Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1844-06-07
From the Nashville Union.


subject of the immediate annexation of
Texas to the United States. in which he
brings this important question before the
country in its true light. This letter
comes forth at the urgent request OF Gen.
Jackson's numerous friends, who have
addressed him of late, and expressed de-
5kire tolknow if his sentiments have not
changed in regard to annexation, since so
much Information has been brought to
bear upon this great measure by the let
tiers Of Mr.. Van Buren,, and OTHER disiin.
guished men of our country.
HERMITAGE, May Is, 1874.
To the Editor of the Union:
SIR: / am induced to address you
this letter., because .have, within a few
days past, received letters from many OF
my friends. who have expressed desire
to know whether my views in relation to
the policy of annexing Texas to the Uni.
ted States have been changed by the light
which the subject has received from the
recent letters Of Mr.. Van Buren,, and 9TH
er prominent citizens; and because It
seems to be necessary that should an
swer or be misunderstood.
Having no connection with the ques-
ton excep. the interest which, in common
with other citizens, take in all that con-
Germs my country, what | have hereto
fore said upon i. was dictated by no de-
sire to be prominent actor. 1t was GER
.ainly far from my expectation that there
should be an effort in any quarter 10 make
the question mere party one. Hence,
when il was brought TO my notice some
twelve months ago, by the honorable Mr..
Brown of this Stale, | answered his in
quiries with promplness and frankness.
| had not forgotten the principles by
which my administration had been guided
when attempting to obtain Texas by ne
go,iation with Mexico, nor the care which
was taken to convince Mexico, afterwards,
that this government. had no agency, dis
rec,ly or indirectly, in the steps resorted
TO by the people of Texas TO establish for
themselves an independent government.
In the reference which Mr.. Van Buren,
has made 10 my conduct as President in
these respects, he has stated wha. is en-
lirely true, and has delneated with the a.
billy and perspicuiiy which so emInenlly
distinguish him, tie general principles
which characterize the course of our gov
ernmen. In its intercourse with foreign
powers. But just and accurate as he Is,
and subscribing. most fully, as DO, 10 all
that he alleges as applicable to the ques-
ton as it stood in my administration, and
as it did under his own, still think that
the circumstances are SO far altered as to
/ give = new aspect to the whole question,
| IN The discretion with which our govern
ment may now act upon it.
!. A. the present period, ii cannot be
doubted that Texas is able to maintain her
independence of Mexico, if each State is
left to its own resources, uniniluenced and
unaded by any foreign power. Eight
years have elapsed since the memorable
battle of San Jacnto, and there has been
no serious attempt on the par! Of Mexico
10 occupy the country. and it is certain
none can be made with any prospect of
success. In this state of affairs, acknowl-
edged by ourselves and the principal pow
ers Of the world as an independent nation,
and treated as such. Texas renews to US
| the almost unanimous wish Of her citizens
to be annexed to the United States-tell-
ing us, substantially, that if now repulsed,
she MIST form such alliances elsewhere as
will best enable her to improve her re-
sources and repair the disasters which she
has suffered from prolracted quasi war.
She is sensible that her happiness will be
best secured by incorporation into our u
nion-lhat the disposition and pursuits of
her people. being homogeneous with those
of the United States, can receive no ade>
| quate protection from any other quarter.
We admit the truth of these assertions,
and feel that they constitute powerful
motive for action, independent of the con-
sideralions which are suggested by pru.
dent regard for the stability of our own
| institutions.
In reference to Mexico, would use the
! following language I'VE have carefully
lhbstained from all interference with YOUR
I'relasions to Texas except to acknowledge
her independence, in the same manner and
! upon the same principles that we did your
independence when you separated from
Spain. We have, indeed, been more scru
pulous with you than with Spain, for
without consulting or respecting the feel.
ings of the latter power, our government
did not hesitate to open negotiation with
you for the retrocession of Texas, and
that. too, long before your independence
was acknowledged by Spain. But the
time has now come when we feel that this
delicacy ought no longer TO restrain us