167
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
So soon as I have time, I will reply to your letter on the points embraced. T'ruly Thine, Sam Houston [Rubric] mHouston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 328-329, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. See Houston to Hockley, January 18, 1843, this volume.
To GAIL BORDEN, JR. 1
P1·ivate
Washington 24th, February, 1843.
My Dear Borden: Your favor of the 14th instant, has just reached me. A few days since, I received bills of purchases, and learn from Major Scott that they are on their way up, but that the barrel containing the flour was in bad order. I hope they will all arrive safe, and indeed we need them much. If the supplies which Colonel Bryan was to purchase can be obtained in Galveston, on as good or better terms than in Orleans, I would prefer that it should be done. As to the carriage, I can only say, that I purchased one and I wish it to be the last. As to the others, it might be best to get them in Galveston. As to the Exchequers, I can only say that I am anxious and determined that they shall be at par. I see that we cannot regard the law of the 23rd July alike. I regard it as a most just and equitable law, and one, if it had been rigidly enforced, from the first, which would have produced long since the in- tended remedy for the evils produced by a combination of "shavers" and "speculators." By not coming down to fair market price of the bills, it presents to cupidity and speculation room between the market price and what they could be dis- posed of at; and of course, furnishes an inducement for its depression. If there is so much only in circulation, the lower it is received at, the sooner it will be absorbed. You cannot induce averice to quit its hold. You could as easily charm a star from its blue heaven. Your advance at the Custom House gives none in the streets or in the shops. If it rises it is from other causes-a demand-a scarcity, or a trick, may cause a rise or a change in its value. The true criterion for you will be what will it be received for, or at, from you, and that in quantities of some hundreds. In this way you can reach its
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