Suchergebnisse

Winfield Sherwood writes from Boonville, New York, to Alden Partridge in Norwich, Vermont, and notes that Rufus King, a graduate of West Point and editor of the Albany Daily Advertiser, had criticized Partridge's plan for reorganizing the militia; Sherwood is currently engaged in the survey and construction of the Black River Canal; notes the national convention of militia will be held in October in New York; asks questions about artillery evolutions. ; Transcription by Raymond Bouchard. Transcriptions may be subject to error.

Broadside with a message from Vermont Governor William A. Palmer after he was elected in 1831; mentions the militia and the subject of a national bank. ; GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE, Gentlemen of the Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: Being again called to the office of Chief Magistrate of the State, by a majority oi the suffrages of the General Assembly, I accept the trust confided to me, and will use ray best endeavors to discharge the duties incumbent on me, for the good of the State, and the interests of the people, The Constitution enjoins upon the Governor and Council to take care that the laws be faithfully administered, and to carry into execution such measures as may be resolved upon by the General Assembly. Very few of the Executive powers of our Government are entrusted solely, to the Chief Magistrate; but, on the contrary, are entrusted to certain officers, who, from their appointment, and the nature of their duties, appear to be exempted from executive direction or censure. In the financial department, a vigilance in the executive over subordinate officers, who may be in any way, employed in receiving and paying over public monies, seems more important. The necessity of any particular attention to this, by the Executive, is however superceded by the laws already in force, by which it is made the duty of all subordinate officers, connected in any way with the collection of the revenue, to make annual settlements with the head of the treasury department. An annual settlement is also to be made with the treasury department, with a full and fair statement of the accounts, together with the balances due, to be laid before the General Assembly at their October session. By the foregoing provision in the law, any call of the Executive on the Treasury department, for the information of the General Assembly is rendered unnecessary. Some attention to this subject* by the Legislature may be attended with beneficial results. Our duty as Legislators is to provide wholesome laws for the promotion of virtue, happiness and prosperity among the people, upon whom the laws are to operate. One of the important ends of all government, is> to teach each individual of the community the necessity of self-government. When we reflect on the vast influence of the laws in moulding and fom^g the manners, habits and virtues of a people, and that this influence, in our own case, is to exert itself on IiLile leGs than three hundred thousand individuals, the business entrusted o us assumes an importance demanding our highest efforts to render such influence salutary in its operation. That such has not been the case in all countries, has arisen from the irresponsibility with which the powers of government have been exercised by their rulers—an irresponsibility growing out of the mistaken and anti-republican doctrine that those powers were exersised by men in der such circumstances is it to be wondered at that the laws, instead of being calculated to promote the general welfare, should be wrested to the purposes cf individual aggrandizement ? Our government is happily so organized that the duty and interests of the lawgiver are necessarily identified with the rights and interests of the community, and under such circumstances of responsibility, as to compel him to feel less sympathy for the ruler than the ruled. From these considerations it would seem that nothing but a great degree of ignorance or depravity could induce those who are employed in making and executing the laws, to be forgetful of the rights and interests of their constituents, and it behoves us, in the prosecution of our important duties, to keep these great principles of republican freedom constantly in view, and not to flatter ourselves that the people have become, cither so ignorant or disregarded of their just rights as to sanction or submit to any attempt to impose upon their ignorance or credulity. The sentiments, in regard to public worship, religion, and morality, interwoven with our constitution, as far as our limited knowledge can extend, have had great influence on the people! These circumstances, under our established form of government, excluding as it does all persecution and intolerance in matters of religion and modes ot worship, give to our state an I honorab 1 e station in the view of the enlightened part of the world. The principles and precepts of the gospel, if improved for religious and moral purposes only, will always make good men, and by consequence, good j citizens. Upon the religious and literary institutions of the State, our happiness as a people, essentially depends. While therefore, that freedom of opinion, and those rights of conscience, which are recognized in our constitution, are sacredly maintained, the Legislature will not fail to give every suitable, encouragement to their support. Permit me again to call your attention to the subject of the Militia. Unprepared to enter into details, my observations must be general. However some may esteem it, the Militia is the great depository of our liberty and independence-—it is the first and last hope of our country. Let the Militia become and remain inefficient and our transition to despotism will be gradual perhaps, but inevitable. Previous to the Revolution, the greatest care was taken to keep the militia in an unorganized and inefficient state. In most of the then British Provinces, patriotic exertions were made, but with little effect, to counteract this slavish policy; the Provincial Governors, generally opposed to the interests of the people, iheir own right, and not in the right appointed the Militia officers subser- and for the good of th® people, Un- || vient to their own view?. When? how ever, war with the mother country became inevitable, one of the first and most important measures adopted, was the reorganization of the whole body of the militia, and since that period most of the States have paid a marked and laudable attention to the subject. The result has, in many instances done honor to the Government ; the measures adopted have excised a martial spirit which merits every attention and encouragement. The materials composing the militia are independent and aspiring citizens, whose fearless spirit never was, and, with confidence it may be said never will be subdued by foreign domination. They will sooner, by far, nobly perish on the field of battle-, than surrender their beloved country—the birthright of themselves and those most dear to them, to an inexorable and haughty invader. Such materials for soldiers are not exceeded in any other country, and is j it proper or expedient to let them remain unimproved, when they are so vitally important to our existence as a free people? And is it sound policy to continue to neglect the discipline of the militia—suffer the military ardor heretofore existing among the yeomanry, which has given us a name aaiong the nations, to languish and expire ? Or shall an effort be made to secure a proper organization of the militia and foster a military spirit among the people ? 1 therefore earnestly recommend the subject to your careful consideration and control, but hope that the present session will not pass without the adoption of some measure calculated to promote the object in view. During the past year there has been much agitation on the subject of the United States Bank, and the measures of the national executive in relation to it. The questions of principle involved in the controversy are of vast importance to the interests of the nation, and require to be discussed and decided with reference both to the present convenience and necessities of the people, and also to their influence upon the future destinies of the country. An institution, like that of the Bank of the United States, necessarily possess powers, which, if exercised for good, as they ever should be, are most beneficent in their ope- railons, and, if exerted for evil, are of a nature the most pernicious. If such an institution, therefore, be demanded to meet the wants of the community, the utmost caution should be observed in framing the provisions of its charter—the most effectual checks placed upon its power—and the most waichful vigilance exercised with regard to its conduct. That a National Bank, with proper powers and restrictions, is both necessary and constitutional, 1 do not doubt. I deem, however, the charter o^'he present Bank exceptionable in several of its provisions, and am opposed to its renewal in its present form. Its conduct, in some respeGts, I consider justly liable to censure ; yet, I cannot regard that, as furnishing any justification of the executive proceedings in relation to it, some of which I deem pernicious in their consequences and altogether unwarrantable. The public mind has been much agitated in relation to certain abuses and assumptions of power on the part of the national executive. It will be sufficient for me to say, in connexion with this subject, that too much vigilance cannot be exercised, either on the part of the people or the state legislatures, with respect to his patronage and power. A manifestation by him of the least, disposition, either to overstep the bounds of the constitution and laws, or to exercise those powers which he legitimately and constitutionally possesses, for purposes not within the scope of his duties, should be met and resisted, on the threshhold, as the beginning of tyranny. At the last session of the General Assembly a resolution wras passed, requesting me to renew the correspondence with the Governor General of the Brinsh Provinces, upon the ^subject of obstructions at the outlet of the waters of Lake Champlain, and to solicit, that a commissioner or commissioners be appointed, on the part of that government, to act in conjunction with commissioners appointed on the part of this State, to ascertain, if practicable, the true cause, or causes, of the overflowing of the lands in this State, on the margin of Lake Champlain and its tributary streams, and the extent of the evils complained of. In pursuance of the request expressed in that resolution, in February last, I addressed a letter to the Governor General of the British Provinces in North America, on that subject, requesting the appointment of commissioners on the part of the government of Lower Canada, to meet such as were appointed on the part of this State, for the purpose of carrying the object referred to into effect, but have received no answer from the Governor, or any of the authorities of that government. At a period of uncommon agitation and embarrassment, it is among the important duties required of us to soar above local and partial views—-to cherish and inculcate a disinterested spirit, and to secure, by every possible means, the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. It only remains with me to assure you that I shall, in all things, heartily co-operate with you, in the necessary measures to promote and ensure the general welfare, W. A- PALMER. Montpslier, Oct, IS, 1834

Recognition of the independence of Texas. Reports, incidents and various accounts to the government of the United States of America. Yucatan Governor Miguel Barbachano, announces that the Americans have taken over the Isla del Carmen, which has lost support from the State. p. 1-7 Texas Independence. General correspondence during the years 1846-1847. p. 8-11. Decree from the Supreme Commander of the Army: Joseph M. Salas, on trade with the United States and on places occupied by the enemy. p. 12-13. Newsletter containing various answers from the legislative bodies of the government of the State of Mexico on questions relating to the war against the invaders. p. 14-24. Report given to the government of Yucatán, explaining why two individuals left and gave information to the commander of U.S. forces. p. 25-29. General Ventura Mora, commanding general of Sinaloa, announced that they found no enemy ships along the coast and that Rafael de la Vega has been appointed governor. p. 30-31 The legislatures of Tamaulipas ask the general government for resources to repel the invaders. p. 32-42. The Governor of Durango reports on the movements of the military forces of the State. p. 43-45 Commission given to Mr. Joaquín del Castillo, Lazas Manuel Larrainzar and Juan de la Granja to study personal files relating to Texas. p. 46-56. The government of Tamaulipas has moved to the town of Tula due to the occupation of enemy forces in Ciudad Victoria. p. 57-59 General Francisco de Garay, commander of Huejutla requests instructions from the central government. p. 60-72. Correspondence with the government of Nuevo Leon, related to the war against the United States. p. 73-93. The government of San Luis Potosi asks for the money back it gave to the Northern Army for war expenses, the request was made through personal correspondence. p. 94-97. The War Department inserted an official response from General Santa Anna regarding questions made by the commander of Durango concerning the approved legislative measures that he is able to carry out in defense of the state. p. 98-102. The Minister of War reports that the states of Puebla and Veracruz, both situated in Jalapa, have forces of a 1,000 men and 2,500 men respectively to help beat the invaders. p. 103-113. A review of the political state of the Republic at the time of the invasion for Mexican diplomats abroad. p. 114-119. The Minister of War orders the military commander of Mexico to organize a body under General Romulo Diaz de la Vega, to march against the invaders at Veracruz. p. 120-127 Decree from the temporary Congress making available the National Guard of the States and Territories of the Federation during the war with the United States. p. 128-129. Information given to the governors regarding the national guard forces at their disposal. p. 130-168. The Minister of War has ordered the Governor of Mexico to have 1,000 men available for reserves. P. 169-171. Pio Pico, Governor of the Californias, commissioned Jose Matias Moreno to work with the central government on how to get resources to repel American invaders. p. 172-182 The Government of San Luis Potosi relates complaints from the neighboring area of Real de Catorce against the General of the Northern Army: Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who imposed a loan upon on them without the knowledge of their own local authorities. p. 183-190. The Governor of Jalisco, reports that Americans have been trying to occupy the Pacific ports and orders garrisons at the ports San Blas and Manzanillo. p. 191-208. 300 National Guardsmen from Guanajuato are ordered to go to Mazatlan and restore order. p. 209- 213. The Vice-Consul of Lima, recounts actions taken in Monterrey against the invaders. p. 214-216. Defensive plan from General Isidro Reyes to prevent the enemy from taking possession of Durango Zacatecas penetrating the interior. p. 217-230

The recognition of the independence of Texas. Reports, incidents and different accounts from the government of the United States of America on the subject. The Governor of Tamaulipas prohibits any communication between Matamoros and the rest of the state that is occupied by the enemy. p. 1-5. By proclamation from the Governor of Tamaulipas he declares that Linares has been occupied by the enemy. p. 6-11. The blockade of Veracruz by the American warship "Mississippi". p. 12-14. Combat in Tampico on 8 and 9 May. Defeat of the Mexican forces. p. 15-22. The Tamaulipas Governor issues passports to San Luis Potosi and Mexico City for several individuals who deserted the U.S. Army. p. 23 -25. The Governor of Tamaulipas announces the cessation of communication between Matamoros and the rest of the government departments to prevent smuggling. p. 26-30. The Magistrate of Tamiahua says that Mexicans will defend la Barra de Tecoluta against invading U.S. forces. p. 31-33. A contract is made to send supplies to the northern troops fighting the American invaders. p. 34-45. Circulated notice of May 30 to shut down U.S. consulates in Mexico and the Mexican Consultates in the United States because of the conflict. p. 46-65. Residents of Zacapoaxtla offer their services on hearing of the defeat of the Mexican troops in the outskirts of Matamoros. p. 66-68. The Prefect of Tuxpan, marches with forces to Tampico, which are being threatened by General Taylor of the invading army. p. 69-77. The Governor of Nuevo Leon sends his report to General Canales on the progress of the American invaders. p. 78-85 The commander of Tamaulipas has ended hostilities between the ship that blocks the Port of Tamaulipas and the troops who defend it. p. 86-91. The Governor of Tamaulipas reports enemy movements in their state and in Nuevo Leon. p. 92-111 The Governor of Nuevo Leon, indicates the causes that could have led to the defeat of the North Division in the defense of Monterrey. p. 112-115 The mayors of Camargo, Mier, Reynosa and Ciudad Guerrero, invite residents of the border states to resist the invaders in view of the inability of the government to maintain troops in those places. p. 116-122 Enemy raids in New Mexico. The Chihuahua legislature seeks to ask England for help against the enemy. p. 123-146 Invaders in Alta California. Officials from the Second District report the occupation of Sonoma. p. 147-153. The commander of Tamaulipas declares that the city and port of Tampico is under siege. p. 154-158 American ships in Veracruz met with the Mexican vessels "Unborn" and "Creole", the enemy captured the first and set fire to the second. p. 159-223. Public meetings. Decree on granting permission to take action against the American invaders. p. 224-230. The governor of California is given authority to allocate resources to assist the government. p. 231- 233. The Congress gives power to the army to repel the aggression of the United States. p. 234-235. The commander of the naval forces in the Pacific, John D. Sloot, declares a proclamation to the people of California, after the defeat of General Arista. p. 236-238. An act raised in el Rancho del Azúcar from the mayors of Camargo, Mier, Reynosa and Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, expressing their support to fight the enemy. p. 239-245. The Governor of Coahuila announces the occupation of the towns of Camargo and Laredo by U.S. troops. p. 246-251. The Governor of Tamaulipas reports that a division of American forces have left Matamoros and are heading towards Monterrey. p. 252-262. The government announces the arrest of Querétaro Marcelino Merced, for being agents of the Americans. P. 263-266 The Governor of Tamaulipas, announces that the enemy advances on Monterrey. p. 267-281

Reports, incidents and different accounts to the government of the United States of America. The Governor of San Luis Potosi, reports aid that has been ministered to government troops. p. 1-5 Communication to the governors of the states, received by letter in Tampico, concerning knowledge that the United States is preparing to continue the war against Mexico. p. 6-16. The Governor of Tamaulipas proposes means to defend the territory which was left helpless by the evacuation of Matamoros. p. 17-23. Information on the ship "Cyane", which was rejected from Guaymas, Sonora by the troops and townspeople of the village. p. 24-27. Manuel Jose Othon, Governor of San Luis Potosi, announces that they are preparing to repel the American invaders. p. 28. Orders are given to prohibit entrance to enemy ships bearing the English flag to the borders and rivers of Veracruz. p. 29-56. The Governor of Durango, announced that the American troops that invaded New Mexico have occupied the town of Dona Ana, near El Paso. p. 57-59. The Minister of War, forwards copies of communications between the political and military authorities of Baja California and the commander of the American warship sent to blockade the port of La Paz. p. 60-70. Plan brought forward by the Governor of Chihuahua, on defensive measures to be taken with suspicious foreigners entering the state because of the war with the United States. p. 71-84. The government of the state of Coahuila sent two decrees to the legislature of the State, one on the actions required by government due to the threat of the invasion of the capital by U.S. troops and the other pertaining to the appointment of a governor and lieutenant governor. p. 85-88. The Coahuila government attaches a copy of the protest addressed to the Commanding General of the U.S. troops. p. 89-91. The Governor of Coahuila moves to the town of Parras, after the capital is occupied by forces commanded by General Taylor. p. 92-97. The Governors of Tamaulipas and Puebla realize that the Americans occupy the port of Tampico. p. 98-109. The Governor of Nuevo Leon, reports on the movements of the invading troops. p. 110-112. The Governor of Coahuila, met with enemy forces under General Wool as they marched on Parras; the governor sent copies of the various daily messages received from the American general; the forces took food without paying p. 113-117. Notices sent to representatives abroad concerning the violations of agreements by the invading American forces. p. 118-123. The Minister of Finance, describes the financial shortage of the government and calls for other ministers to help meet the expenses of the army. p. 124-155. The Governor of Tamaulipas report that American invaders have entered Nuevo Leon and that he has no means to fight them. p. 156-160. The Governors of Zacatecas and Durango refuse to follow orders to attack by Santa Anna, claiming that it is damaging to the federal system. p. 161-185. The Governor of Tamaulipas warns that some Mexicans are trading food and livestock with the invaders, despite being enemies. p. 186-195. Notice sent to the governors of the border state governments to not allow American civilians entrance at border crossing points. p. 196-203. Lists of the ladies who made donations for the wounded in Monterrey. Offerings of various businesses, schools, etc. to contribute to the defense of the country. p. 204-281 The Governor of Durango, describes the upcoming danger that the state is in after being invaded by the Americans. p. 282-292. The head of the Veracruz government reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs concerning the destruction by our Mexican forces by an enemy ship. p. 293-294. The Governor of Veracruz, says that whatever monies are collected by the state board should be used to help pay the expenses of war with the Americans. p. 295-297. The Governor of Oaxaca says they have encountered 19 enemy vessels in Anton Lizardo and that they have no means to defend the coast against the invading forces. p. 298-300. Orders to the Governor of the State of Mexico to give Colonel Miguel Dominguez, fifty dollars for assistance to the army in San Luis Potosi. p. 301.