anything in the nature of the communication itself which in any degree implied such confidence. I am at a loss to imagine how it could have aided us, in the protection of the prisoners of Mier, to have known that they were brigands and not prisoners of war, and therefore not entitled to our protection. If such was the case, it was proper that it should be known; if it was not, and there was some mistake about the matter, it was due to those unfortunate men, whose lives were in jeopardy, that this mistake should be corrected, and not less so to me, who had interfered in my official character, and said to the minister of foreign relations in strong, but altogether respectful language, that [455] my government would expect that all the privileges of prisoners of war would be extended to them; and although I made no communication on the subject to the prisoners, I rejoice to know that the fact of my having mentioned the subject to others, by whom it was communicated to them, has been the means of furnishing me with the most conclusive evidence that the expedition was authorized by the Texas government; that the officers were appointed by that government, and express orders given to cross the Rio Grande; and that, therefore, these men were entitled to all the rights of prisoners of war. But as you seem to regard the communication made to me as of a confidential character, I shall make no statement on the subject for the present. It is in the power of President Houston or Captain Elliott to cause the letter of the latter to Mr. Packenham to be published, which I hope will be promptly done. If it should not be, or if, when published, it does not correspond with the communication made to me of its contents, I shall feel bound to state what these communications were. I am, &c., &c., &c.,

My dear General, - I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date.

My object in making the observations I did in that letter was simply that you might be made aware of the light in which I wished the communications I made to you, or any other connected with the business of our respective missions, should be considered. I am, &c., &c., &c.,

The following is an extract from another letter from General Thompson to General Green, also dated 13th June, 1843: [456]

You can very distinctly see by my notes to Mr. Doyle what my statement will be.