State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-08-02
WHOLE NO. 240.
From the N. Y. Spectator.
ONE OF A THOUSAND.

We commend to the public attention
the following letter. from Mr. lsaac Il. Pres
ton, OF New Orleans, declining, as every
American citizen ought to decline, serving
upon any the TeXian committees in the
United States. 1t is a straight forward,
manly letter, taking exactly the right view
of the case and the writer is entitled to
the greater credit from the circumstance of
his position. 1t requires not only sound
principle, but some degree of nerve, to
stand by the right in such place as New
Orleans, where apparently the great mass
are 'all in the wrong We regard the
whole of this Texian crusade-so far at
least as the citizens of the United States
have taken part, rs wicked and treason
able. Wherein had Santa Anna and the
Mexicans wronged the adventures from
the United States, who have rushed into the
Texian contest rifle in hand, and partcipa-
ted in the shedding of blood And how
shall those who have neither wrongs to re-
dress, nor homes to defend, wash out the
blood from their own skirts?
TO the editor Of The Courier:
Sir,-I see with regret, in the morning
papers, my name placed on committee
charged 10 procure contributions in aid of
the cause of Texas. This was done with
out my knowledge or consent. There is no
individual who abhors more cordially than
do, all the means by which the idle and
vicious few Cypress and prey upon the
industrious and virtuous part of mankind
or deplores more sincerely than myself, the
murder of our countrymen at St. Antonio
and bahia, but cannot on this account,
aid or encourage my fellow citizens in
carrying on n war with Mexico. There
exists between the United States ard Mexi-
co treaty OF amity, commerce and navga-
ton, which was concluded, as expressed
in the treaty ITSELF to establish on firm
basis the relations of friendship, and which
it is declared should be religiously observed
by both parties. The first article contains
these strong expressions:
'There shall be firm, inviolable and
universal peace, and a true and sincere
friendship between the United States of
America, and the United Mexican States,
in all the extent of their pos sessions and
territories, and between their people and
citizens respectively, without distinction of
persons or places
This treaty is declared BY our consitu-
ton to be the supreme law Of the land, and
IN my opinion, is as binding upon individu-
ais as upon the government. | believe il
my duty to observe it as sacredly as if I
were sworn to support it. Since the COM
Inencenent ofthe dreadful contests between
Texas and the Government OF Mexico, l
have not, by a single word or deed, en-
couraged citizen of the United States TO
interfere in the controversy, and will never
do so while the treaty exists. | consider
the maintenance of our own laws, and the
preservation of our good faith, as infinitely
more important to us than the success of
any revolution.
/ doubt the good policy of hostile in
reference by our citizens. 1t may involve
government in war with Mexico-a result
to be deplored even if we are in the right
bu, blasting to our fair fame if we should
be in the wrong. Besides / have never
doubted that the whole country to the Rio
del Norte, would in few years, be reac-
CURED 10 Louisiana by amicable negocia-
ton.
regret TO differ in opinion with many of
the best of my fellow citizens but sincere
ly entertaining the opinions | have express
sed, cannot change the course of conduct
have hitherto pursued.
With great respect
ISAAC T. PRESTON.
New Orleans, July Cd, 1886.