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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1849
feel that this body deserves contempt-the whole world looks to us to illustrate that sublime character which the God of nature and the operation of human reason has stamped upon man. I trust that we can recede; that we can nonconcur with the amendment of the House, and recede from our own proposition; and that the waves of discord, though they run mountain high in this Senate Chamber, shall be calm and tranquil as a summer sea. Yes, sir, it requires but the magic touch of reason and the ennobling teachings of patriotism. Throwing aside technicalities, which only obstructed our progress, let us have regard only to the promptings of honor and patriotism; disregarding everything that is of minor importance, let us, in an emergency like this, act with a firm determination that the best interests of the nation shall be protected and preserved.
1 Congressional Globe, Appendix, 1848-1849, pp. 690-691.
REMARKS ON THE BILL FOR THE RELIEF OF ELIZABETH S. COBBS 1
[March 3, 1849.] Mr. Houston. Allow me to explain. When the vote was about to be taken, it was ascertained that there was not a quorum present, and in consequence of that, the bill remained without further action. [Discussion by other Senators.] · Mr. Houston. It is true that Major Cobb did not fall in bat- tle; perhaps it would have been better for him and his family if he had fallen; not that it would have been more honorable, but it might have been considered more meritorious. I have known him for thirty-five years-we were subalterns together. He was an officer who was always to be found at his post, and for thirty odd years he never ask or obtained a furlough from the Government. He was faithful, and hence important trusts were confided to him. He discharged duties upon the frontier for which he never received adequate compensation. In the per- formance of these extraordinary duties he contracted the disease which finally carried him to the tomb. It was lingering and painful, expensive and onerous to his family, but still he bore it with patience and fortitude. He believed that the country which he served so faithfully would not be unmindful of those he left- the widow and the orphan. I grant the existing provisions of the
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