A World Without America II [Closed / IC]

[Unicario]

Freihafen, Kronkolonie Oberpfalz, Amerika

Freihafen was the capital of the Crown Colony of Upper Palatinate, the Germanized name for the former colony of Louisiana. Louisiana had been partitioned by Britain and Germany after they had seized it in the 1770s, taking great care to see to it that the region was sufficiently settled with new settlers. Germany had purchased much of the Southern colonies from the British Empire as a means of helping stamp out dissent and weakening the general power of the Sons of Liberty. The colonies were very unique in their creation. When Germany purchased the land and arrived to set up shop, they began forcible emancipation of slaves, as slavery was banned under the German Constitution. This lead to the mass exodus of white slavers into colonies such as the Carolinas, Appalachia, and other places; while the negroes, mulattos, Natives and Creoles remained behind, in control of the state.

German settlers of white descent were arriving in the region to find new sorts of prosperity, the coloured folk were certainly the majority, and the Germans treated them as they would standard citizens. Germany knew, for relative point of fact, that eventually, they would govern this land, and so they instituted pervasive education and literacy programs to ensure every German citizen in America was well-educated, and a true representative of the German nation.

[Bojikami]

British America

In recent years since the Crown's announcement for dominion states, two larger states have began to rise. In the north, there was the Dominion of Michigan, a state set up initially by wealthy fur traders based around the Great Lakes region, but in recent years they have begun to expand westward into the Midwest by conquest of native tribes and purchasing land from the British government, and while much of the Dominion's population was primarily focused around the Great Lakes region, prominent settlements in the Midwest, primarily agriculture based ones, began to take shape.

To their south, in parts of former Cherokee territory that remained in British hands after the German Cession was made, a large group of those descended from British America's 'revolutionary generation' in the northeast began to set up their own dominion, known as Appalachia. Appalachia, while it mostly complied with British demands in regards as to how the dominion should be governed, they largely resented the British acting as their overlords. As a result, despite numerous laws passed in London and in effect to her colonies to lessen the dependence and prevalence on Slavery, the Appalachians officially agreed, but however began expanding westward to establish more spread out plantations, farms, and mines which used Slaves away from the eyes of the prying British, and also to compete with their northern neighbour.

Elsewhere, Britain decided to send John Graves Simcoe, the Governor-General of Upper Canada to the Mexican capital to represent Britain.

Bogota, Colombia

Simon Bolivar was pleased with the responses he had received from the international community. As he sat at his desk, another letter had reached him, this time from Mexico. Simon read it over and decided to send Domingo Caycedo, his Vice President, to Mexico to hopefully establish good relations with the Mexicans. After writing the response to Mexico, and making Domingo aware of his duties, he proceeded to walk towards the chamber of the would-be Colombian senate, where the Federalists and the Unionists stayed arguing.

Kyiv, Ruthenia

Kyiv and all Ruthenia had been rather busy since the coronation of the first Tsar. Clergymen, Geographers, and rag-tag delegations that represented the now varying cultures in the newly born Empire courted the Tsar on the final borders that would be drawn to distinguish the different new administrative regions within Ruthenia. The Edict of 1797 would permanently set these borders. Among the new Princedoms would be; Slovakia, Hungary, Vallachia, Croatia, and the Grand Principality of Kyiv. In addition, there were two semi-autonomous regions, the Grand Principalities of Serbia and Bulgaria.

In response to the Mexican message, Tsar Ivan sent his son, Fedir to represent the Empire in Mexico.

[Pimps Inc]

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[Bojikami]

30th of June, 1797
London, United Kingdom

The Mexican ultimatum had reached the British governor of Jamaica, under which British Honduras was administered, who quickly sent the message on to London. The Parliament looked over the Mexican demands and a vigorous debate broke out. Some of the parliament wanted the British to utterly reject the treaty, and go to war with Mexico, as they believed this would discourage further insurrection in the Americas. While others were more reluctant to get into another protracted conflict in the Americas, as this would likely require the British to start levying from the colonies again, thus causing possible unrest, for a piece of land that they deemed unworthy of a war the likes of what would emerge. Ultimately following the debate the parliament decided to send a message over to Berlin, to notify the Germans of the possibility of another war in North America, and asking for German assistance should a conflict break out. After this, King George himself sent a reply to the Mexicans demands, while approving Parliaments actions in regards to Germany. He also notified the governor of Jamaica of the looming possibility of war, and encouraged him to levy troops in the area and to begin stationing what standing army he had in the area as well.

A Message from his majesty, King George III of House Hanover

We have looked over the ultimatum you have taken the liberty of sending us, and it is after careful consideration, that we must decline. British Honduras is the rightful territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and we shall see fit that it remains this way. Now, I am rather sure that this plain rejection shall not be taken with ease. I am sure as you hold this message you are readying to call your troops into war, and at that moment, I assure you that all aggression towards Britain, her colonies, protectorates, and allies even, shall be returned one-thousand fold. I eagerly await the response of either the Mexican congress or its emperor, whether it is through a thoughtful message or through gunshots fired on the border of British Honduras.

Signed, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland, Elector of Hanover

---

Bogota, Colombia

Whilst tension built in the North over British Honduras, Simon Bolivar found himself growing impatient with the congress that was assigned to draft the Colombian constitution. Over the course of a few years, little to no progress was made as the factions drew their lines and remained fanatic to their points, it was in this that Simon decided that, for the time being, Colombian democracy would need to be postponed. He notified his most loyal commanders within the Army that they would march on Bogota, and deliver an ultimatum to the congress. They must either produce a draft of the Colombian constitution within 24 hours, or Bolivar will dissolve the congress and assume control of the whole of the nation.

Within a few hours, 400 Colombian Guardias Republicanos began marching down the streets of the capital and soon surrounded the very building where the Congress was going on as usual, yelling, debating, yet little getting done. Bolivar ordered the guardsmen to let off a round of warning shots to draw the congress outside, and as the timid men peeked out of the windows, Simon presented his demands to them. The men returned to their work, and for 17 hours Bolivar and his soldiers waited, unaware of the populace which was growing to surround them, seemingly in support of Bolivar's brash action.

Within 17 hours, the congress sent a single man by the name of Francisco Antonio Zea Díaz, who had served as Simon's oversight into the congressional proceedings, to meet him and the growing crowds. Francisco stopped, and looked down at the paper which had been given to him. Simon nodded, signaling him to read it aloud, to which Francisco drew a deep breath and began.

"It has been many weeks, days, and hours since we, the 120 men set to the task of creating a constitution were given such task. In this period, nothing has been done, frankly. Colombian people such as those before me stand frustrated at the lack of competence in the congress assigned to make this legal document... and it is after 17 hours of laborious debate that we have decided, in a vote of 102 to 18, that from the ancient ruins of Tawanitsuyu, to the golden shores of Venezuela, Colombia will, unless he himself demands otherwise, be ruled not by vying oligarchs, factions, or career politicians, but by one central ruler, our Autocrat, our leader, our protector, Simon Bolivar."

With the announcement, the crowd was initially silent, but then a large cheer had broken out for the new Autocrat of Colombia. Simon himself was shocked by such an announcement. He had fought against such prepositions, yet as he looked into the crowd, such a decision appeared to be the will of his people. With conflicted emotions, he approached Francisco and took the document from his hand, looked it over and gazed upon the crowd. "My people, I tell you this. I did not fight this revolution planning to become another despot, but as the congress here has shown, and by obviously the choice of the Colombian people, I shall rule as your leader, for life. Do not be disheartened, know every decision that is made from my palace in Bogota will be in the name of the people of Gran Colombia, and as will those who come after me. Should I, or any who succeed me fail you, the people, I expect them to be promptly overthrown, for if this shall be a despotism, it shall be a despotism by the Peoples Mandate!" Bolivar's brief speech was met with cheers. Though, how the rest of the nation, and the rest of the world would take this shift in power, was unknown as of yet.

[Unicario]

Ultimately following the debate the parliament decided to send a message over to Berlin, to notify the Germans of the possibility of another war in North America, and asking for German assistance should a conflict break out. After this, King George himself sent a reply to the Mexicans demands, while approving Parliaments actions in regards to Germany. He also notified the governor of Jamaica of the looming possibility of war, and encouraged him to levy troops in the area and to begin stationing what standing army he had in the area as well.

Berlin

The request for assistance from the British government was received by the Reichstag and the Kaiserin. The Germans issued an immediate response pledging to support the British defense against Mexico; and promised the committal of the Nordamerika Freikorps and the Kaiserliche Marine in defending against Mexican advance.

From Her Imperial Majesty, Catherine, Empress of Germany

---

To: Seine Königliche Majestät, Georg III von Hanover, König von Großbritannien und Irland, Souveräne Herr von Kanada und die Dreizehn Kolonien, Großherzog von Braunschweig-Lüneburg, Treuen Mitglied der Deutschen Gemeinschaft

---

To my esteemed brothers of the North Sea,

I will gladly accept your call to arms to defend against Mexican aggression -- the Kingdom of Great Britain has an eternal ally in the form of the German Reich. I shall commit the entirety of my Nordamerika colonies to this task, and shall dispatch the Freikorps to do as is necessary to facilitate Mexico's defeat or any form of unilateral peace that is beneficial to us. The German people stand with you and your nation.

Gott mit uns,
Katharine
Kaiserin von Deutschland, Königin von Preußen, Königin von Bayern, Königin von Schwaben, Königin von Böhmen, Erzherzogin von Österreich, und Souveräne Dame der Deutschen Gemeinschaft

---

Katherine, in her role as Commander-in-Chief of the Reichswehr, and monarch of the German nation, issued a mobilization order for the Freikorps in North America. The Reichstag, following through the Kaiserin's wishes, issued a declaration of war against the Mexican Empire a short time later, and granted unto the Empress absolute authority to direct the armed forces as deemed necessary. While she would, in times of serious war, take a pro-active interest in the military like her father before her, she abstained from direct command, and instead devolved affairs in the most recent rash of wars to various nobles.

Her leading militiaman in North America was appointed Supreme Commander for the time being, and was ordered to organize the Freikorps to help Britain. The Nordamerika Flotte, a large portion of the German Navy (Germany had a large navy, but had concentrated it outside of the North Sea due to treaty terms with Britain).

The Ostseeflotte, Mittelmeerflotte and Nordamerikaflotte represented, as a whole, the largest portion of the German Navy.

Germany's naval construction with the Ostseeflotte primarily focused on trafficking the Baltic Sea to keep parity with the Russians, Swedes, so on and so forth -- to show Germany was more than just a land empire, it could sail the waves just as good as any. It was bound to make any Russian Admiral sweat a bit before letting the Field Marshals throw hundreds of thousands of Russen into the Polish grinder.

The Mittelmeerflotte was primarily built as an arbitration and a demonstration of German influence in Europe. It primarily hovered about the Adriatic, and was currently ripping Venice a new one; but it was there as a small reminder to the Italians of the dangers of trying to start a war with Germany; it frequently docked about in Egyptian territory.

The Hochseeflotte which should be the standard-bearer for Germany, was nothing much. It was several antiquated ships that had been nicked from the Holy Roman princes over the course of Catherine's expansion of the German Empire, some transport fleets to facilitate quick movement of troops back and forth, and the large merchant marine. It was this way to prevent Britain from sweating too much about Germany -- a naval arms race with Britain could be a dangerous game.

The Nordamerikaflotte was a great testing ground for German ships; New Orleans, St. Augustine and Neu-Nassau served as hubs for German naval traffic, which may or may not have bothered Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Britain -- but it too was a reminder; Germany was a world power, and messing with Germany was not as simple as it was in the 17th century, where no German power could lift a hand against those who sought to take land from it.

[Pimps Inc]

Chronicle VI:Troubles Part II
^{Twentieth(XX) day of June, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and ninety-seven, the Establishment of the Mexican Empire one.}

Mexico City, July 22, 1797

Your Excellency will present the following note to the Royal Government on the afternoon of Saturday, July 15: On the 22nd of June, 1797, the Mexican Congress made, in the name of his Government, the following declaration to the Royal Government:

Now the history of the past few years, and particularly the painful events of the Independence Movements in America, have proved the existence of a subversive movement in Mexico, whose object it is to separate certain portions of its territory from the British Monarchy. This movement, which came into being under the very eyes of the Mexican Government, subsequently found expression outside of the territory of the Empire in acts of excursions, establishments of British settlements on Mexican land, among other actions.

The results brought out by the inquiry no longer permit the Imperial and Royal Government to maintain the attitude of patient tolerance which it has observed for years, since Spanish control of Mexico, toward those agitations which center at Mosquito Coast and are spread thence into the territories of the Empire. Instead, these results impose upon the Imperial and Royal Government the obligation to put an end to those intrigues, which constitute a standing menace to the peace of Europe and America.

In order to attain this end, the Imperial Government finds itself compelled to demand that the British Government give official assurance that it will condemn the violation of sovereignty directed against Mexican Empire, that is to say, the whole body of the efforts whose ultimate object it is to separate from the Monarchy territories that belong to it; and that it will obligate itself to suppress with all the means at its command this criminal activity. In order to give these assurances a character of solemnity, the Imperial Mexican Government will publish on the first page of its official organ of June 23, the following declaration:

"The Imperial Mexican Government condemns the actions directed against Mexico's territory, that is to say, the whole body of the efforts whose ultimate object it is to separate from the Mexican territories that belong to it, and it most sincerely regrets the dreadful consequences of these criminal transactions.

"The Imperial Mexican Government regrets that British officers and officials should have taken part in the above-mentioned activities and thus have endangered the friendly and neighborly relations, to the cultivation of which the Imperial Government had most solemnly pledged itself by its declarations. Therefore, we shall force British interests to limit themselves to 60 km inland from the coast, east to west, 400 km from north to south, limiting its northern boundary to the Wawa River and its southern border shall follow the Coco River, before falling short from reaching Costa Rica. British settlers present shall disband all slave worked plantation, mines, or other works that employ slaves as their workforce. The Imperial Government acknowledges the ultimatum's demands will not be welcomed warmly in the chambers of the British Parliament, and so we will be open to further negotiations at the summit in Mexico City.

Nationalistic boasts of generals and congressmen, two very similar terms in Mexico, erupted within the National Palace:

“Por la Patria!”
“Por la integridad nacional!”

An hour into the first session of Congress, the character of Mexico City was tense; there was an overwhelming lust for war against the British, Germans, and Russians. Iturbide, pragmatic man above all, sought to quell the iridescent nationalism plaguing the Mexican political scene. His efforts were futile. Earlier that year the British parliament had approved the purchase of its Southern by the German Empire, acquisition of Louisiana, as well as expanding British claims in Honduras, a territory most of the delegates present in Mexico City believed was rightfully Mexican. Iturbide's pacifist letter to Britain had been the tipping point.

A letter from Juan N. Alamonte, Mexico's Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged Mexico to declare war. Alamonte claimed that a war against the Germans could be easily won, “The stage is Europe is fiercely divided over issues of dominance and expansion. Inciting a war or finding an alliance amongst the European powers would not be a difficult task”. These claims were received with great zeal in the halls of the Mexican Congress. Iturbide, however, was not as enthusiastic. Or rather he had a more realistic view of the situation.

In the months following the letter's arrival, the Emperor had continuously sought the advice of Richard Pakenham, the British liaison in Mexico City. Pakenham was ambitious as the British in regards to Mexico; he had the clear goal of securing British interests in Oregon and preventing the Germans from reaching the Pacific Ocean. Pakenham warned Herrera of engaging against Great Britain.

Most members of Congress saw Iturbide's acquaintance with Pakenham as treason, or at the very least a sign of cowardice. To appease the warmongers Iturbide sent a small army under the command Mariano Paredes to reinforce the border. Paredes was a fervent nationalist and a Santaanista. Giving him control of a large number of troops unnerved the Emperor. In the year decade alone the Mexican leadership had been fiercely disputed. But as long as the general remained in the North patrolling the borders the nationalists would remain calm and Iturbide could attend to the ambassadors in Mexico City. Maybe, he thought, there could be a peaceful way out of this. But only a fool could dream so.


Fellow Citizens of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies,

among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the twelfth day of the present month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years: a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my Country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens, a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence, one, who, inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpractised in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions, all I dare aver, is, that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance, by which it might be affected. All I dare hope, is, that, if in executing this task I have been too much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof, of the confidence of my fellow-citizens; and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me; my error will be palliated by the motives which misled me, and its consequences be judged by my Country, with some share of the partiality in which they originated.

Our country, our newly-born, weak country(even the most patriotic lovers of Mexico must admit of our situation) has many obstacles to face. We do not possess the gold, silver. Nor the manpower, the weapons. The only thing we possess in this harsh world is our own goals. Now I know that most, if not all, of you joined this legislation expecting an easy salary and a way to further your own agendas. Your money-hungry, corrupt, agendas. I am here to tell you that will not be allowed. Anyone I catch, I will personally have execute, using my authority over the Armed Forces of the Mexican Empire, the few things Congress cannot take away from me. The people are setting their hope on two things for their happiness; God and government. We will not fail them. I know my reign may be short lived-until a suitable European Emperor is found to take my throne-but I will take my office as a permanent one. You have been placed upon you the duty of legislation to keep this country prospering. Our treasury of Spanish gold will not last, especially with you leeches arrebatando con las dos manos. Instead of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, let us wait for this country to bear fruits.

So now, Godwilling, our President of the Chamber of Deputies will commence the first session of the first Mexican Congress with the reading of the first of many bills.

Thank You."


After what seemed like an eternity, a hearty round of applause, half real, half forced, filled the Chamber, alongside the offended voices of Congressmen protesting unfairness. Iturbide took his seat next to the President of the Chamber, relieved and feeling better than he had in weeks. Mariano Arista, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, organizing his papers stood up and reached the podium. Without missing a heartbeat, he began.

"Using that great speech by our great emperor as great motivation", his eyes rolling, "we shall begin. Many us of have proposed and drafted many bills, which we must go over. I shall propose the first. As you know, our treasury reserves are slowly declining. In order to keep our economy afloat long enough for our mines to return to work, I believe a tax on imports shall help maintain our economy and fund the reconstructions of our ports."

Sec. 1. Whereas it is necessary for the support of government, for the discharge of the debts of the Mexican Empire, and the encouragement and protection of manufactures, that duties be laid on goods, wares and merchandises imported:

Act of June 12th, 1797, ch. 38, sec. 1 and 2.Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Empire in Congress assembled, That from and after the first day of July next ensuing, the several duties hereinafter mentioned shall be laid on the following goods, wares and merchandises imported into the Mexican Empire from any foreign port or place, that is to say:
Specific duties on certain enumerated articles. On all distilled spirits of Jamaica proof, imported from any kingdom or country whatsoever, per gallon, ten centavos.

On all other distilled spirits, per gallon, eight centavos.

On molasses, per gallon, two and a half centavos.

On Madeira wine, per gallon, eighteen centavos.

On all other wines, per gallon, ten centavos.

On every gallon of beer, ale or porter in casks, five centavos.

On all cider, beer, ale or porter in bottles, per dozen, twenty centavos.

On malt, per bushel, ten centavos.

On brown sugars, per pound, one centavo.

On loaf sugars, per pound, three centavos.

On all other sugars, per pound, one and a half centavos.

On coffee, per pound, two and a half centavos.

On cocoa, per pound, fifty centavos.

On all candles of tallow, per pound, two centavos.

On all candles of wax or spermaceti, per pound, six centavos.

On cheese, per pound, four centavos.

On soap, per pound, two centavos.

On boots, per pair, fifty centavos.

On all shoes, slippers or goloshoes made of leather, per pair, seven centavos.

On all shoes or slippers made of silk or stuff; per pair, ten centavos.

On cables, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, seventy-five centavos.

On tarred cordage, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, seventy-five centavos.

On untarred ditto, and yarn, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, ninety centavos.

On twine or packthread, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, two hundred centavos.

On all steel unwrought, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, fifty-six centavos.

On all nails and spikes, per pound, one centavo.

On salt, per bushel, six centavos.

On manufactured tobacco, per pound, six centavos.

On snuff, per pound, ten centavos.

On indigo, per pound, sixteen centavos.

On wool and cotton cards, per dozen, fifty centavos.

On coal, per bushel, two centavos.

On pickled fish, per barrel, seventy-five centavos.

On dried fish, per quintal, fifty centavos.

On teas imported from India or China.On all teas imported from China or India, in ships built in the Mexican Empire, and belonging to a citizen or citizens thereof, or in ships or vessels built in foreign countries, and on the sixteenth day of May last wholly the property of a citizen or citizens of the Mexican Empire, and so continuing until the time of importation, as follows:

On bohea tea, per pound, six centavos.

On all souchong, or other black teas, per pound, ten centavos.

On all hyson teas, per pound, twenty centavos.

On all other green teas, per pound, twelve centavos.

On teas imported from Europe.On all teas imported from Europe in ships or vessels built in the Mexican Empire, and belonging wholly to a citizen or citizens thereof, or in ships or vessels built in foreign countries, and on the sixteenth day of May last wholly the property of a citizen or citizens of the Mexican Empire, and so continuing until the time of importation, as follows:

On bohea tea, per pound, eight centavos.

On all souchong, and other black teas, per pound, thirteen centavos.

On all hyson teas, per pound, twenty-six centavos.

On all other green teas, per pound, sixteen centavos.
On all teas imported, in any other manner than as above mentioned, as follows:—

On bohea tea, per pound, fifteen centavos.

On all souchong, or other black teas, per pound, twenty-two centavos.

On all hyson teas, per pound, forty-five centavos.

On all other green teas, per pound, twenty-seven centavos.

On all other goods imported from India or China, 12½ per centum ad valorem.On all goods, wares and merchandises, other than teas, imported from China or India, in ships not built in the Mexican Empire, and not wholly the property of a citizen or citizens thereof, nor in vessels built in foreign countries, and on the sixteenth day of May last wholly the property of a citizen or citizens of the Mexican Empire, and so continuing until the time of importation, twelve and a half per centum ad valorem.

On other enumerated articles, 10 per centum ad valorem.

On all looking-glasses, window and other glass (except black quart bottles),
On all China, stone and earthen ware,
On gunpowder,
On all paints ground in oil,
On shoe and knee buckles,
On gold and silver lace, and
On gold and silver leaf,
On other enumerated articles, 7½ per ct. ad valorem.

On all blank books,
On all writing, printing or wrapping paper, paper-hangings and pasteboard,
On all cabinet wares,
On all buttons,
On all saddles,
On all gloves of leather,
On all hats of beaver, fur, wool, or mixture of either,
On all millinery ready made,
On all castings of iron, and upon slit and rolled iron,
On all leather tanned or tawed, and all manufacture of leather, except such as shall be otherwise rated,
On canes, walking sticks and whips,
On clothing ready made,
On all brushes,
On gold, silver, and plated ware, and on jewelry and paste work,
On anchors, and on all wrought, tin, and pewter ware,
On playing cards, per pack, ten cents.
On every coach, chariot or other four wheel carriage, and on every chaise, solo, or other two wheel carriage, or parts thereof \bigg\} fifteen per centum ad valorem.
On all other goods, except certain articles, 5 per centavos. on the value at the time and place of importation.On all other goods, wares and merchandise, five per centum on the value thereof at the time and place of importation, except as follows: saltpetre, tin in pigs, tin plates, lead, old pewter, brass, iron and brass wire, copper in plates, wool, cotton, dyeing woods and dyeing drugs, raw hides, beaver, and all other furs, and deer skins.

Duty on hemp and cotton imported after the 1st Dec. 1797.Sec. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That from and after the first day of December, which shall be in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, there shall be laid a duty on every one hundred and twelve pounds, weight of hemp imported as aforesaid, of sixty centavos; and on cotton per pound, three centavos,

Drawback allowed for the duties on goods exported within 12 months.Sec. 3. And be it [further] enacted by the authority aforesaid, That all the duties paid, or secured to be paid upon any of the goods, wares and merchandises as aforesaid, except on distilled spirits, other than brandy and geneva, shall be returned or discharged upon such of the said goods, wares, or merchandises, as shall within twelve months after payment made, or security given, be exported to any country without the limits of the Mexican Empire, as settled by the late treaty of peace; except one Except one per centavo. per centum on the amount of the said duties, in consideration of the expense which shall have accrued by the entry and safe-keeping thereof.

Sec. 4. And be it [further] enacted by the authority aforesaid, That Allowance in lieu of a drawback on dried and pickled fish and salted provisions exported. there shall be allowed and paid on every quintal of dried, and on every barrel of pickled fish, of the fisheries of the Mexican Empire, and on every barrel of salted provision of the Mexican Empire, exported to any country without the limits thereof, in lieu of a drawback of the duties imposed on the importation of the salt employed and expended therein, viz:

On every quintal of dried fish, five centavos.

On every barrel of pickled fish, five centavos.

On every barrel of salted provision, five centavos.

Sec. 5. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That a discount of ten per cent. on all the duties imposed by this act, shall Discount on duties for goods imported in vessels of citizens. be allowed on such goods, wares and merchandises, as shall be imported in vessels built in the Mexican Empire, and which shall be wholly the property of a citizen or citizens thereof, or in vessels built in foreign countries, and on the sixteenth day of May last, wholly the property of a citizen or citizens of the Mexican Empire, and so continuing until the time of importation.

Sec. 6. On all ships or vessels built within the said Empire, and belonging Six centavos per ton on vessels built in Mexico, or belonging to citizens. On vessels hereafter built in Mexico, belonging to foreigners, 30 cts. per ton. On all others, 50 cts. per ton. wholly to a citizen or citizens thereof; or not built within the said Empire, but on the twenty-ninth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, belonging, and during the time such ships or vessels shall continue to belong wholly to a citizen or citizens thereof, at the rate of six centavos per ton. On all ships or vessels hereafter built in the Mexican Empire, belonging wholly, or in part, to subjects of foreign powers, at the rate of thirty centavos per ton. On all other ships or vessels, at the rate of fifty cents per ton.

Sec. 7. Provided always, and be it enacted,Vessels built in Mexico, in the coasting trade, to pay tonnage but once a year. That no ship or vessel built within the aforesaid States, and belonging to a citizen or citizens thereof, shall, whilst employed in the coasting trade, or in the fisheries, pay tonnage more than once in any year.

Sec. 8. And be it further enacted,50 cts. a ton on foreign vessels engaged in the coasting trade. That every ship or vessel employed in the transportation of any of the produce or manufactures of the Mexican Empire, coastwise within the said Empire, except such ship or vessel be built within the said States, and belong to a citizen or citizens thereof, shall, on each entry, pay fifty centavos per ton.

Sec. 9.And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That this act shall continue and be in force until the first day of June, which Continuance of the act. shall be in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three, and from thence until the end of the next succeeding session of Congress which shall be held thereafter, and no longer.

Approved by the Senate, June 20, 1797.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, June 20
Royal assent by Emperor Agustin Iturbide I, July 20, 1797

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Empire in Congress assembled, That the following ports and harbors be fortified, reconstructed, and or modernized under the direction of the Emperor, and at such time or times, as he may judge
necessary, to wit: Tampico in the intendancy of Nuevo Santander; Alvarado in the intendancy of Veracruz; Veracruz, Ciudad del Carmen, Champotón and Campeche, in the intendancy of Merida de Yucatan;Act of June 13, 1797, authorizes the fortification of the city of Acapulco in the intendancy of Mexico; Puerto Vallarta in the intendancy of Guadalajara; Mazatlan; Sonora; Guaymas in the intendancy of Sonora; Manzanillo in the intendancy of Mexico.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the Emperor to employ, as garrisons in the said fortifications, or any of them, such of the troops on the military establishment of the Mexican Empire, as he may judge necessary; and to cause to be provided one hundred cannon, of a caliber each to carry a ball of thirty-two pounds weight, and one hundred other cannon, of a caliber each to carry a ball of twenty-four pounds weight, together with the carriages and implements necessary for the same, and carriages with the necessary implements for one hundred and fifty other cannon, with two hundred and fifty tons of cannon-shot.And receive cessions of certain lands.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the Emperor of Mexico to receive from any state (in behalf of the Mexican Empire) a cession of the lands, on which any of the fortifications aforesaid, with the necessary buildings, may be erected, or intended to be erected; or where such cessions shall not be made, to purchase such lands, on behalf of the Mexican Empire: Provided, that no purchase shall be made, where such lands are the property of an intendancy.

Approved by the Senate, June 20, 1797.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, June 20
Royal assent by Emperor Agustin Iturbide I, July 20, 1797

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Empire in Congress assembled, That for the support of the military establishment of the Mexican Empir, for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven; for repairs and articles directed to be made and purchased by the Emperor of the Mexican Empie; for invalid pensioners; for fortifying certain ports and harbors; and for the purchase of cannon, implements and shot, there be appropriated a sum of money, not exceeding one million, six hundred and twenty-nine thousand, nine hundred and thirty-six silver reals, and one centavo; that is to say: For the pay of the legion of the Mexican Empire, three hundred and three thousand, six hundred and eighty-four dollars: For subsistence, three hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred and sixty-seven dollars, and seventy-five cents: For forage, thirty-one thousand six hundred and thirty-two reals: For clothing, one hundred and twelve thousand reals: For equipments for the cavalry, seven thousand three hundred and fourteen reals, and five centavos: For horses for the cavalry, sixteen thousand reals: For bounty to the soldiers, five thousand reals: For the hospital department, twenty thousand reals: For the ordnance department, six thousand seven hundred and fifteen reals, and thirty-two centavos: For defensive protection of the frontiers, one hundred and thirty thousand reals: For the Native's department, fifty thousand rals: For the quartermaster’s department, one hundred and fifty thousand reals: For contingencies of the war department, thirty thousand reals: For repairs and articles directed to be made and purchased by the Emperor of the Mexican Empire, two hundred and two thousand seven hundred and eighty-three reals, and thirty-four centavos: For invalid pensioners, eighty thousand two hundred and thirty-nine reals, and fifty-five centavos: For fortifying certain ports and harbors of the Mexican Empire, and purchasing the lands necessary for the erection of the same, seventy-six thousand reals: For the purchase of cannon implements and shot, ninety-six thousand reals.Out of what funds payable.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the several appropriations herein before made, shall be paid and discharged out of the funds following, to wit: First, the surplus of the sum of six hundred thousand reals, reserved by 1797, ch. 34.the act “making provision for the debt of the Empire,” and which will accrue during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven: Secondly, the surplus of revenue and income beyond the appropriations heretofore charged thereupon, to the end of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven: And thirdly, the surplus which may remain unexpended, of the monies appropriated for the use of the war and navy Secretariat, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven.

Approved by the Senate, June 21, 1797.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, June 21
Royal assent by Emperor Agustin Iturbide I, July 21, 1797

A sharp metallic cracking noise suddenly ripped through the silent tension of the National Palace, as the tip of the quill of the Emperor broke. The hundreds of senators and deputies, many of them fighting to stay conscious. The wooden clock above the immense Mexican flag hung behind the Emperor's podium struck ten o'clock. Ten o'clock of the following day, the thirteenth of June. The pens and minds of Congress had scribbled nonstop for an entire day, somehow. With cramped hands, the Congressmen once again erupted in the chants of "Viva el Imperio!" and "Por la Patria!", yet at a clearly less enthusiastic manner. However, there were still two more bills needed revisited and possible assent by them. So, before their exhaustion could beat them, they wolfed down glasses of alcohol, mostly tequila, or sugary beverages like chilled alcoholic lemonade. Barely enough to keep them from falling from their tired works. After passing many legislations aimed at the reduction of debts and, eventually the gaining of profit for the economy, one very important and potentially even more profitable topic had still been untouched.

"The influx of foreigners, especially those from the European powers such as the German and British Empires, have begun to show a considerable presence in the Mexican northern territories of Texas and New Mexico, as well as in the surroundings of our capital from travelers arriving in the port of Veracruz, according to our latest reports, dated May, 1797. Large haciendas are also emerging on our countrysides, producing considerable capitalization, but at the obvious price of freedom on the slave's behalf.", a deputy from the Liberal party announced.

"The only option to this government should, and is, the immediate enforcement of the ban on slave trade and practice in the Empire and all its territori-", The deputy was cut off by a member of the Centralist party.

"Pardon me, Deputy, but the slaves trade, if banned would end in nothing but economic collapse of this Empire. The mostly desolate territories in the north, which had before been in a deplorable state of poverty for its residents, are now in a massive economic surplus, rivaling that of City of Mexico."

"This legislative body's focus should not be economic capitalization, but the welfare of the Mexican people. All of its members that live in this Empire, all. Morelos and Hidalgo did not die for us in vain. They gave up their lives for freedom and equality of the people.", the Liberals countered.

"Without an economy, there won't be a people!", the Centralists argued.

Once again, with renewed energies, the Congress exploded with argument between the Centralists, Liberals, while the smaller party of Iturbidistas tried to keep order and defnd the Emperor and hes ideals. Before a small scale civil war could tear apart Mexico's government, the Mexico City Imperial Guards stationed outside the Palace entered and forced the men apart with their heavy axes and intimidating stature, pushing the hordes into their seats. After 10 minutes of heated fighting and racial slurs, the situation calmed itself enough so that Iturbide could resume.

"If this congress so believes that slavery is as important to the continuation of slavery, then let it remain. But only in the intendancy of Texas, while the rest of the Empire shall remain free. And that is final, for now. My army will make sure of that.", Iturbide concluded.


Soon enough the Centralists and Liberals were back to peace, for now, of course. An Imperial Guard lifted the Mexican flag that had fallen amidst the crisis. The red side of the flag had been dipped in a small amount of pooled blood on the floor from a Liberal whose nose had been broken. The Golden Eagle in the middle looking infuriated with the legislative body's antics and disunion.

"Now, while we have concentrated on the territories to the north, as well as our coasts, and the British, the Spanish still control Cuba, a perfect way for them to launch a reconquista of Mexico. Currently, our naval force consists of a few old captured Spanish brigs, schooners, brigantines, sloops, barques, frigates, and a sinking ship-of-the-line San José. If we are to not only protect our trade lines with the Philippines and Europe, but our coast from foreign invasion, we must create a powerful navy. We have already permitted the acquisition and building of new ships, we need more powerful ground force than just infantry and cavalry. I propose the creation of custom trained forces. Iturbide has already used our Aztec ancestors to influence our national symbolism, I believe it influence our warfare as well. The Aztec Empire was well known for its fearsome combat abilities. While I do understand that tactics have changed in the last 300 years, some things never change. Guerilla, especially. The following bill hopes to resolve that.

SEC 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Empire, in Congress assembled, That in addition to the present military establishment, there shall be raised and organized a Naval Infantry, officially named the Tlaloc Ocēlōtl, which shall consist of one major, four captains, sixteen first lieutenants, twelve second lieutenants, forty-eight sergeants, forty-eight corporals, thirty-two drums and fifes, and seven hundred and twenty privates, including the marines who have been enlisted, or are authorized to be raised, for the naval armament, and the said corps may be formed into as many companies, or detachments, as the Emperor of Mexico shall direct, with a proper distribution of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers and musicians to each company or detachment.

SEC 2. And be it further enacted, That the pay and subsistence of the said officer, privates, and musicians, shall be as follows, to wit; to a major, fifty silver reals per month, and four rations per day; to a captain, forty reals per month, and three rations per day; to a first lieutenant, thirty silver reals per month, and three rations per day; to a second lieutenant, twenty-five silver reals per month, and two rations per day; and to the non-commissioned officers, privates, and musicians, conformably to the act, entitled “An act providing a naval armament,” as shall be fixed by the Emperor of Mexico: and the Emperor of Mexico shall be, and is hereby, authorized to continue the enlistment of marines, until the said infantry shall be complete: and, of himself, to appoint the commissioned officers, whenever, in the recess of the Senate, an appointment shall be necessary. And the enlistments, which shall be made by virtue hereof, may be for the term of three years, subject to be discharged by the Emperor of Mexico, or by the ceasing or repeal of the laws providing for the naval armament. And if the marine corps, or any part of it, shall be ordered by the Emperor to do duty on shore, and it shall become necessary to appoint an adjutant, paymaster, quartermaster, sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, and drum and fife major, or any of them, the major or commandant of the corps is hereby authorized to appoint such staff officer or officers, from the line of subalterns, sergeants, and music, respectively, who shall be entitled, during the time they shall do such duty, to the same extra pay and emoluments which are allowed by law to officers acting in the same capacities in the infantry.

SEC 3. And be it further enacted, That detachment of the corps of marines hereby authorized, shall be made in lieu of the respective quotas of marines which have been established or authorized for the frigates, and other armed vessels and galleys, which shall be employed in the service of the Mexican Empire: and the Emperor of Mexico may detach and appoint such of the officers of this marine corps to act on board the frigates, and any of the armed vessels of the Mexican Empire, respectively, as he shall, from time to time, judge necessary, any thing in the act “providing a naval armament” to the contrary hereof notwithstanding.

SEC 4. And be it further enacted, That the officers, non-commissioned officers, privates, and musicians, aforesaid, shall take the same oath, and shall be governed by the same rules and articles of war, as are prescribed for the military establishment of the Empire, and by the rules for the regulation of the navy, heretofore, or which shall be, established by law, according to the nature of the service in which they shall be employed, and shall be entitled to the same allowance, in case of wounds or disabilities, according to their respective ranks, as are granted by the act “to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the Empire of Mexico.

SEC 5. And be it further enacted, That the non-commissioned officers, musicians, seamen, and marines, who are or shall be enlisted into the service of the Mexican Empire; and the non-commissioned officers and musicians, who are or shall be enlisted into the army of the Mexican Empir, shall be, and they are hereby, exempted, during their term of service, from all personal arrests, for any debt or contract.

SEC 6. And be it further enacted, That the marine corps, established by this act, shall, at any time, be liable to do duty in the forts and garrisons of the Mexican Empire, on the seacoast, or any other duty on shore, as the Emperor, at his discretion, shall direct.

Section 7. Additional regiment shall be engaged for five years.Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Empire in Congress assembled, That an additional regiment of artillerists and engineers shall and may be engaged, by voluntary enlistments, to serve for the term of five years, unless sooner discharged, and to be organized as follows organization thereof.; that is to say: There shall be one lieutenant-colonel commandant, one adjutant, one surgeon and three battalions, each to consist of one major, one adjutant and paymaster, one surgeon’s mate, and four companies, of one captain, two lieutenants, two cadets with the pay, clothing and rations of a sergeant, four sergeants, four corporals, forty-two privates, sappers and miners, ten artificers to serve as privates, and two musicians, two fifers, two drummers, and two whistlersin each company.

Sec. 8. To form a part of the military establishment.And be it further enacted, That the additional regiment which shall be raised pursuant to this act, shall be considered as a part of the military establishment of the Mexican Empire, for the time being; and the commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, privates, artificers and musicians, who shall engage in the said regiment, shall be entitled to the Bounty, pay, &c.same bounty, pay and allowances, respectively, according to their correspondent ranks, as are, or shall be by law, authorized and provided for the other parts of the same establishment, and shall be governed by the same rules and articles of war, and shall be armed and accoutred, in such manner as the Mexican Emperor shall direct, and shall and may be employed by him, in detachments, or otherwise, in the field, or the fortifications upon the sea coast, as, in his opinion, the public service shall require.

Sec. 8. Necessary books, & etc. to be provided.And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of War and Navy shall provide, at the public expense, under the direction of the Emperor of Mexico, all necessary books, instruments and apparatus, for the use and benefit of the said regiment.

Approved by the Senate, June 21, 1797.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, June 21
Royal assent by Emperor Agustin Iturbide I, July 21, 1797

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Chamber of Deputy of the Mexican Empire in Congress assembled, That each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective states, resident therein, who is or shall be of the age of seventeen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be enrolled in the militia by the captain or commanding officer of the company, within whose bounds such citizen shall reside, and that within three months after the passing of this act. And it shall at all times hereafter be the duty of every such captain or commanding officer of a company to enrol every such citizen, as aforesaid, and also those who shall, from time to time, arrive at the age of eighteen years, or being of the age of eighteen years and under the age of forty-five years (except as before excepted) shall come to reside within his bounds; and shall without delay notify such citizen of the said enrolment, by a proper non-commissioned officer of the company, by whom such notice may be proved. That every citizen so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, How to be armed, be trained by the Secretariat of War and Navy for modern warfare, in partnership with indigenous for guerilla warfare training, and accoutred provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a Tēmātlatl, a Tlahhuītōlli, a Mīcomītl, a sufficient bayonet or Tecpatl and belt, a Tlaximaltepoztli, a Macuahuitl, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch with a box therein to contain not less than twenty-four cartridges, purchase of standard army uniform appropriate to the climate or a Ichcahuipilli designed according to Secretariat of War and Navy's criteria and specifications, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball: or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch and powder-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of powder; and shall appear, so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise, or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger and espontoon, and that from and after five years from the passing of this act, all muskets for arming the militia as herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound. And every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted,Executive officers, &c. exempted. That the Secretariat of War and Navy; the officers judicial and executive of the government of the United States; the members of both Houses of Congress, and their respective officers; all custom-house officers with their clerks; all post-officers, and stage drivers, who are employed in the care and conveyance of the mail of the post-office of the Mexican Empire; all ferrymen employed at any ferry on the post road; all inspectors of exports; all pilots; all mariners actually employed in the sea service of any citizen or merchant within the United States; and all persons who now are or may hereafter be exempted by the laws of the respective states, shall be, and are hereby exempted from militia duty, notwithstanding their being above the age of eighteen, and under the age of forty-five years.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, Militia how to be arranged, and That within one year after the passing of this act, the militia of the respective intendances shall be arranged into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions and companies, as the legislature of each state shall direct; and each division, brigade and regiment, shall be numbered at the formation thereof; and a record made of such numbers in the adjutant-general’s office in the state; and when in the field, or in service in the state, each division, brigade and regiment shall respectively take rank according to their numbers, reckoning the first or lowest number highest in rank. That if the same be convenient, each brigade shall consist of four regiments; each regiment of two battalions; each battalion of five companies; each company of sixty-four privates. by whom officered.That the said militia shall be officered by the respective states, as follows: To each division, one major-general and two aids-de-camp, with the rank of major; to each brigade, one brigadier-general, with one brigade inspector, to serve also as brigade-major, with the rank of a major; to each regiment, one lieutenant-colonel commandant; and to each battalion one major; to each company one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer and one fifer or bugler, and 10 whistlers. That there shall be a regimental staff, to consist of one adjutant and one quartermaster, to rank as lieutenants; one paymaster; one surgeon, and one surgeon’s mate; one sergeant-major; one drum-major, one fife-major, and one whistler-major.

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, Each battalion to have one company of grenadiers, &c. and one company of artillery. That out of the militia enrolled, as is herein directed, there shall be formed for each battalion at least one company of grenadiers, light infantry or riflemen; and that to each division there shall be at least one company of artillery, and one troop of horse: there shall be to each company of artillery, one captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals, six gunners, six bombadiers, one drummer, and one fifer. Officers how to be armed.The officers to be armed with a sword or hanger or Macuahuitl, a fusee, bayonet and belt, with a cartridge-box to contain twelve cartridges; and each private or matross shall furnish himself with all the equipments of a private in the infantry, until proper ordnance and field artillery is provided. Troops of horse how officered, &c.There shall be to each troop of horse, one captain, two lieutenants, one cornet, four sergeants, four corporals, one saddler, one farrier, and one trumpeter. The commissioned officers to furnish themselves with good horses of at least fourteen hands and an half high, and to be armed with a sword and pair of pistols, the holsters of which to be covered with bearskin caps. Each dragoon to furnish himself with a serviceable horse, at least fourteen hands and an half high, a good saddle, bridle, mail pillion and valise, holsters, and a Ichcahuipilli breast-plate and crupper, a pair of boots and spurs, a pair of pistols, a sabre, and a cartouche-box, to contain twelve cartridges for pistols, and a Cuacalalatli, designed according to state animal or national bird, the Golden Eagle. Artillery and horse of whom to be formed;That each company of artillery and troop of horse shall be formed of volunteers from the brigade, at the discretion of the commander-in-chief of the state, not exceeding one company of each to a regiment, nor more in number than one eleventh part of the infantry, to be uniformly clad at their own expense.
and shall be uniformly clothed in regimentals, to be furnished at their own expense; the colour and fashion to be determined by the brigadier commanding the brigade to which they belong.

Sec. 5. And be it further enacted,What colors &c. and by whom to be furnished. That each battalion and regiment shall be provided with the national and regimental colours by the field officers, and each company with a drum and fife, or bugle-horn, by the commissioned officers of the company, in such manner as the legislature of the respective states shall direct.

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted,Adjutant-general in each state, his duty. That there shall be an adjutant-general appointed in each state, whose duty it shall be to distribute all orders from the commander-in-chief of the state to the several corps; to attend all public reviews when the commander-in-chief of the state shall review the militia, or any part thereof; to obey all orders from him relative to carrying into execution and perfecting the system of military discipline established by this act; to furnish blank forms of different returns that may be required, and to explain the principles on which they should be made; to receive from the several officers of the different corps throughout the state, returns of the militia under their command, reporting the actual situation of their arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, their delinquencies, and every other thing which relates to the general advancement of good order and discipline: all which the several officers of the divisions, brigades, regiments, and battalions, are hereby required to make in the usual manner, so that the said adjutant-general may be duly furnished therewith: from all which returns he shall make proper abstracts, and lay the same annually before the commander-in-chief of the state.

Sec. 7. And be it further enacted,Rules of discipline. That the rules of discipline, approved and established by Congress in their resolution of the thirteenth of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, shall be the rules of discipline to be observed by the militia throughout the northern territories, except such deviations from the said rules as may be rendered necessary by the requisitions of this act, or by some other unavoidable circumstances. It shall be the duty of the commanding officer at every muster, whether by battalion, regiment, or single company, to cause the militia to be exercised and trained agreeably to the said rules of discipline.

Sec. 8. And be it further enacted,Officers how to take rank. That all commissioned officers shall take rank according to the date of their commissions; and when two of the same grade bear an equal date, then their rank to be determined by lot, to be drawn by them before the commanding officer of the brigade, regiment, battalion, company, or detachment.

Sec. 9. And be it further enacted,Provision in case of wounds, &c. That if any person, whether officer or soldier, belonging to the militia of any state, and called out into the service of the Mexican Empire, be wounded or disabled while in actual service, he shall be taken care of and provided for at the public expense.

Sec. 10. And be it further enacted,Brigade inspector’s duty. That it shall be the duty of the brigade-inspector to attend the regimental and battalion meetings of the militia composing their several brigades, during the time of their being under arms, to inspect their arms, ammunition, and accoutrements; superintend their exercise and manœuvres, and introduce the system of military discipline before described throughout the brigade, agreeable to law, and such orders as they shall from time to time receive from the commander-in-chief of the state; to make returns to the adjutant-general of the state, at least once in every year, of the militia of the brigade to which he belongs, reporting therein the actual situation of the arms, accoutrements, and ammunition of the several corps, and every other thing which, in his judgment, may relate to their government and the general advancement of good order and military discipline; and the adjutant-general shall make a return of all the militia of the state to the governor of said intendancy, and a duplicate of the same to the Empire of Mexico.

Artillery &c. now existing,And whereas sundry corps of artillery, cavalry, and infantry now exist in several of the said states, which by the laws, customs, or usages thereof have not been incorporated with, or subject to the general regulations of the militia:

Sec. 11. Be it further enacted,to retain their privileges. That such corps retain their accustomed privileges, subject, nevertheless, to all other duties required by this act, in like manner with the other militia.

Approved by the Senate, June 21, 1797.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, June 21
Royal assent by Emperor Agustin Iturbide I, July 21, 1797