The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VI

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854

51

Rusk.] She did not happen to see either of us when she was here, but met with Commodore Moore. She told him her business, and he told her that she need apply to no one but himself, and that he would with his greatest pleasure take the matter in hand. In 1848 she gave him a power of attorney to draw what- ever she might be entitled to receive from Texas. Mark the dates in this transaction. She gave him, in 1848, a power of attorney to draw the money that was due her. Afterwards she wrote to him some three times, I think, and made a personal visit here to urge the matter. He never gave her any satisfac- tion. He never answered her letters; and when she came here, he discouraged her, and, as she had but scanty means, she was compelled to return home. In 1852, however, he wrote her this letter: "Washington City, D. C. July 1, 1852. "Dear Madam: Your letter of May 11 did not reach me until yesterday. It came under the frank of Hon. l\fr. Schoolcraft. I regret the delay. Your letter of February 7th I did not get; I was in Austin, Texas, at that time, and reached here on the 14th of April. I was anxious to write to you, but had lost your address, and am glad that I have received your letter. "The power of attorney which you gave; me before is deficient. I herewith enclose you another, which you will please sign as before, and have it acknowledged before a commissioner of Texas, if there is one in your vicinity; if not, please have it acknowledged before a judge of the United States district court; if you cannot, have it done before one of the judges of State of New York, and get the certificate of the Governor that he is one of the judges; one of these things is necessary. After you have the power of attorney acknowledged, please send it to me here, and I will send you some money by return mail. The balance of the amount I will send you as soon as I receive it from Texas, which will take about two months after I receive the power of attorney properly authenticated from you." "E W. Moore." "P. S. I will be here until Congress adjourns, after which I will be in New York, and perhaps in Albany, and ,vill be pleased by meeting you. Provision was made by the Legislature in February last to pay your claim; and had the power of attorney been right, I could have brought your money on with me. I hope

Powered by