Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/101

Rh on his part, "conformably to the principles established by the most civilized nations." General Taylor replied on the same day, declining to enter upon any discussion in regard to the international question, but reminding General Ampudia that, although Mexico had hitherto refused to hear any proposition for. negotiation, he had been instructed, in occupying the country, to abstain from all acts of hostility, which instructions had so far been carefully observed. He added, however, that he should not avoid the alternative presented by the Mexican commander, and would leave the responsibility with those who rashly commenced hostilities. General Ampudia having thus announced the existence of a state of war, General Taylor prepared himself for