145
"WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
upon by your duplicity, of which by your public and private acts, in my estimation, you stand actually convicted of cheating the Government, and trying to cheat individuals. You. are aware that for a number of years I have refused to have any intercourse with you, tho' I was willing to let you pass unnoticed and should still have done so had you given to the felon whose letter is before me anything which you had or could procure against my char- acter; but you seek to bring suspicion upon me by your apparent magnanimity and saintly character. But what can I do with such beings as you? It would be in- appropriate, to treat them as men. The "subriquet" (or nick- name) which I have heard applied to you in Texas has thrown around you a barrier (in the estimation of every gallant man) as formidable & sacred as a petticoat. You are aware that in Texas your cognomen is that of "Granny Hall." Who then could harm you? You are at liberty to send a copy of this to your correspondent, Mr. Merritt, the "unscourged felon" who has a cell waiting him in the "Tombs" at New York. I will try to pay some attention to such small fry as you, and the small clique at Galveston! May you live a thousand years and enjoy your-frugal beverage of warm water with a double portion of loaf sugar. Sam Houston [Rubric] Mr. E. Hall, New Orleans, or any where but Texas. 1 F1·anklin Pape1·s, The University of Texas Library. During 1836-1837 Edward Hall was purchasing agent at New Orleans for the Republic of Texas. He was appointed to this position by Stephen F. Austin and Branch T. Archer while serving as commissioners of Texas to the United States in 1836. The Bounty and Donation Records at the General Land Office of Texas show that Edward Hall did receive a considerable acreage of land in payment for services. See also W1·itings of Sam Houston, II, 27, also Lam1a1· Pavers, III, 562, and Garrison, Divlomatic Con·cspondence of the Toxas Rcvublic, I, 58. 2 See Houston to Colonel James Morgan, May 11, 1836, in The W1·itings of Sam Houston, I, 407. 3 This man was Robert Merritt who lived at Washington, Texas. See Lamcw Papers, II, 499. To MRs. HousToN 1 Washington City, 30th Apr. 1850. My Dearest. I would tell you if I could how happy Sister's letter made me. My solicitude had been as great as you can imagine. Well, I am very happy to hear that it was a little
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