WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
309
Now I think this is one of the rarest diplomatic moves that I have discovered. It is worthy of the negotiator; it is worthy of the diplomatist; but whether it really will have the effect which was designed, I know not. Yet, sir, I have been charged with introducing personalities and personal character into this body. What does the Senator say in this speech? He gives a most deli- cate, and at the same time-I should almost be tempted to say-a most equivocal, pledge; for he says: "I owe it to common justice to bear my sincere testirnony in his behalf, and to repel the efforts made to injure him, no matter when or by whom made." He pledges his "sincere testimony" on this occasion. It never would have suggested itself to me to attempt to qualify the testi- mony of the honorable Senator, unless he had implied that he had two species of testimony-sincere, and equivocal, or jocose. [Laughter.] My opinion was, that there was but one species of testim~ny, and that it was always sincere, because it is presented under the solemnity of an obligation to tell the truth. By examining this speech, we find that the Senator from Dela- ware goes on and introduces the name of Lieutenant Maury, and various others. He introduces the names of Messrs. Pendergrast, Du Pont, Missroon, and other officers who were on board the Ohio in 1839 and 1840, by reading a document exculpatory of them written by a former Secretary of the Navy. He thereby put their general characters in issue; and I believe it would be tech- nically correct, in a court of law, under the indulgence of the judge, under such circumstances, to prove the facts in regard to them. I had called for certain documents from the Navy Depart- ment, but they were not presented to the Senate when this speech was made. The Senator was not apprised, from any assurance given to those who called for them, that they would ever be pre- sented, or made a matter of consideration before this honorable body. Still, he chose to anticipate them. The result was, that he involved himself in the dilemma of having his friends brought before the Senate, not in the most enviable point of view. I am not so sure but that he was a little too diplomatic in that respect. Men may go too far. I find here something designed to cover up a nice little reflection. On page 6 of the pamphlet speech, I find the following: "No man who has a proper respect for the honored memory of the Commodore will seek to recall these events for the purpose of casting unjust reflections upon the living; and I purposely forbear all comment upon any part of the proceedings except the
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