197
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
their opposition. Office, I grant, is not intended for party pur- poses, and if so, (if it is not used as the reward of friends), it certainly cannot be true that it was intended to buy up enemies. We know the good qualities of our friends better than those of our adversaries; and are always more ready to think well of them & to confide to their care and honor important trusts. If you have any business at this place, I hope you will call upon me, should you visit it. I would be glad to know whether your circumstances would enable you to change your residence to the seat of Government. Your handwriting is very fine, and it is possible that , if you are a single man, a situation in one of the offices may be tendered to your acceptance. I hope you will write by the return maiJ. - Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 369, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To CHARLES ELL10T 1
Private
Washington, May 7th, 1843.
lVIy dear Captain, You will receive despatches and documents accompanying this note. I know that you will be amused at various matters with which "Capricorn" of the Tropic has been regaling the public at our expense. If we were butterflies and lived but a day, we might be teased by such things. Pray don't let them affect your serenity. I am as cool as a shoemaker's lap stone in an open shop at Christmas. I deny nothing; but as I see a piece on the subject of your correspondence with Santa Anna in the "Farmer," I will send it to you. You will see that I have abated nothing of my policy. It was thought, I have no doubt, that I would succumb to events. It was a small mistake! In the shower I seek shelter-in the storm of the North I seek refuge; but for enjoyment, I turn my open bosom to the breezes of the spring and summer. It revives me much!~ Pray write me every safe opportunity. I fear the sailing of the fleet will have a baleful influence upon the fate of our prisoners who have claimed so much sympathy of the news- papers. Kind souls! the editors possess all the sensibilities of
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