whom 8,061 only were effectives, there being no less than 2,215 men on the sick-list.[1]
Commissioner Trist had followed the headquarters of the army, waiting for an opportunity to enter upon his mission, and finally sent the despatch for the minister of foreign relations through the British legation, the English minister readily acceding to his request in the matter. The conciliatory tone of the despatch met, however, with no better result than previous offers on the part of the United States to negotiate.[2] On June 22d, Minister Ibarra again informed the government at Washington that the decision on the affair in question rested with the Mexican congress.
During this time no friendly intercourse had existed between Scott and Trist. To both these officers communications were addressed from Washington, animadverting upon their conduct, representing that the interests of the nation required their coöperation and urging a reconciliation. But before the receipt of these despatches Trist addressed, June 25th, a letter to Scott,[3] which smoothed the way to more friendly feelings, and henceforth the relations between the two were more cordial.
About the time of this reconciliation, secret agents from Santa Anna arrived at Puebla. This leader, in spite of his disasters, had succeeded in establishing his authority. During the discussions in congress relative to negotiations for peace, that body, to avoid the responsibility, passed a resolution that it was the duty of the
- ↑ Scott's letter of July 25th. Id., p. 1013. The arrival of Brigadier-general Pierce from Vera Cruz with about 2,000 more effectives was expected. Scott with this reënforcement hoped to advance with 9,500 men after leaving a competent garrison at Puebla. Ib.
- ↑ The despatch was from James Buchanan, the secretary of state, who informed the Mexican minister of Trist having been sent as a commissioner invested with full powers to conclude a treaty of peace. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 30, Ses. 1, Sen. Ex. 1, p. 38-40.
- ↑ The contents are not known, as the despatch conveying the copy was never received at the department of state. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 30, Ses. 1, Н. Ех. 60, р. 830-1.
