103
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
Moore, became a subject of correspondence and of abuse of myself, which was indorsed by an official editor. In response to that, I availed myself of my position to vindicate myself against the charges. I did not assail any individual unprovokedly; but I did repel assaults that were made upon me directly. I had been apprised of their continuance for eight or ten years, but until presented in a tangible shape, I had passed them by. That is the position in which I am placed; and if the gentleman has a new system of courtesy, of chivalry, or gallantry, with which I have not been acquainted, or if he chooses to read me a lecture when it suits him to do so, I certainly ought to feel humbly indebted to him for it. I have lived up to this date in the exchange of courtesies, and an observer of the proprieties of life; but if I have to look to a younger gentleman than myself, I certainly have lived to but little purpose. I should be much obliged to him, whenever he sees a departure from the proper courtesy and re- spectful senatorial demeanor if he would suggest to me, in a more private manner, what the propriety will be, and I shall be most happy to adopt his suggestions. 1 Congressional Globe, Put III, 1st Sess., 33d Cong., 1853-1854, pp. 2165, 2167, 2168. 2 The speech to which Houston refers was made on July 31, 1846, for which see Volume IV, pp. 486-498; also see the speech, "Answering E. W. Moore," July 16, 1854, in this volume.
To ELISHA M. PEASE 1
Independence, Nov. 7, 1854. My dear Sir, I hope that you will be satisfied that in address- ing you I am influenced by no sinister design or feeling-But by last night's newspapers received from Austin I see that [ ]2 has been made of the deposit of the $300,000, the condition on which the contract to build the Mississippi and Pacific Railroad was based-I see also that it is assumed that the Treasurer is the person who is to determine as to the character of the securi- ties and character of the deposit-The Law contemplated a deposit of unquestionable character, and a perfect indemnity to Texas, for any injury which a failure to complete the Road might inflict upon her-The deposit is not of unquestionable character, 01· it would not have been necessary for "Geo. M. Dalla.s as Ex-Vice President" to have certified to the sufficienC'IJ of the character of the stock to be deposited, or for Chancellor Burt of New Yo1·k who has been dead for some years-If the character of the stock
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