322
WruTINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1839
four in Victoria. See Harriet Smither (ed.), The Jom"'lwls of the Fourth Cong1·ess of the Republic of Texas, II, 95. 7 Edward L. Holmes. 8 Miss Smither took the remainder of this speech from the Texas Sentinel, August 1, 1840. 9 The gentleman from Brazoria was John Harris. His speech, to which Houston refers, appeared in the Texas Sentinel, August 8, and 15, 1839. The latter part of the speech is included in Harriet Smither (ed.), The Jounuils of the Fourth Cong1·ess of the Republic of Texas, II, 117-120.
To ANNA RAGUET 1
City of Austin, 10th Dec. 1839. My dear Friend: Time after time have I intended to have written to you, but really our situation is so disagreeable, from cold and open houses, that we cannot attend to important business as I cou'd desire. This is the most unfortunate site upon earth for the Seat of Government, between water, cold region, indiffer- ent and sparce timber. It is removed outside of the settlement, and not a house between this and Santa Fe. Our eating is very plain, and no society to enjoy in this place, and I do not visit "court." It is said to be rather fine - so it should be from what appears on our financial records. The expenses of this year are appalling to those who do not wish to be buried by taxation. Without some change in affairs, the Government must cease, be- cause the situation of the people is not such as will enable them to pay an exorbitant contribution. There ·has been no care [-----]2 resources of the Nation [------] 2 all is over with poor. I might have been happy in ignorance at home had I known the full extent of Lamar's stupidity. The Red Landers get on not so well, and some will [----P from us and go to the Western Interest, and there are sectional feelings in Texas. There has been some warmth in Congress this session. There may be more yet ere we adjourn. When this will be I cannot conjecture. Some desire it immediately, but I deem it impolitick at this time, as we wou'd have to return in the Spring or Summer to finish the business which shou'd be done at this time. I have been ill of Fever and Ague - the dumb Ague! I hope I will be able to attend every hour that the House may sit. Please write to me when you can send it direct.
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