in the actual occupancy of her troops. In carrying
out the instructions heretofore received, you will be careful to avoid
any acts of aggression, unless an actual state of war should exist. The
Mexican forces at the posts in their possession, and which have been so,
will not be disturbed as long as the relations of peace between the
United States and Mexico continue."

On the 30th July, 1845, the Secretary again addresses Gen. Taylor as
follows: "You are expected to occupy, protect and defend the territory
of Texas, to the extent that it has been occupied by the people of
Texas. The Rio Grande is claimed to be the boundary between the two
countries, and up to this boundary you are to extend your protection,
only _excepting_ any posts on the Eastern side thereof, which are in the
actual occupancy of Mexican forces, or _Mexican settlements_, over which
the Republic of Texas did not exercise jurisdiction at the period of
annexation, or shortly before that event. It is expected, in selecting
the establishment for your troops, you will approach as near the
boundary line, the Rio Grande, as prudence will dictate. With this view,
the President desires that your position, for a part of your forces at
least, should be west of the River Nueces."

The Mexican settlements, thus excepted, are not those over which Texas
did not claim jurisdiction, but those on the East bank of the Rio
Grande, over which Texas did not _exercise_ jurisdiction at the period
mentioned. The President had no authority to give up the boundary
claimed by Texas; but it is clear that at the time, when war was not
contemplated, the Administration was of opinion that, till the question
was definitively settled, the occupancy by the Mexicans of the territory
adjacent the left bank of the del Norte ought not to be disturbed.
Neither the subsequent refusal by Mexico to receive a residing Envoy,
nor the successes of the American arms have affected the question of
right. The claim of Texas, whether to New Mexico, or to the lower
portion of the Rio Norte, was identically the same, as invalid and
groundless in one case as in the other. Why a distinction has been made
by the Executive has not been stated. The fact is that he has
established a temporary government for New Mexico, as a country
conquered, and without any regard to the claim of Texas; whilst, on the
other hand, he has permitted that State to extend its jurisdiction over
the country lying on the left bank o