Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/223

Rh Calhoun, who had died only two months after the professed interview. Houston's special trial came two or three weeks later. His frank and earnest opposition to the spirit of disunion, led to a scurrilous attack on his early career, especially when engaged, in 1818, as an agent of the War Department, in appeasing the hostile Indians in Georgia, on the borders of Florida. The substance of his statement, published at length as a "personal explanation," in the Congressional Globe, took the form of a speech in the Senate, September 9, 1850. He said:

"During twenty-six years since I entered the House of Representatives no personal assault upon my character has been made. Now, however, the Southern press of Charleston, S. C, has brought against me a charge of malfeasance in office, as lieutenant in the U. S. Army. I was appointed under President Monroe and J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, by George Graham, Assistant Secretary', on the 29th of September, 1817, to special service relating to the Indians of Georgia. I had enlisted as private in the ranks, March 24, 1813; and no demerit for any cause was received up to March 1, 1818. The highest commendations six months before that date had been given by General Jackson, for my appointment as sub-agent among the southern Indian tribes. To Assistant Secretary Graham, under date August 26, 1817, Jackson wrote of his former lieutenant: 'He is a young man of sound integrity, who has my entire confidence, and in every way he is capacitated to fill the appointment. Moreover, he has some claims upon the Government for a severe wound received in the service, which may be considered a disability.' On the same date Jackson wrote to Col. Meigs, the agent: 'In him I have had full confidence, and in him you will have a friend clear of design or deceit, on whom you can rely under all and every circumstance, as capable to aid you in every respect.' On the strength of these letters my commission was signed by J. C. Calhoun, August 29, 1817. On December 29, 1817, Gov. McMunn, who had succeeded Col. Meigs as agent, wrote as follows to Mr. Calhoun, as Secretary: 'Mr. Houston carried this Government order into effect, with a promptitude not less characteristic of his integrity, than of zeal for his country. The band of outlaws was dispersed, and Houston was sent to Washington with a delegation of chiefs, entrusted with funds for their expenses.' Gov. McMunn, addmg to this statement of confidence in his subagent, wrote: 'By his vigilance and address the parties will be much profited.' The delegation was conducted to Washington, and the object sought was accomplished. The commission was resigned March 1, 1818, because the pay was cut down to $500. His account, when made out, showed that the Government owed him $318.54. He charged up $67.52 then in his hands; leaving a balance due him of $251.02. He was not disturbed, except by political enemies, till December 10, 1821, when the Government's indebtedness was acknowledged and settled by check, 13th of June, 1822, for $170. On the 17th of April, 1824, when as Representative he could demand full justice, the balance still due, amounting to $80.93, was paid."

With great humor, Houston then related a threat of exposure