The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 50, July 1946 - April, 1947 Page: 51
582 p. : ill. (some col.), maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
The Annexation of Texas
feign an indifference toward annexation that he probably did
not feel, thereby stimulating anxieties of pro-annexationists in
the United States and encouraging British statesmen to hope
that Texas would remain independent. It is a notable fact that
neither American nor British diplomats ever felt quite sure of
Houston's preference. The same doubt was felt about Anson
Jones, under whom annexation was consummated.
M. B. Lamar, the second president of Texas, was frankly
against annexation, and his policy strengthened the uncertainty
about Houston and Jones when they later allowed it to be in-
ferred that they were playing a game. Jones confused the issue
further by attempting to prove that, but for his own interven-
tion, Houston would have completed treaty engagements with
England which would have made annexation difficult if not im-
possible.
The historian can neither prove nor disprove the sincerity
of Houston and Jones. In the light of the circumstances, con-
temporary documents can be construed to support the hypothesis
that they worked shrewdly to hasten annexation, or to defeat
it altogether. Naturally, after annexation was accomplished,
both contended they had always desired that,end, and I believe
that they were sincere,
II. THE PROBLEM OF ANNEXATION
Whatever individual leaders may have thought about main-
taining independence, the people of Texas were never of two
minds. They had come from the United States to settle, and,
now that the revolution was successful, they wanted to return
to the United States, taking Texas with them.
The convention which declared Texas independent on March
2, 1836, adopted a constitution and elected a provisional gov-
ernment, making David G. Burnet temporary president, pend-
ing an election. After the Battle of San Jacinto and the retreat
of the Mexican army, Burnet called an election, to be held in
September. At the polls, the voters were to express themselves
on three subjects: (1) they were to ratify the constitution as
it had been written by the convention or authorize congress to
amend it; (2) they were to elect a president, vice-president,
congressmen, senators, and other officers; and (3) they were
to say whether or not they wished to be annexed to the United
States. As the result of the election, the constitution was ap-
proved unconditionally, Sam Houston was elected president,
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 50, July 1946 - April, 1947, periodical, 1947; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101117/m1/67/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.