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180
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1830
dragged into public view-not through any personal respect en- tertained for him or admiration of his virtues, but, for the reason that, in writing these essays, it is not my object to assail private character, but to rend the mask from corruption, whether it was sustained by official influence, or power acquired by the corrupt application of money intended for the use of the Indians. The history to be writtrn on this subject is one of the last five years. It is possible it may not be so interesting as the writings of "Tekatoka," for latin quotations are in very great demand among the Indians of this quarter; and their excellence is much enhanced when they have their writer, "Tekatoka," to translate them, though some matters may have very recently transported that were not quite so well explained. However, all he has to do is to write them down in latln, and give his own kEy to them. "Tekatoka" has dodged the facts charged against the late Ex- Agent, but, by way of making a most chivalrous thrust, "Pistoleer like," he runs a-tilt against a man in whose name he can attack the titles of General and Governor. Now this may be very nice in his estimation, but he is certainly barking up the wrong tree. And that I might be informed in relation to his charges against his Excellency, the "turband Governor," having involved him in the controversy without any design on my part, to furnish the late Ex-Agent or his friends with the subterfuge of assailing his private character, a subject about ,vhich I had heard but very little; nor was I bound to entertain any more solicitude upon the subject than even "Tekatoka" would, if he were not indisposed to render justice to him. And if he is such a terrible rascal, it might be well enough for "Tekatoka" to tell him so, and perhaps the "turband Governor" might give him a certificate of the truth of the charges made against him, which would relieve "Tokatoka" from the great burthen of arms-fifteen pistols, two dirks, five short swords, three sabres, four scalping knives, one tomahawk, and a Washita whet-stone. This is not intended as any reflection upon the gentleman but is intended for sustaining his high character for chivalry, and to show the world that America has her fits of chivalry as well as France her convulsions; and when a gallant knight steps forth, armed "cap-apie," to encount2r quarrels, as he might suppose, the least tribute that he could expect, would be a compliment. I am not at all disposed to compliment the man that he supposes to be his adversary. It was my duty, when I saw "Tekatoka's" pub- lication, to call upon General Samuel Houston, and inquire of him
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