WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
385
The conception and execution of the work are such as will no doubt elicit the approval and even the admiration of every one who reveres the memory of the heroes of the Alamo. Having become acquainted with your design uPon your removal with your material from San Antonio to Austin, I have ever since felt a deep interest in its completion. You will therefore please accept the assurance of my best wishes for your happiness and prosperity. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Reconl Boole, No. 40, 248, Texas State Library. See D. W. C. Baker, TexaJJ Scra.p Book, (1875), pp. 112-114; also C. W. Raines, "The Alamo Monument," The Quarte1·ly, Texas State Historical Association, VI, 300-310, for some biographical information concerning William Nangle and the Alamo monument he constructed and carved.
To CAPTAIN CHARLES ELLIOT 1
Washington, May 13th 1843.
(Private) My Dear Captain We are much excluded here from important intelligence, among which may be reckoned the thrilling events passing in your Community of Galveston. We occassionally re- ceive papers from the United States, and from them learn that they are taking a very deep interest in the Welfare of T·exas- :so far, at least, as the patriotic effusion of editors go. I may be mistaken, but I think the course pursued there is not difficult of comprehension. For Texas not to be completely subservant to the United States, is regarded by them as rebellious and ungrateful. Their Political parties have not yet determined what capital is to be made out of us; and the Southern section at least, with a hope of ultimate annexation, is unwilling that any change from our present atti- tude should take place. They perceive that if a pacification is brought about between Texas and Mexico, by England, we must know that it will result more from generous feeling than from a hope of pecuniary gain, and will necessarily inspire, on the part of Texas, feelings of kindness arising from a ~ense of obligation. The quid pro quo of Five Millions cannot be the disideratum with England now, for the time for that has passed by.~ If England produces a pacification between this Country and Mexico, she will thereby secure a friend on the gulf whose con- tiguity to the United States, in the event of war, would not be
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