WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
246
Answer. I did receive a letter from Benjamin Hawkins,' postmarked Fredericksburg; I think it was dated March 24, 1830. I have it in my possession. I made an assignment upon it, in accordance to the power vested in me by it, to General Van Fossen. The letter was in his possession until the 17th of this month, when he handed it over to me. Since that time, it has not been out of my possession. (Here the witness presented the original letter to.the committee, saying that he had no motive for withhold [ing] it.) It is as follows: March 24, 1830. Dear Friend: You told me before I left Washington city to give my bid for the contract for supplying the emigrating Indians in Arkansas to General Van Fossen. I told him this morning that you would arrange it, if you find that it is necessary to give it up to him; and you can do so, and sign my name to any instru- ment of writing you may think proper concerning of it. Nothing more, but I remain your friend. Ben Hawkins. General Houston. [ Endorsement o n back] : So far as I am empowered in his behalf, I do hereby transfer for Benj. Hawkins all my power of transfer given by said Benjamin to General John Van Fossen, of the bid referred to by said Hawkins in the within letter. Sam Houston. 1 Reports of Com.mittees, House of Representatives, 22nd Cong., 1st Sess., Vol. V, Doc. 502, p. 55. 2 John H. Eaton, at this time Secretary of War. [Dictionary of American BiograJ)hy, V, 609-610.] 3 Benjamin Ha\vkins, Houston's Creek Indian partner.
To JAMES PRENTISS 1
Washington 27th June 1832
My dear Sir, It was expected by me to.have written to you ere now, but I have failed even in my wishes. i am not tried yet by the court, but tomorrow is assigned for the decision. I am not very anxious to know what it will be for if it does not suit me, I will appeal to the Supreme Court for their decision; So as not to detain me longer here, than I may be otherwise ready to be off. I
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