Description:

1844 Texas Annexation H.R. Speech: "Texas is ours"

A printed pamphlet entitled, "Speech of Mr. Belser, of Alabama, on the Annexation of Texas Delivered in the House of Representatives, May 21, 1844" (Washington, D.C.: Printed at Globe Office, 1844), 13pp. The booklet has been rebound in sturdy manila wrappers, pen inscribed "Early West: Texas" on the front cover. A former owner's library bookplate can be found on the inside of the front cover. Expected wear within including even toning and scattered minor foxing, else near fine. With rebound booklet covers, the 5.875" x 8.625" pamphlet measures 5.875" x 9" overall. From the Collection of Norman Boas of Seaport Autographs and purchased at Christie's December 5, 2017 sale.

The speech was given by James Edwin Belser (1800-1854), a U.S. Congressman representing Alabama's 2nd district. Belser rose to deliver this speech in response to a proposed navy appropriations bill. Although seemingly unrelated to the question of Texas annexation, the navy appropriations bill would have restricted naval spending. This in turn would have hampered U.S. military preparedness, and that directly impacted Texas annexation because Mexico threatened to declare war if Texas became a state. Belser used the opportunity of reviewing the navy appropriations bill to lobby enthusiastically for the annexation of Texas.

Belser stated in part:

"Senators may reject the treaty, but the treaty in the end will reject them. The flame is not to be extinguished. Texas is ours, and no government can deprive a mother of such a daughter. Her constitution, laws, religion, language, and kindred, are a part of our own; and those whom God has thus united let no nations put asunder…

Sir, is the proffered boon to be rejected? Before that God who knows all things, he trusted not. He looked with confidence to the final triumph of man's birthright in every clime and country on the globe. He hailed with delight the influence of liberty everywhere, and was anxious to see that day come when our sacred national banner shall float over Texas, over Oregon, over Calafornia [sic], and over Canada too; and when other nations, witnessing our prosperity, shall hasten to cover themselves with its folds, acknowledging that they caught the first spark of freedom's fire from the American example, and forwarding the radiant beams until they shall have electrified the most benighted portions of the earth…"

Belser's speech provides us with a window onto the contemporary political scene by delving deeply into the pros and cons expressed about the Texas annexation debate. Pros were based on core concepts like American exceptionalism, Manifest Destiny, and expanding civilization along with territory. Cons centered on questions of unconstitutionality; whether Mexico or even Great Britain would declare war; and whether slavery would be extended to Texas if annexed. The pamphlet also mentions--in the course of its discussion of these issues--numerous influential American politicians like Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster.

The annexation of Texas became the centerpiece of the presidential legacy of 10th U.S. President John Tyler (1790-1862). Though Texas annexation through treaty was rejected by the U.S. Senate by 16-35 in June 1844, it was presented as a joint resolution and passed 27-25 in February 1845. Texas joined the Union as the 28th U.S. state in December 1845.

A Democrat, James Edwin Belser had joined the 28th U.S. Congress in March 1843; after his congressional term ended in March 1845, Belser declined reelection.

Provenance: Ex-Christie's December 5, 2017 sale; Ex-Norman Boas, Seaport Autographs. Part of Boas' filing system label is included.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

June 22, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000