William Barret Travis' 1836 Letter from the Alamo is read by Texas Governor Rick Perry
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Sam Houston letter to Andrew Jackson is read by U.S. Senator John Cornyn
Voices of Texas History
1844 draft letter from Sam Houston to Andrew Jackson regarding the annexation of Texas by the United States
Read by United States Senator John Cornyn on July 27th, 2012
About the document
Sen. Cornyn reads sections of a draft letter dated February 16, 1844, from Republic of Texas President Sam Houston to former U.S. President Andrew Jackson emphasizing his support of Texas' annexation by the United States. (Draft letter: Item 3362, Andrew Jackson Houston collection. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission). The excerpts read by Senator Cornyn highlight the most compelling points in Houston's draft letter (the final draft was ultimately sent to Jackson). A transcript of the entire draft letter will be made available at a later date.
About Senator John Cornyn
Senator Cornyn was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and previously served in Texas as a district judge, a member of the Texas Supreme Court, and as Texas Attorney General. Sen. Cornyn was born in Houston on February 2, 1952, and was raised in San Antonio. Visit the Senator John Cornyn website for more information.
1844 draft letter from Sam Houston to Andrew Jackson regarding
the annexation of Texas by the United States
TRANSCRIPT
STO ANDREW JACKSON
Washington, Texas, February 16, 1844
Venerated Friend:
It is natural to suppose that the subject of the annexation of Texas to the United States has
commanded the most profound deliberation of which I am capable. So far as I am concerned, or
my hearty cooperation required, I am determined upon immediate annexation to the United
States.
Texas, with peace, could exist without the United States, but the United States can not, without
great hazard to the security of their institutions, exist without Texas.
Situated as Texas is, in point of locality, with peace she would have nothing to apprehend for
years to come. Other nations would not dread her rivalry, but rather count her friendship for
commercial advantage. Her people would have nothing to divert them from their agricultural
pursuits. Her advancement in the arts of peace and commerce would be inevitable. With a
government requiring trifling expenditures, and a tariff much lower than that of the United
States, she would invite the commerce of all nations to her ports, as is already, to some extent,
the case
But, on the other hand, by annexation these advantages would be secured to the American
merchant, to the exclusion of the European, for we should then be but one Government, and,
consequently, in the markets of Texas, no duties could be levied upon home manufactures.Thus
situated, Texas might remain at peace for a half-century, nor is it probable that she would even
then have war, unless it was with Mexico.
Furthermore, I wish to reside in a land where all will be subordinate to law, and where none dare
to defy its mandates. I have arrived at that period of life when I desire retirement, and
assurance that whatever I possess will be secured to me by just laws wisely administered.
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.
Truly your friend,
Sam Houston