137
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
the North. However, concerning the donations of lands & other special privileges, that is not within the powers of the president, but belongs exclusively to the Congress. Nevertheless, it does rest with the president to express his profound veneration for the true religion and for sound education, and his ardent wishes arc that their influence may abound in this new-born country. Their fortunate tendency to ameliorate the condition of mankind in both social and economic relations is fully conceded, while their benignant influence concerning the world of the Eternal Future through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will never again be doubted. I cannot let th:s occasion pass, Honorable Count, without assuring you that I have conceived for you the highest consideration and esteem during your much too short sojourn in our country, and if it pleases the Holy See to use your talents for the good of Texas, it will give great pleasure to Your most respectful servant Sam Houston PROCLAMATION: OFFERING REWARD FOR THE CAPTURE OF A CRIMINALl Whereas having received official information from Bexar, that on the 20th Ultimo a man by the name of J. H. Nash, com- mitted, as appeared by an inquest legally held on the occasion, "willful and unprovoked murder," by stabbing a Mexican youth 16 or 17 years of age, and escaped the officers of justice: I do, therefore, by these presents in the name of the Republic of Texas, offer a reward of two hundred dollars for the appre- hension and delivery of the said Nash to any Judge or Justice of the Peace of this Republic, in order that he may be dealt with according to law. The murderer was subsequently seen on the Gonzales road travelling eastward. "He is about five feet eight inches high, black hair and eyes, stout built, ruddy complexion, and about twenty eight years of age." In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the republic. of Texas to be hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the City of Houston, the eighth day of August, A.D. 1837, and of the Independence of the republic the second. Sam Houston. By the President, R. A. Irion, Sec'y of State. 1 Proclamcitions of the Presidents, Rcpnblic of Texas; also Doc11111 e 11ts under the Great Seal, Reco1·d Book No. 37, p. 29; and Doc11mc11ts 1111cler the Great Secil, Reconl Book No. 98, 9-10 (from the Department of State), Texas State Library. Telegmph and Tc:rns R egister, August 12, 1837.
Powered by FlippingBook