WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
227
this country. This created solicitude for his early arrival. Sub- sequently, we were informed that he had not left Paris as early as anticipated, and afterwards that he was detained in the United States on account of extreme ill health. The intelligence first received of him had been extremely gratifying, but the sub- sequent report that his health was so bad, that it must prevent his arrival in the country, was the cause for issuing the proclama- tion previous to his arrival. I assure you, my dear Count, it was neither intended to anticipate your arrival, nor designed to offer any unkindness to His Majesty, the King of the French, nor his Minister who is so highly appreciated as a worthy repre- sentative; and I take pleasure in assuring you, that if it were possible for this Government to extend any courtesy or benefit to French commerce, consistent with our laws, it will be done with the greatest pleasure. Within a very short time the Secre- tary of State, as well as myself, anticipate the pleasure of embracing you at Galveston. Should we have the good fortune to do so, we will enter into a free conversation with you on the subject, and as far as may be possible everything will be done which can be gratifying to you, or pleasing to His Majesty, Louis Philippe. I beg you to be assured that Texas never can be insensible to the lively and generous interest by His Majesty and his officers towards this Government; and so far as I can speak for it, I beseech you to feel assured that we will be careful to increase our pleasure by cherishing that gratitude which will render us and our cause most acceptable to the King of the French. Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 410-411, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. "See Houston's proclamation, December 21, 1842, Volume III, 239-240, revoking a proclamation made by his predecessor, that abolished duty on French wines.
To JAMES H. RA YMOND 1
Washington, 6th Oct., 1843.
To J. H. Raymond, Acting Treasurer, Sir,· You will please to pay me on this order, Twenty Dollars in Exchequers, out of my Salary, and this will be your receipt. Sam Houston [Rubric] 'From the original owned by Mrs. Madge W. Hearne.
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