WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,6
492
leaves the objections to be obviated hereafter, when they can be examined without prejudice, with all the information and light which can be collected from the records and experience of both countries. After the admission of Texas as a State, the party excitement engendered by the discussion of the measure will have passed away; she will have representatives in both Houses of Congress, to explain her wants; and ·it 1nay be exvected, that with the accession of so large a territory to the liniits of the Union, will come those good and liberal feelings which have never yet failed to bring to a national measure, once consummated, the suvport and protection of all parties; nor ever perm.itted injus- tice or injury, sectional or individual, to remain a blot upon the escutcheon of the Union. In proportion, then as Texas has suffe1·ed f1·om the clelay of the measure which is to restore her to the bosom of her natural friends, in proportion as her struggle to achieve and maintain her independence has exposed her to merci- less assaults from Mexicans and savages, may she expect to have the noble band that fought her battles honored and rewarded, and all the fruits of her success in war and in peace, blessed by the sympathy and compensated by the love and admiration of a happy and united people." And again: "And it was also believed that a like spirit would induce Texas to overlook considerations, relying on that high sense of honor and magnanimity which governs both the people and the repre- sentatives of the United States to secure to her hereafter all tlia.t she can reasonably desire, to place her on an equal footing with the other members of the Union." Such was the language employed by the accredited agent of the United States to induce Texas to accept the offer of annexation. She had accepted that offer; and it would not now do to say that, in giving these assurances, the American Minister transcended his powers, and had no right to hold out any such allurements. Mr. Donelson was duly authorised to act. The United States had assumed the responsibility, and had endorsed the offers which he made in their name. Texas now came and respectfully asked for the fulfilment of the pledge. She desired no disfranchisement of a single officer of the American navy. They were gallant men. Their bravery and skill had commanded the admiration of the world. Mr. H. would be the last man to pluck one leaf from the laurels that surrounded their brows, or to utter a word to detract from the brightness of their honor or the f ulness of their fame.
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