MR. CLAY'S LEXINGTON SPEECH.

the sake of that harbor.

Of the possessions which appertain to Man, the War ceases, Mexico ought to be required|| in his collective or individual condition, none to pay the debts due our citizens, perhaps an should be preserved and cherished with more equivalent for that Bay may be found in that sedulous and unremitting care than that of debt, our Government assuming to pay to an unsullied character. It is impossible to our citizens whatever portion of it may be estimate it too highly in society when attash-applied to that object. But it should form ed to an individual, nor can it be exaggerate no motive in the prosecution of the War, or too greatly magnified in a nation. Those which I would not continue a solitary hour who lose or are indifferent to it become just objects of scorn and contempt. Of all the But what. it will be asked, shall we make abominable transactions which sully the pages peace without any indemnity for the exof history, none exceed in enormity that of penses of the war? If the published docuthe dismemberment and partition of Poland ments in relation to the late negotiations beby the three great Continental Powers-Rus- tween Mr. Trist and the Mexican Commis sia, Austria and Prussia. Ages may pass sioners be true. and I have not seen them any. away, and centuries roll around, but so long where contradicted, the Executive properly as human records endure, all mankind will waived any demand of indemnity for the unite in execrating the rapacious and detest-expenses of the War. And the rupture of|| able deed. That was accomplished by over-that negotiation was produced, by our Gov whelming force, and the unfortunate exist ernment insisting upon a cession from Mexi ence of fatal dissensions and divisions in the co, of the strip of mostly barren land between bosom of Poland. Let us avoid affixing to the Nueces and the Rio Bravo and New our name and national character a similar, if Mexico, which Mexico refused to make. So not worse, stigma. I am afraid that we do that we are now fighting, if not for the connot now stand well in the opinion of other quest of all Mexico, as intimated in some parts of Christendom. Repudiation has quarters, for that narrow strip, and for the brought upon us much reproach. All the barren province of New-Mexico, with its few nations, 1 apprehend, look upon us, in the miserable mines. We bought all the proprosecution of the present War, as being vince of Louisiana for fifteen millions of dolactuated by a spirit of rapacity, and an inor- lars. and it is, in my opinion, worth more than dinate desire for territorial aggrandizement. all Mexico together. We bought Florida at Let us not forfeit altogether their good opin five millions of dollars, and a hard bargain it ions. Let us command their applause by a was, since, beside that sum. we gave up the noble exercise of forbearance and justice.-boundary of the Rio Bravo, to which I think In the elevated station which we hold, we we were entitled, as the western limit of the can safely afford to practice the God-like vir- Province of Louisiana, and were restricted tues of moderation and magnanimity. The to that of the Sabine. And we are now, if long series of glorious triumphs, achieved by not seeking the conquest of ali Mexico, to our gallant commanders and their brave ar- continue this War indefinitely for the incon mies, unattended by a single reverse, justify siderable objects to which I have just referred. us, without the least danger of tarnishing the But. it will be repeated: Are we to have national honor, in disinterestedly holding out no indemnity for the expenses of the war? the olive-branch of peace. We do not want Mexico is utterly unable to make us any pe the mines, the mountains, the morasses and cuniary indemnity, if the justice of the War the sterile lands of Mexico. To her the loss on our part entitled us to demand it. Her of them would be humiliating, and be a per- country has been laid waste, her cities burned petual source of regret and mortification. To or occupied by our troops, her means so exus they might prove a fatal acquisition, pro-hausted that she is unable to pay even her ducing distraction, dissension, division, pos- own armies. And every day's prosecution sibly disunion. Let, therefore, the integrity of the War, while it would augment the of the national existence and national terri- amount of our indemnity, would lessen the tory of Mexico remain undisturbed. For ability of Mexico to pay it. We have seen, one, I desire to see no part of her territory however, that there is another form in which torn from her by war. Some of our people we are to demand indemnity. It is to be ter have placed their hearts upon the acquisition ritorial indemnity! I hope, for reasons alof the Bay of San Francisco in Upper Cali-ready stated, that that firebrand will not be fornia. To us, as a great maritime power, it brought into our country. might prove to be of advantage hereafter in Among the resolutions, which it is my inrespect to our commercial and navigating in- tention to present for your consideration, at To Mexico, which can never be a the conclusion of this address, one proposes, great maritime power, it can never be of in your behalf and mine, to disavow, in the much advantage. If we can obtain it by fair most positive manner, any desire. on our part, purchase for a just equivalent, I should be to acquire any foreign territory whatever, for happy to see it so acquired. As, whenever the purpose of introducing slavery into it. I

terests.

MR. CLAY'S LEXINGTON SPEECH.

do not know that any citizen of the United gradual emancipation, which was the conStates entertains such a wish. But such a tinuance of the emancipated slaves to abide motive has often been imputed to the Slave among us. That scheme is the American States, and I therefore think it necessary to Colonization Society. About twenty-eight notice it on this occasion. My opinions on the years ago, a few individuals, myself among subject of Slavery are well known. They them, met together in the City of Washing have the merit. if it be one, of consistency, ton, and laid the foundation of that Society. uniformity, and long duration. I have ever It has gone on amid extraordinary difficulties regarded Slavery as a great evil, a wrong, for and trials, sustaining itself almost entirely by the present, 1 fear, an irremediable wrong, to spontaneous and voluntary contributions its unfortunate victims. I should rejoice if from individual benevolence, with scarcely not a single slave breathed the air or was any aid from Government. The Colonies. within the limits of our country. But here planted under its auspices, are now well es they are, to be dealt with as well as we can, tablished communities, with churches, schools with a due consideration of all circumstances and other institutions appertaining to the civ affecting the security, safety and happiness ilized state. They have made successful war of both races. Every State has the supreme, in repelling attacks and invasions by their uncontrolled and exclusive power to decide barbarous and savage neighbors. They have for itself whether slavery shall cease or con-made treaties, annexed territories to their dotinue within its limits, without any exterior minion, and are blessed with a free represen intervention from any quarter. In States, tative government. I recently read a mes where the slaves outnumber the whites, as is sage, from one of their Governors to their the case with several. the blacks could not be Legislature, which, in point of composition, emancipated and invested with all the rights and in careful attention to the public affairs of of freemen, without becoming the governing their Republic, would compare advanta race in those States. Collisions and conflicts, geously with the Messages of the Governors between the two races, would be inevitable, (of our own States. I am not very superand, after shocking scenes of rapine and carstitious, but I do solemnly believe that these nage, the extinction or expulsion of the blacks Colonies are blessed with the smiles of Provi would certainly take place. In the State of dence, and if we may dare attempt penetrat Kentucky, near fifty years ago, I thought the ing the veil by which He conceals His allproportion of slaves, in comparison with the wise dispensations from mortal eyes, that He whites, was so inconsiderable that we might designs that Africa shall be the refuge and safely adopt a system of gradual emancipa- the home of the descendants of its sons and tion that would ultimately eradicate this evil daughters, torn and dragged from their native in our State. That system was totally differ- land by lawless violence.

ent from the immediate abolition of Slavery It is a philanthropic and consoling reflec for which the party of the Abolitionists of the tion that the moral and physical condition of present day contend. Whether they have the African race in the United States, even in intended it or not, it is my calm and delibera state of slavery, is far better than it would ate belief, that they have done incalculable have been if their ancestors had never been mischief even to the very cause which they brought from their native land. And if it espoused, to say nothing of the discord which should be the decree of the Great Ruler of has been produced between different parts of the Universe that their descendants shall be the Union. According to the system we at-made instruments in His hands to the estab tempted. near the close of the last century, lishment of Civilization and the Christian Reall slaves in being were to remain such; but. ligion throughout Africa, our regrets, on acall who might be born subsequent to a speci-count of the original wrong, will be greatly fied day, were to become free at the age of mitigated.

twenty eight, and during their service were It may be argued that, in admitting the into be taught to read, write and cypher. Thus justice of Slavery, I admit the necessity of an instead of being thrown upon the community. instantaneous reparation of that injustice. ignorant and unprepared, as would be the Unfortunately, however, it is not always safe. case by immediate emancipation, they would practicable or possible, in the great move have entered upon the possession of their ments of States and public affairs of nations. freedom, capable in some degree of enjoying to remedy or repair the infliction of previous it. After a hard struggle, the system was de- injustice. In the inception of it, we may op feated, and I regret it extremely, as, if it had pose and denounce it, by our most strenuous been then adopted, our State would be now exertions; but, after its consummation, there nearly rid of that reproach. is often no other alternative left us but to de-l

Since that epoch, a scheme of unmixed be- plore its perpetration, and to acquiesce as the nevolence has sprung up, which, if it had ex-ouly course, in its existence, as a less evil than isted at that time, would have obviated one of the frightful consequences which might ensue the greatest objections which was made to from the vain endeavor to repair it. Blavery

MR. CLAY'S LEXINGTON SPEECH.

is one of those unfortunate instances. The 2d. That the President, being unenlightenep evil of it was inflicted upon us by the parent and uninstructed, by any public declaration country of Great Britain, against all the en- of Congress, as to objects for which it ought treaties and remonstrances of the Colonies. to be prosecuted, in the conduct of it, is, neAnd here it is among and amid us, and we cessarily, left to his own sense of what the must dispose of it as best we can under all national interests and honor may require. the circumstances which surround us. It con- 3d. That the whole war-making power of tinued, by the importation of slaves from Af-the nation, as to motives, causes and objects, rica, in spite of Colonial resistance, for a pe- is confided by the Constitution to the discre riod of more than a century and a half, and it tion and judgment of Congress may require an equal or longer lapse of time 4th. That it is, therefore, the right of Conbefore our country is entirely rid of the evil. gress, at the commencement or during the And in the meantime, moderation, prudence progress of any War, to declare for what ob and discretion among ourselves, and the bles-jeets and purposes the War ought to be waged sings of Providence, may be all necessary to and prosecuted

accomplish our ultimate deliverance from it. 5th. That it is the right and duty of ConExamples of similar infliction of irreparable gress to announce to the Nation for what obnational evil and injustice might be multiplied jects the present War shall be longer con to an indefinite extent. The case of the An- tinued: that it is the duty of the President, in nexation of Texas to the United States is a the exercise of all his official functions, to recent and an obvious one, which, if it were conform to and carry out this declared will of wrong, cannot now be repaired Texas is Congress, by the exercise, if necessary, of now an integral part of our Union, with its all the high powers with which he is clothed own voluntary consent. Many of us opposed and that, if he fail or refuse to do so, it be the Annexation with honest zeal and most comes the imperative duty of Congress to arearnest exertions. But who would now think rest the farther progess of the War by the of perpetrating the folly of casting Texas out most effectual means in its power. of the Confederacy and throwing her back Let Congress announce to the Nation the upon her own independence, or into the arms objects for which this War shall be farther of Mexico? Who would now seek to di-protracted, and public suspense and public vorce her from this Union? The Creeks and inquietude will no longer remain. If it is to the Cherokee Indians were, by the most ex-be a War of conquest of all, or any part of ceptionable means, driven from their country, Mexico, let the people know it, and they will and transported beyond the Mississippi River. no longer be agitated by a dark and uncerTheir lands have been fairly purchased and tain future. But, although I might have foroccupied by inhabitants of Georgia, Alabama, borne to express any opinion whatever as to Mississippi and Tennessee. Who would now the purposes and objects for which the War conceive the flagrant injustice of expelling should be continued, I have not thought prothose inhabitants and restoring the Indian per to conceal my opinions, whether worth country to the Cherokees and Creeks, under anything or not, from the public examination. color of repairing original injustice? During Accordingly I have stated: the War of our Revolution, millions of paper 6th. That it seems to me that it is the duty money were issued by our ancestors, as the of our country, as well on the score of mode only currency with which they could achieve ration and magnanimity, as with the view of our liberties and independence. Thousands avoiding discord and discontent at home, to and hundreds of thousands of families were abstain from seeking to conquer and annex to stripped of their homes and their all, and the United States, Mexico or any part of it; brought to ruin, by giving credit and confi- and, especially, to disabuse the public mind dence to that spurious currency. Stern ne-in any quarter of the Union of the impression, cessity has prevented the reparation of that if it anywhere exists, that a desire for congreat national injustice. quest is cherished for the purpose of propa

But I forbear: 1 will no longer trespass gating or extending Slavery.. upon your patience or farther tax my own I have embodied, Mr. President and fellowvoice, impaired by a speech of more than citizens, the sentiments and opinions which three hours' duration which professional duty I have endeavored to explain and enforce, in required me to make only a few days ago. a series of Resolutions, which I beg now to If I have been at all successful in the exposi-submit to your consideration and judgment. tion of the views and opinions which I en- They are the following:

tertain, I have shown

1. Resolved, As the opinion of this meeting, that 1st. That the present. War was brought the primary cause of the present unhappy War exabout by the Annexation of Texas and the isting between the United States of America and subsequent order of the President, without the United States of the Republic of Mexico, was the previous consent and authority of Con-the Annexation of Texas to the former; and that the

gress.

immediate occasion of hostilities between the two Republics arose out of the order of the President of

the United States for the removal of the army underferal institutions; and we anxiously hope that each the command of Gen. Taylor, from its position at nation may be left in the undisturbed possession Corpus Christi to a point opposite o Matamoros, of its own laws, language, cherished religion and on the east bauk of the Rio Bravo, within the terterritory, to pursue its own happiness, according ritory claimed by both Republics, but then under to what it may deem best for itself. the jurisdiction of that of Mexico, and inhabited 6. Resolved, That, corsidering the series of splenby its citizens; and that the order of the President did and brilliant victories achieved by our braver for the removal of the ariny to that point, was im-irmies and their gallant commanders, during the rovident and unconstitu ional, it being without War with Mexico, unattended by a single reverse. the concurrence of Congress, or even any consulta the United States, without any danger of their tion with it, although it was in session; but that honor suffering the slightest tarnish, can practice Congress having, by subsequent acts, recognized the virtues of moderation and magnanimity toward the War thus brought into existence without it their discomfited foe. We have no desire for the previous authority of consent, the prosecution of it dismemberment of the United States of the Rebecame thereby National.

public of Mexico, but wish only a just and pro-j per fixation of the limits of Texas.

2. Resolved, That, in the absence of any formal and public declaration by Congress f the objects for which the War ought to be prosecuted, he Pres dent of the United States, as Chief Magistrate and 89 Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, is left to the guidance of his own judgment to prosecute it for such purposes and objects as he may deem the honor and interest of 8. Resolved, That we invite our fellow-citizens of

he nation to require.

7. Resolved, That we do positively and emphatically disclaim and disavow any wish or desire, on our part, to acquire any foreign territory whatever, for the purpose propagating Slavery, or of introducing slaves from the United States, into such foreign territory.

the United States, who are anxious for the restora3. Resolved, That by the Constitution of the Uni-tion of the blessings of peace, or, if the existing ted States, Congress, being invested with power to War sha'i continue to be prosecuted, are desirous declare War, and grant letters of marque and re-that its purposes and objects shall be defined and prisal, to make rules concerning eaptures on land known; who are anxious to avert present and fuand water, to raise and support armies, to provide tare perils and dangers, with which it may be and maintain a navy, and to moke rules for the gov- fraught, and who are also anxious to produce conernment of the land and naval forces, has the full tentment and satisfaction at home, and to elevate and complete wa-making power of the United the national character abroad, to assemble together States; sady so possessing it, has a right to deter-in their respective communities, and to express mine upon the motives, causes and objects of any their views, feelings and opinions. War, when it commences, or at any time during the progress of its existence.

After reading the resolutions and handing, them to the Secretary, Mr. Clay concluded. 4. Resolved, As the farther opinion of this meeting, that it is the right and duty of Congress to de-apologizing for the length of time which he clare, by some authentic act, for what purposes and had trespassed upon the meeting, and thankubjects the existing War ought to be farther pros-ing the ladies and gentlemen, most cordially, cuted; that it is the duty of the President, in his for the honor done him by their attendance, official conduct, to conform to such a declaration of Congress; and that, if after such declaration on this occasion, and the profound attention the President should decline or refuse to endeavor, with which they had listened to him. by all the means, civil, diplomatic, and military, in his power, to execute the announced will of Con

NOTE BY THE EDITOR.-The speech was often

gress, and, in defiance of its anthority, should con- interrupted by bursts of applause, and both at its tinue to prosecute the War for purposes and ob

jects other than those declared by that body, it commencement and conclusion there was tremenwould become the right and duty of Congress to dous cheering.

NOTE -The National Intelligencer thus disposes

accuracy of Mr. Clay's Speech:

adopt the most efficacious measures to arrest the farther progress of the War, taking care to make ample provision for the honor, the safety and secu- of The Union's sole cavil of any consequence at the rity of our armies in Mexico, in every contingency. And, if Mexico should decline or refuse to conclude a treaty with us, stipulating for the purposes and objects so declared by Congress, it would be the duty of the Government to prosecute the War with the atmost vigor, until they were attained by treaty of peace.

a

"Mr. Slidell must have been considered as on his way to Mexico, with his diplomatic credentials, so long as it was uncertain whether or not he would be received by Mexico his diplomatic capacity. The order to General Taylor to transplant his command to the Rio Grande was given hefort any information was received here of the result of Mr. Sli5. Resolved, That we view with serious alarm, dell's application to be ao received. Without waiting for and are utterly opposed to any purpose of annex- the decision of the Mexican Government on the question of ing Mexico to the United States, in any mode, and receiving Mr. Slidell, while that question was depending, and especially by conquest; that we believe the two the Mexican Government impioring for time-that is to say. nations could not be happily governed by one com-more than two months before Mr. Slidell demanded his pass mon authority, owing to their great difference of ports from the Mexican Government-Gen. Taylor was or race, law, language, and religion, and the vast ex-dered to march the army under his command to the Ri Graude, and simultaneously a strong naval force was ordered tent of their respective territorios, and large to be assembled in the Gulf of Mexico. It was not until the amount of their respective populations; that such 15th of April, full three months after the order was issued to a union, against the consent of the exasperated Gen. Taylor, and twenty days after he began his march, that Mexican people, could only be effected and pre- it was known here (in this city) that Mr. Slidell had finally) served by large standing armies, and the constant been refused to be received.

application of military force-in other words, by Nay, the file of The Union itself conclusively exposes its despotic sway exercised over the Mexican people, own blunder in this matter. The order to Gen, Taylor was. in the first instance, but which, there would be as we have said, issued on the 13th January. In The Lion of February 10 the Editor informed his readers not only! Just cause to apprehend, might in process of time that Mr. Slidell had not been rejecte, but that he had been be extended over the people of the United States: received with much courtesy, and welcomed in the society That we depredate, therefore, such a union, as of the metropolis as an elegant and accomplished gentleman wholly incompatible with the genius of our Gov-He had not yet been reneived by the Governtaent in an offi ferment, and with the character of free and lib-cial capacity, neither had they declined his reception."

THE WAR WITH MEXICO.

Narrative of Events continued from Whig Almanac for 1847,

p. 37.

OUR narrative of the War, in last year's The operations of Gen. Scott, who had supublication, left Gen. Taylor in camp before perseded Gen. Taylor in chief command, with Monterey, which place had been surrendered drew from the latter nearly all the regular to him on the 21st of September: Gen. Kear troops and Gen. Worth, who proceeded with ney on the march to California, after the cap his detachment toward Vera Cruz. Gen. turo of Santa Fé, (August 18,) and the organ Taylor himself was directed to fall back to ization of a temporary Government in New Monterey and await recruits: he had but 600 Mexico, Charles Bent being appointed chief regulars when he again reached Monterey. executive officer: Commodore Stockton in All of January and a portion of February he declared possession of California, proclaim remained almost inactive at Monterey-re ing himself Governor and promulgating a inforcements occasionally arriving, until his code of laws: Gen. Wool in possession of force reached 6,000 effective men, mostly Monclova, where he arrived October 30, and new recruits.

preparing to advance to Chihuahua: Com. Anticipating an attack by Santa Anna to Perry master of Tabasco: Com. Conner in cut off his communication with Matamoros, possession of Tampico: Gen. Scott just or Gen. Taylor advanced rapidly toward San dered (Nov. 23) to proceed to Mexico and or- Luis, and on the 20th February encamped at ganize the Gulf Coast Expedition: and Santa Agua Nueva, 18 miles south of Saltillo. with Anna at San Luis de Potosi with a large a force of about 5,400 men: Santa Anna, with force, awaiting the advance of Gen. Taylor. an army of about 20,000, being at Encarnacion, From this point (November, 1847) we con- only one day's march south of this position. tinue our narrative. Having reconnoitered the Mexican position Gen. Taylor, having established his head-and strength, and satisfied himself that his quarters at Monterey, ordered Gen. Worth, camp at Agua Nueva could be easily out with 1,200 men and 8 pieces of artillery, to flanked by this immense force. Gen. Taylor advance to Saltillo, 70 miles from Monterey fell back about 11 miles and took a position in toward San Luis; and Gen. Wool, with 2,400 front of the hacienda of BUENA VISTA, where men and 6 pieces of artillery, to take post in the road passed through a narrow defile-the the town of Parras, about 70 miles north-east valley on the right being impracticable for of Saltillo. Gen. Patterson having been or-artillery, and the deep gullies and precipit dered to join Gen. Scott on the Coast, the tous ridges on the left mainly paralyzing the command of the reserve was allotted to Gen. efforts of cavalry. In this position he prepared Butler, with Monterey for his headquarters to receive Santa Anna's attack. Capt. Wash No opposition was met at Saltillo and Parras, ington's battery, 4th artillery, was placed to the Mexicans having retreated toward San command the road; the 1st and 2d Illinois Luis. Vera Cruz was in close blockade; and regiments, Cols. Hardin and Bisseli, each 8 Santa Auna had executive control in the companies, with Capt. Conner's company of Capital. Texas volunteers, occupied the ridges on the On the 15th of December, Gen. Taylor left and rear; the Arkansas cavalry, Col. Yell. marched for Victoria: on the 17th he joined and Kentucky cavalry, Col. Marshall, formed the 2d regiment of infantry and the 2d Ten-the extreme left at the base of the mountain; nessee regiment at Camargo. At Montemo while the Indiana brigade, Gen. Lane, the relos, 68 miles from Monterey, Gen. Taylor Mississippi riflemen, Col. Davis, the 1st and learned that Gen. Worth momentarily ex-2d dragoons, Capt. Steen, and Lt. Col May, pected an attack on Victoria by Santa Anna, and Capt. Sherman and Bragg's 3d artillery and ordering Gen. Quitman, with a field bat-light batteries, were held in reserve. tery, to meet Gen. Patterson at Victoria, Gen. Thus situated, Feb. 22, (the anniversary of Taylor fell back on Monterey, and on the the birth of WASHINGTON,) at 11 o'clock A. M. 20th advanced toward Saltillo with Gen. Gen. Taylor was summoned to surrender by Twiggs's division. The arrival of Gen. Santa Anna, as follows: Wool with reinforcements at Saltillo, and the retirement of the Mexicans toward San Luis. 20,000 men, and cannot, in any human probability, [TRANSLATION.]-"You are surrounded by changed this plan, and Gen. Taylor directed avoid suffering a rout and being cut to pieces This march toward Victoris, where he arrived with your troops; but as you deserve conteraDecember 30, tion and particular esteem. I wish to save you