Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/431

Rh done those of other Mexican negotiators. At a conference held on the 2nd of September, Mr. Trist stated to the Mexican Commissioners, that if they would submit to him a proposition, — providing that the boundary line should follow the course of the Nueces to the Laguna de las Yuntas—thence running westward to the Rio Puerco — thence up that river to the parallel of latitude. six geographical miles north of the fort at El Pasa del Norte, on the Rio Grande — thence west along that parallel to the western boundary Of New Mexico — thence, following the line prescribed in his ﬁrst proposition, to the mouth of the Rio Gila—thence up or down that river to the thirty-third parallel of latitude—and thence along that parallel to the Pacific ocean; and that the territory between the Rio Grande and the Nueces should remain forever neutral, to be occupied by the citizens of neither republic, — he would transmit it to his government by express, and await its action.

The Mexican Commissioners were willing to submit this proposition, or rather they professed a willingness to submit it, but refused to grant the necessary time for