WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1836
471
Minister, he certainly would be in a .condition to afford facilities in the. attainment of our objects-whether independence or an- nexation to the United States. I now regard our national standing as connected with the preservation of his life. Without life he would avail us no more than so much in weight of common earth. The climate in which he is now located and his mode of Iife, are so different from those to which he has been accustomed, that they must have a de- cided influence upon his health and constitution. Is it .not possible-or even probable-that he may die within the course of the present season? Should he do so, would Texas, as a people escape the imputation of having poisoned him? Or may not some rash person (as has been attempted) take his life, by violence? In either event we should feel deep regret; and Texas would experience the moral effect of such an occur- rence. The conscious rectitude of our conduct and motives would form no barrier against the aspersions of the enemies to our cause. If he is allowed, as he requested of the assembled wis- dom of Texas, to depart for the·City of Washington with an escort, those emban-assing considerations will at once ·be ob- viated. By his detention, what possible advantage can result to Texas or her interests? None, that I can perceive. By pur- suing one course, an advantage may result-by pursuing a different one, I can anticipate no possible advantage to the country or its true interests. Other considerations connected with the prisoners generally, as well as with Gen. Santa Anna, must press -themselves upon Congress. If they are retained as prisoners, they must be sus- tained and. clothed. Are we in a condition at this time to do so? We are not. They have already, owing to the policy pursued by the Government, been the cause of reducing our army to a most deplorable condition of want. It has been and is at this time, without bread; and the men are naked. A less sum than ·one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for one year, will not support the prisoners, while they must remain a dead expense to the country. These are matters which we must realize the effects of, and the sooner we look them in the face, the more advantageous
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