159
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
in relation to that point, much smuggling is carried on both in the U [nitecl] States and Texas. There have been negroes illicitly introduced into the country at that point and we have a right to expect future attempts of a like character. It will not be long before it will become an important commercial place. Unfor- tunately at this time, taxes which should be collected at that place are lost to both countries. I doubt not but v,1hat one-eighth of the whole imports of all Texas will be shipped to that point. I desire that you should render to this subject your attention at an early date. I hope that a consul may be appointed at the port, and if it would meet with the [approval of the] President and the Honor- able Sec'y of State, I would like you to present the name of Stewart Newel1 2 of New Orleans lately, who intends making the city of Sabine his residence. He is a gentleman of fine business capacity. His moral habits are most exceptional. One in all, he is a gentleman. I request your attention to this subject and will be happy to hear from you as early as may be convenient. Your recent dis- patches have been received and are very satisfactory. The Sec'y of State has wi·itten to you and has told you everything impor- tant or I would say that the policy of this government has under- gone no change as to the principle of war, offensive or defensive. The people would have war, and they made the experiment, a sad one. it was. I believe they are now satisfied and will pay more respect to the Executive and be advised by him in the future. Some of our great men are greatly .. . [illegible word]. I deplore the fate of the poor sufferers. We must try to save them. I have done all that was in my power. God grant them a safe deliverance from bondage & death, but I am fearful of the re- sult. Our commissioners are gone to the Indian Treaty, and I hope they will succeed. I send them by express, extracts from your dispatches, on tomorrow. I hope our affairs will soon look up. Congress gave me no aid, I can assure you. But my luck has always been to meet and battle with violent opposition. My enemies shall not jostle me out of my course. I am greatly pressed with business and can pay but little attention to my friends by correspondence. You have time and can write to me by every mail.
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