“Private”

Houston Decr 27 1843.

Dear General

I do not suppose that you will consider

the reflections contained in this letter of much im-

portance, but they have been induced by the position

of our affairs both foreign & domestic. Our Congress

has before it resolutions for annexation to the United

States, and which I suppose will carry. In your speech

here you declared that if England deserted us, the

policy of Houston must sink. The proposition to annex

if presented to the United States by our government

will drive England that has been of service

from us, and annexation must occur, or the United

States guarantee our independence against the

world or we are left in a worse condition than

ever before. That p[o]rtion of Tyler’s message referring

to Texas will have no good effect transatlantic

for it will be deemed as unfortunate. You have

oferred [sic] negotiations with England & her interference

has been of use. To the United States

by treaty we never can be annexed. This is my firm

& settled opinion. This then I would recommend as

the policy to be observed. The resolution should be

carried conditionally, that the U.S. made the first

move. I would rather it should be carried too

over your veto. Your minister at Great Britain with