The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860

109

In sending warrants for my signature for such service, you will see that the calculations for pay are made in accordance with the provisions of that law, and not under the joint Reso- lution of November 18th, 1859, as I am determined not to sanc- tion a higher rate than the law under which they were mus- tered entitles them to receive. I have been informed that I signed a warrant on yesterday for soldiers' pay drawn under the joint Resolution instead of under the Regiment Bill. Not having copies of the pay rolls, and being assured that it was all right, I signed the warrant, and that error can only be attributed to the fact that I supposed that sworn officers would carry out the law and obey the orders of the Executive and not practise deception. Sam Houston.

1 Execiitive Reco,·ds, 1859-1861, p. 202, Texas State Library.

To AsHBEL SMITH 1

Austin, July 25, 1860.

Private My Dear Smith, You did promise to visit the Poin.t-see the mill, and write to me. Do you recollect the promise? You have nothing to do, and could write often, and you know that your letters always interest me. I, now and then, snatch a moment from my duties to salute a friend, and I am sure that you out of your abundance could give me a part of your time. I am with politics as Falstaff was with strong Potations. I will let the world wag, and if it does well, & suits others, it will suit me! I am as easy as an old shoe, and have come to the sage conclusion, that if the people can do without my services, I am sure that I can do without their suffrages. So you see I still retain a share of common sense ! If you see our friends, Colonel Morgan, Hagerman & other friends, please to salute them for me! I hope that they will sustain the State Ticket. If they don't, I can't save the Treasury. Truly Thine, Sam Houston.

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