The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-05-30
Your servant,
ANDREW JACKSON.
GENERAL CASS'S LETTER In FAVOR OF
IMMEDIATE ANNEXATION. -..-
DETROIT, May 10, 1874


In answer to your inquiry whether am favorable to
the immediate annexation ofTexas 10 the U. States, l.
reply that am. As you demand my opinion only of
this measure and briefly the reasons which influence
me- shall confhe myself to these points .
shall not dwell upon the policy of uniting co-ternn-
Gus countries situated Lille OURS and Texas, with no
marked geographical features to divide them and with
navigabe streams penetrating tie limits of both. Nor
upon the common origin of the people who inhab them;
upon the common manners, language religion, insu-
tons, and in TACT their idertity branch of the hu-
man family Nor shall urge the material interests in
volved in the eastes, by the free intercourse it would
establish between the various sections of vast couu-
try, mutually dependent upon, and supplying one anoth
These considerations are so obvious that they need
no elucidation from me.
But in military point of view, Annexation strikes
me as still more important and my mind has been the
more forcby impressed with this idea from reading the
able letter of Gen. Jackson upon this subject which has
Just come under my observation With the intuition.
which makes part ofhe character of that great man,
and pure patriot he has torseen the use which an Euro
pean enemy might make of Texas in the event of war
with the United States. A Judgement in that country
wouldlay open the whole South Western border to his
depradaons. We could establish noforress nor occu-
py any avoraby position to cheek him. for the immense
frontier may in vast many places be crossed as readi-
ly as man passes from one part his farm to anoh-
er. The advantages an active enemy would enjoy un-
der such circumstances requires sagaciy to FORE
tell.
These considerations recall to my memory an article,
which made its appearance Just before left Europe in
leading Tory periodical in England which is under
II stood to speak the sentiments of powerful party This
is Frazers Magazine and more nefarous article ne
yer issued from profgate press. 1t ought to be ster-
eoyped and circulated from one end of our country to
the Other to show the designs which are in agitation a.
gans u.s. and to teach us that safety in that nigh
contest which coming upon us is in knowledge of
our danger, and in determination by union and by a
wise forecast to meet and defeat it, The spirit ofths
article is sufficiently indicated by its tile which is
"war with the United States, blessing % mankind"
cannot refer to it at this moment but must speak of it
from recollection. have often been surprised it has
not attracted more attention in our country. Its object
was to excite war with the United States and to Law
down the plan Of campaign, which would soonest
bring it to fortunate conclusion for England The ba-
OF this plan was organization of the necessary black
force in the West India Islands, & its debarcaon upon
our Southern coast the consequence whichour enemies
fondy hoped for in such case but with an entire gno
rance Of the true state OF the country, were foretod with
a rare union ofphlanhropY and hatred l wish had
number at hand to Gull some choice passages for
your reflection. The result was to be the destruction o
the Southern States the ruin or depression of the others
and the dissolution this great and glorious confedera
Cyl on which the asthopes OF freedom throuehthe world
now rest
What more favorable position could be taken for the
occupation Of English black troops and for letting them
loose upon the Southern States than is afforded BY Tex
as Incapable of resisting in an event of war between
US and England she would be taken possession of by
latter under another of those preences which
every page of her history furnishes, and the territory
would become the depot whence she would carry on ner
operations against u.s. and attempt to add servile war
to the other calamies which hostes bring with them.
He who doubts Whether this would be done has yet to
learn another trait in the annals Of national antpahy
Itwoud be done and would be called philanthropy.
Every day satisfies me more, that majority of the
American people are in favor Of annexaton. Were
they not the measure ought not to be affected But as
they are the sooner it is affected the better do not
ouch the details Of the negotiation That must be left
to the responsibilities Of the government as also must be
the bearing Of the question upon its reception BY other
counr les. Those are points do do not here enter in
Ito. ,r..... .....-..
am, dear sir, respectfully,
your obedient servant
L. rt,xxTre r.&n.,. &