WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1852
369
Major James W. Scott and myself were the officers of the Government, who accompanied Genl Stephen F. Austins remains to their last resting place. I have now touched upon all the incidents, so far as I was connected with Genl Austin, which will go to show how we stood related to each other, during his life, and I can recall no circum- stance, that could ever have arisen to give rise to the most flimsy suspicions, that I was not truly, and sincerely attached to him, while living, and that I have not respected, and revered his memory since his decease. When speaking of Genl Austin, on several occasions, in his native state, Connecticut, I spoke of him, as the "Father of Texas," and you will find in all my communications, when it was fit that I should allude to his name, that it has been done with respect, and admiration. In my letter to Santa Anna in 1842, if I mistake not, I there characterized him at the "i1lustrious Stephen F. Austin." Indeed, it would be useless to attempt to vindicate myself, against any charge, of unkindness, or disrespect, either to the person or the memory of Genl. Austin, for no one, can tru-thfully charge me with either. When I have thus frankly, and with more prolixity, than I could have desired, given you a statement of facts, I hope that you will not think it to"o much for me to request of you a state- ment of the facts, on which you have predicated a belief that I am, or have been unfriendly to the fame, or the memory of your distinguished relative, General Austin? Nor, does it seem unreasonable, that I should expect you also to let me know the names of the persons, who have imparted to you such information. In conclusion, I will remark that it will afford me sincere pleasure to know that the State will take a proper course, such as will commemorate the distinguished services, which were rendered Texas by Stephen F. Austin, as one of her most illus- trious benefactors, and that you, Sir, may be successful in an your efforts to sustain his high reputation, as his relative, and that you may be enabled to contribute largely in maintaining the Institutions in Texas, which have resulted from his early, arduous, and unceasing efforts, guided by his prudence, patriotism and ability. Truly your friend Sam Houston Hon. Guy M. Bryan. 1 Guy M. Bryan Pave·rs, The University of Texas Library. The letter that called forth this reply from Houston was dated l\:lm·ch 11, 1852. It and
Powered by FlippingBook