WRITINGS OF Snr HousToN, 1845
442
and Houston Wade, Notes and Fragments of the Mie1· Ex])cclit·ion (two editions, 1936, and 1937). •Alexander Somervell. See Volume II, 493; also Brown, History of Texas, II, 233-252; T. J. Green, Journal of the ivlie1· Expedition, vassim; Wade, Notes and Fragments of the 1'l'Iier Ex])edition, vassim.
TO WILLIAM LARNED MARCY 1
Houston, Texas, December 23d -1845.
· Dear Sir I hope you will pardon me for trespassing upon your notice, in relation to a subject, ,,vith which I am now familiar only so far as the Government of Texas, has been here- tofore concerned. Presuming however, that, in the contemplated change which must arise from the annexation of Texas to the U. States, that Trading houses, among the various Indian tribes, will be author- ized, I have to solicit permission, to present the claims of Torrey & Brother of this place; to the consideration of the Head of the Indian Department, as traders. At a time, when our relation with the Indians, were not by any means tranquil, these gentlemen, at their own risk and ex- pense, established a trading House beyond the reach of all suc- cour, from the inhabitants, and without protection from the Government: It is owing much to their enterprise and exertions that we have been enabled to bring about, and maintain friendly relations, with numerous Tribes, which had inflicted serious injury upon our frontier settlers: But recently, an irruption of the Comanches was averted by the influence of their Trading House. Taking into view their services to Texas, their moral worth, and the fact that their Trade has not required them for their enterprise, I have to request that they may not be prejudiced, in their busi_ness, by a preference given to others over them. The trade, owing to what they have done, will be of more value in the future than it has been heretofore, and I know of no persons in this, or any other country, who .can prefer higher claims to the consideration of those in whose power, it will be, to reward praiseworthy conduct: I feel bound to render any aid in my powe1·, in presenting their merits to the notice of the Head of Department, from the fact that they contributed heartily in aiding the Government of Texas, at a time, when aid was needed, and when I had all the responsibilities of the nation resting upon me, and comparatively
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