256
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
he wished the power to vary it if necessary. My reason for being so urgent with McKenney was that I knew it was his ,vish that no change should ~ake place in the manner of furnishing the ration, for he had promised to allow Major Duval twenty cents for each ration furnished by him. The business was in the hands of his especial friends and protegees, and it would mildew their harvests, if any change should take place! It is the most per- fect humbug piece of business that ever consumed the same amount of grave deliberation, wisdom and vublic money that has ever come within my knowledge. The only benefit ~hat can re- sult from it will be to point out Duff Green, as the real person who meditated " a fine speculation," and because he did not suc- ceed, is anxious to inculpate others, that he may puff and swell about "higher motives," disinterestedness and patriotism! and triumph in his immaculate purity. Perhaps he is a very clever man; but he has a bad way of showing off his virtues to the public taste; nor can I imagine that the Hon. Mr. Kerr has any higher motive in giving "his mere opinion," than to bring himself in as a kind of collateral endorser to the opinions of the worthy Duff; who can never become bankrupt, while commodi- ties of imagination are in demand, and he can obtain an honor- able member to endorse for him. Mr. Kerr's production is most rare in its deductions, elegant in its premises. The literati of the present day will be edified by his ingenuity and delighted by his fine taste, and in point of conclusion, I cannot withhold the mead of my humble praise. The perusal of his report will com- pensate richly the admirers of pretty things- such as fine touches of fancy, or the greatly admired comedy of "MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING." It is fair to remark upon the report of Messrs. Stanbery and Bates that even they could not screw themselves up to the point of "fraud," but have "fallen several stakes," and have stopped at the vague point of "WRONGFULLY attempting to get the contract." This is certainly far short of the statement of Mr. Stanbery upon his oath, in the House of Representatives. Nor is the charge, as set forth, against the late Secretary of War, in bis report, more imposing than a wrongful attempt to give me foe "contract." To a mind that is capable of reflection, or lighted by one spark of honor, it would be needless to offer any sugges- tions upon the depravity of a heart which prompted, or the head
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