262
WRITINGS OF SAM I-loUSTON, 1838
the fifth but not the seventh son in the family. There is some- thing hidden, and to me mysterious in these dysenteries that I do not comprehend. I learn nothing of interest in this quarter, save the opportune showers which we have recently enjoyed. Much corn was late, and that will be much benefitted. The forward crops are but middling or rather "<lousy." Poor Menard has lost his Excellent Lady, from hemorrhage, but of what character I have not learned. He is inconsolable in his grief at her loss. He loved her much, and only the other day I saw them both so happy. They had no care-joy sat upon their countenances!!! Dr. Smith will tell you all that you wou'd desire to hear of me. I hope you will have the goodness to salute my friends all, Hock- ley, Birdsall, Thruston, and Hoyle particularly. Oh, don't forget the Ladies. 1 Dallas Morning News, March 28, 1915. As printed in the News, this letter had no address, no salutation, and no signature, but from the context it is evident that it was written to Dr. Robert A. Irion, and that Houston was the writer. 2 There were only three books-and one was a mere pamphlet-to which Houston could have referred: David B. Edward, The History of Texas; or, the Emigrant's, fa1'1ner's, and volitician's guide, etc., Cincinnati, 1836; Mrs. Mary Austin Holley, Texas (Lexington, Kentucky, 1836); and Houston Displaytd, 01· Who Won the Battle of Scm Jacinto, By a Farmer, which had been printed at Velasco during the month of June, probably May, of 1837. Only the last, according to the opinion of this annotator, could have justified Houston's description "an infernal kind of book, a History of Texas." While the author of this pamphlet chose to shield himself behind the nom de plume, "A Farmer," it is now a well-known fact that the pamphlet was dictated by Colonel Robert M. Coleman, and written out and printed by Algernon P. Thompson, at Velasco, in the late spring or early summer of 1837. At the time of its publication it stirred up a great controversy. To AsHBEL SMITH 1 At Mr. A. Cherrys, 80 Miles from Houston, 10th July, 1838. My dear Smith, Mr. Ross 2 has been unwell for three days. He was first attacked with Diarrhea, and was not bled until the 3rd day. He mends none, his discharges are bloody and dark. His tongue is furred, and a constant pain in his bowels. I feel great solicitude on his account, and therefore send for you with a request that you will, if possible, come forthwith, in company with Mr. Johnson, the bearer who will shew you the nearest way
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