William Carey Crane

“ The truth is, that useless extravagance and the most unprincipled profligacy have characterized the present administration. Recklessness, the most palpable and barefaced, has been practiced to such an extent that they can neither blush for their crimes, nor relent at the calamities which they have inflicted upon a generous, poor, and confiding people. ”

“ When things get to the worst they must mend, as the old adage goes. Our situation, if the adage is true, must soon be in a better condition. I hope this may be the case! I can not see how we would, or could, be in a worse condition. ”

“ Lamar's administration, Houston consented to represent his district in the Congress of 1839-40, and again in 1840-41. In no part of his history did his services yield more marked proofs of good service in arresting the tide of evil, and even in preventing a dissolution of the Government. It is impossible to do him justice without alluding to the policy and measures of the new administration. ”

“ Lamar's plans for a national bank, a national road, and a matrimonial alliance with some distinguished public functionary of Mexico, some allusion should be made to his treatment of the Indians, so strongly contrasted with the wiser and more humane policy of his predecessors. When his administration began, his first attempt was to attack the Cherokees, and drive them from their possessions between the Nuecas and Sabine Rivers, where they had been settled for a much longer time than the Texan colonists themselves. They were a peaceful, industrious, and profitable community. ”

“ God knows, we are doing no good by staying here. Congress meets too often, and does too much. The printing of Congress would break any nation, and when it is done, the country has paid for a beautiful batch of law-suits! I hope to pass by you in a few days, and will call if it is in my power.
"Thine truly,
"Sam Houston. "Col. Anthony Butler."
But this chapter must not close without placing in history the opinion of one of the most able and distinguished men who has served Texas in any capacity—of Mirabeau B. Lamar and David G. Burnet. Hon. ”

“ The condition of the Republic at the close of President Lamar's administration was deplorable. Outrages had been committed upon peaceful Indian tribes, and the flames of savage war had been kindled all along the borders of Texas. A hostile marauding expedition had been sent into the very heart of the Mexican provinces. The little Texan navy had been sent to aid a revolting territory in making war upon Mexico, and Mexico was rousing all her force for a new invasion. The national debt had quadrupled ”