would note as resulting from these facts, is the obnoxious principle, that an equal exercise of power, by clear parity of reason, involves an equal responsibility. In relation to the primary question of treating with Santa Anna, a diversity of opinion existed with the Cabinet; but a majority of them, with whom I cordially coincided, believed that the best interests of Texas would be promoted by entering into a fair and honorable and liberal treaty, founded on the unqualified, absolute independr.nce of Texas, with the captive President of Mexico. Soon after the treaty was written out and had received the approbation of the entire Cabinet, the Secretary of the Navy excepted, a change took place in the Department of War. General Houston's wound, received in the battle of the 21st, had disqualified him for active command, and a Commander of the Army was absolutely necessary. At the pressing solicitation of myself and several members of the Cabinet, the Secretary of War, .Mr. Rusk, consented, with a manifest reluctance, to take the command with the rank of Brigadier General. His doing so vacated the War Department, and Col. Mirabeau B. Lamar, who had acquired great distinction and popularity in the Army by his intrepidity in the recent conflict, was invited to that high office. Col. Lamar entered promptly upon the discharge of his duties, and very soon declared his opposition to the whole project of treating with Santa Anna. His reasons have already been given in exlenso, to the public. His opposition, however, only increased the dissentients to two. The treaty was drawn up and presented to the Mexican President. AU the provisions of the treaty were embodied in one document, and of course, were all intended lo he public or to be made public as soon as circumstances would authorize it. The President Santa Anna, however, suggested some reasons which appeared of great consideration with himself, and were believed lo possess a good deal of propriety and force by us, why the stipulations of the Treaty should be divided into two parts, one to constitute a document for present use and promulgation, the other to be secret, until the final result should render its publication expedient. After mature deliberation we acquiesced in the suggestion, and the treaty contained a clause providing for the release and transportation to Vera Cruz of the Mexican President and his suite, consisting of Colonel Almonte, Colonel Nunes and Caro, the President's private Secretary; and an
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