Frontier Raids, Threats,
and Counter-Threats of Invasion

DURING THE TWO MONTHS INTERVAL between election day and inauguration the raids on the frontier continued and there was talk of invasion and counterinvasion. To the fire-eaters who favored direct military action against Mexico, protection was not enough. Upon Judge Webb's failure to open negotiations with Mexico, a "wild scheme" for invading Mexico was discussed in certain circles in Texas. Meetings were soon reported being held "in all the considerable places in Eastern Texas for the purpose of recommending offensive measures" against Mexico.[1]  The grand meeting was to be held in Jackson, Mississippi, on July 4, 1842, "for the purpose of devising means and of organizing and embodying troops to act under the jurisdiction of Texas in a campaign against Mexico." The proponents of such a campaign proposed to furnish all the funds and troops necessary for the enterprise, and would only require the sanction of the Texan government. "What is the meaning of this?" asked W. D. Miller. "Are we to be pushed into a war, whether we will or not, and Gen. Felix [Huston] to be sent upon a military mission to the grand plaza of Mexico, upon his 'own hook'? You may rest assured, that there will be a strong effort made to precipitate the Government into active war before the present administration ceases its functions."[2]  And one would gather that those who favored a campaign against Mexico were working relentlessly. Thomas Jefferson Green on September 22 urged Lamar to transfer Colonel Barnard E. Bee, Texan chargé d'affaires at Washington, to the Court of France, and send Secretary of War, Doctor Archer, to the United States as the Texan diplomatic representative.[3]  Apparently, Green still