308
WRITINGS OF SAM: HOUSTON, 1844
Executive clemency restore the individual to a state of innocency, it would be extended to him; but as that cannot be done, it is determined to let the sentence be carried out, that the example may have its influence, and society see that such offences can be punished. A pardon cannot be granted in this case. Sam Houston. 1 Exec.utive Record Book, No. 40, pp. 347-348, Texas State Library. Robert C. Campbell was a lawyer of Houston who was practising law in that city as early as 1840. See Lama1· Papers, V. 456.
TO ANSON JONES t
Houston, 29th April, 1844.
Dear Sir,- I send you the treaty; you will read it. 2 It had as well been made in Texas, though I presume it will do very well. All we had to do was to dispose of ourselves decently, and in order. I regret that the impetuosity was so great on the part of our agents as not to require some security to indemnify Texas against the consequences of a failure of annexation. I cannot see that it has been alluded to. It was regarded in the instructions from your department as a sine qua non, to entering upon negotiations. You will see that Mr. Calhoun has jockeyed; and if our commis- sioners have ever presented the matter, he has clearly outwitted them. Precautions not sustained by subsequent adion are always use- less. I hope all will turn out well. The United States ·will have to sustain us in future, if not annexed, or take ,vater most shamefully. The "Neptune" starts to-morrow. I will write by her, and transmit to you a copy of my commission. Times are yeasty, and we must keep stirring. You would not have time to write, though I would be truly gratified if you were here to meet emer- gencies. I will wait for the return of the " Neptune;" the roads and waters are impassible from here to Trinity. Sam Houston. Hon. Anson Jones. P. S. Come down if you can, if but for a few days. I may have to remain here for a month. Write and inform me.
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