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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184 7
without deference to the opinions of others; nor did I accord in the plan of withdrawing our troops from the interior of Mexico, and forming a cordon or line of posts on our frontier, as a wise or judicious mode of terminating the war. My opposition to the measure was based upon the belief that such a course would pro- tract the war for many years, with boundless expenditures of money, while on the other hand, if our armies marched directly to the heart of Mexico, and let its inhabitants feel the calamities of war; war when conducted upon principles of the greatest humanity possible, that public sentiment then would coerce the present despotic rulers of the country to seek for peace, or they would be abandoned by the people, while new leaders with less sinister views would arise, and, being sustained by the masses, would accord to the United States such reparation as we have a right to demand. In all this I never denounced those who advocate a policy different from myself, nor am I prepared to do so. The opinions which I may entertain in relation to· public policy have not been formed in reference to those of other men, but to what I may think, or believe accordant with the best interests of the country. Had I envied Gen. Taylor his well deserved fame, I would have advocated a policy which would have withdrawn our armies from a theater, where so much renown has already been acquired, and where I trust, new glories will be achieved by our gallant armies until Mexico is conquered. It has been my lot to be assailed by various letter writers, who have circulated much falsehood and slander against me. " 'Tis their vocation." Up to this time I have not condescended to notice them. And I will for the future say to those anonymous gentry, who are disposed to employ their leisure, in propogating their senseless and wicked.slanders: LIE ON. Truly your friend, Sam Houston To Elijah F. Purdy, Esq., New York. 1 De1nocratic Tclegmph and Texas Registe1·, July 26, 1847.
To JosEPH ELL1s 1
Raven Hill, 12 June 1847. My Dear Joe. I thank you for your kind and welcome letter. You will see that at the end of five weeks, I have not completed the journey of five days. On Monday I hope to get to Huntsville. Sam has }?een quite sick, but is now up and about, and able to talk about " Uncle
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