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'J'EXAS ~TATE LIBR.\RY
those prominent men, who have advo[cated] this important measure, from its conception to the present time- The prominent position, which you have always held in this Coun- try, from the commencement of its political existence, your active and efficient advocacy of the policy of "Annexation" both in this Country and the U. S.-and the warm and abiding interest which you are known to feel, in the successful conclusion of the measure, point you out, as preeminently calculated to afford, the information which we desire- and we cannot doubt your willingness to do so, whenever your leisure will permit- Another reason, why we have called, especially upon you, is the fact that "Gen Sam Houston, has been in the habit for years, in his public speeches and in <·onversation, of heaping ahuse up [on] yourself and your Administration, m;cri bing to the consequences ,of your policy, every thing, that bore heavily upon the Country, or ,embarrassed his own Administration of public Affairs; and he now asserts, we are informed, that you are a new Convert to the expediency of "Annexation" because no active measures, were taken to accomplish that object, during your Administration. In the hope, that nothing will oc·cur to prevent your compliance, with our request. We Remain- With the highest Respect No. 2202 1845 Nov. 18, M. B. LAMAR GALVESTON [TEXAS] TO [T. P. ANDERSON AND OTHERS, GALVESTON, TEXAS] 33 Galveston Nov 18th 1845. GENTLEMEN-I have received your note of the 15th inst., and will cheerfully comply with your request; feeling as I do, that no period 'can be more propituous than the present, to elicit the truth in regard to the great measure of Annexation; and especially to ascertain the influence which the individual, now claiming the whole merit of the work, has had in the result. The measure is effected, as far as Texas is concerned; and nothing, therefore, is jeoparded by the discussion. Whether the "clamorous" pretensions of Gen. Houston are sustained ,or overthrown, the investigation cannot injure the country. The re- -cording of contemporary facts, however, may be useful to the future historian. And here I would premise, that no single man, however l)Otent he may be in the general favor of the public, has exerted any 1:ontrolling, or even perceptible agency in making Annexation accept- 1.ble to the people of Texas. Austin in his early visions regarded it -as the consummation of his highest wishes; but the patriot and his hopes, slept together in the ~rrave, before the cherished measure of his life, took a practicable shape.- His views and feelings on the subject, were, in his time, those of thC' whole country; and the subsequent unanimity of popular sentiment has always rendered public discussion and individual influences unneC'<•~sary. The hoRtility of those who
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