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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1824-1857
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in our purposes, and therefore, relations with us were unsafe, or even to maintain those which now so fortunately exist. They might apprehend that if after the lapse of a few more years, Texas, having acquired increased importance from their friendly aid and good offices, could be induced again by the agitation of the same question in the United States, to apply for admission into that Union, and that by possibility it might be ~ff ected. Hence, the utmost caution and secrecy on our part as to the true motives of our policy should be carefully observed. Were the interest now manifest both in the United States and in Texas, in relation to annexation, to pass off without producing any material change in our national attitude, another subject of but secondary importance might be achieved. It appears to the Executive that the relations which the United States bears to the country, and its important position on the Gulf, would not disin- cline them to the treaty with us, defensive, at least, if not also offensive. If nothing else were effected than a treaty for defence, it would secure to Texas a position that would forever bid defiance to our Mexican enemy. It would be as important to us, in fact, as the recognition of our independence by Mexico. These measures seem to the judgment of the Executive to be vitally connected with the glory, the well-being and stability of the nation; and had he under this conviction not communicated the same to Congress, he should have felt himself delinquent in the discharge of an important duty. If they are favorably re- ceived by the Honorable Congress, and their effectuation desired, it may be necessary, for this purpose, if circumstances daily arising should justify the course, to despatch an additional agent to the Government of the United States to co-operate with our agent now there; and in that event an appropriation of five thousand dollars·would be requisite to meet the necessary expend- itures. This recommendation does not arise from any distrust of the ability and capacity of Mr. Van Zandt, our present Charge d'Affaires. His industry, zeal, and capacity, are evinced by his correspondence with this Government; but the additional weight which a coadjutor would give to our character at that court, and the multiplication of facilities for success by the aid which they would mutually render each other from the increased opportuni- ties for intelligence, and in collecting and comparing informa- tion, would doubtless be of the highest importance. If the honorable Congress would think well of these suggestions, they will be aware of the propriety of i1n1neclia,te action on the
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