WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842 145 When I left office in 1838, the country was prosperous and happy and property was valuable. Immediately after the inaugu- ration of my then successor, more than one million dollars were appropriated for the "protection of the Northwestern frontier." Our money also was then of value and our nation had credit at home and abroad. What is our situation now? Did I produce our present calamities-or did I find them when I came into office? I found them upon the country. I have not had time or means to relieve it from the burden of its afflictions. Look at the cause and it will be seen that time will be necessary to create a remedy. If those who are discontented and complain most, were to succeed in destroying the present government and the Presi- dent, by what means would they create a better state of things? "A wise man will not pull down and destroy his house until he is assured that he can build a better." "Reason and patience belong to the wise, but the silly are hasty to do mischief," and "a wise man will seek out a remedy, which the thoughtless will not under- stand." I have been devoted to the true interest of my country, and I will not depart from my duty so long as I am connected with it, either in public or private life; and if I can render it any good I am willing to receive for my faithful service abuse as well as praise. My devotion to the salvation of my country embraces the prosperity of every patriot in Texas. Those who wish to embark in war against Mexico will find that the President has done everything in his power to give it forwardness. If the people wish to fight, they have its authority and besides the encouragement he has given to them, they have his sincere wishes for the most perfect success and glory in the proposed campaign. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, 135-137. Texas State Library.
To WILLIAM G. CRUMP 1
City of Houston, 12th August, 1842.
Mr. Crump You will please give to Mr. Kloppenberg a Draft for fifty eight Dollars and thirty three cents, on the custom house, or Collector at Galveston. Sam Houston [Rubric] [ Addressed] : To Mr. W. G. Crump Present 1 Compt1·olle1·'s Lette1·s, Texas State Library.
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