Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/389

 A special Minister, together with our resident Charge, has been appointed, with full powers and dispatches to consummate the work of annexation. But that you may be more perfectly informed of everything interesting connected with the subject, I have directed my private secretary and confidential friend, W. D. Miller, Esq., to convey my personal salutation and embraces to you, with authority to communicate everything and upon every subject. Mr. Miller is a young gentleman who has been connected with me in my office since the commencement of my present administration. He knows all my actions and understands all my motives. I have concealed nothing from him, nor will he conceal anything from you. Mr. Miller bears dispatches, and has been appointed Secretary to the Secret Legation at Washington. If you should desire to send any communication to Washington, you will find him a ready writer, and he will take pleasure in serving you as an amanuensis.

Now, my venerated friend, you will perceive that Texas is presented to the United States, as a bride adorned for her espousal. But if, now so confident of the union, she should be rejected, her mortification would be indescribable. She has been sought by the United States, and this is the third time she has consented. Were she now to be spurned, it would forever terminate expectation on her part, and it would then not only be left for the United States to expect that she would seek some other friend, but all Christendom would justify her in a course dictated by necessity and sanctioned by wisdom. However adverse this might be to the wishes or the interest of the United States in her present situation, she could not ponder long. The course adopted by the United Slates, if it stop short of annexation, will displease France, irritate England, and exasperate Mexico. An effort to postpone it to a more convenient season may be tried in the United States to subserve party purposes and make a President. Let them beware. I take it that it is of too great magnitude for any impediment to be interposed to its execution. That you may live to see your hopes in relation to it crowned with complete success. I sincerely desire. In the event that it speedily takes place, I hope it will afford me an opportunity of visiting you again at the Hermitage with my family. It is our ardent desire to see the day when you can lay your hand on our little boy's head, and bestow upon him your benediction. Be assured, General, that I should rejoice if circumstances should afford an opportunity for an event so desirable to us.

Be pleased to make the united salutations of Mrs. H. and myself to your family. We unite our prayers for your happiness, and join in the expression of our affectionate regard for you.

Truly your friend,