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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1851
blessings so great that the youngest that now lives will be refreshed by reading their history. He lived his country's friend, and died its benefactor. I knew that the hero had retired from all the active scenes of life, and that his heroic fire and ardor and chivalry had become chastened by age and mediation, and that he had merged into a Christian; and I revered him more than I had done before. I would not answer his letters, for, if I had revealed to him that I was for annexation, as I knew the public had bruited it about that I was opposed to it, and that though the people were in favor of it I would use my influence to counteract it; if I had said, "I pledge you my word, sir, that I am in favor of annexation, and it cari be done," I knew he would let it out to defend me against the charge that I was opposed to it. But so long as I did not answer those letters, it was taken for granted that I was opposed to it. He was fearful; I say, it animated him-his zeal stimulated all his friends. He struck "to secure the prize to the Union, and rouse the American heart to deeper feeling." The people said, "Give us annexation." One party unfortunately opposed, another espoused, and it determined the presidential election. Had either party taken it up, the result would have been the same; it was the question that decided the election. Well, annexation was effected, the Texans were zealous for it, they were earnest and ardent in their desire for annexa- tion; but, had it been delayed just a little longer, they would have made a compact with England, and would have had five or seven per cent. discriminating duties upon American productions, and then fifteen or twenty per cent; they would have driven American commerce out of the country, and invited the competi- tion of all Europe, and would have had "better relations than those established by law under treaties." We would have been forced to this course by the holiest of principles, that of self- preservation, a law paramount to all others; and there is no doubt we would have done it; but I am very glad that the mis- fortune of annexation happened to us. I know very well that Texas had a very bad reputation, and that she had not the sympathies of everybody, because it was said that all the vaga- bonds and all the culprits that fled fr0m this country went to Texas. If a man lived in the United States, and perpetraterl a mean outrageous act, cut his stick, ancflook his kit on his shoulder, and it was asked "Where has he gone"? the answer was, "Sloped for Texas." They located all the rascals in Texas; did not send any of them to Arkansas. ·well, now there is a great deal of
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