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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
to characterize such conduct and policy, in an official dispatch. It would amount to this only-that if any thing could be made out of Texas by the United States, they were prepared and will- ing to derive the advantage, and if that could not be done, they wished to incur no responsibility on account of Texas, but leave it to all the consequences, which might possibly result to her, from the course, which her generosity and credulity might induce her to pursue. Pitiable would our situation be if we were not annexed, and had required no pedges; fortunately, this is not our situation. You have now all the grounds before you, and I hope you will ponder wisely and securely for our safety. It is a palpable scandal to the 19th century, that Statesmen should be prating about the emancipation of persons born, and their race held in slavery, by the custom and consent of nations for centuries, while they permit Santa Anna to forge, and rivet chains, upon eight millions of people who were born free. Thus, will the horrors of slavery be increased, with design to render his success subservient to the subversion of the Liberties of Texas, and form a new era in history, by degrading to slavery, a portion of the Anglo Saxon race. This ought not, and cannot be. It argues on the part of statesmen a want of perception, as well as self respect. Gentlemen, you will keep the Government advised by every mail, and daily of important events as they transpire. If you should be thrown for future reliance upon the friendly offices of Great Britain and France, you will if possible ascertain from them if they will act promptly, and what conditions they will expect of this Government. Mr. Van Zandt has written that the United States were not willing to form any alliance with Texas, as it was contrary to their policy. Hence the necessity, upon the failure of the im- mediate annexation of this country, to the confederacy of the North, you will, as I have indicated, approach the Governments of England and France. It is the first duty of Statesmen and patriots to insure the liberty and well being of their country. This is now our attitude, and every honest man in Texas will Justify and approve that policy, which wilJ place us in a situation where our liberties are secured, whether it be by annexation, or the establishment of our Independence. France and England will act effectively, if we do
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