instead of
_territory_. Principles, however, are always the fair subjects of
controversy for the diplomatic art. Yet such is the perversity of human
nature, that, although we are convinced of the propriety and possibility
of adjusting our disputes by reason, we nevertheless go to war for
these very principles, and, after having done each other an incalculable
amount of injury, at last sit down like cripples, to negotiate the very
matters which ought to have been treated and terminated diplomatically
at first. It is, perhaps, the folly of mankind to believe that there is
more wisdom in negotiators and diplomacy when nations are lame and
weakened by war than when they are full of the vigorous energy and
intelligence of peace!

NOTE.--It may be useful to record the following proclamation
of General Woll, before annexation, in order to show, that
the agreements between Santa Anna and the Texans in 1836, are
not the only Mexican documents in existence which seemed to
open the boundary question between Texas and Tamaulipas.

"_Headquarters of the Army of the North, Mier, June 20, 1844._

"I, Adrian Woll, general of brigade, &c., make known:

"1. The armistice agreed on with the department of Texas
having expired, and the war being, in consequence,
recommenced against the inhabitants of that department, all
communication with it ceases.

"2. Every individual, of whatever condition, who may
contravene provisions of the preceding article, shall be
regarded as a traitor, and shall receive the punishment
prescribed in article 45, title 10, treatise 8, of the
articles of war.

"3. _Every individual who may be found at the distance of
one league from the left bank of the Rio Bravo, will be
regarded as a favorer and accomplice of the usurpers of that
part of the national territory, and as a traitor to his
country; and, after a summary military trial, shall receive
the said punishment._

"4. Every individual who may be comprehended within the
provisions of the preceding article, and may be rash enough
to fly at the sight of any force belonging to the supreme
government, shall be pursued until taken, or put to death.

"5. In consideration of the situation of the towns of La
Reda and Santa Rita de Ampudia, as well as of all the _farm
houses beyond the Ri