WRITINGS OF SAl\I HOUSTON, 1842
95
conspicuous and important part in the general plan of operations against our enemy. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 126-127, courtesy of l\fr. Franklin Williams.
To B. OWEN PAYN 1
Private
City of Houston, Texas, May 6th, 1842.
To B. Owen Payn, Esq., Sir,
Your letter dated Albany, 5th March last, was 1·eceived a few days since-your former favor had been received but a short time before. From the recommendations which you have furnished, it would give me great pleasure, as the Executive of the Nation, to offer you, ·if I could, such a place as would induce you to make Texas your future home. I regret to say, however, that I have no such situation at my command. In the civil department of our government, all the offices are filled. The two last sessions of Congress so reduced the depart- ments and inferior offices, that several members of the Cabinet and more than a dozen inferior officers, were thrown out of em- ployment. We are, however, at present engaged in a war with Mexico, and a field is thereby opened for young gentlemen of gallantry and chivalry to distinguish themselves on the field of honor, with the additional inducement to North Americans, that we are fighting for principle and the rights of man. Promotion in the army of Texas is regulated by law; and I have no doubt if you were here, you would in a short time rise to such preferment as would render you entirely satisfied with your situation. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 128, courtesy o~ Mr. Franklin Williams.
To WILLIAM ScoTT HA YNEs 1
Private
Houston, Texas, May 6th, 1842.
To William Scott Haynes, Esq., Dear Sir, Your favor of March last, after much delay reached me some days since. I avail myself with pleasure of the earliest opportunity to reply.
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