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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1836
505
threatening cloud hung big with destiny over her- when it was feared by many that the tocsin of her liberty was soon to be sounded; and some were induced to abandon her to her fate, he stood firm as her friend and her advocate; his energies were only increased by the dangers which surrounded her. But he found consolation and hope in the justness of her cause, and the firmness of our people; and he now appears among us to dheer us in our prosperity and success, as heartily as he sympathized with us in adversity. 3 · Judge vVoodward comes from the most populous and wealthy state of the North, and brings with hin such testimonials of character and worth, as doubtless will ensure your probable consideration of his claims, when it is recollected, that our suc- cess much depended upon the exertions of such gentlemen- per- sons who were actuated to interfere purely from benevolence and a moral conviction of the justness of our cau~e. I am sure that you will give to Judge Woodward such assur- ances, that he will be secure in his investments in Texas, and will satisfy him that we are not ungrateful to our friends. Through his exertions, together with others connected with him, in procuring additional strength to our navy, which will soon, I am informed, (if it has not already arrived upon our coast,) we will be enabled to keep the entire command of the Gulf. It is the intention, I understand, of Judge Woodward to settle many fami- lies in Texas; and coming as he does, from the northern part of the United States, and being a gentleman of fortune, high charac- ter and influence; through him, we may reasonably expect to in- troduce into the country many valuable and enterprising citizens. And when I know that it is at all times the pride and wish of a free people, to do justice to merit, and at the same time to know, that you, their representatives are governed by a spirit of liberal- ity and intelligence, I feel confident that the claims of Judge Woodward upon this Republic, will not be passed unrewarded. Sam Houston 1 Telegrciph and Texas Register, December 27, 1836. Austin City Ga;:ette, March 3, 1841. 2 On December 19, 1836, Stephen F. Austin, Secretary of St!1le, writing to William H. Wharton, Minister to the United States, informs him th!}t .Judge John Woodward had been appointed Consul General of Texas for the ports of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. See Garrison
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