himself in the eyes of his government."[13]  Uribe was asked to report on the purpose of Seguin's mission. The Texan commissioners hastened to assure Uribe, and thereby Arista, that they did not "intend to broach the question of the recognition of the independence of Texas, or that of peace between the two governments," as these were "subjects alone for the consideration of the high powers of the Nation."[14]  And then with considerable hypocrisy, they informed Uribe that "the rumours of the approach of a Texan force, to attack this frontier are entirely groundless. Nor will any party authorized by the Government of Texas make an exhibit or commit any act of hostility during our visit. Should any depredations be committed, we can assure you," they said, "that this will proceed from unauthorized banditti."

In a few days, Colonel José María Carrasco, who less than a year before had effected a reconciliation between Arista and Canales, arrived at Guerrero, bearing dispatches from Arista and instructions to open negotiations with the Texan commissioners in the name of his superior. He was instructed to treat the Texans with "marked attention and politeness," and to enter into formal discussions with them concerning the object of their mission. Carrasco informed Morris and Van Ness that "the whole country North of the Sierra Madre was then and had been in a state of violent commotion and agitation, that the federal cause far from being smothered and destroyed by the events of the past year had only been depressed for the moment, in order that it might break out in a form which would give a greater guarantee of success," and their conclusion from Carrasco's conversation, reported the two commissioners, was that the

. . . treaty with Canales was simply an agreement between him and Arista, that the federal cause which was then rather desperate, should be depressed for a while again to rise at a more favorable opportunity, under the guidance and with the assistance of Arista. . . . Col. Carrasco unhesitatingly declared, that he himself was a Federal, and Arista would head the party, in the revolution, which would break out at the very first moment when a favourable opportunity presented itself -- that he was most anxious to conciliate the friendship and perhaps assistance of the Texans.[15]