WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
407
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opinion is, that she should maintain her present position, and act aside from every consideration but that of her own nationality. It is now the duty of the United States to make an advance that cannot be equivocal in its character, and when she opens the door and removes all impediments, it might be well for Texas to accept the invitation. Until that is done, however, I think it becoming on her part to remain as she now is. The recent election in the United States, seems to indicate pretty clearly that the people are in favor of the annexation of Texas, and if the preliminaries of the measure should be properly adjusted, I should not interpose any individual obstacle to its consummation. It is with much pleasure that I received, just before leaving office, Maj. Donelson, as Charge d'Affaires of the United States. His arrival here awakened all the associations of earlier days, and revived in me feelings of the highest character towards your- self. I doubt not but that the Major's visit. to this Country will be of much use in the accomplishments of the objects he has in view, and I trust that, when he leaves Texas, his feelings will be as kind towards her as his mission may be successful It is the intention of Mrs. Houston and myself to visit you during the coming Spring, if possible, at the Hermitage, as well as to embrace our relatives in the United States. We do not expect to remain long out of T'exas as our desire is to settle down and improve a comfortable home for after life. In the mean- time, I beseech you to feel assured of our unabated affection, and most earnest prayers for your health and happiness. Tomorrow morning I shall leave here for home, some hundred and Sixty miles distant. Be pleased to salute your family for us. Very truly, Sir, Your devoted friend Sam Houston Genl Andrew Jackson. 1 Jackson Manuscripts, The Library of Congress. An extract from this letter is printed in Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 433. HOUSTON'S MEMORANDUM SETTING FORTH TERMS FOR THE ANNEXATION OF TEXAS TO THE UNITED STATES, DECEMBER. 13, 1844 1 Conficlential.2 Full community interests. A territory.
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