WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 18'14
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"Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 484-485, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. 2 William S. Murphy, in 1843, succeeded Joseph Eve as the United States charge d'ajfafres to Texas. Yoakum, Histo1·y of Texas, II, 414-435, gives an account of the diplomatic relations of Texas at this time that clears the obscurity of this letter. TO GEORGE W. HOCKLEY AND SAMUEL M. WILLIAMS 1 Washington, February 3, 1844. To Messrs. Hockley and Williams, Commissioners, &c., &c., &c. Gentlemen,- I have had the pleasure to receive your com- munications and to peruse with attention their contents. I re- gret very much that matters had not been comsummated, but we cannot have things always as we desire. I trust that the additional instructions that will be forwarded to you from the War Department will lead to a consummation of your efforts to effect a truce. If it be possible so to arrange it, as to obtain the admission of the fifth article, as presented by you; I entertain no doubt but that you will do so, agreeably to the suggestions of the Secretary of War. I cannot perceive any reasonable motive that the Mexicans could have in passing the troops over the Nueces river. The very fact of that concession being made, would be calculated to irritate our people and render the duration of the truce more precarious than it otherwise would be. And as it is the desire of this govern- ment to maintain the most perfect good faith in relation to any stipulations that may be entered into, I am anxious to obviate every impediment to the attainment of that object. But if noth- ing else can be done, and it should be necessary so to do, you will admit the article in question as presented by the Mexican com- .missioners, and as communicated by you to this government. In stipulating for commissions to go to the City of Mexico, you will embrace one 01· more commissioners ; for il might so happen that the amount appropriated by the Congress would not authorize the employment of more than one. Another subject, which you are aware is of deep concern to the people of this country, is that of the liberation of our prison- ers. You will perceive, and the Mexican commissioners ought also, that negotiations for a general peace, under an armistice,
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