Wilson Lumpkin letter to John Calhoun, 23 March 1844

Athens March 23d , 1844.

MY DEAR SIR That the destiny of men and nations are under the controuling influence of an All-wise Providence, has long since been one of the settled Tenets of my faith. And it is thus that I account for your being placed in the position which you now occupy in connection with the great interests of our beloved Country. I know that your present position has not been anticipated by you, or your friends. I hope, trust and believe, that the recent changes, however deeply mingled with calamity, woe and regret, may be overruled for the good of our Country. At this particular juncture, your post is the most important one under the government.

Upon an enlarged consideration, of the permanent interest of our Confederacy, We have nothing at this time of equal importance to that of the great Territorial questions, of Texas and Oregon. Upon these questions I entertain no doubt of the correctness of your views, as well as of the views of President Tyler. And therefore trust you may be the honored instruments of bringing these vexed questions to a happy and successful issue. As regards the adjustment of the Orrigon question, you know and will do what is best to be done on that Subject.

Upon the subject of Texas, allow me to say that country must speedily become a part and portion of our great confederacy or the abolition spirit will destroy our beloved institutions. The peaceable acquisition of Texas will go further to ensure and perpetuate the general welfare and permanent Union of our Confederacy than any thing which has transpired since the acquisition of Louisiana. I have no special knowledge of the exact relation of things touching this subject at present. I have, however, a very accurate knowledge of a large number of the leading and most influential men of Texas, and of the true character and feelings of the great body of the population of that Country. My eldest son emigrated to that Country about 10 years ago, and has continued to live there ever since. He has a wife and children, is a steady sensible, educated man and has several times been a member of the Legislature of Texas. I am intimately acquainted with President Lamar, Gen'l. Rusk and various other Georgians who have become prominent in that Country. Therefore through these associations I have continued to know more, and feel more in regard to Texas than most men.

The great body of the people of Texas ardently desire to come into our Union. Any opposition which may appear to Annexation, whether from President Houston or others, I am well assured is altogether selfish and factious.

Anxious as I am to know the state of our negotiations and prospects upon this subject, your present position forbids my making many inquiries which might be suggested, if I considered you at liberty to confer with a private Citizen upon a subject, which may at the present moment require the most profound silence, out of the Council Chamber.

I could easily write an Essay, or Volume, upon the great importance of the annexation of Texas, but deem the multiplication of words upon this subject, when addressing you, altogether useless because I know you will duly appreciate its magnitude in all its bearings.

I would willingly make any sacrifice of my quiet, ease and inclination to aid in furthering and consumating this all important object. And if I find the state of things touching this subject should in the course of the present year, open a door for useful and efficient service, I have it [in] view to visit the Country. If Texas should become a part of the U. S. It will be a matter of Vital importance to the entire South, that all the incipient steps, touching the establishment of the local institutions of that Country, should be based and founded in wisdom, and that far seeing forecast, so necessary to the permanent prosperity and harmony of the whole Union.

Any thing that may be proper for me [to] know, at any time, on the subject of Texas will be received with thankfulness. For your health, happiness, and success in your present labors my poor prayers and best wishes await you. As Ever Yrs.

WILSON LUMPKIN.