The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume V

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1849

71

execution, or making sale of property. I intend, if my lawyers do not enjoin the execution to go by way of San Augustine and enjoin it myself, or have a writ of error taken in the·case. You know that at this session we have been called already, by the President to an extra session of the Senate, to act upon the nomination of the incoming Executive. But assure my friend Stevens that I will secure him against all injury and damage. I do know that Ardry and Payne did not know about execution being issued. So soon as they get your letter they will take a writ of error. I now recollect that Ardry spoke of it, but said that it was not necessary, as nothing could be done, until the taxes should be regulated at the next term of the court. This was done in the presence of the Clerk of the Court. The whole matter is done by Henderson, Clark and Ochiltree, so as to swindle me in my absence, supposing I could not be home, they sought to get an advantage in my absence, and were in hopes that the money might be collected and paid into Court, so that I would lose it or have to sue for it, or by some means trouble me or injure my purse. Henderson said of Burrell J. Thompson, 2 G-d d-n him, if I can get to sue him, I will ruin him. This was said with clinched jaws, or teeth! Your friend Polk thinks as much of you as ever. He has been greatly gratified to learn of your prosperity as well as our old friend Sam Laughlin. Sam is shivering in the wind. He wishes to retain his place, and if I can help him stay in I will do so. Ah! we have had a Southron Convention here-a second act (or so intended Ly Mr. Calhoun) of nullification. Rusk and myself smoked Johnny and would not indorse for him. We are not done with him yet-but I think he has nearly done with himself. Less than half the South will not be a sweet morsel for him. Whiggery has nothing to do with the question. It is "the Union," or "dis- union." You know that I am as union.tier as General Jackson was, and cannot look with one grain of allowance upon any fanatical project while selfish and unholy ambition is to be gratified at the expense of the Republic. We were among the last to come into it, and being in, we will be the last to get out of it. I have sent you the doings in the case. You will see all there is to the re. If we live to meet, I will try to tell you all! It was and is a nasty affair!!! I think it will run the mad dog's race-nine days-unless killed off before that time. Some men are now very sick of it,

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