255
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
~concerning the matter of this British claim to lands in Texas on account of emp1·esario contracts made with the Mexican Government in 1829, see Garrison (ed.), D·ivlomatic Corresvonclence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1062-1063 (Anson Jones to Houston, December 24, 1842), and III, 1129-1136 (Anson Jones to Charles Elliot, September 19, 1843). This last reference reviews the entire question.
To THE TEXAS CoNGREss 1
Executive Department, '\Vashington, December 29th, 1842. To the Honorable, the Senate, and House of Representatives: The Executive permits no time within his control to elapse before presenting to the consideration of the Honorable Congress the accompanying communication from the Honorable Joseph Eve/ Charge d'Affaires of the United States to this government, in relation to the claims of Gen Waddy Thompson,3 United States Minister at Mexico, for the moneys advanced for the members of the late Santa Fe Expedition. In submitting this subject the Executive cannot forbear an expression in behalf of the disinterested, noble, and generous feelings of Gen. Thompson. He has manifested every sentiment that should characterize the acts of a man who has heretofore sustained his high reputation as a statesman and a gentleman. Had those unfortunate men whom he thus assisted been citizens of his own country, he could not have evinced a more lively degree of sympathy and liberality in their behalf. He certainly deserves the most grateful recollections and the admiration of this coun- try; and it is to be deplored that our financial embarrassments are such as to impede the alacrity with which the Executive feels assured every department of the government would be emulous to meet his demands. That the amount advanced may have been more than was requisite for the comfort and convenience of the men, would not raise a question as to whether it was right or wrong for him to have advanced the money. The nation, if able, it would seem, would be bound to replace it. Had a sum sufficient been within the control of the Executive, appropriated for general contin- gencies, he would have felt himself authorized to have met the demand; but his inability, with the means at his disposition, to meet the debt incurred for their transportation to our shores, demonstrates too clearly our embarrassments. It is to be regretted that the officer in command of the ex- pedition, though he appear to have had the main agency in
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