WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
440
that the action of the Congress was had with reference to the supposed previous action of the Auditor; which, however, was incorrect, inasmuch as the accounts have not yet been audited. The amounts claimed by the beneficiaries of the act, were con- sidered by the Executive as exorbitant; and such as neither cus- tom, the services rendered, not the circumstances of the country could justify. They were accordingly reduced to what was con- ceived a fair and even liberal compensation. Sam Houston 1 Exeetttive Record Book, No. 40, p. 25, Texas State Library. To MAJOR GEORGE T. How ARD 1 Executive Department, Washington, January 24h., 1842. To Maj. G. T. Howard : 2 Sir,-Understanding and approv- ing your disposition to render every aid and service in your power for the accommodation and temporary settlement of the emi- grants lately arrived from France, I respectfully request, that upon your reaching Galveston you will communicate with them and impress upon them the lively disposition of the Government to facilitate their location and give them every possible accommo- dation, until they shall be better able to make a permanent settle- ment in the colony contracted to be settled by Mr. Castro, and to which they are destined. You are authorized to inform them that they can proceed at once to San Antonio and select and occupy the vacant houses in that place, and cultivate such farms as may be unoccupied, taking due care not to interfere with the rights of any citizen who may wish to do the same. Capt. Hays has been instructed from the War Department upon the same subject and will fulfil his duty. A copy of the orders to him accompanies this note. The emigrants will find a French Consul at San Antonio, who will afford them protection; and you can advise them how best to reach there at their own cost. Mr. Castros left no agent in Texas, of which the government is informed, who might be able to direct their movements to the best advantage.. He certainly ought to have done so. The government, however, will do everything which its circumstances will permit to assist him in the execution of his enterprise. You will also please call on the French Minister, the Viscount de Cramayel,4 and acquaint him with the object of your visit
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