192
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
When a man gives his life, his all to his country, he can do no more; and is it to be a reproach to the nation, when its gallant sons perish and fall victims to their country's cause, and in its service, that because there was no law according a pension to the widow, and making that just provision which is made in all other countries, it is not within the competency of the Legislature of this great nation to say that they will award justice to the widows and orphans of its gallant men? Sir, I never wish to see it acknowledged by the Senate that there is any stringent rule to prevent the Legislature of this country from extending justice to suitable objects of its consideration. I will vote for this pension; and I would vote for it if it were more than is proposed to be granted. When the old Soldier comes, and when the widows and the orphans of the gallant de- fenders of our country come here, I will vote to the very last cent to relieve their necessities, and to vindicate the honor of this nation against the imputation of stinginess. I will be liberal; I will be just. Whether a man fall in battle, or fall victim to disease contracted in the service of his country, I care not; he has given his life to his country; it is all he had to give.
1 Congressional Globe, Part 1, 1868-1859, p. 190.
To GEORGE H. HECKMAN 1
Washington, 24th Dec., 1858. My Dear Sir, I would be happy to oblige you, but the demands have been so great up [on] me for the work that my portion is con- sumed. · I presume that your members of the Senate will have them to spare as they have so small a state to supply. The constant demand on me, I find it difficult, or rather impossible to supply it. Thine Truly Sam Houston. Geo H. Heckman, Bait., Md. tFrom a photostatic copy furnished by The Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania. The editors have no information concerning the work that was asked for. Probably it was the Japanese Expedition. See Houston to James Morgan, March 20, 1868, in this volume.
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