WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
52
Department, he drew some $12,000 under an appropriation pro- viding for the officers of the Texas Navy, the session previous to the death of General Rusk. My protest was either not seen by the Secretary, or was crim- inally disregarded. If the papers are relative to this, the pro- test, &c., are not to be found in the Navy Department, you will, I think, obtain them from the clerks there. You may possibly obtain a copy of the Commission issued to him, as he was a Lieutenant in the Texas Navy at the time of annexation, or it may be that Mr. Snow, a clerk in the coast survey, may have one, as he was also a Lieutenant in the Texas Navy. If you wish my deposition in relation to any facts, present them to me in the shape of interrogatories, and so far as I can knowingly answer them, I will do so. I think that the law mak- ing the appropriation for Texas officers (if there has ever been one) cancels all claims against the Government. Read my speech and you will see what it is!!! Very respectfully Sam Houston. Hon. R. L. Gillett, Court of Claims
1 Executive Records, Book No. 278, p. 156, Texas State Library. 2 See The W1·itings, VI, 30-63, for a copy of this speech.
To JoHN H. CocHRANl Executive Department, Austin, May 14th, 1860.
I
Lieutenant John H. Cochran, Belknap Sir, Replying to your letter of the 5th, I would say that it is not my intention, at present, to order out more men. Should it become necessary hereafter you will then be remembe·red. With a view to the condition of the Treasury and to the fact that the Indians are leaving the settlements, the Executive hopes soon to be able to call in the troops now in the service, and thus to relieve the State of so enormous a burden. You will be particular to keep a correct account of every day's service performed by the men under your command in actual pursuit of the Indians and in protection of the frontiers of your County, as you will have to certify, on oath, that each day's service was absolutely necessary.
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