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extend [sic] the period for the action of Texas until her Government and people

could carry out their action upon the plan which I propose—and the

same that was contemplated by the amendment. If the original

resolutions are insisted upon as the basis, and the only one, I

entertain the most serious doubts as to our ever being admitted,

or forming a part of the American Union. Texas has so long been

a suppliant, that I am fearful the Government of the United States

has presumed upon what they suppose to be our necessities, and

therefore have been induced to lay such hard conditions upon us.

Heretofore, the difficulties have all existed on the part of the

United States, as to our admission into the Union—nor do I yet

regard them as all obviated. If I am right in this, it would be

too perilous for Texas to act upon the basis proposed, and subject

herself to have the constitution which she might at present

submit rejected by the Congress of the United States. It would

not only be destructive to the future prospects and welfare of

Texas, but convulse the Union to a far greater extent than

ever did the tariff or “Missouri question.”

The wish of every American statesman should be, to

preserve the concord and union of the States, and the desire

of every Texian to cede such rights and privileges to the

Union as would be just and proper. We should, however,

retain all which would be necessary to us as an equal

member of the Confederacy; and part with none which

we should require in our new position, with a hope of

reclaiming them at a future day. Should we entertain

such a hope, it might prove fallacious, and be productive

of serious and lasting discord. Texas, if annexed, will

become a part of the United States in opposition to the

wishes of a large portion of the people of the Union and a

strong political opposition. If they are vanquished, they

will still retain a strong prejudice against the cause

or object of their defeat.

The party favorable to the admission of Texas may,

or may not, long retain power in the Union. While they retain

power, Texas might do well; but if it once passed into

the hands of the opposition she would, in all probability

fare equally bad.

For these reasons I wish that whatever rights

Texas has, or might be entitled to, should be defined and