In the meantime, as Mexico refuses all in
i demnity, we should adopt measures to indemn
ify ourselves, by appropriating permanently a
I portion of her territory.
Early after the commenced int of the car,
New Mexico and the Californias were taken
possession of by oui forces. Our military and
naval commanders were ordered to conque r
an i hold them, subject to be disposed of bv a
treaty of peace.
These provinces are now in «nr undisputed oc
cupati. n. and have been »o f r many months. AH
resistance on the part of Mexico having ceased
wahin their limits, I am satisfied they should ne
ver be surrendered to Mexico. Should Congress
concur with me in this opinion, and that they should
be retained by the United States as indemnity? I
can perceive no good rei* n why the civil jurisilic
tion nnd laws r.f the United State* should not at
! once be exended over them.
