The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-01-29
SPEECH of the Hon. VIM. SIade,
at The H'hig State Convention of Vermont in
October last
Continued.

The resolution 10 which y uuId next call the
attention Of the Convention is the following;
Resolred that we deprccate the contemplated an
neXation Of Texas to the Union. We regard the
movement to that end originating in purpose TO
perpetuate the Slave Power; and deem il our duty 10
declare that such annexation, if effected, will he
virtual dissolution Of the Union introducing, as it
will, into the c6ufederucy, pmties entirely beyond
the anticipation Of the Constitution thereby abolish
ing the old by the constitution Of new political fam
iy,and thus breaking up the foundations Of our Fede
raj Union.
The increment for annexation - itsPWposc, and its
result are topics to which would solicit a brief at
tcnon.
The Increment is of no recent origin 1t was a.
mong the first acts Of Gen. Jackson's administration
TO seek a ces,ion orrexas from tho government of
Mexico The negotiation failed Texas could not
be obtained by ccssion and tcnceforwnrd it was to
be obtained by revolt, and annexation. To effect
this purpose, emigrations were encouraged and in
creased, Companies were formed upon the basis Of
pretended grauts orlarge tracts Of land by the gov
eminent of Mexico and rights in the form of scrip,
were disposed of TO Odvenlurers, by agents in New
Orleans, New York, and other cities of the Union.
In 1891, the movement became so far maturcd
that Il revolt was proclaimed. Samuel Houston for
mery governor OF Tennessee, and subsequently MEM
Der of Congress from that State its leader, who
gave out his arrival in the Texas that he was in
possession of the private views of the President of the
United Staes,'' and openly invited aid from the Uni
ted States. An invitation for aid, and disclosure
oftho purpose of the revolt appear in the following
extract from his letter to Gen. Dunlap of Tennessee.
Having spoken Of the force necessary "rout" the
Mexican troops, he says,
''For portion of this force we must look to the
United States. II cannot reach us too soon, There
is but one feeling in Texas, in my opinion; and that
is, to establish the Independence of Texas, and 10 be
oR0ched 10 The United STATES. March speedily as
possible with all the aid you can bring.
Here was an open invitation from HE Commander
in Chief of the Texian forces for volunteers aid IN
Wrestling from Mexico this portion of her territory,
in order to amer ii 10 The United States. The fol-
lowing from Mississippi paper, the Vicksburgh Reg
sterl will show how this invitation was responded
To.
"7hree hundrel men for TeIaS--Gen. Dunlap of
Tennessee is about to proceed TO Texas with the a
bove number of men. The whole corps now at
Memphis. Every man ~ completely armed, the
corps having been originally raised FOR the Florida
war. This force we have doubt, will be able to
carry every thing before it,
Similar responses to similar invitations, were made
extensively in the Southern aud Western States.
With the aid thus afforded, tho revolution went
On the I'd of March, 1886, the declaration Of
independence was issued and the l7th of the
same month a constitution formed. Invitations
to embark in the project of Remembering Mexico and
annexng portion of it TO the United States became
more open and urgent. The following from North
Carolina Journal is a specimen:
"WHo WILL GO TO TEXAS?
"Mn jor J. II. larvy Of I.nolnton has been author
lied by me, with the consent Of Major General Hunt
agent in the Western Counties Of North Carolina
to receive, and enrol volunteer emigrants to Texas
and will conduct such rs may wish to emigratc, to
that Republic about the first of October next, ut the
expense Of the Republic ofTtxas.
August 10, 1885. j. p. Henderson,
Brig Gen'l ofTexan Army
These efforts TO excite the war spirit in aid of the
Texan revolt were seconded by Texan Land Jobbers
in various parts of the United States, and by the
universal sympathy of those who wish to extend s;
perpetuate slavery. Associations were formed Con-
trbulions of many openly invited; and arms s.
other munitions of purchased and sent to Texas.
Volunteers for the were despatched under the
name Of ''Emigrants," and heavy guns shipped UNI
der the denomination Of ''hollow ware;'' while many
of both went without any disguise whatever.
Fugran,y as these movements were in violation
of our laws Of neutrality no serious effort made
by public authorities TO arrest them. official
nivance was, every where, the order of the day.
Nor was this all. Under pretence of necessity
Of restraining the Indians in Texas from committing |
hosttes on our lrontiers-of winch there was
no danger-Gcn Gaines was ordered with portion /
Of the United States troops, into march to Texas lie
obeyed, and took post at Nacosdoches, fifty miles
beyond the line. The character of this expedition
was thus described by officer of that army, in
etter dated at Nacogdoches, and published in the
Army and Navy Chronicle. Referring to the object
IF he expedition no says
cit is to create the Impression in Texns that The
Government of the United States takes part in the
controversy II sin fact, lending 10 tho cause Of
Texas, all the aid and support which II can derive
rom the coun,enance and apparent support of the
United States, besides plncing troops in a situ-
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