December 1st. 1843. Washington. Abel P. Upshur to Juan N. Almonte

Near eight years have elapsed, since Texas declared her independence During all that time, Mexico has asserted her right of jurisdiction and dominion over that country, and has endeavored to enforce it by arms. Texas has succesfully resisted all such attempts, and has thus afforded ample proofs of her ability to maintain her independence. This proof has been so satisfactory to many of the most considerable nations of the world, that they have formally acknowledged the independence of Texas and established diplomatic relations with her. Among those nations the United States are included, and indeed they set the example which other nations have followed. Under these clrcumstances the United States regard Texas as in all respects an independent nation, fully competent to manage its own affairs, and posesing all the rights of other independent nations. The government of the United States therefore, will not consider it necessary to consult any other nation in its transactions with the government of Texas. The Mexican minister expresses his regret at the declaration of the undertigned that his government has not in the time past, done anything inconsistent with the just rights of Mexico; and he declares, at the same time that he thinks far otherwise, and that he could, if his intentions were not rather to soothe than to irritate, demonstrate the injuries which his country has received from the United States. The undersigned assures the Mexican minister that while he is wholly unconscious of any reason which Mexico has for complaint against his governement, he will receive with pleasure any representation which the Mexican minister may think he has cause to make and far from considering it matter of irritation or excitement, he will be prepared to examine it impartially, and to discuss it respectfully and calmly. And he further assures the Mexican minister that it is and ever has been the earnest desire of this government to do full justice to Mexico in every respect whatever, of which it will give proof, whenever the mexican minister may choose to make known the grievances of which his government complains.

The undersigned avails himself...