Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and other military chieftains have, by force of arms, overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and the other members of the Mexican Confederacy,—­Now, the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, solemnly declare: 

1st.  That they have taken up arms in defense of their rights and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defense of the republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico of eighteen hundred and twenty-four.

2nd.  That Texas is no longer, morally or civilly, bound by the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican Confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism.

3d.  That they do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal Mexican Republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas.

5th.  That they hold it to be their right, during the disorganization of the federal system and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such measures as they may deem best calculated to protect their rights and liberties, but that they will continue faithful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed by the constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the political association.

6th.  That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies now in the field.

7th.  That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of any debts contracted by her agents.

8th.  That she will reward by donations in land, all who volunteer their services in her present struggle, and receive them as citizens.

These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and call God to witness their truth and sincerity; and invoke defeat and disgrace upon our heads, should, we prove guilty of duplicity.

RICHARD ELLIS, President.

A.H.S.  KIMBLE, Secretary.

TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN—­1846.

The United States of America and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, deeming it to be desirable for the future welfare of both countries that the state of doubt and uncertainty which has hitherto prevailed respecting the sovereignty and government of the territory on the northwest coast of America, lying westward of the Rocky or Stony Mountains, should be finally terminated by an amicable compromise of the rights mutually asserted by the two parties over the said territory, have respectively named plenipotentaries to treat and agree concerning the terms of such settlement, that is to say: 

The President of the United States of America has, on his part, furnished with full powers James Buchanan, Secretary of State of the United States, and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, has, on her part, appointed the Right Honorable Richard Parkenham, a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council, and Her Majesty’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States;