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WRITINGS OF S 0 AM HOUSTON, 1843
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. was provoked by the cou,rse of Mexico; and suppose that the liberty and lives of ou1· suffering countrymen in chains d.evencled and were contingent upon the observance of such an under- standing ?-What would the aggression of our navy on the . Gulf be considered ?-What will result to our countrymen?- What would be the effect upon our National faith ?-What would be the situation, at all events, of the Executive, if I were not to publish the enclosed proclamation? It would be disgraceful and degraded. The commissioners and my friends, for once, did not estimate mr true character, in Orleans, when they thought I " would not dare to act" and that I would "snort" a little, and then get over my "pet'; or pout. My dear friend, I am in no pet, though my country must not suffer-nor will I make myself obnoxious to the charge of duplicity or connivance at crimes of the most infamous character and exalted magnitude. How could I sanction the acts of Moore? You yourself would look upon me with pity and feel for me the most dispassionate contempt. I had but one course to pursue as an honest, honorable, enlightened man. A statesman can never act adversely to those principles. A time-serving "politician" perhaps, may. I never was one, and I cannot judge of their feelings; I detest such "politicians" and demagogues in public station. The first is pitiable; the latter is culpable. I have one maxim: "Do right and risk con- sequences." I have done it, and you will be greatly pleased with the course as it is in accordance with the principles which have united us by bonds of friendship for the last twenty-seven years, and given cement to a brotherhood of heart and feeling. I have acted-let this rest. Why, my dear Christy, what cloud has come over the sunshine of your reason? Do you fancy me a " moon-stricken " creature? How could I entertain a proposition affecting my honor or the glory of my country? Do you suppose for one moment that I could be coaxed to assume dishonor to myself or my nation? Can you imagine that I could allow my serenity to be disturbed by slanders or the malignity of a faction, ·and to be revenged or relieved from them that I would incur indelible disgrace? If you do, you are wide of the mark. Because the papers are not teeming with frothy denunciations of Santa Anna, &c., &c., you infer that I may entertain some thought of acceding to his propositions. At the proper time
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