necessary to ac- 
 com])lish the exchange of the ratifications of that treaty, and lias invested 
 liim vvitli lull j)owers for the i)urpo»e ; and requesting to be informed 
 whether the undersigned is disposed to proceed with him to the exchange 
 of the ratifications, accordingly, of the treaty referred to. 
 
 The undersigned having laid Mr. Montoya's note before the President 
 of the United States, he is instructed by him to state, in reply, as he has 
 the honor to do, that, concurring in the opinion which appears to have been 
 entertained by his immediate predecessor, as made known to Mr. Obregon, 
 the tiien minister of Mexico near this Government, on the 2d of August 
 last, by this Department, that it would not be proper on his part to au- 
 thorize the exchange of the ratifications without again submitting the 
 treaty to the consideration of the Senate, for its renewed advice and con- 
 sent,'the term stijjulated by tiiat instrument itself, in which the exchange 
 of ratifications was to be effected, having expired before Mr. Obregon 
 gave notice that he was instructed and en)powered to make it on the part 
 of his Government, this formality cannot now be entered upon, but must 
 necessarily await the decision of the Senate, at its next session, when the 
 treaty in question will be again submitted to that body with that view. 
 
 The undersigned is not particularly acquainted with the policy which 
 governed the late Tresident, in not asking and taking the advice of the 
 Senate at its last session, as it appears he intended to do, with regard to 
 this subject, but ic is presumed that he was influenced by the expectation 
 which he had reason to entertain, that another treaty between the same 
 parties, equally interesting to both of them, which had also been negotiated 
 and concluded at the Mexican capital, under the immediate eye of the 
 Mexican Government, would be received back from that Government^ 
 ^vith its ratification added thereto, in time to be submitted, together with 
 the other, to the consideration of the Senate during that session ; and he 
 vtas disappointed in this expectation. Before the commencement of the 
 next session of the Senate, however, the undei-signed flatters himself that 
 Mr. Montoya will have received from his Government its ratification of 
 the last-mentioned, the commercial treaty, with authority to proceed to 
 the exchange of it for the ratification of this Government ; and he is au- 
 thorized to inform him that, in that case, the President will forthwith 
 submit it likewise to the further consideration of the Senate of the United 
 States. 
 
 The undersigned prays Mr. Montoya to accept the assurance of his 
 distinguished consideration. 
 
 M. VAN BUREN. 
 
 Don J. M. Montoya, ^c. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana ex Washington, 
 
 Marzo 26 de 1832. 
 El infrascrito, encargado dc negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexi- 
 canos, tieneel honor dc informar al Sr. Secrctario de Estado de los Estados
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 51 
 
 Unidos dc America, que el Gobierno do Mexico, dcseando llevar a cfccto 
 j)or su paite el tratado de limites y cl de aaiistad, comercio, y navogacion, 
 concluidos y lirmados en aquella capital, cl priinero en 12 dc Encro del 
 ano dc 1828, y el segundo en 5 dc Abril dc 1831, y ambos api-obados por 
 cl Congreso general do la Union, Ic ha nombrado y aiitorizado coinpe- 
 tentementc, para cjuo, en calidad de pleiiipotcnciafio, baga ciianto sea ncces- 
 ario para proccder al cange de las ratificaciones dc dicbos tratados. 
 
 El infrascrito espcra que el Sr. Sccretario de Estado Ic maniliestc si se 
 halla igualmcnte disj)uesto {i proceder al range de las ratilicaciones, en el 
 concepto que el 5 de Abril proximo se concluye el termino cstipulado para 
 estc acto. 
 
 El infrascrito se aprovecba de esta ocasion para rcnovar al Sr. Secret 
 tario de Estado los sentimientos de su alta consideracion y rcspeto. 
 
 J. M. MO N TOY A. 
 
 Al Hon. Sr. Edw. Livingston, 
 
 Secre tario de Estado. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation in Washington, 
 
 March 26, 1832. 
 
 Tbe undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, has 
 the honor to inform tbe Secretary of State of the United States of Amer- 
 ica, that the Government of Mexico, being anxious to carry into effect ore 
 its own part tbe treaty of Unfits, and that of amity, commerce, and navi- 
 gation, concluded and signed at tbe ca|)ital of tbe latter republic on the 
 12th of January, 1828, and on tbe 5tb of April, 1831, both of which have 
 been approved by tbe General Congress of tbe Union, have appointed and 
 fully authorized iiim, as plenipotentiary, to do whatever may be necessary 
 for the exchange of tbe ratifications of the said treaties. 
 
 The undersigned hopes that tbe Secretary of State will inform him 
 whether be is equally disposed to proceed to tbe exchange of the ratifica- 
 tions, reminding him at tbe same time, that, on the 5th of April next the 
 period stipulated for that act will expire. 
 
 The undersigned avail.s himself of this occasion to renew to the Secre- 
 tary of State tbe expressions of bis high consideration and respect. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA, 
 
 To the Hon. Edward Litixgston, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Montoya. 
 
 Dkpartmkxt or State, 
 
 fFasJiington, March 30, 1858. 
 The Secretary of State of the United Stat'-s had the honor to receive, on 
 tbe day of its date, the 26tb of this month, the note of Mr. Montoya, char ge 
 d'affaires of the United Mexican States, and has now the satisfactioi to
 
 62 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 inform liim, in reply, that lie will be ready to proceed witii Mr. Montoya, 
 at this office, on Wednesday next, t'le 4th of A|)ril, to the exchange of the 
 ratifications, by their resjjective Governments, of the treaty of cooimerce 
 and navigation concluded between them at Mexico on the 5th day of 
 April last. 
 
 To Mr. Montoya, 
 
 Charge (V Affaires of Mexico. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana en Washington, 
 
 Marxo de ^\ de 1832. 
 El infiascrito,encargado de negocios de losEstados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 ha lenido el honor de recibir, hoy, la nota del Sr. Secrefario de Estado, 
 fecha 30 del corriente, en que le informa, en contestacion k la suyadel 26, 
 estar dispuesto d proceder con el infrascrito, el Miercoles proximo, 4 dc 
 Abri!, al cambio de las ratificaciones per sus respectivos Gobicrnos, del 
 tratado de comercio y navegacion concluido en Mexico en 5 de Abril 
 ultimo. 
 
 El infrascrito no ha podido meno.s de mirar con'sentimiento y sorprcsa 
 csta contestacion. Desde 30 de Abril de 1828, el Sr. Clay, entonces Secre- 
 tario de Estado, dirigio una nota al ministro Mexicaiio, informandole que 
 liabiendo el Presidente, a ciencia y consentimiento del Senado de los Esta- 
 dos Unidos de America, ratificadoel tratado delimites, concluidoen Mexico 
 en 12 de Enero del mismo alio, estaba dispuesto a proceder al cambio de 
 las ratificaciones del tratado a, aiguna tiempo que el miriistro Mexicano 
 progase conveniente, dentro del tciinino estipulado. 
 
 Como iiasta aquella fecha, el ministro Mexicano, no habio recibido el 
 tratado ra'ificado por su Gobierno, no pudo proceder entonces al cambio 
 <le las ratificaciones. 
 
 Cuando, dcspues le recibido del tratado, el mismo ministro informa al Se- 
 cretario de Estado, en 2 de Agosto del mismo ano, no tener ya ninguno 
 obstaculo i)ara proceder al cambio de las esj)resadas ratificaciones, se le 
 contesto, el mismo dia, que habia transcendido el termino senalado en el 
 tratado, y queseria necesario voher a someter ^ la consideracioii del Sen- 
 ado en la proxima sesion. 
 
 La misma contestacion se dio por el Sr. Van Buren en 22 de Abril a 
 una nota del infrascrito anadiendo (jue luega que se recibiese el tratado de 
 comercio y navegacion de someterian ambas a la consideracion del Senado 
 de los Estados Unidos de America. 
 
 En virtad de estacorrcspondencia, el Vice Presidente de los Estados Uni- 
 dos Mexicanos, venciencUj muchas dificultades, ha procui-ado con la mayor 
 eficacia tomar todas las medidas necosarias para concluir y ratificar el tra- 
 tado de amistad, comercio, y navegacion, verificando lo mismo con un ar- 
 ticulo adicional al tratado de limites, por tique se estiende el termino para 
 el cange de las ratificaciones al 5 de Abril proximo. 
 
 De cstos hechos se concluye que el tratado de limites fue ratificado con- 
 stitucionalmente por cl Presidente de los Estados Unidos de America, y que 
 sino se verifico el cambio de las ratificaciones fue por haber pasado el termino
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 53 
 
 estipiHado ; que el Gobierno de Mexico, por medio del articulo adicional, lia 
 removido estadiiicultad eii ciiantoc>,(ri desu jjurtc. Is^tialineiitc sc roiichiye 
 que cl GoMcriio dc Mexico ratifiraiido el (ratado de ainistad, comercio, 
 y navogacion, liii fiati.sfeclio d la segtiiidaohjecion, que el Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos de America liabia pre.seiitado j)ai'a no proceder al cambio 
 de ias ratificaciones del tratado de litnites. 
 
 De conseguienlc el Gobieruo Mexicauo al etiviar ambos tratados j)ara 
 que se cangcarari 4 la vez, en esta cajjital, dciiti-o del tenniuo ultiinamcnte 
 seilalado, estaba niuy Icsus de creer que se ])iidifsc pospotici- indelitiida- 
 iTicntc el cauibio de las ratificaciones del de liinitcs par parte del Gobierno 
 Americano. 
 
 El iiifrascrito omiteespresar la desl'avorablc imprcsion que esta dilacion 
 produciria en la nacion Mexicana. Asi que el infrascrito se j)rotnete que 
 el Sr. Secretario de Estado cuando ten,^a por conveniente proceder al cam- 
 bio de las ratificaciones del tratado de ainistad, comercio, y navegaceon, 
 procedera igualmente al cambio de las del tratado de limites. 
 
 El infrascrito se aprovecbado esta ocasion para reiterar al Sr. Secreta- 
 rio de Estado los scntimientos desu alta considcrarion y respeto. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 Hon. Sr. Edw. Ltvingstox, 
 
 Secretario de Estado. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Washington^ March 31, 1832. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of tlie United Mexican States, had 
 this day the honor of receiving from the Secretary of State, a note bearing 
 date tiie SOtb, in reply to bis of the 26lli ; in it the Secretary informs the 
 undersigned that he will be pi-epared, on Wednesday the 4th of April next, 
 foi" t!ie exchange of the ratifications by tiie respective Governments of the 
 treaty of commerce and navigation concluded in Mexico on the 5th of April 
 last. 
 
 Tiie undersigned was much surprised and grieved by the terms of this 
 reply. On tiie SOth April, 1828, Mr. Clay, then Secretary of State^ in- 
 formed t!ie Mexican minister by note, that the President had, with the ad- 
 vice and consent of the Senate, ratified the ti-caty of limits vvliich had been 
 concluded in Mexico on the 12th of January preceding, and that he was 
 ready for the exchange of the ratifications at any time withiiv tiie period 
 assigned by the treaty which would be convenient to the Mexican minis- 
 ter. That period however passed before the minister could receive the 
 treaty ratified by his Govei-nment, and consequently the exchange would 
 not be c!Tecte<l within it. When at length the treaty ari'ived, t!ie minister 
 informed the Secretary of State on 2d August, 1828, that no furtlier obsta- 
 cle existed to the exchange of ratifications ; the reply was, that the perio"d 
 fixed in the treaty having been exceeded, the subject would have to be 
 brought before the Senate at their next session.
 
 54 f Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 The same reply was given by Mr. Van Buren to the umlcrsignetl on tlie 
 ^22(1 April, with the addition that as soon as the treaty of commerce and 
 navigation was received, it would be submitted to the consideration of the 
 Senate. 
 
 Induced by tiiis correspondence, the Vice President of the United Mexi- 
 can States procured, with great dilllcuky, the necessary powers to conclude 
 and ratify the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation, the period for 
 the exchaJige of ratifications of this latter being declared by an additional 
 article to bo the same within which that of \he treaty of limits is to take 
 place. 
 
 From tliis it appears that the treaty was actually signed by the President 
 of the United American States, and that the exchange was only prevented 
 by the circumstance of the period assigned having been exceeded ; that the 
 Mexican Government, by the additional article, had removed this obstacle 
 as far as lay in its powe'r, and by ratifying the treaty of friendsliip, com- 
 merce, and navigation, has also done away with the second objection alleged 
 by the United States Government against the exchange of the treaty of 
 limits. 
 
 Consequently, when the Mexican Government sent both the treaties to 
 be exchanged at once in this capital, within the period last assigned, it 
 was far from imagining that the exchange of ratifications of the treaty 
 of limits would be put off indefinitely by the American Government. 
 
 The undersigned says nothing of the unfavorable impression which this 
 delay will produce upon the Mexican nation, and ventures to ho()e that 
 when the Secretary of State tliinks j)roper to exchange the ratifications of 
 the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation, he will likew ise exchange 
 those of the treaty of limits at the same time. 
 
 The undersigried takes this occasion to express to the Secretary of State 
 ihc sentiments of consideration and respect with which he signs himself, 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 To the lion. Edward Livingston, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Montoya. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington f March 5\, 1832. 
 The undersigned. Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor 
 to acknowledge the receipt of a note of this date from jSIr. Montoya, charge 
 d'affaires of the United States of Mexico, in answer to the notice which 
 the undersigned caused to be given of his readiness to proceed to the ex- 
 change of the ratifications of the treaty of commerce and navigation on the 
 4th of next month of April. In that note Mr. Montoya expresses a hope 
 that, on the same day fixed for the exchange of the ratifications of the 
 treaty of commerce and navigation, the exdiange may also take place of 
 the treaty of limits. To this j)roposition it would be a sufficient answer to 
 say, that, in order to proceed to the exchange of treaties, the ratifications 
 of both of the higii contracting j)arties, by their constitutional organs, must 
 have preceded such exchange; that, in the case of one treaty, such ratifi-
 
 f Doc. No. 42. J 55 
 
 cation has taken place, and that in the case of the other it has not : the 
 treaty of limits being still nnder the consideration of the Scaate, without 
 whose consent and advice, by the constitution, the President cannot ratify 
 the treaty, and of course the undersigned cannot make the exchange. 
 This, the undersigned repeats, would be a suflicient, and, as is hoped, a 
 satisfactory reason wliy the expectations of the ciiarge d'affaires of the- 
 United Mexican States on tliis subject cannot be fulfilled. But, as the 
 course heretofore taken seems to be relied on as a reason wliy the exchan- 
 ges ought in good fai(h to be simultaneously made, it is ])ropcr to remark 
 that tlie readiness evinced by the note of Mr. Clay, on the 30th of April, 
 1828, on tlie part of this Government, to proceed to the exchange of the 
 treaty of limits immediately after its ratification by the Senate, and the 
 subsequent answer given to the minister from Mexico tliat such exchange 
 could not take place, as the period limited for the exchange had expired, 
 both show that this Government was ready to make the exchange within 
 the time, and signified such readiness, and that after that time had expired 
 no power to do it existed until a modification of the treaty had been made 
 by the treaty-making powers of both nations. That modification has been 
 made by one of the higli contracting parties, and it is now before the other 
 for its action. 
 
 The intimate acquaintance which the charg6 d'affaires of the Mexican 
 republic has with tlie distribution of powers under our constitution renders 
 it unnecessary to explain to iiim the relative functions of the President and 
 the Senate in the formation of treaties, or to inform him that it would be 
 impossible for the President to assume tlie powers given to another branch 
 of the Government. The former ratification by the Senate four years ago 
 was rendered inoperative by the omission of the Mexican Government to 
 ratify within the term prescribed, and the subsequent enlargement of the 
 term by an additional article by one party requires, as has been said, the 
 co-operation of the other before the compact can be complete. 
 
 It is hoped that the ratification of the Senate will enable the undersigned 
 to comply with the wishes of the charge d'affaires of the United Mexican 
 States, to exchange both treaties at the same time, and to give the greatest 
 opportunity for doing this tlie latest day was fixed for the exchange of the 
 ratifications of the treaty of commerce and navigation. 
 
 The undersigned renews the g,ssurances of his high consideration. 
 
 EDWARD LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Jose Montota, Esq. 
 
 Charge d'' Affaires of the United Mexican Stales. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 LEGACIOJf MeXICANA. EN WASHINGTON, 
 
 Abril 3 de 1832. 
 
 El infrascrito, encargado denegocios dc los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 tubo el honor de rccibir, ayer, a las 3, lanota, del Sr. Livingston, Secre- 
 tario do Estado, fecha 31 dc Marzo, en contestacion a lasuya del mismo dia, 
 en que le manifestaba los raotivos que tenia para esperar que el cange de
 
 56 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 la lalifiracion del tratado dc limilcs sc vcrificarse en el mismo dia seiialada 
 para ol del do amistad, comcrcio, y iiavcgacion. 
 
 ElSr. Livingston, ensunota tncncionada, dicc,fiucaesta proposicionseriar 
 bastante respondci', quo pai'a proceder al cange de los tratados debe prece- 
 tler la ratifi; acion dt-las dos altas partes contratantcs ; y que, cstando aun 
 cl tratado de limites baso la consideracion del Senado dc los Estados Unidos 
 sincuyo consentiniientoel I'fcsidente, nopuede ratificailo, el Sr. Livingston 
 no piiede prui cdcr al canibio de las ratificaciones. An.ide dcspucs que aunque 
 esta dcbia ie{)utarse por una razon suficiente y satislactoi-io para que no 
 pudicran lealizar sc las esperanzas dc infi-asctito sobre ese asunto, era 
 propio liacer la ohscrvacion, que la disposicioii que el Sr. Clay manifesto 
 en su nota de 30 de Abril de 1828, ]):ua proceder, por parte del Gobienio 
 <le los Estados Unidos, al cambio de las ralilicaciones del tratado de 
 liniites, inincdiatamente despues de su ratilicacion por el Senado, y su 
 respuesta al ministro Mexicano, de que no podia verilicarse el cambio de 
 las ratificaciones por liaber pasndo el Icrniino sefiala'.io todoesto prueba que 
 cl Gobicrno de los Estados Unidos de America estab.a dispuesto a liacer el ' 
 caoge ; mas que liabiendo pasado el teraiino, aqiu-l acto no podia verifi- 
 carse liasta que los j)oderes del Gobicrno autorizados para hacer tratado 
 liicieden la niodilicacion aunque y liecha j)or una de las dos altas partes 
 contratantes estaba pcndiente de la decision de laotra. El Sr. Sccretario 
 anade, que la primera ratificacion del Senado dc los Estados Unidos de 
 America se liabia invalidado por la omision del Gobierno Mexicano en 
 ratificar el tratado dentro del termino scnalado, y que la estencion de el 
 por medio de un articulo adicionrl lieclia poi* una de las partes rcquiere la 
 conperacion de la otra, antes (pie el paeto pueda rcjiutarse complete 
 
 El infrascrito, cuando ])as6 su nota de 31 de Maizo, bien sabia que el 
 Presidente de los Estados Unidos no podia ratificar cl tratado de limites 
 sin el consentimiento del Senado; sabia tambien, que no habiendose cain- 
 biado las ratificaciones dentro del termino estipulado en 12 de Enero del 
 ano dc 1828, esa nece.sario que el articulo adicional para prolongar el ter- 
 mino del cange por un ano, convenido en Mexico en 5 de Abril de 1831, 
 entre las plcnipotenciarios de las dos altas partes contratantes, debia some- 
 terse a la consideracion del Senado, sin embargo crcca que para la ratifi- 
 cacion de este articulo no se liubiera encontrado ninguna dilicultad. 
 
 En ef'ecto, el tratado de limites conchiido y firmado en Mexico no es 
 sin una rcjieticion del que so celebro y ratifico por los Estados Unidos y 
 jMjr Espana. Cuando los Estados Unidos de America reconocicron la in- 
 dependencia de Mexico, en el mismo heclio reconocicron tacitaraente los 
 limites ya conveniendos con la Espana ; y asi, al proceder a la formacion del 
 tratado sobre el mismo negocio, en el ano de 1828, tanto los Estados Unidos 
 de America con los Estados Unidos Mexicanos no hicieron otra cosa sino 
 dar una nueva sancion a lo ya reconocido. 
 
 La jrontitud dn cpie Cue ratificado ])or el Presidente de los Estados 
 Unidos, con CDnsentiiniento del Senado, y la disposicion manifestada por 
 el Sr. Clay para verificar el cange de los ratificaciones — prueba que la 
 cuestion de limites estaba enteramente aranjada; y que si, despues de pa- 
 .sado cl termino para el cange, cl Presidente creio ncccsario volver a so- 
 nieter el tratado, a la consiileracion del Senado no se puede imaginar que 
 estascgunda revision tuviere por objcto la cuestion de limites, sino simple- 
 mente la de prolongar el termino estipulado }>ara el cange. 
 
 Esta prolongacion ha sido cl unico asunto del articulo adicional, que en
 
 • f Doc. No. 42. J 57 
 
 Airtud (Ic jxjdcres de su G^ibierno, finno el j)lcni{)otcnciario Americano 
 acreditado ccrca del de lo.s Kstados Uiiidos Mexicaiin.s. 
 
 Poi- consiguiente, el Gubeirno del inlVascrilo, pcrsiiadido que nohubieso 
 la mcnoi- di{fculta«l de pavie del do los Eslados Uiiidos de America, cm la 
 ratification del acliculo adicioiial, .sc cre^a autorizado para esperar que 
 se vei'ificase al inismo tieinpo el caiige de unibas tratados. 
 
 Asi que, el iiilVascrito sc ve en la neccsidad de maniiestar al Sr. Secreta- 
 rio de Estado, que conConne a sus iiistriicriones, no piiede proceder al cange 
 delas i-atificaci()tiC3 del tratado de amistad, comercio y luivcgacion, siiio se 
 verifica al misiiio ticmpo el de las del tratado de limile.s. 
 
 El inlrasrrito se ajji-o veclia de esta ocasiun j)ara reiiovar al Sr. Se- 
 cretario de Estado los sentimientos de su alta consideracion y respcto. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 Hon. Sr. Edw. Livingston, 
 
 Secretario de Estado. 
 
 Mr. Montoya to Mr. Livingston. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation in Washington, 
 
 April 3, 1832. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, had 
 the honor to receive, yesterday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the note from 
 Mr. Livingston, the Secretary of State, dated March 31st, in reply to that 
 from the undersigned of the same date, stating his reasons for hoping that 
 the ratifications of the treaty of limits might be exchanged on the same day 
 with those of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation. 
 
 Mr. Livingston, in' his said note, says that it would be a sufficient an- 
 swer to this proposition to state, that in order to proceed to the exchange of 
 treaties, the i-atiftcations of both the higli contracting parties should have 
 been previously exchanged, and that as the treaty of limits is now under 
 the consideratfon of the Senate of the United States, without the consent of 
 which the President cannot ratify it, Mr. Livingston cannot proceed to the 
 exchange of the ratifications. He afterwards adds, tl)at although this might 
 be taken as a suiUcient and satisfactory reason for tlie non-fulfilment of tlie 
 expectations of the undersigned with regard to this affair, it was proper to 
 remark that the readiness evinced by Mr. Clay, in his note of the 30th of 
 April, 182S, to })rocced on the part of the United States to the exchange 
 of the ratilications of the treaty of limits, immediately after its ratification 
 by the Senate, and his answer to the Mexican minister, that the said ex- 
 change could not take place, as tlie period assigned for it had exj)ired, 
 served as proofs that the Government of the United States was ready to 
 make the exchange ; but that the period iiaving expired, it could not be ef- 
 fected until a modification of the treaty had been made by t!iose authorized 
 by the Government to make it ; that such a modification had been made by 
 one of the Iiigh contracting powers, but the decision of the orther witli re- 
 gard to it was still pending. The honorable Secretary adds, that the first 
 ratification by the Government of the United States had been rendered void
 
 5S [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 by the omission on the pnrt of the Mexican Government to ratify the treaty 
 Avithiii the term piescrihcd ; and that the extension of this term by means of 
 an additional article, proposed hy one party, req;iires for its entire admis- 
 sion, as a comj)act. the co-operation of the other. 
 
 The undersigned, on despatching his note of the 31st March, was well 
 awaie tiiat the President of the Utiited States could not ratify the treaty of 
 limits without the consent of the Senate : he also knew that as the ratifica- 
 tions had not been exchanged witliin the period stipulated on the 12th of 
 Jamiary, 1828, it was necessary that the additional article for extending 
 tho term of the exchange one year longer, agreed upon at Mexico between 
 the ])lenip()tenliaries of the two high contracting parties, should be submit- 
 ted to tlie consideration of tlie Senate ; he however believed that no diffi- 
 culty would have taken place with regard to the ratification of the said 
 article. 
 
 In fact, the treaty of limits concluded and signed at Mexico, is merely a 
 repetition of that concluded and ratified by the United States and by Spain. 
 A^ hen the United States of America recognised the independence of Mexi- 
 co, they by that very act tacitly recognised the limits already agreed on 
 with Spain, and therefore, in forming the treaty witli regard to that subject 
 in 1823, the United States of America, as well as the United Mexican 
 States, did nothing more than sanction what had been already acknowl- 
 edged. 
 
 The readiness with which this treaty was ratified by the President of the 
 United States, with the consent of the Senate, and the disposition mani- 
 fested by Mr. Clay for elTecting the exchange of the ratifications, prove 
 that the question of the limits was entirely arranged, and that if, after the 
 expiration of the term for the exchange, the President !iad tliought proper 
 to submit the treaty again to the consideration of the Senate, there was no 
 ground for supposing that this second revision comprehended the question 
 of limits, or that it would not be confined simply to that of the extension of 
 the period stipulated for the exchange. 
 
 This extension was the sole object of the additional article, which was 
 signed by the American plenipotentiary accredited near the Government of 
 the United Mexican States, in virtue of powers conferred on him by his 
 own. In consequence, the Mexican Government, under the persuasion that 
 there would not be the slightest difiiculty on the part of that of the United 
 States of America, with regard to the ratification of the additional article, 
 considered itself authorized to expect that the exchange of both treaties 
 would take place at the same time. 
 
 The undersigned therefore finds himself under the necessity of informing 
 the Secretary of State, (hat agreeably to his instructions, he cannot pro- 
 ceed to the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty of amity, commerce, 
 and navigation, unless those of the treaty of limits be exchanged at the same 
 time. 
 
 The undersic^ned avails hinjsclf of this occasion to repeat to the honor- 
 able Secretary of State the assurances of his high consideration and respect, 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 To the Hon. Edw. Livingston, 
 Secretary of State.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 59 
 
 Mr. Monloya to Mr. Livingston. — Extract. 
 
 Legacion Mexica.va en Washington, 
 
 Mril27 de 1832. 
 
 En el articulo 3 del tiatado dc limites, se ha conveiiido en que para fijar 
 la linea divisoria de ambas rej)ublicas, nonibraia cada una de ellas un co- 
 misai'io y un geometra, que se juntaii'in en Natchitoches antes del terniino 
 de un ano, contado desdc la feclia de la ratificacion del tratado. El infra- 
 sciito ruega al Sor Secietario dc Estado le informc cuando se verificara 
 el nombramiento del comisario cspresado, por paite del I'residentc de los 
 Estados Unidos, y el tiempo en que probablemente llegaia el comisai'io al 
 lugar convenido. 
 
 El infrascrito sc aprovccha do esta oporfunidad para reiterat* al Sor 
 Secretario de Estado los sentimientos de su alta consideracion y respeto. 
 
 J. M. JNIOMOYA. 
 
 Mr. Monioya to Mr. Livingston. — Extract. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation at Washington, 
 % Ajnil 27, 1832. 
 
 In the third article of the treaty of limits it is agreed that, in order to 
 fix the dividing line between the two republics, each party shall ajjpoint a 
 commissioner and a surveyor, who shall meet at Natchitoches before the 
 termination of one year from the date of the ratification of the treaty. 
 The undersigned requests the Seci-etary of State to inform him when 
 the appointment of the said commissioner will have been made by the Pres- 
 ident of the United States, and at what time the commissioner would 
 probably arrive at the place agreed upon. 
 
 The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to repeat to the Sec- 
 retary of State the expressions of his high consideration and esteem. 
 
 J. M. MONTOYA. 
 
 Mr. Livingston to Mr. Monioya. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, July 20, 1832. 
 The undersigned. Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor 
 to transmit to Mr. Montoya, charge d'afl^iires from Mexico, the enclosed 
 copy of an act of the late session of Congress, entitled <'An act to provide 
 for carrying into effect the treaty of limits between the United States of 
 America and the United Mexican States ;" and to acquaitit him that this 
 Government is prepared to proceed, conjointly with that of jNIexico, to the 
 designation of the boundary line between the territories of the two Govern- 
 ments.
 
 GO [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Tlic imdcrsigued is instructed, therefore, by the President, to inquire of 
 Mr. Monloya whether any aiTangeinents liave been made on the part of 
 his GoveiMunont for jirocccding, conjointly with this, to the designation of 
 the line contemplated, or, if not, to reij-jcst that he will ask the immediate 
 attention of his Government to this subject. 
 
 He avails himself of this occasion to renew to Mr. Montoya the assu- 
 I'ances of his consideration. 
 
 EDWARD LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Jose Moxtoya, Esq. 
 
 Charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane. 
 
 FiLADELFiA, Dlckmhre 2 de 1833. 
 
 El infrascrito, encargado de negocios de la republica Mexicana, tiene 
 el honor de comunicar d S. E. el Secretario de Estado que i;a recibido una 
 nota de su Gobierno, cuyo tenor es el siguiente : 
 
 " Para dar cumplimiento el Supremo Gobierno i la prevenido en el arti- 
 culo 3*^ del ti'atado de limites entre estos y esos Estados, ha nombrado en 
 clase de comisario al Tenicnte Coronel Don Tornds Ilamoa del Moral, y 
 en la de geometra ^ Don Castillo Navarro. Y lo aviso 4 VS. para su 
 conocimierito y que lo })onga en el de cse Gobierno es peranclo informe si 
 estin nombrados y quienes son losque por su parte dcbon concurrir para 
 fijar la linea divisoria entre ambos paises." 
 
 El infrasci'ito espera que el Sor. Secretario de Estado se sirva, cs mu- 
 nicarle si su Gobierno ha nombrado ya a ios individuos que deben concurrir 
 con aquellos pai'a fijar la referida linea divisoria, ye n tal caso ha de mere- 
 cer ^ S. E. le indique quienes son Ios nombrados. 
 
 Etitretanto tiene la satisfaccion el infrascrito de ofrecer nuevamente a S. 
 E. las seguridades de distinguida consideracion. 
 
 Dios y libertad. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS, 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Philadelphia, December 2, 1833. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the Mexican republic, has the 
 honor of communicating to the Secretary of State the following note, which 
 he has received from his Government : 
 
 "The Supreme Government, with a view to carrying into effect the 
 third article of the treaty of limits between the Mexican and the United 
 States, has appointed Lieutenant Col[)nel Don Tomas Ramon del Moral 
 commissioner, and Don Castillo Navarro surveyor. And I give you this 
 information, in order that you may convey it* to the Government near 
 Avlmh you -are accredited, and, at the same time, may inquire whether such 
 oflicers have been ai>pointed on its part for fixing the dividing line between 
 the two countries, and, if so, who thev are."
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 61 
 
 The underslsned hopes llie Secretary of State will inform him whether 
 any persons have been appointed by his Government to act with those 
 named above in determining the said dividing line, and, it so, what are 
 their names. 
 
 The undersigned has the satisfaction of again presenting to the Secretary 
 of State the assurances of his distinguislicd satisfaction. 
 
 God and liberty. ^^„ 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. McLane to Mr. Castillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, December 31, 1833. 
 
 Sir : Your letter of the 2d of this month, acquainting me tiiat the Su- 
 preme Government, with a view to carry into eftect the third article of 
 the treaty of limits between Mexico and tlie United States, had appointed 
 Lieutenant Colonel Don Tliomas Ramon del Moral commissioner, and 
 Don Castillo Navarro surveyor, was received at this Deparli.iont on the 
 4th instant. I have delayed my answer, however, in the confident expect- 
 ation, confirmed by the assurance contained in your letter of the 22d July 
 last, that you would have earlier taken up your residence ;it the seat of 
 Government, in compliance with the wish of tlie President, which I had 
 the honor to communicate to you on the 13th of July. 
 
 As it appears by your letter of the 22d July, that you correctly inter- 
 preted tlic nature of t!ie President's request, I am bound to presume that 
 a compliance with it on your part has been prevented by sufticient and un- 
 avoidable causes, although not made known to this Department, and not- 
 withstanding the reasons for your presence here, growing out of the im- 
 portant and particular state of the relations between (he two Governments. 
 Under this belief I address this letter to you at Philadelpliia for the 
 purpose of inviting your attention particularly to the terms of the third 
 article of the convention of limits of the 5th day of April, 1831, and of 
 inquiring of you at what time the appointment of commissioners by your 
 Government was made. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your obedient servant, 
 
 LOUIS McLANE. 
 
 Senor Don J. M. De Castillo y Lanzas, 
 
 Charge d* Affaires of Mexico. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane. — Extract. 
 
 LeGACION MeXICANA, FiLADELriA, 
 
 iEiiero 9 de 1834' 
 
 u -J 
 
 JJF flp * * 
 
 Tocante al segundo punto, rclativo al nombramiento del Coronel Don 
 Tomas Ramon del Moral para coniisario, y de Don Castillo Navarro para 
 gcometra, con el fin de llevar a efecto lo prevenido en el articulo tercero
 
 63 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 del tratado dc limites cntre estos Estados Uiiidos y los dc Mexico, el 
 infrascrito igiiora en que leclia file espedido diclio numbramicnto; y tan solo 
 puede decir que la comunicacion relativa que rccibio de su Gobierno es de 
 i25 de Seticmbre ultimo. Demasiado iiotai'ias son las causas que ban 
 coatribuido al retardo, consideradoel terniino prefijadoen el citado articulo 
 del tratado, vn cl cspresado nombramietito de dicbos comisionados ; no 
 obstante, sea pcrniitido decin, pop cl credilo de la piesente administracion 
 de Mexico, (jue en medio de las barrascas dc la guerra civil, de los terribles 
 cnibates que lia sufrido de parte dc sus enemig'os, y de las dificultades 
 consiguicntes que le ban rodeadopor.todas partes y en todos los instantes, 
 ha sabido, a pesar de todo, dii-ijir su atencion a este importante asunto ; 
 dando asi, entre otras muestras laudables, la del deseo que le anima por 
 conservar y estrecbar los lazos de amistad y buena armonia que existen 
 entre anibos paises. 
 
 V ^ tT 9p 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane. — Extract. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, Philadelphia, 
 
 January 9, 18S5. 
 
 # # # # 
 
 As to the second subject treated in the note, respecting the appoinments 
 of Colonel Don Tomas Ramon del Moral as commissioner, and Don Cas- 
 tillo Nf-varro as geometer, for carrying into execution the third article of 
 the treaty of limits between the United States and those of Mexico, the 
 undersigned cannot say at what date those appointments were made ; 
 and can only declare that the despatch received by him, respecting the 
 same, bore date tlie 25th of last September. Tlie causes which have pro- 
 duced the delay beyond the period fixed in the above-mentioned article are 
 well known ; still the undersigned must be permitted to say, for the credit of 
 the present Mexican administration, that, in tbe midst of the political storms 
 of civil war, of terrible battles with its enemies, and of difficulties ensuing 
 thereon, despite all this, it has directed its attention to this important busi- 
 ness, giving proof in this, as well as other laudible acts, of its desire to 
 draw still more closely the bonds of friendship and harmony now existing 
 between the two countries. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Mr* Castillo to Mr. McLane. 
 
 Legacion Mexicaxa, 
 
 Washington, Maijo 26 de 18S4. 
 EI infrascrito, encargado de negocias de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 tiene el honor de comuiiicar al honorable Sor Louis McLane, Secretario 
 de Estado de eslos Estados Unidos, r^ue ha recibido orden de su Gobierno
 
 [ Doc. No 42. ] 63" 
 
 de maiiifestar que el no halla motivo para liacer variaoion alguiia en el 
 tratado dc limitcs ; y que impuesto que por ])arte de ambas rcpublicas sc 
 lia i)iib!icado yu eslc y rige como una ley, no icsta otra cosa sin que los 
 respectivos comisionados jji'occdan a liacei- la dcniarcacion : que cs verdad 
 que por las graves y cjccutivas atenciones que lian rodeado al Gobicrno dc 
 Mexico no dcbia ]^odido ])i'oceder ;i csa dcniarcacion en al tcruiino cstipu- 
 lado; mas (pic esta no debc alterar de iiingun niodo la negociacion que 
 quedo enteramentc conduida ; muclio nias no liabicndo cstado cxpcditas el 
 comisario y geoinetra de esta rcpublica, pues antique iiabian sido nom- 
 brados como lo I'uerun en aquella, el uno en 31 dc Julio, y el otro en 24 dc 
 Seticmbre del ano anterior, no llcgaron a emjjrcnder en viage : que afin 
 pues de dar cumplimiento al diclio tratado, en Ja parte que no io ha tonido, 
 bastaria que se prorogue el termino para la reunion de dichos comisiona- 
 dos, cuya ampliacion podraconvenirse cntre la jiersona que el Gobietno dc 
 estos Estados Unidos por una {larte, autorizc competentemente al electo, y 
 por la otra, el inl'rascrito, a quien su Gobierno le promete remitir jjor el 
 proximo remo paquete de Vera Cruz, en el mes entranto el pleno poder 
 necesario. 
 
 Este espcdiente dirigido a remediar oportunamentc la falta inevitable 
 que ha liabido en el cumplimiento del inencionado tratado, es el mas 
 uncilloj y conforme ademas al que el Sr. McLanc se sirve indicar ver- 
 balmente al infrascrito como el mas conveniente en conferencia amistosa 
 sobre la materia. 
 
 El infrascrito espera que el Sr. McLane tendra a bien instruir le de la 
 resolucion de este supremo Gobierno sobre la referida medida que se pro- 
 pone, y cuidara por su parte de participar al mismo asi debido tiempo 
 liaber recibido al pleno j)oder de que ha hecho mencion; y entrctanto tiene 
 el honor de reproducir al Sr. McLane las seguridades de su muy distin- 
 guida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Al Honorable Sr. Louis McLane, S^a. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. McLane. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Washington, May 26, 1834. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, lias 
 the honor to inform the Hon. L. McLane, Secretary of these United 
 States that he has received orders from his Government to state that it 
 has no motive for altering the terms of the treaty of limits between the 
 two republics in any respect ; that this treaty, having been formally pub- 
 lished, has the force of law, nothing remaining but that the respective 
 commissioners should proceed in laying down the line of division ; that, 
 indeed, the serious difliculties witii which the Mexican Government has 
 lately had to contend has hitherto prevented this demarcation from being 
 made; but that tli-cse circumstances should not, in any way, affect the 
 results of the negotiation concluded ; the more so,, as the couamissioncre
 
 64 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 and surveyor of tlic United States, altliough appointed the one on the 31st 
 of July and the others on t!ie £4th of Scptcmbei' last, have not yet pro- 
 ceedcd on their journey to the place of operations. Finally, that, as in 
 order to carry into eflect all the parts of said treaty which remain un- 
 -cxecuted, nothing more is necessary than to extend the term for the meet- 
 ing of the commissioners, such extension may be made by agreement 
 between anv person whom the United States may authorize on their part, 
 and the und'ersigned on that of the Mexican Government, which has prom- 
 ised to furnish him with full powers to that effect by tiie packet which is 
 to leave Vera Cruz on the first of next month. 
 
 Such an expedient for remedying the delay in the execution of the said 
 treaty, which has been caused by inevitable circumstances, is certainly 
 the must rational : besides which, it conforms with wliat Mr. McLane was 
 l)leased to say verbally to the undersigned in a friendly conference on tlie 
 subject. 
 
 The undersigned hopes Mr. McLane will let him know the intentions 
 of this Government with respect to tiiis business ; and he will, on his own 
 part, inform the Secrelary of State, as soon as he shall have received the 
 full powers referred to above. Mean wliile he has the honor to repeat to 
 Mr. McLane the assurances of his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 J. M. CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 To tke lion. Louis McLane, 
 
 Secretary of Stale. 
 
 Hie Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico to the Secretary of State 
 of the United States. 
 
 Palacio del Gobierno Federal, 
 
 Mexico, Octubre 21 de 1834. 
 
 El infrascrito, Sccrctaiio de Estado y del Despachode Relacionesdelos 
 E. U. Mcxicanos, tiene el honor dedirigirse al Sor. Secretariode Estado de 
 igual dcjiartaniento en los E. U. de America, manifestandolc que si bien 
 las circunstancias politicas en que se ha hallado estas republica, haii 
 impedido que [lor parte de su Gobierno tubicse efecto la reunion en 
 Natchitoches de los comisarios y gcometras de las dos n?.ciones, para los 
 efectosiqucse contra el articulo:3° del tratado de llmites conchiidoentrelas 
 mismas en el ano de 1832, y en el termino que en el se designa, sus 
 deseos no lian sido otros que los de contribuir a que ceta importante 
 negociacion se concluyese cuanto[antes fuese posible ; y a csteefecto nombra 
 oportunamente a los individuos que por su parte debian concurrir a la 
 designacion de los limitcs rcspectivos, Jo que no llego 4 tener efecto, por la 
 dimision que hicieron dc esta comision. 
 
 Asi pues S. E. el Presidente ha nombrado ya otras sugetas que a la 
 mayor brcvcdad so Iiallaran en Natchitoches; pero para que puedan 
 procedcr 4 sus trabajos en union de los que nomb/'c ose Gobierno ha 
 investido con plenos podercs al Sor. Don Joaquin M. de. I Castillo y Lanzas 
 A efecto de que promucva y fije como correspondc un nui 'vo plazo para que 
 tenja efecto la reunion de quese habla en el articulo 5° del tradado.de 1838, 
 en virtud de haber trjunscurrido el ('o un ano que en el se sea, ^lado. Y S. E»
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 65 
 
 no (luda que por paito del Gohicrno Supremo de Wasliitigton no 1ih1)i a la 
 nienor diilcultad par-a celobrar diclio coiivcnio fi cuyo efecto, li.i prrvetiido 
 al iiiCrasciito dirijir csta comunicacioti al Sr. Secretario de llcIacioncH 
 de los Estados Unid-DS del Noi-tesuplicaiidole se sifvir itilluir \»)v su parte 
 para el logro dol objeto espiesado (pie contribuiia ta>it() a e.stiecliar las 
 relaciones de aaiistad y benevolcnci.i quo exisleii etitrc las dos republicas. 
 
 El intiascrito aprovcclia estaoportuuidad para tributar al Sr. Sccietario 
 de Relaciones, con ([uien Uabla las protestas de la mas distinguida considc- 
 racion con que sc subscribe 
 
 Su muy obedicnfe servidor, 
 
 FRANCISCO M. LOxMBARDO. 
 
 Al Exmo. Sr. Secretario db Estado, ^'a. 
 
 The Minister oj Foreign Affairs of Mexico to the Secretary of State 
 
 of the United States. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Palace of the Federal Government, 
 
 Mexico, October 21, 1834. 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State and of Relations of the Unitc'4 
 Mexican States, has the honor to address the Secretary of State of the 
 United States of America, informing him that altiiough the jiolitical cir- 
 cumstances in which this republic is placed have prevented its Govern- 
 ment from providing for the meeting at Natchitoches of the commis- 
 sioners and surveyors of the two nations, according to the terms of the 
 third article of tlie treaty of limits, concluded in the year 1832, within 
 the peilod there stated, yet it has constantly desired to have this im- 
 portant affair terminated as soon as possible ; and, indeed, to that effect it 
 did ajjpoint persons on its part to proceed to the said designation of limits, 
 which could not, jiowever, take place on account of the dismissal of tiie 
 individuals chosen. His excellency the President has since appointed 
 other pel sons, who w ill go w ithout delay to Natchitoches ; but i>i order 
 that they may proceed in union \\ith those of tiie United States, he has 
 given full power to Don J. >l. del Castillo y Lanzas to fix upoii a new 
 ])criod for the meeting arranged by the 3d article of the treaty of 1832, 
 as the year tlierein mentioned has passed. And hi.s excellency, not doubt- 
 ing that the Suj)rcme Government at Washington will have no difficulty 
 in agreeing to this proposition, has directed the undeisigned to address 
 the present communication to the lionorable Secretai-y of State of the 
 United States, and to request him to use his influence for the attainment of 
 this important object, vhich would contribute so csseniially to strengthen 
 the relations of timily r.nd good will now subsisting betweevj I'.ic two 
 nations. 
 
 The undersigned embraces this ojtjxutunl^y to assure the Secretary of 
 State of the United States of his most distingnishcd couMderation. 
 
 FKANCISCO BE L0MI3ARD0. 
 5
 
 6G [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 Mr. Caatillo to 3Ir. Forsyth. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Filadeljiay Dicembre 4 de 1834. 
 
 El iiifrascrito, cncai'gado de iicgocios de los Estados Unidos ^Icxi- 
 canos, tioiic cl honor dc coimiiiicar al lionorable Sr. Forsytli, Sccretario 
 de Estado en cstos Estados Unidos, <jue en cl lues de Mayo del pi-csentc 
 jino, ii consc«|iicn(ia de lo convcnido tn la ultima entic\ ista con su ante- 
 cesor cl Si-. Louis McLaiie, en i elation al tratado delinriilcs])endienteentie 
 ambos. paises, luvocl gusto dc dirigir a diclio Sr. McLaneeu 26 del mismo 
 mes, Jiia iiota a la cual se tonia la cunlianza de refci-iral Si*. Forsyth ; de- 
 biendo advcrtir al mismo tiempo que ya por las prcferentes atenciones de 
 cstc Gobierno en aqucllos dias y ya posteiiamcntc, por la ausencia de la 
 mayor parte de sus individuus no se ha dii-igido hasta la fecha a csta 
 legacion la respuesta que cspcraba segun sc le hubc dc prometer verbal- 
 mente. 
 
 Conscqucntealcxpcdiente de quchabla la referida nota, perd cualojjina 
 el Gobierno Mexicano y que cs conlorme ademas (segun se dea en la 
 misma) con lo que cl Sr. McLan© se servio indicar de j)alabra al infra- 
 scrito ; y consequcntc tambien a lo que este oCrccio en aquci cntonces tiene 
 ahora el honor de participar al Sr. Forsyth (jue iia. lecibido ultimamcnte 
 el plcno jioder (jue a guardaba de su Gobierno, a tin de j)roceder a la 
 negociacion dc un arliculo adirional al precitado tratado. 
 
 Una ligcra indisposicion inipide al infrascrito de pasar tan luego como 
 quisicra a csa ciudad federal, jiara tener la satislaccion de entrcgar 
 persoiialmente al Sr. Forsyth la carta que para 6l se ha sei'vido remitii-lc 
 su Gobierno, al acompiiuar cl rcferido pleno jxxler, y })araprcscntar este 
 instrunicnto, mediantcel cual nodiida sc lograia allanai-la unica dificultad 
 «!xistcnt8 ahora para cl arrcglo dcfmitivo de los limites ei.lre ambas 
 republicas. 
 
 llpspccto de los comisionados, al cfccto cl infrascrito dcbe noticiar al 
 Sr. Forsyth que a conscquencia de habcr hecho dimision dc sus dcstinos los 
 que lucron nombrados antcriormente, y dc los (jue el infrascrito tuvo cl 
 honor de dar conocimiento a este Gobierno en su nota de 2 de este mes del 
 ano pi-oximo pasado, cl Supremo de Mexico ha tenido a bicn nombrar en 
 reeiiiplazo de aqucllos al Sr. Coionel Don Juan Nei)omuccno Almonte para 
 comisaiio, y al Tcnientc Coroncl l>f)n I'cdro Garcia Conde para geometra. 
 
 El infrascrito csjjcra tpic cl Sr. Forsyth tendrd 6. bicn participar el con- 
 tenido de csta nota a S. E. cl Prcsidcnte de los Estados Unidos, 6 instruir 
 de lo queen vista de ella acoi(l4re S. E. al mismo infrascrito, a fin de que 
 aprovcchando el conducto del paquetc que esia proximo k salir con direc- 
 cion a Veia Cruz pucda informar u su Gobierno de todo lo convenieutc 
 sobre la materia. 
 
 Entrcianto cl infrascrito tiene el honor de reiterar al Sr. Forsyth las 
 protestas seguridades de su muy di-stinguida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. i)E CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 The Hon. Sr. J. Forsyth.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 67 
 
 Mr. Cast-illo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Fhiladelpliiaf December 4, 1834. 
 
 The undersigned, cliai'g6 (I'afTaifCS of the United Mexican Stales, has 
 the honor to coniniiinicate to the Hon. Jolm Forsyth, Secretary of State 
 of these United States, that in the month of May last, in consequence of 
 wiiat was agiecd to between himself and tlie lion. Louis McLane, at an 
 interview relative to the tieaty of limits nf>w pending between the two 
 countries, he iiad tiie pleasure to address a note to Mi-. i\lcLane, to which 
 he now takes the liberty to refer Mr. Forsyth ; it is dated the 26th May, 
 1834. He must however observe that on account of the |;rc3siiig concerns 
 of his Government at that lime, and from the al)soncc of most of its mem- 
 bers more latterly, the answer which he expected and wiiich had been ver- 
 bally promised him, has not till this date reached this legation. 
 
 In consequence of the despatch mentioned in said note, by which the 
 Mexican Government expresses its oj)iiiion, and whicii is moreover con- 
 formable (as declared in it) witli tlie verbal notice given by Mr. McLane ; 
 and iti conse(iuence of tlie offer made at that time by him, he has the hol^^r 
 to inform Mr. Forsyth that he lias lately received the full ])owei- which he 
 expected from his Gavernmcnt, to proceed to the negotiation of an addi- 
 tional article of the said ^-eaty. 
 
 A slight indispositiofi prevents the undersigned from going to the Federal 
 city as soon as he could wish, in order to deliver to the Hon. Jolin For- 
 syth in person that which his Government has sent for him, together with 
 the said full power, and to j)rcsent this document, by means of which he 
 doubts not that he shall be able to destroy the only difficulty mow existing 
 against the definitive settlement of the limits between the two countries. 
 
 As to the commissioners, the undersigned must inform the Hon. John 
 For.syth that the persons who were formeidy apj)ointed, and of whom the 
 undersigned had the honor to notify this Government in his note (}f the 2d 
 ot December, 1833, having rc.-,igned their o-llices, the Supreme Government 
 of Mexico has appointed in their places Colonel Don Juan Ncpomuceno 
 Almonte as commissioner, and Lieutenant Colonel Don Pedro Garcia 
 Conde as mathematician. 
 
 The undersigned hopes the Hon. John Forsyth will submit this letter 
 to the President of the United Slates, and inform the undersigned of his 
 excellency's determination with regard to it, in order that lie may take 
 advantage of the packet which is now nearly ready to sail for Vera Cruz, 
 to inform his Government on the subject. 
 
 The undersigned, mean while, &c. 
 
 J. M. CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Hon. John Fobsyth. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, December 11, 1834. 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor 
 io acknowledge the receipt of the note of Mr. Castillo, charge d'affaires 
 of Mexico, dated the 4th iustant.
 
 68 [ Doc. No. i'2. ] 
 
 In re|)lv, (lie undersigned has tlie lienor to inform Mr. Castillo that it 
 is apinirent IVom the C(;ntents of iiis note, tlicre has been a misapprehen- 
 sion on the suhject. The undersigned has tl)ere{bre now the honor to ac- 
 quaint Ml'. Castillo that on the l3th of January last, Mi-. Butler, the 
 chai'ce d'aQaircs of the United States at Mexico, was empowered and in- 
 structed to negotiate a second additional article to the treaty of limits be- 
 tween the two countries, for the purpose of extending the time originally 
 fixed for the meeting of the commissioners and surveyors. Mexico was 
 prefen-ed as the seat of the negotiation, because it was deemed desirable 
 to obtain the ratificatijjn of the Mexican Government to the article before 
 forwarding it for ratification by this Government. Owing to accident, how- 
 ever, the instruction and power adverted to were not received by Mr. Butler 
 until the first of July last, at which time the Mexican Congress was not in 
 session. It is understood that it will meet again on the first of January- 
 next. Mr. Castillo will perceive that, as arrangements have been made 
 bv this Government for the negotiation of the additional article at Mexico, 
 and there is reason to conclude that progress has been made, it is inexpe- 
 dient and inineccssary to enter upon one here for the same object. 
 
 The undersigned lias the honor to rene^v to Mr. Castillo the assurances 
 of his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Senor Don J. M. db Castillo y Laxzas, 
 
 Charge d'affaires of Mtxico. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Legacion Mexican a, Filadeljia, Diciembre 15, 1834, 
 El infrascrito, encargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 tieneel honc>r deacusar rccibo de la nota del honorable Secretario de Esta- 
 do, Senor Juan Forsyth, de 1 1 del presente mcs en contestacion a la suya de 
 4 del mismo, y en vista de ella pasa d hacer algunas observaciones con el 
 objeto de ilustrar mas la materia en cuestion, y cumplir con loc|ue de el 
 ocsigen los intereses de su patria ya que por causas lamentables que no es 
 del caso rej)etir ahoia tuvieron (|ue desatcnderse en los ultimos anos que 
 ban precedido. 
 
 Pci" la nota del infrascrito al Sr. Louis McLane, escrita en esa ciudad 
 6. 26 de Mayo ultimo, y d la cual ha tenido el honor de llamar la atencio» 
 del Sr. Forsyth, es constant 6 que el Gobierno Mexicano habra juzgado 
 oportuno, desde principios del afio que estd para finarque se proroga se el 
 termino paia la reunion de las comisionadas de iinay otra parte encargadas 
 de demarcar la linea divisoiia entrc ambas r<'i)ublicas, sin lia«cer al mismo 
 tiempo variacion alguna en el tratado relative), por cuanto este rige como 
 ley ; niedida en que estaba conforme el (jobierno de estos Estados Unidos 
 y que de cou'jiguietite no podia presentar tropiezo. 
 
 En la misma nota citada, i)articiiiaba tani!)ien el infrascrito 6, dicho Sr. 
 McLar.e, (jue su Gobierno le ofrecia remittir le pronto el pleno poder ne- 
 cesario para llcvar 4 efecto aquella : y que tan luego como rccibiera ese 
 instrumento, lo pondria en conocimicnto de este Gobiei'iio para los fines 
 necesarios : asi lo livro hubiendo sido esc el objeto de su nota de 4 del gor- 
 riente al Sr. Forsyth.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] G9 
 
 Porla contestacioiJ con que ha siilo liDiira'.li) el iiifrasriiti), sc deiliicc (|iie 
 el Sr. Forsyth coiisidcra fjiii': ha habido algmia falta dc iiitelij^'Micia sobre 
 el asiinto fmidandosc esla opinion lmi (|iie habieiidose i-cmitido losjjodercs y 
 las iiistruccioiies co:ivenientrs al Sr. Butler, encaigado dc in'^ajdcios dc 
 los Estados Unidos cii Mfxico, ])ara iicgociar el 2*^ lU'titnio adiriouid el 
 tratado da limites, y que dobiriuli» diducirse que st; liabva hubo va aii^uii 
 progieso en esa negociacion en acjind pais, no piicde ser necesario ni opor- 
 tuno entrar en e!la aqui subi-e el inisino asunto. 
 
 Pues ahora bien, no piicde el infi*ascrito coinpreiulei* comt) es (|uc habiendo 
 sido la mente de su Gobierno, desdc principios del presentc ano, como ha 
 dicho ya que la refei'ida negociacion sc promoviese por e! en este pais, 
 adrnitirse, sin embargo, sin obscrvacion algnna, en epoca mas avaiisada los 
 poderes que al misnio lin ftiui'on venni'idos al Sc. Butler jjor este Gobierno. 
 Y siiponieiuloque, eii efecto, los hubiei a admitido en el nies de Julio scgiin 
 se sirve decir el Sr. Forsyth parecc sumamentc extraordinario que des- 
 pues de esa en 21 dc 0-ctubre ultimo, es decir cerca de cuatro meses mas 
 tarde, se le hubiese ocurrido rcmitir al infrascrito el poder y las instruc- 
 cloncs precisas qr,c ha recibidoen estos dias, confiando no solo en que sena 
 admitido aquel de luego ;i luego, sino que ademas tcndria ;i bien el Sr. 
 Secretario de Estado infliiir por sn parte para la consecuciou del Tin ii que 
 dicho instrumento sc dirige ; y con csta mira ha tenido 4 bien el Sr. Min- 
 istro de Relacinnes de Mexico adjuntar una nota al inlVascrito, para el Sr. 
 Secretario de Estado, segun ha drjado manifestado aipiel en su nota ya cita- 
 da de 4 del corriente, agregandoque tendria la satisfaccion deponerla ])er- 
 sonalmente en mano del Sr. Forsyth, en cuanto se hubii-ra requesto de una 
 ligcra indisposicion de que adolccia, y de la cual cspera estar libre en 
 breves dias. 
 
 En resumidas cuentas, el Gobierno Mexicano, en su comntiicacion ulti- 
 ma al infrascrito, de 21 de Octubre, de este afio, ni mention ban de que ei 
 Sr. Butler, le hr.ya prescntado poder alguno, 6 avisadole siquiera del re- 
 cibo de semijante instrumento, para entablar negociacion algnna sobre el 
 articnio adicional al tratado de limites, y estoen opiniv:i del que subscribe, 
 parca mostrar cuando menos (jue aquel Gobierno ha preferido siempre se 
 iniciase en este pais la refei-ida negociacion ; pues ciertamente si, como 
 sorpecha el Sr. Forsyth, se hubiera entrado ya en ella j)or i)arte de! Sr. 
 Butler, habri?i sido del todo escusado, (y el Gobierno Mexicano asi !o con- 
 sideraria sin duda,) que se entablasc tambien con este G'>bierno, y en tal 
 caso extarian por demas las instrucciones y el poder que el infrascrito ha 
 recibido. 
 
 En que pues dirasc que pticde consisterla falta de inteligencia en este 
 asunto ? Ella en todo cuento parea trivial, considerado la importancia del 
 negocio, cuya rcsolucion fitn\l debc contribuir en gran manera a estraohar 
 las relacio]jes de amistad y buena armonia qne ecsisten entre las dos 
 rej)ublicas. 
 
 En virtud de esta ultima conslderacion, y por cuanto parcce bastantc 
 palpable que nada sc ha hecho liasto ahora en Mexico en la negociacion del 
 mcncionada articulo ; atcndiendo ademas 4 que de no entrar en ella ahora 
 sc perdera largo tiempo, siendo como es pruisa la concurrencia del Legis- 
 lativo en el asunto, y que los scsiones del actual Congieso en Wasliington 
 deben terminar a principios de Marzo, y las de las Camaras en Mexico d 
 mediados de Abril, no dejando asi el tiempo necesario para que se achara 
 la falta de inteligencia que advierte el Sr. Forsyth, y se concluya con la
 
 70 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 exjjcilirion que era do dcsearse la ncgociacion del referidoarticulo adicion- 
 al : no jmedc nuMios de ijroincter.se cl itiCi asciito que, obscqiiiaiido el jtisto 
 aniieli) i\o sii G()i>U'rno, y (i fin dc tenr.inai- iin asiinto niiiy del'cjido ya, 
 teiidiA a bieji el de estos Esfados Unidos adinitirie el j)!eno poder que con 
 ese objeto Iia retibido, segiin tienc diclio, y Ic peiiiiitira, que promueva 
 desde iuogo el 2*^ articulo adicional que se lia estimado ncccsario por am- 
 bos Gobiernos se agiegiie al tratado dc liaiites ecslstente, para que con- 
 YCDidos en los tei iiiinos de el aqui, y i alincado a la mayor brevedad en 
 Mexico, se j-ioceda por los comisionados resjjcctivos de ambos paises, en 
 el plp.no iiue\ aniente estijjulado, a la dcmairacion de limitcs. 
 
 El iiilrasciito confia en (jue vista de la dcclai-acion que pi-ecede, este Go- 
 bienio no hallaiii inconvenicnte en conformarse cr>n los dcseos (pie inani- 
 fesfa ^ iiombre del suyo j y abundando en esta espeianza, tiene el honor dc 
 reprodiicir al Sr. Forsytii las protestas desti mas distir)guida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. DE CAST^^LO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Castello to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Philadelphia, December 15, 1834. 
 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, has 
 the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note of the honorable Secretary 
 of State, Ml". Forsyth, dated the Uth, in answer to his of the 4lh instant, 
 and he proceeds to make some observations tliereupon, for the purpose of 
 further illustrating tlic matter in coijtroversy, and to fulfil what may be 
 requiied in relation thei-eto by the interests of his country, which, owing to 
 lamentable causes, to which it is unnecessary now to advert, have been 
 disregarded for the few last years. 
 
 It appeals by the note \\hich the undersigned addressed to Mr. Louis 
 McLane from this city on the 26th of May last, to \\!iich he has had the honor 
 to invite the attention of Mr. Forsyth, that the Mexican Government had 
 deemed it expedient, from the begiiwiing of the year now about to end, that 
 the time fixed for the meeting of the commissionei-s of both parties charged 
 with tracing the boundary line between the two republics should be pro- 
 longed, but that no change should be made in the treaty upon the subject, 
 inasmuch as that had the force of law, was a measure to which the Gov- 
 ernment of the United States hail acceded, and lo which it consequcKtly 
 ought not to ()j);40se any hindrance. 
 
 The undersi^:,ncd aho acquainted Mi'. McLane, in the afoi-esaid note, 
 that his Govermnent promised to seiid him soon the i)Ower necessary to 
 carry i)ito cfTect that object, and that, as soon as he shorild receive it, he 
 would communicate it to this Government foi* the necessary purposes, as 
 lie has done, that having been the object of his note to Mr. Forsyth of the 
 4th :*;istant. 
 
 It is inferi'cd from the answer witii which the ujidersigned has been hon- 
 ored, tiiat !Mr. Forsyth considers there has been some misapprehension on 
 the subject ; because the necessary powers and instructions having been
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 71 
 
 transmitted to to Mf. Butler, charge (ralfalrcs of tljc United States at 
 Mexico, to negotiate a second additional article to the treaty of limits, and 
 there being reason to believe that some progr 'ss had already been made in 
 the negotiation in tliat country, it co\i!d not be necessary or expedient to 
 enter upon a negotiation here for the same object. 
 
 Now, the undersigned caiuiot comprehend iiovv it is, that, as lie has al- 
 ready said, the purpose of his Governmejit having been, from the begin- 
 ning of this year, to carry on the negotiation in iliis country, tlie powers 
 and instructions sent by tiiis Government to Mr. Butler for the same ob- 
 ject sliould, nevei-theless, be received at a more ailvanced period, without 
 any remark. And, even supposing that they were, in fact, received in the 
 month of July, a.5 Mr. Forsyth has been pleased to say, it seems to be in 
 the highest degree extraordinary that,' subsequently to this, on the 2lst of 
 October last, that is to say, nearly four months later, the positive powers 
 and ir»structions which the undersigned has received within a few days, 
 should have been forwarded to him under the belief that they would not 
 only be jjromptly recognised by this (Jovernment, but that the Secretary 
 o£ State would sec tit to take measures, on his jiart, to carry into effect the 
 object of the said instrument. With this view, t!ie Minister of Foreign 
 Relations of Mexico has thought proper to enclose a note to the undersigned 
 for the Secretary of State, as lias already been stated in the note of the un- 
 dersigned of the 4th instant, which added that he would have the satisfac- 
 tion to deliver it in person to Mr. Forsyth so soon as he should have re- 
 covered from a slight indisposition with which he was alHicted, and from 
 which he hoped to be free in a few days. 
 
 The Mexican Government, in its last communication to the undersigned 
 of the 21st of October of this year, neither mentions that Mr. Butler had 
 presented any power, nor that he had apprized it that he had received such 
 an instrument for the purpose of setting on foot any negotiation upon the 
 subject of an additiojral ai-ticle to the treaty of limits ; and this, in the 
 opinion of the undersigned, shows still more clearly that that Govermnent 
 has constantly preferred that the negotiation in question should be begun in 
 this country.^ Certainly, then, if, as Mr. Forsyth suspects, the negotiation 
 had already been entered upon with Mr. Butler, there would have been no 
 need of also beginning a negotiation with this Government, (and the Mexi- 
 can Government would no doubt have so thought ;) and, in that event, the 
 instructions and jwwer which the undersigned has received would have 
 been suj)e!tliious. 
 
 In what then can the misapprehension be said to consist ? At all events, 
 it appears to be trivial, considering the importance of the business, the 
 final conclusion of which would so greatly contribute to strengthen the 
 relations of friendship and good understanding which exist between the 
 two republics. 
 
 In virtue of the last consideration, and inasmuch as it seems palpable 
 enough that no progres.. has yet heeti niade in the negotiation at Mexico 
 of the article in (piestion, and considering besides, if it be not entered 
 upon now, much time will be lost, the concurrence of the Legislature upon 
 the subject being necessary, and as the present session of Congress, at 
 Washington, will end aboiit the beginning of March, and that ot the 
 Chambers at Mexico about the middle of Ai)ril, no time will therelore be 
 left to correct the misapprehension to which Mr. Forsyth refers, or to
 
 72 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 conclude as promptly as is desirable the negotiation of (he addiiional arti- 
 cle ill (juestion. 
 
 The undersigned, thereloro, can do no less than flatler himself, that in 
 pursuance of the just wish of his Government, and lor the purpose of end- 
 ing an affair whicii has already been niucli retarded, the Government of 
 tiie United States will see proper to allow him to present the full power, 
 which, as has been said, he has received for that object, and will allow the 
 negotiation of the second additional article to be entered u|)on, which both 
 Governments have deemed it necessary should be added to the treaty of 
 limits, in order that the terms of the 'article being agreed upon here, and 
 the article ratified witii the greiitest promptitude at Mexico, the commis- 
 sioners of both countries may proceed to the demarcation of the boundary, 
 ill pursuance of the plan newly stijinlated for. 
 
 The undersigned trusts that, upon considering the preceding declaration, 
 this GuverJiment will not find it inconvenient to comply with the desirs he 
 has manifested in tlic name of his Government; and cheiishing this hope, 
 he has honor to renew to Mr. Forsyth the assurances of his njost distin- 
 
 guished consideration. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, January 9, 1835. 
 
 The undersigned. Secretary of State of the United States, has had the 
 honor to receive the note addressed to him by Mr. Castillo, charge 
 d'liflTaires of the United Mexican States, under date o? the 15lh ultimo. 
 
 Mr. Castillo has already been informed of the wish of the Govern- 
 ment of the United States to negotiate at Mexico, for the conclusion 
 of a supplemental article to the treaty of limits ; and as the delay which 
 rendered such a negotiation necessary has been caused, though uninten- 
 tionally, by the Mexican Government, its ac(]uiescence in this course can- 
 not be doubted. A short time, however, may be ex])ec(ed to bring the 
 result of the overture which Mv. r»uller was instructed to make, and the 
 undersigned w ill then have the honor of a further communication with Mr. 
 Castillo on the subject. 
 
 The underigned avails himself of the occasion to renew to Mr. Castillo 
 the assurances of his hia:h consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Sr. Don J. M. De Castillo, &,c. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Washington City, Enero 12 de 1835. 
 El infrascrito, encargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexica- 
 iios, ha tcnido el hoi.'or de recibir Ja nota del honorable Si; Juan Forsytli,
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 73 
 
 Sccrctiirio dc Eslado dc los Estados Luidoi-^, dc 9 de! prescnte mcs ; la 
 cual ofrccc materia j)ara niiiivas cotisidtii-aciones, que (>1 infrasc rid) iid pucdc, 
 sin faltar d su di-IxT, o'liitar dc manilVslar al 8r. Forsytli estas ar;rogadas 
 d las que tuvo cl iiont)!' de esj)oncr en su anterior nota sobic el asunti), dc 
 15 del mcs j)foximo ])asad(), y d las cuaies auuqiie cl Sf. Sccretai'io dc 
 Estado no ha teuido (i bieii responder espci'ar que liabiau nieiecido su 
 atencion, liai fui tei-niinaiitemcnte palj)able, en opinion del que subscribe, 
 la opoi-tunidad de negDciar aqui durante la prescnte sesion del Congreso 
 el segundo articulo ailicional al tratado de limites. 
 
 Que cl Gobierno Mexicano, 4 consequencia de las funcstas disensiones 
 civiles con que ha sido convnisado aqutl pais, se hubiere visto inipedido, 
 sin podcrlo reniediar, de atendcr en los anos pasados al wombramiento de 
 los comisionados que debian ])roceder, en union con los nonibi-ados por 
 parte del Gobierno de los Estwios Utiidos, 4 la demarcacion de rnnilcs, es 
 innegable: y, portanto,es ciertoquela demoraquehahcchonefc iariaaquel- 
 la negociacion, (del 2° articulo aoicional,) ha sido causada, aunque sin in- 
 fencion, por el Gobierno M<xicano. Mas no es posible conceder (pie de 
 ahi se siga la indudablc aquiescencia del inismo Gobierno que se ha servU 
 do indicar el Sr. Forsylli. 
 
 En nota dc 26 de Mayo ultimo, tuvo la satisfaccion el infrascrito de 
 irjanifestar al Sr. Louis McLane, cntonces Secretario de Estado, que su 
 Gobierno, considerando necesario aqnel £° articulo adicional, le renwtiria 
 con oportunidad cl pleno poder requisito para cntablar su negociacion. 
 Fero el Sr. Butler, encargado de ncgocios de los Eslados Unldos en Mex- 
 ico, no recibio de su Gobierno el podei-que este tuvo a bien rcmilirle, segun 
 ]a nota del Sr. Forsytli del 11 de Diciembrc ultimo, hasta cl 1" de Julio 
 siguicnte. Tuvo, pucs, evidcntementG mas de un mes dc anterioridad 
 aqiiella manifcstacion a este recibo ^ y como dos meses la orden respectiva 
 estcndida en Mexico y remitida por aqucl Gobierno al infrascrito. 
 
 Por coi; siguicnte, aun sujmiiiciido que el Sr. Butler, en el acto de rccibir 
 su mcncionado pnder, lo hubicsc [larticipado al Gobierno de Mexico, nada 
 hubiera podido ya entonccs adelantar; porque es claro que esc Gobierno 
 le habria puesto de manifiesto la inoportunidad de comcKzar aHi una nego- 
 ciacion para cuya ejecucion en este pais habia dado los pasos necesarios. 
 Este razonamiento parece a todas luces claro y convinciente. 
 
 Pero hay mas jwzgando jmr cl tenor de las posteriores comuiiicaciones 
 que el infi-ascrito ha recibido dc su Gobierno, y que alcanzaij al 26 de 
 Noviembre ult-inio, hasta aquella ieclia no habia dado aun cl Sr. Butler 
 'iioticia al Gobierno de Mexico de hr^llarse en posesion de tal podcr. Con 
 cuanta mas razon insisteria pues diclio Gobierno, aliora, en que se lleve 
 adelante aqui la negociacion ! 
 
 En vista de todo, el infrascrito considera q^;ie lao pucdc esporarsc aqui 
 dentro de breve, como se promete acaso el Sr. Forsyth el resultado; sino 
 qui antes bien debe temerse que quidai*a nuevamente deferida una negocia- 
 cion que por su naturaleza, i)or su impoi-tancia, por sus ultiriores eleclos 
 convendria fuese terniinada a la mayor posible brevedad. De esa dilacion 
 el Gobierno Mexicano no podra ser tachado, jamas, como culpable. El 
 La mostrado el mas vivo interesen la prouta conclu.^ion de cse negocio por 
 consideraria favorable para entrambas republicas,y conducente ji la conser- 
 vacion de la buena armonia que entre ellas reitia; y cl infrascrito ha 
 jnanifestado lasfundadas razo^es que militau en sosten de que la negocia-
 
 74 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 cion sc entable desde liiego en este pais arreglandose a las iiistrucciones 
 rclatixas (jiic lienc del Supremo Gobienio del suyo. 
 
 El iiilVaHci'ito ticiie el honor tic reproducir al Sr. Forsyth las protestas 
 dc su mas dlstiiiguida coiisidcracion, 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 fTranslation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 ff'asliington, Jamuiry 12, 1S35. 
 
 The imdersigned, charge d'affaires of the United xMexican States, had 
 the honor to receive a note tVoni the Seci-etary of State, dated the 9th in- 
 stant, which presents materials for new considerations. Tlie undersigned 
 cannot, cqjiformably willj iiis duty, neglect to communicate them to the 
 honorable J. Forsyth, in addition to those already submitted in his former 
 note of the 15th ultimo, to which, although the Secretary of State has not 
 thought pi'oper to reply, he yet hop-ss have merited his attention, and will 
 cnsui'e an opportunity of discussing, during t!ie present session of Congress, 
 the second additional article of the treaty of 'imits. 
 
 It is not to be denied that the Mexican Government, in consequence of 
 the fatal ci^il dissensions which have convulsed that country, has been una- 
 voidably prevented from attending to the appointment of commissioners, to 
 proceed jointly with those of the United States to the adjustment of the 
 limits ; and it is ecjually certain that the delay which has rendered tliis ne- 
 gotiation (of the second arti-cle) necessary, has been caused, though unin- 
 tentionally, by the Mexican Govcrimient ; but it cannot be granted, as a 
 consequence from this, that the Mexican Government without doubt acqui- 
 esces, as Mr. Forsyth considers. 
 
 The undersigned, in his note of the 26th of May last, had the satisfac- 
 tion to expi-ess to Mi'. McLane, tlicn Sccrctai-y of State, that his Govern- 
 ment, considering this second additional article necessary, would send him, 
 when an oppoi-tunity offered, a full power to enter upon tl-iis negotiation. 
 But Mr. Butler, tiie charge d'affaires of the United States in Mexico, did 
 not receive from his Government the power which it thought proper to 
 transmit to him, accoiding to Mr. Forsyth's note of the 11th of December 
 last, until the 1st of July. This communication, therefore, was made more 
 than a month before the receipt last mentioned ; and the order was made 
 out in Mexico and sent to the undersigned two months previous. Conse- 
 (picntly, even supposing that Mr. Butler had, immediately on i-eceiving his 
 full power, communicated it to the Mexican Goverimient, nothing could 
 have been done in prosecution &f the affair then ; as it is clear that the 
 (Mexican) Government would have declared to him the impropriety of be- 
 ginning a negotiation there for the carrying on of which in tlus country it 
 had taken the necessary stej)s. 
 
 This reasoning appears in every point of view clear and convincing. 
 But, moreover, from the tenor of the communications lately received from 
 his Governracnt, which come down to the 26th of November, Mr. Butler
 
 I Doc. No. 40. J 75 
 
 had not (0 that date given any notice to tlic Mcxica?i Government of his 
 possessing such a power. Wi(h how much more reason, therefore, can that 
 Government now insist upon tlie ncr^otiations being carried on here! 
 
 Upon the whole, the undersigned considers that a result cannot he ex- 
 pected here in as short a time as the iioiioi-ahle J. Forsyth [lorhaps sup- 
 poses ; and that it is to be feared that a negotiation may yet be dejayed 
 ■which i'.' so importarit front its very nature, and which, from the ulterior 
 effects, should be tei-miruUed as soon as possible. For this delay no blame 
 can be attached to the Mexican Government : it has shown the most lively 
 interest in a prompt conclusion of ti:e afl'air, considering it favorable foi* 
 both republics, and likely to conduce to the preservation of harmony be- 
 tween them ; aird the undersigned has given good reasons for the prose- 
 cution of the negotiation imme-iately in tliis countiy, conl;)rming with the 
 instrucHions received from his Government on the subject. 
 
 The undersigned renews to the honorable .J. Forsyth, 6cc. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 To the Hon. John Fousyth, 
 
 Secretanj of State. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Afr. Forsyth. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 FUadelJia, Mril 29 de 1835. 
 
 El infrascrito, encargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexi- 
 canos, cumpliendo gustosamente con la prevencion que aHefectoIe ha hecho 
 su Gobierno, tiene el honor de participar al honorable Sor Juan Forsyth, 
 Secretario de Estado de los Estados Unidos, que el Presidente de los Ksv 
 tados Unidos Mexicanos deseoso de que a la mayor brevedad se facilitc la 
 reunion de los comisionados que por j)arle de aqiiel Gobierno y por la 
 de estos Estados, ban de fijar la linea divisioria cntre ambas republicas, y 
 en virtud de la autorizacion conferida al Sor Eutler, encargado de ne- 
 gocios dc esta en a(|uella, para dicha negociacion, ha tenido a bien revestir 
 con plenos poderes para el mismo objeto (i los Secretarios de Estado y de 
 Hacienda de aquellos Estados, retirando al mismo tiempo al que sub- 
 scribe el pleno poder 6 instrucciones que se le conferieron para que promo- 
 viese la mcncionada negociacion. 
 
 Con cste motivo, el infrascrito tiene el honor de renovar al Sor Juan For- 
 syth las protestas de su muv distinguida consideracion. 
 
 " J. M. 1)E CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Thiladelphia, Jlpril 29, 1835. 
 The undersigned, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican States, com- 
 plying willingly with the instructions on the subject received from his
 
 73 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 Government, lias tliv. lioiior to iiiform tlic iionorable John Forsyth, Secre- 
 tary of State of these United States, that the Tresident of the United Mex- 
 ican States, being anxious tiiat the meeting of the commissioners who arc 
 to fix the line of se})ai'ation between the two republics should take place as 
 soon as possible, and in virtue of the authorization foj- such negotiation 
 c>-)nferred upon Mr. Butler, the charge d'affaires of this Guvej-nment in 
 Mexico, lias tliought i)roper to invest "tlic Secretaries of State and of tlic 
 Treasury of the United Mexican States witis full powers to that eflect, 
 >vithdra\\ing from the undersigned the full powers and instructions which 
 Lad been conferred upon him to act in the said negotiation. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to renew to Mr. John Forsyth the as- 
 surances of his very distinguisiied consideration. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Dickins to Mi'. Castillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, Minj 11, 1835. 
 
 The undersigned, acting Secretary of State of the United States, has 
 the lionor to acknowled^. tlie receipt of tlic note of Mr. Castillo, charge 
 d'affaires of the United Mexican States, dated the 29th ultimo, announcing 
 the withdrawal by his Government of the power with wliirh he had been 
 invested to negotiate a second supplemcnt.iry article to the treaty of limits 
 between the two countries. Tiiis announrement of course renders unne- 
 cessary a reply on tlie part of tiiis Department to Mr. Castillo's note of 
 the 12th of January last. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to tender to Mr. Castillo the assurances 
 of his high consideration. 
 
 ASBURY DICKINS. 
 
 SenorDon J. M. Castillo t Lanzas, &c. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Dickins. 
 
 Legacion Mexicana, 
 
 Filadelfia, Junio 2 de 1835. 
 El infrascrito, cncargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos ^Iexica- 
 iios, cunipliendo con la o-rden (jue ha rrcibi(h) de su (iobierno, tiene el 
 lionor de participar al honorable Sur Asbury Dickins, Secj-etario de Es- 
 tado interino tie los Estados Unidos, que habiendosc proccdido en Mexico 
 con las fr)rma1idades necesarias a la celebracion del articulo adicional al 
 tratado de limites entre una y otra republica, con el lin de ampliar por el 
 cl termino dentro del cual dJben rcunirse los comisionados de las dos na- 
 ciones que ban de sanalar la iinea divisoria, y que habiendose sometido el 
 articulo cu que se convino nuevamente jior los respectivos representantes 
 de una y otra parte, debidar/.ente autorizados, al ecsamen del Congreso 
 General de aquollas Estados, iia merecidu la aprobacion dc 61. El tenor 
 del citado articulo consta por la copia de el que cubre la prescnte nota.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. J 77 
 
 Al transmitlrla a ese Dopai-lamcnto de Estado, para qtic llogtie su con- 
 tcnido al conociinicnto de S. E. el Piesidctite de los Estados Unidos, el 
 infrascrito tioiie la siitisfaccion de reiiovai Ic al i'-6v Dickins las scgtiridades 
 de su niiiy distinguida coiisid«racion. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Honorable Sr. Asbury Dickins, kr. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Dickins. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Philadelphia^ June 2, 1835. 
 
 The undersigned, charge' d'aflfaircs of the United Mexican States, in 
 fulfilment of an order of his Government, lias the honor to inform the hon- 
 orable Mr. Asbuiy Dickins, Secretaiy of State of the United States ad 
 interim, that the necessary formalities having been entered into at Mexico 
 for the conclusion of the additional article to the treaty of limits between 
 the two republics, for the purpose of extending the time for the meeting of 
 the commissioners of the two nations who are to ti'acc the boundary, and 
 the article to which the representatives, duly authorized, of tlie respective 
 parties, again agreed, having been submitted to the General Congress of 
 those States, has deserved the approbation of that body. The tenor of the 
 article referred to is according to the coj)y herewith enclosed. 
 
 The undersigned avails himself of the occasion of transmitting it to the 
 Department of State, for the information of the President, to renew to Mr. 
 Dickins the assurances of his very distinguished consideration. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Honorable Mr. Asbury Dickins, &c. 
 
 coriA. 
 
 Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Primcra Secretariade Estado, Departamcuto 
 del Exteri(»r: Palacio Naciunal de Mexico (i 4 de x\bril, de 1835. Habien- 
 dose concluido y firmado, en la ciudad de Moxico, ^i los doce dias del mcs 
 de Enero de 1828, un tratado entre los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, y los 
 Estados LTnidos del Norte, con el fin de establecer una verdadera linea di- 
 visoria, y los limites, entre las dos naciones; y habiendose estipulado en el 
 articulo 3°. de.l mencionado tratado lo siguiente: " Para fijar esta linea 
 con mas precision, y establecer los mojones que se alen con ecsactitud los 
 limites de ambas naciones, nomUrara cada una de ellas un comisario y gc- 
 ometra que se junterdn antes del termino de un ano contado desde la 
 fecha de la ratificacion de este tratado en Natchitoches, en las orillas del 
 rio Roso, y proccderau a senalar y dcniarcar dicha linea desde la cmboca- 
 dura del rio Sabina, hasla el rio Roso, y de cs(e hasta el rio Arkansas, y 
 fijar segun gueda estipulado y convcnido en este tratado la linea que debe 
 seguir desde ol grado 42 de latitud hasta^el mar Pacifico. Llevaj 4n diarios.
 
 78 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 y Icvantaiiin pianos de sus opcracioncs, y el resultado conveiiido por ellos 
 be tciK-lra la misina fueiza que si .se liubioi-a in.serto en el ; debieiido conve- 
 nir ainibtuhamentc los dos Gobiernos en el arreglo de cuanto necesitai* 
 e-stus individiios y en la escolta lespccliva que deban Uevar siempre que 
 sea necesai'io." 
 
 Y liabiendose cangcadolas ralificaciones del mcncionado tratado en la 
 ciudad de Wasliington a. los cinco dias del mes de Abril del auo del Senoi* 
 de 1852; no liabiondo padidu his i)artes contratantcs ccuiiplir por varias 
 causas las estipulaciones couvcniilas en el mencioiiado arliculo 3\ liabi- 
 endo espirado el tcrmino deiitro del cual dcbian ejecutarse ; y deseando 
 ambas republicas, que el rcfej ido tratado teiiga su m-aA puiitual ciimpli- 
 niiento. lleiiaiidosc todas las lornialidades nccesarlas ; el Presidente inte- 
 j'ino dc los Estados Unidos Mcxicanos ha rcvestidocon sus plenos podcres 
 ])ara csle objeto d los Exnios. Sen ores Don Jose Maria Gutieira de 
 Estrada, Secretario dc Estado y del Despacho de Ilclacioncs Interiorcs y 
 EsterireSjvDon Jose Mariano 131asco, Secretario de Estado y del Despacho 
 de Hacienda; y el Tresidentedelos Estados Unidos del Norte al bonoi-able 
 Senor Antonio Buller, encai-gado de negocios de av-juella republica en 
 Mexico; y los referidos jileniijotenciarios dcsfincs de liaber cambiado sus 
 plenos j)odei-es que se cncontraron en bucna y debida forma, lian convcnido 
 y convcnien en el siguientc £° articulo adicional. 
 
 Sc proroga por el espacio de un ano contado desde la feclia del cange 
 de las ratificaciones del prcsentc articulo adicional, el terinino que para el 
 nonibramiento dc los comisarios y gcometi-as encaigados por los Go- 
 biernos dc Mexico y dc M asbington de fijar con mas jn-eoision la linea 
 divisoi'ia, y establecer los limites dc ambas naciones, esfablecio el aiticulo 
 S° del ti-atado de limites, concluido y lormado en Mwiico a los docc dias 
 del mes de Eiiero dc 1828 ; y cuyas ratificaciones fueron cangcados en 
 la ciudad dc Washington a los cinca dias del mes de Abril dc 1832. El 
 ])resentc segundo articulo adicional tendrri la misma fiierza y valor que 
 si se hubiera insertado palabra por palabra, en el tratado mencionado de 
 12 de Eiu'ro f'c 1828, y sera aprobado y ratificado en los tei-minos que 
 establecer las constituciones dc los i-eleridos Estados. 
 
 En fe decual, los diclios ])lenipotenciarios lo h6mos firmado y sellado 
 con nuestros sellos rcsjiectivos. 
 
 Fecho e?i Mexico, 4 ios ti'cs dias del mes de Abril dc mil ochocientos 
 trienta y cinca, decimo (juinto de la independencia de los Estados Unidos 
 Mexicanos y quinquagesimo novcno de la de los Estados Unidos de Amer- 
 ica. 
 
 J. M. (rUTIERREZ DE ESTRADA. 
 
 A. BUTLER. 
 
 JOSE MARIANO BLASCO. 
 
 Es copia, Mexico, Abril 4 dc 1835. Ortiz Monasterio. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 , A treaty having been concluded and signed in the city of Mexico on 
 the 12th day of the month of January, 1828, between the United Mexican 
 States and the United States of the North, for the purpose of ertablishing 
 a true dividing line and the limits between the two nations, and it having 
 been stipulated in the third article of the said treaty as follows : "To fix
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 79 
 
 this line with more precision, and lo place the land-marks which shall 
 designate exactly the limits of both nations, each of the contracting par- 
 ties shall appoint a connnissionci" ami a snrveyor, who sliall meet belore 
 the termination of one yeai" IVom the date of the ratiricatio(\ of tliis treaty, 
 at Natchitoches, on the Red river, and proceed to run and mark the said 
 line from the n)outh of tlie Sabine to the Red liver, and IVom tiic Red 
 river to the river Arkansas, in conformity to wiiat is agreed upon and 
 stipulated, and the line of latitude of 4'2" to tlie South sea. They shall 
 make out jjlans and keej) jo'irnals of their proceedings; and the result 
 agreed ujjon by them shall be considered as \n\vi of this treaty, and shall 
 have the same force as if it were inserted therein. The two Governments 
 Nvill amicably agree respecting the necessary articles to be fm-nishcd to 
 those jjcrsons, and also as tO' their i-especlive escorts, should such be 
 deemed necessary." And the ratifications of the said tieaty having been 
 cxcl-ianged in the city of Washington on the 5th day of the month of 
 Api'il, in the year of our Lord 1852, the contracting ]»arties !-.aviiig been 
 prevented by various causes from comi)Iying with the sti})ulations agreed 
 npon in the said third ;\rli(le, the time within which it was to be executed 
 having expii-ed, and both republics dcsii-ing that tlie said treaty should be 
 comj)lied with in every res])ect, by going through with all the )iccessary 
 forms, the President of the United Mexican States has invested with full 
 powers for that purpose, Don Jose Maria Gutiei-rez de Estrado, Secretary 
 of State of the Depaitment of Inteiior and Foieign Relations, and Uon 
 Jos6 Mai'iano Blasco, Scci'ctary of State of the Department of the Treas- 
 ury, and the l*i-esi(ient of the United States of the North, the honorable 
 Mr. Anthony Butler, chai'ii^e d'afTaires of that republic in Mexico; and 
 the plenipotentiaries referred to, after having exchanged their full powers, 
 which were found to be in good and proper form, have agreed and do 
 agree to the following second additional article. 
 
 The term for the aj)pointme!)t of commissioners and surveyors charged by 
 the Govei-nments of Mexico and Washington to settle with more precision 
 the boundary line, and to establish land-marks to designate with gi-eater ac- 
 curacy the boundai'ies of the two nations, and which was prescribed by Mie 
 third article of the treaty of limits, concluded and formed at Mexico on the 
 12lh day of the month of January, 1 828, and the ratifications of which were 
 exchanged in the city of Washington on the 5th day of the month of April, 
 1832, shall be extended to the period of one year, to be reckoned from the 
 date of the exchange of the ratifications of the present additional article. 
 The ])resent second additional article shall have the same force and effect 
 as if it had been inserted word for word in the aforesaid treaty of the 12th 
 of January, 1828, and shall be approved and ratified in the manner pre- 
 scribed by the constitutions of the resj)ective States. 
 
 In faith of which the said plenipotentiaries have hereunto set their hands 
 and affixed their respective seals. 
 
 Done at Mexico the ihird day of the month of April, one thousand ejght 
 hundred and thirty-five, the fifteenth of the independence of the United 
 Mexican States, and the fifty-ninth of that of the United States of 
 ' America. 
 
 J. M. GUTIERREZ DE ESTRADiV, 
 
 A. BUTLER, 
 
 JOSE MARIANO BLASCO.
 
 80 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 Mr. Dickins to Mr. Costillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 n'asldnglon, Jane 4, 1835. 
 
 Tlie undersigned, acting Secretary of Stale of tlie United States, lias 
 the honor to acknowledge tlic receipt of the note of Mr. Castillo, charg6 
 d'allaircs of the United Mexican States, dated the 2d instant, stating that 
 a second additional article to the treaty of limits liad been agreed upon 
 by the negotiators at xMexico, had been submitted to the Mexican Con- 
 gress, and that he enclosed a copy of it for the information of the Presi- 
 dent. The nndessigned has tlie honor to state t!iat the transcript referred 
 to was not received with Mr. Castillo's note, it having doubtless been left 
 out by accident. A copy of the article would he higlily acceptable, as no 
 intelligence has yet beun received from Mr. Butler of the conclusionof 
 the negotiation. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to ofler Mr. Castillo renewed assu- 
 rances of his distinguished consideration. 
 
 ASBURY DICKINS. 
 
 Seuor Don J. M. de Castillo y Lanzas, c^'c. 
 
 3[r. Castillo to Mr. Dickins . 
 
 Legaciox Mexicana, 
 
 Filadelfia, Junio 6 (k 1855. 
 El infrascrito, cricargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexi- 
 canos, tiene el honor de acusar recibo de la nota del Scnor Asbury Dick- 
 ins, Secretai-io de Estado interino de los Estados Unidos, contestacion 
 4 la suya de 2 del j)resente nies ; y en vista de ella debe manifestar que 
 aunque, en efecto, no fue juantamente con a([uella su comunicacion la C(ipia 
 4 que se referia del arliculo adicional al tratado dc limites entre ambas 
 republicas, habiendo sidu rcmitido por separado al Departamento de 
 Estado, debe su{)oner (|ue el Sefior Dickins lo recibiria, ya que no lo 
 bubo rccibido 4 su debido tiempo, poro despues. En obvio sin embargo 
 de cuahpiier casual estravio <[ue jjueda haber suf.iido acjuel pliego, el 
 infrascrito incluye ahora duplicado dc la refeiida cojjia ; y tiene, con tal 
 motivo, el honor de reproducir al SeFior Dickins ius seguridades de su mny 
 distinguida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Dickins. 
 
 [Translalion.] 
 
 Mexican Legation, 
 
 Philadelphia, June 6, 1335. 
 The undersigned, charge d'alTaires of ihe URited Mexican Slates, has th* 
 honor to acknoss ledge the receipt of the note of Mr. Asbury Dickins 

 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 81 
 
 acting Secretary of State of the United States, in answer to the note of the 
 undersigned of the 2d instant ; and with reference thereto has to state, that 
 although the copy therein referred to of the additional article to the treaty 
 of limits between the two republics did not accompany that communication, 
 as it was sent separately to the Department of State, it is to be supposed 
 that if Mr. Dickins did not receive it in due time, it would reach him 
 shortly afterwards, still, to obviate any accidental miscarriage to which 
 that paper may have been subjected, tlie undersigned lierewith encloses a 
 duplicate of the copy adverted to, and has the honor at the same time to 
 renew to Mr. Dickins the assurances of his very distinguished considera- 
 tion. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS 
 
 Mr. Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Legation Mexicana, 
 
 Filaddfia, Julio 10 de 1835. 
 
 El infrascrito, encargado de negocios de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 tiene el honor de participar al honorable Sor. Juan Forsyth, Secretario de 
 Estado de los Estados Unidos de America, que con posteridad a sus notas 
 de 5 y 6 del mes proximo pasado ha ilegado a sus manos otra comunica- 
 cion del Gobierno de Mexico relativa al mismo asunto, es decir, al 2° arti- 
 culo adicional al tratado de limites entre ambas republicas, aprobado por 
 el legislativo de aquel pais, y ratificado por el Ejecutivo; y porella, dese- 
 ando el espresado Gobierno que esa importante negociacion que de con- 
 cluida con la oportunidad posible, ha nombrado y autorizado competente- 
 mente al infrascrito para que en calidad de plenipotenciario proceda 4 todo 
 lo que sea necesario al cangc de las ratificaciones. 
 
 En tal virtud, e! que subscribe espcra que el Sor. Forsyth se serviv4 
 manifestarle si se halla igualmente dispuesto a proceder al referido cange 
 de esas ratificaciones, haciendo que el efecto se practique lo necesario taa 
 luego corao se hubiere reunido el Congreso de la Union en sus proximas 
 sesiones. 
 
 El infrascrito se aprovccha de esta ocasion para reproducir al Sor. For- 
 syth las searuridades desu muy distinguida consideracion. 
 
 J. M. DE CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 Hon. Sor. Jtjan Forstth, ^c. 
 
 Mr, Castillo to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Legation of Mexico, 
 
 Philadelphia, July 10, 1835. 
 The undersigned, charg6 d'affaires of the United States of Mexico, hse^ 
 the honor to inform the Hon. J. Forsyth, Secretary of State of the United 
 
 6
 
 82 f Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 States of AiViCrica, that sriiice the dcspatcli of his notes of Jhe 51 h and 6th 
 ultimo he has received another conjniunication from the Government of 
 Mexico relative to the sanic affair, viz : the second additional article to the 
 treaty of limits hctween ti.e two re])i:biics, approved by the Legislature of 
 that country, and ratified by the Executive. In tiiat communication the 
 said Government, desiring that this imjiortant business should be conclu- 
 ded as soon as possible, has appointed and projjeily authorized the under- 
 si"-ned to proceed as plenipotentiary, to every thing which may be requisite 
 for the exchange of i-atifications. 
 
 In virtue of this, the undeisigned hopes that Mr. Forsyth will be pleased 
 to inform him whether he is equally disposed to proceed to the change of 
 ratifications referred to, in such a manner that all which is necessary may 
 be done as soon as tlie Congress of this Union commences its next session. 
 
 The undersigned avails himself, kc. 
 
 J. M. CASTILLO Y LANZAS. 
 
 To the Hon. J. Forsyth, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Ml'. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 Washington, July 21, 1835. 
 
 The undersigned, Sccretai'y of State of the United Slates, has the honor 
 to acknowledge the receij-.t of t!ie note of Mr. Castillo, charge d'affaires 
 of the United Mexican States, dated the JOtli instant, stating that he had 
 been authorized to exchange the ratification by his Government of the 
 second additional article to the treaty of limits between the two comrtries, 
 and requesting to be infoi-med as to the disposition of the undersigned to 
 proceed to the exchange of the ratification on the j)artof the United States. 
 
 Mr. Castillo is aware that, by the coiistitution of the United States, the 
 President is authorized to ratify a treaty, or to exchange his ratification 
 against that of a foreign Power, only with the advice and consent of the 
 Senate. When, therefore, the Senate shall have given its advice and con- 
 sent to the ratification of the second udditional article to the treaty of 
 limits between the United States and the United Mexican States, Mr. 
 Castillo will be duly apprized. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to tender to Mr. Castillo renewed as- 
 surances of his distinguished consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Sor. Don J. M. Castillo t Laxzas, &c. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Castillo. — Extract. 
 
 Department or State, 
 
 Wa^hington^ February 1, 1836. 
 * « # 
 
 The undersigned has, however, further to acquaint Mr. Castillo that 
 the Senate has advised and consented to the ratification of the convention
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. I 83 
 
 for a second additional article to the treaty of limits between the United 
 States and tiic Mexican republic, concluded at Mexico on the 3d of April 
 last. The convention will fortliwith be ratified by the Picsidcnt, and the 
 undersigned will be ready to exchange the ratification of the United States 
 against that of the Mexican republic whenever Mr. Castillo presents 
 himself for that j)urpose at the Department of State. 
 
 Tlie undersigned embraces the oj)portunily to offer Mr. Castillo renewed 
 assurances of his great consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Scnor Don J, M. de Castillo y Lanzas, &:c. 
 
 Mr. Gorosiiza to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Washington, 28 de Mar%o de 1836. 
 
 El infrascrito, enviado extraordinario y ministro plenipotenciario de la 
 republica Mexicana, tienc el honor de dirijirse al honorable Scnor Juan 
 Forsyth, Secretaiio de Esta(h)de estos Estados Unidos,para manifestarle 
 que tambien su Gobierno habia advertido ya la inisma equivocacion que 
 advirtio el S5r Forsyth en la redaccion de los dos textos del segundo arti- 
 culo adicional al tratado de 12 de Encro de 1828, segun le indico desde 
 hiego al Sor Castillo, encargado de negocios de Mexico ; y que de consi- 
 guiente tambien habia visto aquel la misma necesid4d de rectificdr aquella 
 e(iuivocacion si se queria que la estipulacion de que se trata respondiera al 
 unico objeto que se debieron proponer sus negociadores, y que se propu- 
 sieron realmente. 
 
 El infrascripto recibio por lotanto de su Gobierno antes de d^jar a Mex- 
 ic(» instrucciones al efecto, y la correspond iente suficicnte autorizacion 
 para negociar y firniar cualquicia especie de transaccion que aclarc el ver- 
 iadero objeto del referido segundo articolo adicional de 3 de Abril ultimo, 
 diempre que el Gobierno Americano nombre y autorize igualmente otro 
 plenipotenciario, con el propio fin y siempi-e que se logre hall4r por ellos 
 alguti medio ded^ra la transaccion indlcada la misma fuerzay valor que 
 adquirira dicho articulo adicional cuando se cangeen sus respectivas ratifi- 
 caciones, y por la doble sancion legislativa que previamente ha merecido. 
 
 De ahi que e! infrascrito de.s6a conoc6r la opinion del Senor Forsyth 
 sohre el particular, y que est6 pi'onto ^ adoptar con deferencia el camino 
 (pie le sugiera y pueda reunir las condiciones expresadas. 
 
 Pero como pudiera suced6r muy Lien que no fuera facil hal!4r otro me- 
 dio de dar 4 la tran'^accion indlcada la insinuada fuerza del articulo adi- 
 cional que el de sugetaria tambien 4 otro igudl sancion legislativa ; y como 
 en este caso scria queza prefcrible que la estipulacion quedose consignada 
 en un solo documento ya que no se habia podido abreviar de algun raodo 
 el termino de todo la negociacion, el infrascrito tiene la satisfaccion de 
 anunciar al Sor Forsyth que su Gobierno preveyendo la posivilidade de 
 semejatite extremo, de conferir ademis plenos poderes especiales para 
 firmar uu uuevo segundo articulo adicional en lugdr del de 3 de Abril, y 
 por el cual se estipule prorog^r por otro ano el termino de que habia el 
 «titiculo tercero del tratado de liraites para la reunion do los comisarios y 
 geometras en Natchitoches. Si esto sucediera, y si d Senado Americano 
 antes de coucluir la presente sesion, diera al Sor Presidente de estos Esta-
 
 84 [ Doc. No. 12. ] 
 
 dos, su aviso y conscntinicntD pani la iiimcdiata ratificacion del nuevo 
 articulo, en este caso el infi-asci'itt) so compromoteria dcstle ahora a. cnvi- 
 arlo iimediatemcnte a Mexico pur iino de sus Societaiios jiara que alii el 
 Coiigreso que coino constituyente estai d iiidudablcinente todavia reunido, 
 lo sancioiidra en scguida. 
 
 EI iulVascfito, eiiviado cxtraordiiiario y mitiistro pleiiipotenciat'io de la 
 ropublica Mexicatia, se api'oveclia con gusto de esta o])f)i-tunidad pai-a 
 ofVecei' al honorable Scuor Juan F(Ji'syt!i, Seci-etario de Estado de estos 
 Estados Unidos las seguridades bicn sinceras de su apiecio y alta con- 
 sideracion. 
 
 M. E. DE GOROSTIZA. 
 
 Honorable Senor Juan Forsyth, ^a. 
 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Washington, March 28, 1836. 
 
 The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiai-y of 
 the Mexican republic, has the hofior to inform the honorable John Forsyth, 
 Secretary of State of tiie United States, that his Government liad also re- 
 marked the same ambiguity {cquivoatcion) v^ hich Mr. Forsytjj observed in 
 the terms of the second additional aiticle of tlie treaty of January 12, 1828, 
 in both languages, as Sr. Castillo, the charg6 d'affaires of Mexico, had 
 immediately indicated ; and that it had, in consequence, also seen the ne- 
 cessity of rectifying the ambiguity, in order that the stipulation in ques- 
 tion might answer the purpose which its negotiation must have proposed, 
 and di(f, indeed, propose in making it. 
 
 The undersigned, tiierefore, received from his Government, before he 
 left Mexico, instructions and the proper authorities for negotiating and 
 confirming any species of convention which migiit render clear the true 
 object of the said additional second article of the Sd of April last, when- 
 ever the American Government should appoint and authorize to that effect 
 another plenipotentiary, and means should be found to give to the con- 
 vention in question the same force and value which the additional article 
 acquired by the exchange of the respective i-atifications, and the sanction 
 of the Legislatures of each country, which were necessary before that 
 could be effected. 
 
 The undersigned is, for this reason, anxious to know the opinion of the 
 honorable John Forsyth on the subject, and is ready to adopt the mode 
 which he may consider most likely to conduce to the ends proposed. 
 
 But, as it may not be easy to find another mode of giving to the con- 
 vention indicated the requisite force and value than by submitting it to the 
 same legislative sanction, and as it would, in that event, be preferable to 
 leave the stipulation by itself, in a separate instrument, if no other means 
 can be found to shorten the negotiation, the undersigned has the satisfaction 
 to announce to the honorable John Forsyth that his Government, foreseeing 
 the possibility of such a state of things, had, moreover, conferred upon 
 him full special powers to sign a new second additional article in place of 
 that of the 3d of April, and by the terms of which the period mentioned in
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 85 
 
 the thin! article oF tlio treaty of limits, for t!ie meeting of commissioners 
 and surveyors at Natcliitoclies, may be extciidcd another year. If this 
 should he agreed on, and the American Senate, before tlie conclusion of 
 the pi-esent session, should give its advice and consent to tlie ratification 
 of the new article by the President of the United States immediately, the 
 undersigned promises to send it without delay to Mexico, by one of his 
 secretaries, in order tliat tlie Congress, wliich will certainly r.icet there 
 fortljwith, as a constituent body, may sanction it accordingly. 
 
 The undersigned, envoy exti-aordinary and minister plenipotentiary of 
 the Mexican republic, avails himself with pleasure of this opportunity to 
 offer to the honorable John Forsytli, Secretary of State of these United 
 States, the assurances of his distinguished consideration. 
 
 M. E. DK GOROSTIZA. 
 
 To tlie Hon. J. Foksyth, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. Gorostiza. 
 
 Department of State, ^jml 1, 1836. 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State of tlie United States, has had the 
 lionor to receive t!ie )iote of Mr. Gorostiza, envoy extraordinary atid 
 minister plenipotentiary of the Mexican republic, dated the 28th ultimo, 
 proposing a new negotiation for the ])urpose of more clearly defining the 
 object of the convention between the United States and the Mexican re- 
 public of the 3d of April last. 
 
 The second additional article to the treaty of limits, although not so 
 comprehensive in its terms as was desirable, was laid before the Senate by 
 the President, in the belief that, as tlie third article of the treaty had 
 ceased to be of any force or effect, in consequence of the expiration of the 
 time within which its stipulations were to have been fully carried into 
 execution, and as it was the intention of both parties to provide, by the 
 second additional article, for effecting the same object as was provided for 
 by the third article, the stipulation fur the appointment of commissioners 
 and surveyors to run and mark the boundary line between the two coun- 
 tries, should be construed to impose the obligation on the commissioners 
 and surveyors to meet within the time prescribed by the third article. It 
 is presumed that the Senate acted under tiie same belief in giving its ad- 
 vice and consent to the ratification of the second additional article. 
 
 If this view be correct, to ])revent the possibility of misconception in 
 giving full effect to the intention of the parties, it will be suflicicnt for tlieir 
 respective agents, at the time of the exchange of the ratifications of tiie 
 second additional article, to mark, by a Joint explanatory note, the expli- 
 cit understanding of the two Governments. Should Mr. Gorostiza con- 
 cur in this opinion, and find himself autliorized to adopt that course, tlie 
 undersigned is instructed to agree with him upon the necessary arrange- 
 ments. 
 
 The undersigned embraces this opportunity to renew to Mr. Gorostiza 
 the assurances of his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. 
 
 Senor Don M. E. de Gorostiza, 
 
 Envoy Extraordinary, Sfc.
 
 86 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Washington, 4 de Abril de 1836. 
 
 EI infrasci'ito, enviado extraordinario y njinistrio plenipotenciario de 
 la rejiublica Mexicano, lia recibido la nota que el Iioii. Sr. Juan Forsyth, 
 Secreliirio de iibtudo do cslus Kstados Lnidoi^, Ic liu lieclio el hoiioi' de 
 dirijirle en 1° del actual, y lia visto \mv eila s6i* opinion del Sr. For.syth, 
 que para determinar cumplidaaiente el verdadero objeto del 2° aiticulo 
 adicional de 3 de Abiil de 1836, bastaia con que los respectivos plenipo- 
 tenciarios, al cangear sus ratificacionts, cangeen iguahnente una declai'a- 
 cion lirmada por ellos, que dcbeia qucdaf unida a diclio articulo adicional, 
 y en la que se debera explicar cual (116 el unico lin que se propusieron los 
 dos Gobiernos cuando convinieron en la necesidad deaquella transacciDn. 
 
 El infrascrito liubiera prelV'rido, sin duda, por creeilo niassensillo, que 
 se redactai-a otro 2° articulo adicional, ya que en el de 3 de Abril se habia 
 omitido lo mas esential de lo que se queria cstipuiar ; y pai'aque la doble 
 sancion legislativa recayera de nueva sob re tan importante extrcmo. Y si 
 no hubicra aparecido convenientc nuiificar ahora una convencion que ya 
 liaba inerccido el ascntimiento del Senado Americano el inlVascrito hubiera 
 preferido todavia aun en este caso cl iiegociar y firmar un tercero articulo 
 adicional al propio tratado de 1823, que cstipulara unicamcnte lo de la 
 reunion de los comisarios y geoiiietrus en Natchitoches en el mismo ter- 
 mine de un afio. 
 
 Este Ultimo expediente adoptado que lutbiera sido, hubiera en el concepto 
 del inl'iascrito, salvado cualquier dificuitad en lo sucesivo tanto mas 
 cuanto que las ratilicaciones de los dos articulos se Lubieran podido can- 
 gear en Washington al mismo tiempo y por las mismas personas, en menos 
 de cuatro meses segun todas las probabilidades. 
 
 Pero esto no se opone, sin enibatgo a que el infrascrito no est6 pronto 
 como lo esla en efecto a seguir aii<jra cl canwno que le ha indicado el S. For- 
 syth en su enunciada nota; por que el infrascrito no pucde menos de re- 
 conocer y confesar despucs de todo, que una declaruci )n dc dos plenipoten- 
 ciarios debidamente autorizados al clecto, que expiiqueuna omision adver- 
 lida a tien)po en cl texto de la transaccion principal quequede para siemprc 
 unida a esta transaction que se cangee cuando ella y que se imprima y ])ub- 
 lique con ella ha de aquii-ir neccsariamentc i)or la reunion de todos estos 
 requisilos su misma identica fuerza legal, y ha de participar de consiguiente 
 de todas sus garantias. Si esta es asi en el concept© tambien del Sr. Forsyth 
 el infrascrito rcpitc que ningun incoiiveniente puede tencr en firmar semi- 
 jante declaracion, ya redondcar de este modo la negociacion pendientc. 
 
 Una sola dificuhad se prescnta quizas todavia, que a jirimera vista pa- 
 rece de alguna importancia si sc quierc seguir al pie dc la letra el expe- 
 diente sugerido por cl Sr. Forsyth, y es que en ninguno de los dos plenos 
 j)oderes que ha recibido el infrascrito de su Gobicrno, (y de los que acom- 
 panalas dcbidas copias,) se le faculta explicitamente para cangear las rati- 
 ficaciones del 2° articulo adicional de 3 de Abril, nocrey endose sin duda 
 en 2>Iexico que jjodia llegar todavia el caso dc necesitarse se semejante 
 autorizacion, despues de iiabei-se advertido cl vicio de que aquel adolecia. 
 Dc alii que seria (juizas nccesai'io adoptar oli-o medio termino ; el de que se 
 cai^igcara el 2° articulo adicional por el Sr. Castillo, que tienc para ello un 
 antiguo pleno pode'r y que cl infrascrito cangeara despues la declaracion.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 87 
 
 El infrasri'ito rt'cc con totlo que lialhndd.so anlorizado por sii j)leno 
 poilei- general " a pi-omover por todos los iiiedios Icgalcs cl arreglo de los 
 asuntos que son niotivo dc su misi;)n oxtraordiiiaria" sc Jialla igiialmente 
 autofizado a cangcar tambicn las rcfcridas ratificaciones, siendo como cs 
 el arreglo y termino de este asunto uno de los motives expresps y determi- 
 nados de su dicha mision. 
 
 El infiMscrito so lisongea que cl Sr. Forsytli, coincidira con el en su 
 eismo modo de v6i* y cspera por lo tanto (pie podran entrambos proceder 
 ya d dctcrminar la redacciotj y lirma dc la declaracion en cuestion tan lucgo 
 como el Sr. Forsyth dcsigne cl dia y la iiora. 
 
 El inl'rascrito tiene el lioiior de rcnov^ir al Sr. Forsyth las seguridades 
 bien sinceras de su mas distinguida consideracion. 
 
 M. E. DE GOROSTIZA 
 
 Mr. Gorostiza to 3Ir. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Washington, April 4, 1836. 
 
 The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of 
 the Mexican republic, has received the note addressed to him on the 1st 
 instant, by the honorable John Forsyth, Secretary of State of these United 
 States, and has thereby seen it to be t!ie opinion of Mr. Forsyth, that in 
 order to define completely the true object of the second additional article 
 of the Sd of April, 1835, it will be sufficient that the respective jdenipo- 
 tentiaries, on exchanging its ratifications, sliould at the same time exchange 
 a declaration signed by themselves, and to be annexed to the said additional 
 article, in which is to be explained the real object proposed by the Govern- 
 ments, when they agreed in considering the said provision necessary. 
 
 The undersigned would undoubtedly have preferred, as being the sim- 
 plest mode, that another second additional article should be drawn up. as 
 the most essential part of what it was desired to stipulate had been omitted 
 in that of the Sd of April, and in order that the most important proceeding 
 should again receive the sanction of the Legislature of each country. An.l 
 if it should not appear convenient to annul at the present time, a convention 
 which had already been considered worthy of the assent of the American 
 Senate, the undersigned would have preferred, even in this case, to nego- 
 tiate and sign an additional article to t!ic treaty of 1828 itself, merely stip- 
 ulating the meeting of the commissioners and surveyors at Natchitoches 
 within the same period of one year. This latter expedient would, if adopted, 
 in the opinion of the undersigned have prevented any difficulty in future, 
 especially as the ratifications of the tv/o articles might in all probability 
 have been exchanged in Washington, at the same time and by the same 
 persons in less than four months. 
 
 This, however, does not prevent the undersigned from being ready, as he 
 indeed is, to pursue the plan indicated by Mr. Forsyth in his said note, as 
 the undersigned cannot but acknowledge and confess after all, that a decla- 
 ration signed by both plenipotentiaries, duly authorized to that effect, ex- 
 plaining an omission observed in the text of the principal agreement, intend- 
 ed to be forever annexed to that agreement, to be exchanged with it and
 
 88 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 piiiiled ami published with it, must necessarily, from the union of all these 
 circumstances. ac(juire the same legal force, and in consequence partake of 
 all the guaranties of that agieemcnt. Should Mr. Forsyth coincide whU 
 iliis view of the case, the undersigned repeats that there can be no impro- 
 priety in signing such a declaration, and in thus concluding [redondeando) 
 the pending negotiation. 
 
 One difljculty, ami one only presents itself, which at first sight seems to 
 be (jf some imjjortance, in case it should be wished to follow^ the plan pro- 
 posed by Mr. Forsyth to the letter; it arises from the cii'cumstance that 
 in neither of the powers received by the undersigned from his Government, 
 (of which copies arc herew ith sent,) is any explicit faculty conferred upon 
 him to exchange the ratifications of the second additional article of the 3d 
 of April, doubtless because it was not supposed at Mexico that there would 
 be any need of such autliorization, after the defects of the article had been 
 observed. Hence it may be necessary to adoj)t some other means; for- 
 instance, that the exchange of the second additional article should be made 
 by Mr. Castillo, who has a former full power to thai effect, and that the 
 undersigned should afterwards exchange the declaration. The undersigned 
 liowever conceives that being authorized by his general powers **to pro- 
 mote by every legal means tlie settlement (arregloj of the affairs which 
 occasioned his cxtiaordinary mission," he is also authorized to exchange 
 the said i-atifications, inasmuch as tlic settlement and termination of this 
 affair is one oftiie express and determined objects of his said mission. 
 
 The undersigned flatters himself that Mr. Forsyth will coincide with him 
 in his views, and hopes that they may both proceed to draw up and sign the 
 declaration in question, at any day and hour which Mr. Forsyth may des- 
 ignate. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to renew' to Mr. Forsyth the assurances 
 of his most distinguished consideration. 
 
 M. E. DE GOROSTIZA. 
 
 To the Hon. J. Forsyth, 
 
 Secretary of Stale of the United States. 
 
 Copia del plena poder general del Serior Gorostiza. 
 
 Miguel Barrag^n, Presidente intcrino de la Republica Mexicana. A todos 
 los que las prcsentes vieren, salud : 
 
 Estimando necesario a los interescs de la nacion acreditdr cerca del Go- 
 bierno de los Estados Unidos de America un agente diplomatico revestido 
 de major caracter que el que aclualmente existe en Washington, teniendo 
 que elegir con tal objeto persona que reuna las cualidades dc ilustracion, 
 patiiotismo j)roviddd y celo por la prosperiddd de la republica, y encon- 
 Iraiido adornado de todas cstas apreciables circunstancias al Sor Don 
 Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza Ii6 tenido 4 bien usando de mis facultades, 
 y previa apiovacion del Congreso generill, nombrarlo enviado extraordi- 
 nario y ministro plenipotenciario cercadel citado Gobierno ; dandole por 
 tanto y depositando en 6i plenos poderes para promov6r por todos los me- 
 dios legales, cl arreglo de los asuntos que son el motivo de su mision ex- 
 traordinaria. A cste fin rucgo y encargo en la mancra mas araigable ^
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 89 
 
 S. E. el Presidente do los Estados Uiiidos dc America, reciba y adinita al 
 cxpiosado Sot* Don Manuel E. de Gorostiza como ciiviado cxlraordina 
 lio y niinistro ijleiiiimtciiciario de Mexico le d6 entcra fo6 en cuanto pro 
 movicrc coiicedicndole la debida dcsistciicia, y mandaudole reconocer en su 
 caliddd, ofreciendo por mi parte la rcciproca. 
 
 Dado en el Palaciode Mexico. Mexico, firmado de mi puno autorizado, 
 con el scllo nacional, y refrendado por el oficial mayor encargado del des- 
 pacho dc la sccretaria de rclaciones interiorcs y cxteriores, 4 los diez y 
 nucve dias del mes de Enero dc mil ochocientos treinta y seis, decirao 
 sesto de la independencia dc la republica. 
 
 r L. s. ] M. BARRAGAN, 
 
 JOSE MARIA ORTIZ MONASTERIO. 
 Es copia. Washington, 4 de Avril de 1836. 
 
 JUAN E. Gx^MBOA, 
 
 Secretario de la Legacion. 
 
 Copy of the general poivers oj Senor Gorostiza. 
 
 [Translation .] 
 
 Miguel Barragan, President ad interim of the Mexican Republic. To 
 all to whom these presents shall come, greeting : 
 
 Considering it necessary for the interests of the nation to accredit near 
 the Government of the United States of America a diplomatic agent of a 
 rank higher than that held by the one now in Washington, and it being 
 important to choose for that purpose one who should combine talents, 
 patriotism, honesty, and zeal for the prosperity of the republic ; therefore, 
 having found in Don Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza all those admirable 
 qualities, I have thought proper, in the exercise of my powers, and having 
 received the assent of the General Congress, to appoint him envoy ex- 
 traordinary and minister plenipotentiary near the said Government, giving 
 and conferring upon him to that effect, full powers to promote, by every 
 legal means, the settlement of the affairs which occasioned his extraordi- 
 nary mission. 1, therefore, request and recommend his excellency the 
 President of the United States of America to receive and admit the said 
 Don Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza as envoy extraordinary and minister 
 plenipotentiary of Mexico, giving entire faith to all which he may advance, 
 granting him the requisite assistance, and disposing that he be acknowl- 
 edged in his quality, I on my part offering to reciprocate. 
 
 Given at the Palace of Mexico, signed by my hand, authenticated by 
 the national seal, and countersigned by the chief officer charged with the 
 Department of Internal and Foreign Relations, on the nineteenth day of 
 the month of January, eighteen hundred and thirty six, the sixteenth year 
 of the independence of the republic. 
 
 [ 1. s. 1 M. BARRAGAN, 
 
 JOSE MARIA ORTIZ MONASTERIO. 
 
 A true copy. Washington, April 4, 1836. 
 
 JUAN E. GAMBOA, 
 
 Secretary of the Legation.
 
 90 [ Doc. No. 43. J 
 
 Cqpia del pleno poder especial del Senor Gorosliza. 
 
 Miguel Barragdn, Prcsidcntc iritei-ino do hi republica Mexicana. A todos 
 los que las presentcs viereu, salud : 
 
 Que pudiendo su acaso necesaria la celebracion de un nuevo segundo 
 artictilo adiclotml tcirci-n dc! ti-atado dc liniites dc 1832, concluidu entre 
 esta republica y los Estados Unidos de America, siiio sc considerase bas- 
 tante el que sc firmo en esta capital el dia 3 de Abril del ano proximo pa- 
 sado, y deseando allaiiar todo inconveniente que preccda retardar la de- 
 marcacion de la linea divisoria de ambas iiacioiics, li6 venido en conferir, 
 como por las presenter confiero. pleno poder al Sor Don Manuel Eduardo 
 de Gorostiza, enviado extraordinario de esta republica cerca del Gobierno 
 de Washington, 4 efecto de que convenga con este, con todas las formali- 
 dades debidas un nuevo plazo en que se verifique la reunion en Natchi- 
 toches de los comisarios y geometras de los dos paises que ban de fijar 
 los limites de ellos respecto ^ haber espirado el termino que para la re- 
 union expresado se fijo en el mcncionado articulo 3° del tratado dc limites 
 de 1832. 
 
 En {6 de lo cual, le h6 liecho expedir las j)resentes firmadas de mi mano 
 autorizadas con el sello naciona!, y refreiidadas por el oficial mayor pri- 
 jnero encargado del despacho de la Secretaria de Relaciones Interiores y 
 Extcriores, a los veinte y seis del mes de Enero del ano de mil ochocientos 
 treinta y seis, decimo sexto de la independencia de la republica. 
 [ t. s. ] M. BARRAGAN, 
 
 JOSE MARIA ORTIZ MONASTERIO. 
 
 Es copia. Washington, 4 de April dc 1836. 
 
 JUAN E. GAMBOA, 
 Secretario de la Legacion. 
 
 Copy of the special powers of Senor Gorostiza. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Miguel Barragan, President ad interim of the Mexican Republic, lo all lo 
 whom these presents shall come, greeting ; 
 
 As it may perhaps be necessary to conclude a new second article, addi- 
 tional to the third of the treaty of limits of 1832, between tiiis republic 
 and tlie United States of America, m case that which was signed in this 
 capital on the 3d of April of last year should not be considered sufficient, 
 and as it is desirable to remove every obstacle which might retard the de- 
 marcation of the dividing line between the two nations, I have thought 
 proper to confer, and by these presents I do confer, full powers upon Don 
 Manuel Eduardo do Gorostiza, envoy extraordinary from this republic 
 near the GovernmoTit '.■*' Washingcor., to agree with that Government, in 
 all due form, upon a new period for tlie meeting of the commissioners and 
 surveyors of the two countries at Natchitoches, in order to fix the limits 
 of the same, inasmuch as the time fixed by the said third article of the 
 treaty of limits of 1832 for the said meetins; has expired.
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 91 
 
 In faith whereof, I have caused tliesc jjiesents to he issued, signed by 
 my liarid, authenticated by the national seal, and countersigned by the first 
 chief officer charged with the Department of Internal and Foreign Rela- 
 tions, on the twenty.sixth day of the month January, in the year eighteen 
 hundred and thirty-six, the sixteenth of the independence of the republic. 
 
 M. BARRAGAN, 
 
 JOSE MA. ORTIZ MONASTERTO. 
 
 Washini?ton, April 4, 1836. A true copy. 
 
 JUAN E. GAMBOA, 
 
 Secretary of Legation. 
 
 Mr, Forsyth to Mr. Gorostiza. 
 
 Department or State, 
 
 Washingt07i, .Qpril 13, 1836. 
 
 The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States, has had the 
 honor to receive and lay before the President the note of Mr. Gorostiza, 
 envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Mexico, dated the 
 4th, in reply to the communication of the undersigned of the 1st instant. 
 
 The undersigned has been instructed to state, in answer, that the plena- 
 ry powers of Mr. Gorostiza, copies of which accompanied his note, are 
 not considered sufficient to authorize him to act as the agent of the Mexican 
 republic in exchanging the ratifications of the convention of the 3d of 
 April, 1835. It is therefore expected that Mr. Gorostiza will invite Mr. 
 Castillo to this city for that purpose, for which he has been specially em- 
 powered. Mr. Gorostiza's powers, however, are considered sufficient to 
 authorize him to join the undersigned in the explanatory note suggested in 
 his communication of the 1st instant, and it will be agreeable for the un- 
 dersigned to meet Mr. Gorostiza at the office of this Department at one 
 o'clock to-morrow, when the necessary arrangements may be made. 
 
 Perhaps it is proper for the undersigned to add, that if the declaration 
 were to be cumulative as well as explanatory, it might be essential to pro- 
 mulgate it in the same manner as the convention to which it relates. But, 
 as the object of the joint note is merely to prevent misconception as to the 
 intention of the two Governments in agreeing to the second additional 
 article, any publication is unnecessary ; it being sufficient that the joint 
 note should remain in the archives of the two Governments. 
 
 The undersigned avails himself of the occasion to renew to Mr. Goros- 
 tiza the assurances of his most distin^aishcd consideration. 
 
 JOHN FORSYTH. ^ 
 
 His lEx. Sor. Don Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza, &c. 
 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 Manuel E. de Gorostiza tiene el honor de presenfar sus respetos al 
 Honorable Sr. Juan Forsyth, y de anunciarle al propio tiempo, que ha 
 Ilegado hoy el Sr. Castillo a esta [capital, para cangcar las ratificaciones
 
 92 [ Doc. No. 42. J 
 
 del 2^ artirtilo adicional del tratado i]o limites. en cnnformidad a lo con- 
 venido iiltimamcnte entre el Sr. Forsytli y M. E. de Gorostiza. 
 
 Kste nitimo suplica igiialmeiitc al Sr, Forsyth se sirva senalar dia 
 en que se verificiiie tanto diclio cange. como el de la declaracion que lia de 
 explicar previamente el verdaderoobjeto y sentido del articulo en cuestion. 
 
 Washington, IS de Abril de 1836. 
 
 Mr. Gorostiza to Mr. Forsyth. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Manuel E. de Gorostiza has the honor to present his respects to the 
 honorable John Forsyth, and to inform him at the said time, that Mr. Cas- 
 tillo has this day arrived at this capital, for the purpose of exchanging the 
 ratifications of the second additional article of the treaty of limits, con- 
 formably with what has been lately agreed on between Mr. Foi:syth and 
 M. E. de Gorostiza. 
 
 M. E. de Gorostiza likewise requests Mr. Forsyth to have the kindness 
 to name a day for the said exchange, as well as for the declaration which is 
 previously to explain the true object and meaning of the article in question. 
 
 Washington, 4pn7 18, 1836. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth to Mr. de Gorostiza. 
 
 Department of State, 
 
 April 18, 1836. 
 
 Mr. Forsyth presents his compliments to Mr. Gorostiza, and has the 
 honor to inform him, in answer to his note of this date, tliaton \>ednesday 
 next, at two o'clock, he will be happy to see Mr. Gorostiza and Mr. Cas- 
 tillo at the office of this Department, for the purpose of executing the dec- 
 laration and exchanging the ratifications of the convention for a second 
 additional article to the treaty of limits. 
 
 DECLARATION. DECLARACION. 
 
 The exchange of the ratifications Debicndose verificar en el dia de 
 
 of the convention concluded on the la fecha por Don Joaquin Maria de 
 
 third of April, 1835, for a second Castillo y Lanzas, encargado de 
 
 additional article to the treaty of negocios de la republica Mexica- 
 
 limits between the United States of na, y Juan Forsyth, Secretario de 
 
 America and the United Mexican Estado de los Estados Unidos de 
 
 States, being this day to be made by America, el cange dc las ratificacio- 
 
 John Forsyth, Secretary of State of ncs de la convencion celebrada en 3 
 
 tlie United States, and J. M. de de Abril de 1835, entre la republi-
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. ] 
 
 93 
 
 Castillo y Lanzas, charge d'afTaiies 
 of the Mexican republic to the Uni- 
 ted States, and Don Manuel Ed- 
 uardo de Gorostiza, envoy extra- 
 ordinary and minister plenipoten- 
 tiary of the Mexican re|)ublic to the 
 United States, having full power 
 from his Government to negotiate 
 any addition that might be thought 
 necessary to carry into full effect the 
 intention of the parties, if the terms 
 of tije said second additional article 
 were not sufficiently comprehensive 
 and explicit, on a full, ollicial, and 
 unreserved conference between the 
 said Secretary of State and tlie said 
 envoy extraordinary and minister 
 plenipotentiary, it has been found 
 that both Governments coincide in 
 putting the same construction on the 
 said second additional article, giving 
 to it all the force and effect of the 
 third article of t!ie said treaty of 
 limits, and that, tlierefore, no addi- 
 tion is necessary. Nevertheless, as 
 the said second additional article is 
 not clearly expressed, altiiough the 
 intention is not doubtful, to prevent 
 the possibility of misconception in 
 giving full effect to the intention of 
 the parties, it is tliought expedient 
 that the said Secretai-y of Stnte and 
 the said envoy extraordinary and 
 minister plenipotentiary sliould de- 
 clare, and they do declare in behalf 
 of tiieir respective Governments, 
 tliat the stipulations in tlie said sec- 
 ond additional article, for the ap- 
 pointment of commissioners and sur- 
 veyors to run and mark the boundary 
 line betvieen the two countries, is 
 expressly understood, and is to be 
 construed to impose the obligation 
 on the commissioners and surveyors 
 to meet witliin the time, and at the 
 place, prescribed by the said third 
 aeticle of the treaty of limits, name- 
 ly, at Natchitoches, and within one 
 year from this date, and to proceed 
 to carry into full effect the stipula- 
 tions of the said third article. 
 
 In testimony whereof, this instrti- 
 
 ca Mexicanu y dichos Estados Uni- 
 dos, para un 2^^ articulo adicional 
 al tratado de limites ; y hallandose 
 Manuel Eduaido de Gorostiza, en- 
 viado extraordinarioy ministro ple- 
 nipotenciario de la expresada repub- 
 lica Mexicana, con plenos poderes de 
 su Gobierno para negociar cualqui- 
 era adicion que pueda juzgarse ne- 
 cesaria para llevar ^ entero efecto 
 las intenciones de las altas partes 
 contratantcs siempreque los termi- 
 nos en que esta concebido el referido 
 segundo articulo adicional no fuescn 
 suficientemente comprehensivos y 
 explicitos, h^ resultado de una con- 
 ferencia aniplia, franca, y official, 
 tenida entre el expresado enviado 
 extraordinario y ministro plcnipo- 
 tenciario, y el expresado Secretario 
 de Estado, que los dos Gobicrnos 
 coinciden cxactamente en la niisma 
 idea y construccion del indicado se- 
 gundo articulo adicional ; dandole 
 toda la fucrza y seutido del tcrcero 
 articulo del precitado tratado de 
 limites, y de consiguiente que no es 
 necesario adicion algima. Perocomo 
 la redaccion del segundo articulo 
 adi,cional no es bastantementc clara 
 aun cuando su intencion no sea du- 
 dosa, con el fin de evitar toda posi- 
 biiidad de mala inteligencia al llevar 
 4 efecto cuanto se propusieron enton- 
 ces ainbas partes, se ha creido con- 
 \eniente que el citado enviado extra- 
 ordinario y ministro plenipolencia- 
 rio,y el citado Secretario de Estado 
 declaren, como lo hacen por la pre- 
 sente, en nonibre de sus respcctivos 
 Gobiernos, que lo estipulado en el 
 mencionado segundo articulo adi- 
 cional respecto del nombramiento de 
 los comisarios y geometras que 
 deben senalar y demarcar la linea 
 divisoria entre los dos paises sc cu- 
 tiende expresamente y debe interpre- 
 tarse que impone la obligacion ^ 
 dichos comisarios y geometras de 
 reunirse en el lugar y termino pre- 
 scritos en articulo tercero del tratado 
 de limites, 4 saber, en Natchitocht',
 
 94 
 
 [ Doc. No. 42. 1 
 
 mcnt is executed in duplicate, and is 
 mutually delivered prior to the ex- 
 change of the ratifications of the 
 convention for a second additional 
 article to the treaty of limits, duly 
 ratified by our respective Govern- 
 ments. 
 
 Done at Washington, this twen- 
 tieth day of April, one thousand 
 eight hundred and thirty-six. 
 JOHN FORSYTH, [l. s.] 
 
 Sec. of State U. S. A. 
 MA. E. DE GOROSTIZA,[L. s.l 
 
 y en el termino <le iin ano rontadc 
 desde csta fecha y de jjroceder ^ dar 
 entcro cumplimiento d lo estipulado 
 por el insinuado tercero articulo. 
 
 En fe de lo cual, y antes del cange 
 de las ratificaciones de la conven- 
 cion del segundo articulo adicional al 
 tratado de limites debidamente rati- 
 ficado por los respectivos Gobiernos. 
 sc extiende por duplicado el presentc 
 docuniento, firmado y sellado por los 
 infrascritos, el cual se cangeara 
 igualmente por ellos. 
 
 Fecho en Washington, 4 los vein- 
 te dias del mes de Abril del ano de 
 un mil ochocientos treinta y seis. 
 MA. E. DE GOROSTIZA. [l. s.] 
 JOHN FORSYTH, [l. s.] 
 
 Sec. of State U. S. of A.
 
 1 S 8 4 v^
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
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