The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 25, July 1921 - April, 1922 Page: 13
306 p. ; 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:
Annexation of Texas and the Mississippi Democrats 13
Like many another of his contemporaries he had zealously sup-
ported Van Buren until the appearance of his Texas letter.37
With characteristic zeal he devoted his time and energy to the
canvass waged in support of the nominees of the Baltimore con-
vention. As early as January of the presidential year General
Quitman was urging the citizens of every county to hold meetings
upon the subject of annexation.38 At a meeting held in Jackson
on Friday evening, May 10, a long series of resolutions was pre-
sented by Quitman on behalf of the committee appointed to con-
sider the subject of "reannexation." Besides dwelling upon argu-
ments with which we are already familiar, these alluded to the
menace to the country as a whole, and especially to the south-
western states if this territory should fall under the control of
England. Indicative of the aggressive attitude of Quitman was
the fifth resolution which, in the light of later day events, pos-
sesses an especial interest. This affirmed, the "United States
have not only the right, but are in duty bound by a just, wise, and
rational exercise of their influence and power to interpose in the
dissensions and wars of their neighbors, when these have a ten-
dency to disturb the peace and security of our frontier, or threaten
to destroy the happiness, prosperity, and safety of any portion of
our country." Especially significant as indicating a leading mo-
tive behind the desire for expansion was the seventh resolution,
which declared "Re-annexation paramount to all other political
questions of the day,--beneficial to the whole country, of deep and
vital interest to the people of the slave states and essential to
the prosperity, repose and safety of the southwest."3"
A figure that became well known to the voters of Mississippi
during this memorable campaign was Felix Huston. He had
figured prominently in the events connected with the Texas revo-
lution of eight years before, was at one time in command of the
Texan army and would have welcomed an opportunity to invade
Mexico.40 Huston was a fiery radical, representing the attitude
"Ibid., I, 214.
"Southron, Jan. 17, 1844.
"A committee of ten, of which Quitman was chairman, was designated
to draft a constitution and by-laws for the "Texas Annexation Associa-
tion," the object of which was to promote "by all quiet, legal, and con-
stitutional means, immediate reannexation."
'OCf. Southwestern Historical Quarterly, XXI, 6-18.
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 25, July 1921 - April, 1922, periodical, 1922; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101082/m1/19/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.