WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 1855
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in his power to do it. Now, it is in the power of Congress to give to this officer what he asks. It is a mere pittance compared to the treasure of the nation. It would be a great relief to him in his present circumstances, and but a slight reward for his gallant services in days gone by. I will not chaffer over a measure like this, nor consent to have its consideration lead to a consumption of time and an expenditure of money more than equal to the amount which would be given to the indi- vidual by the bill. Sir, I shall vote for this bill from a full conviction that, in so doing, I am tendering but sheer justice to an individual, and that I am relieving my country from a reproach of pitiful mean- ness which, it seems to me, can reflect no honor upon the indi- viduals concerned in it, or upon the country. [Senator Badger of North Carolina defended the Secretary of the Navy from any implication of censure.] Mr. Houston. Mr. President, I stated that, when the matter was submitted to the head of the proper Department, or to the Executive himself, he, with mature deliberation, and, as I had no doubt, with discretion, made reparation, so far as was in his power, by granting the pardon. I did not intend to cast the slightest reflection on that gentleman, but to say that, so far as the case could undergo a careful revision by the head of the De- partment, it had been done, and relief was granted, so far as he could grant it. The honorable Senator from North Carolina must have entirely misapprehended what I said, for I did not intend to reflect in the slightest degree, either on the then head of the Navy Department--for whom I have the highest respect, or on the then Executive of the nation. 1 Congressional Globe, Part 1, 1854-1866, p. 324. Thomas Ap Catesby Jones (April 24, 1790-March 30, 1868). The debate concerned his seizure of Monterrey, California, on October 19, 1842. For a good and somewhat detailed biographical sketch, with citations to longer biographies, see Die- . tiona111 of Am.e1-ican Biography, X, 201-202.
To DR. J. W. STONE 1
Washington, 25th Jany 1855 My dear Sir. You need not apprehend that I will speak more than twice, and indeed but for your urgency, I would have concluded to speak but once. This with the pressing request of Mr. Burleson [ ?] determined me in my resolution.
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