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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837-1841
30
As regards the health of the place, I can perceive no local cause of insalubrity. A fresh breeze, which is generally prevalent, renders the temperature comfortable. The citizens propose, dur- ing the sickly season, should it become necessary to preserve health, passing that period on the Bay, in bathing, fowling, fish- ing, and other amusements. These views, I believe, are practical- and that in a few years it will be an important commercial city; and will continue the permanent seat of Government. The mem- bers who have arrived are well pleased, even those that opposed the location here. There are more than 100 ladies resident in town; and at a ball given on the 21st, 73 attended!! They· are daily arriving! You can have no conception of the reality-It seems like magic. [We] have the most encouraging in [telligence] from the gulf- I have conversed with a gentleman formerly attached to the U[nited] States Navy who came on board the U. S. Sloop of War Natchez-he confirms the news previously received, rela- tive to the operations of that vessel, and the French fleet in the Gulf of Mexico. It appears that the Natchez in consequence of some depredations on the commerce of the U[nited] States, at- tacked the fine Brig General Urea, which struck after the first fire without returning the salute, and was sent into Pensacola. The N[atchez] then pursued the Brig commanded by the in- famous Thompson, who to escape run his vessel on a shoal of 6 feet water, when, at the same time it drew 8 feet, where he says, she is no doubt wrecked: The N[atchez] then went in pursuit of the Mexican Commodore and the balance of his fleet, which he probably captured, for the French fleet had blockaded Vera Cruz, which must have prevented the pursued vessel taking shelter in that port. The quarrel with France grew out of 'From a photostat copy of the original in the possession of Mr. Clarence Wharton, Houston, Texas. The original letter is owned by Mrs. J. A. Wor- sham of Dallas, Texas. Mrs. Worsham is a granddaughter of Robert A. Irion. The photostat, and no doubt the original letter as preserved, ends abruptly as is shown in this copy. The latter part of the letter is not available. To MARTIN VAN BuREN 1 Executive Department, Republic of Texas To His Excellency Martin Van Buren, President of the United States Sir I have the honor by this letter of Credence which will be presented by General Memucan Hunt to accredit to your Ex- cellency that Gentleman, whom I have commissioned as Minister
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