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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1838
about forty or fifty miles, when, he was attacked with diarrhea, but he did not communicate the fact for two days, believing it was not serious. So soon as I was apprised of it, I gave such medicines as were proper. He was better, and we travelled six miles to meet our appointment with the Indians. I thought it prudent for him not to proceed, but to remain as the place was pleasant, and the population sparse. I proceeded on to meet the Indians and the same evening returned. In the meantime, and the third day after his first indisposition, I had sent to the city of Houston for the Surgeon General of the army, who came in great haste. T'he distance of Express was 200 miles which was made in less than three days. Dr. Smith was in time to relieve Mr. Ross, and after spending one week and being assured of his convallescence [sic] I was compelled to leave him with the Sur- geon General with orders to remain until Mr. Ross was able to travel on horse back with comfort. At the same time I left my horse which he preferred riding, and engaged a man to come on with him to Nacogdoches. The Surgeon General accompanied him to Mr. Burns who was to come on with him. After spending one night, and deeming him safe he returned to Houston not well, and has since been at the point of death for weeks. Soon after his departure Mr. Ross took a relapse and gradually de- clined until his death. After his relapse he once sent me word that if he had a carriage, he thought he could come on to me. By a circuitous route I sent an express stating that no carriage could pass the road, that a revolt had taken place with the Mexi- can population in Nacogdoches County and that the enemy were between us so that he could not be removed. · I have been assured that every attention and kindness was extended to him in his sickness. In the outset, and till it was known that he was recovering, I passed my nights without slum- ber. I would never have left him had it not been for the antici- pated revolution which I had barely time to meet, and the effects of which are not yet passed by. The effects of Mr. Ross I will hand over to Maj. Reuben Ross, and render any aid in adjusting his interests possible. The papers which you were pleased to confide to me were mislaid during my extreme indisposition last fall of which I advised Maj. Ross. Should you place dupUcates in my hands, I will be proud to render any possible aid, previous to my retiring from office which will be in December next! You may be assured, Madam, that while you are bereaved of a noble son, I am deprived of a valued friend-one whom I had
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