WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
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necessary, and that their mediation would be successful, I yet hope it may not fail. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 397, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To CHARLES ELL10T 1
Private
'Washington, 15th June, 1843.
My dear Captain, I thank you for your twofold congratula- tions. First, on account of the armistice, or intelligence from Mr. Doyle, and secondly on the birth of a son.~ The value of the latter event is greatly enhanced by the former. A son of mine without a country would cut but a " shabby figure," and indeed, his father would have toiled in vain. You will see that your suggestions were not pretermitted by me. The proclamation has been issued,3 and I can only sorrow for our heroes. Poor fellows! they have great cause to hate "John Bull." He has by his interference blighted all their hopes of immortal fame, and now they will have to leave, loaf, steal, starve, or make an honest living by honest means! " the chickens" are all cut off "with one fell swoop." I will write again as soon as I can command leisure. In the meantime, I will be very happy to hear from you, and on the subject of my last general letter. From my heart I condol·e with you in your family afflictions, and ere this I hope they may be restored to health and you to happiness. Mrs. H. unites with me in salutations to your lady and yourself. Mrs. H. and the boy are doing well. He is stout, and I hope will be useful to his kind. May he be anything but a loafer, an agitator, or in other words, a demagogue. Be pleased to salute Mr. Kennedy~ and his lady for us. Truly thy Friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] wHouston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 397-398, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. ~Houston's first child, Sam Houston, Jr., was born at Grand Cane, Liberty County, May 25, 1843. 3 See Volume III, 409-410. 'William Kennedy, the British consul at Galveston. See Volume II, 450.
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