485
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
fixed in power. ·He will have to consult the prejudices of the Priesthood, and the populace, on whom he is dependent for his powers. If he can be free to consult his wishes, uncontrolled by circumstances, it will be a matter of pride and ambition to acquire the reputation of a humane and generous conqueror! These are my views, tho' I may be mistaken. Santa Anna must have observed the sentiments of the ·Civilized world in relation to his own capture, preservation and liberation. With these before him, he will perceive that humanity and the intelligence of the age will demand in behalf of his own fame that he should extend the greater lenity to the prisoners. He does not lack per- ception, and his love of fame is inordinate! He will be aware that the civilized world will expect of him a conformity to the general state of civilization and enlightened polity! . It is believed here, and I do not doubt the truth of the assertion, that Santa Anna intends, and will if he can, send a large force, and station it upon the Rio Grande & from that line send out into our Territory parties of cavalry, such as may annoy and injure us the most! Assail all frontier points,-bear off such goods and citizens, as they may think will do us greatest injury. If this should not be done within one year, I'll answer, that we shall have peace upon our Rio Grande border! Write to me much, yes all, and every thing! Mrs. Houston sends to you her very kind greeting. Salute all my friends and say that I will be busy here for some seven weeks from the time I left! Truly thy sinc~re friend! Sam Houston. W. D. Miller [Addressed] : To W. D. Miller Esq Private Secretary Austin Texas Mail [Endorsed] : President Houston Feby 15, 1842 Recd Feb. 22d 1842 Answered Feb. 23d 1842 1 From Mr. Al Dealey's Collection, Dallas, Texas.
TO WILLIAM HENRY DAINGERFIELD 1
Galveston, 27th Feby, 1842.
My dear Colonel, 2 The indisposition of Mrs. Houston, since I came to this place has been such as to embarrass me to some extent. I regret that I have only time to say a word to you,
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