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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
performance of obligations. To moot this subject in the United States would be to awaken and interpose obstacles to success if it did not defeat the project. No, the Bond holders are the men to whom we are first to look. It is stated here that they, the B[ond] H[olders], are offered their bonds at 33¼ 1 per cent dis- count, and even less than that. If this matter succeeds-no mat- ter under whose direction-they could, if it is wisely and ably managed, realize every dollar of the principal, as well as the interest, of their debt in five years. This, I believe, but will they think so? Will men in London trust any man so far from home? But we can see and try. As to the plan of operations, that is a small matter; and if we have the sinews, without which no man can move, it will be an easy matter to give motion to the achievement in the right direction. So soon as Judge Hancock receives an answer, I will apprise you of it. In the meantime, let me hear from you as often as you may find it convenient, as you know that it delights me at all times to hear from you. I will write today to General Ben McCulloch; you can let him see my letter. Ben will do .for a ve:r;y "big Captain" as my Red brothers say. Mrs. Houston unites with me in regards and benedictions to yourself and son. Devotedly Thine, Sam Houston. Mann. 1 Gove1"1U>1·s' Letters (1860); also Executive Rec.01·ds 1 1859-1861, pp. 215- 216, Texas State Library. The Colonel Mann to whom Houston wrote was probably Charles L. Mann who was appointed Adjutant General ad intc1·i1n after the death of William G. Cooke on December 24, 1847. Mann served in that office until John D. Pitts qualified as Adjutant General on March 20, 1848. See State Department Records, Vol. 258, p. 1, also Vol. 274, p. 50, Texas State Library. 2 For John Hancock, see Volume VI, 192, 362. 3 See Houston to P. T. Richa1·dson, September 3, 1860, in this volume.
To BEN McCuLLOCH 1
Austin, August 28, 1860. My Dear General, Today I have written to our friend, Colonel Mann/ and advised that you should see the contents. You will
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