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.

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