WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
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situation that his private interest would not compete with his duty. And, fearing the situation of Mr. Byers (being interested in the road and iron works) might operate on his zeal in the removal of the Indians, and that he might be influenced by Colonel ---. For this reason I have recommended Lieutenant Houston, of the 1st regiment United States infantry, as a fit person. In him I have full confidence, and in him you will have a friend clear of design or deceit, in whom you can rely under all and every circumstance, competent to aid you in every respect. I shall be happy to hear from you, in which I will like to hear how you are pleased with the young gentleman I have named. "I am your respectfully,
"ANDREW JACKSON."
Five years of my life had passed under the eye of General Jackson as a subordinate officer, and at the time I was appointed sub-Indian agent I was discharging the duty of clerk, detailed for extra duty in the office of the adjutant general for the south- ern division, and acting under the eye of General Jackson. Young as I then was, and obscure as I had been, a man who had neither wealth, power, nor influence to back him, who had clambered up from a subordinate position, and was then in the dawn of life, do you believe that, unless General Jackson had believed five years' probation of service was a good guarantee for my future conduct, he would have pledged himself that I was without guile or deceit? Yet, sir, this recent emanation from the "l'ress," that we have seen, charges me with everything. It charges me with a design to assassinate-whether person or character, I know not. Nor do I know why the accusation was made. I have never threatened, I have never sought nor designed to assail another; and all I ask of my adversaries in life is, that they will not attempt to assassinate me when my back is turned. Hithereto I have met all my adversaries who have arrayed themselves against me with my front. Well, sir, I retired into private life. Congress enacted a law reducing the sub-agents' salary. Here is an extract from a letter from Mr. Calhoun, dated April 22, 1818, in which he gives Colonel Meigs notice of the fact: Extract of a lette1· from J. C. Calhoun, dated "Department of War, 22d April, 1818," to Col. Return J. Meigs, Agent to Chero- kees, on the Tennessee river, at Rhea Court House, Tennessee.
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