When I stated to your Excellency that no other mode than that which I have suggested, remained for putting an end to the rebellion, I did so because I have already tried every other method without effect. A constant Indulto has opened the way for a reconciliation with the Government ever since the first rising of Hidalgo. I have refused to act upon denunciation with a certain knowledge that my having done so was known to the persons implicated, in order to see whether generosity would move them. I have inclined the balance of justice to the side of mercy, in notorious cases of disaffection: I have endeavoured to convert the deluded by representing the evils which they would draw upon themselves by exhausting the patience of the Government: I have used menaces of positive rigour towards the most obstinate, which I have not always carried into effect, because I did not conceive that I had a force sufficient to bear me out in it; and I have employed reason and argument in order to destroy their errors. Nay, more: reflecting that since the Constitution was sworn, it was necessary to observe it, particularly since the natives had shown themselves so much attached to the cause, I made use of this Code in order to gain their good-will, and accommodated myself to the principles proclaimed by the Government which then ruled, fend which, whether good or bad, it was necessary to support, in order to avoid positive anarchy.
But all my hopes were vain, since they only liked the Constitution because it was a useful tool. A proclamation which I published on assuming the reins of government, expressing the political principles which I had resolved to pursue, produced no sort of effect; nor was a second manifesto, circulated in June last, more fortunate. It is impossible, therefore, to doubt the nature of the measures by which the rebellious spirit of the country must be quelled.
Notwithstanding the apprehensions which I have thought it my duty to express in the most unreserved manner, with regard to the state of this country, in order the better to enable his Majesty to take the requisite measures for its preservation, I have no hesitation in assuring your Excellency that, whatever changes may occur, Mexico shall not succeed in throwing off the yoke, and withdrawing her obedience to her lawful so-
