279
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
[Endorsed on back] : The Treasurer will please pay the within amt to the bearer, W. H. Cushney for Thos. Johnson. March 11, 1844. 1 From the original owned by Mrs. Madge W. Hearne. To THOMAS WILLIAM w ARD 1 Washington, Texas, 14th March, 1844. To Colonel Thomas William Ward, Commissioner General of the Land Office, Austin: Dear Colonel:- About 4 o'clock p. m. today, I had the pleasure to receive your letter and the land patents in blank, amounting in all to eighty. Within an hour after they were handed to me I signed then; and on tomorrow they will be forwarded by Mr. Beattie to you. The signing is not very well executed, for I was disposed to have it done speedily. I thank you for the atten- tion which my matters have claimed of you, for they involve considerable interest; and I have too long delayed my private business in many instances; from the fact that my mind has been occupied for the two years past exclusively with the duties of my office. Now, unless some untoward circumstances take place, I hope to enjoy_a respite from constant exertion. There is nothing of much importance that has reached here of foreign or domestic character. It is reported that some of the members of the last Congress met with rather ungracious reception on their return to those who sent them. This was to have been expected, if the people understood their motives and action. I set it down that the range of my memory embraces no collection of mankind, from Adam down to the present day that was more corrupt than the majority in the lower House, as well as a majority in the Senate, so long as they were made so by the casting vote of the Vice President. We may hope for better times-for worse would cer- tainly be distressing to any patriot or honest man. I hope you will have a pleasant time and be enabled to get on with business, nor any more be disturbed by disorganizers and base men, who have no regard for the interests or character of our country. You will please to salute General Morehouse (if he has not left) and the young gentlemen of your office. Sam Houston [Rubric] wHouston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 509-Sl0, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
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