President probably thought that General Gaines's zeal in behalf of Texas was putting the country to unnecessary expense. Why the order countermanding the General's requisition was not given through the Secretary of War does not appear. Possibly it was deemed most prudent not to put the important admission we have quoted, on record in the War Office, and it is to some accident or carelessness that we are indebted for this letter, among the official documents published by Congress. Let its date be kept in mind, oth August, 1836. On the 10th of the succeeding September, the Mexican Minister at Washington wrote to the Secretary of State, and, referring to some newspaper statements that the United States troops had invaded the Mexican territoiy, averred that, if this invasion was sanctioned by the Gov- ernment, his mission must terminate. And what reply was returned ? Did the Government apologize fbr the invasion as having been induced by false reports ? Did it acknowledge, that there was now " no information to justify the apprehension of hostihties to any serious ex- tent from our Western Indians," and that therefore the troops should be immediately recalled ? Far different was the response returned. The Secretary of State admitted that American troops were then stationed at Nagadoches, and further, that on the 4,th of that month the Piesident had instructed General Gaines to enter the Mexican territory, if he shall be satisfied, " that any body of Indians who disturb the peace of the frontier of the United States, receive assistance or shelter within the Mexican terri- tory."
The Minister denied that Mexico had any wish to ex- cite the Indians against the United States, and he formally demanded the withdrawal of the troops from the Mexican territory (Texas). This demand was, on the 13th Octo- ber, met by a flat refusal—a refusal coupled with insult. The Minister was informed by our Secretary of State, that by treaty each party was bound to restrain its own Indi- ans from making hostile incursions upon the territories of the other ; and, as Mexico had not the abiUty to fulfil her engagement, the United States had the right in self- defence to occupy her territory. Not a particle of evi- dence was adduced to