The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume II

59

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837

1 Publ-ic Debt Papers, Texas State Library. 2 The Hardin family came to Texas in 1825 and settled at Liberty. The family consisted of Swan and J erusha Hardin and their five sons: Benja- min Watson, Augustine Blackburn, William, Frank, and Milton. They came from Maury County, Tennessee. All five of the sons became energetic, useful cit:zens, and the County of Hardin is named in their honor. William Hardin held the office of alcalde and later that of Primary Judge of Liberty County. Later he removed to Galveston, and died there in July, 1839. See Z. T. Fulmore, The History and Geography of Texas as Told in County Names, 110-112.

To THOMAS ToBY 1

Columbia, Texas. 21st Feby. 1837 My dear Sir, Our news here from the U. S. is not very satis- factory about what is passing there in relation to Texas. You will ere this have seen Colo. Thruston, the Commissary General of Texas. With him, was sent requisitions and I hope to God, you will have them filled. It is all important to us. If our army is not supplied, all our blood has been shed in vain. You need not fear to incur any risk, by advancing to our wants; the Scrip sent will enable you to render to our cause all the aid that we may need. I was opposed to the issue of Scrip, but to indemnify you, I yielded my notions of policy, and with a firm belief, that all our wants wou'd be met by you; and that no injury cou'd result to you, as the Congress wou'd meet at so early a day as to relieve you before any embarrassments could result from ad- vances now made. I pray you to send out the "Independence" for Gods-sake! Do not let her remain in Orleans idle, when she might save the nation. I rely upon you! we will want supplies, and let us have them! Prime ammunition, Bread, meat, clothing, flints, indeed every- thing, necessary for an army. I wou'd like to see you, at the meeting of Congress 1st of May! Col. Thruston will receive the requisitions for supplies, and make known to you the amount. Reports says you will furnish nothing for us, but this I have not believed, nor, will I, until I have an assurance from you. Write to me every thing new. Sam Houston Thomas Toby, Texas Agent. [Addressed]: To Mr. Thomas Toby. Texas Agent New Or- leans La Capt Thompson.

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