WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
69
in conclusion of your note, "yet it is the opinion of the Comp- troller that such an issue would fall greatly under par." I would blush for my Country, if I could believe it was the wish or intention of the Legislature, thus manifestly, to pay off their servants in such a manner as would defraud them of their just earnings. You will therefore in accordance with the 2nd section of the Act of February 3rd, 1860, "audit and adjust all claims and ac- counts created under the provision of this section, and certify such adjustments to the party interested," and if you still deem it impolitic to extend justice to these Rangers, by declaring that their audited claims shall bear interest, the Executive will deem it his duty to take the responsibility of countersigning them and guaranteeing interest upon the same at the rate of ten per cent per annum until paid. You may think it wise and "politic" to defraud the soldier, I do not. We are told in Holy Writ that "the laborer is worthy of his hire," and I am determined not to be a party in withholding it. Sam Houston. 1 Compfrollers' Lette,·s; also Executive Reco,·ds, 1859-1861, p. 169, Texas State Library. Johns's reply, May 29, to Houston's note of May 28th, is also in Comptrolle,·s' Lette,·s.
To B. F. MITCHEL 1
Austin, Texas, May 29, 1860. My Dear Colonel, I have almost despaired of hearing from you. I begged you to write to me and tell me about Chester Lyens Colts, as I told Major Howard when I sold him, that I would let him know what sort they were. I also requested you to see if Mr. Miller would agree to take him to San Antonio so soon as the season was out. You have not answered me, and Mr. Howard will be at a loss to know why I have not made an arrangement to have him sent. Do if you please write to me and let me know of these matters. Did you stand him this season at $15.00, as I wished? I have but little time to write, except on the business of my office. ,vrite to me at Huntsville, as I shall have to be there soon and put on the letter "Care of Col. Carothers." Please make our regards to
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