Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/382

 through past ages and contemplate the present tendency of the affairs of nations, we can not but entertain many painful apprehensions for our own country's safety. Demagogues are the agents of mischief, and a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. When the mass of a nation becomes either slavish in spirit or corrupt in principle, the friends of liberty are silenced.

To you, General, I find myself vastly indebted for many principles which I have never abandoned through life. One is, a holy love of country, and a willingness to make every sacrifice to its honor and safety, next a sacred regard for its Constitution and laws, with an eternal hostility and opposition to all banks.

Now, sir, I beseech you to feel assured that no policy, expediency, fear, or whim shall ever cause a departure from these principles, but that I will cherish them while life endures, as I am capable of feeling one grateful emotion from your many acts of affectionate kindness to me, under all circumstances, and in every vicissitude of life in which you have known me.

I will not close this long letter without assuring you that I entertain confidence in the speedy success of Texas, if I am sustained in carrying out a wise policy, to live within our means, act defensively, cultivate our rich land, raise a revenue from import duties, make and keep peace with the Indians, and, if possible, get peace with Mexico, in the meantime watch her, be prepared, and if an army invades us, never to let them return. Thy devoted friend,

, May 6, 1844

My Dear General:—To-day, Mrs. Houston, Master Sam, and myself, did intend to go down by the boat; but as matters now stand, we will not go down for some days. I was mortified in not hearing from you, and particularly so, as I learn that you are somewhat annoyed by certain influences. These we must bear with; and can do so with a greater spirit of endurance, for we know from what cause they arise. It is true that some men are like the fallen angels, and would rather rule in hell than serve in heaven; such men are bad servants of the laws, and would make worse rulers than servants. I trust the days of anarchy will soon be numbered, and then cease for a thousand years.

Can't you come up by the next boat? If you can, it is more than probable that we will return with you to the island, or pass a few days or perchance weeks. The roads continue impassable to the Trinity, and I must seek to get Mrs. Houston to her mother's by water.

We have no news of interest here. I do not intend leaving until something definite transpires. The times are big with events of coming circumstances to Texas and the world. I feel that matters now transacting are, if carried out, to perpetuate the union of the States, by the annexation of Texas, at least three centuries. If it is not done by annexation, the Union will be endangered, their revenue diminished, and a European influence grow up in Texas from our necessities and interest that will most effectually pretermit the interest of the