Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1848-12-30
A Leaf Of Texan Annexation History.

The San Aniono Western Texan. of the l7th III
imo. publishes The following letter from the Hon.
Arson Jones, ex-presIdeni of the late Republic Of
Texas, ON the subject "f the relative of cen
Houston and himself IN regard to the annexation of
Texas TO the United States
HARRINGTON, WASHINGTON C,USTY
TEXAS, October 10, 1913.
IT, TIE Editor Of the Wssiern 7,rqn-Dear Sir:
Very many misrepresentation having been made I'm
relation to the relative course of General Houston and
myself the subject of the annexation Of Texas 10
the United States. tie whole matter will BE- placed in
lis proper light before the public by The following
Order, addressed m. by that gentleman IN 1914.
the of his departure from the seat of govern
men,:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
WASHINGTON, September "a 1874
Hon Aason .Jonrs, Secretary Of Siais. sfc.-Sr:
Let dispatches be forthwith sent Ia Dr. Smith, TO the
care of MIR. Rate, (ride Note a. nj London.
Let instructions be given Dir. Rate t. forward said
dispatches. in the event Of DR.. Smiths departure
homeward, 10 Col. angerEcd. at The Hague Let
full powers and lie of credence be also transmit
ted 10 Col Danrereld TO be used by him In the event
OF DIR. Smiths leaving Europe. In conducting the
cessary negotiations with the Courts of England and
France.
Let our representatives Or. Smith or Col Danger
field be instructed to complete the proposed arrange
ment GU for the settlement of our Mexican difficulties
possible giving the necessary pledges as
suggested IN the late dispatch Of Dr. Smith ON this
subject. but adhering to the Rio Grande as bounda-
ry sine qua
Aso let representatives be instructed TO enter
into the proper negotiations and arrangements
for the admission of products into the ports of
Eng land (and France. if possible.) upon the most
favorable terms suggesting To the European parties
that is the most favorable time for such an ar
rangement with this country, in consequence IF the
absence e the obsac les which treuiy with the
United States might inierpose. Sam. HoUsToN.
(a) Mr.. Lacklin Mcintosh Rate, London merchant
and at the same time agent for the Government Of
Texas.
| C6) The proposed arrangement" was diplomatic
act" which, In the language of DIR. Smiths dispatch,
"rould gue 10 the European gopernmenfs parties 10 a.
perfect right forbid for all TO come the annera-
ZION of Ttras the United States and the pledges"
spoken Of 10 the purpose that Texas would
consent 10 the measure.
This. you will perceive. was the "Vermon Edict,"
and, had | complied with it, saton would have
been completely killed man would be by hav-
ing his head off. n European war superaddcd to
the Mexican incurred the responsibility of
posponing the same, and aerwa rds cOnsummated the
measure of annexation In direct opposition to the
policy of Gen. Houston" developed in the above
letter. trust that, without further comment from
me, this communication made from just regard 10
the establishment of truth will DO Satisfactory to those
who may have been led into error in relation to the
respective agency Of Gen. Houston and myself in
conneXlon with this great measure of American poll
cy Some delay has occurred In making IT. from the
hope that Gen. Houston would himself inform the
public of the facts which it contains. Very respect
fully your obedient servant. ANsoN JONES
F. s. 1t is proper should state that il is my impress
sion the above letter of Gen. Houston not dcta-
ted by feelings unfriendly to the cause of annexation,
but by belief, a, the time. Of the entire impractical
blliiy of It's accomplishment. in consequence of the
opposition to it in the United States. manifested in
the then recent rejection of the annexation treaty.
: A. /