WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
235
0 Pierre Soule (August 31, 1801-March 26, 1870). See Dictionary of A1neri- can Biography, XVII, 405-408. Bwgraphical Directory of the American Congress, 1549. 10 August Belmont (December 2, 1816-November 24, 1890). See Dictumary of American Biography, II, 169-170. 11 This "young American" whom Houston mentions in his speech was William Hayward, of South Carolina, a veritable young Hotspur, who appointed himself champion of American womanhood, and challenged Belmont to a duel because of his scandalous statements about American women. See also note 2, under "Synopsis of a Speech at Washington, Texas, August 2, 1855," above.
To AsHBEL SMITH 1
Huntsville, 8th Deer., 1855 My Dear Smith. I inclose to you a copy of an order which I gave to Captain Rossz at Groces, on the Brazos. This I do be- cause he was a resident of Houston, and you represent the rela- tions of his widow. I believe Enmity to me has caused the delay of justice proven to him while living, and I pray it may not be witheld from his widow, when he is dead! The use of the Boat enabled me to cross the Brazos, then out of its Banks, and save Texas. Had it not been for the Boat, and the aid of Captain Ross .and crew, the army could not have crossed the river. There was no Boat, or craft of any kind, nor materials, or tools, by which a Boat, or Boats could be constructed. The General had no means, and was compelled to act for the best, and the course he took was the best, and only course to save the country. The General had no authority to appeal to for aid, or power. Indeed, there was no semblance of power, or authority, but in his person, or in his presence in Texas. What would a league of land have been worth, if I had been prevented from intercepting Santa Anna at San Jacinto? One hourt short of the time that I reached San Jacinto would have enabled Santa Anna to have crossed the River, & formed a junction with the Indians who would of neces- sity have united with the Mexican Army, and as Trinity and other streams were impassable, owing to the high waters, our women and children must all have been murdered, and the coun- try lost. Do pray, my friend, do all you can for the widow. Thousands and tens of thousands in money and Land have been given to individuals who had no claims, and were defaulters to the Gov- ernment, and I think that this just claim should be paid to a
Powered by FlippingBook