WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1861
231
of the South. I cannot declare myself ready to desert them, as well as our Southern brethren of the border (and such I believe will be the sentiment of Texas), ~ntil at least one firm attempt has been made to preserve our constitutional rights within the Union. In conclusion, allow me to say that whatever may be the future of the people of Alabama, my hopes and ardent prayers for their prosperity will attend them. When I remember their progress, and the evidences they have had of the blessings of free govern- ment, I join you in the belief that they "will not act with rash- ness or thoughtlessness, but with mature and deliberate considera- tion." Forty-seven years ago, to prevent the massacre of her citizens, it was upon her soil, that I gave the first proofs of my manhood in devotion to the Union. The flag that I followed then was the same stars and stripes which the sons of Alabama have aided to plant on many a victorious field. Since then, Alabama has risen from an almost wilderness region, under the fostering care of the Federal Government and the power embraced in the Union, to a great, wealthy, and prosperous people, and has ob- tained a position, which without union with the other States, she could not have achieved for ages, if ever. Receive for yourself and the people of Alabama, whose ac- credited Commissioner you are, the assurances of my esteem and consideration. Sam Houston. 1 Jowrnal of the Senate, State of Texas, Eighth Legislature (Extra Ses- sion), pp. 32-37; Jounial of the House of Reprcsenta,tives, State of Texas, Eighth Legislature ( Extra Session), pp. 35-41; 111cssages of the Governors, Texas State Library; The Stmidard, January 26, 1861; The T1·11e Issue, January 24, 1861. ~Calhoun's letter is to be found in Jo11r11al of the Senate, State of Texas, Eighth Legislatu1·e (Extra Session), pp. 31-32.
To CLEMENT R. JOHNS 1 Executive Department, Austin, January 9th, 1861.
Hon. Clement R. Johns, State Comptroller Sir: Your note of the 7th is before me, in which you desire to be referred to some law authorizing the use of the Fund derived from University Land Sales. The Executive is aware that no positive law exists authorizing the use of that fund, but as it is incidental to the University Fund whicli was appropriated for the purposes of Frontier Defence,
Powered by FlippingBook