WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
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of that policy recalled all "letters of Marque and Reprisal" that had been granted under its authority; and, from time to time, released prisoners of war without exacting the customary exchanges; and such, moreover, has been the charitable humanity extended to the enemy, that she has up to the present time for- borne even to execute, according to the laws of nations, spies heretofore taken-thereby mitigating the horrors of war; hoping by a demonstration of such liberal principles, to inspire the Mexican Government & people with a sense of justice; and, young as we were, to gain the respect of the civilized world, as well as to give an unequivocal expression of our opinions and feelings. But, whereas, the Republic of Mexico, despite of the generous & humane course pursued by this Government, recently, when a detachment of prisoners were landed at Mata- moras under a Corte! bearing the white flag, with Col. J. A. Wharton, proposing the exchange of the Hon. W. H. Wharton, and the officers and crew of the Independence, captured in May last by the Mexican fleet, the authorities regardless of established principles of international law, and the universal usage among civilized people when at war, immediately on landing, arrested this messenger of peace, and during six days gave no response; thus compelling him at the hazard of his life to escape from the shores of Mexico. Now, therefore, I, Sam Houston, Presi- dent of the Republic of Texas, by virtue of the power in me vested by law, do, hereby grant "Letters of Marque and Reprisal," to take effect from the promulgation hereof in order that the commerce of Mexico may endure the evils thus brought upon her citizens by want of good faith of her government. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the Republic of Texas to be hereunto affixed, and signed the same. Done at the City of Houston this the 15th day of September A. D. 1837, and of the independence of Texas the second. Sam Houston. By the President R. A. Irion, Sec'y of State. [Endorsed] : Proclamation of the President granting "Let- ters of Marque and Reprisal" 15th September 1837 Recorded Page 11 Examined.
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1Proclamations of the Presidents, Republic of Texas; Documents m1der the Great Seal, Record Boole No. 97, pp. 10-11, Texas State Library. Tele- graph rmd Texas Registe1·, September 23, 1837. l 1 I
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