WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
518
influence that you declared you would do, that unconditional lib- erty extended to you would interpose no obstacle to their ful- fillment. Without any advertence to any treaty stipulations which you had made with the cabinet of Texas, I gave you entire liberty, and safe conduct to the city of Washington. You have asserted to the world that you have given no pledge whatever to the Texian government of your disposition in favor of the separation from Mexico. That the tribunal to which you have appealed may judge of the validity of your assertion, I shall submit with this communication, a letter of yours addressed to me at Columbia, dated the 5th of November, 1836, after my determination to give you your liberty had been communicated. I shall present it in the original, accompanied with its translation into English. I will also give publicity to a veto which I com- municated to the Senate, in consequence of a resolution of that honorable body respecting your detention as a prisoner. You have spoken of events subsequent to the battle of San Jacinto, and endeavor to convey the idea that promises had been extorted from you under the rifles of a tumultuous soldiery. I am at a loss to comprehend your meaning in this reference. When you were brought into the encampment as a prisoner, the day after the battle, you were conducted into the presence of the commander-in-chief, not amid noise and tumult, nor did any exist. When the character of the prisoner was made known to the army, much curiosity was excited; but there was no menace used, or violence offered. You were treated with calmness and every courtesy extended to you that our situation would afford. Had you been a private gentleman and a friend you could have re- ceived no greater facilities than those that were extended to you. As you desired you were placed near my person, and not sent with the balance of the prisoners. You were informed that you could have your camp-bed and marquee brought to my quarters, where I lay confined with my wound. You were permitted to command the services of your attendants; you were also in- formed that your baggage should be selected from the spoils taken by the army on the field, which was accordingly done and never inspected. These privileges were granted by my order. Your aide-de-camp, Col. Almonte, and your private secretary, were per- mitted to remain with you in your marquee. A guard w:as main- tained for the purpose of allaying any apprehensions you might
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