WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1838
203
stating, that an individual, high in office here, who has long contemplated the publishing a history of Texas, has at one time promiEed me his notes and whatever matter he had for a history, and at another time refused the same; and that at one time (subsequently) he told me he was not going to publish at present, but that now I find he is about to publish; and that I know his publication, so far as regards the campaign of '36, will be an ex parte representation and derogatory to your Excellency: that such will be the character of the gentleman's publication I say I know, because I have heard his views expressed at length and I have them in writing and can sware to them. Now, Sir, before God, I would have endeavored to publish the truth without reflecting upon any one, or making known in advance my views of any one, had I not been a poor man and my interests tampered with: in the conviction that they have been, I hope I may be mistaken - time will show. In the mean time, may that conviction be some excuse for this communication and commend it to your more favorable notice. With great respect and esteem Chester Newell Chester Newell was a minister of the Gospel, who came to Texas in the early spring of 1837 seeking health. He decided to write a history of the Texas revolution in order to defray his expenses. He spent three months at the capital of the Republic studying the archives of the various depart- ments, especially those of the War Department. He says he had free access to all the documents of the archives, and that he had many conversations with outstanding public men of the day concerning current events and the happenings of the revolution. Among the men frequently interviewed he enumerates Houston, Lamar, Colonels Poe, Ward, Neill, Shackleford, and Felix Huston. Late in 1838 he published his book, History of the Revolution in Texas, Pa:,·ticularly of the Wa1· of 1895 & 1896, etc.
To ROBERT A. IRION, SECRETARY oF STATE 1
April 20, 1838 The Honorable Secretary of State will please to make out the appointment of John H. Money 2 as Chief ,Justice of the County if Austin. Sam Houston [Rubric] P. S. The nomination will be sent in with the General list of appointments from the State Department. H. 1 Cong1·cssional Papc1·s, 1837-1838; also Executive Letter Book, No. f, p. 143, Texas State Library. 2 See Houston to the Texas Senate, April 25, 1838.
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