The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume IV

233

WRITINGS OF Sor HOUSTON, 1844

To WILLIAM s. MuRPHY 1

Private

Washington, January 23, 1844.

Dear General, The receipt of your two notes afforded me great pleasure. The press of business, and the illness of Mrs. Houston, have prevented my replying as soon as I wished to have done. Your allusion to the publications in the Bulletin, which implied that you had been charged with being a correspondent of that paper, I had never heard of, nor had I once thought of imputing anything of the kind to you-nor do I believe you ever had anything to do with it. So, I pray you think nothing more upon the subject. You were kind enough in your note to assure me that if I desired it, you would visit this place. Owing to the recent oc- currences, connected with the United States as well as Texas, involving the important interests of both, I would be delighted to see the Representatives of that great nation! It is probable that if you could make a visit soon, you would find Congress in session, and perhaps discussing some of the measures of interest. I regret that you were not here at the commencement of the session. Your intimate knowledge of the affairs and policy of the United States as well as your experience and sagacity might have afforded facilities in some measure not disconnected from your mission. If it should be impossible to come up shortly, I shall hope to hear from you as frequently as may be convenient. Mrs. Houston desires me to present her salutations to you with much respect. Master Sam is a hearty brat, robust and hearty as a Berkshire pig. Truly your friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 468-469, courtesy of l\fr. Franklin Williams. William Sumter Murphy (1796-July 13, 1844), charge d'affaircs from the United States to the Republic of Texas, was born in South Carolina, but moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1818. There he married Lucinda Sterret in 1821, and set up his law office. He was interested in military affairs and became a Brigadier General of :Militia, a rank well earned because of service rendered. In 1843, President Tyler appointed him Minister Extraordinary to Central America, and charge d'affaires to Texas. Ile

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