WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
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Fellow Citizens-I cannot think that very fair. I think the course pursued was better calculated to show indignity towards the individual at the head of the government, than truth towards the world, or to benefit our friends in captivity. They have paid the penalty, and we may judge of the cause. It was not Capt. Elliot's letter to Packenham, my friends. He rendered us the most hearty co-operation. It was the publication contained in Moore's paper on the 18th of January, to which he was accessory both before and after the fact. These are some of the charges against me. But the full measure of the offence-the "head and front" is to be found in charges emanating from high authority :-"I had received a bribe; I was to sell my country to England : I was to be Governor-General of Texas."-And all this for five thousand pounds sterling! What! sell my country for British gold? I question very much, my friends, whether England would have us, if she could get us. To my mind it is clear that England does not care about the abolition of slavery. She has destroyed her West India possessions by its abolition there: and she knows very well that a slave population will develope the resources of a new country in one-eighth of the time it would take by free labor. The superior quality of our productions, and the advantages that England might derive from us in various ways, are strong induce- ments to her to lend us her aid at this juncture; notwithstanding the opposition of the fanatics who clamor for the universal aboli- tion of slavery. Men who have accumulated one half their fortunes in the African slave trade--who sinned against high heaven until they feared to call down its just vengeance upon their heads; and then bethought themselves that some atonement must be made to appease the Great Author of religion and virtue. Hence it was that they became fanatics, and "all the world must be free!" Lord Aberdeen says whatever can be done "honorably and legitimately," will be done. England has a right to make a propo- sition, and we have a right to reject it. But there is no talk of interference. England will not attempt to exercise force. If per- suasion will not do force will not be tried. What has England done against this country? Why, forsooth, we are to be sold to her! England is to swallow us up. We are all to be sold, a parcel of slaves and beggars, to English mercy! England don't want you, in my opinion, gentlemen! She has a great many mischievous and unruly subjects to govern already; and if she has Texas in addition, she would be glad to get rid of us.
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