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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
The condition of our Mexican relations induces me to desire the advantage of a personal interview. I have never felt more solici- tude; and a conference with you will give me great satisfaction. Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 493, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To WILLIAM R. ScuRRY 1 Washington, Texas, 10th February, 1844.
To vV. R. Scurry, Esq., My dear Sir,- Your favor of the 8th instant, I have the pleasure to acknowledge. You say that it has been reported in the district of country in which you reside (that of Red River,) that I am "interested in eleven league claims." I had some landed interest as I conceived near the mouth of the Sulphur Fork of · Red River, which I understand fell into the United States when the line was run. With this exception, I have neve1· owned 01· claimecl one acre of land North of Sabine river. My claims to lands in. Texas were all honestly acquired by purchase previous to the revolution, nor can I believe that my conduct in our struggle ought to impair any rights which I at that time defended. This is only one of a thousand silly and ridiculous fabrications which those opposed to me have circulated to impair or injure my standing and consequently my usefulness to the country. I however forgive all such, and in the language-of Holy Writ say to them : "Neither do I condemn thee-go, and sin no more." I thank you for this inquiry, as it has led to the promulgation of the truth. Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 492, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. William R. Scurry (February 10, 1821-April 30, 1864), was born and reared at Gallatin, Tennessee. He received a good education, studied law, and came to Texas in 1840, settling in Washington County. He gained a reputation for great eloquence in debate, nnd has often been called the "Demosthenes of the Texas Republic." He was a membt>r of the Ninth and last congress of the Republic, and at the breaking out of the Mexican War, enlisted in Wood's regiment, and was appointed major. He made himself conspicuous for bravery at the battle of Monterey. When the war had ended, he moved his residence to Clarksville,
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