faith of the nation seems lo be pledged for its performance, it may be considered indelicate for me al this crisis, thus lo obtrude my views. I do not calculate thal any changes of policy can now be produced, but justice to myself demands this exposition, lest silence might be construed into tacit acquiescence. I predicate my opposition upon two points. First. That the professions of Santa Anna are utterly false and heartless, that he never designs lo comply with his engagements, and that the flattering promises, which he has lavished upon you, arc intended for no other purpose than to produce his release from his present captivity. Secondly. Even admitting, that Santa Anna now has the inclination to comply with all his engagements, still a high sense of imperious duty• lo my country, lo utter execration of my slaughtered countrymen, and to offended law and justice, impels me lo the unchangeable conviction that he ought to suffer death as a felon, as a murderer, and as an enemy to the human family. My professional habits and education, Gentlemen, have convinced me, that all compacts, engagements or promises made by one in Santa Annas present situation are absolutely null and void; both in morals and law. If this be true it is not unreasonable to suppose that a compliance with stipulations should be expected, even from one, whose character is unimpeachable when his hopes and fears operate to produce his consent when a treaty with life is presented to him with one hand and the sword with death is uplifted with the other. If then under such circumstances a good may might violate his engagements, what should wc expect from one who is literally covered with perfidy with treachery and with perjury, who acknowledges no law but his own will and submits to no moral restraint which impedes the advancement of his ambition or the gratification of his diabolical passions. But it is said that his own interest will impel him lo pursue the desired course, and that he is now fully satisfied, that Texas must be a separate and independent nation. Of this we have no other assurance than his own profession. But where is the man credulous enough lo believe the asseverations of him who has made oaths and pledges merely lo break them and scaled his perjury with the hlood of five hundred of the most gallant and chivalric sons of freedom. But Gentlemen a<lmilling if you please Lhat Santa Anna possesses the power and inclination, when in Mexico, to carry into
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