223
WRITINGS OF SAl\I HOUSTON, 1842
between Texas and Mexico. Upon that subject, I never had but one notion, and that was, that England would do right, and if she did not of her own choice, that we could not coerce her to do so. When we get our hand in the Lions mouth, my rule is to get it out, just as easily as possible, but not to strike the Lion on the nose! As to the course pursued by Genl. Hamilton/ in his audacious inte1-ference, with matters, which pertained to your Mission ex- clusively, I can only say that it does not surprise me, as it is a piece with his impertinent conduct, relative to the affairs of Texas. A few days since he wrote to me that he had seen Genl. Almonte, and had one of his 1cise conversations with him, and wished me to authorize him, in a secret way, to negotiate a Treaty. He stated that Almonte requested him to write to him. Now of this I have no doubt, & perhaps he may, and will write to Almonte, & let him know all that he can know himself. How the pooi• soul ever conceived that he had any Diplomatic tact, I never could conceive, unless it was, that he ascertained that he was destitute of all sincerety, and supposes this the highest qualification for a negociator. Almonte is a most shrewd, sagacious man, and no doubt wou'd like to eviscerate, the General, of anything he might possess, in the way of news! I will apprise Genl Hamilton of the light in which his conduct has been, and is regarded, by this Government. He surely must have forgotten the relations in which Santa Anna placed him, by his letter, when he would propose a riegociation with his Minister, relative to a subject in which he had once proposed to bribe him as chief of a nation, and for which he had been exposed [to] the contempt and derision of every honorable man. Suppose I was to sanction any action of Genl Hamilton with Almonte, what would Her Majestys Gov- ernment think [of] me, as a sane man? It would at once be pretermiting, the mediation of England, and involving Texas in new calamities and accumulated contempt! But upon these sub- jects, you will be instructed by the State Dept. Yon will do justice to Texas. I have no doubt upon this subject; as I feel much solicitude that it should be done! Her Majestys Charge d'Affaires, Captain Elliot,3 is exceedingly acceptable here, to the veople, as well as the Government of Texas. He is a choice Gentleman, and in his station replete. You will see Mr. Add[ington], 4 the under Secretary, a [nd] Lord Aberdeen/ and I desire that you should present me to him, most kindly, and assure him that his adver- tancy to olden times in Washington City (when we were there in
Powered by FlippingBook