WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184-3
380
To THOMAS J. RUSK 1
Washington, May 10, 1843.
To Major General Thomas J. Rusk, Nacogdoches. General, Within a few days past, a friend handed me the enclosed publication, and informed me that it was a slip cut from the "Western Advocate," a slanderous print issued at Austin, for I never permit myself to peruse such incendiary machines as the "Telegraph," the "Times," and the "Advocate." I have not, for many months, known any of them to represent the truth; and some from their very commencement have never hesitated at falsehood and perversion, when such a course would accomplish their purposes. In the enclosed letter of the 2d. of February imputed to you, in speaking of the duties devolving upon you in consequence of an act of the last Congress and your election as Major General, you are represented to say: "I am also satisfied that His Excel- lency will, as usual with him, throw obstacles in the way of a faithful discharge of the duties which devolve upon me," &c. The expressions imputed to you in relation to myself are so much at variance with the sentiments expressed to me in your letter of a date but little different, that I cannot but bring them into vivid contrast. And it is impossible for me to arrive at any agreeable conclusion. I say so, because I am unconscious of ever having thrown any obstacles in the way of a faithful discharge of any duties devolving on you! If so, you would have no difficulty in referring to any instance in which such was the case; and if this published letter be genuine, I certainly have the right to request of you a compliance with my desire to that effect. A general but positive charge is arrayed against me, which calls in question the propriety and integrity of my official conduct. No charge of a more solemn and important character can be made against a public functionary, than that he has interposed his power or authority to embarrass the faithful discharge of public duty by a subordinate. By the law the duties of every functionary are defined, and if they are transcended or perverted it is sus- ceptible of demonstration. If one has not been enabled, by the interference of another, to perform his duties, it can be clearly manifested. This being the case I have the right to call in question whatever may have been uttered over the authority of a responsible name, calculated to impugn my motives or to cast censure upon my
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