WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
163
countenance no surreptitious action. He is a man as spotless in honor, and as pure in reputation, as any gentleman within the range of my vision. None will dare to question his honor, his truthfulness, or his integrity. His frank, blunt honesty may not afford him the oily facuities which are necessary to shine in courts, but his rough character is like the diamond. Who is General Whitfield ? 0 He, too, testifies to the capacity and integrity of the person who gave this speech to the superin- tendent. Sir, I knew him in his boyhood, and in his _early man- hood. I know his training. I know his manly character. I know he would spurn a dishonest act as readily as any man that lives. His efficiency has been indorsed by his constituency-the people of Kansas Territory. In former times, in the proud State of Tennessee, he was not only placed among her legislators, but he took high rank in her bright calendar of chivalry. He is the man who comes forward to attest the wrongs which have been inflicted on the Indians. · Such men as these are needful to form a breastwork for the Indian, behind which he may entrench his defenseless situation, for he is not able to stand forth and confront your volunteers, and your increased legions. These are the men who feel an in- terest in the Indian, and on whose testimony I would rely. The name of Colonel Medill has been introduced into this debate. I know him well, and the people of his State know him, and have indorsed his character and high reputation. I need not commend him to the Senate, for I presume he possesses the per- sonal acquaintance of most Senators. He has been Governor of the great State in which he resides, his native State for aught I know. I knew his successor in the office of Indian Affairs, a man of intellect and character, who, I trust, would not do any act to soil the fair reputation which he inherited from his family, whose actions made them conspicuous in connection with the history of the country in which they have lived, and in which he was reared. And, sir, though but slightly acquainted with the present Commissioner of Indian Affairs, I must say that my perusal of the documents which he has sent us has convinced me that he feels a deep interest in maintaining the honor of the country, in vindicating the rights of the Indians, and in fairly administering in all respects the duties of his office. He is a man of intelligence, ability, and integrity, whose heart, I believe, is in the right place.
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