WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
462
The Executive has no disinclination to an honorable peace; and he hopes that Mexico, like Texas, will be disposed to put an end to a protracted war, the further continuance of which can only prove detrimental to both. As far as a frank, sincere and up- right policy will go in the attainment of an honorable and permanent peace. It shall not be wanting on the part of the Executive, whatever might be the advantag-es anticipated from a continuance of the contest with the increased population and resources of this country. That Mexico will evince the same dis- position, and avert the evils of war by a mild and pacific policy, is, I am quite sure, desired by the mutual friends of the two countries. If peace can once be established, the commercial inter- course of the people of both could not fail to create that state of feeling which would soon obliterate the recollection of past conflicts and cement the two nations together by all the ties of the most agreeable understanding. A further prosecution of the war could have no other effect than to ensure the destruction of human life, the consumption of the resources of both parties and the demoralization of their national character. The wisdom and policy of the statesmen of the present day are oppugnant to war and bloodshed. In this respect the social and political feelings of civilized nations seem to have undergone a revolution. Governments that heretofore sought to increase by every means the number of their triumphs and embodied their national glory in the number of their vic- tories, ·are now yielding to the policy and dictates of peace; by which intelligence is advanced, national wealth increased and the moral tone of society improved. Immediately upon receipt of authentic intelligence of the cap- ture of our men at Mier, the government adopted such measures as it was hoped would preserve their lives and restore them to liberty. Letters were addressed to the friendly powers upon this subject soliciting their prompt and efficient interposition. But, although remonstrances were made by the British and American Ministers at Mexico, and although the greatest expedition was used, their interposition did not prevail until some of our brave men had been consigned to destruction.-The fact that individuals associated with General Somervell's command at Laredo had per- petrated acts of a most unwarrantable and disgraceful character, and such as were not sanctioned by the general sentiment of the army operated as a reason for the expedition and urgency of the government. It was apprehended that as soon as our men
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