Nothing contained in the letters received from Mr. Trist since it was
submitted to the Senate has changed my opinion on the subject.
The resolution also calls for "all the correspondence between General
Scott and the Government since the arrival of Mr. Trist in Mexico." A
portion of that correspondence, relating to Mr. Trist and his mission,
accompanies this communication. The remainder of the "correspondence
between General Scott and the Government" relates mainly, if not
exclusively, to military operations. A part of it was communicated to
Congress with my annual message, and the whole of it will be sent to the
Senate if it shall be desired by that body. As coming within the purview
of the resolution, I also communicate copies of the letters of the
Secretary of War to Major-General Butler in reference to Mr. Trist's
remaining at the headquarters of the Army in the assumed exercise of his
powers of commissioner.
JAMES K. POLK.
WASHINGTON, _March 2, 1848_.
_To the Senate of the United States_:
In answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 3d of January, 1848, I
communicate herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with the
accompanying documents, containing the correspondence of Mr.
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