The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

178

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860

selected to bear them to that city and attend to the settlement of the business. • I would name George J. Durham, Esq., Chief Clerk in the Comptroller's Office as a person eminently fitted. His long con- nection with the Comptroller's Office has given him a knowledge of all matters connected with the business, possessed by no other person. His official connection with the Comptroller's office, and the fact that he is under bond and oath, will not only enable him to explain any points of difficulty which may arise, but will also effectually secure the interests of the State. Sam Houston.

1 Executive Reco1·ds, 1859-1861, p. 243, Texas State Library.

To CYRUS H. RANDOLPH 1 Executive Department, Austin, November 3, 1860.

Hon. Cyrus H. Randolph, State Treasurer Sir: A reference to your Report for the week ending on the 27th of October, shows the sum of $19,973.35 now in the Treasury on account of University Land Sales. In my opinion the law appropriating the University Fund for Frontier Defence may be so construed as to permit the use of this amount for the same purpose. It is incidental to the Uni- versity Fund. A proper discretion would permit the use of the amount, the same to be returned to the University Fund, whenever the State may be able to do so. We are now paying ten per cent per annum interest on our Treasury warrants. This amount will not only enable us to sustain the credit of the State to some extent, but will save per annum $1,997.35 interest. An early reply giving your views is solicited. Sam Houston.

1Executive Records, 1859-1861, p. 243, Texas State Library.

To WILLIAM c. DALRYMPLE 1 Executive Department, Austin, November 3, 1860.

Dear Colonel: I regret_ that I had not the pleasure to see you ere you left the City the day after my arrival. By the newspapers I perceive that the Comptroller has given notice that he will settle

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