WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
232
DISAVOWING SYMPATHly FOR DISUNION SENTIMENT, AUGUST 15, 1850 1
I regret that I was not in my seat at the moment the Senator from South Carolina alluded to me, and I am at a loss to know precisely what reference was made, not having heard the ex- pression. I was apprised some weeks ago by a friend that some disclosure was coming out, in which I was involved, charging me with trea- son and various other matters, but never was I apprised until this morning of the sum and substance of this solemn compact, and I did not know the import of it. I have known of no treason hatching. I have been satisfied to let other gentlemen advance opinions and doctrines in relation to the value of this Union, and to let them undertake to estimate it. But I was not apprised of any purpose, on the part of any persons to sever this Union, and connect Mexico with a portion of it. I have heard of nothing of the kind that I now recollect, nor do I believe that the two com- munities would ever amalgamate voluntarily. I have no idea of that. It is ridiculous to say that I have any knowledge of it, and would not expose it to condemnation. It would be my duty to do it. I at one time denounced the "buffalo hunt," as it was called, and at the same time I alluded to the Buffalo Convention, and I denounced all these buffalo matters. [Laughter.] To say that I would be involved in an attempt to screen a knowledge of a grave plot to dissolve the Union and divide it out, is a very great humbug. I cannot conceive how I could do it consistently with my attachment and devotion to the Union, which I believe is pretty well understood. Had I not thought pretty well of it, I would not have occupied a seat on this floor, for we had a good deal of trouble to get ourselves and our State into the Union; and I am now for staying in it, and improving its condition. We would almost have fought to get in, and now we are in we intend to stay. I do not intend to be whipped in or out of the Union. We will do everything we can do to preserve it, and nothing to impair it. But to say that I know anything of this imputed combination, is utterly false. I knew nothing of it; and I deny the right to charge upon me speculations of this kind in the newspapers. Whatever I do and say will be over my own hand. I am responsible for it in my place in the Senate. If I could come here harboring a knowledge of a design against this
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