WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1862
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a little angling where you were. On hearing of your trips I was so much excited as you did not come to see us that I could not repress the following impromptu:
How sweet the·nectar on the lip, The honey bee would fondly sip, How sweet that dear enchanting smile That all the warrior's cares beguiles, These the proud trophies earned in wars Rich recompense of soldiers' scars, Who would not meet a hostile band In hopes such treasures to command?
So, my dear Colonel, my muse was not asleep. I presume your trip was a pleasant one. I dare not ask what was the result of it, but if I were Paul Pry, I should be very curious to know something about it. Of course, you know we would all be very glad to hear from you, as we regard you as one of our family. We would be delighted if you would visit us, and if you come we shall try to give you some of the best oysters and fish in the Bay. We live poorly, but we will try to dress our diet with a hearty welcome. Can't you come to see us? We try, and we desire to live quietly-I never leave my place unless called by urgent business, and return the first moment I can command. Yet, I learn that Provost Marshals are especial in their inquisitions about matters which may transpire at my house, or what my children may say in their prattlings. This gives me but very little disquiet. I am at all times ready to answer for what my family, or myself may do or say. Today I have started an inquiry into some things I have heard. You may hear more of it by and bye. It is not sufficient that we have given our son, and our means to defend and sup- port the cause of Southern Independence. The reasons which I gave against secession and the predictions which I made are still brought up in the minds of my enemies and they cannot believe in my hearty support of the cause which is now of life and death to us all. I may exclaim with the Prophet Elijah, "Lord they have broken down thine altars, they have slain thy prophets, I alone am left, and they seek my life." So it was in a perverse generation, and human nature is the same now as it was then. If it were the will of my Heavenly Father that I should enjoy a tranquil evening and close of life, I would be
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