Anna was taken prisoner while endeavouring to make his escape to the eastward, and General José Joaquim de Herrera, being president of the council, succeeded to the highest office of the state, in accordance with the provision of a previous enactment.

CHAPTER XXII.

ANNEXATION OF TEXAS TO THE UNITED STATES.-INDIGNATION OF MEXICO.-SLIDELL'S COMMISSION.-PREPARATIONS AGAINST TEXAS. GENERAL TAYLOR'S MARCH TO THE RIO GRANDE. -COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.-WAR DECLARED.

PLAN OF THE MEXICAN CAMPAIGN.-BATTLE OF PALO
ALTO: OF RESACA DE LA PALMA.-MATAMORAS
OCCUPIED. RETURN OF SANTA ANNA TO MEX-
ICO. REDUCTION OF MONTEREY.

THE inhabitants of Texas, although they had ever since the year 1836 enjoyed the blessings of a free and independent government, were anxious to secure the political and commercial advantages of a union with the United States. Their independence of Mexico, in point of fact, had long since been recognized by the United States and by the principal maritime powers of Europe. In the month of March, 1845, the negotiations for annexation were brought to a successful issue by the passage of a resolution, by congress, admitting the new state upon conditions afterwards complied with by Texas.

This measure, as might naturally be expected, excited the utmost indignation of the Mexican authorities. General Almonte, minister from Mexico at Washington, after an angry protest, demanded his passports. All friendly communication between the two governments was suspended until the ensuing October, when the Mexican government, upon application through the American consul, Mr. Black, agreed to receive a commissioner from the United States, for the purpose of an amicable arrangement of the disputed question. Mr. John Slidell was appointed to this responsible service, and immediately proceeded to Vera Cruz on his way to the capital.

General Paredes had in the mean time organized a party of those opposed to a peaceful settlement, and so formidable was the aspect VOL. III.-13