Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/134

 was referred to a committee of both Houses. A report, very inflammatory in its character, was made. The Senate in secret session adopted a resolution requiring his detention as a prisoner. In calm, dignified terms Houston vetoed the resolution. He set forth the probability of his (Santa Anna's) assassination. One attempt had been made before Houston's arrival. The belief was expressed that whether Santa Anna might die from violence or disease, Texas would never escape the odium of his death, and that if he were restored to his country Mexico would be kept in commotion for years, and Texas would not be safe.

The Senate reversed its decision, and referred the matter to the discretion of the President. Houston, on his own responsibility, determined at once to release him. As Gen. Jackson had requested Santa Anna, if released, to visit him, Houston promised that he should have an escort chosen by himself. Santa Anna returned his thanks by the messenger, and requested that Col. Geo. Hockley, Bernard E. Bee, and Major W. H. Patton might be allowed to attend him to Washington city. About the 25th of November Houston went with the escort to take his final leave of the liberated captive. The following paper is a copy of Gen. Houston's instructions. It was written by Houston, and is copied from the original in possession of the writer of these pages.

"

"[A spirited letter to the Mexican Minister at Washington, enjoining on him obedience to the orders given him.]

"In all cases, while Gen. Santa Anna admits the fact that he is a prisoner, let him assume the style of a President, and head of the Mexican Republic.

"It would be well for the President General to write to General Jackson an official letter, which may be such as diplomacy requires, whilst he could write a confidential official letter to General Jackson, assuring him that he is willing to countenance, or to contribute to the annexation of to the United States (referring to the action of the people). In his correspondence with the General let him urge or solicit the General to become responsible for his making good all stipulations entered into by him: if this is done at the instance of General Santa Anna, General Jackson can be induced to furnish a national vessel of the United States for Gen. Santa Anna to sail in from this coast to Vera Cruz direct, or to render an escort to any point which may be most desirable.

"I pledge myself most solemnly to do all in my power in accordance with this plan, and my situation, to obtain the release and restoration of General Santa Anna and his countrymen to their homes.

As to the plan proposed by General Santa Anna, it is impossible to say what effect it would have, or that it would have a beneficial effect on the Cabinet of Washington, or the people of that country whose moral and political opinions have weight and influence on the Government, unless previously apprised of the course proposed.