Taylor.

Mr. Polk, having decided on war, in case California could not be had by negotiation, commenced his preparations for waging it, even before the annexation with Texas was con- summated. On the 8th July, 1845, the Secretary of War wrote to Taylor, '•' This department is informed, that Mexico has soYne miUtary establishments on the east side of the Rio Grande, which are, and for some time past have been, in the actual occupation of her troops. In carrying out the instructions heretofore received, you will be careful to avoid any acts of aggression, unless a state of war should exist. The Mexican forces at the posts in their possession, and Which have been so, will not be dis- turbed so long as the relations of peace between the United States and Mexico continue." An invading army is sent into a territory in military possession of Mexico ; ter- ritory which had never been out of her possession since its conquest from the aborigines. But no attack is to be made on the Mexican forts ; let the first blow be struck by the Mexicans, and then the war will be one of defence, and therefore more popular. On the 6 th August, Taylor is informed that the seventh regiment of infantry and three companies of dragoons have been ordered to Texas, and 10,000 muskets, and 1,000 rifles. A few days after he is told, he will have " a force of four thousand men of the regular array." In addition to these regulars, requisitions were made upon the Governors of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky, to furnish Taylor with as many vohmteers as he might require. The Sec- retary of War, in thus caHing for an indefinite number of troops, makes the following candid and extraordinary con- fession : " It is proper to observe, that the emergency ren- dering such assistance from the militia of your State neces- sary, does not appear to have been foreseen hj Congress, and consequently no appropriation Avas made for paying them." Truly indeed C(jngress had not foreseen that Mr.