WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
207
HOUSTON'S DEFENSE IN THE STANBERRY CASE 1
[May 7, 1832]
BREACH OF PRIVILEGE The hour of twelve, appointed for a further hearing of the case of Samuel Houston for an alleged breach of privilege, having arrived, the accused was brought to the har; when he arose, and addressed the House in his own defence as follows: Mr. Speaker: Arraigned for the first time in my life on a charge of violating the laws of my country, I feel all that em- barrassment which my peculiar situation is calculated to inspire. Though I have been defended by able and enlightened counsel, possessing intellect of the very highest order, embellished, too, by all that science and literature can bestow, yet it seems proper that, under such circumstances, I should be heard in my own vindication. The charge which has been preferred against me is one of no ordinary character. If I shall be convicted of having acted from the motive alleged by my accuser, lasting infamy must be the necessary consequence. To my apprehension, the darkest dungeons of this Government, with all the pains and penalties of treason, present a trifling con- sideration when compared with that load of infamy which, un- der such circumstances, must attach itself forever to my name. What is the nature of the charge? I am accused of lying in wait, for the purpose of depriving a fellow-man of the efficient use of his person, if not of existence itself. Sir, can there be a greater crime? Who, but a wretch unworthy of the name of man, could ever be guilty of it? I disclaim, utterly, every motive unworthy of an honorable man. If, when deeply wronged, I have followed the generous impulse of my heart, and have thus violated the laws of my country, or trespassed on the prerogatives of this honorable body, I am willing to be held to my responsibility for so doing. No man has more respect for this body, and its rights and privileges. Never can I forget the associations connected with this Hall. Never can I lose the remembrance of that pride of heart which swelled my bosom when finding myself, for the first time enjoying those privileges, and exercising those rights, as one of the representatives of the American people. Whatever may have been the political collision in which I was occasionally in- volved, whatever diversity of feelings may have for a moment
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