WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
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pro confesso. I intend, so far as the conduct of the ex-President of Texas is concerned, that if the father has eaten sour grapes, the children's teeth shall not be set on edge; and for this purpose it will be necessary to revert to one epoch in the history of Texas. Though it is back a considerable distance in time, it is neverthe- less important to an understanding of the facts to be here sub- mitted, as well as in connection with the history of the relations which Texas now bears to this country; for matters are not yet settled between the late Republic of Texas, now a member of this Confederacy, and the Federal Government_. I wish that a fair and equitable adjustment may take place; and so far as the production of facts and history will go, I intend that it shall be done. Sir, the year 1841, ever memorable for disasters to the Repub- lic of Texas, was the year in which the unfortunate expedition of Santa Fe was planned, which terminated so disastrously to the honor of the country, as well as to the lives of the parties engaged in it, and the finances and means of defense of the coun- try. It was in the month of July of that year that the Texas navy as subsidized to Yucatan, an integral part of the Republic of -:ixico. The then President of Texas, Mr. Lamar, made a com- rinication to the Governor of Yucatan, proposing to confederate lh him to render aid, and to receive reciprocal aid from him. 5 .1 conformity to the invitation originating with the President of exas, a Minister arrived from the Government of Yucatan, then in a revolutionary state against Mexico, with proposals to obtain the navy of Texas, for the purpose of conducting a war against the central Government of Mexico. On the 17th of September, I think, the proposition was submitted by Mr. Badraza, and ac- cepted through the Secretary of State by the President of Texas. On the 18th the matter was consummated, and directions given to the navy of Texas immediately to sail, and cooperate in the defense of Yucatan against Mexico; or, in other words, to aid and assist in the rebellion. This was done without any authority or sanction of the Congress or Senate of the Republic of Texas. It was a mere act of grace or will on the part of the President. Commodore Moore, with some four vessels, sailed down to Yuca- tan, several hundred miles south of the fort of Vera Cruz, leaving the entire coast of Texas subject to invasion by the superior forces of Mexico, and the commerce with Mexico entirely open and un- checked by Texas. In December the vessels arrived off Campeachy. They were to receive monthly $8,000, so long as they remained in the service of Yucatan. They remained there, I think, until the month of June, in 1842. The new President was inaugurated on
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