John C. Calhoun

“ In making the fact known to the Mexican government the president enjoins it on you to give it, in the first place the strongest assurance, that in adopting this measure, our government is actuated by no feelings of disrespect or indifference to the honor and dignity of Mexico, and that it would be a subject of great regret if it should be otherwise regarded by its government. And in the next place, that the step was forced on the government of the United States in self defence, in consequence of the policy adopted by Great Britain in reference to the abolition of slavery in Texas. ”

“ But while it could not with a due regard to the safety of the Union do that, it has taken every precaution to make the terms of the treaty as little objetionable to Mexico as possible, and among others has left the boundary of Texas without specification, so that what the line of boundary might be lef t an open question to be fairly and fully discussed and settled according to the right of each and the mutual interest and security of the two countries. ”