326
. TEXAS ST.:l.TE LIBRA.RY
No. 1539. HENRY S. FOOTE TO LA"MAR
Jackson, Novr 20th, ·1839.
MY DEAR Sm:
I embrace the opportunity presented by Col. Gordon who will hand you this communication, of writing you a very hasty letter; the nu- merous deficiencies your liberality will easily excuse when you learn that -it is written in the Court-room of the U. S. Circuit court now in session at this place, in the midst of business, whilst a stentorian speaker is thundering his unmeaning declamation in my ears. I trust that this letter will find you restored to complete health, and the difficulties connected with the administration of public affairs which stood in your path-way when I saw you last have all vanished into thin air long ere this. We have unofficial intelligence here, and I hope true, that Gen. Hamilton succeeded in his fiscal negotiation across the Atlantic; if so, and proper discretion is used by your Con- gress, I must think that the currency of your Republic will speedily become superior to any in North America. I do hope this is true; and as I feel much solicitude on the point, would be exceedingly gratified at the reception of positive information on the subject. I was truly grieved at being compelled to quit Texas so 'Suddenly as not to be able to visit your new Capital, and to witness some portion of your Congressional proceedings; but my stay in the Southwestern part of Texaf:: was so much protracted as entirely to cut me off from this gratification. My History is progressing rapidly, in spite of the cares of professional business here, and all other obstacles. It will be more extended than I anticipated when I saw you, and I am much pleased with numerous tokens afforded of public curiosity in reference to it. I am desirous, and likewise hold it to he somewhat important, to bring it out sometime during the Winter. And yet, if I do so, I shall have to proceed to the North, without first laying it before you and our . other friends in Texas. If you hold this indispensable, I will not- withstanding come to Texas first. Please advise me speedily as to your views; for I a!.lsure you that your judgement in the premises will be with me absolute!, [sic] conclusive. Sam Houston passed through this county in my absence. Re received certain civilities, which were all rendered, I assure you, alone, in name of Texas & the gloriou.s ca11se with which he accidentally associated; and whose connection with which you & I know was anything but creditable to him. Public expectation was greatly disappointed by his rhetorical efforts in :Mississippi, & his vulgar egotism and barbarou.s vanity are now spoken of freely in the langua~e of unsparing ridicul_e. I learn from gentlemen of high standing, who spent the summer m Nashville (Tennessee) that he left them in the wor?t po?sible odou:, & was durinu his sojourn in Tennessee generally rnebrrnted. Is it possible that cthis man will again ascend the high place o~ honor in Texas? I cannot think it: I hate to suppose it at nil possible. I do most deeply deplore that I could not spend ~he winter ~vith you all· and am ureati\' uneaf::v about \'Oll a II. Do write to me, if for no oth~r reason.'\n si1eer charit~·- If you cannot write, entreat our "be- lon!d & Ye11eratecl fril'nd Judge Bumet to do so. No man feels more
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