265
WRITINGS OF 5Ai"1 HOUSTON, 1844
appointed Secretary to the Secret Legation at Washington. If you should desire to send any communication to Washington, you will find him a ready writer, and he will take pleasure in serving you as an amanuensis. Now, my venerated friend, you will perceive that Texas is pre- sented to the United States, as a bride adorned for her espousal. But if, now so confident of the union, she should be rejected, her mortification would be indescribable. She has been sought by the United States, and this is the third time she has consented. Were she now to be spurned, it would forever terminate expectation on her part, and it would then not only be left for the United States to expect that she would seek some other friend, but all Christendom ,..,·ould justify her in a course dictated by necessity and sanctioned by wisdom. However adverse this might be to the wishes or the interest of the United States in her present situa- tion, she could not ponder long. The course adopted by the United States, if it stop short of annexation, will displease France, irritate England, and exasperate Mexico. An effort to postpone it to a more convenient season may be tried in the United states to subserve party purposes and make a President. Let them beware. I take_it that it is of too great magnitude for any imped- iment to be interposed to its execution. That you may live to see your hopes in relation to it crowned with complete success, I sincerely desire. In the event that it speedily takes place, I hope it will afford me an opportunity of visiting you again at the Hermitage with my family. It is our ardent desire to see the day when you can lay your hand on our little boy's head, and bestow upon him your benediction. Be assured, General, that I should rejoice if circumstances should afford an opportunity for an event so desirable to us. Be pleased to make the united salutations of Mrs. H. and myself to your family. We unite our prayers for your happiness, and join in the expression of our affectionate regard for you. Truly your friend, Sam Houston. 1 Crane, Life and Select Litc,·ary Remains of Sa.111 l/n11ston, 370-373. The Red-Lander, August 24, 1844. :?The following is Jackson's reply to Houston's letter. It does not appear in Bassett's Corrcspondenc.e of Andrew Jacl~8on. Private Hermitage, March 16, 1844. Genl. Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas My dear Sir, On the 11th instant, I was much grntificcl by the arrival of your private secretary and confidential friend, Mr. l\Iiller, who handed
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