WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 1850
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told that she will submit to all this. I will say, without vaunting, that Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from whatever source it may. In the recent message of the Executive, after saying that a self-styled agent of Texas, a Mr. Neighbors, had come to Santa Fe for the purpose of arranging matters.for Texas, he adds, what I can construe as nothing but a taunt, "Meanwhile, I think that there is no reason for seriously apprehending that Texas will practically interfere with the pos- session of the United States." How did that possession come? Is it, as gentlemen have argued, a conquered territory? Was it acquired by conquest and by blood? Sir, if blood was shed to vindicate the boundary, it was shed in Texas, after the United States had assumed to vindicate her boundary, but it was not shed in taking possession of Santa Fe by the American troops. The blood that flowed was at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma in defense of Texan soil, which the United States occupied as a portion of the American Union by virtue of annexation of Texas; the occupation of Santa Fe was upon the same principle but it was bloodless, and the recent Executive declared that it was the property of Texas, and subsequently he repeatedly recognized the right of Texas to the country lying east of the Rio Grande. Presi- dent Polk directed the Secretary of War, Mr. Marcy, to order the military authorities to surrender to the authorities of Texas the civil government which had been held temporarily by the mili- tary authorities at Santa Fe. Yet it is now insisted that Texas has no rights there, and she is driven to vindication on the floor of this Chamber. Mr. Pearce. Will the Senator permit me to ask him a question tn explanation of a remark which he has just made?· I under- stood him to say that the recent Executive had authorized the delivery of the government of this country into the hands of Texas. Mr. Houston. Yes, sir. I have information to that effect--the military and civil authority. Mr. Pearce. I should be glad to be informed by what act he did so? Mr. Houston. It was by an order of the Secretary of War. I can not lay my hand on it at this moment, but I have no doubt of its existence; for I believe I have it from such authority as can not be doubted. Mr. Pearce. I hope the Senator will be able to produce it. Mr. Houston. I shall be happy to do so, sir; but, to let that point rest at this time I will bring more recent evidence to satisfy
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