The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-04-28
BY THE SOUTHERN MAIL.
MIR. CLAWS LETTER
on THE
7 ExA As QUESTION:.

trnp
Ashland, in December last received various com.
munications from popular assensbages and private
individuals requesting an expression OF my opinion
upon the question Of the Anne xailon OF Texas TO
the United States. have iOrborne 10 reply TO them
because II was not very convenient, during the
progress Of my Journey, TO do and tor other
sons. did not think 1t proper, unnecessarily, to
Introduce at present a new element among the
other exciting subjects which agtate and engross
the public mind. The rejection Of the overture OF
Texas, some years ago, TO become annexed to the
United States, had met with general acquiescence.
| Nothing had since occurred materially 10 vary Tho
| question had seen no evidence OF desire being
entertained on the part of any considerable portion
OF the American people, that Texas should become
an integral part OF the United States During my
solurn IN New Orleans, had indeed, been greatly
surprised by information which received from
| Texas that IN the course of last ia H. voluntary
| overture had proceeded from the Executive of the
| United States 10 the Authorities of Texas to con-
clude treaty of Annexation; and that, in order to
overcome the repugnance felt by any of them to
negotiation upon the subject, strong, and as
believed, erroneous representations had been made
to them OF state of opinion in the Senate of the
United States favorable TO the ratification Of such
treaty. According to these represe nations il had
been assertalned that number of Senators vary
ing from thirty-five to forty-two, ready 10
sanction such treaty. | was aware, too, that
! holders OF Texas lands and Texas scrip and specu-
lators IN them, were actively engaged in promoting
the object ct annexation. StIl, l did not believe
that any Executive OF the United States would
venture upon grave and momentous proceed
ing not on y without any general manifestation of
public OPINION IN favor OF IT, but In direct opposition
10 strong and decided expressions Of public disap-
probation. But it appears that was mistaken. To
the establishment of the whole nation. we are now
informed that treaty of annexation has been ac-
tually concluded, and is to be submitted the Sc
nate Tor Its consideration. The motives for my
silence therefore, nc longer remain, and feel it
10 be my duty to present an exposition OF my views
ana opinions upon the question, for what they may
be worth, to the public consideration. / adopt this
method as being more convenient than several re-
Plies to- the respective communications which !
have received.
| regret that l have not the advantage of view
of the treaty Itself, as to enable adapt an
expression of my opinion to the actual conditions
and stlpulations which 1t contains: Not possessing
that opportunity, am constrained to treat the ques-
ton according to whatl presume TO be the terms Of
the treaty. It, without the loss Of national charac.
ter, without the hazard Of foreign war, with the
general concurrence OF the nation, without any
danger to the integrity of The Union, and without
giving an unreasonable price for Texas, The ques-
ton Of annexation were presented. 1t would appear
IN quite a different light from that in which, ap-
| prehend, II Is now 10 be regardeT
| The United States acquired a title to Texas, ex-
tending, as believe, 10 the Rio del Note by the
treaty Of Louisiana. They ceded and rrnauished
that ic to Spain by the treaty of 1919, by which
the Sabine INSTITUTED for tho 10 del Norte as
our western boundary. This treaty was ne sola,ed
under the Administration OF MIR. Monroe and with
the concurrence of his Cabinet Of which Messrs
Crawford, Calhoun, and Writ, being a majority,
Mi Southern gen'lemen, composed part When
the treaty was laid before the House OF Rcpr s.nta-
lives, being member Of that body, expressed
| the opinion, which ! thea entertained, a"d sill hold
that Texas sacrificed To the acquisition of Flo
rlda. We wanted Florida; bu, thought il must
from lis position, inevitably fall into possession;
that the point of Il few years, sooner later, was
| Of no sort of consequence, and that giving five
millions OF dollars and Texas for it, gave more
than Just equivalent Blu, # we made great sacr-
flee in the surrender 1T Texas, we ought TO take
care not to make too great sacrifice in the attempt
TO re-acquire It,
NV opinions of the lnexpediency of the treaty OF
1919 did not prevail The country and Congress
were satisfied with II, and appropriations were
made to carry It into effect, the line of the Sabine
was recognized by IL IA our boundary in negotia-
tons both with Spain and Mexico, after Mexico
became ind dependent, and measures have been in
actual progress to mark The line, from the Sabine
| 10 Red River, and thence To the Pacific ocean
| We have thus fairly alirnated our title TO Texas by
solemn national compacl-. 10 the iufnent of which
we stand bound by good faith and national honor.
1t is, therefore, perfectly idle and ridiculous If not
dishonorabe, TO talk OF resumins ,ite to Texas
as if we had never parted viii. ii. We can no more
do that than Spain can resume Florida, France
Louisiana, or Great Britain the thirteen colonies
now composing part Of the United States
During the administration Of Mr.. Adams Mr.
Ponsett, Minister Of the United States at Mexico.
was instructed by with the Presidents auihorl-
ty, TO propose re-purchase of Texas, but he for
bore even to make an overture for that purpose -
Upon his return TO the United States, he informed
me, at New Orleans, that his for not making
il was that he knew the purchase was wholly i'm
practlca BILE, and that he was persuaded that if he
made the overture, II would have no other effect
than aggrayate irrltations, already existing upon
matters OF difference between the two countries
| The events which have since TRANSFERRED in Texas
| are well known. She revolted against the Govern
ment Of Mexico, flew to arms, and finally fought
and won the memorable battle of San JacInto an
Initiating Mexican army and making captive OF
the Mexican President. The signal success of that
Revolution was greatly aided, il not wholly achev-
ed by citizens Of the United States who had mi
grated TO Texas. These succors, If they could not
always be prevented by the Government the Uni
ted States, were furnished in a manner and to an
extent which brought upon us some national re-
proach III the eyes OF an impartial world. And, in
my opinion, they impose on US the obligation Of
scrupulously avoiding the lmputation OF having
stigated and aided the Revolution with the ultl-
mate view OF territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
After the battle Of San Jacnto the United States recog
missed the Independence OF Texas in conformity with the
principle ana practice which have always prevailed in
their councils OF recognising the Government de aeo"
Without regarding the question de jurs That recognition
did not ehect or impair the rights OF Mexico, change
the relations which existed betw her Texas She
the contrary has preserved all her rights and has
reduce Texas to obedience part of the Republic Of
Mexico According to late intelligence II is probable
uti,s il that has been done. presume with tho
purpose upon the termination OF the armistice of
ing the and enforcing her rights, az she considers
them.
This narrative shows the present actual condition Of
Texas. far have information about it, If it be cor
rect Mexico has not abandoned but perseveres the as
sertion Of her rights by actual OF arms which If
suspended intended to be renewed Under cir
IL the Government Of the United States
to acquire Texas it would acquire along with all the
membranes which Texas under, among them the
actual suspended war between Mexico and Texas OF
that consequent there cannot be doubt Anne xation
and war with Mexico Identical Now, for one Ger.
family am not willing to involve this country in foreign
war Tor the object OF acquiring Texas know there
those who regard such war with indifference and
rhiog sfar account Of the weakness OF Mexico. and
her inability To nnict injury upon this country
But do not look upon II thus hshy regard all wars
great calemities TO be avoided possible and honorable
peace the wses and uest policy OF this country. What
the U states most need union, peace and patience
Nor do think that the weakness OF power should form
| "A IN ~ IN r. In
deprecate the evils Of Honor and good faith and
Justice are .qually this country towards the
weak tow ards ths strong And IL Of injustice
were TO be perp.trsted towards any power would BE-
more compatible the dignity OF the nation, and in
my Judgment less dshonoisble, TO inhict upon pow
etiui sstesd of "A weak 70 nation. arew