In mid-March, Slidell informed Buchanan that the Paredes government, like its predecessor, had refused to accept his credentials, leaving him no alternative but to return to the United States. Slidell predicted the collapse of the government, citing growing fears that Paredes intended to reinstitute the Spanish monarchy.
No. 15.
Mr. Slidell to Mr. Buchanan.
(Extracts.]
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Jalapa, March 18, 1846.
On the 15th instant I received from the minister of foreign relations a reply to my communication of the 1st instant, of which you have already been advised.
It is a peremptory refusal to receive me in the capacity of envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary. I have consequently, in conformity with your instructions, applied for my passports, and, so soon as they are received, I shall proceed to Vera Cruz, there to embark for New Orleans. I send you copies of the note of the minister of foreign relations, and of my reply.
The state of affairs in this country has not materially varied since I had the honor of addressing you on the 1st instant. The downward course of the Paredes government is continued with accelerated speed. I do not think that he can sustain himself until the period fixed for the meeting of his constituent congress; and I. should not be surprised at his ejection from his usurped power at a much earlier day. My letters from the capital all concur as to the extreme precariousness of his tenure of office, and the great excitement that exists not only there, but throughout the departments. The apprehension of his intention to introduce an alien monarchy has excited the public mind to a degree of which I had not considered it capable.
I am at a loss whether to ascribe his refusal to receive me, at a moment when his position is so critical, to the dread of having the pretext which he had so successfully used against Herrera employed against himself, or to a reliance upon foreign intervention. Perhaps his motive may be a mixed one.
As to any changes of rulers in Mexico, I look upon them as a matter of great indifference. We shall never be able to treat with her on fair terms until she has been taught to respect us. It certainly was proper to place us in the strongest moral position before our own people and the world, by exhausting every possible means of conciliation; but here all amicable advances are considered as indicative either of weakness or treachery.
The next movement will probably be a "pronunciamento" of the federal party sustained by a portion of the army. It is said, and (strange as it may appear) on good authority, that the expelled dictator Santa Anna will be invited to head this liberal movement. The leading military men are in his favor, and, should he accept the invitation, he will have little difficulty in putting down Parades.
