the view of conquering California, but that finding the
country in a state of defence, (for which thanks were due to President
Santa Anna and his efficient minister of war,) he was obliged to abandon
his plan and invent a story for his justification.[28]

It is scarcely possible for a citizen of the United States to take a
different view of the subject without a full knowledge of the facts; for
it could hardly be believed that the commander of a naval station,
during a period of profound peace, would venture to summon towns to
surrender, to land forces, take prisoners, and hoist our national flag
on friendly soil, without the authority or connivance of his
government.[29]

FOOTNOTES:

[19] This river is known by various names in different authors. By some
it is called Rio Bravo, by others, Rio del Norte, and by others, again,
Rio Grande. I shall adhere to the latter throughout this work.

[20] See the Natchez Daily Courier of 18th January, 1843, for an
excellent article on Mexico, signed EGO ET ALTER.

[21] Report No. 1096 to the H. of R., 27th congress, 2d session.

[22] See senate documents of that session.

[23] President Polk's annual message to congress, 8th Dec. 1846, p. 6.

[24] See Doc. No. 139, 24 cong. 2d sess. H. of R.--Senate Doc. No. 320,
2d sess. 27 cong.--Doc. No. 57, H. of R. 27 cong. 1st sess.--Senate Doc.
No. 411, 27 cong. 2d sess.--Doc. No. 1096, H. of R. 27 cong. 2d
sess.--Doc. No. 158, H. of R. 28 cong. 2d sess.--Doc. No. 144, H. of R.
28 cong. 2d sess.--Senate Doc. No. 85, 29 cong. 1st sess.--Senate Doc.
No. 151, 29 cong. 1 sess.

[25] This paper contained the circular of the Mexican minister of
foreign relations to the diplomatic corps, dated 31st May,
1842,--(answered by Mr. Thompson on the 1st of June,)--relative to
public meetings in the United States favorable to Texas; the aid
furnished Texas by _volunteers_ from the United States; and the trade in
arms and munitions of war with Texas. Doc. No. 266, H. of R., 27th
congress, 2d session.

[26] See doc., No. 166, H. of R., 27th congress, 3d session, page 85.

[27] Id. pages 15, 68, 73.

[28] Diario del Gobierno--Mexico, 1842.

[29] A correspondence relative to this seizure of Monterey took place at
Washington between Mr. Webster, secretary of state, and Gen. Almonte,
the Mexican minister; and, in Mexico, between Senor Bocanegra, minister
of foreign affairs, and Mr. Waddy Thompson, our diplomatic
representative. Mexico complained