320
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1862
of the Bill of Rights, declares in the last clause, "And no law shall ever be passed curtailing the liberty of speech or the press.' 1 How far this is regarded I cannot say, but I have heard that in- formers are busy, from what motives, I know not and care not, in reporting to the Provost Marshal private conversations, said to be used in families and grave inferences deduced from them against parties, without the slightest foundation in truth, and to the scandal of those whom they seek to implicate. These evils are annoying, and vexatious to patriots. If they had been introduced from necessity, and without expense to the government, very well; and when we take into consideration that they will unnecessarily burthen the community with an additional tax of at least one half million of dollars, it furnishes another grave cause for regret. I murmur at no necessary contributions to crown our cause with success. In my only son out of child- hood, I have given to it the staff of my age and the right arm of my strength. The unutterable anguish which I have witnessed in my domestic circle, as well in relation to the mystery which hangs around our son's fate, as his suffering from his wounds, has not caused me to utter a complaint, or to think less of my rights as a freeman and patriot, than I have done in other days. It would be unmanly in me were I to pine at my lot, when I witness all around me many others who have suffered greater bereavements, and whose sorrows claim my liveliest sympathy. That you, sir, may live to enjoy a prosperous and happy ad- ministration for yourself and for your country, is my sincere and earnest desire. Truly thy friend, Sam Houston. 1 Houston (T,·iweekly) Telegraph, March 9, 1863. A number of other Texas papers mention this letter, and one or two make brief extracts from it, but this copy in the Telegraph is the only complete text found. To s. M. SwENSON 1 Private Cedar Point, August 14, 1862. My dear Colon~!, I was delighted to hear of your safe return to Texas. You will deserve the honor of your scars. We were all happy to learn that your wounds were not mortal. May you long enjoy your honors in evidences of your country's gratitude. You could come down to the vicinity of Houston but not ex- tend your visit to the fish country, though I suppose there [is]
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