The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume III

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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,2

138

less of irritation, and so much the less food for demagogues and agitators. When the matter is understood of their release, it may give us a squint into the affairs of Mexico which we have not before enjoyed. In the expectation of seeing you here, I did not send you letters from Major Reilly,3 touching our affairs with Mexico. The main point was, that Mr. Webster· 1 had written to Gen. Thompson~ a pretty strong letter, and in substance that Mexico ought to make peace with Texas- that those powers which had recognized Texas would rather see such a result; and among other things, the Major sent his resignation, which I, of course, accepted. The Major thinks his case a hard one. His mind seems to ha\_:e fallen into a queer snarl about money matters; he cannot understand them with all that we have done. In his place, I have sent Mr. Van Zandt 0 to Washington. He will be prudent, and will not "jump high" enough to endanger his safety. Don't you attempt to come, until you can do so without danger of a relapse. Since Congress rose, all things appear to wear smoothly, and I hope we will get on, after a fashion. The chances now are rather in our favor. Though, as Fullenvyder said, "it will be a d--d <light squeese" if we get on tolerably well for some time to come ! Mrs. Houston has been quite ill, and is not yet able to sit up. I am just as busy as usual. I pray you to commend me with best wishes to Madam, and kiss for me your auburn-pated urchin. I have the "Diplomatist" on my back, so _you may imagine how much time I have for my friends. Poor Hunt, 7 I am half angry with him; but he is so amiable a simpleton, that I really pity and forgive him. If [---] he would only let me alone. He writes all but what duty compels me to write. Now, I will close that. When you can in safety come, I will be very happy to see you. Sam Houston Hon. Anson Jones, Brazos, Texas [Endorsed]: There is much mystery and double-meaning in this letter, else the President does not know how to express him- self. Van Zandt is well enough- very well. A. J. [ Endorsed in 1844] : In this letter are seen the germs of the " Somerville Campaign," out of which naturally enough, grew the equally unwise " Mier Expedition." I constantly opposed these war movements of the President, though I was obliged to seeni, publically, to yield, as on some other occasions. I recom- mended him early in the session to urge a heavy "war tax" for

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