The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume IV

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON,. 1846

476

the question before them was one of the first importance, and that, until the documents which accompanied the message had been disposed of in the right direction, gentlemen could not have the opportunity of acquainting themselves with the state of facts. The reasons were given in the message for placing General Taylor on the left bank of the Rio Grande; and in takhig up that posi- tion, he (Mr. H.) had no doubt it would be admitted on all hands as the necessary course, and that suggested by the emergencies of the country. He did not intend entering then into a discussion, because he did not wish to produce delay; because he thought the state of things required prompt action-not discussion. Every indication which had been given, went to show the consequences would have been the same, whether the army occupied a position on the Rio Grande, or at Corpus Christi. A declaration of war had been made by the President, or, rather, the usurper of Mexico; his generals reiterated it, and told General Taylor that war should be begun if he did not remove from his position. He would not blame the Administration for not being responsible for General Taylor, but he was convinced the Goveri1ment was responsible for what has been done-the Executive was responsible-and in as- suming that position he could justify it. The American people will do it; the national honor required it. That was not an occasion of ordinary importance; it was one which required action, not words; not discussion in advance of information, and in anticipation of what may or may not be the question. Whether that war was constructive or actual, he thought American troops on American soil, recognized before the annexation of Texas as Texian terri- tory, and, by adoption, now American territory, would not fail to vindicate their honor and repel aggression. American blood had been shed on it. That soil had been consecrated before them, and their rights must be defended. He hoped the question would be put.

1 Congressional Globe, 1845-1846, p. 787.

REMARKS IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE, MAY 12, 1846, ON THE BILL FOR THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR WITH MEXICO 1 Mr. Houston said it was not his purpose to occupy much of the time of that honorable body; he rose merely for the purpose of declaring that the true position of this country, according to his apprehension, now was in relation to Mexico. His conviction was that they were actually in a state of war. War had existed for

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