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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
archives, will receive no detriment. But their safety rests alone upon fortune-not upon their situation. I learn also, that the position of Col. Ward is, by no means, pleasant. It may be in your power to lend him assistance in many ways. If you can, I hope you will not fail to do so. Confer with the Colonel and write to me. Be careful, prudent and judicious in all your movements. Your attention will much oblige me. I hope to see you at this place after the Indian Council. Carry over the pris- oners to Stroud's, if you possibly can. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 237, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. For John. Chenoweth, see Volume I,. p. 376.
TO WILLIAM J. JONES 1
Private
Washington, December 3rd, 1842.
Honorable William J. Jones, Sir,
I have learned with much regret the situation of a poor widow, Mrs. Smithart, residing in the County of Sabine. I regard her situation as one possessing peculiar claims upon the justice and humanity of all honest men. Without any pretext, but with the most atrocious felony, three negroes were taken away from her husband, and dispersed throughout the country. The tragedy which ensued I need not allude to.; you must be aware of all the aggravated circumstances. To increase her calamities, I am told that efforts are being made to detain her property from her when her right has been properly authen- ticated. And to afford countenance to atrocity, judicial function- aries have been invoked for their influence. I write to you, Sir, with the hope that you will interpose your authority to its fullest legitimate extent, and have restored to a widow and her orphan children their property; that their help- lessness may be protected and villainy discountenaced. God has said in His word, that, "I will be a husband to the widow, and a Father to the fatherless." I regard the officers of justice as a part of His vicegerency on earth; and if they intermit their duties who can give protection to the helpless? The majesty of
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