WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824-1836
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constitutional objection; but on examination I was satisfied there was, and frankly stated the fact to you, but never did so express myself to any one where it ·could prejudice the confirmation of the nomination. You then alleged that the same objection would not obtain against you as Major-General, and you seem to have contemplated no other obstacle. Be it so. I am disposed to serve my friends as far as any man ought to do, either in public or private life; but you will admit that as a public functionary I have a trust to exercise, and in the use of it, I must be limited, and must be governed by some sort of principle. How then, from the situation of the country, was I bound to act-taking into view the state of the army and the country? We had less than a brigade of men in the field; nor do we expect, without. a change, to have two brigades in the field before spring, and less than that number cannot constitute a division. Through favoritism I might call the present force a "Division," but it would be mockery of every- thing military. The curse of the country has been an excess of officers, as you well know, for when I came into office, the force in the field was reported at six hundred and fifty, and the number of officers commissioned five hundred and ninety two, as well as I recollect. You state in your note that you, with others, sustained this administration against attempts to embarass or destroy it. That you did I am satisfied, and I presume that you acted from prin- ciple, as I conceive I have done in relation to my nominations to the Senate. If you feel that the appointing power has treated you wrong, I seriously regret that you are so impressed ; and I am well assured that when you reflect calmly upon the subject, that your impressions must, if from one fact only [be modified], and that fact is that I preferred no man to you, and in no wise pre- termit your claims. Your mortification now, as you were rejected on constitutional grounds, must be imaginary; but had I nominated you for Major-General, when the army and the country did not require it, you would have had grounds t.o have complained of a different character, or I was not correctly advised. As a man I was and am your friend. As an officer I have done you justice. Had I permitted your urgency to have induced me to nominate you as Major-General, with the knowledge which I possessed of matters, you might justly have complained of me of want of candor and friendship. I wished to place you 1n command of the army. I attempted jt and the wish failed. • C - "
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