156
WRITINGS OF SAl\l HOUSTON, 1843
might have been so distributed as to have effected some valu- able object; but as it now is, it is worse than useless. It was Billy Jack's bill, who had rather than not imbarrass the President, would be willing (in the fullness of his patriotism) to jeopardize the safety of the lower Brazos, or even the whole country. You know he wished to keep an eye on the President when the "purse" was to be handled. This is all as it should be with Billy. You know that he has a fondness for money-honest-aye honest-- very honest, no doubt! But then he should allow other people to be as honest as he supposes himself to be. The evil was done by Congress, and the President has no means to use, but what Congress gave him; and you know, Colonel, they were scanty indeed. You are right about men being stationed at the cannon, and to do this, the people of Brazoria must advance the means, and if they will not, it must be undone. The cannon will be ordered so soon as Col. G. W. Hockley arrives, but the transportation will have to be furnished, for the Government has not a team, that I know of on earth! If you can get no aids apart from the one thousand dollars, I apprehend that your work will not be very useful to the object of defence. I hope for the best, and of late, I look for the worst! But my advice to my friends is, "do your best," or "do the best you can." I have confidence that you will do everything in your power, and I pray God to speed you in great luck. I would advise you to take vouchers for every cent that you may lay out, and if you can get no means beyond the one thousand dollars, "suit your garment to the cloth." If you do but little, let it be done well. Truly thy Friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 316-317, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To CLARK L. 0WEN 1
Private
Washington, February 10, 1843.
To Col. C. L. Owen, Dear Sir, Yours of the 22nd ultimo, reached me a few days since by Mr. Rogers, and I have induced his delay in returning, with the hope of having some important intelligence from abroad
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