Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-06-08
DIXON Fl. LEWIS LETTER.

DIXON II. LEWIS LETTER.
The following characteristic letter Of
the Hon. Dixon II. Lewis of Alabama
was in reply 10 communication from a
gentleman in Texas:
WASHINGTON CRY, Feb. IA, 1914.
NM Dear SRI am indebted to you
for two letters since the meeting of Con
gress-the last containing a copy of the
expression of the individual opinion of the
members of the Texan Congress in favor
of annexation. have so far not written
10 you because there has been here as
yet, no denouement of the question--we
who have felt anxious on the subject, hav.
ing been hoping movement from your
Congress, which would present practi-
cable issue, from which the nero politicians
could not escape, or some acton on the
part of the Executive who, we all know,
has his heart deeply in the result. The
strong interest both of Clay and Van Blu.
rem, as their close friends suppose--is not
TO NEEDLE with question, the strength of
which has never been tested-lest its ex.
plosive power might blow them beth sky
high. Better friends of Texas than either
of them can easily be found, and hence
they have common interest in staving off
the issue, though if it is forced on them,
| have no doubt either Of them could be
driven into support of the measure. In
this state of the game, we have felt the diff.
ficuIty of moving on the abstract question
in the absence of any tangible issue pre-
sented either by the official action of the
Texan Congress or through the diplomatic
intercourse of the two Governments.
Such a move might be stifed by the cry
of being got up for party purposes, sinister
to the advancement of both Clay and Van
Buren. Still the public mind is gradually
bringing up the question in spite of poll
ticians; and withou. some reasonable
ground to h pc for some definite movement
such as before indicated before Congress
adjourns, the naked issue of annexation
cannot longer he delayed. II no one
more suitable, | will move it myself--ior
shalt never cease 10 remember with
pride, that was the first man who ever
in Congress expressed himself in favor of
Texan independence, and Waddy Thomp-
son often reminds me that he and | were
the first men who passed through the tel
!ers, when the vote was given for the re-
cognition by our Government. Whenever
the game is fairly up and the chase open
ed, | have no fears of the result Of an
nexation. Popular sympathy, whenever
it is uncontaminated by abolition or Bri-
fish interference, will sweep with whirl-
winds rage the calculating politicians who
dare oppose it. have no doubt it would
prove even stronger than Clay and Van
Buren, both united. To the North it is q
question of interest, to the West one OF
feeling; while to the down.trodden, tariff.
ridden, and abolition BET eviled South, it
is question Of existence. Let the issue
of annexation be once rendered doubtful,
and the instinct of scf-preservation would
convince them that their hopes of safety
were stronger on the other side Of the
Sabine than of the Delaware. send you
by to-day mail pamphlet copy Of Walk.
er's admirable essay in favor Of annexa.
ton.
have to-day given TO Lewis Coryell of
Pennsylvania, warm-hearted friend of
Texas, a letter Of introduction to you
which l hope you will receive. He will
tell you exactly how matters stand here on
that question. Why do not the people of
Texas meet together and agitate The gues-
ton of American over British annexa-
ton, and scourge their public functionaries
into acquiescence with their views? Ev-
cry thing of that kind would do good.
Excuse this hasty letter, which you are
at liberty 10 use in any manner which
will promote the cause. 60 for annexa.
ton heart and soul, and as one feel that
am not willing forcibly to be kept sever
ed from you, by the influence of those
whose sympathies are more in favor OF
our slaves than the whites of the South or
Texas.
Your friend,
DIXON II. LEWIS.
Hon. ]. RuGLEY.