WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
128
see by it that I am for some work if it is undertaken. We look on it as a mission of mercy and humanity, and it must not sink into the character of spoil and robbery. It must be to elevate and exalt Mexico to a position among the nations of the world. A friend of yours and mine, wishes to know how long it would take Colonel Morse, or whoever may be the manufacturer, to make seven or ten thousand of his rifles, and what they could be finished at all complete? .If this question should be asked and get out, it would do no good, and might create a thousand foolish or silly rumors. So it is best to keep it Sub Rosa. I wish to obtain one of these rifles, and I will now describe it to you. The price I wish to know. Let it be three feet long in the barrel, bore 60 ball to the pound, from the end of the car- tridge to the muzzle rifled, the chamber smooth surfaced. The riffes, or the threads to be straight, and the rifling and grooving to be so made as to prevent the least possible friction. No twist in the rifles, perfectly straight. You will not approve of this plan, yet I feel assured that it is the best ever conceived by man. Were we together I could convince you of its truth. Have you suggested the improvement in the cartridge? I wish the gun to weigh from 7 to 8 pounds, and I wish it 8 inches from the butt to become gradually thin to the muzzle, leaving it thick enough at the muzzle so as not to dint or mash. Now, see if such a gun can be made, and what a plain one of good material will cost. I am thus particular, because I want one gun to my liking, and if I can get it, I will never try again, and it is my wish, too, Ben, to economize, for on the 12th inst. Mrs. Houston presented me with another son. Who that is a Christian would not feel interested in his household to provide for it? Salute all friends. Oh, Ben, on my honor, I forgot to tell you that I am out of the scrape for President. 8 I am arms folded, and will stay so unless some malice is squinted at me. Mrs. Houston and the children unite in regards to you. Don't get married. Thine Truly Sam Houston·. Ben McCulloch. 1Executive Records, 1859-1861, p. 216, Texas State Library. 2see to Charles L. Mann, August 27, 1860. ssee Houston to Friends in the United States, August 18, 1860.
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