388
WRITINGS OF SA:M HOUSTON, 1843
cantonment for the pioneers in the van of that mighty advance whose political power will not halt short of the isthmus of Darien. If Texas is sustained as an independent Nation, it will necessarily retard the consummation of schemes which, though now but in embryo, will at some future period be developed by much human suffering. It is not selfishness in me to say that I desire to see Texas occupy an independent position among the Nations of the earth, to which she is justly entitled by her enterprise, daring, sufferings and privations. The blood of her martyrs has been sufficient to give cement to the foundations of a great nation, and if her independence be steadily [speedily?] recognizf-d in Mexico, heaven will direct and carry out her destiny to a glorious consummation. Every day that it is delayed.affords to demagogues a theatre for mischief, and when repose should refresh her, factious political incendiaries are marching about with their torches of discord. I am weary of this state of things. All that Texas requires, to make her healthy and vigorous is a respite from execution. I cannot believe that all this fustian about British influence and abolition in Texas, has its origin with the Government of the U. States. But in a Country where the chief of it is elective in ninety cases out of one hundred, I presume the Administration derives complexion from the Clamours, or what is supposed to be the feelings of the people. If so, as far as Southern influence can be exercised upon the Administration of that Govnt. it is highly probable that the Agency of England, exercised in behalf of this Country would not receive a hearty cooperation from all the agents which that Government may have employed. Of Mr. Tyler, my opinion is too exalted to think that he would sanction a course so much at war with the avowed wishes of that Government-its natural character and the rights of humanity. If the prisoners who have been released by Santa Anna have reported truly the conduct of Genl. T'hompson in Mexico, he could have had but one object in view, and that was, by the return of those gentlemen to create a strong prejudice against the repre- sentative of Her Britannic Majesty in Texas, as ,vell as the Ex- ecutive, who was understood to be on terms of personal friendship with him and entertaining at the same time for his character and capacity the highest respect. If General Thompson 3 really has stated, as represented, conficlentally, to e·very prisoner with whom
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