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Private
D'r SIR, I refer you to the enclosed letter to the President, having nothing yet official to communicate to the Department. Since writing the enclosed I learn that there is some possibility that the Secretary of state may have gone to Galveston by the coast route. But there is no doubt of President Houstons being now on his way to Washington and that he will reach there about the time I will.
Gen'l Duff Green was looked for at Galveston when I left. The prisoners who have been liberated from the castle of Perote report that they saw no preparation for the threatened invasion: and they are of opinion that none is seriously contemplated by Gen'l. Santa Anna.
The further I advance into this country the stronger is the evidence of the anxiety of the people for incorporation into our union. Much is said about the activity of the British and French parties to defeat our policy. But I shall not trouble you with the probabilities in relation to such overtures until I present my cedentials, and have an interview with the President who will doubtless disclose to me all that has passed between this and other Governments.
My attention is directed to the topographical and geographical features of the country, and the effect they will have upon the population. My object will be to be prepared to anticipate the action of the people in the alternative of Co'l Polk's defeat, and to judge as correctly as I can of the policy which is best for us in that event. Whether it is worth the effort to make another trial for annexation in case of Mr Clay's election will be a grave question. So strong is the attachment of the great body of the Texans to our Union, that I am not sure they might not be induced to stand the hazard of another war with Mexico, rather than take independence with a condition imposed by Great Britain against annexation at any future day.
President Houston has been on the frontier this fall and has concluded Treaties I learn with several of the Indian tribes. No one has spoken of difficulties growing out of the acts of the Indians within our limits: and I therefore take it for granted that the occasion for the requisition authorized conditionally by my instructions will not arise, or rather, has not arisen.
You shall hear from me fully and constantly as soon as I have an interview with the President.
y'rs truly and respectfully
More Resources
- Andrew Donelson
- Source:
- Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Calhoun Correspondence.
