in the sight of the whole world, and will omit no means, decorous and compatible with its independence, to obtain the settlement of its differences on friendly terms."[40]

The sudden turn of military events along the Río Grande frontier within a few weeks caused the Federalist leaders themselves to seek asylum in Texas, thus enabling them to conduct their negotiations directly with the Texan government. From Victoria on April 8 Cárdenas wrote directly to President Lamar, stating that "the government of the northern frontier of the Mexican republic has always recognized in Texas . . . a land of refuge in the event of an unfortunate occurrence," and such an event having taken place at Morelos on the 25th of last month, the government was now in Victoria, trusting that it might be permitted to stay until it could arrange its affairs. "These affairs are the establishment of peace," he said, "and commercial relations, and the negotiation with your government for aid in order that this government may resume the war against the government of Mexico."[41]  To this end, Cárdenas on the 8th appointed José María J. Carbajal to represent his government at the Texas capital. Cárdenas' communication was apparently carried to Austin by Carbajal, accompanied by Juan Molano, bearing a letter of introduction from Philip Dimitt , who described Molano as "a long devoted and true friend of our Country and her cause."[42]  Two months earlier, Dimitt had written to Lamar:

The President of the Govt. who sent those Gentle[men] Com[mission]ers has shown & manifested a political character, that bears truth & frankness, and a moral attitude of integrity. His moral, and political opinions, since, in this section are most emphatically identified with the general interest & policy of Texas, if, public opinion, and national investigation support what he says and wishes to effectuate with the Govt. of Texas.[43]