By the third week in May, U.S. consul John Black (and other residents of the nation?s capital) had learned of the clash between U.S. and Mexican forces along the Rio Grande, but did not know any details. Black reported to Washington that the Paredes regime was relying heavily on the British, which was seeking Mexican territory, commercial privileges, and additional loan guarantees as the price of its support.
3674
John Black, United States Consul at Mexico City, to James Buchanan, Secretary of State of the United States
No. 373 MEXICO, May 23, 1846.
SIR: As yet the Mexican Government has given no particulars of the Actions which have taken place between their forces which crossed the river to attack the American Camp, and those of General Taylor, though many accounts are in circulation, and people here (even Mexicans) have been induced to think that it was worse than it really is, and the report has been very current, that three thousand of the Mexican army have been killed and taken prisoners, while the American account said to come from General Taylors Camp is only fifteen hundred, many of the Mexicans are not sorry at this defeat of their army, but are rather inclined to believe, that the cause of their country has been served by it, and would like to see the whole of their army destroyed, as it is of no use to the Country and only serves the cause of military aspirants, and to keep them in eternal revolutions,
The people are not entirely ignorant of what is going on for the destruction of the elective franchise, and for the establishment of a Monarchy, to be brought about by European Management and intervention, and it is believed here by many that England although she has not visibly committed herself in this affair, yet she is the Secret Spring, that has set all this Machinery in Motion, and that she will not fail to make every effort in her power to bring about her darling object by means of a wily diplomacy.
It is confidently believed by many that Paredes has a good understanding with the English, and that England has three particular objects in view to obtain from this Country, namely Territory, an Exclusive privilege, for the introduction of particular branches of her manufactures, such as Cotton, Yarn, and an additional guarantee, for the Amount of Interest on money which may remain due after deducting the value of the Territory to be ceded, and on a large loan to be given, on the ceding of Said Territory, and granting an advantageous Commercial Treaty.--The funds of the new loan may be destined to carry on a war against the United States, and for establishing the Monarchy--
The British Government for these advantages will probably offer their guarantee for the fixing of the boundary between this Country and the United States--say on the River Nueces,
Should Paredes succeed in retaining his power the above will likely be attempted to be carried through,--England will endeavour to have a South, or Western boundary if possible, to hem in the United States, and should she succeed in these her present plans, not many years would elapse ere her views are extended. She has not only the present administration on her side, but also the leading dignitaries of the Church, and her gold can secure the army.--The United States will never occupy her just position in this Country until the Federal System is restored the greatest obstacle to this is the army, supported by the Church, but if the army was destroyed the political influence and power of the church, would be circumscribed, by the power of the people, and the influence they have over the lower clergy--
I have the honor [etc.].
