WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
191
Thomas Parmer. Thomas Parmer was a son of Martin Parmer, called by early Texans, "the Ring-tailed Panther." For further biographical data on the Parmer family, see Yoakum, Histo,·y of Texas, I, 247 (footnote) and Baker's T<>xas Scrap Book, 280. Also see Houston to Thomas Parmer, November 3, 1859, in this volume. CONCERNING A PENSION FOR JANE TURNBULL, DECEMBER 23, 1858 1 I did not intend to make any remarks on this subject; it is one on which I have not discoursed with any gentleman present; but I have listened to the discussion this morning on this bill, and the explanations given of it, and my mind has arrived at a conclusion in favor of its passage. I admit to some extent the force of the remarks of the Senator from Georgia, when he says that the officers have an advantage over the soldiers; but if the officers do have advantages, they are not greater than would fairly balance the increased responsibilities which their positions impose upon them. The officers are generally men of education and of recognized position in society, which is very fair when they first entered upon the profession of arms, and these are considerations that entitle them to the confidence of the Govern- ment, and obtain for them these situations. If they assume the responsibilities conferred by the Government, and discharge their duties faithfully, all that they receive as a consideration for it is not more than sufficient to maintain the position which the Government requires them to occupy. The fact that Colonel Turnbull did not fall in battle will weigh nothing with me. Whether he fell in battle or whether he fell a victim to disease contracted in the service of his country, is a matter that I care nothing about. If he had fallen a victim to war, in the shock of battle, he could but have given his life; with- out pain, without sickness, without anguish of spirit; but this man, for years endured the anguish of disease, of sickness, of debility, and the approach of a period when ·must he leave his family and commit them to the generosity of his country, and to the liberality of his countrymen, stared him in the face. He never had the means of amassing for them wealth, or even com- petency; and this to a proud and gallant man, must have inflicted a deep wound on his sensibilities. Under these circumstances, he continued in the service of his country, faithfully and honorably discharging his trust; and when disease consumed his life, he gave it to his country. He died in his country's service. I care not whether he fell by the javelin, the sword, or the cannon ball.
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