WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
239
interposing any impediment to the ascertainment of our position in regard to the U. States. When we meet, I will have much to say to you. I hope the opportunity may not be long deferred. But, until I shall enjoy this pleasure, there is a subject of para- mount importance to all others which have been discussed between you and myself, which I feel constrained, from the relations which I bear to this as well as to other countries, to mention to you, and express thereupon an important desire. For reasons which I cannot now offer, I have to request of you, under the most confi- dential injunctions, to communicate to your Government a desire on the part of this, that if they have disposable force at command, they would order to the Gulf by the first or fifth of March next, at least five vessels of war to cruise off our most important ports and harbors, and that the same be placed subject to your orders. My reasons for this, were they communicable, would, I am well satisfied, be deemed by you as well as the Government of the United States, of absorbing importance. The message of his Excellency, Mr. Tyler, containing the avowals it did, as well as your unofficial conversations with me in relation to Texas and Mexico, are conclusive to my mind that the interest which he feels in the affairs of Texas would not produce the least hesitation in complying with the desire now expressed to you. In communicating this desire to the Government of the United States, I am satisfied that I only act in accordance with feelings of the people of this nation, in expressing an identity with the United States, in the event of a hostile emergency in which they as well as Texas might be concerned. If it were possible, I would not hesitate at this moment to visit Galveston-But in view of this impossibility, I need not suggest to you the influence which the unexpected appearance of a portion of the naval force of your Government would have upon the rela- tions of the two countries, as well as the ultimate destiny of Texas. If the Government of the United States should accede to the desire expressed, it will require much despatch, I apprehend, to effect the object; and its speedy accomplishment is all important. If it is impossible for you to visit Washington soon, I wish you would write to me at length by some confidential conveyance. Sam Houston. The Morning Star, No- vember 22, 1845. Telegrciph <mcl Texas Register, November 26, 1845. Also 1 Texas N<ttional Register, November 29, 1845.
Powered by FlippingBook