WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824-1857
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subject. The Congress of the United States have now been in session for some time, and there can be but little doubt that if they have not already done so, they will soon indicate their dis- position, and course of policy towards this country. Believing as the Executive did at the beginning of this present session, that the subject of annexation was in the best position in which Texas could place it, he did not allude to it in his general message-apprehending that any public action taken either by the Executive or the Congress would only have a tendency to embarrass the subject. Action must now be taken by the United States; and we must now watch and meet their disposition towards us. ,, If we evince too much anxiety it will be regarded as impor- tunity, and the voice of supplication seldom commands great respect. The Executive hopes that the injunctions under which the com- munication is made may be so regarded by Congress as to pre- vent the possibility of its publication until the measures sought may be accomplished, our negotiations terminated. Sam Houston.
1 The Mor·ning Sta,· (Houston), November 22, 1845.
To A. J. DONELSON 1
Montgomery, Texas, April 3, 1845.
Your favor of yesterday came to me soon and safely. I regret that it is out of my power to go to Washington directly. It is my intention to be there during court. I am happy that matters are moving on quietly and hope that they will ulti- mate well for both countries. I fear that your President has assumed a wrong basis for the accomplishment of annexation. The law never would have passed in Congress, had it not been for the 3rd Section~ of the Bill. You will, I apprehend, find that negotiation thro' commissioners will be the only means by which the desired object can be attained and that all other means must fail. The present excitement will give place to inquiry, and that to reasoning on the matters, involved in the measure. But as I hope soon to see you, I will not pretend to dissent, on the subject. It is of too vast magnitude to speak of or treat of in haste!!! It may [be] that the prosperity of Texas is to be ulti- mately advanced by an equitable arrangement. But it is most
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