The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

WRITINGS OF SA!ll HOUSTON, 1826

system: we had sold ourselves to France, and enlisted in the general conspiracy against our dear mother country- England. The gentleman from Massachusetts insists, for them to have admitted the principle on which the militia were called out would have been the same thing as admitting the conscription of France, by which men were enlisted for twenty-five years. He, surely, will grant that, there is some difference between twenty-five years and "almost three months." But what have the Legislature said on the subject of enlist- ment? "Consign them to the care of God, and let there be no volunteers." Sir, do you hear such language held by the Legisla- ture of any other State? I will now refer you to the speech of Governor Strong, delivered to the Legislature of Massachusetts, on t_he 28th of May 1813. In adverting to the state of our country, he says in a part of his speech, speaking of his re-election to office, "their (the People's) approbation of my conduct of last year, is peculiarly grateful, as it leads me to hope that my services in the year to come will be considered with the same indulgence." Throughout the whole ~f that address we find but on~ sentiment expressed, and that senti- ment is opposition to the war. The Legislature, in their response to the Governor's speech, indulged in animadversions of the most abusive character towards the General Government. Was this what ought to have been expected from the People of that State? Was this resistance to the enemy worthy of the remuneration of Congress? No, Sir, the common feelings which bind men to their countrymen, to their freedom, and to their indepedence, seems in this instance to have been quenched by the remorseless in- fluence of party heat. The enemy with their fleet had entered the Chesapeake; before this period- the Peop!e of Massachusetts ex- pressed no concern for that event . French Town had been laid in ashes- were the People of Massachusetts awakened to sym- pathy? Havre de Grace had presented scenes of the most appall- ing character- were the People of Massachusetts aroused? Surely some hints of invasion had been given. Mockasin tracks were in the path; the rifle and tomahawk of the Indian gleamed among the trees; the knife was stained with the blood of their won relations. Yet Massachusetts alone was that speck of earth in the United States, where no indignant feeling glowed- no tear of sympathy was shed- no blush for the wounded honor of our country mantled on their Statesmen's cheeks.