and additional strength and stability to the Union—­these are the results which would rapidly develop themselves upon the consummation of the measure of annexation.  In such event I will not doubt but that Mexico would find her true interest to consist in meeting the advances of this Government in a spirit of amity.  Nor do I apprehend any serious complaint from any other quarter; no sufficient ground exists for such complaint.  We should interfere in no respect with the rights of any other nation.  There can not be gathered from the act any design on our part to do so with their possessions on this continent.  We have interposed no impediments in the way of such acquisitions of territory, large and extensive as many of them are, as the leading powers of Europe have made from time to time in every part of the world.  We seek no conquest made by war.  No intrigue will have been resorted to or acts of diplomacy essayed to accomplish the annexation of Texas.  Free and independent herself, she asks to be received into our Union.  It is a question for our own decision whether she shall be received or not.

The two Governments having already agreed through their respective organs on the terms of annexation, I would recommend their adoption by Congress in the form of a joint resolution or act to be perfected and made binding on the two countries when adopted in like manner by the Government of Texas.

In order that the subject may be fully presented in all its bearings, the correspondence which has taken place in reference to it since the adjournment of Congress between the United States, Texas, and Mexico is herewith transmitted.

The amendments proposed by the Senate to the convention concluded between the United States and Mexico on the 20th of November, 1843, have been transmitted through our minister for the concurrence of the Mexican Government, but, although urged thereto, no action has yet been had on the subject, nor has any answer been given which would authorize a favorable conclusion in the future.

The decree of September, 1843, in relation to the retail trade, the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and that of a more recent date in regard to passports—­all which are considered as in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two countries—­have led to a correspondence of considerable length between the minister for foreign relations and our representatives at Mexico, but without any satisfactory result.  They remain still unadjusted, and many and serious inconveniences have already resulted to our citizens in consequence of them.