Gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representatives,
With peculiar pleasure I greet your return to the Capital-
At the adjournment of the lst session, the country was under the apprehension of an invasion from our enemy, which created much solicitude, and had an unkind influence on our foreign relations.
It was temporary in its effects, as was manifested in the recognition of our independence by the Government of the United States of America.
We now occupy the proud attitude of a sovereign and independent Republic; which will impose upon us the obligation of evincing to the world, that we are worthy to be free.
This will only be accomplished by wise legislation, the maintenance of our integrity, and the faithful and just redemption of our plighted faith wherever it has been pledged.
Nothing can be better calculated to advance our interests and character, than the establishment of a liberal and disinterested policy, enlightened by patriotism, and guided by wisdom.
The plan of legislating for present emergencies, without reference to a general and permanent system, will render a government less stable in its institutions and less prosperous in its progress, than it must be where a proper foundation is laid, and a corresponding fabric is erected on its basis.
Diversified interests must exist in every community, and that system which is best calculated to promote the general interest, is the one which should be adopted and adhered to with fidelity.
The representatives of the sovereign people by a calm and deliberate discussion of the various interests of the different sections of our country will be enabled to arrive at such conclusions as will induce them to adopt a course, which must be in its effects, bath salutary and pleasing to every true patriot.
The views which must actuate every friend of the country, will be the advancement of its glory and the happiness of its citizens.
The present prospects of crops in our county is a subject of sincere gratulation, and while it reflects lustre on the industry and enterprise of our citizens, it should inspire us with veneration and gratitude to a Divine Providence for this manifestation of his continued favor.
The demand on our Treasury, since the adjournment of Congress, have been great, without the means of meeting them, and rendering that aid which was in every was so desirable.
The several acts providing for the issues of land scrip to the agents specified, have been complied with, and I regret to say, the comparatively none of the responsibilities incurred by the laws, have been met by these agents to whom the scrip was issued.
A compliance with the conditions of the law, placed the agents beyond the control of the executive, and left it without resources, so far as the supplies of the army and navy were dependent upon the means placed in their hands.
Repeated calls have been made upon them to render their accounts current to the proper department, but no response has been given mere reason rendered for protesting the drafts which have been drawn upon them.
This state of affairs being presented, the Executive resorted to the only alternative left, and directed that no further sales of scrip should take place by them; but, that the means remaining in their hands, should be immediately passed over to the special agent of the government, and that they should render their accounts accordingly.
To this subject the early attention of congress is earnestly requested.
The commissioners sent to the United States, for the purpose of negotiating a loan of five millions, have constantly reported so unfavorably of the money market, that it was not deemed necessary to issue the bonds until recently.
One of the gentlemen indication a wish to retire after having been much delayed on his journey by ill health, and the other giving us no hope of being able to effect any thing by present exertions, it was thought proper to permit them both to return, and others have been appointed and preceded to the United States, with a part of the bonds, and with confident hopes of success.
The public domain of the country being the foundation of its finances, will demand the most serious and enlightened judgment of congress, and from its importance, urge the necessity of adopting some secure system for the regulation of the rights which have been acquired under former laws in relation to it. -
The views of the Executive having been given during the last session of congress in relation to the land bill, submitted for approval, have undergone no change, but time has only given to them additional weight.
By reference to the bill, it must be manifest to all, that it is not adapted to our situation, and should it be permitted to go into effect, the public domain, must also suffer serious prejudices.
I would recommend that some plan be devised that will ascertain all the located lands of the count[r]y; this being done, the vacant lands will be readily indicated, and prevent the future conflict of titles, -
Unless some precaution of this character is adopted, endless litigation must be the consequence.
The subject of the undefined limits on our northeastern frontier, between the United States and this Republic will require the action of Congress.
The boundaries have been so well described by the treaty of 1819, between Spain and the United States, that little difficulty is apprehended in defining and establishing our just line, and obviating all trifling difficulties which may have at any time existed, through a want of proper consideration.
Provision for the appointment of a commissioner to meet one on the part of the United States is desirable.
Connected with the subject of boundary is that of the Caddo Indians, inhabiting a portion of our northeastern frontier.
By a treaty recently held with that tribe they have ceded certain lands to the United States, and have shown a disposition to amalgamate with the wild Indians within our unquestionable boundary, while late advice have assured me that the United States agent of the tribe has issued to the warriors, rifles and ammunition.
The condition and disposition of these Subdues as well as their thefts and murders upon our borders, have been subjects on which our ministers at Washington city have been advised and instructed to make immediate and urgent remonstrances to that government, and I am well assured from the character of the gentlemen, that they have not been wanting to their duty in this respect.
The principal aggression on our frontiers have either been instigated or perpetrated by the Caddos.
It would be painful to suppose, under the circumstances, that the United States agent, in furnishing them the means of further injury to the exposed frontier inhabitants of our country, had acted under the orders of his government.
It is due to his government to suppose that he has proceeded unadvisedly, and that the stipulations of the treaty concluded between the United States and Mexico in April 1830, will be rigidly adhered to so far as they appertain to the United States and Republic of Texas.
It was among the first objects of the constitutional government, on assuming its duties, to adopt such measures as would give peace and security to our extended frontier.
For this purpose commissioners were appointed at an early period to hold treaties with several of the most numerous and active of the frontier tribes.
As yet, nothing has been effected, owing in part to the season of the year at which the business was commenced as well as to other causes.
A hope is entertained that something beneficial will shortly result, as our commissioners are in constant expectation of holding a treaty with the associate band of the prairies.
This government has recently received information from sources entirely satisfactory, that a delegation consisting of twenty northern Indians residing on the borders of the United States, had visited the town of Matamoros, and had stipulated with the Mexican authorities, to furnish that government three thousand warrior, well armed, so soon as it would invade Texas.
Commentary upon such alliances in the present age, would be an insult to chivalry, and a reflection upon the hearts and understandings of those who have sought to establish the maxim, that war is calamitous enough without the evils of treachery and massacre,which devote alike the female and the warrior to cruelty and death.
Assurances are rendered to this government, that citizens of this republic have lately been made prisoners by the Caddos, and that scalps recently taken on our frontier have been seen in their nation.
I is within the province of this government to inquire into the causes which have produced these calamities, and no vigilance on my part shall be wanting to prevent their recurrence.
I feel fully aware that the policy of this government is to pursue a just and liberal course towards our Indian neighbors; and to prevent all encroachments upon their rights.
The army of Texas has never been in a more favorable condition than at present.
The permanent force in the field is sufficient to meet all the emergencies of invasion, while at the shortest notice the defense of the country can be brought into immediate action in that event.
I feel assured that a system of discipline, subordination and police has been established in the army, which reflects much credit upon its general, and does no less honor to the officers and soldiers than to our country.
They have encountered many privations and difficulties within the last season, which it was impossible for the government to avert, owing to causes already stated, and I am proud to say that order has been manifested, and the spirits of those men devoted to liberty have not sunk into pusillanimity and weakness, but have been borne up and illumined by the ardent hope that they may, ere long, meet an enemy opposed to human rights, when thy can evince to the world that they are the descendant of freemen, and that they are invincible.
I feel pleasure in recommending their condition to the consideration of congress, and trust that every possible aid may be rendered to their comfort, efficiency, and glory.
At the same time I feel assured that they will not disregard the history of revolutions, and that one important truth will not escape their observation, viz: that those who contend for liberty must be prepared to endure privations.
The glory of the soldier is always proportioned to the difficulty and danger of his achievements.
The situation of the army at the adjournment of the last session of congress was far from what was desirable to the country; since than an organization has taken place, and much credit is due to the officers and soldiers for their ready obedience to the laws and regulations which have been enacted for their government.
By the reduction of the number supernumerary officers its expenses have been diminished to amount $229,032, per annum.
The requisite number, of officers are now in command, and the organization is complete.
The insufficiency of our navy must be a subject of serious consideration.
When the constitutional government assumed its functions, the armed vessels, Brutus and Invincible, were in the port of New York, and remained there until a few weeks past, when they returned, but without either crews or provisions for a cruise.
The Independence having not more than two weeks provisions, was taken to New Orleans some months since, where she has been detained, and has not yet been reported to this government for service.
At an early day a confidential officer was dispatched to the United States, for the purpose of purchasing such vessels as could enable us to keep the command of the gulf from enemy.
He has reported to the proper department, and his arrival is daily expected with one or more fine vessels, in preparation to defend our commerce, and make reprisals on the enemy.
Our commerce has suffered to some extent, and a small portion of supplies for the army, has been captured and taken into Mexican ports.
I take leave to call the serious attention of congress to the establishment of a navel depot at some point on our coast, which will add greatly to our efficiency at sea, and at the same time diminish our expenses.
The suspension of business attendant on the removal of the public archives and documents, with other reasons, has rendered it impossible to lay before congress detailed reports of the several departments of the government. showing their condition; but so soon as practicable, and at an early day, they will be submitted, and all important information referred to congress.
Not unconnected with the the naval force of the country, is the subject of the African slave trade.
It cannot be disbelieved that thousands of Africans have lately been imported to the Island of Cuba, with a design to transfer a large portion of them into this republic.
This unholy and cruel traffic has called down the reprobation of the humane and just of all civilized nations. -
Our abhorrence to ti is clearly expressed in our constitution and laws.
Nor has it rested alone upon the declaration of our policy, but has long since been a subject of representation to the government of the United States, our ministers apprising it of every fact which would enable it to devise such means as would prevent either the landing or introduction of Africans into our country.
The naval force of Texas not being in a situation to be diverted from our immediate defense, will be a sufficient reason why the government of the United States, and England should employ such a portion of their force, in the Gulf as will at once arrest the accursed trade and redeem this republic from the suspicion of connivance which would be a detrimental to its character as the practice is repugnant to the feelings of its citizens.
Should the traffic continue the odium cannot rest upon us, but will remain a blot upon the escutcheon of nations who have power, and withhold their hand from the work of humanity.
It will be proper to remark that our attitude in relation to the subject of annexation to the United States of America, has undergone no important change since the adjournment of the last session of congress.
Our ministers at Washington City gave to the subject of our national concerns, their able, zealous and untiring attention, and much credit is due to them for the character which they sustained in abdication our interests at a foreign court.
The period at which the congress of the United States was compelled to adjourn, prevented any action of that government, relative to annexation.
It will, it is hoped, be referred to the action of the next session, and receive an early determination.
In the mean time it will be proper for Texas to pursue a course of policy which well be beneficial to her in a character substantive, and to secure her existence and her rights, without reference to contingencies.
For it is not possible to determine what are to be her future relations to the civilized nations of the globe.
Blessed with a soil the most fertile, and climate the most delightful and salubrious, Texas must attract the attention of all the commercial and manufacturing nations of the world.
Her cotton, sugar, indigo, wines, peltries, live stock and the precious minerals will all become objects of mercantile enterprise and activity.
Nor can we loose sight of the important production of the Live Oak.
It is but reasonable to say that four fifths of all that species of timber, now in the world, is to be found growing in Texas, while many millions worth of it is daily decaying on our cultivated fields.
To establish such intercourse with nations friendly to us, as will induce them to seek our market with their manufactures and commodities, and receive from us in exchange our productions, will become our most imperative duty.
Texas with her superior natural advantages must become a point of attraction, and the policy of establishing with her the earliest relations of friendship and commerce wil not escape the eye of statesmen.
England has not disregarded our situation thus far, nor can we believe from the indications already manifested by her, that she is to regard our prosperity with unkind feelings of suspicion or indifference.
Should our resources be regulated by a wise and politic system of legislation, we must remain an independent and become a prosperous people.
Our relations to Mexico since the last session of congress, have undergone no important change, nor have overtures been made by either nation.
Texas, confident that she can sustain the rights for which she has contended, is not willing to invoke the mediation of other powers; while Mexico, blind to her interest and her future existence, seems determined on protraction the war, without regard to her internal commotions.
Revolutions is stalking abroad throughout her land while she is unable to defend her frontier against the incursions of the bands of predatory Indians on the frontier of the Rio Grande from Santa Fe to Matamoros.
Early in last winter a correspondence was opened by the secretary of state with the Mexican Consul at New Orleans containing propositions to exchange prisoners, so far as the number of Texians would extend, and then to release the excess of Mexican prisoners on parole.
Notwithstanding the humanity and liberality of this offer, it has met no official response from that government.
It seemed to me, that it would be in accordance with the civilization of the age, to release all the prisoners, and to permit them to leave our shores so soon as they can do so.
In the meantime I have learned that our citizens, as well as the prisoners at Matamoros, (amounting the thirteen in number) have been liberated.
It is impossible for me to account for the apathy with which Mexico treated the subject, and her willingness to permit a portion of the bravest troops of the nation to remain prisoners in exile, when a just policy, would at once, have restored them to their country and their homes.
Congress will no doubt find it necessary to revise the laws of the republic, and to direct that a digest be made of those of Coahuila and Texas so far as they may be useful to the establishment of rights acquired, under them.
It will be seen that the adoption of the common law of England, with modifications adapted to our situation, is required by the provisions of the constitution.
Nothing can conduce more to the order and stability of a government than the simplicity of laws, the proper definition of rights, and their impartial and consistent administration.
I will not close this communication to your honorable body, without presenting to your consideration, the claims of citizens of the United States, who acquired , as they conceived, bona fide titles to lands in Texas.
It is due to many of those individuals, to suggest, that their generous and manly efforts in behalf of our cause, will entitle them to the most favorable decisions of congress.
Their means have aided us in the darkest hours of our probation, and recently have aided in dispelling our embarrassments.
Such men deserve the gratitude, as well as the justice of our country.
While reflection upon the dispensations of an Almighty Being, who has conducted our country through scenes of paralleled privation, massacre and suffering, it is but gratitude and sensibility to render to him our most devout thanks, and invoke his kind benignity and future providence, that he well preserve and govern us as a chosen people.
Sam Houston,
Houston, May 5th 1837
