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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
To SANTA ANNA 1
April 10th, 1843. When I arrived at Galveston, it was soon understood that I had important news from you to the people of Texas, and there was a great stir to see what it was. Knowing that it would meet your views, I published the substance of the propositions in the newspapers, accompanied by remarks of my own, recom- mending them to the favorable consideration of the people of Texas. When I did this, I thought it would have a great effect at once, but it did not produce as much excitement as I expected. From Galveston I proceeded to Houston and remained there some days, with the expectation that I would see some clear manifestation of the feelings of the people on the subject of the propositions. I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency the Houston Telegraph of the 5th of April in which you will see among other items the publication which I made over my own signature, and that I presented the propositions to the people in the most favorable light. I have also the honor of enclosing to your Excellency a newspaper published at Washington (on the Brazos) by which you will perceive that I arrived there on the 6th instant, and laid your communication before General Houston. The paper contains varfous items of interesting news, which I have marked for your Excellency's attention. On my way to Washington (on the Brazos) I passed through the most thickly settled and wealthy portions of the Brazos. The news of my arrival had spread with great rapidity, and, of course, there was much anxiety among the people. The first question usually asked was, "Are all the prisoners released?" On my answering in the negative they asked me if I thought they would be released. I expressed the belief that your Excellency would release them if you had not already done so. The next inquiry was whether I had not brought terms proposing peace. To which I said, "I think so." They then asked me if your Excellency had proclaimed an armistice between Texas and Mexico. I told them you had not; but that I looked upon it as in effect so, until the wishes of the people could be known upon the subject of your propositions. I found the people much engaged in the cultivation of their farms, except those who are very anxious for an invasion of Mexico, and many who are in fayor of an invasion are improving their farms and planting their crops so
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