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^TPtHEL'* iWTmm
HOC „ R«»....r A rr ; v,
«t*t Tin 4mWm<I. Mtwr «'•
Van
wliltb
7 PI
,hi t nMltMl.il) nftrtix • lo t manor •* which lha
WbliaatMaaantouchrMiiad,I be*that you will Im-
ahUatia lha OM>.
Vat * nauMiflnly,
Your ohadirai oartaal.
W. H. HAM MKT.
Hoe.* or RtraiilaTiTltai, (
tlajch V7lh, 1844. (
■« Data Silt: Dollar lha belief ihai ilia lha right ofavarr
ftmuliaao, in n Aw Uotornmant, lo know Ilia oiiiniona of
Ibooa who aopln lo public aid loo, upon groat public qim«-
tiona, aa ima of roar wanuoal aupnorltro in 18J8 ami ISfO, and
aa«a uopledgad dalagalo lo I he Bnltimotw Contrntiun, I do-
alia parlicalarW to know your npiiilonaaatolhe eon.liimlirn-
ality and oapodieooy of immediately annaaing Toiaa to lha
Umtad rttaiM.ooaoon Mtho ovaaimt of Toaaa may bo had to
""^Tio'lotSlS^? Mr. Wobotor and Gonoral Icokaon on thia
•uMact-the nfuaal oftho logialatttro of Konlocky to pact op-
nroMtort naolinione—tho totoa taken in the legialaturea of
Vaooojlvaoia,Now Vork.aml aa lam Juat informed,Malnn—
nod Ilia iiapreaaioa that Mr. Clay will nppooo the annoxanon,
—f ire groat importance to your opiiiioua.
ft ia beliotad thrt a full an.l firank dcciarohoo from you, fa.
oonblo lothlagreat object wHI he oi groat aerticeto tho cauae,
at a moment aa critical of ita deatinv; and ahould you recoi;-
dim my rightlo inquire and your duly to anewer, 1 ahull be
greatly obliged to you fora letter aeltiiig forth your opinion*
—promiatug that, if it be farorablo lo anne.aliun, I will on
want of tlw great effect it luuat liaveun the leeiio of tine mica,
tkm.give to it ao early publicity; and I otherwiae, that f will
( otolith it only in time that your opinion* may be fully
nown before the action of the Baltimore convention : unless
yon require ita immediate publication—in which event I wilt
•lee comply whh your request.
Pardon me for suggesting that,should -yonr opinions Ire fa
vorable to annexation, the weight and influence of those opin
ions will be doubly enhanced in the os imation of all true
friends of tha mraiu e, by the earliest possible public avowal
•ofthem before the country.
1 era,air, with great respect,
Truly your friend and obedient aevt.
7 W.H.HAMMET.
Hon. hi. Van Borin, Lindenwald, New York.
Lindznwald, April 30,1844.
Ht Dcar Sir : Your letter ofthe27thof March waa duly
Acting as an unpledged delegate to the Baltimore conven-
lion, you ask my opinion in regard lo the constitutionality,and
expediency of an immediate annexation of Texas to the Unit*
«d Stales, or aa soon aa the assent of Texns may be had to
such annexation. Upon the receipt of your letter, I council
you to be forthwith informed that your request should be com
plied within full aaasoo for the convention. This promise I
shall now perform. But, lest ray motives in making a public
avowal of my opinion, whilsta negotiation ia supposed to be
pending, should be misconstrued, I shall send this to a friend
who will delay its delivery as long ai that can be done con*
aislently with a faithful compliance with the requirements of
your letter, and the general objects for which it was written.
You by no means overrate ttte importance of the subject
upon which you have been pleased to address me. It ts not
only a question of interest to every part of the country, hut
is unhappily also one in regard to which we may not promise
ourselves that unanimity in opinions which is so important
when great natiooal questions like this are to be decided.—
That loose which I am about to express will, in at least one
important particular,differ from that of many friends, political
and personal, whose judgments and purity of viewa I hold in
high and habitual respect, I can well imagine and it ia quite
evident, from the tenor of your letter, that they will not in all
respects correspond with vourown. If, however, such of my
fellow-oitixens aa are neither influenced by prejudices, nor
warped by aelMntereat, concede to my opinions the merit of
having been formed under views directed io the preservation
and the advancement of the honor and beat interests of our
common country, as a whole, and expressed with a sincerity
which has overlooked,aa far aaour feeble uatures will permit
as to do, all personal considerations, my most favorable anti
cipations will l»e realised.
It has already been made my duty to act officially on at
least two several occasions, hut in different forma, upon the
•ubject*matter which your questions have reference.
Having charge of the Department of State in 1839, 1 pre
pared, by direction of the President, instructions to our minis
ter at Mexico, by which he was directed to open, without de*
lay, a negotiation with the Mexican government for the
purchase of the greater part of the then province of Texas,and
by which h« was likewise authorised to insert in the treaty
a provision similar to that in the Louisiana and Florida treaties,
for tbe incorporation of tbs inhabitants of Texas into the Union
as soon as it could be dona consistently with the principles of
the federalconstiiution. The reasons in favor of this mea
sure I stated at large in that document.
In takiug this step, the adiuiuistration of President Jackson
renewed (but, as waa supposed, under more favorable, circum
stances) an attempt to accomplish the same object which had
been made by its immediate predecessor. Instructions similar
in their general object, had in the second yeur of the latter ad*
ministration, been sent from the Department of State to the
same American miniaterat Mexico. I am not aware that there
were any material differences between them, other than
that those of 18*27 nrooosed an acqusilion of territory as far
west at the Rio ael Norte—being, 1 believe, the extreme
western boundary of Texas—whilst the cession asked lor by
President Jackson exteoded only as far west aa the centre of
the Desert or Grand Prarie, which lies east of the river Nue
ces; and that for the former, the payment ol one million of dot-
lua was authorised, whilst, by the administration of Presi*
,4th, and 5th clauses
high as four, and, if indispensable, five millions. Boil
thorixed agreements for smaller portions of territory, and the
payments were modified accordingly. 1u respect to ihc pro
posed stipulation for the ultimate incorporation of the inhabi
tants intolhe Union,both inatructiona were*identical.
In August 1837, a proposition was received at the Depart
raeut of State, from the Texian in in inter at Washington, pro
posing a negotiation for the annexation of Texas to the United
States. This was the first time the question of the annexa
tion of a foreign indepaadent State had ever been pre
sented lo this government. In deciding upon the dis
position that ought to be made of it, 1 did not find it
necessary to consider the question of constitutional pow
er, nor the manner in which the object should be ac
complished, if deemed expedient and proper. Both these
points were therefore, in terms, passed over in the reply of the
decretory of dtate, to the Textan Minister, aa subjects the
consideration of which had not been entered upon by the Exec
utive. -
The first of these—viz : constitutional power—is now pre
sented bv your inquiries; not, however, in precisely the same
form. Than the application waa fur the immediate admission
of Tens into the Union as an independent State, your question
looks only to its annexation as part of the territory of the U.
States. There is no express power given to any department
oftbe government to purchase territory except for the objects
specified in the constitution, viz : for arsenals ,dtc. ; but the
power has, on several yery important occasions, been regarded
as embraced in the treaty-making power ; and territories have
been so annexed with a view and under engagements for their
ultimate admission into the Union as States- IT there be nothing
is the situation or condition oftbe Territory of Texas, which
would render its admission hereafter into the Union us a new
8tate improper,! cannot perceive any objections, on constitu
tional grounds, to its annexmlion sa a territory. In speaking
of the right to admit new Stales, I must, of course, be under
stood aa referring to the power of Congress. The executive
and Senate may, aa I have already observed, by the exercise
of the treaty-making power, acquire territory ,but now States
can only be admitted by Congress ; and the sole authority
over the subject, which is given to it by the constitution, is
contained in the following provision, viz: “new States may
be admitted by the Congress iuto thia Union.” The only re
strictions imposed upon this general power are, 1st: Tlmt no
saw States shall be tormed or erected within the jurisdiction
of any other State; nur2ndly, “Any State formed by the
junction oftwo or more States, or parts of States, without the
consent of the legialaturea concerned, aa well ne of Congress”
—restrictions which have no bearing upon the present ques
tion. The matter, therefore, stands as it would do if the
constitution said “new Stales mav be admitted by the Con-
S eas into this Union,” without addition or restriction. Thai
ese words, taken by themselves,are broad enough to au
thorize the admission of the Territory of Texas, cannot, 1
think,be well doubted; nor do I perceive upon what princi
ple we can vet up limitations to a power so unqualifiedly re
cognised by the constitution in the plain simple words 1 have
quoted, and with which no other provision or that instrument
conflicts in the slightest degree. Hut if, with no other guides
than our own discretion, we assume limitations upon a power
' pMml.weam at least bound to give to them some intelli
gible and definite character. The moat natural, and indeed the
only one of that nature has been suggested, and which was
presented by Mr. Jefferson whilst he entertained doubts in
respect to the constitutional power to admit Louisiana, ia that
the new States to be admitted must be formed out of territory,
Rot foreign, but which constituted e part of the United States,
tithe declaration of independence, or the adoption oftbe con
stitution. Ho far from there being any thing in the language
or the constitution, or to be found in the extraneous and co-
temporaneouscircumstances which preceded end attended its
adoption, to show that such was the intentions of ita framers
they are,in my judgment, all strongly tho other way.—Id the
first place, the articles of confederation under which the
Union waa originally formed and which gave pluce to the
present constitution,looked directly to a broader extension of
we confedency. It oontained a provision that'Tanada, ac*
“••fif 1° the confederation, and joining in the measures of
•u j 1 ^States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to all
fiavanuceso^this Union ; but no other colony shall
m addioitled into tbe Mine, unless such admission be ugreed
wby nine^Statea.”—'The practicability's will aa expediency,of
Peking Canada a member of Union,did certainly, to some ex
tent at leant, occupy the tninda of our public men, as well as
fisiure the close or toe revolution, as between that event and
the formation of the new constitution. This ia, however, oo-
7 a link in tha chain of evidence, to make probable what sub-
■equent events make certain,that the framers of the constitu*
lion had their eyes upon thia very question, when this section
k u • * • ha* part of the constitution, as appears
oy the journal of the proceedings of the convention, wss pro-
rPJ^wa variety or forme before it assumed the shape in
which it was finally adopted.
In tho resolutions offered by Mr. Edmund Randolph, as n
oaaia tor th© new constitution, and which contained the first
K propositions of that character which were submitted to it, the
*cv in question was described aa follows, viz: that provie-
i sought to bs made for th« admission of ritatea latr/n/ly a-
jjswff within the limits of th* United State*, whether nrreiug
■nun a voluntary junction ofgovernment or otherwise, with the
aaaaaniofa number of voices in the legislature, less than lha
lk m l Charles Pinckney's draft, it was proposed
» •! legislature shall have power to admit new states in-
*,!j Union,on the tame terms with the original States,pro
, d i w o-tbirda of tha members present in both houses agree”
"j’teaviog out the clause in reaped to the character of the ter-
[JJ7* Hr. Randolph's proposition, containing the metric-
P»"»vto Btntna lawfully anting within the
v,T State*, waa at one time adopted in Com
■rniseor the Whole,and, in that state, referred with others to
J* *»f detail. In e draft of aconatitution reported
fcV , fiorowittne.tlin article upon this subject contained the
211 ProposUloR* t 1st. That new Stats*, lawfully von
^ JL.. or wtoMWied within the limit* of the United State*,
11 by the legislature in this government. 2d.
l 'such admission, the consent of hvo tliiidaof tbe mein
a bi each House should be necessary. 3d. That it
the limits of any oftbe pres
consent of the legislature of such ola tea should
so tm necessary to its admission. 4th. That the edmisaim
consented m, the new State should be admitted on the
ternia wul^thc original States; end flth. That the Ivgieia
were atilel tflhe votes of the cmvenvlouj and after
that had been dona, the fbHowIng wa* adopted as a substitute
for tho whole, v!» t “New Stab a may be admitted by tlmiag-
filature into the Unlonj tot no oew Htate shall bn ereoled
within tha limits of any of tha present States, without the con
sent of the legislature of such Htate, aa well as of the general
legislature”—leaving out that part of the first clnuae which
velatid to the domestic character of tha territory; and thia sub
stitute waa subsequently revised and amended so as to make
it confirm in ita phraaeufogy to the Motion aa it now mauds in
the constitution. Thttse proceedings show thnt the proposi
tion to restrict the power to admit n«w States to the territory
within the original limits of the United States, was distinctly
before the convention, once adopted by it, and finally rejected
in favor ufa clnuae making the power in this respect geu<*ral.
Whatever differences of opinion inev exist as to the propriety
of referring to extraneous matter to Influence the construction
of lh« constitution whero its language is explicit, there can
be no objections to a resort to such aids to test the correctness
of inferences, having no other basis than supposed imprubabil-
ties. I have not, therefore, been able lo bring to my mind to
any other satisfactory conclusion than that It was the inten
tion of the convention to give the power of admitting new
Otatea to Congress, which no other limitations than those
which are specified in that instrument. The Innguage em
ployed, the specifications of certain restrictions, the mfoption
and subsequent exclusion of that which is now referred to, to
gether with the subsequent and continued action of the new
government, all seem to combine to render this interruption
tire true one. Propositions for nnnaxatinn can certainly be im
agined, of a character so unwise and improvident ns to strike
the miudsofall with repugnauce. But if we look over the
conceded powers of Congress, we shall also find ninny others,
the abuse of which might involve, to an equally great extent,
tho well-being of the republic, and agninitt which abuse the
oonaliluionn as provided no other safeguards than*the respon
sibilities to their constituents and to the laws of the lend, of
those whose sanction is necessnry to tho validity of an act of
Congress. Nor is it very unreasonable to suppose that those
who based their government upon the great principles that it
is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute
new ones, in such forms as they may think most likely to ef
fect their safety and happiness, should feel themselves secure
in trusting to their representatives in the House, in the Hen
ate, and in the Executive chair,tha right to admit new mem
here into lliecontedernc v, with no other restrictions then those
which they have thought proper to specify.
It was under this view of the constitution that the purchase
of Louisiana in 1803, only fifteen years after the adoption of
the constitution, promising the incorporation of the ceded ter
ritory into the Union, and the admission as soon as possible, of
the inhabitants to the enjoyment of all the rights, advantages,
and immunities of citizens of the United States, was ratified,
confirmed, and finally executed by every branch oftbe federal
government whose co operation Is required by the constitu
tion. It is true that Mr. Jefferson, in tfie interval between the
negotiation and submission of the treaty to the senate, threw
out tho opinion that the constitution bad made no provision for
our holding foreign territory, and for incorporating foreign
States into the Union. The fact of his approving the treaty
and the laws necessary to its execution, must, however, be re
garded as conclusive proof that, upon looking further into the
matter,the opinion was changed. Tho attempt to convince
him of his error was made by bis friend, Governor Nicholas, as
appears by Mr. Jefferson's letter to him; and 1 have little doubt
that if His letters to llreckenridge and Nicholas had been
published in his life-tima, or his attention been in any other
way directed to their contents, hs would, from his habitual
care in such matters, have avowed the change, and explained
the grounds on which it wns based. It is equally true that
the acceptance oft he cession, as well aa the admission of the
State, became party questions, and were contested with parti
san warmth. Of the vital importance of that great acquisition
to the safety, prosperity, and honor ol the whole Union, there
can, however, now be no diversity of opinion. But the councils
of the nation in the course of time, ceased to bo at all divided
upon (he question of constitutional power to accept a cession
of foreign territory, with a view to its ultimntn admission into
the Union. In 1&19 the Spanish treaty for the cession of East
and West Florida, containing the usual stipulation for ultim
ate incorporation into the Union, wua ratified; ami upon the
call of the names of the Senators present it appeared that eve
ry one voted for the ratification. Upon the queatinn of consti
tutional power, so far aa that case went, the Henate of the Uni
ted States had, therefore, become unanimous.
Certainly no remarks are necessary to show that there can
be no possible difference produced in the constitutional ques
tion by the relative positions of the territory comprising Lou
isiana, the Floridas, and Texas, in respect to the old United
States.
I have gone thus fully and minutely into this matter, ns well
from a deep sense of the vast importance* of the question, ns
from a sincere desire to satisfy those of my friends who may
differ from me on this paint, and whose opinions 1 hold in the
highest respect, that I have not yielded my assent hastily or
unadvisedly to the views I have here taken of the subject.
Having thus given you iny views upon the constitutional
question I will, with the same frankness, answer the retnnining
portion of your inquiries, viz : the expediency of immediately
annexing Texas to the Unites States, or so soon as her con
sent tosuch annexation may ho obtained:
1 have already referred to an application for the accomplish
ment of the same object that waa made to this government by
Texas, whilst I was President. The history ofthe Texan rev
olution, and tha then condition of that republic, as well as the
probable advantages to result to both from the proposed an
nexation, were placed before us in an elaborate and able com
munication. It can scarcely be necessary to say that the ap
plication was considered with that attention and care which
were due to so grave a proposition, and under tho full influ
ence of feelings of sincere solicitude for the prosperity and
permanent welfare of a young and neighboring State, whose in
dependence we had been the first to acknowledge—feelings
which constitute, and 1 sincerely hope over will constitute,
the prevailing sentiment of the people ol the United .States .
in coming to the decision which it became my duly to make,
I wns aided, in addition to the other members of niv cabinet,
by the counsel and constitutional advice of two distinguished
citizens of your own section of the Union, oftbe first order of
intellect, great experience in public affuirs, and whose devo
tion to theii own, as well as every other section of the Union
was above all question. The result of our united opinions
was announced lo tho Texan minister, (Gen. Hunt,) in a com
munication from the late Mr. Forsyth, the substance of which
I cannot better express than by incorporating one or two brief
extracts from it in this letter. Upon the general subject, my
own views, as well as those of my cabinet, were thus staled :
"So long as'Texas shall remain at war, while tho Uuiled
States are at peace with her adversary, the proposition of the
Texan Minister Plenipotentiary necessarily involves the ques
tion of war with that adversary. The United Slates are bound
to Mexico by a treaty of amity and commerce, which will be
scrupulously observed on their part so long as it can he rea
sonably hoped that Mexico will perform her duties, and res
pect our rights under it. The United States might justly be
suspected of a disregard of the friendly purposes of the com
pact, if the overture of General Hunt were to be even reserv
ed for future consideration, as this would imply a disposition
on our part to espouse the quarrel of Texas with Mexico—a
disposition wholly at variance with the spirit of the treaty,
with the uniform policy and the obvious welfare of tiie United
States.
“The inducements mentioned by Gen. Hum for the United
States to annex Texas to their territory, are duly appreciated;
but, powerful and weighty as certainly they are, they are
light when opposed in the scale of reason to treaty obligations,
and respect lor their integrity ofcharacterby which the United
Stutes nave sought to distinguish themselves since the estab-
lislimentlof their right to claim a place in (lie gruat family of
nations.”
The imitation in General Hunt's letter that Texas might
be induced to extend commercial advantages to other nations
to the prejudice of the United Slates, was thus noticed :
“It is presumed,however, that the motive by which 'Texas
has been governed in making tins overture, will have equal
foice, in impelling her to preserve, as an independent po«ver,
the must liberal commercial relutious wiih ilic United States
Such a disposition will be cheerfully met, in s corresponding
spirit, by this government If the answer which the under
signed has been directed to give to the preposition oPGen. Hum
should uufortuuately work such a change in the sentiments of
that government ns to induce an attempt to iittend commercial
relations elsewhere, upon terms prejudicial to the United
Slates, this government will be consoled by the rectitude of its
intentions, and a certainly that,although the hazard of tran
sient losses may be incurred by a rigid adherence to just prin
ciples, no lasting prosperity can be secured when they are dis
regarded.”
nS Aik ... ilin nf ■»ala^na.a..llv * Air ■Skniit i.
also a matter of tfafe necessity; for without Jt, •sitbarcom-
tnervtai nor diplomatic interrouree between toy auch powai
•ud tha nations of lha world could bo tarried on wUh anattss,
and tho social interests of mankind, require that tbtM should
not Ire arrested by quarrels between the contesting parties, in
regard to their respective right to the supreme power. In re
spect to all beyond thia, iheTawatnd usages of ostiont require
tne observance oft strict neutrality between the contending par
ties, us long as the war lasts. It ia due also, from every govern
ment toils own citizens,to declare when a revolted colour
•hall be regarded at an Independent nation. Brcausv"it be
longs to the government ulone to make the declarationam)
because, “until it ia made, or the parent atate relinquishes,
her claims, courts of justice must consider the ancient state ol r
things ns remaining unaltered, and the sovereign power of the*
parent Htute over thut colony aa still subsisting.” But noth
ing can be farther from giviug to the act of recognition its true
character, than to suppose that it lias the slightest bearing
upon the rights of the parties* it being, a.-t I have already snij,.
resorted to for the express purpose of a voiding any such ami-
struction. Much is not only tne law and usuee ol nations,but
auch also have beeu the reiterated avowals of our own govern
ment.
I do uot remember that the recognition of Texan indepen
dence gave rise lo any correspondence between Mexico amf
our government; ana if it did, 1 have not the means of stat
ing its character. But the principles upon which all auch act*
are bused, were fully set forth t»y this government upon the
occasion of the recognitiou of the independence of the Span
ish American Htates. In the mosBagn of President Monroe,
lo the House of Representatives, suggesting the propriety of
that recognition, it was expressly declared that, in proposing
this measure, it was “uot contemplated to change thereby, in
the slightest manner, our friendly relation with cither of the
parties; but toobservoin all respects, ns heretofore, should
the war be continued, the most perfect neutrality between
them.” The Committee on Foreign Affairs, in thoir elabor
ate report upon (lie subject, say : “our recognition must ne
cessarily be coexistent only with the fact on which it is found
ed, mid cannot survive it. While the nations of South Ameri
ca are actually imlcpendeiit.it is simply to speak the truth to
acknowledge them tu bo ho. Should Spain, contrary to her
avowed principle and acknowledged interest, renew tne w ar
for the conquest of South America, we shall indeed re fret it. but
we shall observe, as we have done between the independent par.
tie*, an honest and impartial neutrality.” 'The Secretary of
the Htate, in defence of tho act ul recognition, saul to Hie .Span
ish minister t “This recognition is neither intended to invalidate
any rightof Spain, nor lo affect the employment of any mean*
which the may yet be disposed or enabled to use, with the view of
reuniting those provinces to the rest ot her dominion*." 'That
these avowals were iu strict conformity totlie true principlesof
the law of nutions, there can be no doubt. They were at alt
events, those which thisgovenimeiit has solemnly announced aa
its rule of action in regard to contests between rival parties for
the su|ireine power in foreign Himes. 'That the admission of
Texas as a member of this confederacy, whilst the contest for
the maintenance of the independence alio hud acquired whs
still pending, and a consequent aasumption of the responsibil
ity of protecting hcragaiiiHt invasion, would linve been a plain
departure from the luws and usuges of uutiona, and u viola
tion ol iho principles to which we hud avowed our adherence
in the face of the world, waa too clear to he doubted. Thus
believing, I had, on tho occasion to which 1 have referred, in
the faithful discharge of the trust which the people had repos
ed in iue,lml one course to pursue; and that was promptly,,
but respectfully udopted.
I revurnnow to the question. Has tho condition oftho con*
lest between 'Texas and Mexico, fur tho sovereignty of the for
mer, so far changed aa to render these principles now inapplica
ble? What is the attitude which these two Stntes utthiu moment
occupy towards each other? Are they at war, or ore they
not ? We cannot evade this question if wo would. To euu*
mernte all the circumstances bom iny upon it, in a communi
cation like this, would be impracltcaMe, nor is it necessary.
In respect to the parties themselves, there would seem to pe
uo miAuudcratunaiug upon the subject. Mexico has beenin-
cessaiit in her avowals, as well to our government ns to oth
ers, of the continuance of the war,nnd ol her determination to
prosecute it. How does Texas regard her position in respect
to the war with Mexico? Three years subsequent to our re
cognition of her independence, wc find her entering into a stip
ulation with a foreign power to ^accept of her mediation to
bring about a cession of hostilities between her nnd Mexico,
engaging to assume a million sterling of the debt due from
Mexico to the subjects of that power, if she, through her influ
ence, obtained from Mexico an unlimited truce in respect to
the war then raging between her and 'Texas within one months
nnd a treaty of peace in six. As late as lust June, wo see a
proclamation of the Tresident of Texas, dccloriug a suspen
sion ol hostilities between the two powers duriug the pen
dency of negotiations to he entered upon between them, is
sued on the supposition that a similar proclamation would be
issued by Mexico; umiactuul hostilities are now only sus
pended by an urmislice lo be continued for a specified and
short period, for the sake of negotiation. Nor are our own
views upon the point less explicit. In the published letter
of the late decretory of Htate, lo the Mexican Minister at
Washington, written’in December last, he says: “nearly eight
years have elapsed since 'Texas declared her independence.
Duriug all that time, Mexico has asserted her right of juris
diction nod dominion over that countn, and has endeavored
to enforce, it by arms.” In the President's message to Con-
f ;ress, it is stated “Thnt the war which lias existed for so
ong a time between Mexico nnd Texas, has, since the bat
tle of Han Jucinto, consisted for the most part of predatory
incursions, which, while they have been uttcuded with much
of suffering to iudividuuls, mid kept the borders of the two
countries in a state of constant u larm ,have failed to approach
to any definite result.” And alter commenting* with much
truth upon the insufficiency oftho nriuaineiita which Mexico
has fitted out for the subjection of Texas—on the length of
time which has elapsed aiuce the latter declared her indepen
dence—on the perseverance, notwithstanding, in plans of re-
conquest by Mexico—on her refusal to acknowledge the in-
deponce of Texas, and on the evils of border warfare, the
message adds :—“The United States have un immediate in
terest in seeing an end put to the state of hostilities between
Mexico and 'Texas following up the remark with a forcible
remonstrance against tho continuance of the war, and a very
just and impreHHive statement of the reasons why it should
cense. This remonstrance is, ill my opinion, entirely just and
perfectly proper. The government of the United States
should be at all times, ready to interpose its good offices to
bring about u speedy, and,as far ns practicable, a satisfactory
adjustment of this fong-pending cnntioveray. Its whole in
fluence should be excited,constantly, zealously,und in good
faith, to advance sodesiruble an object ; and in the process of
time it can, without doubt.be accomplished. But what, my
dear sir, is the true nnd undisguised character of the remedy
for these evils, which would he applied by the ‘ immediate an
nexation of'Texas to the United Htates.” is it more or less
than saying to Mexico, we feel ourselves aggrieved by tha
continuance of this war between you and Texas; we have an
interest in seeing it terminated , we w ill accomplish that ob
ject by taking the disputed territory to ourselves; we will make
Texns a part of the United States,so thut those plans of re •
conquest .which we know you are maturing, to be successful,
must be made so against the power thut we cun bring in
to the contest; if the war to be continued, as we understand to
be your design, the United .States are henceforth to be regar
ded as one of the belliuereuta ?
We must look at this matter as it really stands. We shall
act under the e\e of an intelligent, observing world; and the
affair cannot be made to wear a different aspect from what it
deserves, ifeven we hnd the disposition (which we have not)
to throw oyer it disguises ofanv kind. Wc should com-ider whe
ther there to any way in which the pence of this country can
be preserved, should an immediate annexation take place,
save one—and that is, accoidiug represent appearances, the
improbuble event thut Mexico will bo deteired from the farth
er prosec ution of the war by the apprehension of our power.
How dues that matter stand ? Hue hue caused ue lo be in
formed, both hi Mexico nod here, in a manner the moHt formal
and solemn thnt she will feel herself constrained, by every
consideration thut can influence the conduct of a nation, to
regard the fact of annexation us an uct of war on the part of
the United States, and that she will, notwithstanding, piose-
cute her attempts to regain Texas, regard lens of consequences.
Exceptions are, however, taken by the President, and I think ve
ry justly taken, to the mniiuerin which this determination has
been announced. 'The Mexicnn government should certainly
have applied in a becoming spirit to ours for explanations of
its intention. If it found this government under the impress
ion that Mexico, although it might not be willing to acknow
ledge its independence, hud uhundoned nil serious hope of re
conquering 'Texas. Mexico should liuve assured us of our
error, nnd remonstrated against any action on our part lissed
on thut erroneous assumption, declared firmly,if It pleased,
that courteous and respectful manner which is alone
• who profess to he
Instead of taking a
LICENSED PEDY.EltS.
fyHGREAS.bj resolutions of tht Legislature, it is made the duty ol all Civil Officers in the different Counties in this
Y Y Blalt, to peiutnd of all IVdlers and itinerant traders, whether they have obteiued a Licenso from tha Comntrolltr,
lr conformity to thh provisions of the Arts respecting Pedlers nnd itinerant iraib rs, and if such Pedler or trader ahull refuse
to produce such License, lie shall be arrested by such oAiuwatul iminudintely takon before a Justice of the Inferior Court, or
• Jur ! j|— *•—-*-
ustica of the Peso#, to be dealt with as tbe law directs.
’And of the Clerk or (lie Inferior Courts in the different counties in this Htate, to notify the Comptroller General,!
the names of all Pedlers or itinerant traders passing through their ra-poctiva counties.
vrfting
"And whereas, it is also the duty of the Comptroller General tv publish quait tkiilv in one of the public gazettes of Mil-
lcdgsville, A ugusto, Hnvaunuh. Dnriou, A (linns, Mucnu, and In the CoIuiiiUiih Enquirer ul Columbus, iho names ol all Pedlers
or itinerant traders, who have token out a License from him for that purpose,”
Pursuant to the provisions of the preceding resolution, the following list of Podlere who have taken out Licenso is pub
lished for the information of all coucoruad. U. E. HOT 11 WELL,
IM* a c r I p 11 o it of P t! d I era I. i c <n * c tl.
5 ft. Giincliehj
5 ft. 7j inches)
5 ft. C| inches5
5 it. 5 inches!
5 ft. 61 inches»
5 ft. 7jinchesJ
»ft 3i
5 ft. 4 j
May 7,1841.
John U. Pel /.old,
NVarreu Clark,
Gaurge C. Ward,
AbrafiansPhHips,
Henry Grossmayer r
Hivtmtel Oppeututc,
John Anderson,
John KinghIhiiv,
Calvin C. Hey more,
II. Henry Werntz,
Alexander H. Bull,
DavidS. Fairchild,
Henry W. Tindall,
Senmel Schoollicer,
Seraoa Bellman,
Lewis Goddard,
P. Lkxnann,
Etlward Wolf,
James Lang fields
Henry Lewis,
Lewi* Broke!,
Meer Shafer,
H. Betiuiaii,
J. N. Adler.
L. Betruittii.
Mayer Cann,
Andrew J. Muson,
L. BickelL
Joseph PoUock,
Solomon W. Weily*
Solomon Pollock,
Kafrt Pollock,
Leopold Ureinberg*
Isaac Isemuu,
Guiiipol Ehrlrli,
Solomon Sondheim,
Win. Mills.
James LasRuter
I Edward J. Menhuini,
Moritz Sillier,
JoelSilberinan,
MatKew E. Jackson*
Alex. K. Harman,
Henrv 0. Pena,
Wui. B. Jackson,
Britton C.'Tyler,
Geo. W. Davis,
B. G. Stern,
John Dority,
'Thomas 11. Jones,
Ihbc Kuril, j 44 J5ft. 7 inoli
0? Hu 1 Augusta Olironii'ln A Montinol,Savannah Knpublic
will publish l|m above one lima each.
uomptrulUr dencral.
J CUMVI.KXION. { EVKS- * HAIR. { IJATB OP LICKUSK. j LIOENflll MPIItH.
May, IB43.MMI)
J US
} 2fi
( it J
I '«
! 21
25
31
• 23
; lllar.i Santlv.1111 h
1 Durk.j Dark. / 12th
[ Blue j Black.; 12th do
IRhu k' do ; IHiu do
[ Black. J do j 19th do
! » Blu**.» do 125th do
Blue.; Light.).‘tilth do
Blue.' Dark.) Hlih Jun
Blue-]
Blue !
Blue.]
dies#
clies I
chesj
5 ft. fij inches!
5 ft. 71 i iiohea |
5ft. 4 inches#
5 It. 5j inclies>
5 ft. 7 incite* <
5 ft. 3j inches *
3
J 27 th do
do { 7th July
do M5th do
l Grev.J Black. # 17th do
J Bluc.j Dark. JIOth Aug.
J HuZftl.j Black. 123d Oct.
< Hazel.! Auh’u. (“fitli do
{llazei.5 Brown-1st Nov,
Black. BUek.;*2ml
Bln
Diuk.ihili do
) ft. 7ji
i ft. 4 i
> ft. 3 i
J Him k-r Black.) 14th do
< lltizej.; Black. I ifitli do
{ do J Dark #17lh do
> do \ Black.; Ibtit do
j do J .Vub’n ; 21 at co
J Bliie.J Black. (21 si do
; I In/. I.; Dmk. t '1st do
< 11 lack.! Black. ;*22d do
j Black.? Dark. J23il do
24th do
# I2ih do do
; 12th do do
;i8th do do
; 19th do do
#25lh do do
pOili do do
jimh Juno do
<27th do do
{7 th July do
>l5th do do
) !7tlt do do
;iOih Aug. do
J 23d (»ct* do
{28th do do
> I hi Nov. do
;*2d do do
;r.t|i do do
e 14ili do do
rlfilh do do
# 17lli do do
11 Hill do do
221st do do
< 21.-1 do do
}2lst do do
#22(1 do do
THE INDIAN IPMJVCfffc
Tho fine tad iptcioua Hotel at time Springe, for if.
veral yean kept by Ur. Dillon, haa changed hande and
will in future be kept by Mr. B. W. Coi/LiM of Haw-
kineviile. Mr. C. haa earned a fine reputation in the
way of tavern keeping ; and he promieee to epare no
pa'iie lo render all comfortable, who may vieil him tire
euminer. Tho maortion of hi* advertisement i* urn.
vuidably pottponed this week. It will be inserted next
week.
\ 22 15
5ft. 7\ inches!
22 $5 ft. 7 j Indian}
J 24 (5 li. 4j inches}
; 25 {5 ft. 7 inches {
{ 23 #5" "
2 on
„ . J ft. 6j
J 23 {5ft. 3
2 35 j 5 ft
26 #5 ft.
{ 35 {5 ft.
; 32 {5 li.
{ 26 { 6 ft.
her*)
lies #
3 inches
S# iurl.r-l
i melt *
1} incline}
6| inel.ee}
4 inchesj
i
do {Hazel.} do {24th do
Duik. J.luik oi; Black.>27(Ii do
• liuv.e’.t
'loritl. ! (i.ey !Snmly.!29th dn d« J’.'CHh da
Dark; } Itluck.} Black. J.IOlli dn du JiWili dn
Fair. {llav.ol.{Sandy.;2fllll Dec. dn tdilll. Dee.
Dark. {Black.} Black. 5 let Jan. l!!l! >l»l Jan
’lurid. -itinck.- dn } D: ll dn dn Jftlll dn
Dark. } Dark.. Black.' lolti du du } I5lh du
dn Jltlaek.} do {I9lll do du Dili do
Florid.
Dark.
Florid. ; Bln k
Dark.; 29th
Gr.y.{ Grcv.{loth IMo.
Blue, t Auh’ii.{l7ih Fi-h.
Black.} Black. *21.-1 do
i 2-vfii. .1*.
5 20 {5 ft. Hi
; 23 25 ft. 11 j indie*#
2 35 {5ft. 7i inches;
< 32 <5 ft, <4 inches;
) 26 #5 ft. IOj inches!
{ 56 #5 ft. 9 inches #
| ?9 j5ft. 8 '
Florid.
Dark.
Florid.
Dark.
do
Florid.
Jlluzlo.; Sandy.
# BlunJ ».u\
J Dark. {Snndv. # 17ili
; Hazel, j Black. \ 19.It
2 Grei.2 do j25th
Black. { Aiih'n, #27ih
lltli March d»
21st do do
April do
; ‘Bine
Bln
Dark. #29tl
> Blue. S Dark. 230il
} Dark.) Black.; 11)i
.Athens Whig, Mac
/29t l»
M3lhF.hr. do
# 17 ill If b. do
}2M do do
; *ui. do do
Jllth Minch do
;2lht do do
#3.1 Apil do
;i7th do do
;i9th do do
225th ilo do
{27lh do do
DurnUifrof the Hills of the Centifil Haile*
*f bore was another burning of the Bills of the Central Bank
on Saturday lest. We leant tliar tbe amount then burned
wus $181, 216,60. There in now about $106,000 in active cir
culation. Wo learn also, that yesterday was the day fixed
upon when the Augusta uud Savannah Banks would receive
at par the Bills of the Central Bank*
O* 'The Correspondent of the Charleston Southern Patriot
oiMuy l.snys-—
“It is now positively asserted that it waa Mr. Tanpnn who
sent on ihe 'Texas Treaty and documents to the editor of the
N. Y. Evening Post. 1 presume Mr. T. will at least be severe
ly censured.”
[CORRKSPONDKNCK OV TIIK BALTIMORE AMERICAS.)
Wa&iiinoton,April 30,1844.
'The Hon. John C. Spkncrii ibis morning sent in his resig
nation uh Secretory of tne Treasury. The retigtmtion it is
declared by the President’s friends bus been rather fioni com
pulsion thou choice. Mr. Spencer goes out with no assurance,
as slated, of receiving the It 11**1*11 Mission, and parts with Mr.
Tyler, no doubt, with more ill will than good feeling towards
1 him or Ids.
) Mr. Green of New Jersey is named as his successor. Mr.
I (J... nh recently confirmed uh District Attorney of N. J.
| 'The Globe lias a letter irom Mr. Benton against annexation
Hnd in the spirit of Mr. Van Bureu's letter. The effect of this
is an adherence to .Mr. V. B. and (lie probability of his nomi-
nation at Baltimore.
The debate i$»n the 3'nriff Bill it is agreed shall terminate
on Wednesday next, 8th of May.
Mr. Clay was in the Senate Chamber and in the Doll of the
House to day* In each place lie was surrounded by friends
nml pel licit! opp meuts, ilia last of whom testified their respect
for him in a marked manner. While crossing the Rotunda a
whole troop of Delegates to the Baltimore Convention sur-
ronii led him. am' Mr. Clay effected his cscapo only by sha
king bauds w ith all.
NEW GOODS
.ir.vjBW* \‘ohk mtvEs:
AT TREANOR’S.
rptlH iniilcr.irn.d Imvinp
T
didst,.
Messenger and Columl. « Fit
will therefore t
look at ilu till
been al.h- to m
oases. Butin
respBc'ive peri
which 110 Americun statesman or citizen can possibly he in
different. We have a character among the nations of the
earth to maintain. All ourpuldic fuucdoiiariRH.us well those
who advocate this mensure ns those who oppose it, however
much they; may differ uh to its effects, will, 1 urn nure, he
equally solicitous for Ihe performance of thin first of duties.
It has liithcito been our pride nml our boast, i!i:it. whilst the
lust of power, with fraud and violence in ita train, Inis led
oilier mid dilh.'reiitly constituted governments to aggression
nnd conquest, onr movements in these respects have hIwuvh
been regulated by reason und justice. A disposition to de-
1 from our pretensions in this respect, will, in the nature
of tilings, bn always prevalent elsewhere; nnd Ims. at ibis vr- bo '
iioineiit, ami from special cause, assumed, in some quarters, I
moHi rabid character. Should uot every one, then, who j p c
:ortdy loves his country—who vt Derates its time-honored re
uud glorious inslitutions—who dwells with pride nod delight : »>
cintionsconnected with our rise, progress, nnd present Slat*
condition—011 the steady step with which we have advanced »lich
to our pie^ut eminence, in despite, of the hostility, nml in cun-
tempt of the hitter revilings of the enemies of freedom in all no ," 1
parts of the globe,—consider, nml that deeply, whether wo “ n (
would uot, by the immediate annexation ol Texas, pis cn a 1 t |„.,
weapon m the hands of those who now look upon tM and our I Hiar
institutions with distrustful and envious eves, thnt would do , I me
its more real, lasting injury as a nation, than the acquisition quin
of such a territory, valuable as it undoubtedly is, could pus J*) nl
Bihlv repair? It is said,and truly said, thut tins war between ' ,k |*
Texas uud Mexico lias already been of too long duration.— j *. J,
We uro und must continue to be more or less iitniovod by its • 0l - t | (
prosecution, ami have, undoubtedly, as has been remarked, an i„ter
interest in seeing it terminated, lint can we appeal to any 10K
principle in the law of nations, to which we practise a Bern- We
jtulqiis adherence, thnt would, under present circumstances,
justify us in interfering for its suppression in a manner that
would tittavoiduhly make ttsn party lo its fui liter prosecution? "‘‘’J*' 1 "J
Cun this position he made sufficiently clear to justify us in
commuting 1 lie noace nod honor of tha country to its support? M> „
In regard to the performunae hi ns of that duty* s'* difficult , y am <■
for any government to perform—the observance of an honest crntic y
neutrality between nations at war—w e can now look thr ugh deuce «
our whole, career since onr first admission into the fomil
nations, uot only
pride and satisn
Washington himself,
character, and ai no less a hazard than that of exposing
selves to plausih le, yet unjust, imputations of in-ldeIity to
trenty stipulations. The path he trod with such unfaltering tempi
lisware of u loo eurly
tv, to tlinhnpiUution
ion territorv. with u
ll bus line 11 urged,
?«1 vrilti it, I frhauhl t>«
I lie nimloey
ids, at the lieu
shave eialnngored th
ctcr.on the pa
n lomiV. in, ll
iil>..ii Urn suh)
rtl hi- ill"
the conclusion of re-
ere ibis stimnifi, is now oftt-ring hissplen*
I; of Fancy and Staple Dry Goodsnl New York cost.
lies desirous of Inviug iu Div Goods for tlieiuseivas
or for their servants, w ill iiot for a long time meet wiili an op
portunity so favorable for purchasing us that now offered, as
all thutri required for the goods is their cost in the New York
in.n k. t, with the necessary charges for transportation* Ttir-
eiinseis will see the advantage under which they buy them.
The undersigned, desirous of closing out the entire st» ck
previous to the U)th dsv of July, would impress upon the
minds ol ihe indies and purchasers of Dry Goods generally,
tin-1:< ecKritv of their culling early anil making theirselcctious
as no doubt those who come first will at least have ail oppor
tunity of choosing best.
Milledgev il!e,Muy 7.1844.
Haltiintlliopeoph of To:
A<l*iiiiiislmlors* ktilo,
V OUEEATLY to an order oftbe Honornble thel nferior
(’iiMi t ol .1.11M •I i itv, vhilo sitting for ordinary
purposes will be sold on tbe first Tuesiiny in AUGUST
next.helm■ 1 In-■ (Tout I liopsi 1I001 in Vienna, Dot ly coiuiiy,
iu the legal hours of sale, Lot of Laid No. 174. iu tho 9ih
District <1‘ s ud county. Sold ns the property of James Gunn
late of Jones .omit', dec., for tho benefit of the Itei s and
creditors. Tot ma of sale, cuslv.
Mnv ?th, 1644* 32 id (». G GUNN, Admr.
Atlitiiuisti'iitor’s Sfilc.
m sold at tlm Into residence of Allen McLean,do-
tl, oil llte 15i!i of .I line next thepersnutlpropor-
lo saiil deceased.consisting of one hund mill, 1
it h tools, 1 wood clock, I works land. 1 lotbooks, I
mule and bedsteads, household uud kitchen fur-
'TetuiB on the day of sale.
' JOHN Me.LF* \N, AdnTr.
iinty, April 29,1841. 32 td
NOTICE.
sons Inn ing demands against the estate of Allen
111, deceased, will present them in terms of tin* law.
JOHN McLEAN, Adm’r.
'IVf.iireomny, April 29, 1814. _ 32 6t
LMH R flOlV'l IIN after data application will be made
I 1 to tin* Ilouoriiblo Inferior court of "Telluir county, while
sitting for ordinary purposes,for leuve to sell the Inmls bo-
longing to the estate of Allen McLean, late of said comity,
• JOHN McLEAN. I
31
eer since onr first admission into the fnmilv ol sunscqucmi.v iuuiihuhipu uimuiii mi.-, m imi.h i.m.iu .,un;—u m -unis
ul v without n blush, hut with feelings of honest V 1 ® J .oJViVtMirouri”*ifFurone to Imrtor w* v l' * *" '}
i*fttctjpn. Tim way was opened by Tresidc.it ^"Wrl.h.grepublic,u.ulalltlm. tl.eiliuvrpureha*"i"iri.'^r.Tblood
inisn If, under circumstances oftho most difficult totlie liigl.^tbi.lder. is wla.t I ennant believe; iu iho iu.mIjUuv ol
I ,lfl It*, liluu n III..,.... .1 I l.nn , I 1 11 ( 1.I 1 ■■■ ni.,iu., ..ill-. ~l I... 1'.
steps, and which led to such beneficial results, has hitherto
been pursued with unvary ing fidelity by every out* of his suc
cessors of whom it becomes me to speak*
If our sympathies could induce a departure from a policy
which has so much in its commencement to consecrate it, and
such advantages to recommend its continuance, they would
doubtless draw us to die si<ie of'Texas. That tho happiness
of her people would he promoted by the niaintainanee of her
independence, 1 have 110 doubt. Few if any, efforts for the
extension of tree government iu any part of the world liuve
been made since the establishment of our own independence,
that have (ailed to excite our earnest and sincere wishes for
their success. But they have never been permitted lo with
draw us from the fairiifnl performance of our duty asn neunal
nation. They were excited, ami deeply, too, al the coin
mauccment of lire French revolution; they were revived iu the
struggie ol the .South Americun Suites for the establishment
of their independence; they linve been put to their severest
ery contest between Texas and Mexico. Yet, in
1 r.;. ..... ulaions of empiri
trial iu tin
that whole period of time, amidst tire convulsions of empires, i 0 p,U1 utintiaI por 1 ion c
and the lawlessness of power by which many of its posses- ge lf-defeiue.np|)hcableni.wi!fitoiiH
stirs have been distinguished, it has been a cardinal point iu out doubt, produces* great uiiiimiiIi
That these were not altogether satisfactory to General Hunt ,
nor probably to bis government, has been seen. But I think ! . suited to the intercourse between nut
may safely say that seldom, if ever, lias the decision, by this friends, its determination lo oppose 11
government,of a question of equal magnitude, been more de- course, the propriety of which was so obvious, she first
cidedly or more unanimously approved by the peoplo of the sumes, upon grounds which were neither proper nor safe for
United States. The Correspondence was very soon after it j her to act upon, that this government had designs upon Tex
took place,couironnicuted to Congress, and although rite pub
lic mind*was at that lime in a state of the highest excitement,
and the administration daily assailed thrvugh every avenue by
which it wus deemed approachable. 1 nm yet to see the first
sentence of complaint upon the point, in any quarter of the
Union. Even a resoluti. n offered in the Senate, dec taring an
nexation, “whenever it could be effected consistently with the
public faith and treaty stipulations of the United States, de*
siruble,” was ordered to be laid upon the table; and a similar
disposition wns made in the House of the papers upon the sub
ject, which had been referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations, and thut committee discharged from the further
consideration of the matter, upon its own application. Nor
were (lie friendly relations then existing between that Repub
lic and the United States—to its honor be it said—in any per
ceptible degree impaired by this decision.
Standing in this position before the country,it becomes my
; then denounces the annexation us a great national crime,
and forthwith proclaims instant war ns the penalty of our per
sisting in such mi uttempt; and all this in lauguuge bearing
cerluinly, (although oubacqucutly dituvowed,) every appear
ance of menace.
But this is a besetting, and very ancient foible, of the moth
er country, as well as of her descendants iu their diplomatic
intercourse. Every one conversant w ith the subjrctof Span
ish relations, knows that al least from the time of Dou Luis
d’Onistotlie present day, this government has been frequent
ly—not io say continually—subjected to this species of diplo
matic dogmatism. Partly in consequence of the genius of
their language; partly hum peculiar temperament $ much
from habit, but inorefroin a radical defect of judgment,—they
continue the use of language in their slute papers which better
temperedTif not wiser diplomatists have almost eveiy where
laid uside as worse than useless. But at no time has our go-
the administration of the atVuirs of this republic to utlhero with
thestrictest fidelity to Ihe rule which was laid down by Wash
ington, enforced by Jefferson, und respected, with unabated
sincerity , fry their successors.
'There is unother circumstance which is well calculated to
mislead us upon this subject. Many, if not must oftlie per
sons to he affected by the decision of this finest ion, were once
citizens of the United Stutes, and have still their relatives and
friends amongst us. 1 am not unaware of the hazard to which
1 expose my standing with too latter,in spunking thus unre
servedly upon n point so well calculated to excite deep feel-
. This is perhaps more particular!v applicable to riint
portion of my fellow-citizens, of whom it v\ inaptly aid up
propi lately said by one of their ow n number, thut “they are
the children of the sun, and partake of its warmth.” Yet,
liclher we stand or fall in the estimation of our countrymen,
it is alwny s true wisdom, as well as true morality, to hold fust
to the truth. It is moreover, « consolation to know, that if
to nourish eurim-nasm is one of the effects of a genial climate,
it at the same time seldom fails to give hirlh to a chivalrous
pirii, which will uot permit itself to he outdone in the extent
»r sincerity of its sacrifices at the shrine of patriotism. 'To
preserve our national escutcheon untarnished, has, conse
quently, if reliance can he placed upon our public archives,
been an object of unceasing solicitude with southern states
men.
flier more true or ni .re extensively know n,
than that Texas was wrested from Mexico, and her iudepeu
deuce established through the inot 1 u.neiitulitV of citizens of
the United States. Equally true i* it thut this was dune not
only against the w ishes, but in direct contravention of the best
efforts ul our government to pi
holy fate is sojustly and generally lamented) has every Sec
retary of State, acting under the direction of the Executive,
deemed it sufficient,'to place tire government nnd minister em
ploying it in tire wrung,by showing its injustice as well as its
futility , We linve then heretofore, os 1 hope wo shall now,
decided to act in the mutter under consideration in a manner
which wns deemed due to justice and to our own character,
without being in any degree influenced by such unuvailmg
menaces, it ia foreign to my habit, and rcpugiuut 10 my feel
ings, to sny any tiling thut should offend the pride of any na
tion, if the declarations of individuals could possibly have
that efleet, being sincerely desirous that the United Stales
should cultivate friendly relations with ull. But with a pop
ulation nut equal to hull' thut of lire United Stutes, and labor-
under many and serious disadvantages, from which
b comparative!v free,Music could not, with propriety
duty to consider whether either the nature oi Ilia question, or vertuuenl suffered »t-* action upou grout uational questions to
the circumstances of the case, have so far changed as lo jus- bo influenced by such petulance. From the time of tire mo
lily ine in now advising a policy from which l thcu.iu rite deal yet firm Mudisun, lulire late Mr. Upshur,(whose raejan
most solemn form, dissented.
In giving lo you, and through you to the public, tbe result
of a very careful and dispassionate examination of ibis grave
question, I should neither do justice to yourself, to the patri
otic State which you, in conjunction with others, are to repre
sent in tho convention, to tire people of the United Sates, nor
to my position,if l failed to accompany it with a brief expo
sition oftho grounds upon which 1 liuve proceeded* It is in
Ibis way only that justice can be done to my intentions; and
tlmt is ull I desire. The annexation oftbe territory, uud tire
consequent assumption by us of a responsibility to protect and
defend its inhabitants, would, in respect to the consideration
to which 1 am about lo refer, stand upon the same footing with
(list of its admission as a State. The recognition of Texas as
ail independent Slate, wus a measure which received, 111 vari
ous and appropriate forms, the sanction of every department
of tbe government, whoso co-operation wus necessary toil*
validity, nnd bad my hearty cuucurreucre. I rum this uct ol
our government, just and proper in all respects as it wus, an
inference has, however, been drawn, and Drought to bear up.
on the present question uot only very fur buyoud its real
bearing, but bv which its true cha.nctorn entirely ravers,
ed. Many persona who enter upon tire consideration of
tire subject with lire purest intentions, ami are muapobla 0]
kuowiiigty giving 11 false interpretation to any thing co iiiccied
with it, take it for granted that the United Mates in recogniz
ing ihe independence of Texas, declared to t he world, not uuly
that she wss independent in fact, hut also that she was 110 oj
right. Acting upon thia aironoous coustructiuu, they veiy
natural I v conclude, that, having examined into and passed not
only upon the exigence of bar independence, hut al»« upon
her right to it* enjoyment, it la now (and more especially alter
lire lapse of several years.) too late to hesitate upou the ques
tion of annexation on tl.cgr.und of any existing controversy
upon those points. The fallacy of this reasoning will be ap
parent when it ia considered that the usage of untioiis lo ac
knowledge tire government, define!*,of every country, was es
tablished foi the express purpose of avoidingall inquiry into or
the expression of suy opinion upon the ques ioii ul right us.
iwn.n III. oooi.mliuf pwito.. Tbtjr »ekoo« ltd,, no
nr in .ny country ih.mh.l which » n tocuupmm,. I l,*v c.n-
nut inquire burund ib»i point »«ho»« iut.lfcrta* wlft tit.
iuiom.l concern* of other n.liun*—• pmetke »hiiH nil dt»-
cleim.iad • dlKl.lmer wlt'icli it im* been out inverieblo »»■
J*e uot truly tu meke but lo enioite with Mrupulou* bilclii.'.
ti iii that this government may
it would have done had uo such menace been mude without
the slightest danger of living regarded by lire rest of the world
us having beau imliiuidated by threats of war from that Re*
public. So at least 1 should act if (lie direction of public af
fairs were in my hands. 'Tbequestion then recurs, if,as sen
sible men, we cannot avoid tbe conclirei »n that tire immediate
annexation of Texas- would, in nil human probability, draw
after it a war with .Mexico,can it be rxpedienl to attempt it 7
Of the consequences olsm b a war, the character it might he
made to assume, the entanglement* with other nutioiis whit h
tho position of u belligerent almost unavoidably draw* after it
ami the undoubted injuries w liich might be inflicted upon each,
notwithstanding tire great disparity uf their respective forces,
1 will uot tav a word.
God forbid that any American citizen should ever count the
sosl ol an appeal to whnt is appropriately denounced tbe last
lesort of nations, whenever (lie resort becomes necessary si
llier f«»r rire safety or lo vindicate tbe honor of hie counirv.—
There is, 1 trust, not one so base as to regard himself, a mi all
Ire lias, lobe forever and at ull times subject to such a requi
sition. Hut would s war with Mexico, brought on under
such circunislnucas, be a coolest of that character? Could
we hope to stand perfectly justified in the eyes of mankind
for entering into it; more especially if its commencement is lo
be preceded by the appropriation tu our ow'tt uaea of the ler-
ritorv, lire eovereicutyuf which is iu dispute between two na
tions, one of which we are to jniu in tbe struggle? This, sir,
ia a lustier of lbs very graven import— oue iu respect la
unnatural connexion” I cuii liayo
apprehended by tusuy, that the Bnti.h auihoriticft wifi nt-
ke Texas a BriiLli colony or dependency. Iiui.i a 1111111.1111
- existence ofauch mfutu itiuu un the part of miy fcur« j, ru „
power I cannot bring myrelfto believe that any European govern
ment w Inch bus nut already made up its mind to pruvoke u win w tth this
couutiy. will ever attempt tu coluuizo Texo»,i-ithoriiiloriii nr in sub
stance. Iftbeicbflsny micIi power,the consideration* tu which l have
adverted, vtuuld soon lo»o most of tlicir iinpurlaiici-j for opportunities
w ould not Uhui bo slow m presenting ||ieiii**fve» for the tuitquesl ot
whatever territory might, ini hut event, be deemed nece^sury tu our rr-
curity, in legitimate »ell'defenc«. Cotnmerrisl favors Texas Im* to tin-
name extent m* oilier independent powers, the right to diepote ofm-shu
think* proper}subject only to the poiia|tiss v» Inch arecertuin,
> follow
lie wake of national fnjtiM
'exas ia another ami a very different matte —1
ultimate cniitetiUeuresof winch
•elf
' pen ll nutin,
the
xpoct to the degree of ere
r government ought, w 11 Imut doubt, to ex
• against the ext. n-nm ofBi iti h iulliiciice,
r dominion ofuiiv kind, or fiom any quar-
of lheportion* oi thecontinent bordering
^ will'll the
1 llriii* . d
nry .
w
April 29.1811.
GI20IIGIA,
A du
l\cwlon 4’ounly.
'Tolled before lire, by Simon ^»tp«. one
iron gray filly, supposed to be three years
old,—appraised to forty dollar* by Wil-
Hum Hcislrer nnd George W Leak.
JOHN FRANKLIN,J.I*.
SAVANNAH ANO NEW YORK PACKETS.
July 25
now replied, in th
vblch yon have pi
sinewely ana
11 with propriety he now to
it principle of
. would. With
er oftlie latter
11 of foreign or
i-r* oreup> big the
ni* upon the w hole
cd budcxprufrbcd,
I Ire pi
cly.t
tire 1
with which thrd
1 Misll add a I
acloIowlelTis- ni
opi lion 1
tre ohsci
*r aspect
’Cl contraveiiMon ni lire ochi |j (l . St*n-*, who h 1 hHVi m t lurih.Mml t . |.|.u e ihe nm-,
em our citi/.i llb from engu- ; djflVrf-ni g.DUDd*’. Miouhl m . h a tlHteotllonK-Dit.e, out I l>.
ging ill the eult-rprise. Efforts have, uevritlrelesH, not been in charge-ihu rc*|.m*iide uiie* 1 Tie* .tent. »■ u . >> i.» n
wanting on tire part of those who me not over-noxious for ‘ 'hat t w..o.e w *‘^i''i V^i*
retlit of repiihlican governments, to inrereprcseul rire , Vaner ilo-o« rmu'.ent w Hfare otthe "hole eoiinti e y. VuVlre «:i*<
rw« of our« iu Cilia roapnet— to cau*c it to f.e believed that our effort* I , iihi-, the .. im- on . m y *.| nil oui public lun 1 :1| | v .u
prevent unlawful pMrliciputiou by our ritizena iu th.it struggle wore | nllow my«r!l t•» !».- tluriired !•> lorn) m *eriiomil le. Ilu’g. | .
inaincere; thot we coveted cIiIm portion of the territory of Mexico; und I need b*udlj l*»»ny to you,1111 untii««l ihmii in re»p.. 11.. i,.y d
having failed to obtain it by fair purchuse, or l»v negotiation, we *:iw Honor ahilnj todoreg.irrl nay feeling <>| Mini rhurm-i.r in m
In thia movomcat a preliuunan ■ten, which would, tu tire and, lie equal
ly subservient to our view* upon Texa*. No oue can have had belter
opportunities ol‘knowing how unfounded these injurious imputations j
were than myself. As rnriy hs when Pre.idcnt llou-tou first wont to
Texas, 1 helievo, in lrt29, 1 wss consulted by (Sen. Jack*ou upon the
auliject uf a privato letter addressed by him to the lion. Mr. Fulton,
now aenutor of the tinned Slate*, thru Serretnry of the Treasury of
Arkansas, requesting him lo cause lire movenieuls of General Houston
tube watched, and Vo apprise the President of the <ir»t indication »>u hi*
part of au intention to violate the laws of the United tale- by an srm-
ir»iou into Mexico. From that period to the end of Gen. Jack-
:nu of office, I am as well *uti*Led as 1 can be of-iliy Act, tlmi
Uo was sincerely desirous t<» perform hi* w holed«l> a* clue.l' uiagUlruto
of the country, uud to preveut ill this respect, the kligbtcst violation of
the law* with the execution of which lie was charged. He, no doubt
sincerely believed that the incorporation of Texas into the Federal
Union would lie alike advnuUgeou* to her, to Mexico, and to the Uni
ted States; and w a* over ready to adopt ull proper inea*ures for the ac
complishment of that object But (hoy kuew very little of Geu. J.ick-
true character, w ho can for a moment permit themselves l«» believe
capable of doing, countenancing, or advising, a single at t w Inch
be believed, or had even reason to apprehend, would violate tire plight
ed fifth of his country, or infringe upon tl.? duly which it owes to the
great family of nations. To prevent our people from going to Texas,
and embarking in the war, wua an impossibility which neither lie nor
any other chief magistrate could have accomplished. If they went
there without utiiitury organization, or armaments, and choose to place
themselves beyond the protection of tins government, we hnd no right
introl their actiou; nor do other governiirenls exercise any such rig lit ;
in siinilur cases. Fur the suppression «.f military enu rpriseorganized
ud armed h.-re against a uuuon with which wo are at Mure, theprovi-
ious of our laws me ample. But of tho difficulties of enforcing them :
‘ ith a frontier and seulioard like *’ ‘ ~
ritli Texas, no sen ihlo an.l vve
For tbe voluntary action of c
doin throughout the world. But 1 am very sure that w e shall all, in the
end,so act upon vltvs subject u- to put it out oftbe power oftbe natural
enemies of republican Institutions to muke r.ny plausible charge of inti -
del ity to our avowed principles in respect to ft. No oiu- was more
deeply sensildn of the necessity ofthe greatest prudence in this particu
lar, or more anxious to secure its observance, than General Jackson.—
As late as December, IKJd—only a few months before the recognition—
he thus expresacs himself, in a special message lo the Bcnaio: “But lliore
are circuin-l-nice* in the relations oftbe tworouutrre* whicit reqtiir*-s us
to act, 011 this occanon, with even more than our wonted caution. Tex
as waa onco claimed as apart of our property; nnd there arc those
among our citizens, who ala ays rcliictoift to abandon that claim, cannot
but regard with solicitude the prospect of the rruuinu of Ihe territory
large portion ,,f its civilized inbabitan'aareenugrati
tpilE BRIG LINE of New York Packets have coutttrenced
tlreir regular trips for lire season, uud will Ireieufu 1 mil
as follow*
Brig /Ittirnsfa, I Cunt. Sherwood
“ Madison. “ Bulklsy
" Savannah | " Hawley
“ lixcel. I “ Hmilh
Jolmsou,
Lron.
li of first rluss Brigs, ofnliout 400 tons
Clinton,
This In
Mnv 2
June 13
•* 9
“ $0
*• 16
“ 27
“ 23
July 4
•• 30
« 11
June6
“ 18
imposed
luirtlreii, filled up with stnle rootiiH.and every convenience Co
nder pi
'They an
trade, who
Tire uric
of Sailing v
Berths 1:
. fortable as possible.
coiuiiianded by men of long experience in the
■villuau# very exertion to give satisfaction.
• of pttHHuge is fixed ut $28, and uo extras. Days
ill be strictly ndhered to.
iti be hoc 11 ted on npplicaton to
J. WASHBURN Si WILDER, Agents.
Snvntttinlt, April 19, 1844. 30 ia-lt
MORE "NEW GOODS
Juki Hi-ci-lvcd at
Ac & Jo EJE0K 1
K an
Depot«
«.ff.
ig at very low prices at rite Rrancli
t York l)ry Goods and Clothing siote,
ft he N'e
.. rtiuent 1 .
I>i'. Gomlfi siuU Clothliiff#
ol tire lutcfl .1111 most liifliionuble style, eniiHi.-ting in part of
MtiireRl.re.lIcUnriiies.J uckotret. l.nwiiH,Culic(reH, r riots of nil
ilr-scnpliouH, uud ('iolltH of oil kinds—a large stock of
lieu<hj ma tr. Clothing, Gentlemen's Hoots Show,
Hits, Cups, Ladies' Shoes, tjc.
which will hr sold on uh reasonable terms ns nt any house this
Bide of New Vink. We respectfully invite Lndics und Gentle
men to cull und examine lor themselves,
A. & J. LEON.
April 39, mil. 31 3t
HEADY MADE
CLOTHING
AND GENTLEMEN’S FURNISHING STORE,
“ Vp Sulim,” Next Door to the rost Office.
CJl'PKIl Dr»*.s Cn,.*,
O l>» do
from tha t niti-d Htnfas.'vpeak tha same languai
tsh tbeaaare princq>les,j>olftiea. and religir
ith ourselv
| bound to many
ofour citizen* by »i<*s oftfriendship nud kiudrud blood; and, mi.ire than
• II, It is known that the peop|oof licit OOMtry have not .luted ti>e tame
firm of gov ernmci.t with our own, and have, since tbs close of your last
session, openly resolved on Iho acknowledgement by us of lhair indo-
peudence. to seek ud mission into the union ns one of the Federal dial***.
This last circumsUm c is a matter ol peculiar delicacy, und fotres upou
us (onsidciai ionsof Ilia gravest charantar. Tbe title of Trxav to tho
territory she cluiui*. is identified with her iiub-pemlenco. She a»k
$20 (Ml a
10,0(1 a
6.00 a
9,58 a
1.25 a
2.00 n
(damaged)
1,00 a
3,50 a
3,50 a
$22 00
16,00
8,00
3.50
3.50
3,50
3,50
1,25
3.00
5.00
4.00
In Jnrp-r coitni; , April 3'), by tire Rov. Francis Douglass
Mr.CviXkLXs A. Not TiMi, if Windsor, Vi. to Mias P'.hilv
Com* rui*, daughter olJoidau Compton, Esq.of Jasper co.
1.00 n 2^0
Liii**n Drills, Drop de Ete, Napoleon Cloth, French end
Eng. Cloths und Cassiuiercs. Fine B»*«ver Hats, Ac Ac, Sec.
HATS.
75.'asm flats, of every style and quality from
• |,50 up to $8—n new airriclcol rive Nvitris Fash-
iuimhle Fur Hats, of a superior quality. Bpriiif
r,.Hhiop,nnd made to order for the ontfrraigtied.
JAd, H* SIIaIIAN.
lie,AP^2J844. 27 tf
' HATS! IIATM U HATS!!!
SEVER A Leases Gent's llats, different styles,
jusi received and for sale, low, at
IMI1VI TU
April 30.
Ofllcthorpo I'nlvenliy*
\ N Exhibition 01 Originul ORATIONS bv members of tho
Junior <'Iuhs w ill reke place in the College Chattel, at
the close of lire semi-unnuai exziiiinetion 00 \\ e<li.esJay,lhe
8th of .Muy—the exercises tu begin at 10 o'clock, A. M.
J. II. FIT TEN, Sec. Board of Trustee.
l\ S. l'lre Summer Scssiou will commence on the I Oth of
June. 3121 April 30.1814.
AREI V Y.
rpiu; Subscriber Will Btitud tothe IteiiCWOl & TaJ -
1 III I'M I of Note* in tire Cenirsl Bank, for One Holla r
inch ami the taking out eod forwarding Grants, Copy
Grants, Ac. Ac., at Fifty Cenu each. All let tsi a etc losing
the money to renew Notes, end taking out Grains, will Ire
promptly attended to.
JOHN R. ANDER«ON.
MilleJaet ille, 2&(h Jan, 1844. couHte
IL/ Letters uiuet have lire postage paid tovosuts ettcuimn.