ostensible object of a military intei'view. You will readily comprehend that in a country so divided into races, classes, and parties as Mexico is, and with so many local divisions among individuals, there must be great room for operating on the minds and feelings of large portions of the inhabit- ants, and inducing them to wish success to our invasion, which has no desire to injure their country, and which, in overthrowing their oppressors, may benefit themselves.
Between the Spaniards, who monopolize the wealth and power of the country, and the mixed Indian race who bear its burdens, there must be jealousy and animosity. The same feelings must exist between the the lower and higher orders of the clergij, the latter of whom have the dignities and revenues, while the former have poverty and labor. In all this field of division, in all these elements of social, pohtical, personal and local discord, there must be openings to reach the interests, passions, or principles, of some of the parties, and thereby conciliate their good will, and make them co-operators with us in bringing about an honorable and a speedy peace. The management of these delicate movements, are confided to your discretion."
There is no evidence that General Taylor ever engaged in these " delicate movements." He bravely fought the REVIEW OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 1^9 Mexicans ; but there is no reason to believe that he ever condescended to corrupt them.
It v/as very true that Mr. Polk would rather acquire territory by negotiation than by fighting; and hence it was his aim to disqualify the Mexicans from fighting, by promoting treason and rebellion ; and hence Taylor was instructed to encourage the departments to declare them- selves independent of the central Government. Hence also Comm<^lore Sloat was instructed (June 8th, 1846), " to encourage the people of that region (California), to enter into relations of amity with our country." Hence, General Kearney, four days after entering Santa Fe, informed the