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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
I have adverted to a scene in the Ufford and Dykes case. I wish the attention of Senators to another scene, transpiring after the lapse of about one year, in the same cause, and in the same court. Judge Watrous is on the bench. Before him stands Robert Hughes and William G. Hale. Contemplate for a moment the position of the parties. Judge Watrous is the owner of an interest valued at $75,000 in the La Vega grant, which, it appears, he purchased in reliance on the opinion of Robert Hughes. To Hughes is intrusted the defense of his title. He is the "sole counsel" for Lapsley and others. He stands now before the court in opposition to that title, was "the leading counsel for the defendant, and controlled its management." Here is Robert Hughes, the representative of Judge Watrous, interested in the La Vega title, standing before Judge Watrous in opposition to that title. What a strange and anomalous posi- tion, surely! Here is his honor, John C. Watrous, on the bench; and here, John C. Watrous personated by Hughes at the bar. The case is called, and the curtain rises on still further develop- ments in the scene. The plaintiff's counsel, William G. Hale, announces himself ready to proceed, except that he lacks the power of attorney to Williams, that is all important to com- plete his title. Judge Watrous, through his representative, or Hughes, as representing the Judge, supplies that want; thus kindly giving to his opponent, Hale, the very means of defeat- ing him (Hughes) in the suit; but, mark you, the means also sustaining the title of Judge Watrous-for the power of attorney was common to both titles. I have already shown, in the Cav- azos case, how counsel of this vast company were introduced for purposes of collusion, and •for the betrayal of parties, who stood in the way of the land speculations of Judge Watrous and his confederates. Therefore, this is illustration the second. It will be seen hereafter, as I proceed toward the completion of the narrative of facts I have undertaken, that the power of attorney alluded to, plays a very important part in the scheme of fraud by which Judge Watrous was attempting to appropriate an immense tract of land, situated within his judicial district. The legal title to the La Vega grant was conveyed by League to John W. Lapsley, of Alabama, who held the property in trust for the several parties in interest, including Judge Watrous. In the deed of conveyance there is to be remarked a very singular feature. There is no general warranty of title; but there is a special and extraordinary warranty given in the following terms:
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