[29]
VI.
On the 11th of May, 1846, a resolution was passed by both Houses of Congress, that ‘By the act of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war exists between that government and the United States,’ and the President was authorized to raise fifty thousand volunteers, when two days later, ten millions of dollars were appropriated towards carrying on the contest. It had been plain enough, after a joint resolution for the admission of Texas as a State into the Union, a collision with Mexico had become inevitable. It was alleged that no blame could be attached to the United States, for the war which followed, for several reasons; first of all, after Santa Anna, the dictator of Mexico, had been captured on the field of San Jacinto, he had recognized the independence of Texas, after which she could decide her political alliances and relations; second, that ever since the establishment of the Republic of Mexico, in 1824, she had been an unjust and injurious neighbor—that her treasury was replenished by plundering American vessels in the Gulf, and confiscating the property of American merchants within her border; third, our Republic had remonstrated in vain, till 1831, when by treaty, promises of redress were made. But this had put no end to aggressions, which, by the year 1840, had amounted to upwards of six millions of dollars. No settlement of these claims having been made, the annexation of Texas, which took place July 4, 1845, gave Mexico a full justification, in her opinion, for commencing hostilities.The war promised to be popular, and all Parties were ready to join in its prosecution. No considerations of [30] justice entered into the question, so far as politicians were concerned; all sides being determined to make the most capital out of it they could.
The Hon. Robert C. Winthrop being the Representative in Congress from Boston, had voted for the war; and in doing so, doubtless represented the sentiment of the merchants of that city, and probably the popular feeling of its citizens.
But the Declaration made by Congress, and the vote of Mr. Winthrop, excited the deepest indignation of some of the best men in Boston. Mr. Sumner feeling himself aggrieved and humiliated in behalf of his native town, but more especially in behalf of the cause of peace and humanity, of which he had now become the most powerful advocate on this continent, he addressed to Mr. Winthrop a letter which is worthy of the most careful attention of all those who desire to have a complete comprehension of Mr. Sumner's political principles, and the depth and earnestness of his convictions as a man, and a citizen. We cannot in this instance, nor in any other, find space for any unabridged speech, or production of his pen. The most we can do will be to preserve the chain of his argument, allowing him, in all cases, to speak for himself. We shall hope in this manner, to furnish the reader everything essential for tracing the progress of Mr. Sumner's views on the important interests that, during his mature life, came up for action, and in whose disposal he acted a prominent part.
