Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-03-19

in Texas, nor has any been attempted by the
government, and believe am justifahle in
saying that it has been accomplished in the We
ry safest and best manner practicable, and at
the very earliest possible period OF time.
know Of no course which could have been a.
dop,ed which would have effected this object
one single day earlier. In the mean time
have obtained from Mexico formal acknowl-
edgment of our national independence, thereby
removing the principal objection to the measure
on the part of the United States.
I Satisfied that the happiness and welfare OF
Texas are placed on strong and secure foun-
dation and that she will now find many friends
better qualified than myself who will take care
of her interests, the motive to which | have
alluded as having actuated me in holding office
is no longer operative; and in retiring now to
private life, but indulge my individual wishes,
and Law down the honors and the cares of the
presidency with infinitely. more of personal
qualification than assumed them. The con-
fidence and the fayors, which the partiality Of
nv fellow-citize has bestowed upon me
merit and receive my gratitude and my heart
felt thanks. Whatever injustice may have
been done me in moments of excitement, in
dulpe the belief, that, when correct information
is disseminated in regard to my whole course,
the public mind will settle down into proper
conclusions, aid that my fellow citizens will
then judge me rightly. At least have the
appreciation of my Own Conscience reward
in itself above all price, and repose upon the
assured belief that history and posterity will
do me no wrong.
am happy to congratulate you, gentlemen,
upon the universally prosperous condition OF
our country at the present time, Our foreign
relations have all been closed in manner salts
factory, | believe, to all the governments with
which we have had intercourse. The frontier
is quiet and secure, and the husbandman sows
and reaps his fields in peace. Industry and
enterprise have received new guarantees and
new impulse; market is found at home for
nearly every thing our citizens have to dispose
of, and large and very desirable immigra-
ton to the country is now taking place. The
expenses of the government since have been
in office have all been paid in an undepreciated
currency;a very considerable amount of debt
incurred by previous administrations has been
paid off: and surplus of available means suf-
fcient to defray the expenses OF the govern
ment, economically. for the next two years at
least. is left at the disposition of the State;
and venture the belief that. without resort to
taxation. the public domain, if properly husban-
Ged and disposed of, will raise fund sufficient
to liquidate the entire national debt upon equi
table. principles, besides providing for the sup
port of the State government, system Of COM
mon schools and other institutions for the in
tellectual, moral, and religious improvement
of the rising generation. With such popula-
ton as Texas possesses, characterized as it is
with great intelligence and enterprise, and
with such elements Of prosperity as she now
possesses, genial climate and fertile soil, it
will be her own fault if she does not reach an
importance and a social elevation not surpassed
by any community on earth.
Detailed reports from all the different depart
ments and bureaus, showing the tranactions of
the government stree the last annual meeting
of Congress, are made out and will be handed
to his eXcelency the governor. for transmission
in due time to your honorable bodies. The in
formation which these contain will show the
manner in which the public affairs have been
conducted since came into office, and const
tu,e in part the necessary data upon which to
predicate your future action. 1t does not come
within the province of my appropriate duty to
make any suggestions or recommend any mea-
sures for your considerations This task now
belongs to another, and will, am well salts
ability. | may, however, express the fervent
hope, which have, that Your important de-
alterations, commenced under such favorable
auspices, may result in the promotion of the
permanent welfare Of the State Of Texas, and
that your labors may be crowned with :bun-
dant blessings.
The lone Star of Texas, which ten years
since arose amid cloud, over fields of carnage,
L. - 10 hoe on!n
ted, and following an inscrutable destiny, has
passed on and become fixed forever In that
glorious constellation which all treemen and
lovers of freedom in the world must reverence
and adore-the American Union. Blending
it's rays with its sister stars, long may it con-
tinue to shine, and may gracious Heaven
smile upon this contamination of the wishes
Of the two republics, now joined together N
one. ''May the union be perpetual, and may
it be the means of comforting benefits and bles-
sings upon the people Of all the State" is my
ardent prayer.
The final act in this grent drama is now per-
formed. The republic of Texas is no more.
GOV. nENDERsON'S INAUGURAL
ADDESS.
Gentlemen Of the Senate,
and of the House Of Representatives:
This day, and within this very hour, has
been consumlnated the great work of annexa-
lion. This consummation, it seems to me,
should be full compensation to our citizens
for all their tolls and suferings endured for ten
long wears. Our hearts should,be full of graf
itudc to the Civer Of all good, for the many IA
vors he has bestowed upon US at all times and
under all circumstances. In the beginning OF
our revolution, when the frowns of the world
were upon US, his protecting arm shielded US
from danger; and now at its close, when we
have so happily completed our labors and at
tracted the attention of the principal nations OF
the earth, he is still with us. Who can look
back upon our history and not be fully and
deeply impressed with the consideration that
the arm of Deity has shielded our nation, and
his justice and wisdom guided us in our path!
1t is therefore cur duty, in deep humility, to
make our Acknowledgements for his many IA
vors.
1t is with deep sense of the responsibility
which have incurred, that now enter upon
the duties of the station which my fellow-citl- |
zens have called me to fill. This station and
this responsibility my own disposition did not
lead me to seek; and can only hope to be able |,