306
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
To WILLIAM s. MuRPHY 1
Strictly Private
Houston, 24th April, 1844.
To General W. S. Murphy, &c., &c. Dear General,-Your note reached me for which I am much obliged to you. The news from Washington city is important, though nothing definite. No treaty was submitted to the Senate, but the basis was agreed upon. Its success was doubtful, and I will neither be surprised at its failure, or its success. Matters there are in a bother and will so remain until Mr. Van Buren and Mr. Clay come out,2 which is expected immediately, but there is no positive assurance that they will act, or if they do, what that action will be. It is in my power to render you some agreeable intelligence. Mr. Van Zandt in speaking of matters, says: "the preliminary movements discussed between Mr. Upshur and my- self, and afterwards between Dr. Jones and Gen. Murphy, as to the disposition of the military and naval force, will receive the assent of the President, as well as Mr. Calhoun. Mr. Calhoun remarked that he was astonished that anyone should stickle upon the subject. Thus, my friend, are our conjectures, in relation to the course of Mr. Calhoun, upon his advent, realized. Mr. Nelson, I suppose, has resumed his nisi vrius studies. Some men are very clever in their sphere, when they know how to confine themselves to it. A man may be quite clever as a special pleader who will cut but a shabby figure in the field of diplomacy. I am gratified that matters thus far have come out as they ought to do. There can be no impropriety in my obtaining a copy of Judge Upshur's letter to you, as you were desired to show it to me. But of this we will speak when we meet. I do not intend to leave until the return of the New York to our port. In the mean- time, do most sincerely hope you will find it convenient to visit this place. I will confidently hope that you can do so. I deem it important that we should have an interview soon. I have much news that will not permit me to communicate at present. On the subject of a protest, I can say no such thing has reached this Government, and though I heard from rumor that Mr. de Saligny had said that one was made, I am of the opinion that no such thing has taken place, nor do I believe it ·will. This is only a matter of opinion with me. Those governments have ac- knowledged the independence of Texas, and if she is independent,
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