The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 17, July 1913 - April, 1914 Page: 222
454 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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The Southwestern Historical Quarterly
till circumstances were more favorable; but if necessity should
arise to say anything about the matter he was to claim the limits
of the treaty of 1819. Immediately following this erased para-
graph is one which completely reversed it. In that he is told
that the principal object of his mission is the negotiation of a
treaty of limits as early as possible and in the most advantageous
terms. He was to use his best efforts to secure the acknowledg-
ment and ratification of the pending treaty between the United
States and Spain. If before such negotiation should be completed
the United States or its citizens should attempt the occupation of
any territory belonging to Mexico under that treaty he should
formulate claims on it as a basis. He was told that great circum-
spection was necessary in reference to all who came from the
United States since there was danger of the introduction of spies
or of invaders in disguise. In carrying out his general instruc-
tions regarding the admission of colonists he was to bear in mind
these secret instructions. All reports on these matters were to, be
in cipher."4
Obregon's general instructions bearing the same date as his
secret instructions told him that colonization was one of the most
important matters then occupying the attention of the govern-
ment. He was asked to call attention to the general law
of August 18, 1824, on the subject, and to publish its regulations
in the newspapers of the United States. All colonists from the
United States, he was reminded, must bear passports and recom-
mendations from Mexican diplomatic or consular agents in the
United States. It was necessary to know the place of origin; the
means of support, and the character of all colonists or empresarios.
Those under suspicion, vicious adventurers, or vagabonds were to
be excluded. But industrious persons, especially artisans, ship-
'Instrucciones mui Reservadas, 30 de Agosto de 1824, MS. Rel. Ext.
It is interesting to note here that Mexicans thought of asserting claim
to the Oregon country. Torrens wrote that the settlement of that country
was being considered in the United States Congress, where it was being
urged that to leave this territory occupied by Indians, with England on
one side and Mexico on the other to intrigue with the Indians, was dan-
gerous to the United States and .could do more harm than all Europe.
Torrens added that he thought it would be dangerous to Mexico to per-
mit the United States to occupy it. Torrens to Secretario, 5 de Mayo de
1824, MS. Rel. Ext.222
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 17, July 1913 - April, 1914, periodical, 1914; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101061/m1/226/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.