WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
467
by the armed vessels of this Republic. So that nothing herein contained shall be construed to admit the transportation by sea, of Mexican produce, goods, wares, and merchandize or other property, of what name or kind so ever, nor the importation of articles contraband of war, either in Mexican vessels or on neutral bottoms. ;But that such and every such liability to capture on the high seas, shall be in force and remain fully, as if the said Proclamation of blockade, had never been promulgated: And the said goods, and other property so prohibited as aforesaid, shall be liable to capture and confiscation, anything herein con- tained to the contrary notwithstanding. Done at Columbia this first day of November A. D. 1836, and of the independence of said Republic the first. Sam Houston 1 "Proclamations of the Presidents," Congressional Papers, Texas State Library. Consula1· Corresp~ndenc.e, IV, ibid. Telegraph and Texas Register, November 16, 1836. Arkansas Gazette, November 28, 1836. Arkansas Ad110- cate, December 23, 1836. Louisville [Ky.] Journal, December 10, 1836. The newspaper copies differ slightly from the original in the "Proclamations of the Presidents," in sentence and paragraph division; verbally they are thE> same.
To THE TEXAS SENATE 1
Executive Department Columbia 2d November 1836
To the Honorable the Senate Gentlemen I have the honor to present for your considera- tion a revocation of the Decree of Blockade of the Port of Mata- moras etc, proclaimed by the late Government ad interim. The circumsta,nces of the times no longer seems to require the existence of that edict: while the lawful commerce of our sister Republic of the North is alone affected by such arbitrary re- straint; and our naval force is insufficient to interrupt and punish any illicit communication. Unless we can enforce our injunc- tions by a sufficient armament, they will appear to the world extravagant and futile. As my constitutional advisers, you will consider the amity which should exist between this Republic and the Nations by which we are surrounded: and should it be deemed advisable, you will return that instrument with the resolution you may make thereon. Sam Houston
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