WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
246
Such was the solicitude of the Executive that the Navy should proceed to sea in the enforcement of the blockade, that he, in addition to the extra appropriation furnished Commodore [Moore] for that purpose, incurred an individual liability amount- ing to ten thousand dollars, by drawing on himself, payable pro- vided the steamship Zavala could be fitted for service. The liabil- ity, placed in the hands of Commodore Moore, with instructions to be used for the intended purpose, has not been returned - nor does the Executive know how far he is exonerated from its appli- cation. The Commodore in his last communication, herewith sub- mitted,0 seems to be at a loss to know what has become of it. The Honorable Congress will perceive, from the foregoing facts, that every exertion, individual as well as official, on his part, has been made with a view to render the services of our Navy ad- vantageous to the country. If in this he has failed, he feels fully acquitted of all reprehension. Another subject to which he would invite the attention of the Honorable Congress, is that of our relations with Mexico. On the 15th of October last a representation and protest· was ad- dressed by this government to the governments of Great Britain, France, and the United States. In that paper herewith sent,7 a view of the hostile conduct of our enemy, such as this govern- ment thought just and proper, was presented to those courts. It was believed at the time that to invoke the intervention of those powers on this subject was a right possessed by Texas under the laws of nations. No injury to Texas can result from the step; and it is confidently believed that the facts, as presented by the Secretary of State, will not be disregarded by those enlightened governments. If it should fail in the object sought, Texas cer- tainly cannot be prejudiced or placed in a situation less desirable than that she would have occupied had the protest not been preferred. The views and policy of this government in relation to Mexico, have not been based upon or influenced by the supposition that we should fold our arms and remain in our present attitude, relying alone upon this interposition in our behalf. How far we may expect the interference of those powers, in reference to our affairs, we can only infer from the friendly disposition which they have manifested towards us. It was the duty of England, under a solemn treaty to offer her mediation, which has, so far, been rejected, and the fact announced to this government. The United States have manifested a disposition to inte!fere as far
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