WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
267
time every other consideration; but a sense of individual misfor- tune will only be smothered by the general calamity until the country is again reduced and composed. The constitution has devolved upon the Executive as a public functionary, important duties; and so long as he is responsible for their execution, no threats of personal injury shall ever deter him from the discharge of his exalted trust. Like every other man, personal security may be a desideratum with him, and he might be fond to see society assume that state which would elevate its members above the influenec of personal abuse; for this must be desirable to every good citizen. But if a love of personal security had been the prominent feeling of his life, his present connexion with Texas might have been different; and the situa- tion of the country might also have been different in its relations to the civilized world. He has always shown a disregard of per- sonal comfort, of personal privation and of personal danger, when he believed the rights and interests of his country and fellow men were dependent upon his course. If his actions have been creditable to himself, the highest qualification which he enjoys is the knowledge that they have been beneficial to his fellow citi- zens. As a reward for these he desires to see his country estab- lished upon a firm basis- its laws respected- sedition put down -society cemented by a sense of moral obligation, and every citi- zen, whether in public or private station, acquit himself to so- ciety as a man. And if the superadded obligation of an oath attaches to his duty, let him redeem his pledge, and stand ac- quitted of blame to his country and his God. Were he incapable of these feelings- these motives, and a sense of these obliga- tions, he would pity, if not despise himself. Sam Houston. 1 "Messages of the Presidents," Congressional Pa11e1·s. Seventh Congress; also Executive Record Book, No. 40, p. 194, Texas State Library. Jo11r11als of the House of Re11resentatives of the Rc]Jnblic of Texas, 7th Congress, 1st Sess., 167-171. The Morning Star, February 2, and 4, 1843. Tclegrnph and Texas Registe1·, January 25, 1843. ~These letters under date of December 10, 1842, are in this collection. 3 The copy of this message is to be found in the Execut'ivc Record Book, No. 40, p. 194.
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