WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824-1857
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a distance of 364 miles, navigable for steamboats and coasting vessels of light draught, entirely landlocked, and protected alike from the swell of the ocean and the assault of the enemy. Such a result is of incalculable importance, not only for commercial purposes at all times, but for military communications in time of war, which could be maintained through this island channel even if the whole coast were blockaded. The Sabine may thus be connected with the Rio Grande by cutting only about thirty- three miles through the intervening lands lying between the Sabine bay and the bay of Galveston, and between the West bay at San Luis and Matagorda bay, which are low level, and inter- locked with creeks and bayous of navigable capacity; thus opening a water communication from the Sabine river to Corpus Christi bay, and thence to Brazos Santiago, near the Rio Grande. It is impossible to contemplate the advantages of such an inland communication-attainable at such comparatively trifling cost, and ·important alike for public purposes and private enterprises, for public security and general prosperity-without insuring prompt and efficient measures to accomplish the object. That such a result, if attainable, is of the highest consequence, not only to Texas, but to the nation at large will not be disputed. That it is feasible at trifling cost, is believed by all intelligent persons best acquainted with the subject; and it is evidently so regarded by the able board of engineers whose report is hereto appended. Under these circumstances, a survey which would settle the question in all its bearings, as to its practicability, its cost and expediency, must certainly be considered as desirable, and ought at once to be ordered. Texas prior to her annexation to the United States, had not, of course, like the other States and Territories of the Union, the benefit of the topographical and hydrographical surveys of the general government; nor did she enjoy its fostering improve- ments or protecting shield. Having now, however, become one of the confederation, and presenting a line of coast of greater extent than that of any other State, affording many facilities for foreign and coasting trade-having through several noble rivers, an extensive navigation into the heart of a counb;y of unrivalled fertility, and possessing vast undeveloped resources, which must ultimately prove a great and lasting benefit to the whole Union- she claims, and has a right to claim, at the hand of the general government, her own fair proportion of its generous aid in mak- ing those surveys, fortifications and improvements, by which
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