WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1841
368
The subject of your enquiries, I feel do [due] delicacy in re- sponding to; but must be allowed to refer you to my invariable course of conduct in public life. I never have entered upon the discharge of any public or national trust, embarrassed by any pledge, which, to maintain it, might in any event prejudice the welfare of my country. I did not think well of the removal of the seat of government, at the time it was made, because I thought it unnecessary and unwise, for we were poor, and I doubt not but that it cost the nation at least $300,000, and violated a pledge given, by a former act of Congress, (which could not be cancelled before 1841) for it to remain at Houston. I never was in favor of its being located at Houston, in the first instance. But once being located, I thought it well for it to remain there for some time to come. Since its location at Austin, the frontiers have suffered more from Indian depredations than at any other time in the history of Texas, for the same period. This, however, may be more owing to the conduct of those in power than anything connected with locality. The course which I pursued in relation to the subject of re- moval, while a member of congress (session before last) was in strict obedience to the instructions of my immediate constitu- ents, and if I had not done so, it would have been my duty to resign my seat, as their representative. I was opposed to molest- ing the subject at the last session, because I was unwilling to see any matter mooted, that might by possibility create any feelings which in the end might add to the present embarrassments and calamities of the country. The seat of government being now at Austin, would present many considerations connected with any change in its removal in future. I have no prejudice against Austin; I have no interest in its removal to any other place; and therefore, if the subject should be agitated, so as to be presented to me as a chief magis- trate, in the event of my election to that station, I would give it my calm and unbiased consideration, as a matter of national interest, and without advertency to either local or sectional feel- ing or interest. I deem the efficient protection of the frontier against the Indians, as a desideratum in the policy of Texas. And should I be elected, it shall be protected ! ! It is fit that I should here state, that whilst I was President, the whole amount placed at my disposition for that purpose was only $50,000. I was denounced because I did not render the protection required.
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