Talk:Texas Revolution/Tornel Decree

No. 5. MINISTRY OF WAR AND MARINE. Central Section. Desk No. 1. Circular

Most Excellent Sir: Under this date I have notified all commandants-general and the principal governors and political chiefs of departments and territories as follows:

"The supreme government has positive information that in the United States of the North public meetings are being held with the avowed purpose of arming expeditions against the Mexican nation, of helping those who have rebelled against this government, of encouraging civil war, and of bringing upon our territory all those evils attendant upon civil war. Some expeditions have already been organized in that republic - our former friend - such as the one conducted by the traitor José Antonio Mejia to Santa Anna [The town Santa Anna] in Tamaulipas and others on their way to the coast of Texas. All kinds of war supplies have been sent to the said coast; and due to this censurable procedure, the rebellious colonists have been able to carry on a war against the nation that has showered so many favors upon them. The supreme government has the most positive assurance that these acts, censured by the wise laws of the United States of the North, have merited the consequent disapproval of that government with which we maintain the best understanding and an unalterable harmony. The speculators and adventurers have succeeded in evading the punishment that awaited them in that republic, but we hope that it will still overtake them. His Excellency, the President ad interim, who cannot see with indifference these aggressions that attack the sovereignty of the Mexican nation, has seen proper to command that the following articles be observed with regard to them.

1st. All foreigners who may land in any port of the republic or who enter it armed and for the purpose of attacking our territory shall be treated and punished as pirates, since they are not subjects of any nation at war with the republic nor do they militate under any recognized flag.

2nd. Foreigners who introduce arms and munitions by land or by sea at any point of the territory now in rebellion against the government of the nation for the purpose of placing such supplies in the hands of its enemies stall be treated and punished likewise. I have the honor of transmitting these instructions to you for their publication and observance."

I have the honor of transmitting the foregoing circular to Your Excellency for your information, assuring you of my sincere affection.

GOD AND LIBERTY. José María Tornel

México, December 30, 1835.

To His Excellency, the President, General-in-Chief of the Army of Operations, Antonio López de Santa Anna, Benefactor of his Country. sdct