The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860

86

United States, in prosecuting the Survey. Such is the law creat- ing the Board of Commission. The Executive thoroughly understands the law, is fully capable of construing it, and as energy and perseverance in the joint and harmonious action of the Board are so directly essential to the speedy and economical completion of the ,vork, he requests that the orders shall be implicitly obeyed. You will therefore act in consultation and concurrence with the other members of the board. And when the survey shall have been completed, you will be ex- pected to return by the nearest possible route. The Executive cannot approve of horse racing, card playing, or drinking, nor is ·he particularly favorable to whoring. You will report, by every opportunity, the progress you are making and general particulars. It is hoped that no petty jealousy will exist to mar or impede the joint action of the Board and if rivalry should exist, let it be as to the one who can do the most work, and confer the most lasting benefits upon the Country. These orders will be sent to the Board. Sam Houston.

1 Executive Reco,·ds, 1859-1861, pp. 181, 182, Texas State Library.

A PARDON FOR A SLAVE, JUNE 26, 1860t The State of Texas. Whereas, At the Spring Term, A. D. 1860, of the District Court held in and for the County of Burleson and State of Texas, a certain negro slave George, the property of A. Mosley, was tried and found guilty of an assault upon Samuel Johnson, a free white man, and sentenced to be hanged on the 29th day of June, 1860, the execution of which sentence was suspended by me on the 20th of said month (June, 1860) and a respite granted until the 15th of July next; and Whereas, it has been represented to me, by the petition of sundry citizens of said County, that the blow struck by said slave was done under peculiar and aggravated Circumstances, and left no permanent injury; and from all the facts appearing manifest-sufficient reasons seem to exist to justify the exercise of Executive clem- ency; Therefore, I, Sam Houston, Governor of the State of Texas, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and laws, do hereby grant unto the said Slave George, a full and free pardon and the Sheriff of the Said County, and all those under him, will observe and obey my order and decree and release the Said

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