The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-05-24

Orr TIKI TRAcK.-We find in the Nashville
Union of the 18th inst the following remarkable
and curious letter from General Jackson 1t APP
pears by this that Van Buren, has got off the track
of his 'illustrous predecessor and has started on
his Gown hook" This letter of Gen. Jackson
may have an important bearing affairs IN Balti-
more next week.
HERMITAGE, May 10, 1874.
To THE EDITOR THE UNION
SIR am induced address you this letter, because
have within few days past received letters from many
of my friends, who have expressed desire to know
whether my views in relation to the policy of annexng
Texas to the United States have been changed by the
light which subject has received the let
tiers Of MIR. Van Buren,. and other prominent citizens
and because seems to be necessary that should answer
| or be misunderstood
terest which in common with other citizens take in all
that concerns my country what have heretofore said
actor. II certainly far from my expectation that
there should be effort in any quarter to make the
question party Hence, when 1t was brought
my notice some twelve months ago. by the honorable
Mr. Brown of this State answered his inquiries with
promptness and frankness. l
had not forgotten the principles by which my sdm-
nisraon had been guided when attempting to obtain
was taken to convince Mexico afterwards, that this 60
vernment had agency, directly indirectly IN the
steps resored to by the people OF Texas TO establish for
themselves an independent government In the refer
ence which Mr. Van Buren, has made to my conduct as
president in these respects he has stated what entirely
true and has delineaed with tho ability and perspicuity
which eminently distinguish him, the general princ
Piles which characterize the OF government in
its intercourse wit. foreign powers But just and
rate he is and subscribing fully as do to all
that he alleges applicable to the question ms stood in
nv administration and as II did under his own still
think that the circumstances ara far altered give
aspect to the whole question: and 10 authorize
responding change in the discrson ,m which our gore'n
At the present period cannot doubted that Texas
able to maintain her independence of Mexico, each
aided by any foreign power Eight years elapsed
the memorable battle of San Jacinto and there has
the country and is certain none can be made with any
prospect Of In this state OF affairs, acknow
lodged by ourselves and the principal OF the world
independent nation and treated such, Texas re
to us the almost unanimous wish of her citizens to
he annexed to the United Staestelling us, substantially
that If now repulsed she must form such alliances else
where will beg, enable her to improve her resources
and repair the disasters which she has suffered from pro
tIactcd qu0s She sensible that her happiness will
be best secured by incorporation into Unonthat the
disposition and pursuits of her people being homogeneous
with those of the United States receive adequate
protection from ony other quarter We admit the truth
these assertion and feel that they constitute power
full motive for action independent oil the considerations
which suggested by prudent regard for the stability
of our own institutions.
In referer to Mexico would the following Ian
gusge :-Vo have carefully absained from all inerfe
renee with your lt.ons Texas except to acknow-
ledge her ndepen Iu anne manner and upon the
/ same principles tn VOID 3 independence when you
separated from Span We nave indeed been more scru'
puous with you than with Spain, for, without consulting
respecting the feelings of the latter power our cove
ment did hesitate open negotiation with you for
the retrocesson Of Texas and that too long before your
independence acknowledged by Spain. But the time
has come when we feel that this decacy ought no
longer to restrain from treaty with Texas particularly
know that failure to do will produce results
that may endanger the safety OF our own confederacy
cannot think there discrepancy bew these views
and those allowed by my administration, when proper al
owance made for the change OF circumstances or that
they contain any well founded cause for complaint on the
part OF Mexico. ia. f...
| 1t may now be stated fact which we may rely
with the greatest confidence that Texas be not speedily
admitted into conederacy, the must and will be In
evaby driven into alliances and commercial regulations
with the European powers, OF character highly nju
| rious and probably hostile to this country What would
then be our condition. New Orleans and the whole val
herds Of savages within the limits Of Texas and
her borders, would be easily excited TO make war upon
our defenceless frontier.
do not deem 1t necessary TO be explicit here in
the enumeration OF the reasons which justify, TO my
mind, the speedy annexation OF Texas to the United
States My aim is to give to this country the strength to
resist foreign interference Without Texas we shall moi
have this strength She is the key to safety in tbs
southwest and west. She offers this key to on fair
and honorable terms Let take it, and lock the doo
against future danger We do II without giving just
offence to Mexico Indeed, may say that the measure
is called for by the interests OF Mexico less than
our for without It, she have reliable qua
rantee against future invasion.
As to the form Of annexation do not think 1t material
whether be by treaty or upon the application oil Texas
by act or joint resolution Of Congress.
cannot close these remarks without saying that my
regard for Mr. Van Buren, Is great and my confidence
In his love of country strengthened by long and init
mate acquaintance, that difference this subject
can change my opinion OF his character lie has evident.
cumstances bearing the subject they existed at the
close Of his administration without view OF the disclo
since made and which manifest the probability of
dangerous interference with the affairs Of Texas by for
eign power. am respectfully,
| Your servant,
ANDREW JACKSON.