61
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1826
Did they not lead to disunion? But, they were to ask the Presi- dent to resign, or rather demanded his resignation. This was a modest request, to be sure; very patriotic, I have no doubt, in the estimation of the Convention at Hartford. But what must every American feel in taking a review of those transactions? Their diabolical plans were not executed. Higher destines awaited this country. Peace was restored; the Union was pre- served. During this period, the 8th of January, so memorable in our history, had been inscribed in our calendar of national days- that day which had so happily illustrated our national character. 'Tis the brightest and proudest day which this country has wit- nessed within nearly half a century. But, Sir, I will not- nay, 1 cannot utter the feelings which ·I cherish in the recollection of that day. It beggared the annals of the world, in the brilliancy of its achievements. It will be remembered by every American as glorious to this country, and incalculable in its results. Can this committee, with all these circumstances placed before them, say that the claim shall be paid? But, we are told, that the good People ought not to be mulcted for the conduct of their officers. Their officers were of their own creation. They were re-elected by a majority of the State, with a knowledge that their politics were at war with the Nation's safety. The individuals have been paid. The State, in its char- acter, resisted the power of the General Government. Now, it is the business of that Government to withhold from Massachusetts, a sum to which she has no right, no claim in law, or equity. In the future we shall have no more talk about conscriptions. Let the Governor, the Legislature, and some of those eloquent lead- ers whose influence was so great at that day, compromise this matter with their own People. They will not again at a period so momentous, impede the General Government in its march against foreign aggression. Let Massachusetts fe~l and learn to co-operate with her sister States. Let her, hereafter, make a common cause, in defence of our republican institutions, and no difficulties can arise in the payment of her troops. The war in which she refused to cooperate was a war of maritime rights and the interests of Commerce. We are told that Massachusetts has six hundred miles of seaboard. She has her ships and her sailors, whilst other states of the Union have neither. This war grew out of the interests of the States bordering on the Atlantic. In the mountains we were safe, secure in our fastnesses: the enemy could not approach us. Did we wait until the enemy invaded our
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