197
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
presented for liquidation. This amount will always be kept un- expended unless by special orders from me. Sam Houston. 1 Executfoe Record Book, No. 40, p. 157, Texas State Library. :?James B. Shaw was born in Ireland. He graduated from the University of Dublin. Having a considerable fortune and wishing to see the world, he came to America, and settled fhst at New Orleans. In 1837 he came to Texas, and in a short time was the chief clerk in the Treasury Department. In 1840 he was made comptroller, a position he held until 1858. During this time of service, however, he was frequently called upon to serve as Acting Secretary of the Treasury. He 1·endered invaluable aid in the settlement of the Texas debt after annexation, because of his thorough knowledge of the Texas financial question. During the 60's he removed to Galveston, and died there. James B. Shaw established one of the most beautiful homes of Austin, Texas-J,Jloodlawn, known today as the "Of,d Pease Place." This estate originally consisted of two hundred acres overlooking Shoal Creek. The house was constructed by one of the well-remembered master builders of the 50's and 60's, Abner H. Cook. Cook also constructed the Governor's Mansion, and several other of the better old buildings of Austin. HAMILTON TO ALEXANDER SOMERVELL 1 Department of War & Marine, Washington, 19th Nov. 1842. To Brig. General A. Somervell Com'dg. Army South W. Frontier Sir-: It is a matter of surprise as well as regret, that no reports have been received from you relative to your progress and movements, when daily opportunities are offered you by men ieaving your encampment for their homes. The department is ignorant, except from rumor of men in camp of their condition for service - the quantity of supplies on hand or the prospect of procuring them. It has been represented that the whole number of men in camp will not exceed Six hundred; and that a part of them will not report, inasmuch as they do not understand clearly the character of your orders - that they are not disposed voluntarily to join the expedition of the force; and further, that supplies of both ammunition and provisions are insufficient. I am under the neces- sity of making the enquiry whether these rumors be true, because you have failed to keep the Department advised of the state of things:- Your orders were to neither 1nuste1· into service nor issue supvlies of any kind to any but those who 1·ep01·ted with a firm resolve to cross the Rio Grande if required to do so. Vvere they read and explained to the troops upon your arrival in camp?
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