Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/264

 concluded with advice, as he had been desired to give it. This advice was in two words, 'Plant corn.'"

Many traditionary stories are current illustrative of his wit, his adroit cuts upon individuals offensive to him, and his opinions of men and measures; but their record will not serve to enhance his fame, and may embitter feelings which time has soothed, and time will let die. There is, however, one told by the late Col. James W, Scott, a member of his staff, and his devoted friend, which may be taken as a specimen of numerous others of similar character.

Living on the road to Austin, whither he and his staff had to pass for his inauguration the second time into the Presidency, was a man who was much embittered against Houston, although he had never seen him, and who had said that he would kill Gen. Houston if he should ever see him. The members of the staff were warned not to allow Gen. Houston to call or stop at this man's house,—a suitable stopping-place otherwise after a day's ride. Having traveled most of the day, and time for stopping nearly arrived, Gen. Houston and his party approached this man's house. Calling to his staff, the General said: "We have traveled far enough; here is a good stopping-place; let us see if we can not obtain quarters here for the night." The gentlemen of the staff remonstrated with him, telling him what they had heard of this man. "Well," said Houston, "this is the right place at which to stop. We will stop here." The staff knew that there could be no successful resistance to his will once formed, and they determined to await in perfect silence the issue. Riding up to the entrance of the house. Gen. Houston inquired of the man in front if he and his party could be entertained for the night. He was courteously answered in the affirmative; thereupon he and his staff proceeded to store their luggage on the portico, and send their horses to the stable. The staff superintended this business, while Gen. Houston seated himself on the portico. Observing some children, he called them up, commenced telling them some stories, and soon had them hanging around his chair, gazing wistfully into his face, seeking more stories. Shortly afterward the lady of the house made her appearance, and the owner of the place also gathered near, and when the staff returned from looking after the horses, they found, to their amazement and consternation, the whole household fascinated by Houston's conversation. Supper was announced, but just as the master of the house was about to serve his guests from the dish before him, Houston touched his arm, and said: "My friend, although I do not profess religion [at that time the General had not joined the church], still I always ask God's blessing when I partake of His bounty. Allow me to ask a blessing." "Certainly,