The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-31

MAI ~, io1f'
Dear Sir: In answer to your inquiry whether I
am favorable to the immediate annexation of Texas
TO the United States, Irepiy that ! am. AS you
demand my opinion only Of this measure and
briefly the reasons which influence me, shall
confine myself to these points.
shall not dwell upon the policy Of uniting CO.
termnous countries, situated like ours and Texas,
with no marked geographical feature toI divide
them, and with navigable streams penetrating the
territories of both; TO. upon the common origin
of the people who inhabit them, upon their COM
mon language, manners, institutions, and. in fact,
Nor shall urge the material interests involved in
the measure, by the free intercourse it would es-
tabIish between the various sections Of vast coun
try, mutually dependent upon and supplying one
another. These consider atons are so obvious,
that they need no elucdation from me.
But, in military point of view, annexation
strikes me asstil more important, and my mind has
been the more forcibly impressed with this idea
from reading the able letter of General Jackson
upon this subject, which has just come under my
observation With the intuitive sagacity which
makes part of the character of that great man and
purs patriot he has foreseen the use which Euro
pean enemy might make Of Texas in the event of
,car with the United States. lodgment in that
country would lay open our whole southwestern
border to his devastations. We could establish
no fortress, occupy any favorable position; for
the immense frontier may, in a vast many places,
be crossed as readily as man passes from one part
Of his farm to another. The advantages an dctiDe
enemy would enjoy, under such circumstances, it
requires no sagacity to foretell
These considerations recall to my memory an
article which made its appearance just before Ileft
Europe, in leading tory periodical in England,
which is understood to speak the sentiments OF
powerful party. This is Frazer's Magazine; and
more nefarious article never issued from profit
gate press. 1t ought to be stereotyped and circu-
lated from one end Of the country to the other, to
show the designs which are in agitation against US,
and to teach US that our safety in that mighty con-
test which is coming upon us is in a knowledge Of
our danger, and in determination, by union and
by wise forecast, to meet it, and defeat it. The
spirit of this article is sufficiently indicated by its
title, which was, "a ,oay ,0ith the United States
blessing to mankind" I cannot refer to il at
this moment but must speak Of 1T from recollection.
have often been surprised it has not attracted more
attention in our country Its object was to provoke
a war with the United States, and to lay down the
plan Of campaign, which would soonest bring it
to fortunate conclusion for England. The basis
of this plan was the organization Of the necessary
black force in the West India Islands, and its de-
barkation upon our southern coast. The conse-
quences upon which ourenemies fondy hoped for,
insuch case but with an entire ignorance Of the
true state Of the country, were foretold with rare
union Of Philanthropy and hatred. ! wish had
the number at hand to Gull some choice passages
for your reflection The result was to be the
destru lion Of the southern states, the ruin or de-
preston Of the others, and the dissolution of this
great and glorious Confederacy, on which the last
hopes OF freedom through the world now rest.
What more favorable situation could be taken
for the occupation Of English black trocps, and
for letting them loose upon our southern States,