The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume IV

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2

127

me. At one time I have heard that you were ill-at another that you were not. Is it in your power to make me a visit? Do so if you can; and if not, please apprise me of what I am to expect or calculate upon. Please present me with my compliments to your lady. Your friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 190, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.

To JAMES BouRLANn 1

P·rivate

City of Houston, July 25th, 1842.

To Major James Bourland Dear Sir,

This letter will be handed you by Mr. Lubbock, with official despatches from the War Department, which I hope will meet your early attention. Should you find it out of your power to execute them from any cause, I desire that you would transfer them to some person in whom you have full confidence, and who will execute them most properly. This suggestion is made for the purpose of securing the property; as it is impor- tant to the country for sundry good reasons. You may be sick and unable to attend to it, but if you are not, you would be pre- f erred to all others, unless prevented by accident. I send a nephew of Mrs. Houston's, Mr. Royston, and I hope you will extend to Mr. Lubbock and him all the civilities within your convenience. You will perceive at once the propriety of the intended retalia- tion upon the owner of the merchanclize. He is the nephew of Governor Armigo of Santa Fe, and witnessed without regret · the cruelty inflicted upon our unfortunate countrymen. Never- theless, I desire you should be, and they fall into your hands, that you treat them with humanity, but guard them well and strictly. Sam Houston [Rubric] P. S. You are hereby appointed Volunteer Aid to the Ex- ecutive with rank of Major. Houston. wHouston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 201, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. James Bourland was born in South Carolina in 1801. His family migrated to North Carolina, thence to Kentucky, where the boy grew

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