26 APPENDIX. 
Although the examination of the route in question is à matter of much importance, and 
earnestly desired by the department, it is unwilling to incur any serious risk of a collision - 
between your party and the Mexicans. You are, therefore, directed to consider well all the 
circumstances before proceeding to carry into effect the instructions above referred to; and 
unless you are fully satisfied that you can perform the exploration without any serious inter- 
ruption, you will relinquish the undertaking for the present. With this general direction, the 
matter must be left to your discretion, with the injunction to let no undue confidence lead you 
to overlook or underrate the possible danger before you; and as you will, when these instruc- 
tions reach you, be in possession of information later, by from thirty to sixty days, than that 
which has reached this city, it is to be hoped that it may be of such a character as will enable 
you to form a correct and safe conclusion as to the course to be pursued. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JEFFERSON DAVIS, 
Secretary of War. 
Lieut. Jonn G. PARKE, 
Corps Topographical Engineers. 
P. S.—Accompanying your instructions was sent a passport from the State Department, 
which it was intended to have countersigned by the Mexican minister. His absence, however, 
prevented it, Herewith you will find a duplicate with the countersign of General Almonte. 
