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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
I recollect to have heard the circumstance to which you refer, mentioned shortly after its occurrence; and so far as I am im- pressed at this time, I did not learn that you were censured. From the complexion of the facts, as far as I understand them, I en- tertain no prejudice to you, but my wishes can have nothing to do in the case. T·he President, by the Constitution, is invested with the power to pardon in all cases but those of impeachment; but he cannot exercise that power until after trial and conviction; and if he were to attempt the interposition of such a preroga- tive it would be null and void; and the individual in whose be- half it might be assumed, could derive no advantage from it, but would be liable, with the pardon in his pocket, to be arrested and tried ; as it could not be pleaded in bar to a prosecution. ·when the invasion commences, I imagine, from all that I have heard, if you were to raise and bring a company to Texas, that no one would be disposed to molest you. I have heard several ex- press much sympathy for you, and I do not recollect to have heard you censured for the act. Hence, I have come to the conclusion that one good campaign would silence whatever feelings there may be in relation to the subject, if any exist. So far as my individual feeings are concerned, I should wish you a successful campaign; and when it should be ended, entire restoration to the confidence and respect of the people of Texas. Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 164, courtesy of l\fr. Franklin Williams. This man, W. R. D. Speight, killed Captain Michael Costley at Nacog- doches in November, 1837. Concerning this affair, Jacob Snively writing to Houston, November 22, 1837, said: "Last Sunday, Mr. Michael Costley was killed by Mr. Speight. Some altercation took place between them which caused Speight to shoot him through the heart." Snively added, "Costley well deserved his fate." ENDORSEMENT ON A LETTER WRITTEN BY JAMES WEBBt July 6, 1842 Judge Webb's Insolent Letter. 2 To be as corrupt as he is, he is very impudent. I regard him as one of the most corrupt men in the Republic or any other. Houston [Rubric] 'Original in the possession of Mrs. Madge W. Hearne, by whose courtesy this copy has been made.
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