Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/483

Rh in Scott's explanation of the cause of the war, which was attributed to a desire to put a stop to monarchical schemes in Mexico.

When the government at Washington received in quick succession news of the victory at Buena Vista and the capture of Vera Cruz and San Juan de Ulúa, it hoped that Mexico would be disposed to peace; and the president appointed Nicholas B. Trist, chief clerk of the state department, as confidential agent at the headquarters of the American army. Trist's principal recommendation as the man for such a mission was his devotion to the administration. Scott entertained no friendly feelings toward President Polk, and the attempt to appoint a lieutenant-general, although unsuccessful, had galled him deeply. The government, conscious of Scott's sensitiveness, had taken the precaution to direct Trist to communicate confidentially to him the project of a treaty with which he was provided, and which set forth the demands of the United States. Scott was also to be informed of the instructions which had been given to Trist. The commissioner, however, on his arrival at Vera Cruz in the beginning of May, forwarded to Scott a despatch for the Mexican minister of foreign relations, sealed and not accompanied with any explanation regarding his own mission. Trist at the same time addressed a note to Scott, and forwarded one from Marcy directing the general to suspend hostilities in case Trist should make known to him that such contingencies had occurred as would make the president willing that military, operations should cease. This letter mystified Scott, who could only see that the secretary of war intended to degrade him, and on May 7th replied to Trist, stating that he