The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-08-13
The Claims Against Texas.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
WASHINGTON CRY, August A, 1852.
SIR-On my arrival here last evening, your paper
o. the 3lst July was presented to me, containing
letter from Gen. j. Hamilton, of the 18th ult !, in
which my claim against the late republic Of Texas
is mentioned, and to which therefore ask leave to
make brief reply.
have never made but one investment in the
funds of Texas, and that at very early datc-be-
under the act of Congress, of the 18th June, 1887
and OF course my debt, according to her late scaling
operation, would have been reduced only to seventy
cents in the dollar, while many Others scale :
as low down as twenty. 1t was done in the city Of
Houston, while Congress was in session, under tho
most positive assurances of many Of her most dstin
gushed citizens that would certainly be paid. All
the money had and could borrow--the proceeds OF
my lnes labor--was. thus appropriated, and have
been working hard ever since to earn my bread and
support my family, not having bought or sold ons
dollar Of Texan securities of any description
At the very first session Of the Congress Of thu
United States, after the annexation of Texas was
consnmmated. petitioned for payment, and have
been constantly urging my demand, because | knew
it to be just, and have filed conclusive proofs from
the highest official authority in Texas to that effect
If disputed by Texas or the United States, am
ready to 60 before the Supreme Court of the United
States. or any other fair tribunal and settle the
question.
have never doubted that both Texas and the
United States were bound for my debt. The first,
by her bonds in my possession, issued according to
law in my favor the laster, by having taken pos
session OF the revenues of Texas, specially pledged
to me by contract, without my consent or acquies-
cence. And they cannot both repudiate an honest
debt. One or the other must pay me.
When Mr. Pearce's boundary bill became
law, !! promptly. complied with its provisions
by filing the evidences of my debt, and q full
release of the United States, so as to receive
payment out Of the reserved five millions, but
under the decision Of the Secretary of the Treasury
have received nothing Under this state of the case,
Texas has attempted to enforce limitation act,
violatve Of her contract with mo and other credi-
tors barring our claims entirely, because we would
not surrender original obligations, and take her
certificate for such partial payment, as her auditor
and treasurer might recommend, at some uncertain
future day-a condition with which it was impossible
for me to comply, as my last petition to Congress
demonstrates.
have no idea of entering upon sswar" with
anybody on this subject least Of all with my follow
sufferers. God help them and me, we have enough
trouble now on hand, and trust that our appli-
cation for payment will be speedily and favorably
responded to by Congress, as every honest man who
will investigate the subject, will say it ought to
be / take leave herewith to send an argument,
which would be gratfed to have inserted in your
columns.
Respectfully, your most obedent servant,
LESLIE COMES.