Sam Houston to James Pinckney Henderson, February 21, 1844

Washington, Texas, 21st Feb’y, 1844.

Dear Sir,

The waters are so high that the Secretary

of State can’t get into town. Consider, therefore

that you and Van Zandt have all the need-

ful powers to conclude the treaty of annexa-

tion or alliance with the Government of

the United States, on just and reciprocal prin-

ciples between the contracting parties—thereby

fully securing the interest of Texas as an

integral part of the United States, as a State

or Territory, and the individual rights and

privileges of its citizens, without innova-

tion upon our fundamental institutions.

I am thine truly,

(signed) Sam Houston.

To/

Gen. James Pinckney Henderson.