The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume II

The Writings of Sam Houston, V. 1

THE WRITINGS

SAM HOUSTON

1813-1863

EDITED BY

AMELIA W. WILLIAMS AND EUGENE C. BARKER

VOLUME II JULY 16, 1814-MARCH 31, 1842

AUSTIN, TEXAS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PRESS 1939

PREFACE

The circumstances which gave rise to this publication and my own relation to it are recited in the Preface to Volume I, issued in 1938. As the editors anticipated, the publication of Volume I brought to light and made available a number of additional items belonging to the period of that volume. For them, we are indebted chiefly to Mr. ·w. A. Philpott, Jr., Dallas, Texas; Mr. Emil Hurja, National Press Building, Washington, D.C.; l\fr. Thomas W. Streeter, Morristown, New Jersey; Mr. Ike Moore, San Jacinto Museum of History, Houston, Texas; Mr. Al Dealey, Dallas, Texas; and the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Philadelphia. Besides these, our appreciation for assistance is due to Mr. Temple H. Morrow, Professor Herbert Gambrell, Mrs. J. R. Irion, Mr. Grant Foreman, Mr. J. E. Taulman, and the Dallas Historical Society. Benefiting by reviews of Volume I, the editors realize that some explanation is necessary concerning the text reproduced in this collection. In general, the typist transcribed the first copy of a document found. Whenever additional copies were found this transcript was collated with them. Always it has been collated with the original autograph copy, when such autograph copy later proved to be available. Similarly, a statement is called for concerning the biographical sketches in the footnotes. There is no authoritative biographical dictionary of Texans and other characters noted in these volumes. Miss Williams is possessed of an enormous fund of information about Texas characters. She has used a wide range of printed and manuscript sources in compiling these sketches. Some of the printed works cited are of questionable merit. Her special knowl- edge has enabled her to correct many of them. When she has had no special knowledge, she has compiled the sketches from such sources as she found available. If some of the sketches contain inaccuracies, as is inevitable, they seem, nevertheless, useful as an index to such printed materials as are accessible concerning the respective subjects. Personally, I think that they are an important contribution toward a biographical dictionary of Texas. It remains to call attention to certain errata pertaining to Volume I. For these we are indebted to Mr. Herbert Davenport, of Brownsville, Texas, and Professor William C. Binkley, of Vanderbilt University, both of whom have a truly awesome knowl- edge of the personalia of the Texas revolution.

PREFACE

CORRECTIONS AND .ADDITIONS, VOLUME l Page 4, note 3, and elsewhere: Tennessee Historical Commission should be Tennessee Historical Society. Page 10, note 3: The dates of Joseph McMinn's term as governor of Tennessee should be, 1815-1821. Page 15, note 2, should read that William Kelly (not Kelley) was elected senator from Alabama "to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John W. Walker." Page 16, note 5, errs in stating that John McKinley was senator from Alabama from 1835 to 1837. He served in the state legis- lature during that period. Page 18, note 4: The dates for John H. Eaton's service as senator from Tennessee should be 1814-1829. Page 74, note 2: Barbour was not Secretary of War in 1819. His dates in the War office are correctly given, page 139, note 4, as 1825-1828. Page 74, note 6, errs in stating that Andrew Jackson Donelson was the adopted son of Andrew Jackson. Page 110: The date of Houston's letter to the governor of Ohio should be April 18, 1.829. In the copy the 9 is easily mistaken for a 7. Page 111: Houston's letter to Jackson should be dated Febru- ary 4, 1827, instead of July 4, 1827. See Bassett (ed.) , Corre- spondence of Andrew Jackson, VI, 491. Again the handwriting in the manuscript is deceptive. Page 134, note 3: Robert Crittenden (instead of John J. Crit- tenden) was the secretary, and frequently acting governor, of Arkansas Territory throughout most of its existence as a terri- tory. The authorities cited apply to John J. Crittenden, not to Robert. Page 197, line 4 of letter to James Prentiss: Swier County should be Sevier County. Page 199, note 4: Gerard Troost instead of Troosts. Also, Tennessee Historical Magazine, 1832, should be 1932. Page 231, note 2: James Phelan, the Tennessee historian, was born in 1856. The letter to which this note applies is dated June 2, 1832. Pages 298-299: Houston's proclamation, dated Nacogdoches 29th August, 1835, obviously refers to events of 1836, though dated 1835 in the source from which it was obtained. It should

PREFACE

have been omitted, because it appears with its proper date, pages 445-446. Houston to Fannin, November 13, 1835, note 3, page 306: Houston's misinformation was derived from a letter written by R. B. Irvine on November 7. It has no reference to Austin's resignation on November 24, or to Burleson's election to succeed Austin. See Irvine's letter Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 59-60. Houston's resolution to annul certain land grants, page 306 and note 2, page 307, was offered not merely "before November 13, 1835"; but actually on October 18, 1835. See The Quarte1·ly, Texas State Historical Association, VII, 265. It was adopted by the Consultation on November 18. Page 310, note 2: The reference to Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, should give page 619 instead of 71. Houston to Samuel Williams, December 15, 1835, page 320, and note 2, page 320 : The addressee is misidentified as Samuel May ·wmiams. For Captain Samuel Williams see: Comptroller's Military Service Records No. 4072; Binkley, Official Correspond- ence of the Texan Revolution, I, 148, 266, 449, 452, 549, and II, 609; and Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 777. Peyton S. Wyatt, pages 325-326, note 2, should be supplemented by the following citations: Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 384; Huntsville, Alabama, Southern Ad- vocate, November 3, 17, 1835, and January 10, 1836; Lexington, Kentucky, Gazette, January 16, 1836; Lamar Papers, No. 2169. James Powers, page 326, note 2, represented Refugio in the Convention of March, 1836, not the district of Shelby. John M. Allen, page 326, note 2, should be supplemented by the following citations: Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 240, 255, 487, 502, II, 798, 829; Charles 0. Paulin, Life of Commodore Rogers, 357-358; Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 678,703; Lamar Papers, Nos. 1282, 1392; Telegraph and Texas Register, August 16, 1836; The Quarterly, Texas State Historical Association, XII, 191. vVallace, page 328, note 4, supplement as follows: Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 600, 655; Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 256, 363; Lama1· Papers, No. 322; New Orleans Commercial Bulletin, May 14, 1836. Page 328, note 5: Mr. Davenport adds Joseph D. Clements to those who served longest in the General Council and objects to

PREFACE

the "faithfulness" of Wyatt Hanks's service. He cites La1na1· Papers, No. 1669, III, 290, in support of his opinion. Bonnell, 335, the first word in line 16 of the letter should be also. In note 4, the name is consistently printed Blonnel. It should be Bonnell. Pages 342, note 2, Hugh Love. See Lamar Pa,pers, No. 1645; Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 329-332; Gray, From Virginia to Texas, 93-94. Page 345, note 2, on R. C. Morris, add: Lamar Papers, No. 2169; Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 214, 237, 266. Robert C. Morris is misprinted Robert L. and Jose Antonio Navarro is misprinted Juan. Page 369, note 2: The date of Collinsworth's birth is mis- printed 1860; it should be 1806; and the sketch .overlooks the fact that Stephen F. Austin had previously had the honor of a military funeral. John Chenoweth, page 376, note 2: Mr. Davenport adds specific citations to those listed here. Memorial No. 21, File Box 14, State Department of Texas (now in the State Library) ; Muster Rolls, page 68, General Land Office of Texas; Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 474; Affidavit of David Murphree, March 3, 1860, in court of Claims files, John Smith; Comptroller's Military Service Records, Chenoweth, in Texas State Library. B. J. White, 383, note 2. We evidently misidentify this man. For the Benjamin J. White who is here addressed, see "Journal of John S. Menefee," Southern Historical Research Magazine, I, 405-407; and E. C. Barker (ed.), The Austin Papers, III, 190. This B. J. White arrived in Texas in 1831. Mobile Greys, in note on Christy, page 3.88: Enlarge informa- tion by consulting Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 9, 13, 15, 50; Austin Papers, III, 264; Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 602, 605; Memorials of P. J. Mahan, State Depart- ment of Texas; Pension Papers of P. J. Mahan, and W. P. Harde- man, Texas State Library; Brown, Indian Wars and Texas Pioneers, 397. Edward Conrad, 388, note: Mr. Davenport supplies death date, July 13, 1836, at Victoria, and supplements our sketch by information derived from Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 215, II, 675; Austin Papers, III, 331; Lou isville J ou.rnal, June 6, 1836; LCL1nar Papers, No. 1645 ; W. F.

vii

PREFACE

Gray, From Virginia to Texas, 127, 178; Comptroller's Military Service Records for Samuel Wilson and H. G. Hudson, Texas State Library; Pension Papers of T. P. Jones and G. N. Robinson, Texas State Library; Memorials of Refugio Volunteers, February 1, 1836, State Department of Texas (now in the State Library); Muster Rolls, 90, 135, General Land Office of Texas. Mr. Daven- port supplies information that Conrad was a printer; that he came to Texas in December, 1835, instead of 1829, as the note states; and that his company, organized at Na~ogdoches in December, 1835, was the "United States Independent Cavalry Company," commonly called "The Mustang Company." Benjamin L. Lawrence, 388, note 4: Mr. Davenport supplies a rather detailed sketch of Lawrence's service, derived from Binkley, Official Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, I, 215, 237, 267, 366; Comptroller's Military Service Records of Samuel Wilson, H. G. Hudson, John and Sidney Van Bibber; Louisville Journal, June 30, 1836; Lamar Papers, No. 1645; Gray, From Virginia to Texas, 100, 142-147; T. P. Jones, Pension Records, Texas State Library; The Quarterly, Texas State Historical Asso- ciation, XII, 61. David Thomas, 399, note 2: Mr. Davenport gives reasons for believing that Thomas died "Probably on the 19th of April, 1836." He adds to our references: Binkley, Official Correspond- ence of the Texan Revolution, I, 215,268; Gray, From Virginia to Texas, 163; Comptroller's Military Service Records, Nos. 329, 344, Adams et al.; Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 153. In this note and in notes 3, 5, page 407, John J. Linn appears consistently, to our embarrassment, as John J. Lynn. Linn, Kerr, et al., 406-407, and notes: Mr. Davenport well says: "An ability to speak Spanish, plus a willingness to speak truthfully of conditions in his rear, were all that was necessary to cause him [Houston] to put any citizen under arrest. There was no more room to doubt the loyalty to Texas of Edward Gritten, James Kerr, and John J. Linn than to doubt Houston's own loyalty; and that was almost equally true in the cases of Peter E. Bean, Peter Kerr, Anselmo Vergara, and Joseph Powell." Horton, 414, note 4: In this note Albert C. Horton is substituted for Major Alexander A. Horton, of San Augustine. For Alexander A. Horton, see this volume, pages 44-45. Page 484, note 2: Benjamin C. Franklin was elected judge of the Second Judicial District on December 16, 1836. See House

viii

PREFACE

Journal, first Congress of Texas, first session, page 229. Some time prior to June 15, 1836, Franklin was appointed judge of the Brazos district. This statement corrects lines 12-14 of the note. Page 501, note 4: James M. Swisher should be John M. Swisher. EUGEN:E C. BARKER.

CALENDAR 1814-1836

PAGE A certificate, July 16, 1814, concerning the services of Thomas Bodkins, wagoner ------------------------------------------------ 1 A certificate, August 8, 1814, concerning the services of Samuel Gamble, ,vagoner ------------------------------------- ----------------------- 2 A certificate, August 17, 1814, concerning payment of John Martin__ 2 To W. P. Hagner, January 21, 1824, asking for information concerning accounts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 To P. Hagner, January 28, 1824, asking for information concerning cer- tain accounts ---------------------------------------------------------------·------ 2 To P. Hagner, January 28, 1824, presenting the claims of a constituent 2 To P. Hagner, February 6, 1824, enclosing a constituent's claim___________ 3 To John C. Calhoun, February 15, 1824, recommending Adam D. Stew- art for the postion of paymaster in the Army___________________________ 3 To John C. Calhoun, February 19, 1824, recommending Colonel I. W. Byrn for the office of sub-agent to the Chickasaw Indians.___________ 3 To John C. Calhoun, April 5, 1824, recommending William Lawrence as a commissioner to lay out a road from Memphis, Tennessee, to Little Rock, Arkansas______________________________________________________ 4 To John C. Calhoun, April 10, 1824, recommending Captain A. Kings- ley for a position in the War Department___________________________________ 4 To John C. Calhoun, April 15, 1824, contending for payment of trans- portation expenses as exhibited in his rendered accounts________ 5 To John C. Calhoun, May 15, 1824, recommending William Cottringer for a clerkship in the War Department_____________ _________ 5 To James Buchanan, September 21, 1824, explaining his candidacy as congressman from Tennessee________ ____________________ 6 To P. Hagner, December 17, 1824, enclosing the claim of a constituent 7 To P. Hagner, December 17, 1824, asking for information concerning claim of constituents___ ------·------------------------- 8 To John C. Calhoun, Januuary [no date], 1825, 1·ecom.mending Thomas Kitcham for the position of Military storekeeper at West Point_____ 8 To Captain W. V. Cobbs, February 7, 1825, concerning the uncertainty of the presidential election_____________________________________________________ 9 To the Cashier of the United States Bank, Washington, April 12, 1826 ---------·-- ------·------------·--·----------------------···------------·-- 9 To John H. Houston, November 10, 1828, a letter of friendship and affection - --·-------------------------------------------------------------------------------. _ 10 To Major William J. Worth, [no date, probably 1828], a letter of friendship --------------------------------------------------------·------·--------·---------- 11 To John H. Houston, June 24, 1829, commending Dr. Baylor as a man worthy of friendshiP---·---------------··---------··-------------·-·--------------- 12 To the Editors of the A1-kansas Advocate, December 23, 1830, exom- erating Major John Eaton from censure in the matter of letting Indian contracts ---------------------------------------·------·----------·---·----------···- 12 To Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, July 30, 1833, concerning Indian affairs -----------·----- ---·-----·--------·--··--··----·-·-----··---- 16

....

CALENDAR

PAGE To the Hon. John Robb, Secretary of War, October 4, 1833, concerning the expense of his trip to Texas-----·---··-·--··-····-···-··--· 18 To James Prentiss, March 8, 1834, reporting personal illness...·-·······- 19 To Robert Wilson, December 28, 1835, notifying him of his appointment as Captain of the First Regiment of Cavalry in the Regular Army of Texas ----------·-----·--- ---·· 20 To Colonel I. B. Manny, January 1, 1836, introducing Captain Allen of the First Infantry of Texas___________ 21

To Henry Raguet, February 24, 1836, asking him to pay Brooks Wil- liams twenty-five dollars, on account of the Provisional Government of Texas _____ --------··-·-·--··-· To Captain Philip Dimmit, March 12, 1836, giving an army order, and stating general conditions -------····--·-····-··-- To the Chairman of the Committee of Safety at San Felipe, March 21,- 1836, concerning measures to be taken to arrest deserters from the army---------·----···-·-··-··--···---- A Petition Granted, April 4, 1836, to Amasa Turner and W. W. Sum- mers for the reprieve and pardon of Private A. Scales, a soldier under sentence of death·---------·---··-·-······-···---·- To the People of Texas, April 19, 1836, stating that the army was on the eve of battle, and must now act or abandon all hope...·-········-···· To President David G. Burnet, April 20, 1836, reporting a skirmish with the Mexican army____ ----·---···-··---··- To Robert Houston McEwen, September 7, 1836, presenting Santa Anna's saddle and bridle to be kept as an heirloom in the familY·-·-·--·-·- To Edward Hall, November 3, 1836, stating that the constitutional government of Texas was fairly established_______·--··-··-·--· To John H. Houston, November 20, 1836, introducing Hockley, Patton and Bee _____________ To Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, November 20, 1836, introducing George W. Hockley---·-------- ···--····-···-·--·-·· General Orders, December 27, 1836, concerning Stephen F. Austin's death ______________ JANUARY, 1837 To Anna Raguet, January 1, 1837, a letter of friendship_····-·-··-·· To Anna Raguet, January 1, 1837, A Poem, Ma1·ck Ckieftain...........-- To James Paton, January 6, 1837, saying he had never known the name of one Joshua Eldridge as a soldier at San Jacinto...·-·---····-····-·· To Colonel Juan N. Seguin, January 16, 1837, assuring him that he was to retain command at Bexar__·--· ·------····---······-··--- To Thomas Toby, January 20, 1837, introducing Samuel Hewes....·-··-·- To Thomas Toby, January 20, 1837, introducing A. S. Thruston...........-• To Dr. Robert A. Irion, January 23, 1837, friendly letter; says the militia of the country is organizing rapidly.---··---···-·-······-····-··-- To Captain Jacob Snively, January 24, 1837, wishes him to ascertain on what grounds an Indian treaty can be made with the Shawnees and Caddos .... ____ -----------··-···-··--·-· To Henry Raguet, January 26, 1837, asking that his letters and news- papers be sent him from Fort JessuP---·--···-··········-··--···-···--

29 31

33 34 35

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CALENDAR

PAGE To Thomas Toby, January 27, 1837, discussing President Jackson's message, and the recognition of Texas by the United States______ 41 To Anna Raguet, January 29, 1837, friendly letter-says his choice of capital would be at Groce's Retreat____ _______________ 43 Alexander A. Horton's Discharge, January 30, 1837_______________________ 44 To Mrs. Catherine Duane Morgan, January 31, 1837, concerning her sons _____ 45 FEBRUARY, 1837 To Thomas Toby, February 1, 1837, imploring him to fit out the Independence and send her to sea regardless of expense__________ 47 To Thomas Toby, February 1, 1837, second letter in same day, urging that the Indevenclence be fitted out.__________________________ 47 To Robert A. Irion, February 2, 1837, requesting him to show Mr. Reid land on Red River__________________________ _ __ 48 To Samuel Sawyer, February 3, 1837, stating that only the Judiciary could make decisions concerning vested rights.______________ 48 To Lieutenant Peter Harper, February 9, 1837, giving advice in regard to the settlement of Creek Indians in Texas.___________________________ 49 To Any Steamboat Captain, February 11, 1837, requesting passage for John Buchanan _______ ____ _____ 49 To Captain B. J. White, February 12, 1837, ordering him to scour the country to procure meat for the army____________________ 51 To Daniel Parker, February 13, 1837, reminding him that if orders had been obeyed, and a fort built, disaster on the frontier could have been prevented ---------------------------------- _______________ 63 To John W. Moody, February 14, 1837, promising compliance with a request _____ ------------------------ 55 To Henry W. Karnes, February 14, 1837, promising to appoint Doctor McGee a surgeon in his company___________________ 55 To Philip Dimmit, February 16, 1837, telling that Santa Anna had peti- tioned Andrew Jackson to mediate between Mexico and Texas______ 56 To Juan N. Seguin, Februayr 17, 1837, notifying him of a reported invasion from Mexico, and instructing that he write General Amada and warn him against such a violation of treaty___________________ 57 To William Hardin, February 21, 1837, reporting that Santa Anna had left Norfolk, Virginia, for Vera Cruz in an armed vessel of the United States Navy ----------------------------------------------------------- 58 To Thomas Toby, February 21, 1837, reporting that news from the United States concerning Texas was not satisfactory______________________ 59 To George W. Poe, February 28, 1837, stating that he could not change a general rule without extraordinary cause·---- --------·---------·--·---···--. 60 To John W. Moody, February 28, 1837, commanding him to audit George W. Poe's account ___ _____ ----------------··----- 60 MARCH, 1837 To Captain [Andrew] Neill, No date, probably February or :March, 1837, commanding him to hand over the property captured from Fulton B. Turner and let him pass, and to gather beeves to be paid for in cows and calves ____ ______ _________ ____ __ --·--·- ·- ·-------- ·--·-- ·-· -····---------· -- 61

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Xll

PAGE To Andrew Neill, March 1, 1837, stating that beeves would be furnished to be paid for in cows and calves. Orders a copy of this order to be sent to the army____________________________________ 61 Proclamation, March 4, 1837, concerning the improvement of unoccupied lands ______ ·---- ·--------------------- 62 To Anna Raguet, March 7, 1837, a friendly letter__________________________ 63 To Thomas Toby & Brother, March 10, 1837, ordering that no men be forwarded to Texas unless they bring two months' supplies, good army supplies, and clothing for six months,___ ____ 65 To Election Proclamation for San Augustine District, March 11, 1837__ 65 To Election Proclamation for Gonzales County, March 11, 1837_________ 66 To Election Proclamation for Colorado County, March 11, 1837___________ 68 To Henry Smith, March 16, 1837, authorizing the sale of 100,000 a~res of scrip in order to supply the army______ ------------------ 69 Election Proclamation for San Patricio, Refugio, and Goliad Counties, March 16, 1837___ ___________________ 70 To A. S. Thruston, March 17, 1837, informing him of the urgent need of all kinds of supplies, and oi:dering that no men be sent on to Texas without adequate supplies, same as ordered Toby Brothers_______________ 71 To Thomas Toby, March 17, 1837, again ordering that no men be sent to Texas without the required supplies. He adds, "We must be supplied; we do not want naked, unarmed, starving men'_____________ 72 To Toby Brothers, March 17, 1837, urging that Toby send in his accounts and receipts at once____ ____ _______________ 73 To Robert A. Irion, March 19, reporting the recognition of Texas Inde- pendence by the United States____ ·----·---------------- 74 To Thomas J. Rusk, March 25, 1837, saying he hopes Rusk can hold treaty with the wild Indians and asks that the Caddos be impressed that they must not invade the frontier____________ 74 To Philip Dimmit, March 26, 1837, an expression of appreciation for the invitation to become Dimmit's partner, but refuses the partnership because of lack of funds. ·----·--------------- 75 To Henry W. Karnes, March 31, 1837, urging him to protect the citizens and property about Bexar_________________ 76

APRIL, 1837 Election Proclamation for Matagorda County, April 13, 1837 _________________ To the Texas Senate, April 17, 1837, transmitting a report from the Secretary of State, concerning the boundary lines between Texas and the United States__________ _ _____________________ The Appointment of Albert T. Burnley as Loan Commissioner, April 24, 1837 _ ·----------------------------- ----------------- A Certificate, April 26, 1837, concerning Peyton S. Wyatt's services in the Texas Army___ _____________________________________

MAY, 1837

The President's Annual Message, May 5, 1837______________________________________ 82 To John W. Moody, May 9, 1837, asking him to audit William P. Smith's account as Post Surgeon at Washington, TPxas____________ 90

xiii

CALENDAR

PAGE he Texas Senate, May 10, 1837, nominating com.missioners to negoti- ate a loan of one million dollars....--·---···--····-··-···---- 91 he Texas Senate, May 10, 1837, nominating Cabinet Officers._.___ 91 To the Texas Senate, May 10, 1837, nominating Memucan Hunt Minis- ter Plenipotentiary to the United States...·-··· ________ 92 To the Texas Senate, May 10, 1837, nominating Army Officers....- ..- 92 The Certification of Lewis Kraatz's service in the Texas Army, May 11, 1837 ········---··---·-··-·-·····-·--·-··--··---------- 92 Letter of Credence for Memucan Hunt as Minister to the United States, May 12, 1837...·-·······-··--·-····-·········-···········-······-··-····-······-·--- 93 The President's Message to Congress, May 16, 1837, concerning the two first loans to the Republic...·-·········-·········-·-··-··-······-··· _____ 93 To the Texas Congress, May 19, 1837, transmitting the reports of the several departments of the government.........·-·-·-···--···-···--·-··-._ 95 To the Senate, May 19, 1837, nominating revenue officials for the various ports of TPxas ····--····--·-·-··-··--····-···-··--•··-······-·-·-·--··-···--- 95 To the Speaker of the House of Representatives, May 19, 1837, trans- mitting the memorial of Captain John E. Ross of the steamboat Yellowstone, and asking that it receive legislative sanction...___ 96 Address to the Army of Texas, May 20, 1837, praising the men___ 97 To Anna Raguet, May 20, 1837, a friendly letter__.. ______ 99 To the Texas Senate, May 22, 1837, nominating Customs Officials for the ports of Matagorda and Gaines Ferry···-···--·-·· ___ _ 101 To the Texas Senate, May 22, 1837, nominating Naval Officers..·-··--- 102 To the Texas Senate, May 23, 1837, nominating officers in the Com- missary General's Department···-··-------············-···-·····-···-104 To the Texas Senate, May 25, 1837, concerning the appointment of Memucan Hunt as Minister to the United States.·----··---104 To the Texas Congress, May 26, 1837, concerning the Accounting De- partment of the Republic·----···- ·------------105 To the Senate, May 29, 1837, nominating J. Pinckney Henderson as Minister to Great Britain.·-·-···-·-··--··-·-···--··-·-·---··-·--·-··- 107 To the Texas Senate, May 31, 1837, nominating officers for a regiment of mounted gunmen...·-·--····----···--···----··--·-··· ___ 107 To the Texas Congress, May 31, 1837, vetoing the resolution to send armed vessels to Matamoras, Mexic9..·-··------····-····--···-·-··-- 108 JUNE, 1837 To the Texas Congress, June 3, 1837, vetoing a bill for the relief of those who lost property during the war..........·-······-·-···-····-··-·····-·-· 112 To the Texas Congress, June 6, 1837, calling attention to the subsistence and quartermaster's department of the government···-··--····-····---·- 113 To Thomas J. Rusk, June 7, 1837, concerning Indian service in the Texas Army --·-···--····---·-···-·--·-···-·-····-··--- ··-···--····- 114 To the Texas Senate, June 7, 1837, nominating diplomatic officers........_ 115 To the Texas Senate, June 7, 1837, nominating Ashbel Smith Surgeon General of the Texas Army....·-······--·······--- ·-··-- ·-···-·-- -···-· 115 To the Texas Congress, June 7, 1837, concerning conditions on the Sabine 117 To the Texas Congress, June 8, 1837, explaining his veto of the Act to Establish a General Land Office...·-····--··- ··-·--·····-···-······-···- ······-·· 118

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PAGE To the Texas Senate, June 10, 1837, nominating James C. Allen Judge Advocate General ------- -- -------------------------------- To the Texas Congress, June 10, 1837, concerning the authority of Dis- trict Judges to call courts in criminal cases_____________________________ To Judge William Hardin and Captain William M. Logan, June 10, 1837, ordering them to get the militia of their counties ready for immediate service ---------------- ------------- To Ashbel Smith, June 12, 1837, granting sick leave___________________________ To Thomas J. Rusk, June 16, 1837, asking him to notify William Goyens to inform the Indian chiefs to meet him at Nacogdoches on June 30_ Proclamation, June 20, 1837, of the appointment of J. Pinckney Hender- son as Agent to Great Britain ________ -------------- To Lord Palmerston, June 20, 1837, presenting a letter of credence for J. Pinckney Henderson as Agent to Great Britain ______________________ The Appointment of J. Pinckney Henderson Minister to Great Britain, June 20, 1837 ·---------- _____________________ 121 122 122 123 123 124 125

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125

Appointment of George M. McIntosh Secretary of the Texas Legation in Great Britain, June 20, 1837___________ _________________ To John W. Moody, June 20, 1837, instructing him to audit the accounts of General Chambers, entirely with reference to amounts disbursed and responsibilities assumed by Chambers without reference to rank To Henry Smith, June 21, 1837, urging him to withdraw his resigna- tion as Secretary of Treasury, because the country needed his service _________________ The sale of a town lot to Dr. David Ker, June 24, 1837_______ To Thomas Jefferson Chambers, June 24, 1837, questioning the right of the Provisional Government to appoint Chambers a major-general under the organic law______________ To Robert A. Irion, June 26, 1837, instructing him that in his absence Irion and Grayson should open all his letters and endorse them to the proper departments____________________ JULY, 1837 To the Bowl, Chief of the Cherokees, July 3, 1837, saying he wishes to see the Chief within three days, also asks him to bring three other

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127

128 128

129

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chiefs with him for a talk___ ______________ 131 To William Goyens, July 3, 1837, sending him the letter to the Bowl for safe delivery; also asks to see Colonel P. E. Bean at Nacogdoches ___ 132 To Alexander Horton, July 15, 1837, instructing him to use all precau- tions within his power to sustain civil authority in San Augustine County --------------------------------------------------- 133 Proclamation of a law entitled "An Act to Raise Public Revenue by Direct Tax," July 31, 1837 ____ _____________ 133 AUGUST, 1837 To Anna Raguet, August 2, 1837, a friendly letter________________________ 134 An Election Proclamation, August 2, 1837, for representatives through- out the Republic______________________________ 135 To Count Farnese, August 5, 1837, stating that he advocates the separa- tion of religious and political ties in the government of Texas and

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PAGE sees no impediment to the establishment of an archbishopric in Texas ____________ ___________ _______ ___ 135 Proclamation, August 8, 1837, offering a reward for the capture of a criminal ······-···-·-··-------------------- ______ 137 Proclamation of a Called Meeting of Congress, August 10, 1837___ 138 Proclamation of the Arrest of two criminals, August 15, 1837____ 138 To Anna Raguet, August 22, 1837, sending her a book__________ 138 SEPTEMBER, 1837 Proclamation concerning Letters of Marque and Rep1·isal, September 15, 1837 ------··-····-···-··----------------·------ ---- 139 Message to Congress-Called Session-September 25, 1837____ 141 OCTOBER, 1837 Proclamation, October 7, 1837, calling for an election of a representative for Refugio County __________ _ _________ 143 Proclamation, October 11, 1837, of a military commission given to Matthew P. Woodhouse_________________________ _____ 143 To the Texas Congress, October 24, 1837, vetoing a joint resolution for requesting the Secretary of War to execute certain duties ___ 144 To the Senate, October 26, 1837, explaining his delay in submitting charges against S. Rhoads Fisher____________________ 146 To E. D. White, Governor of Louisiana, October 31, 1837, introducing Juan N. Seguin_____________ _______________ 147 NOVEMBER, 1837 To the Texas Congress, November 1, 1837, stating that ill health has prevented his message being ready for delivery__________ 147 To Henry Smith, November 3, 1837, ordering him to pay out of the treasury, from moneys not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $6,405.45 for appropriations on the civil list.________________ 148 To the Texas Senate, November 7, 1837, nominating chief justices for six counties ______________________ ____ __________ 148 To the Texas Senate, November 8, 1837, nominating cabinet positions._ 149 To the Texas Senate, November 9, 1837, nominating J. C. Allen Chief Justice of Refugio County____________ ------···-·---·--···---- 149 Reply to Peter E. Bean's charge of breach of contract, November 15, 1837 --------- --------- -----------------150 To Henry Raguet, November 16, 1837, saying that a systematic opposi- tion had developed to him, growing out of envy______________ ___ 150 To the Texas Senate, November 16, 1837, nominating William L. Hunter Chief Justice for Goliad County_____________________ _ ___ 151 Annual Presidential Message to Congress, November 21, 1837.·- -·-··-·-- 152 To the Texas Senate, November 25, 1837, nominating Warner L. Under- wood, District Attorney for the First Judicial District of Texas_ _ 161 Election Proclamation, November 25, 1837, for a senator for San Augustine County ------·-···-··-----··--·--··-·-··-····-·--····-···--···-···-·· 161

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XVI

DECEMBER, 1837

PAGE Sam Houston's Promissory Note to David Harris, December 2, 1837.·--··· 162 To Anna Raguet, December 4, 1837, friendly letter saying Congress would adjourn on the 15th of the month--·--··---···-··-·········-····- 162 To the Texas Senate, December 6, 1837, nominating eleven officials........ 164 Proclamation, December 7, 1837, recognizing Stewart Newell as United States consul at the port of Velasco.----·-- ···· --- 165 To the Texas Senate, December 11, 1837, nominating Cornelius Van Ness District Attorney for th~ Fourth Judicial District of Texas.... 165 To the Texas Senate, December 13, 1837, making statements concerning the conduct of Horace P. Chamberlain and Captain Adam Clen- denning _______ ---·-······----·-- ·············- 166 To the Texas Senate, December 13, 1837, nominating Francis R. Lub- bock Comptroller of the Treasury___ ··-··-··--··-·······-···--·- 168 To the House of Representatives, December 13, 1837, vetoing acts relat- ing to the General Land Office,_____ --·--···-·-· ··-····-- 168 To the Senate of Texas, December 15, 1837, vetoing a Joint Resolution to place Captain Sylvester's company on a footing with other volunteers _ _____________ ··-··-·---··········-··- 171 To the Texas Senate, December 16, 1837, nominating William R. Scott for Chief Justice of Brazoria County___ ---················-··········· 172 To the Texas Senate, December 18, 1837, presenting an Indian treaty for ratification _ __ ______________ ·---------··--173 To the House of Representatives, December 18, 1837, presenting a docu- ment containing the latest intelligence from the western frontier.._. 173 To the Texas Congress, December 18, 1837, vetoing an act to organize the militia _ ____________ ·-- --- -··-··------- 174 To the Texas Senate, December 18, 1837, justifying his nomination of James D. Boylan as commander of the Brutus although the Senate had refused to ratify the nomination.___ ·-··----·-··········-· 175 A Proclamation, December 19, 1837, announcing the appointment of D--McCandless as Associate Commissioner of the Board of Land Commissioners for Milam CountY---------------··- -- 176 An Election Proclamation, December 21, 1837, for all Civil Officers.... 177 A Proclamation, December 25, 1837, recalling certain land scrip..- - - 177 JANUARY, 1838 To Andrew Jackson, January 4, 1838, in~roducing Ashbel Smith............ 178 To Conde Raguet, January (no date), 1838, introducing Ashbel Smith.... 179 To Dr. Joseph G. Nancride, January 6, 1838, introducing Ashbel Smith.. 180 A Prohibition Wager, January 7, 1838, that Houston will not refrain from ardent spirits for .one year___._________ ····-····-·-·-···-·-·--·-· 180 To Anna Raguet, January 12, 1838, friendly letter·; says he has bought Cedar Point -------- ---------·--·-··-··--····-··--····---- 184 To Mirabeau B. Lamar, January 13, 1838, asking him to come to the scat of government____ -------·---- ___ 185 Election Proclamation, January 16, 1838, to provide officials for newly formed counties -···------- ____ ·----" 187

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PAGE To John W. Moody, January 30, 1838, g1vmg instructions concerning the pay to be issued to the administrators of the estates of deceased soldiers ________________________ ___ _____ 188 FEBRUARY, 1838 To Anna Raguet, February 1, 1838, newsy, friendly letter__________________ 189 A Requirement of Strict Conformity to law, concerning all claims on the Government, February 1, 1838____________________________ 191 To Henry Raguet, Febr_uary 1, 1838, a personal, friendly letter_______ 192 Proclamation, February 6, 1838, ordering an election to fill a vacancy in· Sabine County --------------------------- ____________ _ __ 193 To Henry Smith, February 7, 1838, directing him to pay William Cannon six hundred dollars ------------------------· ______ 193 To John W. Moody, February 7, 1838, stating that Felix Huston was entitled to pay as a general from the date of his appointment_____ 194 To Henry Smith, February 9, 1838, telling him to authorize the Collector at the Port of Galveston to receive payment for dues in Government paper not yet due__________________________ _______ 195 To John W. Moody, February 10, 1838, instructing him not to permit Mr. Sage to draw any more money out of the treasury__________ 195 To John W. Moody (No date), stating that Mr. Northup who was com- missary to a battalion, was entitled to pay as a lieutenant and ten dollars additional per month·---------------------------------------~- 196 To John W. Moody, February 21, 1838, granting a leave of absence__ 196 To John Birdsall, February 22, 1938, requesting him to act as Secretary of State------------------------------------ ____ ______ 197 To Henry Smith, February 22, 1838, directing him to deposit with the Treasurer an amount sufficient to meet the requisition of the Sec- retary of War______________ -------------------------- 197 An election Proclamation, February 23, 1838, ordering the selection of a representative to fill a vacancy in Jasper County____________ 198 A Statement of the Amount due to Houston for military services in Texas, February 23, 1838_______ _____ _____ 198 APRIL, 1838 Endorsement on Captain Wainwright's letter from Captain Wheelright to the Secretary of the Navy, notifying him he is no longer in the service, because he refused to take the constitutional oath; April 16, 1838 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 200 To the Texas Congress, April 16, 1838, presenting a special report from the Secretary of State___________________________________________________ ____ 200 To George Sinks, April 17, 1838, appointing him acting Postmaster General during the absence of Robert Barr____________________________ 201 To the Texas Senate, April 17, 1838, transmitting a report from the Sec- retary of State, concerning the boundary line between the United States and Texas_____ ____ -------------------·------------------- 201 To Chester Newell, April 18, 1838, affirming certain statements Newell had made concerning the campaign of 1836___________________________________ 202

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X\'111

PAGE To Robert A. Irion, April 20, 1838, requesting that the appointment of John H. Money as Chief Justice of Austin County be made out, and sent with the general list of appointments________ 203 To the Texas Congress, April 22, 1838, transmitting and commending a report from the Secretary of the Navy ------- 204 To the Texas Senate, April 23, 1838, presenting a convention between the United States and Texas, which made restitution to citizens of the United States for damages done them by Texas._________________ 204 To Ashbel Smith, April 24, 1838, asking him to examine John M. Dixon and grant a furlough certificate, if he is found to be disabled._________ 205 To the House of Representatives, April 24, 1838, transmitting a report from the Secretary of State concerning boundary lines_ ___ 205 To the Texas Senate, April 25, presenting a list of nominations.__________ 206 To the Texas Senate, April 27, 1838, presenting the nomination of A. S. Thruston, Charles L. Harrison, and Hillquest Landers for the re- spective offices of Quartermaster General, Inspector General, and Quartermaster ____________ __ ______ 208 To the Texas Congress, April 28, 1838, transmitting the resignation of Thomas Anderson as Medical Censor for the Senatorial District of Mina (Bastrop) and Gonzales__________ ____ 209 To the Governor of Louisiana, April 30, 1838, making requisition for the capture of James Humphrey______________ 209 MAY, 1838 To John W. Moody, May 3, 1838, explaining the duty and authority of the Auditor ---------------------· 210 To the Texas Congress, May 3, 1838, concerning the debts and expenses of the Republic____________________ 210 To the Texas Congress, May 4, 1838, explaining his reasons for with- holding the execution of land patents__ _ ________ 212 Memorandum written on William H. Moore's Account, May 7, 1838, in regard to extra allowance to officers.____________________________ 217 To John W. Moody, May 10, 1838, authorizing him to continue to pay officers and discharged men, according to usual rates______ 218 To the Texas Senate, May 10, 1838, explaining the dismissal of Dr. Moreau Forrest ----~----------------- 218 To the House of Representatives, May 12, 1838, vetoing an "Act to define and limit the issue of Promissory Notes" ____ 220 To Anna Raguet, May 15, 1838, a friendly, newsy letter. ___ 226 To the Texas Senate, May 16, 1838, vetoing a bill for the relief of Sidney Sherman ____ _ ______ _____ 228 To the Texas Congress, May 17, 1838, explaining that it was because of their disobedience to orders that he refused to sign a bill for the relief of Captains Costley and Jewell_ ___ ___ _ _ 232 To the Texas Senate, May 21, 1838, nominating Samuel M. Williams and Albert T. Burnley as the commissioners to negotiate the Five Million Dollar Loan authorized by Congress _ __ ____ 235 To the House of Representatives, May 21, 1838, vetoing a bill for the formation of a County of Colon on Red River___ ______ _ _ ___ 235

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XIX

PAGE To the House of Representatives, May 22, 1838, vetoing an act to locate the seat of government_____ ___________________ 236 To the Senate, May 24, 1838, submitting for ratification a convention of limits between Texas and the United States. ___ __ _ __ 237 To John W. Moody, May 24, 1838, requesting him to make a strict audit for the discharges of Lynch's company · __ 237 To the House of Representatives, May 25, 1838, vetoing an act for the defense of the frontier, and gives reason for so doing_____________ 238 Proclamation, May 25, 1838, of the ratification of the Boundary Con- vention between the United States and Texas__ _ _____ 240 To John W. Moody, May 26, 1838, instructing him concerning the rights and duties of the Auditor_________________________ _________ 241 Further Instructions to John W. Moody, May 26, 1838._______ ___ ___ 241 To John G. Welschmeyer, Second Auditor, May 26, 1838, giving instruc- tions concerning the duties of his office_________________________________ 242 To John W. Moody, May 30, 1838, asking to be informed concerning money-besides for salaries--that had been drawn by the President Ad Interim, for supplies and furniture___________________________ 243 Passports given, May 30, 1838, to three Comanche Chiefs to pass through Texas _____________________ _ ___ 243 To Ashbel Smith, May 31, 1838, asking him to buy a note that will be presented by [Robert] Wilson. ______________ 24.4 JUNE, 1838 To Anna Raguet, June 4, 1838, concerning a proposal of marriage before a divorce had been issued him_______________________ 244 To Anson Jones, June 12, 1838, telling him of the Executive's decision to appoint him Agent to purchase a navy for the Republic._____ 246 Proclamation, June 12, 1838, declaring Peter W. Grayson the appointed Minister to the United States_______________________________ 248 To President Martin Van Buren, June 12, 1838, formally presenting Peter W. Grayson, the Minister from Texas to the United States_ 249 To President Martin Van Buren, June 13, 1838, privately introducing Peter W. Grayson, the Texas Minister plenipotentiary to the United States, and asking a favorable reception and interest for the Texan envoy ______ ___ _ _ __ ________ _ _ _ _ __ __ 249 To John H. Houston, June 13, 1838, introducing Captain John G. Tod, and asking that he be given a friendly reception____________________________ 250 To John R. Ross, June 13, 1838, appointing him first clerk of the Indian Department --------------------------------------------------------------261 To Ashbel Smith, June 13, 1838, aski-,:ig him to pay a professional visit to Judge R. K. Goodnow, an old friend _ ___________________________________ 251 To John P. Borden, Land Commissioner, June 14, 1838, formally an- swering four questions concerning land surveys -------------------------------- 252 To John W. Moody, June 15, 1838, saying that no account is to be audited unless receipted by the paymaster on the pay roll _____ _________ 253 To Henry Smith, June 16, 1838, giving instruction for a collector to be sent to the port of Copano___________________________________ _________________________ 254 To Jacob Rothaas, June 21, 1838, expressing the opinion that Rothaas erred in thinking intrigues had been carried out against him___________ 254

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