The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume II

29

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837

are required to wear crape on the right arm for the space of thirty days. All officers commanding posts, garrisons or detach- ments, will, so soon as information is received of this melancholy event, cause twenty-three* guns to be fired with an interval of five minutes between each, and also have the garrison and regi- mental colors, hung black during the space of mourning for the illustrious deceased. By order of the President. Wm. S. Fisher, Secretary of War 1 Tele9raph mul Texas Reg1'ster, (Tuesday) December 27, 1836. The note indicat2d by the asterisk is in the source. Following the order from the War Department is the following from the Navy Department: Ordcrs-Navy Department Columbia, December 27, 1836 Every commander of a squadron, station, single vessel, or naval depot is hereby required in accordance with the above "General Order," to carry into effect the same according to the usages of the naval service of the United States-firing the indicated number of guns, at the specified inter- vals, keep:ng the colors half mast from sunrise to sunset, and in all things paying the same honors as would be due to the most distinguished individual of the United States of the North. S. Rhoads Fisher, Secretary of the Navy. *Number of counties in the Republic.

JANUARY, 1837

To ANNA RAGUET 1

Columbia, Texas, 1st Jany., 1837

My Excellent Friend ::i I have learned that you have reached home in charrning health and spirits. I am rejoiced to learn of it, and avail myself of a mo- ment to say a "happy new year." This is a part of the return for placing on my armoiw when we parted. In a few days I will again set out for the army, and, if rumou'r be true, I will again wear it. If so, I hope the spell will still last, and if I am not mistaken, you shall have more laurels. If I win them, you shall have them, for I dare only wear the "civic wreath." I hope you at least will enjoy peace, security and happiness if tocsin of war is again sounded on our borders. I did intend to forward to you a few stanzas 3 for criticism, but as it would be taking liberty with the brain of a friend, I feel some hesitancy. I may yet send them previous to my departure for the army.

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