WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184-3
280
William C. Binkley (ed.), Official Co,-resvondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 213, 369, 417, 302; Lamia,· Pape1·s, I, 218, 220-221, II, 44, III, 471. Also see note on Samuel A. Maverick under Election Proclamation, December 2, 1842.
TO THE TEXAS CONGRESS 1
(Secret)
Executive Department, Washington, January 10, 1843. To the Honorable, the Senate and the House of Representatives: As the present session of the Honorable Congress is drawing near its close, and as a recent call has been made upon the Ex- ecutive for any information he may have in his possession, as to the probability of Mexican invasion, &c., he avails himself of the present occasion to communicate the substance of certain intel- ligence on that subject, which he has very lately received, with such suggestions as he deems it his duty to make. This intelligence is from the City of Mexico, and dated the 8th of November. It indicates to the Executive, in the most authentic and impressive terms, that Mexico, in the event of being suc- cessful against Yucatan, will immediately invade Texas with a formidable force both by land and by sea. And the gentleman who communicates the intelligence does it with a view that Texas may so provide as to ensure the repulse of the troops of the enemy sent against her. He is not now in Mexico, but he transmitted the information with the greatest despatch that it may be laid before Congress previous to its adjournment. It is additional to any that was in the possession of the Executive at the time his last communication on this subject was made. It seems to be a fact established by reason, that if Mexico meditates the invasion of Texas, it will be attempted during the ensuing spring. She cannot expect that the civilized powers will tolerate in her a protracted war with Texas, unless she makes some demonstration to them that would create a reasonable belief that she is capable of subjugating and reannexing it to the Mexi- can territory. Hence it may be supposed that all her available energies will be called into action and employed with the greatest efficiency. The question then arises, is Texas in a situation to repel a formidable invasion? If she is, we have nothing to fear from it. If not, we ought to be so. Every means of defence in our power ought to be called into action, and be in readiness for any event that we should anticipate.
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