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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
held the reins of power at the time of its consumation, only aroused the people into a fuller expression of their sentiments. I was, in the early stages of our Revolution, opposed to the Annex- ation of Texas to the United States. My course was undisguised, and my reasons for it, have been given to the public. I desired to see Texas become, what her internal resources required-a great agricul- tural community, with an open commerce with all the world. To in- sure this result and to maintain the intelligence and energy of its people, Slavery, as it exists in the Southern portion of the United States, was indispensible. Without that institution, even though un- disturbed by the direct aggression of England, we should have dwindled into pastoral ignorance and inefficiency; and would have sunk back under Mexican despotism without the necessity of an "Armli,stice," sur~ rendering our nationality, under the auspices of her Britannic Majesty. But when I saw our government in collusion with England, to over- throw that Institution- when the confidence of the Southern people in our integrity and the disposition to maintain it, was destroyed- and the tide of emigration actually changed from Texas back to the United States, I paused in my opinions, and turned to seek for my country a shelter from the grasp of British cupidity beneath the only flag under which her institutions could be saved from the storms that threatened her. I knew from the first expression of ])ublic opinion in 1836, down to its reiteration by the Congress of 1843, that the people of Texas were still in favor of Annexation. It was not here that the battle was to be fought. The American Charge, on his arrival in Texas with the Joint Resolutions of the United States Congress, found no enemy, except the Government and its patron General Hous- ton. To them only was it necessary to address his diplomacy; and with them it had no effect, until the people, alarmed at a delay which boded no friendship to the measure, spoke in terms which convinced the government, that they were no longer to be tampered with in safety. I repeat, that it was not in Texas that the battle was to be fought; but in the United States, between the two great contending parties who were about to come in conflict upon this subject; and it was there and in that conflict, that I aided in the cause of Annexation, to the extent of my influence. My feelings and opinions were fully expressed in my letter to the people of Georgia. In reply to a complimentary letter addressed him by Judge Hemp- hill and others in Washington County; Gen. Houston is pleased to remark, that the measure of Annexation "originated under his Admin- istration;" This is not true. The honor of bringing the subject officially into notice belongs to his predecessor, Judge Burnet. I was a member of President Burnet's cabinet in 1836; and know the fact, that Cols Collingsworth and Grayson were dispatched to the United States with instructions to present the question of Annexation to that Government ; and about the same time the President issued his proc- lamation, calling on the people to express their will by voting for or against the measure, at the general election ! In this way the voice of the nation was first ascertained. That voice was to [sic] decisive in favor of the measure to permit Burnet's successor to act in dis- obedience of it. Besides, the congress had met in Columbia and was acting upon the subject, before the Inauguration of General Houston. Thus it is seen, that this usurper of honors, in coming into office, in-
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