The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

145

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860

Art. 1958 (p. 425) declares that if any person elected Assessor and Collector is a defaulter, a new election shall be ordered &c. Is the Executive to regard those returned "delinquent" by the Comptroller as "defaulters" and act accordingly? An early reply is solicited. Sam Houston.

1 Executive Rcc.ords, 1859-1861, p. 108. Texas State Library,

TO MIDDLETON T. JOHNSON 1 Executive Department, Austin, September 13th, 1860. [Repeating orders to disband his command.]

1 Executive Records, 1859-1861, p. 228, Texas State Library.

ADDRESS AT THE UNION MASS MEETING, AUSTIN, TEXAS, SEPTEMBER 22, 1860 1 Ladies and Fellow Citizens: I had looked forward with many pleasing anticipations to this occasion, as I always do to a meet- ing with my fellow-citizens, hoping that no untoward circum- stance would arise to prevent my giving full utterance to my sentiments on the political topics of the day; but ill-health has overtaken me, and I have against the advice of my physician, arisen from a sick bed to make my apology for not being able to fill my appointment; but being here, I will endeavor to say a few words in behalf of the Union, and the necessity of union to preserve it, which I trust will not fall unheeded. The condition of the country is such, the dangers that beset it are so numerous, the foes of the Union so implacable and energetic, that no risk should be heeded by him who has a voice to raise in its behalf; and so long as I have strength to stand, I will peril even health in its cause. I had felt an interest in this occasion on many accounts. It is said that a crisis is impending. The clamor of disunion is heard in the land. The safety of the Government is threatened; and it seemed to me that the time had come for a renewal of our vows of fidelity to the Constitution and to interchange, one with the other, sentiments of devotion to the whole country. I begin to feel that the issue really is upon us, which involves the perpetuity of the Government which we have received from our fathers.

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