WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
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for that, when they would not vote for some other things. Let the individuals concerned think as they please: facts are in- delible, and independent of all the tortuous malice of faction. These are some of the circumstances to which I would ask your attention. I now call upon you to say whether I found the government, when I received it, as it was when I left it in Dec. 1838? Or is it now as it was when I received it in 1841? Cer- tainly you have hopes and expectations now, that you had not then. I have hopes to see the country soon at peace, with wisdom and honesty to guide the politicians of Texas. I am proud to feel that I have reason to hope something from my efforts. I will indulge the hope, that by a continued progression, we shall, ere long, arrive at a destiny not less honorable than agree- able to ourselves; and at last inspire those nations with respect who have only looked upon us with pity. But why this passion against England? "I have compromitted the government: I am the Benedict Arnold of Texas!" A cer- tain gentleman is reported to have said this. He says it is not so. I expect it is not. Look at the motives or inducements that could be furnished me by Emperors or Kings-vVhat are they? A million I could not take with me beyond the grave! When at the shady side of fifty, a man's perspective diminishes.-Then, if he has sustained a reputation worthy of himself; beneficial to his country, and honorable to his kind, he will desire to carry it with him, untarnished, to the grave. The ore of Peru, the jewels of Golconda and the Indies, would weigh no more with him than the dust in the balance. Persons who have assailed the present Executive, have not been the favorites of the government. They supported the former administration till its functions ceased, and made sweet sounds of praise in their papers-though once they might have disapproved when the name of "Mirabeau B. Lamar" was engraved on the brass cannon. These are not the prophets of the land, though they may be the seers of the press. I would not take their prophecies. Inuendoes are published and propagated among the people of Texas, and there is a Caesar in the land, and that there will be found a Brutus who will rid his country of the tyrant. Were I to seek a name for some individ- uals, I should rather call them brutes than Brutuses, myself. There are those among us who seek to uproot the foundations of society; who can be one day preaching morality, and another day stirring up acts of insubordination, and arraying themselves as opponents to good order and the stability of society. "Certain things could be done very easily. It would be a wonder if they
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