The Tornel Decree

This document from the Texas Revolution that helped shape its course was known as The Tornel Decree. The "no quarter" policy described in it explains the routine executions of Texian prisoners that is a hallmark of the war.

 

MEXICO

WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENT

Circular. The government has received information that, in the United States of North America, meetings are being called for the avowed purpose of getting up and fitting out expeditions against the Republic of Mexico, in order to send assistance to the rebels, foster the civil war, and inflict upon our country all the calamities, by which it is followed. In the United States, our ancient ally, expeditions are now organized similar to that headed by the traitor Jose Antonio Mexia and some have even set out for Texas. They have been furnished with every kind of ammunition, by means of which the revolted colonies are enabled to resist and fight the nation from which they received but immense benefits. The government is also positively informed that these acts, condemned by the wisdom of the laws of the United States, are also reported by the general government, with which the best intelligence and greatest harmony still prevail. However, as these adventurers and speculators have succeeded in escaping the penalties inflicted by the laws of their own country, it becomes necessary to adopt measures for their punishment. His excellency the president ad interim, anxious to repress these aggressions which constitute not only an offense to the sovereignty of the Mexican nation, but also to evident violation of international laws as they are generally adopted, has ordered the following decrees to be enforced.

  1. Foreigners landing on the coast of the republic or invading its territory by land, armed with the intention of attacking our country, will be deemed pirates and dealt with as such, being citizens of no nation presently at war with the republic, and fighting under no recognized flag.
  2. All foreigners who will import either by sea of land, in the places occupied by the rebels, either arms or ammunition of any kind for the use of them, will be deemed pirates and punished as such.

I send to you these decrees, that you may cause them to be fully executed. TORNEL.

Mexico 30th Dec. 1835

Source: Telegraph and Texas Register.
March 12, 1836. The Alamo Collection.