The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-09-09
J,F. McC0LLAM, Printer.
The " Annexation 81
A LETTER FROM GEN. SAM. Houston.

y AiUlAAlO3 ONCl luC SlBudluTo OF LN-IIGSlucnL
0 Tyler If it were not for some facts stated in
. the letter, demanding, as | conceive, some
} notice from me, | would not trouble you with
} this communication; or, if the facts stated
} were not material to the truth of history and
} the character Of those who at the time were
} The chief tunctionaries Of the Texan Govern
} ment, should feel it less incumbent on my
SGif TO solicit some explanation of the facts
ane9ed' Ihe statements, emanatng from so
high and respectable source, are well calcu-
lated to enforce them upon the minds ofread-
ers as authentic, and not as matters arising
from the misapprehcnsion of truth
The Ex-President, when stating the reasons
which induced him to propose the subject of
annexation to Texas, amongst others SAYS:
Nor was it until received aWhenic in
formation that other nations were eyertine all
their efforts to induce course Of action on
the part Of Texas, at war as firmly believ-
ca, with the permanent interests Of the Unit
cd States, that | gave directions to my la
mented friend, Abel ?. Upshur, then Secrc-
tary OF State, to break up and scatter to the
winds the web Of their intmgues bSa direct
proposal for annexation"
= 1t seems, from this position assumed by Mr.
Iyler, that he either imagined the authorities
OF Texas were favorable to those ntriqucs,
|
and interests as a nation, or thai they could
not perceive the force and effect of the ,rcb
a0ttch acaS 'ceG0ing around her deStinyi Now
either inference would do injustice to her
character. The authorities Of Texas had re-
lied for years upon plain and frank propo-
sltlon tor annexation, and had hoped to be
met by cordial and manly acceptance
They were disappointed. Texas was treated
with GOODNESS, reserve, or papabIe discour-
agement. In this condition of our affairs,
common sense, without uncommon saoacity,
suggested the only feasible plan to attain the
desired object; and that was, to excite ieal-
ously and alarm on the part of the politicians
and people of the United States in relation 10
the future commercial and political conncx-
ions Of Texas with European nations. This
was easily accomplished by treating with 81
lenco all the charges which were made by
editors OF various newspapers in the United
States.
The chief magistrate of Texas was charged
with " treason"-seIling Texas to England
substituting her to France and in a short
time astounding disclosures" of all these
transactions would take place All these
charges remained uncontradicted by the jour
mails of Texas, and the effect was all that could
be desired. Jealousy towards England end
France was awakened. This beEa! excite
nent, which originated phantasic5 ard .,oa,
Jured up notions of intrigues which had l&-
istencc only in Imagination.
The facts, as well as the diplomatic CORES
pondence of Texas in I'LL these matters, viii
yindicate those engaged in the administration
OF the government, as well as the representa-
tiyes OF foreign nations
Mr. Tyler further says, in reference to tho
measure Of annexation:
may, | may go even further, and declare,
before the initiative was taken, and when the
preiiminarie5 were nearly all arranged, their
being alone prevented by the
death OF Mr. UpshGr, and the appointment Of
an adjunct commissioner to GIr Van Iandtby
Texas" &c.
from this it might readily be inferred that =
obstacles bad been intcrposed to q conclusion
ofthe preliminaries by the appointment OF
an adjunct commissioner by Texas. No steps
were authorized to be taken 10y any agent on
the subject Of the proposition. Previous to
the proposition by Mr. Upshur through Mr.
Murphy, United States Charge d AHaires
Mr. Van Zandt had been instructed to make
known to the Government Of the United
States hat tie proposition for annexation acqs
no tonger open to djscuSSj0n This, no doubt,
in connexion with the proclamation Of an ar
mistlce between Texas and Mexico, coarobo.
rated by the dultenttc information referred to
by Mr. Tyler, caused the direct proposition
to be made for annexation.
in December, 1871, the Executive Of Texas
found the country surrounded by and invoe-
ed in the most intricate and perilous dificuI-
ties. 10 redeem the nation it was necessary
to accomplish one Of three objects, and he
assigned his plans accordingly. His first ob-
vet 20 L IL
lid not succeed, his next was 10 secure the in
dependence of Texas by the RECOGNITION Of
Mexico; and, if he should fail in these, Tie
bird was to form a treaty with some Power
defensive against Mexico. In Qlvancing lis
policy, his first movement was to send Min.
ster (Mr Reilly to the United States, with
Instructions to present to the Government at
Washington the subject of annexation, wH4A
ad lam dormant for three years Immediate
Y preceding that period. These instructions
'ere carried out in the best manner by Mr.
teilly but met by discouragement on the
art of the United States In 1912 Mr. Reilly
esigned, and Mr.. Van Zandt was sent on.i
is stead, when the proposition loranneyation
'as renewed. The renewal of the proposi-
on was heard, and met with habitual ana
ny About this time the causes which I
ave alluded to began to operate, while there
ere means used hichiniused into them new
te. The success Of the measure of annexa-
on depended upon the internal poiticalcon-
tlon OF the United States, and not upon any
trigues of foreign Powers or ofTeXas.
The Executive Of Texas was not moved bv
e direct proposition for annexation, but
= the pledges given to him by Mr. Murphy,
barge dAfIaires Of the United States. Be-
re an adjunct commissioner was appointed
: the President pledges were demanded bv
m Of Mr.. Murphy based upon Mr.. Upshurs
tier, that military and naval force of the