Trist notified the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs, August 25th, of the object of his mission, and requested a meeting.  He was advised that commissioners would meet him on the 27th at Azapotzalco, which was between the two armies.  General Santa Anna, after appointing several persons who declined, named General Herrera, Senor Conto, General Mora y Villamil, Senor Atristain, and Secretary Miguel Arroyo.  On the morning of the 27th, before the meeting of the commissioners, a train of wagons sent into the city to obtain supplies for the American army was met by a mob, stoned and driven away.  Subsequently an apology was offered for this gross infraction of the armistice, and the wagons returned and secured their stores.

On meeting the commissioners, Mr. Trist exhibited his powers, which were ample, but that of the Mexicans was simply confined to hearing propositions from Mr. Trist.  Mr. Trist objected to this limitation, but was assured that when it became necessary to sign the treaty they would exhibit full powers.  The American commissioners presented the project of a treaty the leading feature of which related to the boundary line between the two countries.  It was also a part of the project that Mexico was to concede to the United States the right of transport across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec free from tolls.  These and all else asked by Mr. Trist were refused.  The Mexican commissioners asked for further instructions from their Government, which were given—­that they should neither exceed nor modify the former instructions given them.  They asked to be relieved, as these instructions placed them in an embarrassing position.  A council of ministers was called, and their former instructions were changed so as to authorize them “to approximate to them as much as possible, agreeing to some modifications which the circumstances of the country may exact, as well as to things of minor importance which may arise during the discussion.”

On September 1st, when the third meeting was held, the Mexican commissioners exhibited plenary powers.  No agreement being reached, it was proposed to extend the armistice for forty-five days.  But on September 5th the Mexican commissioners were informed that the Government would not consent to the extension or to the cession of New Mexico, which Mr. Trist had insisted on.  The Mexican commissioners then submitted a counter project on the 6th, which in effect refused all of the more important concessions asked by the United States.  With this the diplomatic conferences terminated.  General Scott at once called a conference with his general officers.  He stated to them the bad faith of the enemy, who commenced the work of repair on their fortifications.  He recited the incident of the mobbing of teamsters.  He closed by saying:  “I have therefore called you to headquarters to advise upon the propriety of dissolving the armistice, or [after a pause] to inform you that I have dissolved it, and to read to you my letter to General Santa Anna notifying him of the fact.”  Looking for the letter, he said, “I have torn it up.”  He at once wrote a note and dispatched it to General Santa Anna, as follows: