Slidell reported that Paredes was quickly losing his hold on power, citing the disaffection of several departments, as well as the government's inability to pay civil servants and, most importantly, the army. Persistent news reports that Paredes intended to bring back the Spanish monarchy had caused Slidell to give such rumors greater credence.
No. 12.
Mr. Slidell to Mr. Buchanan.
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OT AMERICA,
Jalapa, February 17, 1846.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on this day, of your despatch No. 5, dated 20th ultimo.
I send, herewith, duplicate of mine, of 6th instant, which will place you in possession of the present state of affairs in Mexico. Intelligence has since been received that the authorities of the departments of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Michoacan, and Queretaro, have protested, in strong terms, against the usurpation of Paredes, and, refusing to continue in the exercise of their functions, have dissolved. The government is evidently losing ground, and the disaffection which is openly manifested in the northern departments is extending itself in every direction. The civil employees are still without pay; but, what is vastly more important, the stipend of the troops in the capital is now seven days in arrear, and there is not a dollar in the treasury. As the Mexican soldier supplies his own food, the failure to pay him regularly is a much more serious matter than in armies where a regular commissariat provides for his daily subsistence. Appearances justify the belief that Paredes will not be able to sustain himself until the meeting of the constituent Congress; that his government will perish from inanition, if from no other cause.
I may, perhaps, have stated too unqualifiedly my opinion that if a despotism were established, Paredes intended to place himself at its head.
I send you a copy of the "Tiempo," a journal lately established; it is conducted by Lucas Alaman, who is reputed to be the most confidential adviser of Paredes. It contains the confession of faith of the monarchist party, and unreservedly advocates the calling of a foreign prince to the throne. This might be considered conclusive evidence of the views of Paredes, were it not for the existence of two other ministerial journals, which are strongly opposed to a monarchy; one of them, indeed, has decided federal tendencies.
I shall anxiously await your definite instructions by the "Mississippi." The advance of General Taylor's force to the left bank of the Rio del Norte, and the strengthening our squadron in the gulf, are wise measures, which may exercise a salutary influence upon the course of this government.
I have the honor, &c.,
JOHN SLIDELL.
