390
WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 1844,
Indeed, Sir, it is quite impossible that I should ever forget the many evidences of confiding generosity which I had tfie happiness to receive from them; and which, when the circumstances which have controlled my somewhat eventful life dictated their restora- tion, I freely and fearlessly surrendered back into their hands. I greet you, therefore, not with a cold and formal hand, but with those fervent feelings and deep sensations which the remem- brance of old associations of past events is so well calculated to 1·evive in all their original force. If by a life devoted to the advancement of the cause of civil and religious freedom, I have been able to roll back the dark shadows which obscured the political horizon of this lovely land-if I can accord to myself the distinguished merit of having aided in adding a new state to the family of the free nations of the earth, which I trust with you may live forever, I shall retire from the duties and responsibilities of my present position to the quiet and seclusion of private life with the self-satisfying reflection that I have added my mite to that general sum of human happi- ness which claims the contribution of eve1·y patriot. The diffusion of the principles of Democratic liberty has always been dear to my deart; and if the recollection of a kindred origin and kindred institutions shall prove ineffectual to maintain be- tween brethren of the same race, those friendly relations which it so peculiarly becomes us to cultivate, I entertain little hope of its accomplishment by more binding ties. But in this, as in all things connected with the happiness and destiny of my country, I shall claim, as I have ever done, only the exercise of that in- dividual will, which has never yet been found adverse to that of the public voice when fully and honestly expressed. Hitherto, my countrymen have been ready and willing to unite their destiny for weal or woe, with that of the people of your own great land. Actuated by the noblest and most honorable feelings and motives, they have sent their ministers to the very doors of your Senate house, and asked for admission, more than once thereat. They have done all they could do; and the failure which has occurred, is, I assure you, Sir, attributable to no want, on their part of the most earnest disposition to see the desired union speedily and fully accomplished. I knew your predecessor long and well; and I can bear willing testimony to his many and amiable and manly virtues. No man was ever more worthy of the high esteem and confidence which his friends and country so fully accorded him.
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