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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
If .an attempt should be made to grant a mandamus, it could not be issued against, nor directed to any one, but the Secretary of the Treasury. The Collector will be governed by instructions, from him. The whole would have to be laid before the Executive, and of course he would refer it to the Attorney General of the Republic for advice. I apprehend a Judge can only issue a Mandamus in Term time. ·Sam Houston [ Rubric] [ P. S.] Tell our friend Gail not to let them vex him by any means. 1 Com.ptrolle1·'s Letters, Texas State Library. See Houston to William G. Crump, July 5, 1842.
AUGUST, 1842 To ANSON JONES 1
City of Houston, 2d,, Aug., 1842. My Dear Sir,- That you were unwell, I knew, but until Mr. Johnson 2 informed me yesterday, I was not apprised of your extreme illness. I was glad to hear that you were "able to shave"-these shaving times. You, no doubt, have all the particulars of Congress. "It got through," as some of the members said, while others, in my opinion, thought they had only got their "foot into it." They are gone, and no war, nolens volens, but as much as can be had of the willing kind. I do sincerely hope that it may and will go on. It is the only kind of war that the country can sustain. Had I sanctioned the war bill, I could not have commanded any means within twelve months, and the ardor of our people while it is restrained, is most impetuous. I would have been in a state of constant vexation, and threats of revolution would have been constant. As things now stand, there can be no censure upon the Executive. All that has been desired is embraced in the project; and for my country's sake, and for the credit of those who have been so anxious, I sincerely hope there will be volun- teers enough to answer the design of a visit to the Rio Grande. We will see! [y. Mier Expedition.-A. J.] This moment I have learned that our Santa Fe prisoners have been released, and will soon return to Texas. At this I am much rejoiced for various reasons. First, because the sufferings of our countrymen are ended, and they are free. We have one cause
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