With quick observation and keen insight, however, he perceived a great opportunity to serve the South, and to serve the South was with him not only a principle, but a passion.

He realized, moreover, that the hour was at hand for an historic revenge which the noblest of minds might indulge.

He saw intuitively that the Texas question was one of vast importance, with untold possibilities.

He saw with equal clearness that it had never been presented in such manner as to appeal to the popular judgment, and become an active, aggressive issue in the struggle for the Presidency.

A large section of the Democratic party had looked favorably upon annexation ever since 1836, but the leaders had dared not to include the scheme in the avowed designs of party policy.