5

and [sic] understood, and retained by her on her admission into the Union.

And this can only be done through the action of the commissioners

indicated by the amendment, and without which, I feel fully satisfied

the bill would not have become a law.

The “consent of the existing Government” of Texas, is referred

to in one portion of the act; and that recognizes some option in

our Executive as to the mode by which the affair (so far at least

as Texas is concerned), should be conducted to give validity to the

measure. If any conimation [?] should arise in Texas, or a disregard

of the constitutional authority, in consequence of the basis pro-

posed not being accepted, I should deem it most unfortunate

for the fame and quiet of the President of the United States, by

thus furnishing a ground for his enemies to charge him with

producing the evil resulting from withholding the choice of the

alternatives contained in the law from the Executive of this

country.

You may find some who express the wish, or

intention even, to resort to revolution to secure annexation,

without knowing one of the conditions imposed, or anything

more than that “it is something about annexation.” If by

any irregular mode, or by exciting sedition in the country, the

expression of the popular voice could be had and should be

unanimous in favor of the measure, it would be good cause

for the Congress of the United States and the President to reject

any such action. They would surely not be willing to inflict

such a scandal upon the present enlightened age, as the en-

couragement or sanction of such a course would be.

Another thing may, by some persons, be suggested to

you, and that is—if the President has chosen his position in

declining the proposition as presented—to drive him from his

position, and appeal to the people. Of such suggestions, I pray

you beware. For I can conceive of no course or curse so

fruitful of evils to free government and subversive of all

rule among men, as this would be. It would soon produce its

effects even in the United States. The President might desire to

execute the law; but, if occasion prompted, seditionists would

quote the act of Texas as a warrant and example for their

resistance to the Federal authorities.

Nevertheless, there are individuals in Texas who would

willingly adopt any course or pursue any measure which they

might believe to be adverse to my opinions, or that would prostrate

the present administration. They would do this, though it should