158
-WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1855
that I sent forty miles to have every drop destroyed which I could hear of, and never permitted it to come into my camp. Had any property been taken as alleged in this account, com- plaints would have been made to me at the time, and I should have ordered its restitution, or a certificate to issue of its value. Now nothing of this kind has been done. The facts suggested in your letter; I know to be incorrect. The army only camped one night at San Felipe, and neither Horses, or any other· sup- plies were taken or reported to me. I have just looked over the account again, and I must confess that I have not, in the course of my whole life seen anything that would bear a comparison to it, and I shall, as in duty bound, send a copy of the account to the Comptroller at Austin, and likewise a copy of this letter-I will not tolerate a calumny to go forth against the Army of Texas while I live, nor will I ever permit any imposition upon the Treasury of the State if I can prevent it. Strange to tell it is not alleged that complaint was ever made to me, or restitution or reparation demanded. Thine truly Sam Houston. Mr. Z. Hunt, Bellville, Texas. [Addressed]: Hon. John M. Swisher, Auditor of State, Aus- tin, Texas. From Sam Houston. 1 Cowrt of Claims Pape1·s, Texas State Library. For Hunt, see To the State Auditor, February 9, 1855, in this volume. 2Hunt's letter, with enclosed claims of Martha Stephenson (formerly Martha Thompson), is dated January 24, 1855, and lists the following items which she claimed were taken by Houston's orders: 1000 Barrels Bacon @ 12-1/2 ct._.______ _ _ 1 American Mule, Saddle & Bridle____ ___ 1 American Mare___ _______ _ _ _ ___ 3 Yokes of Oxen @ $60 800 lbs Green Pork @ 3-1/2 ct _ _ _____ _ _ 300 lbs Lard @ 12-1/2 ct __ 20 Gals Whiskey @ 76ct ···--·-··-------- - 400 Bushels of Corn @ $1.60 ________ __ 90 lbs Coffee @ 20cts ····-· 100 lbs Sugar @ 12-1/2cts _ _ ____ _ _ 1 Sack Salt_____ ___________ 16 Head of Cattle @ $12_________ ___ Lot of Pot Ware______________________ - ---··-····-··-···- 125.00 125.00 100.00 180.00 28.00 37.60 16.00 600.00 18.00 12.50 8.00 180.00 20.00 ____ __ _$1,649.00 [Endorsed]: Copy of Account sent by Mr. Hunt for me to certify. Sum total..
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