341
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1852
When I voted for those measures I regarded them, and still regard them, as a final adjustment of all the questions which they embraced. I further regarded them as constitutional, and deserving the strictest adherence to the principles which they contain. Such were my views and opinions when acting under the obligation of official duty, enforced by oath. I have seen no reason to change them, but desire to see them executed as a whole, and maintained in their full and entire extent, whether I occupy a private, or an official station. After having, as I believe, answered your two first interroga- tories, it only remains for me to say, if I should be placed in a position by the will of the American people, where it would be rendered necessary for me to act in the contingency, presented, I would not hesitate to "veto any Bill" impairing the Law for the protection of the "Constitutional rights" which guarantee to the people of the South "the possession and enjoyment of their slave property." You are at liberty to use this letter as you may deem proper, for in this matter, as well as in all others, which concern the national weal, I hold no concealed opinions. Sam Houston To Robert G. Scott, Esq., Richmond, Va. 1 From the original in Mrs. Madge W. Hearne's Collection of Houston materials. INDIAN RELATIONS ON THE FRONTIER, MAY 31, 1852 1 Mr. President. If my colleague is absent I will respond to the interrogatory of the gentleman from Maryland, if he will permit me. It would be undesirable that the inhabitants of the frontier of Texas should be exposed; but certainly they have derived no protection from the forts and garrisons which have been established there by this Government. Not in one solitary instance has reclamation been made upon the Indians for any depredations which they have committed upon the citizens of Texas. The troops stationed there are infantry. They are incapable of pursuing the enemy. The Indians come to the immediate vicinity of their garrisons. They depredate upon them. They steal their horses-what few they have. They then penetrate into the interior as far as the settlements on the Rio Grande below, commit what depredations they please, return again to the forests or to the prairies, pass the fort~ that are established without detection, and are ready at their own pleasure
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