WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,3
190
To JAMES H. COCKE 1
P1-ivate
Washington, April 22, 1843.
My dear Major: I thank you for your communication of the 10th instant, and in the press of business seize time to reply to it. • On the subject of the death of our departed brother, we hear no additional information to that furnished by you, except a short note from Major Townes, stating the fact without detailing the circumstances. Painful anxiety exists on our part to obtain minute information in relation to the occurrence. As you apprehend, the blow upon Mrs. Lea and Mrs. Houston was pe- culiarly distressing. Their grief, however, has become calm; and though it is impossible but that they should ever feel deep regrets, I hope their minds will gradually recover from sensa- tions so trying and afflictive. Poor Martin's generous disposition commanded the most unbounded affection of his relatives; and if we cannot say that " all his frailties lean to virtue's side, " it is but just to ascribe to him the virtues of generosity and manliness. True and ardent in his attachments and tenacious of his honor, he loved his friends devotedly and all meanness utterly abhorred. As a member of the family I partake of all the grief of kindred; for I loved him as a man. But all we can say is, that it is the fate of humanity to die. He has paid the great debt. For Mother I will write to the family on the subject in a few days. I thank you for the interest you have taken in defeating the mechanations of those fellows who sought to annoy Mother. The malicious creatures will perish by their own poison. On the subject of your appointment, I do not know that I have anything to say that would be either interesting or bene- ficial. You will assume the duties of the office under several embarrassments. Yet I am satisfied of your success. Impedi- ments to our advancement in business are often removed by firmness and perseverance. Few can withstand their united strength. In organizing your office, I can say something, perhaps, with advantage to you. You have the errors of your friend, Gail, before you. He is a good man, I think, but not a man of action.
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