Orders and instructions to General Taylor. War Department, January 13, 1846

The War Department instructed General Taylor to take up a position on the east bank of the Rio Grande [the Rio del Norte] to establish the United States' free navigation rights of the river. Although the United States and Mexico were not yet at war, the administration allowed Taylor considerable discretion in deciding whether Mexico

Topics:

U.S. Military Preparation

Date: 1846-01-13

Format: correspondence

Format Notes:

Letters (correspondence)

Publisher and Date Published: Wendall and van Benthuysen 1848-00-00

Language: English

Publication Place: Washington (District of Columbia)

Creator:

Marcy, William L.; Taylor, Zachary

Physical Characteristics: 25 cm

Collection: The University of Texas at Arlington Library, Special Collections.

Call Number: E404.U59 Library Collections Depository, Special Collections

Source Title: Messages of the President of the United States, with the correspondence, therewith communicated, between the Secretary of War and other officers of the government, on the subject of the Mexican War

Source Alternative Title:

Thirtieth Congress -- First Session. Ex. Doc. No. 60. House of Representatives. Mexican War Correspondence.

Transcription:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, January 13, 1846.

Sir: I am. directed by the President to instruct you to advance and occupy, with the troops under your command, positions on or near the east bank of the Rio del Norte, as soon as it can be conveniently done with reference to the season and the routes by which your movements must be made. From the views heretofore presented to this department, it is presumed Point Isabel will be considered by you an eligible position. This point, or some one near it, and points opposite Matamoros and Mier, and in the vicinity of Laredo, are suggested for your consideration; but you are left to your better knowledge to determine the post or posts which you are to occupy, as well as the question of dividing your forces with a view to occupying two or more positions.

In the positions you may take in carrying out these instructions and other movements that may be made, the use of the Rio del Norte may be very convenient, if not necessary. Should you attempt to exercise the right which the United States have in common with Mexico to the free navigation of this river, it is probable that Mexico would interpose resistance. You will not attempt to enforce this right without further instructions. You are requested to report to this department, without delay, what means you may require, if any, beyond those you now possess, to enforce and maintain our common right to navigate this river, as well as your views of the importance of this right in the defence and protection of the State of Texas.

It is not designed, in our present relations with Mexico, that you should treat her as an enemy; but, should she assume that character by a declaration of war, or any open act of hostility towards us, you will not act merely on the defensive, if your relative means enable you to do otherwise.

Since instructions were given you to draw aid from Texas, in case you should deem it necessary, the relations between that State and the United States have undergone some modification. Texas is now fully incorporated into our union of States, and you are hereby authorized by the President to make a requisition upon the executive of that State for such of its militia force as may be needed to repel invasion or to secure the country against apprehended invasion.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
WM. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.

Brigadier General Z. TAYLOR.