The Southern journal., 1846-04-04
Correspondence of the Jefersonian.
GALVESTON, March 18th. 1916

Correspondence Of the Jefersonian.
GALVESTON, March 18th, 1916.
Dear Sir.-Our distinguished hero and
statesman Gen. Sam Houston recently
elected, almost unanimously, United States
Senator for the new State, leaves here to,
day on the steam packet Alabama via New
Orleans for Washington City. l was pres
ent and heard an address he delivered in
the city of Houston, at the request Of the
citizens on the l1ih. He was truly
fellcltious in his speech. His remarks on
the Oregon question were listened to with
uncommon interest A preference for
peace was zealously and feelngy avowed
by the orator, but at the same time he dc.
clared an unwillingness to yield one inch OF
the jdst rights ofhls country in her claim
to Oregon. A large majority of the peo-
pie OF Texas have entire confidence in the
wisdom and patriotism of Gen. Houston.
and will acquiesce in whatever course the
honor and interests of his country may
cause him to feel called upon to adopt.
Atcertain periods during the negoria-
tons and Legislation on our annexation TO
the United States, it was believed bv many
that Gen. Houston was opposed to the
measure. | was of that number, but | am
now satisfied that my opinions were errone-
Gus. AS you are aware, was charged as
diplomatic agent, with the first negotiations
on that subject, and do know that there
was not more Jealous advocate for the
success oflhe negotiation, in or out of Tex
as than Gen. Houston.
believed at the time Governor Hender-
son was appointed to join Mr.. Van Zandt,
at Washington City, in 1913, TO propose a
treaty for annexing Texas to the United
States, that Gen. Houston was opposed to
it, and wrote to my deceased friend Gov.
Gilmer to that effect, and stated to Cover
nor Henderson thatI had thus written.
Governor Henderson assured me that had
done Gen. Houston injustice; that he could
assure me that Gen. Houston was Jealous
advocate of the treaty and Of annexation :;
whereupon Immediately corrected nv
previous representation to Gov. Gilnoer.
The treaty was made. The action of the
Senate of the United States upon its
ratification is matter of history. Gen
Houston's public policy and diplomacy as
President Of the Republic of Texas, subse,
quent TO the rejection Of the treaty again
led me to believe that he was opposed to
the union of ofTexas with the United States,
and communicated this belief to some of
my friends in this country and the United
States; but being now satisfied that his
running opposition was for the purpose of
facilitating and accomplishing the great
object, and that he has been sincere in his
wishes and eXertions for annexation, feel
that | am doing only an act ofjustice in
writing 10 you and other friends in the
United States, especially those who, like
yourself, have ever warmly defended him,
to correct any erroneous opinions against
Gen. Houston which may have, in connex
ion with others, aided TO create to his
prejudice. In haste remain, with great
respect, .
Your friend and obedient servant.
MEMUCAN HUNT.
Hon. j. F. H. CLAIBORNE, N. Orleans.
tr From Tmatn .I..
We have seen letters from Cam
Peachy brought by the Yucateco,
which arrived here on Saturday last.
which confirm all that had before been
said of the willingness of the present
government of Mexico to concede
everything to the demands of Yucca
tan, and ratify those treaties, the vic.
lation of which led to the alienation
of that Department. Mexico is pres
sing in her eagerness to win back Yu.
catan; but sensible men are fearful of
the stability of the administration of
Paredes, and they would have Yuca-
tan disentangled from Mexico, in case
the latter country should become yet
more entangled with foreign powers.
They talk of sending commission
srs to the United .States-some say to
reat of obtaining our projections;