WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1833
275
. not press for it, England will most assuredly obtain it by some means. Now is a very important crisis for Texas as relates to her future prosperity, and safety; as well as the relations which it is to bear to the United States. You will no doubt do ample justice to the motives which prompt this communication to you: and I should censure myself if I were to conceal from you the Knowledge of any facts, which could enable you, during your administration, to acquire Texas, if it is in accordance with the policy of the United States. To that end I am compelled to as- sure you that your present minister, Col. Butler, does not desire the acquisition of Texas by the United States:. Nor is it de- sirable to him that Texas should change her relations from what they have always been! Col. B. has interests in this country (Texas) which will be better served by the absolute dependence, and attachment of Texas to Mexico; than by any transfer or change which it can hereafter sustain. Mexico is a country of monopolies and they must cease in Texas; whenever it changes its relations. Moreover if he had no interests in Texas at war with its acquisition by the United States-the standing which I have been assured by Gentlemen from Mexico, that he possesses, with . the Ministry and the people, would place it out of his power to manage a successful negotiation for T'exas, or to counteract the British influence; He has no Secrets, and I have been assured that the British Legation have a controlling influence over him. Be that as it may, I pledge niyself to you that I do know his inter- est is at war, with a transfer of Texas to the United States. This is only private, or to be so regarded by you until Col. B. returns to the United States. If Texas is desirable to the United States it is now in the most favorable attitude perhaps that it can be to obtain it on fair terms - England is pressing her suit for it, but its citizens will resist, if any transfer should be made, of them to any other power but the United Saes. I have travelled near five hundred miles across Texas, and am now enabled to judge pretty correctly of the soil, and the re- sources of the Country, and I have no hesitancy in pronouncing it the finest country to its extent upon the Globe. For the greater portion of it is richer and more healthy, in my opinion, than West Tennessee. There can be no doubt, but the country East of the River Grand of the North, would sustain a population of ten millions of souls. My opinion is that Texas will by her members in convention by the 1st April, declare all that country as Texas proper, and form a State Constitution. I expect to be present at
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