WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824-1857
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disgraced by the felon character of its public men, but Houston himself, judged by the .company he kept, would be regarded as no better than the rest. There was no loud applause. This was to have been expected from the high character of the ladies and gentlemen present. from the high character of the ladies and gentlemen present. The applause was very seldom and very feeble. There was no enthusiasm-for Houston had destroyed it. He disappointed his friends, as was well shown by the departure of a large portion of his audience before his conclusion. When he had finished there were many empty benches. It was a melancholy picture of _impecility, ·vindictiveness and hate in old age, and we again say that we hope that this page in Wednesday's history may be blotted out forever. 1 The State Gazette (for the campaign), July 25, 1857. To GEORGE WASHINGTON BAINES 1 Huntsville, 23rd November, 1857. My Dear Brother Baines, You will find enclosed your note, and if you will renew it for the same amount of $300, and send it to Mrs. Houston, I will be obliged to you. You perceive that I knock off the Interest for six years at 8 per cent per annum amounting to One hundred and forty Dollars. This I am not loth to do as you have tlie luck to minister to congregations who think that you can afford to preach to them gratis. If you do not devise some plan to change their practices, they will think that you ought to pay them a good salary for attending church, when they could stay at home on Sundays, and thereby be in greater readiness for their week's work! I am not adding to charity tho' I think the Scrip- tures do enjoin that as a duty of the brightest [word torn off] of character, but I allude to plain old-fashioned honesty of pay- ing what they subscribe! They ought to know that money cur- rency will not pass in Heaven. There it must be the coin which is only issued from an honest heart. Cotton fields, and Cotton Bales will find no market in Paradise! Mrs. Houston unites in affectionate regards to Sister Baines, yourself and Family. Truly Thine Sam Houston [Rubric] George W. Baines. tCopied from original in the Museum of the West Texas Historical Asso- ciation.
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