may. In the recent message of the Executive, after saying that a self-styled agent of Texas, a Mr. Neighbors, had come to Santa Fé for the purpose of arranging matters for Texas, he adds, what I can construe as nothing but a taunt,
"Meanwhile, I think that there is no reason for seriously apprehending that Texas will practically interfere with the possession of the United States."
How did that possession come? Is it, as gentlemen have argued, a conquered territory? Was it acquired by conquest and by blood? Sir, if blood was shed to vindicate the boundary, it was shed in Texas, after the United States had assumed to vindicate her boundary, but it was not shed in taking possession of Santa Fé by the American troops. The blood that flowed was at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma in defense of Texan soil, which the United States occupied as a portion of the American Union by virtue of the annexation of Texas; the occupation of Santa Fé was upon the same principle, but it was bloodless, and the recent Executive declared that it was the property of Texas, and subsequently he repeatedly recognized the right of Texas to the country lying east of the Rio Grande. President Polk directed the Secretary of War, Mr. Marcy, to order the military authorities to surrender to the authorities of Texas the civil government which had been held temporarily by the military authorities at Santa Fé. Yet it is now insisted that Texas has no rights there, and she is driven to vindication on the floor of this Chamber.
Mr. Pearce. Will the Senator permit me to ask him a question in explanation of a remark which he has just made? I understood him to say that the recent Executive had authorized the delivery of the government of this country into the hands of Texas.
Mr. Houston. Yes, sir. I have information to that effect—the military and civil authority.
Mr. Pearce. I should be glad to be informed by what act he did so?
Mr. Houston. It was by an order of the Secretary of War. I can not lay my hand on it at this moment, but I have no doubt of its existence; for I believe I have it from such authority as can not be doubted.
Mr. Pearce. I hope the Senator will be able to produce it.
Mr. Houston. I shall be happy to do so, sir; but, to let that point rest at this time I will bring more recent evidence to satisfy the gentleman. In a letter addressed by the Adjutant-General, on the 20th March, 1850, to Brevet-Col. Monroe, the officer commanding at Santa Fé, of course under the direction of the Secretary of War, I find the following language:
"I am directed by the Secretary of War to state, in reply, that, regarding as he does your orders to Major Van Home, of December 28, 1849, as manifestly assuming to decide the question of territorial jurisdiction of Texas over the places enumerated therein, and professing to extend a 'code' of laws which had not been accepted by the people even whilst under military authority, it is deemed necessary distinctly to repeat, for your guidance on this occasion, what the department has often stated, that the Executive has no power to adjust and settle the question of territorial limits involved in this case. Other co-ordinate departments are alone competent to make the decision. . The main duties of the army are: to give protection and security on the soil of the United States, and preserve internal peace. Whatever else is done must arise from the urgent pressure of a necessity which can not be postponed, and to avoid the exercise of any civil authority which is not justified by that necessity. In sending to these people the
